Motor Boats Monthly's team blog
Web log entry dated 16 January 2008
Big is officially beautiful
Anyone that knows me will tell you I have a problem with big boats. I'm not talking ferries here, which of course are horrible, but the big flash super yacht time stuff. They're just too, well, big. But this year's show has given me two good reasons to reconsider my position. First there is Sunseeker. I'm not talking about that 34m behemoth sitting outside, it's the new 86ft Yacht inside that's really got me going. The exterior is sharp and powerful, the flybridge radar arch cut- aways are genius, allowing you the chance to actually see out across the water. But it's the new walnut interior that make this boat special. Everything has changed in terms of finish and detail, the more linear cabinetry and freestanding furniture mixes stately grandeur with cutting edge cool. The layout sees the master suite and two guest cabins running off a separate staircase to the forward VIP quarters.
The rise of the flybridge open boat hybrid continues with the Princess V85. Taking the 'open' hardtop concept and adding a flybridge might sound odd but what it delivers is the wow factor of a sporty upper deck that will get your guests in touch with the helm. This 'Flying Bridge' loses nothing for its smaller square footage, simply adding to the emotion of motorboating. Below decks the vast saloon sits beneath and equally large sunroof while four ensuite cabins lie further down.
And before you start wondering what the hell I think I'm doing banging on about these million pound yachts, just bear in mind that what happens to the superyachts flows down to the more earthly craft. I can't wait.
Photos: Sunseeker 86 Flybridge (above) and saloon (below)
Carl Richardson, Editor
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