A sailing enthusiast who dislikes deck saloons yet still values vistas from inside is the proud owner of Bliss II. The sailing superyacht, built of carbon fiber and composite, launched last week at Cyrus Yachts. The fast cruiser posed a welcome challenge for Beiderbeck Designs. The directive for a spirited, limousine-like ride on the water included a host of unusual requests.
Measuring 76’7” (23.97 meters), Bliss II actually hits the 80-foot mark thanks to her bowsprit. It’s welcome extra room for the 2,583-square-foot (240-square-meter) Code Zero sail when reaching. Bliss II further has a 1,345-square-foot (125-square-meter) self-tacking jib. And, she has a 1,862-square-foot (173-square-meter) mainsail. A drop keel means draft ranges from 8’9” to 14’4” (2.7 to 4.4 meters). The double-rudder system is likened by Beiderbeck Designs to one on a ‘round-the-world racer. As Beiderbeck Designs states, “the intrinsic values also show that the German client does not like to be overtaken.” The owner of Bliss II additionally had a lot of input into sail-handling systems and other gear. He even was quite particular about having everything concealed or retractable, particularly in the cockpit.
One thing making Bliss II unconventional is how Beiderbeck Designs executed the hull ports. They’re deeper than is tradition. This allows guests on facing U-shape settees inside the high-gloss-walnut interior to see out. (This also required additional strength calculations for weight-bearing structures. Beiderbeck Designs and Cyrus Yachts consulted Gurit, which specializes in advanced composites and related technologies.) Another unusual feature: The full aft bulkhead of the superstructure is glass. This naturally includes a sliding door at center.
Bliss II keeps the unconventional approach going for staterooms, too. Beiderbeck Designs included a convertible cabin just aft of the owner’s stateroom. It can be a crew cabin, with a Pullman berth above a twin bed. Alternately, it can become a kid’s cabin. The door can actually be removed and repositioned in the hallway. This allows the room to be part of a bigger owner’s suite. Two additional guest cabins are aft, with twins that can become doubles.
Guests might be hard-pressed to go to sleep, given the decor elements of Bliss II. A historical sea chart adorns a saloon bulkhead, and motifs from it lie underfoot. On deck, small lights between the plankings are arranged in the shape of family members’ astrological signs. The owner’s stateroom has a dragon and mermaid, the logo for Bliss II, depicted on sailcloth. The logo is repeated in the en suite head, as an illuminated sign in amber.
If all of this weren’t enough, Bliss II has rod holders integrated in the taffrail. Furthermore, the swim platform folds out from the transom. And, a cockpit table for a seating island drops down into the sole when Bliss II is underway.
The beamy (19’2”, or 5.85 meters) Bliss II will be delivered in a few weeks.
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