CLELANDS
Bleu de Nîmes: From Navy Ship to Superyacht
A Tale of Transformation and Adventure
Bleu de Nîmes isn’t just another yacht; she’s a testament to transformation, passion, and exploration. Her owner, a lifelong boater with a knack for adventure, has turned this once Royal Navy degaussing ship into a charter superstar. This journey spans over two decades, two major rebuilds, and countless tales of distant voyages.
From Childhood to Charter Champion
The owner’s love for the sea began early, with his first mahogany dinghy at age five. By thirteen, he was already exploring the waters from Portofino to Sardinia. This adventurous spirit led him to seek out a vessel that could navigate the world’s remote locales with autonomy and resilience. In 1999, with the help of broker Peter Insull, he found Bleu de Nîmes, then known as Lodestone, a retired British Royal Navy ship ready for a new life.
Rebirth and Renovation
Bleu de Nîmes’ conversion was no ordinary refit; her steel hull was pristine, a testament to the British Navy’s maintenance. The owner and his team embarked on a meticulous transformation, raising the bow, enlarging windows, and creating expansive aft decks. The interior, designed by Pier Vittorio Cerruti, boasts a colonial motif rich with American cherry wood and antiques.
A Hands-On Approach
Faced with unreliable yards, the owner took matters into his own hands, overseeing every detail from design to toilet paper selection. This hands-on approach extended to the second rebuild, where challenges like a yard bankruptcy and the Covid-19 pandemic stretched the project timeline. Yet, the yacht emerged more luxurious and capable than ever, with increased space for guests and crew, a beach club, and even a helipad.
A True Explorer Superyacht
Bleu de Nîmes now offers world-class amenities, including a gym, wellness area, and spa pools. With a range of 20,000 nautical miles, she promises endless exploration. Her redesigned hull ensures stability and efficiency, while her interior blends comfort with elegance, setting her apart from modern minimalist yachts.
Charter Success and Future Plans
Since her relaunch in 2020, Bleu de Nîmes has become a sought-after charter yacht. The owner, now seeking a smaller vessel, has placed her on the market for €47,000,000. This shift marks the end of a remarkable chapter and the beginning of new adventures.
Bleu de Nîmes stands as a beacon of luxury, exploration, and transformation—ready for her next owner to write their own story on the high seas.
