PHOTOS: Flypictures
While she was delivered in 2013 by Royal Huisman, Blue Papillon has remained mainly out of the media, by her owners’ choice. The 142-foot (43.31-meter) sloop was commissioned for family enjoyment and occasional racing. For both purposes, she was designed for on-deck enjoyment and freedom of movement, with as few protrusions and as little “visual pollution,” so to speak, as possible.
Germán Frers and Royal Huisman fulfilled those requirements in several ways. All hatches have hidden hinges and are flush with the deck, so as to blend. Blue Papillon also has pop-up, all-in-one cleats and fairleads and below-deck winches. Even the anchor is hidden from sight. The same holds true for the inflatable tender, stowed in a foredeck locker, and the primary tender, stowed in the lazarette.
The best hidden feature aboard Blue Papillon, however, is the beach deck. It’s not deployed in these photos, which is a shame, because it’s an inviting way for the owners and guests to enjoy an anchorage. The transom folds down, revealing a central grand stairway from the main deck. Swimmers can use the beach deck for quick water access. The transom, as the swim platform, further pivots down toward the water, for tender launching. Since the tender is stowed just forward of the beach deck, the central stairs lift to reveal it.
Blue Papillon provides additional alfresco areas for the owners and guests—specifically, three cockpits. The owners naturally get their own, located aft. It can be shaded when wanted, and it’s adjacent to a nice-size sunbed. A central cockpit, by the twin helms, and one beneath the coachroof are for everyone’s use.
With a beam of 29’5” (8.98 meters), Blue Papillon has welcoming interior spaces, too. A sliding glass wall between the main cockpit and the saloon (two steps down and forward) makes the latter an indoor-outdoor area. A raised observation lounge off the conversation and games areas in the saloon makes for a good spot to take in the scenery. Six guests can join the owners aboard Blue Papillon for these and other experiences. The interior, by Rhoades Young Design, is contemporary and casual, with light tones.
If you see Blue Papillon out cruising or racing, her blue hull and silver superstructure will surely catch your eye. So, too, should her sails. Keep these dimensions in mind if you spy her:
- Mainsail: 5,447 square feet (506 square meters)
- Blade jib: 4,941 square feet (459 square meters)
- Staysail: 1,528 square feet (142 square meters)
- Mast height: 187 feet (57 meters)
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