While most new-yacht discussions center around the build time, they often overlook the important design-development and engineering phases. These can take just as much time as the construction itself. Therefore, a new-build project can easily be a five-year (or longer) process. That’s why you need to determine whether a concept you’re considering is already tested and truly ready for a shipyard. Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design kept that in mind in creating Project MM51. The head of the eponymous firm says that signing her this year means delivery by the end of 2018.
Project MM51 measures 51 meters, or 167 feet, hence her name. She’s a performance sloop, intended to be all aluminum. If that suits you, you’ll appreciate additional features like the lifting keel. That makes draft range from 15’6” to 23’6” (4.75 to 7.2 meters, respectively). Her air draft is 224’7” (68.5 meters), and she’ll carry a square-top mainsail as well.
With a 33-foot (10-meter) beam, Project MM51 can accommodate a party of 10. The modern glass canopy ensures a light and bright saloon. No need to be concerned about having high-capacity air conditioning, however. Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design has specified heat-absorbing materials sandwiched between glass layers. The dark paint job also incorporates heat-reflective pigments.
For an indoor-outdoor feel, keep the glass doors between the saloon and cockpit of Project MM51 open. If it gets a little breezy, sliding side panels, also made of glass, protect the cockpit.
A multitude of modern conveniences, ranging from the sail-handling systems to other operations, should make time aboard more enjoyable. Project MM51 even has a tender bay in the foredeck that doubles as a pool. Side platforms and the swim platform make getting on and off the yacht while at anchor simpler. Top it off with drinks at sunset while seated at the aft-facing settees toward the transom.
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