[ MOTORYACHT ]
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An innovative, unconventional layout where the owner’s cabin is located at sea level. A 20-meter yacht with a high-tech approach, crisp lines and lots of glass. Design by Luca Santella and the Zuccon International Project studio, naval architecture by Lou Codega by Paola Bertelli - ph. courtesy of Bluegame
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he yachting world is a rather traditionally-minded community where tried and tested ideas tend to be reworked but never overturned. Bluegame, a Sanlorenzo brand, has dared to disrupt this cosy conformity with the layout of its BGX60 (and previously on her big sister the BGX70), a startling new approach to designing on-board spaces. This revolution has been driven forward with enthusiasm, with spaces and walkways reshaped to highlight the sea’s presence in the interiors and create a close link between the owner and the marine environment. The heart of this transformation lies on the lower deck, traditionally a sleeping and technical area. Now it’s really a sort of main deck, spilling out onto the sea. Designed, in the words of brand CEO Carla Demaria, to be “owner centric”, the BGX60 not only has a spectacular lounge that dialogues directly with the beach area and the sea but also a spacious full-beam owner’s cabin amidships. These three spaces are key to the owner’s on-board life, linked in an uninterrupted flow that creates an intense symbiosis with the sea when under way or at anchor. The guest cabin is on the forward lower deck, and is accessed by a dedicated stairway from the upper deck. A second internal stairway links the lower lounge to the main deck and an external section of the beach area. On the upper deck, an all-glass structure with rigorous lines encloses an open space with helm station, galley and a second living area with dining table, while the two lounges are fore and aft. Lateral walkways connect these two areas, which are very different but complementary – the aft lounge/dining corner is intimate and sheltered, while the forward sun/dining is a fun, exuberant space. There is a straightforward sunbathing area on the roof. To offset the yacht’s compact dimensions the interiors are given an impression of greater space through the choice of a colour palette that lifts the natural and artificial light, which is reflected by glass and mirrored materials. The high-tech approach can be seen in the decor, a search for maximum functionality and attention to detail. The design of the lounge, for example, is very well thought-out. Here the sliding glass partition aft separating off the beach area contrasts with its equivalent further in the forward section which is partly covered by a mirrored surface that generates a greater impression of space and makes the stairway less obstructive. Given the yacht’s distinctive architecture, many of the furnishings are made to measure. However, there are some freestanding elements like the Poltrona Frau sofa on the lower deck and pieces by Paola Lenti in the exterior. The external lines are equally striking. This 20-metre build has a low profile with high bow, a shape sculptured with crisp, decisive surfaces accompanied by contrasting colour changes. The negatively-raked helm station windows recall those on board many working boats, further accentuating this yacht’s strong, masculine character. The BGX60 is, in fact, hard to place in the list of classic yacht types, falling as it does into a number of categories - explorer, walkaround, open, day cruiser and fisherman. The BGX60 project is the result of a collaboration between Luca Santella – an architect with a long experience of the sea, starting with sail yachts and participation in two Olympics, and founder of the Bluegame brand, which joined the Sanlorenzo group in 2018 - alongside Lou Codega, who handled the naval architecture, producing highly efficient hull shapes with excellent seaholding (the yacht can reach a top speed of 28 knots and cruises at 25 knots) and the Zuccon International studio, which was responsible for the exterior and interior design.
www.bluegame.it
The close relationship between exteriors and interiors, accentuated by the almost endless windows, is one of this yacht’s great qualities. Opening, the lower deck lounge is on a slightly lower level than the beach area, which it is linked to it by a fully-opening glass door. The sofa facing the sea provides unique views under way and at anchor
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A modern, nautical design with extensive use of wood. Many of the furnishings were designed to measure, making best use of the on-board spaces. The two photos, top, show the lower deck lounge where the staircase is camouflaged by the mirrored walls behind it. Right, the fullbeam owner’s cabin and left, the two main-deck dining areas
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The forward outdoor lounge is spacious and versatile, with sunpads, sofas that can be converted by adjusting their back, and two coffee tables that can be transformed into a single large table
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Concept Luca Santella, Chief Designer at Bluegame
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was born by the sea and I started sailing when I was a small child. As a sportsman and professional sailor I’ve covered a vast expanse of water, seen all kinds of craft and gained experience in every aspect of yachting. Bluegame was set up with the intention of doing something new – to create a synthesis between design vision and the authenticity of a
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no-holds-barred experience of the sea on a functional, efficient vessel occupying an exclusive niche in the market. The BGX60’s great strength is its innovative layout, reflected not only in the beach/saloon/owner’s cabin areas but throughout the yacht, creating unusual, attractive areas offering comfort and functionality, like the outdoor cockpit aft, the helm station and the lounge in the expansive bow section. The yacht has a low outline and centre of gravity together with an outstanding hull designed by Lou Codega, all of which means excellent performance and comfort. This is made possible by adopting an innovative approach to design and a commitment to the technical aspects of the build. It’s hard to decide on my favourite space – the helm station is an exciting place to be when you’re at the controls of the BGX60 in force 5 seas and the bow area is a wonderful spot for watching the sunset while enjoying an aperitif, but above all I’d choose to wake up early when at anchor and see the sea through the side windows of the cabin then go aft through the lounge, and once on the beach platform, dive straight into the water. This area is the secret of the BGX60’s success.
In the foreground of the photo above and below left, the minimal flybridge is designed for sunbathing in privacy. Below, right, the main deck cockpit. BGX60 has a low profile and centre of gravity. It is 19.02 metres long and has a 5.30 metre beam. It can be equipped with two 800 or 900 hp Volvo IPS engines that provide a top speed of 30 knots
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When the sliding glass door is open the lounge and beach area blend to create a single space. Behind this is the owner’s cabin (the two photos bottom, right) with lounge and walk-in wardrobe. Top right, the main deck has an open space layout with day area, kitchen, command console and extensive windows
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Interior and Exterior Design Bernardo Zuccon, ZIP
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eople and the sea are two fundamental concepts that express the essence of the world according to Bluegame. Its products are a synthesis of seaworthiness, performance and functionality, where every element is designed to provide that connection to the idea of voyaging by sea, “loving and fearing it” as great sailors teach us to do. With the BGX60 we’ve focussed on enhancing on-board life, providing privacy for the owner and guests. We also sought to emphasise the close link with the marine environment through our choice of materials and furnishings. We’ve used light-coloured wood extensively throughout along with natural fabrics that blend perfectly with the neutral tones of the furnishings. The result is a colour balance that is in perfect harmony with the marine surroundings. The architecture is designed to create large stretches of transparent surfaces that allow natural light to fill the interiors, adding a further element to the furnishings. However, we haven’t downplayed the value of artificial light – in fact, we’ve designed a lighting system that adds value to every interior at night, too. Its elements create a flow between the various spaces, reflecting the concept behind the architecture. Natural light plays a vital role in the lounge, with large glazed and mirrored surfaces enabling it to flood the surroundings, overcoming the confines between interiors and exteriors. The lounge enjoys a close contact with the sea, and here a large section of the forward bulkhead has a totally reflective surface, drawing the eye away from the bulk of the staircase with a play of reflections that enhance the perception of space in the interiors.
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The Shipyard Carla Demaria, CEO of Bluegame
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GX is a daring line that enjoys the benefits of the path taken by Sanlorenzo that began with the revolutionary SX line – disruptive yachts with unmistakable lines and an iconoclastic approach to layout and walkways. Beyond any conventional classification I’d define the BGX60 as “owner-centric”. This model fully reflects the central role played by the owner. Privacy and conviviality become the owner’s choice, without ever compromising on a direct contact with the sea. All in all, the yacht is an attractive and original product, but what appeals most to our owners is the relationship between exterior and interior spaces, especially in the aft section. It also offers another crucial quality – safe, comfortable sailing in all conditions. The hull provides a perfect balance of weight and spaces around the centre of gravity, making the yacht surprisingly nimble and adding an extra dimension of safety. The special nature of this versatile yacht means our owners come from craft of all shapes and sizes. Bluegame owners, though, have one common trait - they are all expert yachtspeople with a deep knowledge of on-board life. Bluegame just keeps on amazing the world. Next August we’re unveiling the BG72, a result of our ambition to offer
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open yacht lovers all the comfort of a flybridge model. The revolutionary layout features an entirely open upper deck and a lower deck with access to the sea, creating a seamless continuity with the beach area, lounge and owner’s cabin. Owners no longer have to choose between the advantages of an open and a flybridge design as the new BG72 offers both.