Perfect translation

First, to clear up any confusion, the BGX63 is effectively the same model as the BGX60 that debuted a few years ago. The only major difference is an added submersible swim platform for equipment launching and access to the water for swimmers and divers. The new name also comes closer to reflecting the boat’s actual length overall of 65 feet, though why they didn’t just name it the BGX65 in the first place remains something of a mystery.

Unlike many Italian builds that place a strong emphasis on low-profile lines and sleek contours, the BGX63 is decidedly masculine. High bulwarks help split heavy seas and project a nearly workboat-like air that’s further fostered by a reverse-rake windshield. The latter feature of course helps to clear water faster for better visibility should any waves come up over the bow. Let’s be honest – it also just looks cool.

However, it’s in the aft section where things immediately appear different. The aft end of the boat is open and flat, and reminiscent of a yacht support vessel, albeit in miniature – there’s no swim platform with stairs to a cockpit and a main deck here, just an open aft end that leads straight to a lower-deck aft saloon-cum-beach club, but more on that later. That’s by design, and is all part of the BGX63’s raison d’être – getting boaters out on the water, close to the water, and into the water.

This model comes with a concealed crane in the hull that has been patented by Bluegame’s parent company Sanlorenzo, and used to great effect on many of its models. The crane is not only functional, it serves a secondary purpose by giving these boats an easily identifiable aesthetic appeal with a curved arch in their aft section that’s quickly becoming the builder’s hallmark.

Joachim Howard is the recently appointed country sales manager for Simpson Marine/ Sanlorenzo Australia and says, “The BGX63 is perfectly suited to the Australian market given the success of the closely connected Sanlorenzo SX series, notably the SX76 and SX88, which have been popular in this region.

“This yacht is an extension of those groundbreaking and unconventional designs, just in a smaller package, which will appeal to owner-operators, of which Australia has many.”

Howard also sees the focus on outdoor space that’s low to the water as a natural fit for this market. “The Australian market has an active and adventurous boating culture, and the ability to carry a healthy water-sports inventory is important,” he asserts.

“We typically see multi-generational families boating together and this yacht is perfect for an energetic family. Australians love activity-based yachting, and the enormous beach-club deck is well suited.”

That space consists of the aforementioned hydraulic swim platform, which can hold and launch a Williams 325 tender, then a large area forward that’s equally good for dancing or toy stowage. A wet bar, sink, grill, refrigerator and icemaker to port ably service the area, making it a complete entertainment deck.

Forward of this area, sliding glass doors lead to that aft, lower saloon – an interesting space that’s key to Bluegame designs. It’s effectively a second, lower saloon to complement the saloon-cum-helm that lies one deck up. Large windows to either side help with natural light, as do the sliding doors that also have a dropdown shade for privacy when docked stern-to. A plush aft-facing settee has views of the beach area as well as the water and the boat’s wake when underway.

This unconventional area not only offers guests a place to relax close to the sea, it also opens up the boat as an entertainment platform, making it at once larger and more private. Those big families can easily split up when the time is right, with the kids down below watching a movie on the pop-up television while the adults enjoy a beverage and a chat up top.

Forward of the lower saloon is a full-beam owner’s stateroom with large windows to either side for natural lighting. The cabin has a king-size berth and an ensuite head with a rain-head shower that has a pleasing amount of elbow room.

Stowage is the name of the game in the master, with space under the berth, in multiple cabinets and in a full-sized closet as well. The large amount of stowage space speaks to the BGX63’s ambitions as a serious cruiser able to take its owner and guests on longer voyages.

There’s also a VIP with a queen-size berth, ensuite and equally good stowage forward, while an optional third guest cabin to starboard amidships with scissoring bunks would be great for kids or occasional guests. Up top, the BGX63 has a centreline helm with comfortable seating and twin screens that can be fitted out to your choice.

That aforementioned reverse-rake windshield offers excellent lines of sight while also reducing glare. Carbon-fibre accents throughout the helm station are a classy touch, while an electric sunroof overhead sheds some light on the situation.

Aft of the helm is an open galley to starboard opposite a settee with dinette in what is the de facto upper saloon, although actually more like the main deck for most yachts – the disruptive nature of the design leads to a little confusion when it’s described, but it all makes perfect sense when on board. Indeed, the open layout of the main deck emphasises this boat’s beachy and laidback vibe. There’s no space for overly formal dinners, instead there’s simply a place to fuel up the body for more seaborne adventures.

Sliding doors aft to the cockpit move to either side over a flush deck, a key sign of thoughtful design, especially on a boat this size. The cockpit is dominated by a teak table with comfortable U-shaped seating surrounding it. Given this yacht’s overall atmosphere, I believe this will be where most onboard meals will be taken.

Wide side decks to port and starboard lead forward to another entertainment area on the foredeck with sunpads and twin teak tables. A work area forward of that offers spacious and protected quarters within which to handle anchoring duties, and there’s potential for a crew cabin in the bow for those who prefer to have someone else run their yacht, or for charter purposes.

While we weren’t able to sea-trial the boat on this occasion, Howard reports it is a 30- knot vessel on the pins thanks to twin Volvo Penta IPS 1200s, and cruises happily at 25 knots. “It handles exceptionally well, and the large freeboard contributes significantly to its seaworthiness,” he says.

“I’ve been on the boat inside and outside Sydney Heads, and the guys who brought it up from Botany Bay in a poor sea state were impressed with the performance.”

At slower speeds, the boat is easily manoeuvrable via a Volvo Penta joystick, making docking a breeze even for the relatively uninitiated. The engines are reached via a hydraulic hatch in the cockpit and access is quite good, both to the powerplants and all other key points of service.

What you get with the Bluegame BGX63 is a thoughtfully designed vessel that will check a lot of boxes for a lot of Australian boaters.

She has admirable space for work, play and rest matched with performance bona fides that should attract a crowd of serious boaters. It’s a recipe that could very well kick off a new era of Down Under dolce vita.

simpsonmarine.com
bluegame-asia/bgx-63