Numerous shipyards are currently building in a style reminiscent of an upright, glass shoebox, which in many ways echoes the current cubist villa architecture. Sunseeker, on the other hand, has remained true to its angular, diagonal look for its new, almost 30 metre long 100. With its aggressive lines, this flybridge three-decker exudes a strong aesthetic; angular, black surfaces contrast with the white hull for a thoroughly contemporary look: yacht meets car world. Inside, she offers all the comforts of home plus a range of extras - to savour those unique moments that only life at sea can deliver.
The Sunseeker 100 has a semi-planing GRP hull and was designed by the shipyard team in Poole, UK. The designers followed a clear brief: "We wanted to keep the profile flat, despite the raised wheelhouse in the centre of the flybridge." This in turn was due to the desire for more interior volume. While the exterior lines and the comparatively low command centre now primarily stand for speed, the interior features an intelligent layout combined with high-quality materials and surfaces. In this way, the owners are offered the best possible in every area in a stylish manner.
Owners want to be close and uncomplicated to the water
Starting at the stern, the space on board can be changed using the patented "X-Tend" system. The Sunseeker designers and builders had previously analysed how owners use the beach club and bathing platform areas and found that they would like to be as close and uncomplicated to the water as possible. To extend the guest areas and at the same time create the popular proximity to nature, they designed a transom that transforms into different seating areas and thus optimises the connection between the aft guest cockpit and the hydraulic platform.
When the glass bulwarks at the rear of the cockpit are open, all you have to do is press a button to open the stern and conjure up a double sun lounger that appears to float above the bathing platform. When the loungers are not in use, another push of a button folds them back into the transom. The transom then opens up completely to reveal a floodable garage: large enough for a Williams 460 sports jet tender and other toys that are lowered into the water when the beach platform is submerged.
In the highest position, the "X-Tend" system enriches the aft cockpit by adding more than a metre of additional lounge space "out of the hatch". Now the garage can also be transformed into a beach club, with a built-in barbecue and mobile sunbeds. The numerous configurations and utilisation options are all possible at the touch of a button, allowing the Sunseeker 100 to adapt to different needs throughout the day.
The interior of the Sunseeker 100
Upon entering the interior, a row of five floor-to-ceiling windows brings plenty of natural light into the main saloon. There are also glass inserts in the bulwarks for unobstructed and breathtaking views of the surroundings. The saloon is furnished with white oak, lots of leather and only the most necessary built-in furniture, in keeping with the style of a contemporary open-plan concept. A low, L-shaped sofa sets the tone in the lounge, along with a dining area for ten guests. Access to the well-equipped galley is behind a concealed door on the port side.
The owner's area is accessed through the lobby to the front of the main deck. As befits a true suite, it has ample storage space, a walk-in wardrobe, a writing or dressing table, a centrally positioned bed and a bathroom with two washbasins, a separate shower and separate WC facilities. The usual comforts, you might think, but what makes the room stand out from its surroundings and look more like an atrium than a suite are the symmetrically arranged side windows and an arched sliding glass door that leads up to a small owner's deck on the foredeck - the perfect place for a first coffee in the morning, yoga or other private moments and a real plus on a yacht of this size.
The lower deck has four suites, two symmetrical VIPs amidships and one double and one single cabin further forward. Each has its own bathroom and is equipped with the same amenities as the rest of the 94-tonne semi-glider. As both cabins each have an additional folding bed, ten guests can sleep comfortably on the lower deck alone. An excellent feature for families or for owners considering charter operations.
The Sunseeker 100 is 6.90 metres wide, has an interior volume of 125 gross tonnes and her hull length is just under 24 metres. It is therefore classified as a CE category A leisure yacht and can therefore be steered by owners with the appropriate pleasure craft licence. However, a yacht of this size can use a few helping hands - for operation or to keep the company happy. The large crew area at the front of the lower deck is a good idea: there are three cabins with bathrooms for a total of five people plus a mess room. Access is via a separate staircase from the galley.
The way to the bridge
Hidden behind a wall in the main saloon is a staircase that also leads to the bridge. A battery of three large-format Simrad monitors displays all navigation and on-board information, while the richly glazed front and side windows provide an excellent view. If the owners do not want to reach for the steering wheel themselves, they can watch the action from the slightly raised sofa. A second rounded glass door, similar to the one between the master suite and the foredeck, leads out onto the flybridge at the rear end of the wheelhouse.
The Fly boasts a layout that makes it a true all-day terrace. Guests coming down the stairs from the cockpit will find a spa pool, sun loungers, a fully equipped bar, a barbecue grill and a dining area for twelve people under the hardtop. As the bulwark is made of glass, plenty of sunlight floods in and the view to the sides and aft is always clear. There are sofas sheltered from the wind behind the outside steering position, with side gangways leading to the bow from both sides.
The foredeck is certainly used a lot because it is easy to reach and is on the same level as the flybridge. A layout that turns two often separate and distinct areas into one coherent and functional space. At the very front, guests will find a large and comfortable lounge with sofas facing each other plus a table where they could also dine. This is followed almost seamlessly by a sunbathing area at the front. Mobile awnings adapt the area to the respective needs and times of day. Thanks to the cooling compartments under the seating furniture, cold drinks and snacks are always within easy reach. Steps lead down from this area to the forepeak. This makes the path from the stem to the stern appear seamless and almost free of transitions.
How the Sunseeker 100 is powered
While the Sunseeker 100 offers excellent living facilities on board, its striking look and fast hull lines are evidence of its desire to go fast. Available with two engines from MTU's 2000 series with either twelve or 16 cylinders, the semi-glider reaches a Vmax of 30 knots. At a cruising speed of 18 knots, the calculated range is 1300 nautical miles.
The concept of the Sunseeker 100 seems to have found favour, the second one is already afloat - completely in grey. Further models in the series are under construction. Sunseeker's CEO Andrea Frabetti explains the success as follows:
It is the only yacht that offers a seamless transition between flybridge, foredeck and owner's terrace."
Technical data
- Length over everything:29,85 m
- Width:6,90 m
- Depth:2,10 m
- Displacement (empty): 94 t
- Gross tonnage: 125 Gross Tons
- Material: GRP
- Motors:2 x MTU 12V 2000 M96X
- Engine power:2 x 1472 kW
- Motors opt:2 x MTU 16V 2000 M96L
- Engine power: 2 x 1939 kW
- Speed (max.):30 kn
- Speed (travelling):12 kn
- Range:1300 nm
- Generators: 2 x 35 kW / 2 x 32 kW
- Fuel:12 800 l
- Water: 1800 l
- Construction: Sunseeker
- Exterior design:Sunseeker
- Interior design: Sunseeker
- Class:CE "A"
- Shipyard: Sunseeker, 2022
