Malcolm McKeon reveals MM51 sailing yacht concept

5 September 2016 • Written by Chris Jefferies

British studio Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design has revealed its latest superyacht concept, a 51 metre sailing yacht called Project MM51.

This sleek design has been developed in collaboration with an unnamed shipyard, with the pre-engineering phase already underway. As a result, the studio estimates that an order before the end of the year could be delivered by late 2018.

Project MM51 features a 68.5 metre mast

Project MM51 is a sloop design with a 10 metre beam that would be built from aluminium for a powerful yet comfortable sailing experience. Drawing on the experience of developing the recently launched Vitters sailing yacht Missy, the studio has specified a glass canopy that creates a light and airy feel in the saloon. Reflective interlayers in the glass panels and heat reflective pigments in the paint will help to reduce the strain on the air conditioning system.

This glass extends over the cockpit to create a smooth flow between exterior and interior spaces, with sliding glass panels allowing the aft area to be protected from the elements. Accommodation is for ten guests, split across a master stateroom and four guest suites, all of which benefit from the large hull windows.

The glass canopy on Project MM51 has been designed to reflect heat away from the saloon

Other key features on-board include a spoke-free steering wheel, a fully automated sail handling system and a floodable foredeck tender garage, which can double up as a superyacht swimming pool.

Project MM51’s lifting keel allows the draught to be reduced from 7.2 metres to 4.75 metres, allowing for shallow waters cruising. With a rig standing 68.5 metres tall, this sloop design also features a square-top mainsail.

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