“Pure exhilaration.” “Like driving a high-powered sports car on the water.” The low-set, twin-bolstered seats, the state-of-the-art glass bridge plotter complete with retro chrome dials, the all-carbon steering arm that raises to ease ingress into the driver’s seat—every detail aboard Sunseeker’s new 65 Sport Yacht was meticulously considered. The model’s SkyHelm™ racing cockpit design alone was the subject of intense research, testing and development.
The latest in Sunseeker’s expanding range of models, the 65 Sport Yacht was an 18-month design in the making. Unlike any other Sunseeker yacht in the 60-foot size range, the 65 Sport Yacht was conceived as the next-generation evolution of the core principles of the Sunseeker brand: forward-reaching design, technological innovation, and proven, high-performance hulls in a range of models that suit an impressive variety of on-the-water lifestyles.
An Evolution in Design
The goal of the 65 Sport Yacht’s design was to present to the market a new Sunseeker model that offers an exciting driving experience and the proven hull performance the 50-plus-year-old brand is known for, coupled with a customizable layout offering amenities akin to a much larger yacht.
Echoing characteristics of an evolved Predator model in its styling, the 65 Sport Yacht has been reimagined throughout, with each area carefully considered, from the fully infused hull, deck, bulkheads and floors to the predominant use of carbon fiber in the superstructure, to the ISO Category A-rated, single-piece, double-curved glass windscreen designed specifically for this model, to the upgraded and future-proofed systems such as the Victron inverter system and the air-conditioning system configured to run on lithium-ion batteries.
In fact, it is Sunseeker’s experience and heritage that can take credit for the evolved design, with the builder’s dedicated Design and Technology Center building upon its decades of experience and translating that knowledge into each new boat.
The Layout
The 65 Sport Yacht offers a three-stateroom layout plus a tender garage—a feat of design itself, thanks to the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) hull optimization that affords the implementation of the Volvo IPS pod drive system, which significantly reduces the amount of engine-room space necessary. In turn, this allowed for the traditional layout of the guest staterooms and for the aft bulkhead to move even farther aft, opening up space for a full-beam grand master stateroom amidships, a convertible twin to starboard, and a VIP in the bow.
Space for a crewmember is offered aft of the engine room, followed by the garage that can accommodate a Williams 345 jet tender, Seabobs, e-bikes, paddleboards and other water toys. Another evolution in design, sculpted integrated steps lead from the high-low swim platform to the aft cockpit, doubling as both a functional and decorative element.
The main deck sees the galley arrangement aft, an increasingly popular arrangement that allows for ease of service between the interior and exterior. A seating area and helm station with dual helm chairs are forward, with a convenient day head situated steps down and forward.
Creative Space
It is not just the standard layout that distinguishes the 65 Sport Yacht from the competition. Rather, it’s the variety of layout options that make this model so appealing to a variety of audiences.
The main-deck interior layout can be configured to suit the regional market, be that the US, Europe, Asia or beyond, with a galley-up layout standard and a lower galley as an option. In fact, the lower deck itself offers a total of four layout options, with the area just forward of the grand master stateroom configurable as a single guest cabin, galley, office or lounge.
The aft cockpit area can also be configured to suit the owner’s preference, fitted with a wet bar and extended seating, or with a lounge with a pop-up TV. The decision to implement synthetic decking also adds to the yacht’s artistic appeal because the material’s malleability lends itself well to the curved aspects of the design.
Storage is another thoughtful consideration throughout and has been factored into the space planning to appeal to clients who plan to cruise aboard for extended periods. With the 65 Sport Yacht, clients not only select their choice of finishes and soft goods, but they can also choose the yacht’s exterior lighting, including a boat-name feature that allows for white or RGB colors.
While the SkyHelm™ design is the innovative factor of this model, the option for a hardtop/superstructure design remains, with a full-width sliding sunroof as a future option.
Mind-Blowing Performance
The backbone of the Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht’s design is, of course, its racing-inspired attributes. After all, it is a sport yacht. And the joystick control provided by the Volvo IPS engines—1,200 or 1,350 hp as options—allow this 67-foot yacht to be controlled with ease.
The tremendous amount of attention and pride poured into the design of this new model can be attributed to the team of expert designers at Sunseeker’s Design and Technology Center in Poole, Dorset, among them former automotive designers and engineers. The development of the SkyHelm™ included virtual designs and physical mockups tested by Sunseeker owners, which led to the design of the helm chairs and the installation of the main key buttons for better functionality while driving at top speed—in this case, upward of 35 knots!
Echoing the elements of the Sunseekers of the past, the new 65 Sport Yacht embodies the attention to innovation and technology that the brand emphasizes. With so much dedication to the design of this latest model, it is clear something extraordinary has arrived.
To learn more about the Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht, visit sunseeker.com.
