Spotted on Germany’s Kiel Canal over the weekend, the Blohm+Voss megayacht Graceful is continuing sea trials. These photos are among the first ones taken of the 269-footer (82-meter) on the water.
In December, during initial sea trials, Graceful recorded a top speed of 17.8 knots, according to data transmitted by AIS. That is in the range of what Blohm+Voss and her management team, Dörries Maritime Services, anticipated. Data transmitted earlier today shows the megayacht has achieved a little more than 18 knots.
The refined styling of Graceful comes courtesy of H2 Yacht Design. Elegant curves rim her fore and aft sections. The circular area fully aft on her uppermost deck is a dedicated helipad. Additional arcs cascade down to her hull from her arch. The megayacht’s sense of scale really comes into perspective when you note there are people standing on her swim platform.
With a draft of 12’3” (3.75 meters), Graceful is engineered for long-range cruising. She should handily cover 5,500 nautical miles around 12 knots or so. The megayacht is also, of course, meant for luxurious cruising and entertaining. H2 Yacht Design further fashioned the interior spaces of Graceful, from the five guest staterooms (including two VIPs) to the two-level master suite and the indoor pool. That pool, on the main deck, measures 49’2” by 9’8” (15 meters by 3 meters). It doubles as a dance/party area when the water is drained and the floor is raised. Sliding doors aft allow the pool (or party area) to be more of an indoor-outdoor space. A fold-down balcony farther forward on the main deck brings the outside in, too. Overall, the interior of Graceful should be quite spacious, given the 45’6” (13.9-meter) beam.
Until this weekend, Graceful was at Blohm+Voss’ facilities in Hamburg. She initially started construction in Russia in 2011, but the owner had her hull transferred in 2012 to Blohm+Voss.
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