From the Bianca 27 to the Aphrodite 101, the Danish shipyard Bianca Yachts was one of the major European shipyards for 20 years, before closing its doors in the 90s. A look back at a successful boat builder, both commercially and in regattas.
In the 1970s, numerous shipyards opened across Europe. The Nordic countries, with their strong regatta and yachting traditions, competed with French shipyards. In Denmark, while X-Yachts, founded by Birger Hansen, Lars, and Niels Jeppesen, dominated the top spots on European waterways, it wasn’t the only one expanding. In fact, it wasn’t even the first. Another shipyard, Bianca Yachts, had been building boats for several years. And these boats were beginning to establish a solid reputation throughout Europe and beyond.
History of the Bianca Yachts shipyard
The history of the construction site Bianca YachtsOf Scandinavia It began in 1964. Its creator, Holger Leth Christensen, owned a shipyard in Rudkoebing. DenmarkThe shipyard is known for its sailboat and motorboat construction. Its biggest success is a mahogany sailboat named “Peti“.
But Holger has a keen eye and clearly sees the potential of composite materials for shipbuilding. He decides to investigate this manufacturing process and launches an initial series in polyester. He will be the first in Denmark to begin construction of a fiberglass boat. This is the Bianca 27. This 8-meter sailboatdesigned by the architect Svend Aage Christensen, immediately became a national success and was then sold throughout Northern Europe. It was built until 1975, then replaced by the excellent Bianca 28. Today, a homeowners association continues to keep the series alive.
This initial success would lead to others. The shipyard would build a reputation with sailboats that would achieve success on the water, and then commercial success. Some names will undoubtedly ring a bell for older generations, such as the Commander 31, the Sagitta 35, the Bianca 28 or the Aphrodite 101.
In the 1990s, the shipyard offered three sailboats, including the Bianca 320 and the Bianca 420. It expanded internationally by hiring French naval architects Michel Joubert and Pierre Nivelt. Its production focused on sailboats with a level of construction and finish superior to other European shipyards. However, the crisis in the recreational boating market affected all of Europe. The Bianca would experience difficult years, with several different owners, just like other French shipyards. Yachting France Or MallardAnd in 1994, it was the end of an era. The founder’s son bought back the name and rights to Bianca, but without restarting production.
The main sailboats from the Bianca Yachts shipyard
Peti, the first series from the Bianca shipyard
THE Peti is a wooden sailboat built from 1950 onwards Designed by Svend Aage Christensen, the boat was built in mahogany and teak, with a self-cleaning fiberglass cockpit. It became a successful series in Northern Europe in 1960. This 8.50-meter family cruiser is known for its very reassuring handling.
Bianca 27, the first Danish commercial success
The Bianca 27 is the first Danish sailboat built from fiberglass and the shipyard’s first commercial success, but also one of the first successful series in Northern Europe. This 8-meter sailboat was built in more than 500 units from 1964 to 1975.
Bianca 28, around the modern era
In 1974, the shipyard considered the successor to the Bianca 27. Indeed, this successful boat needed modernization. The shipyard then turned to Elvstrøm & KjærulffThe two architects will design a highly efficient and elegant racing-cruising sailboat, in the spirit of Nordic and British sailboats. A boat reminiscent of the Contessa 28.
Bianca 36, one of the shipyard’s great successes
In 1976, the shipyard made a major breakthrough with a sailboat that propelled it into the ranks of Europe’s leading shipyards. Bianca 36, drawn by Sparkman & Stephens It is a very modern sailboat for its time. It marks a new direction for the shipyard, with its own style and character. This 10-meter sailboat is solidly built and a very high-performing and seaworthy vessel.
Aphrodite 101, the star of the regatta
The Aphrodite 101 is undoubtedly one of the shipyard’s series best known in France.This one-design racing and offshore boat was widely distributed in France. This 10-meter sailboat, designed by Paul Elvstrom and Jan Kjaerulff, quickly impressed with its speed potential. The first Aphrodite 101 was launched from the Danish shipyard in 1977. The boat competed with designs from… Doug Peterson or Ron Holland.
Bianca 320, my favorite
The Bianca 320 isn’t the shipyard’s biggest success. But I love it. It ticks several boxes for my ideal boat. This 9-meter cruiser from the late 1980s, designed by Jan Kjaerulff, is still a very contemporary sailboat. Elegant and well-built, it has a very welcoming interior. While remaining easy to handle and family-friendly, the Bianca 320 is powerful and fast. The boat was offered with a teak deck or one covered with non-slip material.