Dramatic, sporty-looking lines characterize the yachts throughout the full Sunseeker size range. With an upcoming launch, the British builder still emphasizes head-turning looks, but in a way unlike the rest of the family. Meet the secretive-sounding Sunseeker Project 8X. Besides bearing new styling, she’ll be the first of what the yard calls its next generation of larger models.
Although the megayacht debuts next year, the builder is keeping technical specifications close to the vest. In fact, it hasn’t revealed the beam, draft, or even LOA. When we inquired about these, a marketing representative would only state that length is in the 80- to 90-foot (24.4- to 27.4-meter) range, perhaps even a little larger. She added that more information will come as the year progresses.
So, for now, the key facts about the Sunseeker Project 8X are design details. The shipyard believes that its take on typical features and spatial arrangements will make clients, as well as the industry, take notice. For instance, the megayacht has a twist on the beach club concept. Due to a recessed transom (above), she has much more teak-decked space for a lounge-like atmosphere at anchor. In fact, Sunseeker says, the execution provides four times as much usable space as a typical swim platform.
It’s not a beach club under the usual definition of the space, however. This is due to the transom housing the tender garage. But, that garage is pretty voluminous. It holds a Williams 460 SportJet RIB, a PWC, and a few SeaBobs, the latter in dedicated lockers. Furthermore, a remote-controlled davit sits integrated into the aft coaming. Finally, benefiting guests using the beach club platform, the garage has a barbecue drawer, refrigerator, and rain shower.
Sunseeker Project 8X promises some big-megayacht thinking, too. A good example is the foredeck cinema. By day, the area looks like just a sunning spot, where optional biminis can create shade. (Power backrests are optional, too.) Come nightfall, though, turn on the hidden projector and the Surround Sound system, and deploy the 140-inch movie screen. Regardless of whether the yacht is closer to 80 versus 90 feet, this outdoor cinema is a first for the size.
More surprises are inside. For instance, the main saloon can include sliding doors to port, complementing the full-height windows. The saloon also runs 18 feet (5.6 meters) wide, a hint as to the beam of Project X. Given its additional 29-foot (8.8-meter) length, the room is pretty significant. Additionally surprising, you can request a 12-foot-long (3.7-meter-long) skylight over the inside helm. And, speaking of light, the master stateroom (above) will be bright, thanks to an eight-foot-long (2.5-meter-long) window.
Despite wanting to keep some details confidential a bit longer, Sunseeker does want Project 8X to stimulate creative thinking. That’s one reason why the semi-custom megayacht offers a VIP and two twins that convert to doubles—as well as an optional extra stateroom carved from the master. This, the builder believes, will suit owners wishing to charter out their yachts. And, while Americans will keep the standard main-deck galley, some Europeans and others may prefer the optional below-decks location.
We’ll update details on the Sunseeker Project 8X as they become available.
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