Exploring the higher latitudes by boat can be more than you bargained for as a sailor. Knowing that your boat can face the challenge and provide a safe haven is key to keeping yourself immersed in the experience of the voyage itself and not the technicalities of your equiment.
For this purpose, we designed BODHI's layout from scratch while chosing fail-safe and easy-to-handle sailing systems. One key factor was the safety of movement on deck, particularly going forward to the mast. In contrast to boats sailing in the relative protection of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where on-deck circulation happens through the sidedecks without hazard, we opted instead for a central passage, clear from any waves and with plenty of handholds.
A central protected watchstation further acts as a hub, connecting cockpit, interior and forward passage. Here you can take shelter from the wind, rain, freezing cold and scorching sun while keeping a safe watch on the horizon and donning your foul weather gear.
Below deck, we switched a couple of things around as well. The salon is positioned aft for the benefit of having a direct access to the swim deck, while a large glassed door allows watching the scenery from the interior, like in a verandah. This aft position also allows for the salon to be closed off from the rest of the interior by a folding wall, while the aft door is opened. This lock-system is a clever way of extending the size of the swim deck while keeping the interior insulated from heat or cold.
Nothing beats a good few hours of sleep while passagemaking, not only to remain alert and decisive but to keep spirits up among crew as well. A passagemaking berth is therefor placed dead-center of the interior, where movement is minimal. If desired, it can be fully closed off from the rest of the interior, and the business of life aboard.
This 55ft. fast sailing sloop has the best of both worlds. One moment it can be a comfortable cruiser yacht tucked into a secluded bay, the other it can be one of the contestants in a local regatta to spice up a sailing holiday.
With just a single push of a button, the aft deck can transform from a flush-deck racing environment to a comfortable helm seat and a covered swim deck with dining table below.
The colored roof stands in stark contrast with the white hull to create an iconic bi-tonal design which otherwise has been stripped from any futile decoration. A large glass surface separates the cockpit from the interior, while still permitting a visual connection in between.
A slot inside the roof conceals a folding bimini top to keep the gangway dry while underway and heads cool while lounging at anchor in the cockpit.
The deck layout is tuned for easy handling, reducing clutter and increasing safety on-deck. Lines are guided under the roof to the cockpit, where they can be easily handled by the helmsman or the crew. Short-handing this yacht still remains within the realm of the possible.
If however crew are in ample supply, the cockpit provides space for up to 10 seated passengers.
The twin aft cabins are separated by a laterally sliding partition to obtain a range of different layout options, each fitting a particular use.
For full occupation, two double berth cabins are available (1). With just the owner aboard, one cabin could be converted to a dinette or working area (2) or even a second lounge (3).For medium occupation, two single berth cabins could be created, with a small lounge or third separated berth in between, directly connected to the aft deck (4).
The aft deck functions as a tender storage while underway. When moored or anchored, the aft platform can be lowered and the dining table raised to create a sitting pit, well protected from the sun and wind.
