Yacht Charter Fleet reviews the recently refitted BLU 470 after visiting the superyacht at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.
The 50m/163ft motor yacht BLU 470 was one of the first yachts that Yacht Charter Fleet visited at 2015’s Antigua Charter Yacht Show but thanks to her recent refit she left a lasting impression.
Superyacht BLU 470 was originally launched in 1990 by the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship. Under the name of INEVITABLE she underwent a complete refit in 2008, which saw her upper deck extend and interior restyled by Patrick Knowles Design.
The yacht’s new look was highly commended with the Florida-based design team scooping the ShowBoats International Award for Best Refit. After this success, therefore, it was no surprise to hear in 2014 that Patrick Knowles Design was behind BLU 470's latest transformation.
Shaving 26 years off the superyacht's appearance to make her appear brand new, the design team can once again be praised for their impressive work.
The Experience
Docked in the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, the motor yacht could be spotted by her glistening navy blue hull - the first glimpse of her recent makeover.
More was soon to be revealed though as First Officer Mark Jones welcomed Yacht Charter Fleet aboard.
In the main salon, a dividing wall had been knocked down to create an open-plan area divided by a large custom-designed wine cabinet. Forward of this is a formal dining table and aft is a lounge area.
Able to store up to 250 bottles, the floor-to-ceiling wine cabinet forms a unique focal point as well as part of the charter offer. Wine from the owner’s private collection is stored here and, at an extra cost, guests can enjoy a selection of what’s on board.
Wine from the owner’s private collection is stored here and, at an extra cost, guests can enjoy a selection of what’s on board.
White-washed panelling and white overheads are new additions too, and are joined in the lounge by cream sofas, and navy and white-striped armchairs. While blue hues in the carpet inject colour into the space.
The result is a much lighter, airier atmosphere, and certain details such as the colour choices and a selection of driftwood-esque furniture create a subtle nautical touch.
The sky lounge follows the same theme with whitewashed panels and an understated ‘at sea’ influence. Carpets are lighter however, creating an even fresher feel. Designed as the yacht’s entertainment hub, the lounge features a wet bar aft, which faces a circular games table. Forward, sofas centre on a large plasma TV.
Light panelling is also found in the master suite, located on the main deck. Carpets and upholstery comprise of grey, blue and cream strips, providing a calm, clean living environment. A private office with ocean views forms part of the suite, as does his and hers bathrooms.
Three further double cabins and one convertible twin cabin complete the yacht’s accommodation offer. Although the timber panelling is a lot richer in these guest suites, the continuation of cream walls and upholstery, and striped throws in navy and reds, still manages to retain a peaceful, uncluttered vibe.
The exterior spaces have also been updated. A wet bar and casual seating area on the main aft deck offer a great spot to sit back and relax. However, the upper deck will become the heart of any luxury yacht vacation on board charter yacht BLU 470.
Step out from the sky lounge into the upper deck’s alfresco dining area. A large wooden table comfortably seats 10 people and, located underneath the sundeck, offers a private yet spacious area in which to socialise with fellow charter guests. Further aft there is casual seating under the shade of large parasols.
The sundeck, meanwhile, boasts a row of sun pads forward, where uninterrupted sea views can be enjoyed. A shaded fitness area, which replaces a bar, holds a variety of gym equipment and sits amidships next to a Jacuzzi. Four sun loungers are located aft and massages can take place behind a privacy screen.
The upper deck will become the heart of any luxury yacht charter vacation on board superyacht BLU 470.
Tenders & Toys
BLU 470’s overhaul also saw the addition of a variety of new water toys, including WaveRunners, paddle boards, seabobs, water skis, Brownie lungs and a water swing.
A new tender, showcased in Antigua, captured nearly as much attention as the yacht herself. The 37-foot Intrepid tender, outfitted with custom-painted 627-horsepower Chevy Camaro 6.2 V8s, can reach a top speed of 55 knots and roars like a race car.
Other highlights of the luxury yacht include a generous swim platform, a one-of-a-kind beach set-up with gazeboes and portable furniture, and Zero Speed Stabilizers.
In fact, BLU 470 was the first yacht ever to have these stabilizers installed and continues to update the technology.
Charter Specification
Length163ft /49.68m |
Beam8.69m / 28'6 |
Draft3.2m / 10'6 |
Gross Tonnage478 GT |
Built| Refit1990 | 2022 |
Hull MaterialSteel |
SuperstructureAluminium |
ClassificationLloyd's |
Charter Guests10 |
Cabins5 |
Crew11 |
Max Speed0 knots |
Cruising Speed12 knots |
Fuel Consumption220 GPH |
Range 5,700 nm |
Range at 12 Knots |