The Dutch builder ICON Yachts has challenged Dixon Yacht Design to prepare concept studies for a retired Dutch Navy survey vessel into an explorer type Superyacht. The focus of the project is HR MS Blommendal, a 59m built by Boeles in 1973 for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The ship is one of a series of very similar vessels retiring from service and becoming available for conversion – making the challenge a highly practical exercise. 'We saw a huge potential to be able to cost-efficiently and relatively quickly produce a large sturdy Superyacht very much tailored to an owner's own ideas and requirements, the principal layout is a very classic set-up, not that dissimilar to our 60m platform. She can feature four guest cabins on the lower deck, good-sized owner's accommodation and the required saloons and observation lounges. Sisterships that have already been converted are: Akula, Altair, Wega, Capella C and Intuition II.
'Our aim was to complement the classic hull with a low-profile superstructure and enhanced space,' says Bill Dixon. 'We have added promenade decks aft, while extending the superstructure forward allows the bridge to be enlarged and relocated to provide a higher skydeck with panoramic views.' Citing contemporary trends in architecture and industrial design as influences.
Principal Specifications
Length Overall :59.50m
Beam :11.20m
