Already responsible for two of the world’s largest sailing yachts, Royal Huisman would like a third feather in its cap. The Apex 850 concept, with engineering already complete, awaits owners willing to make the 279-footer (85-meter), with a rig towering 351 feet (107 meters), a reality. Plus, she promises “sensational” sailing, “ in excess of wind speed in most conditions,” according to her designer, Malcolm McKeon.
For reference, the two above-mentioned sailing yachts, both further among the 10 largest globally, are Athena and Sea Eagle II. Based on hull alone, Apex 850 is bigger than both. Additionally noteworthy, her air draft is greater. To put that in yet another way, her rig stands taller than the Statue of Liberty (with base). Regardless, if built, she would be the largest superyacht sloop on the water, as well as the largest all-aluminum sailing yacht.
Since performance is even more important than size, Apex 850 should impress true enthusiasts. With an upwind sail area of 34,444 square feet (3,200 square meters) and downwind sail area of 50,590 square feet (4,700 square meters), the yacht should deliver spirited cruising. McKeon anticipates upwards of 20 knots. That will cut quite the profile on the horizon, looking clean as well due to no visible deck gear.
Speaking of visible, what you also won’t see are barriers between the inside and outside environments. Apex 850 has an almost entirely all-glass superstructure. Floor-to-ceiling glass rims the aft areas and sides. Sliding glass also rims the cockpit, with an alfresco dining area, letting you enclose it on cool days while preserving the light and bright atmosphere. Just inside, even more open space, a total of 2,150 square feet (200 square meters), goes to the saloon and a nav station.
While Royal Huisman anticipates owners wanting to tailor the general arrangement, naturally more suggestions are in place. For instance, down below you’ll find a beach club/cinema. It can be a private space for you, since the master suite is just forward, or available to all your guests to enjoy. Regardless, the full-beam (49-foot/15-meter) master suite is quite the capacious retreat, with a private TV lounge and a sauna. All told, you have nearly 2,000 square feet (250 square meters) of area all to yourself. Four staterooms, each occupying 320 square feet, take care of eight to 10 friends and family.
With dedicated tender bays beneath the forward deck, a guest cockpit forward, and enticing extras like a wine “cave,” Apex 850 takes leisure time to new heights. Finally, Royal Huisman and Malcolm McKeon wish to take environmental responsibility equally importantly. They recommend diesel-electric propulsion, plus battery banks for handling hotel loads and even sails (the latter for mitigating noise pollusion).
Serious inquirers can obtain a 3D virtual tour from Royal Huisman, with a preview available on the shipyard’s website.
Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design malcolmmckeonyachtdesign.com
Royal Huisman royalhuisman.com
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