Almost two years after she arrived at Blohm+Voss, Graceful is headed for her first season of cruising. Her delivery journey started last week. The 269-footer (82-meter), with a 12’3” (3.75-meter) draft, was in Norway at press time.
You may recall that Graceful was on sea trials in late March. Our research into her speeds then, as transmitted by AIS, revealed she topped out just over 18 knots. Blohm+Voss just revealed a maximum speed in keeping with this: 18.2 knots. The shipyard adds that the speeds promised in her contract were either met or exceeded. It also says best range should be 6,000 nautical miles.
Graceful initially started construction in Russia in 2011. However, her owner had her hull transferred in 2012 to Blohm+Voss. She went from hull to completed megayacht in 23 months, impressive for her LOA and technical complexity.
The latter is a major reason why the owner selected Blohm+Voss to complete Graceful. The 45’6”-beam (13.9-meter-beam) boat was envisioned to adhere to a high standard. One item that Blohm+Voss worked out with the owner’s team was the indoor pool. Measuring 49 feet by 9’8” (15 meters by 3 meters), it doubles as a dance/party area when the floor is raised and water is drained. Another area needing good engineering: the helipad. You can see it aft on the uppermost deck. The owner and guests can step off the helicopter and directly into the welcoming interior. Since the helipad is for touch-and-go operations, loose lounges can also be arranged on the deck.
Speaking of the guests, Graceful has two VIP staterooms and three additional staterooms for them. The owner understandably has the most privacy, and arguably the nicest sleeping space. It’s arranged over two decks. However, everyone does get a beach club and fold-down terrace, the latter just above the water, to enjoy. And, the aptly named Graceful gets her overall elegant looks from H2 Yacht Design.
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