New Launch: Blohm & Voss 118-meter Project “SIGMA”

Radical Reverse-Bow Yacht in Completion Stages

Following the signing of a contract for a large megayacht in beginning of November 2004, Blohm + Voss announced the signing of another contract for the construction of a 118-meter Megayacht’ project “SIGMA”. This radical reverse-bow yacht, with lines strikingly similar to a submarine, was recently splashed leaving some wondering if it was intended to float or submerge.

The spectacular Phillipe Starck (France) design for this 118-meter yacht was constructed under the supervision of “Blue Ocean Yacht Management“ under the lead of Neil Wade. The same company also supervised the refit of the 114-meter superyacht “Pelorus“ at Blohm + Voss for a different owner.

Photo credit: Jannick Bruhns

At the leading edge of this concept is a conventional yacht bow turned upside-down. In a conventional hull form targeting a head-sea, forward momentum is reduced by hull pitching and plowing. In contrast, SIGMA’s bow is designed to silhouette waves. If you take a close look at Sigma, you’ll see the hull is actually rather conventional, with a standard rise and flair leading up to the bow. The only difference is the bow is swept back from the waterline, giving SIGMA’s bow some piercing attributes, i.e. offering less lift and resistance against oncoming waves.

Photo credit: Jannick Bruhns

Similarly, wave-piercing hulls are designed to go “thru” waves, not over them. Typically, these hulls are optimized for sub-surface operation with an emphasis placed on reducing acceleration & motions of waves at the water line and above. By sweeping the bow backwards from the waterline, up… an oncoming wave encounters less resistance in contrast to a conventional forward-flaired bow. Essentially, an oncoming wave washes over the top of the deck and dissipates, as opposed to being displaced outward by a conventional bow. This results in lift on the bow, including acceleration and deceleration forces that add resistance against forward momentum.

Photo credit: Jannick Bruhns

SIGMA's superstructure features wrap-around windows on the skylounge and bridge. Only the windshield wipers break the the clean lines of this sub-like silhouette. SIGMA's features a covered forward deck, much like the aft deck on most motoryachts. Artist's renderings suggest a pool & jacuzzi will located forward of the covered deck.

Photo credit: Jannick Bruhns

The original renderings call for a heli pad on top of the superstructure, but it appears the aft deck may be better suited. An official press release has not been issued by Blohm & Voss, but it's a fair assumption the details will remain limited. The launch of SIGMA further establishes Blohm & Voss in the construction of yachts that are not only gigantic in dimension, but cutting edge in design.

For more information, contact:

Blohm + Voss GmbH
Hermann-Blohm-Str. 3,
20457 Hamburg, Germany
www.blohmvoss.com

Photo credit: Jannick Bruhns

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Original Artist's Rendering...