BD Yachts’ 16.66-metre BD56, a hybrid sailing&motor yacht

56bd_exterior_cam-2-colchonetaThe 16.66-metre BD56 by Spanish shipyard BD Yachts is a hybrid vessel that can be both a sailing and a motor yacht. Developed for the Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup, she is a small-sized luxurious yacht featuring state-of-the-art technology and fine detailing.
With an entirely glass enclosed superstructure, she boasts a streamlined sportive styling that perfectly matches her high performance.
Vacuum built in vinylester resin, the BD56 features a retractable keel (from a 3.5 meter to a 2.1 meter draft), carbon fiber mast, roller furling mainsail and self tacking jib. The deck layout is clean and ergonomic, with twin wheels bringing all controls to hand, easing crew work and guaranteeing safety for all guests.
The interior layout was designed around the concepts of light, comfort and open air, and this perfectly reflects on the main salon, located at the same level as the cockpit. Bright and scenic, it provides a 360° panorama view which is enjoyable in every weather conditions thanks to electrically commanded overheads, doors and crystal walls. The master cabin is forward featuring a stunning view thanks to windows stretching down to the waterline. Guests are comfortably accommodated over three twin berth cabins, spacious and filled with light.
The BD56 is easy to handle, and even less experienced sailors will have no difficulty in sailing her. The twin outboard engines, joystick-controlled, allow for easy maneuverability. Moreover, the in-boom roller reefing mainsail allows for easy reefing and lowering of the powerful mainsail, as does the roller furling for the self-tacking jib.
Thanks to her optimised sail plan and hull shape, the BD56 is able to reach an impressive top speed of 21 knots. In case of prohibiting weather conditions such as lack or excess of wind, the BD56 easily transforms into a motor yacht to rapidly get back to harbor.
The yacht won the Millenium Yacht Design Award in 2009.