Bluestorm 800 Information, Review, Specs

The Bluestorm 800's genesis is rooted in the forward-thinking ethos of BEACONAX Yachtbau GmbH, a company established in Wiefelsstede, Germany, in 2019. Under the leadership of managing director Christian Holger Wehner, BEACONAX has quickly made a name for itself by prioritizing sustainable boat building, innovation, and environmental responsibility from its inception. The company’s design philosophy, shared with its key collaborator Keith Callaghan, emphasizes "variable and shallow drafts, individuality, and sporty sailing."

Keith Callaghan, the esteemed designer behind the Bluestorm 800, brings nearly six decades of experience in creating high-performance racing dinghies, trailer sailers, and offshore-capable centreboard yachts. His expertise perfectly aligns with BEACONAX's vision for yachts that are both sporty and adaptable. The Bluestorm 800 itself was commissioned as a larger vessel offering "even better performance" than its predecessor, the Bluestorm 700. The first hull of this design, named "CLARA," was launched in November 2021, with its construction attributed to H E Forster GmbH in Oldenburg, Germany, working in conjunction with Beaconax.

A defining characteristic of the Bluestorm 800 is its innovative keel system. It comes standard with a twin swing keel, offering a highly variable draft ranging from a mere 0.98 feet (0.75m) to a substantial 5.58 feet (1.35m). An optional lifting keel with a lead bulb is also available. This design choice provides exceptional flexibility for navigating shallow waters, exploring tidal areas, and simplifying trailering and storage. The hull and deck are constructed from a fiberglass-wood composite, reflecting a modern approach to marine engineering.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With an overall length of 26.25 feet and a light displacement of 3306 pounds, the Bluestorm 800 is engineered for agile and responsive sailing. Its design, characterized by a fractional sloop rig and twin rudders, underscores its performance aspirations. The boat is described as a "fast, beautiful and sophisticated trailer-sailer," suggesting a blend of speed, aesthetic appeal, and refined handling.

The combination of the twin swing keel (or optional lifting keel) and dual rudders is central to the Bluestorm 800's versatility and control. The variable draft allows sailors to optimize performance for different conditions—deeper for upwind efficiency and stability in open water, and shallower for accessing secluded anchorages and easier launching or retrieval. The twin rudders enhance steering authority, particularly when heeled and in the varied draft configurations, contributing to a balanced helm and precise maneuvering. The boat's light displacement further contributes to its lively performance, especially in lighter winds, aligning with Keith Callaghan's reputation for high-performance small yacht designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior layouts for the Bluestorm 800 are not extensively publicized, its classification as an 8-meter performance trailer-sailer suggests a functional and adaptable interior designed to maximize utility within its compact dimensions. Typically, boats of this size and purpose prioritize convertible living spaces rather than extensive, permanent amenities. Owners can generally expect an arrangement that includes a forward V-berth for sleeping, a compact salon area that likely converts into additional berths, and a basic galley provision for meal preparation. Storage solutions would be integrated to accommodate gear and provisions for weekend cruising or short trips. The emphasis would be on efficient use of space and practicality, providing comfortable, albeit compact, accommodations for a small crew or family on the move.