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Feature: Sunbird Yachts 67' Holland Skylounge

Discussion in 'Sunbird Yacht' started by YachtForums, May 8, 2011.

  1. Sunbird Yachts 67' Holland Skylounge
    Far East Builder Heads West

    by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

    Designed by Brian Holland for builder Sunbird, this new 67' skylounge cruiser presents as a
    modern, well conceived & well executed mini-mega-yacht. Backed by the builder’s growing
    reputation since its 1993 incorporation in Zhuhai, China, the firm has earned a cordially
    respected rating in Europe, as well as the Far East. Now, that welcome extends to
    the Western World also; with its Plandy Yachts locations in California. ​

    This new Sunbird, with superb styling and a sleek forward thrust, displays more than adequate headroom; near 7-ft. throughout plus a 19-ft beam which accents spacious living quarters for her size. Ample attention is given to her skylounge bridge, which grants elevated vistas. She’s a yacht the whole family will be proud to own, and cruise. Sunbird CEO, President Li Yuexian reports his company is now the largest fiberglass builder in China. Its operations are centered in Shanghai, Hunan and Zhuhai near Hong Kong with research centers in Shanghai, and Yuanjiang City. Li claims more assignments than other Chinese operations which build for Azimut, Sunseeker, and Ferretti; a grand total of 16,000 yachts produced so far.
  2. Established in 1993, its factories cover 3,700,000 sq.ft., employing more than 900 workers, with 100 high-tech specialists. He cites subcontracting arrangements with Marco Polo Yachts in Italy, as well as Turkey; including design and construction; plus sales/service centers offered at HaiNan Island, ShenZhen and XiaMen. In addition, currently in-build for a major client the Chinese Navy a 34-unit squadron of 19m/62' Patrol Boats. As its service and organization grows to meet demand, Sunbird’s reputation expands. The company proudly exhibits an approved IPO from (CSRC) the Regulatory Commission -- the first in China – for 22 million shares listed on ChiNext board in Shenzhen. The maneuver proposes to increase market share to 6.14%, second only to Cheoy Lees 10%.
  3. This aft angle emphasizes the comfort level Sunbird delivers; her teak-planked aft deck and swim platform stands ready for party-time. Construction base: vinyl ester resin for the first three layers -- high strength bi-axial and tri-axial fiberglass. The hull, engineered by Gary Grant, N.A., utilizes a cored hull topsides to save weight, while contiguous longitudinal stringers in the hull build add strength. Electrical and mechanical systems by John Munroe of Ocean Currents are abetted by a premium gel coat, applied under the strictest finishing protocols. Ed Hageman contributed to exhaust system design. Boasting the most advanced resin infusion methods, the yachts precise engineering and fastidious prep/standards are abetted by honey-comb joinery work for light weight, plus meticulous in-build materials and systems.
  4. From the long view, designer Hollands rakish curvelinear display shows off attractively as her hull swoops forward, emphasizing the creative approach to the yachts architectural planning. Overhead, the Sunbird 67's radar arch isn't the usual molded accent, but rather a hinged truss that can be lowered for clearance. This assemble left room on the skylounge roof for a bank of solar panels that offset the hotel load. The aft angle shows off the beam-wide swim platform with removable steel safety rails, plus twin stairs - port/starboard, easing access up and down. A major part of her operation continues with dock tests and sea trials before delivery.
  5. This close-up exhibits the twin stairwells with hand rails lining the tapered transom, each admitting ocean-lovers to the swim deck. Built-in seating on the swim platform aids in getting your gear on, while a built in shower cabinet awaits, ready to rinse sea-soaked adventurers. Just above is the aft deck's open-air gathering quarters; sporting twin Italian style wood tables and a settee with marine fabric cushions. Sliding glass doors welcome revelers into the main cabin. High above on the skylounge aft deck, a molded in cabinet gives base to an outdoor hooded grille.
  6. The cloistered, protected aisle along port-side illustrates ample, yet slender access for guests and crew, with minimal encroachment on salon space. Courtesy lights line the perimeter of the roof overhangs for night time opps. Forward on the bow deck, she boasts a 3,500 lb. electrical windlass, Lewmar or Lofrans, w/foot switch. Then, ready for mooring or the beach: her 110-lb. Bruce-type anchor, polished 316 SS; mated with 300 3/8 high tensile galvanized chain; in color coded increments.
  7. High up in the Skylounge, elliptical design arrangements give way to serious vistas. At port, a comfortable leather padded settee and a raised, high gloss, teak and mahogany table await the voyagers. Libations are to starboard. Centered just forward, twin helm seats (as it should be!) are mounted before a trio of flat-screen displays.
  8. An expanded view of the Skylounge emphasizes the designers meticulous planning and livability for extended cruising. Twin Captain chairs nestle into a designated helm space, perfect for the cruising couple. Large screens display the ship's position and performance status. At top overhead, instruments line the brow; well back-lit and easy to read.
  9. Looking forward in the open concept Main Salon; her color scheme displays a rich warmth of lush cherry wood and soft tan leather over teak strip flooring. Her 80” headroom here adds volume and a certain comfort level. Above, her headliner registers soft grey with a back-lit, cherry wood disc taking center stage (more on this in the next pic). Aircon valences flank port/starboard and ceiling lights set the mood. A pop-up TV and stereo rest inside the port cabinets; all in sight-range. A semi-curved sofa runs the length of the starboard beam.
  10. Natural light is abundant and gets even better when the wood ceiling disk cover retracts to flood the room with sunlight. Looking aft in the Main Salon, only the aft-quarter bookcase disrupts a near 360 degree visibility, but it too serves double-duty. Not shown is a secret access door -- inside the bookcase -- opening to the lazzarette.
  11. Sunbirds Galley sports sixty-nine inches of headroom. At starboard, an electrical sliding door provides access to the side deck. The dining table harbors drawers beneath, holding utensils, while the portside cabinets have an optional freezer with an additional china cupboard above. The island shelving displays a four burner cook top; overhead cabinets store dining implements. Under-counter is a double stainless steel sink, GE dishwasher, and trash compactor.
  12. A Galley Island allows the Chef complete lattitude for food prep. Shown forward, the curved dining table is set and awaiting the hosts and guests dining pleasure. At port side, the large cabinet can be used for special china display, or an optional, additional freezer.
  13. This unique storage feature shown compressed in the previous shot reveals in this illustration its display phase; so that precious bottled delights can be viewed and chosen for the intended sumptuous repast, even at sea.
  14. Sunbird makes climbing up and down between decks an easy trip, with a wide, curving stairway from main deck to lower accommodations. The stairs easily accommodate traffic with wood grab rails and teak wood treads. Specialty lights guide the way without fail, or fall. Notice the main deck's forward windows above, bringing natural light to the lower deck.
  15. Her beam-wide Master Stateroom outdoes itself in providing onboard elegance, with fine design and room to spare. The curved, sliding entrance door shows burl features in the polished cherry wood door frames. Her king-size, centered berth is raised -- with gas lifters -- storage and drawers under; custom ceiling detail above; and rope lighting. The cherry wood TV cabinet sports a 42 LCD. Fore and aft are walk-in hanging lockers, tinctured with aromatic cedar. Her portside dresser, with drawers, accompanies a dressing table, storage cabinet and flip-up mirror
  16. An angle shot confirms the eloquence of design and build in this outstanding mid-size yacht. Note also custom gill ports at each beam, ceiling lights and dimmer switches; plus, an access floor hatch to the bilge, emphasizing unexpected grandeur for a craft this size. And oh, yes, add an office desk and file system as well. Holland doesnt miss a beat.
  17. Her Master Head offers, as per expected, even more. She sports a fully developed, specially designed bathroom with a large vanity cabinet and mirror, sink, granite top, and back splash plus storage cabinet. Then, a pass-thru shower stall on teak grating. In addition, a pair of Tecma flush toilets. Tempered glass door; further - a stainless steel porthole in each head.
  18. An entrance door forward opens to Holland Sunbirds VIP Stateroom; centered, heading fore and aft. With ample space for walk-around, its entrance door has access steps in a cherry wood frame. With only 6'6” of headroom, it is ever-so-slightly less spacious than other areas on this well-designed mid-size cruiser. Yet, it easily allows for an island queen-size berth and walk-around room. The berth has gas lifters for additional comfort; and more; beneath is a storage locker with drawers. Port and starboard are hanging lockers, with additional storage under the berth. Her foam mattress – 6” thick - assures an especial nights rest. Sunbirds VIP Head harbors a vanity with a granite sink and mirror, also a storage cabinet above the mirror; a Kohler faucet with cup, soap, towel holders; and h-mm- a mirrored ceiling, as well as an opening port. Floors are standard granite. The shower stall door is tempered glass. The shower boasts a molded, fold-down shower seat.
  19. Entrance to the Guest cabin shows twin berths with storage drawers below. Also standard are reading lights, plus overhead storage lockers. The ceiling is soft vinyl in a grey shade, as are wall panels. Guests are treated to twin 6” thick foam mattresses.
  20. Below, her twin MAN 1050 hp diesels rest nicely with plenty of room for air circulation and stand-up routine maintenance. Take particular notice of this well-concealed engine compartment, bordering a scientific clean-room. All non-essential systems are located behind panels. Fuel filters are double Racor 75/900MAX. In addition, below, the systems Genset register a Kohler 16w with sound shield, muffler and water separator; a Racor MA filter.