Spotlight
BLUEGAME BG42: THE SPORT UTILITY BOAT
With Sanlorenzo now represented exclusively by Royal Yachts in the Middle East, we take a first look at one of the Ameglia shipyard’s off shoots, the Bluegame BG42 ‘SUB’.
Yachts
Bluegame introduced its first model, the BG42 at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival. The brand impressed those present at the launch by bringing a fresh way of thinking to the market, by revealing a new class of cruiser, which it named the Sport Utility Boat (SUB). Despite being only 13-metres long and with a 4.5-metre beam, the BG42 is endowed with diverse functions for both entertaining and relaxing.
THE CONCEPT
The concept of the Bluegame is an adventurous one. It’s an unusual hull filled with stylistic and functional innovations, with an emphasis on organising space on board in a fresh new way. It sounds like a winning plan, however, the project was not immediately accepted.
In 2002, yachtsman Luca Santella, presented a cruiser project to Sanlorenzo, where the center console was located between the open bow and the wide stern. He created a prototype of a modern walkaround boat which also used elements of trawlers, lobster boats and other similar vessels.
This cruiser was ideally suited for day trips, sporting events, fishing and weekends away, but the idea was put on hold, and then restored again when the marine SUV started to become a ‘thing’. And so, the idea of a crossover yacht which could bring people closer to the sea was revived by Sanlorenzo which then became the basis of Bluegame brand.
BACK IN THE GAME
To finish the Bluegame design off, Sanlorenzo, invited Zuccon International Project to join the design work. The studio managed to preserve the strengths of the concept – safety and practicality, while mixing in a healthy dose of extra style.
The hull was created by naval architect Louis T. Codega and stayed close to the original concept, but with some tweaks added, such as utilising vacuum forming to create a fibreglass hull with a strong sandwich structure. Also, the BG’s lines were worked-on to make it sleeker, and visually lighter – even the windscreen received a reverse tilt angle, giving the cruiser a similarity to the explorer style yacht.
ON BOARD
Even from just looking at it, the BG42 is obviously different from most boats. Aft is an expansive swim platform that can also hold a 2.7 metre tender. The central section can be lowered into the water too – perfect for launching and retrieving.
The first of many sunpads can be found on top of the engine cover and this leads on to the BG42’s covered lounge area. Here guests (of which there’s room and classification for up to 14) can kick back at the table which is surrounded by sofa cushions. A small bar opposite includes a sink, stove and refrigerator.
Amidships is the helm, which is sheltered from the elements by the aforementioned reverse rake, wraparound windshield.
Another set of sunpads can be found at the bow, but the best location for catching some rays is up top. Yes, the BG has a sunpad on the hardtop which guests can access while at anchor via the (very cool) aft ladders. It’s a great use of space and one that emphasizes how strong the BG is constructed.
Access is as easy as any walkaround boat, with high-sided aisles adding another example of safety and practicality. Several storage areas are hidden on board too. There’s space under the mattresses in the bow, and a technical compartment is located under the pad at the stern.
BELOW DECK
When designing the BG42, Zuccon’s aim was to create maximum interior space, while keeping the overall ambience open, minimalist and thoroughly modern. Heading down the steps you enter the lounge area. Here you have a surprising amount of headroom as well as a C-shaped sofa, table (this can be transformed into a bed) and plenty of storage. The hull windows and the glass door-hatch let in copious amounts of natural light and this is echoed in the full beam master cabin. Here, the king size bed is easy to access, and the spacious layout includes a wardrobe and other numerous compartments for storing personal belongings and accessories.
| BLUEGAME BG42 SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 12.98m |
| Beam: | 4.37m |
| Draught: | 1.05m |
| Deadrise: | 17° |
| Fuel: | 1,400 ltr |
| Water: | 360 ltr |
| Engines: | 2x Volvo IPS600 |
| Power: | 2x 435hp |
| Max speed: | 35 kn |
| Cruise speed: | 30 kn |
| Passengers: | 12 |
| Class: | CE cat B |
CONCLUSION
The BG42 is a modern take on the humble walkaround. It’s stylish, safe and benefits from some clever uses of space. The hardtop mounted sunpad is a revelation, as is the simple but effective cabin layout. Add the performance of the twin Volvo Penta IPS600s and you’ve got a fun boat with a 35-knot top speed. If the Sport Utility Boat is the future, then sign me up now.
