The serious business of the Tullet Prebon London Boat Show, which opened on 6 January, got under way with the launch of Sunseeker’s new 28M Yacht, a distinctly masculine looking vessel with its black carbon fibre accents on the superstructure. According to Sunseeker designer Ewen Foster, the 28M is 'a deliberate attempt to bring the Predator range and the Yacht range closer together at around the 25 to 30m size range.
'At the larger end there are distinct Predator clients and distinct Yacht clients, but in the mid-range sizes there are clients who love the Predator look but want more space. With the 28M we decided to try and bridge the gap between Predators and Yachts, to make a boat that was still a Sunseeker but wasn’t obviously a Predator or a Yacht.'
Robert Braithwaite, founder of Sunseeker, told Boat International, ‘The best designs ever are simplicity, but what they must have is detail within them and that is what this is. It is very modern boat with a traditional hull and big bulwarks, which makes it a good yacht…this boat is very special.'
For a 28 metre yacht, this boat certainly packs a punch with high ceilings, wide open areas in the saloon lit by natural light from huge windows and modern, elegant styling with walnut wood finishes, granite and suede. Amongst its amenities is a well equipped galley and separate wine cave. Four good sized cabins include a sensibly sized full beam master, and all come with televisions, opening ports and en suite shower rooms.
Outside areas include a drop-down bulwark balcony off the saloon where guests can enjoy cocktails, and an area for relaxation up top, covered by a huge carbon hardtop which extends forward over the helm position with a canvas sliding roof to let the sun in when needed. At the bow, Sunseeker’s designer John Braithwaite and his team have created an outside oasis complete with a dining area and sunpads that reach right forward.
This yacht is on the limit for being owner driven and therefore a good crew cabin has been put at the stern. The deep V hull is driven by two 12 cylinder MTU 2,000hp engines, which drive her at 29/30 knots. A Williams 445 tender fits snugly on the aft deck.
With potential owners coming from as far afield as Brazil, South Africa and Florida to view the new 28M at the show, it looks like it is going to be a popular model.
‘One of the 28Ms comes off the line every five weeks – we are building yachts through to April 2013 and they are all sold to clients,' says Robert Braithwaite. The first 28M is going to a repeat customer 'who has bought 8 or nine boats from us', he says, commenting on the cross section of customers for this yacht. 'We have one going to Australia, one to Brazil, two going to China and three clients coming in from South Africa, another new market.'
The 28M yacht is a clear indication from Sunseeker that it is prepared to move with the times and has listened to client demands. Not only is the yacht very different and stylish, but there are also considerations such as deep side walks and good safety rails, plus an engine room which has superb head room and good access to serviceability. The selling price is £4.5 million.