Bluestorm 900 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bluestorm 900 design originated from the drawing board of Keith Callaghan, a naval architect known for his expertise in high-performance trailer sailers, racing dinghies, and offshore-capable trailable centerboard yachts. Callaghan's design philosophy, developed since the 1960s, focuses on creating small boats that combine speed with grace and utility. The Bluestorm 900 itself was commissioned by an owner of a smaller Bluestorm 700, seeking a larger vessel that maintained the outstanding performance characteristics of its predecessor.

Production of the Bluestorm 900 design began in 2015. The very first hull, named "Maurine," was notably built by H. E. Forster GmbH in Oldenburg, Germany, and launched in April 2015. While the initial production was handled by Forster, the Bluestorm 900 is now associated with BEACONAX Yachtbau GmbH, a company founded in 2019 in Wiefelsstede, Germany. BEACONAX, under the leadership of Christian Holger Wehner, distinguishes itself by prioritizing sustainable boat design and construction. Their ethos aligns perfectly with the Bluestorm 900's design principles, focusing on "variable and shallow drafts, individuality, and sporty sailing" with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the Bluestorm 900 continues to be a relevant and appealing option for environmentally conscious sailors seeking performance and adaptability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bluestorm 900 is engineered for exhilarating sailing, a fact underscored by its key performance ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 23.84, she boasts a generous sail plan for her displacement, indicating excellent light-air performance and the ability to accelerate quickly. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 73.67 marks her as a very light displacement vessel, contributing significantly to her agility and speed. This light build, combined with a fractional sloop rig and a lifting keel, allows for remarkable performance on the water.

The vessel's performance has even exceeded the designer's high expectations. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Bluestorm 900 is exceptionally fast, with one recorded instance of the first hull, "Maurine," reaching 11.3 knots on a two-sail reach in 18-20 knots of wind. Reviewers have characterized her as "sporty" and "fast," noting that she sails efficiently even in light conditions where other boats might struggle. The German magazine 'Yacht' published a very positive boat test review, describing the Bluestorm 900 as "light as a dinghy cruiser, yet as safe and comfortable as a keel yacht," highlighting its attractive overall design and balanced characteristics.

The Bluestorm 900 features a unique design with a wing keel that can be retracted, allowing the draft to vary significantly from a maximum of 7.22 feet to a minimum of 2.95 feet. This variable draft enhances versatility, enabling access to shallow anchorages and facilitating easier trailering, while still providing robust performance upwind when the keel is fully deployed. The ballast to displacement ratio, approximately 0.19 (derived from a ballast of 350 kg or 771.6 lbs), is relatively low, which is typical for a performance-oriented centerboarder or lifting keel design that relies more on hull form for initial stability and less on deep external ballast.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily focused on performance, the Bluestorm 900 offers a functional and practical interior suitable for its role as a sports cruiser. With a maximum headroom of 6.1 feet, the cabin provides comfortable standing room for most individuals. The emphasis on speed and variable draft suggests an interior designed for efficiency and lightness, likely featuring a straightforward layout that prioritizes essential amenities over elaborate luxury. The design is intended to provide a comfortable yet practical space for weekend cruising or competitive racing, reflecting the "renunciation and speed" principle mentioned in some reviews.