Hide and seek

As a semi-custom product, the 74 Sport Yacht uses MAN engines with different power options up to 3,800PS; there drive twin fixed-pitch submerged propellers in semi-recessed tunnels. With this combination it gives the owner a wide range of cruising speed options, reflecting the flexibility that this yacht offers. In terms of range, at 10 knots the yacht manages 320 nautical miles.

The engine compartment is accessed from an aft deck hatch and it offers a comfortable working environment taking account of the size of craft. It also includes 1 x 19 kW @ 50Hz 230v single phase (Euro), or 1 x 21.5kW @ 60Hz 120/240v single phase (US). Among the key optional extras are hydraulic bow and stern thrusters and fin stabilisers.

With the design emphasis in this range on sporty performance and sleek profile, it is not surprising that the flybridge is a prime feature of the yacht. For a 22.8-metre yacht it is a very spacious flybridge, which makes it one of the key guest areas as well as including an upper helm station with excellent visibility. This is seen by Sunseeker as a class-leader and a major selling point.

The helm station includes analogue engine instrumentation, radar/chart plotter with GPS Autopilot Electronic depth and speed display, VHF radio and magnetic compass with other appropriate accessories.

As a guest area the flybridge is made for entertaining. It achieves this by offering plentiful seating, dining and sunbathing options and a convenient drawer fridge as standard. Optional extras including a bimini and wet bar upgrades. The seating comprises two U-shaped lounge areas, a teak table and sun pads. Access to the flybridge is via a stairway from the cockpit.

The bow also offers an equally attractive entertaining area offering sun pads and a U-shaped dining area with table. An optional extra here is a pram hood canopy.

Moving aft, there is a hydraulic lifting bathing platform, a stainless steel swimming ladder and a hot and cold swimming shower plus barbecue grill. If crew are being employed there is a doorway to the compact two-person crew cabin or alternatively this can used as a garage to house a Williams 395 Sport Jet tender. Standard items include fresh water marina connection and dockside AC shore power connection.

Accessing the large aft cockpit from the beach platform begins to highlight the versatility of the 74 Sport Yacht’s layout. The innovative lowering cockpit door system allows the owner to have an open or closed yacht according to the weather: open when the sun is blazing down or closed when in cooler conditions.

The cockpit offers an open guest area either for dining or relaxing, with upholstered seating plus space to sunbathe. There is stair access to the flybridge and useful storage lockers under the seating.

Once inside the saloon, the impact of the large windows makes itself felt with the amount of natural light and the excellent visibility these provide. Extra natural light comes in through the helm position sunroof. Next to the helm station there is a raised seating area for guests to have a good viewing area while underway.

The saloon offers a large lounge and dining area, equally suited to large formal or relaxing intimate meals. An optional extra is a port side storage unit. The saloon is equipped with a 55-inch television with Blu-ray player and sound bar. There is a choice of interior finishes and veneers available.

A stairway leads to the deck below where three-cabin and four-cabin configurations are available. The three-cabin version offers an extended galley with lounge and breakfast bar seats, plus three ensuite cabins. These comprise a spacious master and VIP cabin and a twin guest cabin. There is good height of two metres throughout this deck. The four-cabin version has a smaller galley with a second twin guest cabin.

Steps down lead to the full beam master suite aft, which enjoys plenty of light from the two large cabin windows with opening potholes. The suite offers a good amount of drawer and cupboard storage space and a walk-in wardrobe. There is also a table with two seats, ideal for a quiet breakfast.

Forward is a well-appointed VIP cabin, also with two good sized windows with opening portholes, and a good amount of storage space including a walk-in hanging wardrobe. The comfortable twin guest cabin with ensuite completes the accommodation on the three-cabin configuration.

The galley includes a four-ring ceramic hob, refrigerator and freezer, microwave convection oven and a sink.

The first in the 74 Sport Yacht series was purchased by the Sunseeker London Group, which is the largest Sunseeker dealer and operates in 20 countries through 40 offices. They are using the first model as a sales and marketing tool. The Sunseeker London Group has been in constant expansion since it was established 25 years ago and displays all the signs of moving forward.

In the last two years alone, the group has opened new dealerships in Italy, Germany and Poland, which extend its reach to the North and Baltic Seas. With such a wide network of dealerships across Europe and North Africa, this historic company and brand can service clients from the Atlantic waters in Portugal to the Black Sea in Bulgaria.

The overall impression of the 74 Sport Yacht is that it is an all-singing, all-dancing yacht that can meet a wide range of owners’ expectations, be they for high-speed fun or luxury cruising. It is also a clear indication of the quality that is now being manufactured by Sunseeker International.

sunseeker.com.au