Yacht Class n°25(june-july-august 2021)

BLUEGAME

At the last Genoa boat show, the management of the Italian shipyard Ameglia unveiled the first model of the Bluegame BG extension, the BGX 60 “crossover” type. The well-known architect Luca Santelli, in collaboration with Zuccon International Project, can be proud of having placed on the market a modern unit entirely dedicated to cruising and nautical pleasures.

Written by Alain Brousse – Photos : All rights reserved

Founder of Bluegame in 2004, the architect Luca Santelli remained at the helm of the technical and creative side of the range when Sanlorenzo became the brand’s owner in 2018. He has the confidence of his director Carla Demaria. Early October 2020: against all odds, the Genoa trade fair opens its doors to the great relief of professionals, including the Italians and Bluegame, which displays, not without a certain amount of pride, its latest addition: the BGX60. We know the BGs, especially the 52 and 62, a sort of large day cruisers with a hard top, but capable of providing comfortable sleeping accommodation with three cabins on the lower deck. With an extra letter in her name, in this case an X, the new 60 has a very different design, with more living space, especially on the main deck. She is defined as a “crossover” of the sea, in view of her exterior design. High on the water, very well defended by a high freeboard, she is also distinguished by the shapes of her superstructures and in particular her inverted windscreen, which gives her an Explorer look. She is undeniably striking with her slightly aggressive silhouette.

Two Volvo IPS versions

One might suspect that she will demonstrate this once underway. The hull, designed by naval architect Louis Cogeda, has a slim V at the front and a total of four prominent and slightly inverted strakes, which should guarantee a smooth passage through rough seas. She will also be able to show herself to be eager to sail while remaining reasonable in terms of consumption. The BGX60’s hull has been designed to be powered by Volvo Penta IPS diesels, either 1050 (2 x 800 hp) or 1200 (2 x 900 hp). The aim is to reach the 30 knots mark, at least the 2 x IPS1200 version. It should be remembered that Volvo IPS diesels and their pod drive (double inverted propeller directed towards the front of the boat) are moderate consumers. They are also distinguished by a quite “acceptable” noise level. The BGX60 is therefore well equipped for both daytime cruising and more adventurous cruising, in short, a real maritime holiday. For this purpose, she offers her occupants a number of features that are far from being indifferent.

On the Honour Roll: the stern and the main lounge

Let’s start with the stern, which offers a 17m2 beach club, lined with teak, just above the water line, which lovers of sunbathing and swimming will love. And if the sun’s rays are a nuisance for some, one should note that this platform is the terrace of an indoor living room, with sofa and coffee table, completely open thanks to its sliding windows. Even better, the builder can, at your request, transform this lounge into a cabin. It is important to know that the BGX does not have a garage, and that the tender will be located on the beach club. As for the foredeck, it is intended to be convivial. Its lounge for snacks or even meals can be converted into a vast solarium.
We are on the lower deck where we find the master, which has a rectangular porthole of sufficient size to catch the natural light and ensure an interesting view. Its 16 m2 include a bathroom with independent shower. A convenience also offered by the guest cabin located at the front, less spacious but nevertheless pleasant.

Soon the BGX70…

On the upper level, more precisely on the main deck, we discover one of the assets of this 19-metre boat. It consists of a living-dining room (six guests) with a kitchen unit, which through its glass surfaces does not hide anything from the outside view.
It feels even better because it opens onto a small terrace with a lounge. From there, a staircase leads to a solarium on the roof, without a railing, to be used only when stopped!
It is obvious that this new model will find buyers and for those who want even more space, the BGX70 will soon be launched, in the same vein but even more habitable, with two or three cabins.