Your first clues that Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design wants MM725 to bring something different to the superyacht sailing market are the fold-down balconies off the cockpit. The more you look at the concept design, the more you see the UK-based studio brings creative change. Backed by proven engineering, the MM725 should attract owners wanting more from the cruising lifestyle.
Since motoryachts dominate the leisure sector, naturally the biggest design evolutions occur in that realm. However, Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design believes some of those same advancements can benefit sailing yachts. For example, look just aft of the balconies. The MM725, at 238 feet (72.5 meters), has floor-to-ceiling glass. Furthermore, that glass denotes the master suite. Speaking of which, the master has direct access to the beach club fully aft. And, not to be outdone in the expandable space department, the beach club has fold-down platforms, for a more open-air atmosphere at anchor. Between these and the open cockpit balconies (below), you’ve probably never seen a sailing yacht like the MM725.
Other things make the cruising sloop stand out, too. For instance, since the crew experience aboard any yacht is key, the design studio incorporates helpful sail handling. The downwind sails stow below deck, on a self-stowing reel as well. For more enjoyment under sail for crew and guests alike, the MM725 has a lifting keel and squaretop mainsail. (Draft therefore varies from 18 feet/5.5 meters with the keel up to nearly 28 feet/8.5 meters with it down.)
In between cruises, the MM725 should keep guests well entertained. After the crew offloads the tender from the foredeck well, the area becomes a welcoming pool. Need some shade? No problem. A bimini—or, as Malcolm McKeon himself penned, a Bedouin canopy—comes in handy. More permanent shade benefits them in the cockpit, thanks to the flying bridge sitting further aft. When guests head inside, the 43’10” (13.4-meter) beam makes for comfortable relaxation areas. So, too, does the abundant natural light spilling into the saloon from curving windows forward.
On an interesting related note, you can “walk” through the MM725 virtually. Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design collaborated with a virtual-reality specialist to better convey the onboard experience. It’s the first time the studio has done so.
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