BLUE
NEW IN AT #4
Taking her place at number four in the list of the world's longest yachts, Lürssen's Blue is so voluminous that she beats all the longer boats in terms of gross tonnage. Built for a Middle Eastern owner, she is exceeded for internal space only by those behemoths Dilbar (15,917GT) and Al Said (15,850GT).
Terence Disdale has penned classic exterior lines with a sharply raked bow and gentle curves to the deep overhangs of the decks. Asked whether the exterior had any surprising features, Disdale replied, “it most certainly does”, but demurred on further details. He noted, however, that it included unique security doors, as well as special finishes on sliding doors.
The main helipad is positioned on the bow, with a smaller one aft. Other exterior features include a pool under cover on the main deck aft, a bathing platform at the stem and twin balconies flanking the owner's cabin forward. Blue's interior is designed to be timeless and rich in “feminine elegance”, a deliberate contrast to the exterior. The styling is warm and textured to provide a relaxing alternative to the brightness outside.
Accommodation is divided into zones, which include an owner's deck, a VIP deck, a gym and spa deck and an entertainment deck.
Lürssen reports that environmental efficiency was a key driver for the technology on board, so Blue is equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system that was developed in-house. An electric Azimuth pod drive can manoeuvre the boat alone or in conjunction with the twin propeller shafts.
To reduce noise, vibration and NOx levels, Blue has a state-of-the-art exhaust treatment system. The boat is also equipped with new membrane technology that means her treated waste water achieves drinking water quality.
TERENCE DISDALE
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGNER
What was the client brief?
The brief began with a smaller hull in mind. Like many projects, when the engineering and interior layouts come together, the client's brief can then change when they have time to evaluate the spaces for accommodation. We worked on various concepts for two years, evaluating different possibilities. The client had been a guest on several of our yachts, including and . Consequently, he had a good idea of our modus operandi and design philosophy, and was confident we could fulfil his requirements of moving our designs beyond what he had previously seen on other yachts.
