04 September 2019
Since announcing details of Project 8X earlier this year at Dusseldorf Boat Show, Sunseeker have been refining the new model’s design and engineering in the lead up to its launch in summer 2020. The new model will take the name 87 Yacht and will be built in a new production facility at its main shipyard.
The yacht will carry substantially more volume, equivalent to a generous 20% increase against the company’s own 86 Yacht, which will continue to built.
The new yacht’s exterior lines have been modified, allowing the Beach Club to become an even more impressive space. This large spacious deck measuring 6-metres x 4-metres is great for family and friends to socialise close to the water, perhaps utilising the large built-in BBQ.
The Bezenzoni ‘Ladder Gangway’ allows guests to effortlessly access the watersports on offer, after which they will be keen to use the oversized ‘rain shower’ before relaxing on the new transformational chaise longue sunbeds. Importantly, these innovative ‘X-Tend’ sunbeds will allow for a multiplicity of arrangements in what is likely to be the key entertainment space on board.
The ‘X-end’ sunbeds have been skillfully integrated within the design. The sunbeds can be operated electrically to either raise upwards to face the covered cockpit seating area or alternatively, they can be lowered to face aft at Beach Club level.
The door of the garage has been set on an angle to not only allow for the design of the sunbeds but to also increase the remarkable storage capacity on-board with 56 cubic feet of space immediately behind the sunbeds plus two lockers offering yet another 90 cubic feet of adaptable racked or open space. The adjoining deck area with large hydraulic platform provides the space to house and launch a Jet Ski, a 15’ Williams 460 SportJet and two SeaBobs, housed in dedicated self-draining lockers.
Up top on the flybridge there is the option of an infinity spa pool and sideboard with second integrated BBQ. A wet bar with stainless steel sink, drawer fridges, ice maker and glass bar top is also available to make the most of this popular entertaining area. Handrails are now capped in teak with glazing below, allowing for uninterrupted panoramic views. The carbon fibre hardtop with full-width retractable canopy provides the shade for an exceptionally generous seating and dining area that can be configured or left open-plan depending on the owner’s exact requirements.
Within the cockpit, there is the option of fixed or freestanding furniture, an integrated wet bar with fridge, ice maker and stainless sink, an integrated full height electrically operated privacy blind and matching teak-capped hand rails with glazing below to enhance the open-plan feel.
The foredeck provides yet another destination with 3 separate seating groups plus sunbather with electrically adjustable backrests, protected by a sail canopy option. It also has a foredeck cinema option with laser projector and 140 inch screen.
Its main deck, penthouse style saloon and luxurious staterooms offer a new found design direction and materials selection providing elegant interiors to enchant any owner. The interior finish combines traditional elegance with contemporary updates. The layering of textural elements and the mix of furnishings and fabrics feels timeless with a modern twist that oozes sleek simplicity and sophistication.
The considerable saloon measures a remarkable 8.8-metres in length by 5.6-metres width providing space for sumptuous modular lounge seating and chaise lounge to port; all made possible by the clever concealment of multiple service items such as the a/c chiller units. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the living accommodation with natural daylight complimented by sliding doors to port if required. A dedicated dining area for eight can be positioned to port or starboard whilst a contemporary apartment-style galley forward, with partition screens if required, offers plentiful space and direct side deck access for crew.
The lower helm, with additional dedicated side deck access, can be specified with a 3.7-metre skylight to flood the area with light, accentuating the carbon fibre detail to the console and raised companion seating to port. Provision is also made for a day-head to port, rare on a yacht of this size.
The elegant furnishings and flawless design are replicated below deck. A spectacular wooden feature wall leads owners into the luxurious full beam master stateroom offering panoramic views via its 2.5-metres feature windows. Creating the feel of a penthouse, the furniture has been carefully designed keeping in mind the yacht’s elegant lines, with sweeping curved bulkheads, textured panelling, curved sofa, vanity desk and a super king slatted bed that offers additional stowage below. A full-width decorative bulkhead mirror houses the television, complementing yet again this yacht’s array of advanced technology. A key feature to the stateroom are ‘his & hers’ pivot-hinge wardrobes and drawer units adjoining feature lobby shelving sitting behind panelled full-height mirrors. The generous en suite incorporates a floating vanity unit with twin porcelain sinks, backlit framed mirrors, more drawer stowage and a freestanding Axor shower.
The broad forward VIP cabin with dedicated access and two twin aft cabins which can be converted into doubles, provides a yacht that can comfortably sleep eight guests in the same modern, cosseting comfort afforded to the master.
Sunseeker CEO, Andrea Frabetti, comments: “We have a fantastic team of world-class designers here at Sunseeker’s Design and Technology Centre and they have delivered an incredible new design incorporating some truly remarkable engineering solutions.
“The ‘X-Tend’ sunbed system is yet another example of the extraordinary talent we hold in-house and is set to become a defining feature across many of our future models. Whilst Sunseeker is well known for its craftsmanship and leading the way in terms of engineering and design, this is Sunseeker innovation at its best and continues to set us apart from our competition.”