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Review: Sunseeker 37-meter "Snapper"

Discussion in 'Sunseeker Yacht' started by YachtForums, Dec 18, 2007.

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  1. Sunseeker 37-meter Tri-Deck "Snapper"
    Angular, Edgy and Sultry. It's So Sunseeker!

    by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

    When a grand charter operation decides to step up to grand size and style in its yachts, the entire industry must take notice; adjust and welcome a new level of competition. This impressive new Tri-Deck entry affirms that the yachting industry, along with the balance of world economy, is undergoing an upscale surge, as more customers afford new yacht charters, and eventually, new yachts. To that end, Chairman of Sunseeker Robert Braithwaite casts the gauntlet: “We want to built the most beautiful boats in the world; and for the company to grow, we need a slice of the big-boat market.” ​

    Sunseeker, for years the premium charter service, is once again leading the way, with its bold and beautiful Sunseeker 37m, at 121 ft.; bigger, better, with an aggressive appeal to a very broad market. Here, Sunseeker’s Tri-deck, combining first-class style with luxurious amenities, has apparently begun an immediate thrust to garner the audience appeal which is its main objective: This first edition has already been sold, to Formula One Racing Team magnate Eddie Jordan. Now a further plus – on order to build, seven more.
  2. Sunseeker has long been a factor in European yacht building, but in large yachts has fared slightly less than its major competition – Bennetti, Azimut, CRN, et al – even though it boasts major fetes in boat building. Its dozens of models include Sport Boats (2), Offshore Cruisers (3), Performance Yachts (6), Flybridge Yachts (4), and Over-75’ Yachts (8); with its latest 37m, a grand total of two dozen sizes. Another plus; Management has recently announced a new acquisition – the facilities of U.S.-based Luhrs’ Osprey Quay, at Portland, on UK’s South Coast. That adds to its title of the world’s largest privately-owned builder of motor yachts of this type, with a current staff level of more than 1,800.
  3. Sunseeker’s appeal – front page fine design, luxury, performance and comfort – is immediately evident in this overhead shot on the Tri-Deck 37m. Four full decks of lounging and activity spaces; three decks in the open air high over the seascape, with cruising, tanning, and sun worshipping opportunities galore. Space for not only the whole family, but several generations to occupy and relish at the same time. And down the twin stern staircases, a swim platform to be enjoyed by many, with observation stations above.
  4. Sunseeker’s imposing, tall, darting profile seems to have movement all her own. A bold silhouette with more panache than many yachts her size, she appears to be charging full steam to her max 21 knots, even at rest. Perhaps that is precisely what design architect Don Shead, the offshore powerboat champion, had in mind, in his collaboration with Sunseeker’s design head Ewen Foster. They consulted closely with Stefan Whitmarsh – shipyard manager, to bring out that audacious part of Sunseekers’ identity. The yacht apparently knows her target and is eager to get there. She is MCA Large Yacht Code Level 2 compliant, as well as RINA commercial compliant; approved for every type of service.
  5. Sunseeker’s comfort zone extends to the very top, as the sun deck shown here extends a hand of comfort with huge padded lounges, a fully found bar and small second galley connected to the main galley downstairs via a dumbwaiter. Ample bar stools and numerous lounge chairs provide luxurious lounging . A huge hexagonal spa dominates the foredeck, with a vast circle of seating room for the crowd, plus capacious deck room for windblown adventurers.
  6. Opposing staircases sweep to an abbreviate swim platform, where Snapper's garage door conceals a 20' RIB for island hopping and quick jaunts. Powered by twin MTU 12V4000's M90's, rated @ 2736 hp each, Snapper will cruise at 21 knots and top-out at 23 knots.
  7. Charting the flow of her course, this beauty also boasts a bridge that could double as a top-notch Naval vessel. Up to date screens monitor her every action, before her twin leather and stainless steel helm chairs, with a total view to the horizon, as well as port and starboard. Light-toned teak, walnut, cappuccino and cherrywood, with creamy ecru, are used here and throughout, on wall paneling, overheads, decking and cabinetry, also to display charts and planning diagrams. All shipboard systems, including alarms and monitors, are assured full redundancy. A Tijssen monitoring system accesses the Sunseeker yard from anywhere at sea, for immediate information on problem/solutions. Two years of data are stored, for ready reference.
  8. Just aft of the bridge, the Captain’s Quarters, to starboard, include a spacious double berth, office nook with computer availability, plus an ensuite head/shower. A library cabinet shelters reference books and reading material.
  9. Located on the upper deck, just aft of the wheelhouse, the Skylounge has been designed for compatible lounging, conversation, and mingling. Large windows allow great views on the port side. Skylounge amenities boast several matching couches, easy chairs and a fully-equipped bar, plus a giant 42” TV/movie screen for entertainment.
  10. Seeming to have twice the volume of her 105’ predecessor, Sunseeker’s huge salon can handle a crowd; the whole party will appreciate the lavish room and decorator’s styling. Windows on both beams allow light and spectacular views, while full blinds can be closed for night time privacy. The decor theme is set and followed here, with crisply contrasting cream whites against splendid mahogany woods, over a light ecru carpet. Open at either end, the aft deck is reached through sliding glass doors, while opposite is the formal dining room.
  11. Just forward of the salon on the main deck, the dining area is separated from the salon by merely a set of large pillars, emphasizing the informality and openness of the design plan. The opulent dining table seats 12, and so accommodates the full guest list for long and short cruises. There is also a duplicate size table on the upper aft deck, for outdoor occasions.
  12. This full galley will be appreciated by any chef, whether for a full-time owner/client or a charter assignment. Studded with Gagganau appliances, its free standing prep areas and the most modern equipment make this a joy to a proficient chef. Plenty of refrigerator/storage/cooking area and cooking gear are at beck and call.
  13. The Master Suite takes up the forward section of the main deck, flaunting a king-size berth set athwartships, hovered over by a 42” plasma TV at the foot, plus huge closet spaces for him and her, and a sitting area as well. Heads are offset separately, while the master bath is a work in itself. On a slightly higher level at the forepeak, it engages three steps up to enter. There are large windows; all is decorated according to the vanilla/ecru and rich walnut theme.
  14. Almost as large as the Owner’s suite, the master bath is forward at the bow and decorated with the most advanced fixtures. Spacious as a home bathroom, its unusual twin wash basins are square, molded, with polished stainless steel fixtures. The shower is also commodious enough for a quartet, while the spa/tub is perched on the opposite beam. In all, a lavish bathing display.
  15. Down the circular staircase at the yacht’s center, guest rooms include two queen size berth cabins as well as two optional doubles or twin Pullman cabins. The queen size staterooms, sumptuously furnished, have their island berths set at a 45º angle to the fore-aft position, allowing more useable and visible space. Baths feature his-hers wash basins.
  16. Guest cabin 2...
  17. Guest twin...
  18. Options in building are available for new owners who might prefer all guest staterooms to be doubles, twins, or Pullmans. This view shows the twin arrangement, with widely separated berths. There is also a convenient hanging locker in each stateroom, as well as ensuite heads/showers. Decor follows the theme, with paneled walnut or mahogany walls and full, cream-colored carpeting.
  19. Crew quarters are here on the lower deck, forward. Four rooms include two berths each for a total of eight crewmen. The mess and recreation area is well designed, comfortable, with ensuite heads/showers. Crew passageways are designed so the crew of eight can move through their chores without disturbing the guests. The galley and serving area allow separate movement to the crew stations below.
  20. The engine room houses twin MTU 12V4000's M90's, rated @ 2736 hp each, delivering a 21 knot cruise and a max speed of 23 knots. Super-clean and readily available in walk-around room for maintenance, the engines are coupled with advanced design hydraulics and stabilizers. Electrical systems and generators are computer controlled. With its Sunseeker standard deep-V hull the yacht responds readily to the latest navigation equipment. Crew tests show she is docile in docking, with a 100hp bow thruster and 65hp stern thruster in operation. Her 79kW Kohler generators readily light up the ship.
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