on the horizon
Blohm+Voss’ semi-custom BV80
During the course if its 137 years, German builder Blohm+Voss has launched a staggering range of products from aircraft to seagoing vessels, from sailing ships to U-boats and battleships, including the Bismarck. In addition to its military and commercial deliveries, it has been responsible for a number of significant custom launches, most over 100 meters (328 feet). That list includes the likes of A, Dubai, Eclipse and Savarona. With more than a thousand vessel launches to its credit, the company has just announced its first semi-custom design: the 80-meter (262-foot) BV80. Why the new game plan?
“While we have built up a fantastic portfolio and reputation in this sector, it is extremely niche,” says Blohm+Voss Sales and Marketing Director Patrick Coote. “We could clearly see an opportunity to develop our offerings further, especially given the strong demand for semi-custom yachts with faster delivery and competitive pricing.”
The term semi-custom often is viewed by builders of larger yachts as connoting an offering of lesser stature, even if the hulls are GRP and come from a set-size mold and the systems are pre-engineered. With the BV80, Blohm+Voss has chosen to embrace the term, but with some subtle distinctions.
“When we set out to develop the BV80, we were adamant that we should stand apart from the other yards in distinct ways,” says Coote. “Some yards offer a technical platform and then offer full flexibility from the hull upwards. Other yards offer what is effectively a production boat with very limited options to personalize. We wanted to position ourselves in the middle so we have all the flexibility of the former and all the price and delivery time benefits of the latter.”
Blohm+Voss turned to London-based Eidsgaard Design for the look and feel of the BV80. The firm created an interior that provides clear, uninterrupted spaces intended to give owners considerable flexibility and allowing full-height window glazing. Amenities and accommodations on each of the yacht’s decks are customizable.
Exterior styling is sharp and aggressive with the sum of its features suggesting movement forward. Corrugated “waterfalls” that flow down from the mast base through all the deck overhangs to the swim platform enhance
that perception from astern. Wide staircases provide easy movement between decks. The hull and superstructure can be painted to the owner’s taste.
The BV80 wouldn’t be a good choice for clients who prefer to stay indoors with the a/c on. With a 50/50 ratio of indoor to outdoor space, she was designed for people who enjoy their yachting with a dose of salt air. The spec design includes a swimming pool on the main deck aft, a generous sundeck and a full-range beach club and spa.
The model is designed to produce a top speed of 17 knots, a cruise of 16 and a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 12.
Blohm+Voss says it has been inundated with inquiries since the project was announced last fall. It settled on the size as a result of broad-based research and what it calls strong demand in that range. The company says it can deliver a finished product 36 months from contract signing. As of November, it was offering delivery in 2017.