Sunrise Yachts signs contract to build 56m diesel-electric superyacht

14 June 2012 • Written by Raphael Montigneaux

Sunrise Yachts is back in the headlines this week with more good news as the Turkish yard announces another new order, this time for a 55.6m diesel-electric motor yacht.

Sunrise Yachts takes on a new challenge with this build as it will be the yard's first long-range motor yacht equipped with pod-driven diesel-electric propulsion. It was this technical solution that the yard proposed to the owner, a South American yachtsman introduced by Fernando Nicholson at Camper & Nicholsons. He accepted it immediately as it will deliver exactly what he is seeking: comfort, fuel-efficiency, manoeuvrability and a respect for the environment. Powered by twin 875kW Azimuthing E-Pod thrusters, the yacht is projected to reach a top speed of 17 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a more economical speed.

Bureau Veritas classed and MCA compliant the yacht will be built in steel and aluminium to a design by Espen Øino, based on the 50m platform he previously developed with Franck Darnet and the in-house team. She is characterised by large exterior openings which bring in a lot of natural light, and also has an usual fourth deck and special features such as a waterfall from the bridge deck to the swimming-pool on the main deck.

The interior, designed by Franck Darnet, will accommodate 12 guests in six cabins, including a special master suite on the fourth deck coupled with a large observation lounge forward, and a crew component of 14.

Project 561, as she is called, is scheduled for a delivery in 2015.

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