YachtCharterFleet reviews the 47m/154ft superyacht BG after being welcomed on board by the yacht's interior designer at this year's Palm Beach International Boat Show.
When BG hit the water in 1990, she was the first Feadship to be completely electronically steered. Nearly three decades later, however, it’s no longer the absence of a wheel that makes her unique, but a stunning new interior.
Boasting a classically styled profile from the Dutch shipyard’s De Voogt Naval Architects, motor yacht BG changed hands just once and remained free of any interior upgrades until 2014. She was then acquired by a new owner, who had a very clear idea of what updates would suit the yacht, as well what would be popular with charter clients.
His wish was to create a ‘Newport beach house’ style of interior that would exude a ‘sophisticated comfort’, and Dee Dee Eustace, the founder of Toronto-based Taylor Hannah Architect, was the designer who successfully turned his brief into a reality.
With Dee Dee providing the editorial team with a comprehensive tour of superyacht BG, it was with great pleasure that we discovered all of the meticulous details which have come to define her remarkable refit.
With a more than impressive portfolio, Dee Dee previously hosted 'Love By Design', a popular home makeover series which enjoyed significant success in both Canada and the US. As well as specialising in the residential/hospitality sector, she also provides design advice for a wide ranging and discerning clientele.
His wish was to create a ‘Newport beach house’ style of interior that would exude a ‘sophisticated comfort’
The refit she inspired took a total of 18 months to complete and involved some structural changes. The most significant of these was the conversion of a rarely used dining salon into a VIP stateroom and en suite. Space was also shaved off the galley to make room in the master suite for one large bathroom rather than his and hers, and an additional 10cm of height was gained throughout the main deck. Ultimately, such work meant that BG was shortlisted for the 'Best Refit' award at the World Superyacht Awards 2016.
Another huge task was replacing the old dark carpets with hardware flooring, which led to the discovery that a layer of rubber and lead soundproofing lined every floor as well as each side of every wall. Such a feature, coupled with newly installed Quantum Zero Speed Stabilizers, ensures guests are in for an extremely quiet and comfortable ride.
Handsome pre-finished oak floor boards now span across the whole motor yacht alongside white walls, ceilings and furnishings. Simple yet striking, the effect is enlivened by flourishes of grey and colour from Canadian artworks- a subtle reference to the owner’s nationality.
Despite making these changes, Eustace has also cleverly adapted some of BG’s existing features, saying she likes to express the individual character of each space by incorporating context and heritage while also creating a timeless quality.
This philosophy is certainly embedded in the main salon. BG’s original limed oak panelling remains but has been totally transformed by white paint, lacquer has given the doors a new lease of life and a mix of gloss and matt paint has revamped the joinery. Likewise, the old rosewood dining table has been lengthened with patina panels to seat the increased number of guests the yacht can now accommodate.
Innovative at the time of her launch, BG still radiates originality.
Joining these connections to the yacht’s past are new designer fabrics, simple chrome hardware, blinds at the windows and a floor-to-ceiling wine wardrobe, which houses up to 120 bottles and replaces an old fireplace. What's more, interchangeable slips allow the sofa and armchairs to switch from white to grey.
Creating a VIP cabin on the main deck alongside the master suite means that there are now two king staterooms on board, a rarity among charter yachts. The en suites in each of these rooms feature Caesar stone and a chequered pattern of tiles reminiscent of an old NY apartment, with the new master suite bathroom now housing a bathtub.
Whilst the transformation of the dining space into a modern VIP cabin saw deep red tones being exchanged for an immaculate white arrangement, a certain structural ingenuity was also employed along the way.
Indeed, the sideboard which once separated the dining space from the main salon has been repurposed to form the base of a generously proportioned vanity mirror.
Along with the cabin’s spacious layout and appropriately contemporary furnishings, such an innovative solution ultimately makes superyacht BG something of a masterclass in refit design.
Exchanging dark tones for lighter hues, the refit of superyacht BG easily fulfills the owner's desire for effortless sophistication
The remaining four staterooms, consisting of two double cabins and two convertible cabins, are all located on the lower deck.
Consistent with the brightness of the communal spaces, each of these cabins is nicely inviting, with light flourishes of colour accenting the surrounding furnishings.
On the upper deck, meanwhile, the sky lounge has similarly undergone a tonal change. The dark and traditionally styled bar has been removed, leaving a comfortable and light lounge area, which the owner says makes for a great family room.
Opening the double doors aft leads out to a vast deck area, where alfresco dining can be enjoyed at a large rectangular table, modular furniture allows for flexible lounging and sunning set ups and wrap-around decks lead to a more secluded sunbathing spot on the foredeck.
The sundeck provides even more options for relaxation, with a Jacuzzi aft and a new step-up sunpad area forward. Providing fantastic unobstructed ocean views, the raised platform is bordered by a passage way that allows crew members to conveniently pass drinks up to guests soaking up the sun.
The aft deck is furnished with a flexible seating arrangement, allowing the crew to accommodate for various activities, forming the necessary configurations for charterers to enjoy sunbathing in the day and a few drinks in the evening.
Experiencing the dynamic nature of the aft deck, we enjoyed a few drinks with BG’s owner, Bobby G, during the early evening at the end of the show
Innovative at the time of her launch, BG still radiates originality. Thanks to her recent refit, her classic exterior now houses an interior that feels both current and timeless. Existing features have been seamlessly re-worked into the new surroundings, retaining a sense of her past, while her stunning décor and the improved functionality of space looks firmly towards the future.
For further information on M/Y BG, pleased contact your preferred charter broker.
Charter Specification
BG Charade
Builder
Feadship
Interior Designer
McMillen Design, Taylor Hannah Architect
Exterior Designer
De Voogt
Length46.90m / 153'10 |
Beam8.81m / 28'11 |
Draft2.9m / 9'6 |
Gross Tonnage515 GT |
Built| Refit1990 | 2022 |
Hull MaterialSteel |
SuperstructureAluminium |
ClassificationLloyd's |
Charter Guests12 |
Cabins6 |
Crew10 |
Max Speed14.5 knots |
Cruising Speed12 knots |
Fuel Consumption40 GPH |
Range 4,600 nm |
Range at 12 Knots |