[YachtNews]

April 24, 2008:Sunseeker Yachts: Sunseeker Yachts of the UK have recently acquired a hefty piece of equipment in the form of a travel lift. As Sunseeker builds larger vessels, they need the versatility to maneuver these larger yachts in and around the yard.

For this they invested in a 260 tonne Travel Lift. It can handle vessels up to 47M long and 260 tonnes. With a larger compliment of vessels in development the new travel lift will see its purpose put into stride.

The new 260 tonne capacity lift has been incorporated at the Poole shipyard facility. However, there are plans to integrate a similar model at their Dorset facility.

Managing Director of Sunseeker, Robert Braithwaite said "This level of investment is very important to us if we are to maintain our position as one of the world's major boat builders. Lifting and moving these large yachts around can take time and space. We currently operate a 100 Tonne hoist but this larger version will provide far more flexibility in launching and lifting the larger models."

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http://www.sunseeker.com/

[YachtNews]

May 02, 2008: Sunseeker Yachts: "Team Sunseeker heads for the Italian Grand Prix": Britain's Team Sunseeker, the Powerboat P1 World Championship contender, completed its final preparation on the Solent yesterday (Friday 2nd) before travelling to Italy for next weekend's opening Grand Prix of the season.

From Ocean Village, Southampton, pilots Pete Little and Andy Wilby put the FPT-powered Sunseeker XS Chanllenger through its paces under the watchful eye of personnel from both the Sunseekers Sales Group and Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

The team will compete in the 14 round P1 World Championship and August's Cowes-Torquay-Cowes, one of the most famous and demanding offshore endurance races in powerboating. With a new hull, new driver line-up and new championship rules which now include dyno testing checks on power output, Team Sunseeker head for San Benedetto del Tronto with big ambitions but some trepidation.

"We are naturally nervous and apprehensive," confirmed throttleman Pete Little. "Alot is expected of us this season and, whilst we are mentally prepared and in peak physical condition, there are so many unknowns. How will the new hull perform, what improvements have our rivals made during the off-season and will the new rules ensure a level playing field for all the competitors?"

Keeping a close eye on proceedings was Managing Director of Sunseeker Sales Group, Dominic Byme. "Our Sunseeker XS Challenger is a proven performer and, with the energy and commitment shown by everyone associated with our racing team, 2008 promises much," he explained. "However, in any form of motorsport, especially where the elements play a pivotal role, there are so many other factors to consider, including good fortune! Our ambition in Italy is quite simple; to comlpete both races without incident and, in doing so, establish a solid base from which to build our title challenge."

The 2008 P1 World Championship season starts in San Benedetto del Tronto with the Italian Grand Prix of the sea. A time trial on Friday the 9th of May is followed by an endurance race of 75 nautical miles on Saturday and a 'sprint' event on Sunday. Team Sunseeker competes in P1's production class-SuperSport- with races scheduled to start at 11:30 am on both days. To keep up-to-date with all the action visit http://www.teamsunseeker.com

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http://www.sunseeker.com/

[YachtNews]

According to Sunseeker Yachts, they have a 30M Sport Yacht on course for 2009. The vessel will provide accommodation for up to 8 guests and four crew members. State-of-the-art electronics and navigation equipment will make this vessel ideal for bluewater endeavours.

The CEO of Sunseeker Gordon Hui reported a good Hong Kong Boat Show and cited the Sunseeker 30M. "With a number of boats exhibited and a high degree of interest shown in various models including the Predator 52, Manhattan 60, Manhattan 70, the recently launched 34M Yacht and the 30 M Yacht due to be released in 2009."

LOA: 99.11 feet
BOA: 22.60 feet
Draught: 7.30 feet
Engines: Optional (up to 4868 PS)
Speed: up to 28 knots ( depending on engine option)
Range: 500NM (at cruise depending on engine option)

Full details are available at Sunseeker

http://www.sunseeker.com/uploads/ass...Y_spec_ENG.pdf

[YachtNews]

Sunseeker have announced the arrival of the new 130 foot model. "Guaranteed to turn heads, the Predator 130 is palatial in scale and matchless in performance. Luxurious and with ultra-spacious accommodation, this vessel is comfortable for ten people to share, enabling you to live onboard for extended periods. Clever design allows for up to eight crew to move freely around the boat without intruding on guests, ensuring privacy is always maintained."

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LOA: 126.00 feet
LWL: 101.10 feet
BOA: 26.30 feet
Draught: 4.11 feet
Displacement: 165 tonnes
Engine Options: 2 X MTU M93 12V 4000 ; 2 X MTU M90 16V 4000 (for shafts)
: 2 X MTU M90 16V 4000 (for Water Jets)
Speed: -
Range: -
Accommodation: 10 guest and 8 crew

Full PDF details are available here:

http://www.sunseeker.com/uploads/ass...0_spec_ENG.pdf

Fellow member Brunick highlighted the new vessel in this thread:

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/su...tor-130-a.html

[revdcs]

Sunseeker have just made a major expansion announcement.
See this BBC link for more info :-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/6449009.stm

[YachtNews]

Back in April 2008, it was reported that Sunseeker acquired a 260 tonne Travel Lift at their Poole facility and plans were in the works to incorporate one at the Dorset facility in the future. Now this time has come and a new 320 tonne capacity lift has been incorporated.

A new 320 tonnes travel lift, believed to be one of the largest hoists of its type in the UK, has been installed at Sunseeker International's Osprey Quay Shipyard on Portland in Dorset. The new hoist, supplied by Wise Handling Limited, has a height of 13.5 metres, an overall width of 15 metres and weighs 108,000 kg.

The new travel hoist, which has been built to launch or retrieve boats up to 320,000 kilograms, has been acquired to operate with a brand new lifting dock. The dock, similar to that at the company's Poole Shipyards, has been specifically built to meet the demand for boats over 30 metres (100 feet).
With a successful range of larger craft already in production - including the 37 Metre, 34 Metre and 30 Metre Yachts, along with the Predator 108 - the travel lift will also have the ability to elevate and move even larger vessels such as the Sunseeker 46 Metre Yacht currently in development and the Predator 130, which is due to be launched later this year. In addition, the hoist will have full remote control facility with double speed winching - enabling greater flexibility in moving boats.

Sunseeker recently announced its intention to build superyachts over 50 metres and the 11 acre site at Osprey Quay, along with the facilities now available, will be an important part in the company's future development.
Robert Braithwaite CBE, Sunseeker's managing director commented: "The investment in this type of machinery is vital to the future success of the business. With our range of models increasing in both length and weight having the new travel hoist will enable us to move the boats efficiently and safely. "The continued development at Osprey Quay is very important to us if we are to maintain our position as one of the world's major yacht builders."

For more information:

Sunseeker,
27 − 31 WEST QUAY ROAD
POOLE
DORSET
BH15 1HX
UNITED KINGDOM
TEL: +44 (0)1202 381 111
http://www.sunseeker.com

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[YachtNews]

Sunseeker has entered the realm of fractional ownership. See here:

Sunseekers New Fractional Ownership ProgramSunseeker Africa Ltd and Sunseeker Seychelles Ltd are proud to announce the launching of a fractional ownership program where a selection of Sunseeker yachts are available for choosing at a fraction of the cost on a few selected Sunseeker yachts.
"We want to bring our customers closer to owning paradise," says the Sunseeker Seychelles Ltd and Sunseeker Africa Ltd managing director, Christian Graefe.

He adds, "this new fractional ownership programme is a comprehensive and cost-effective way for customers to live the Sunseeker dream at their own pace and convenience." Sunseeker clients can own a lifestyle in Seychelles at the new Eden Island Marina and enjoy cruising the turquoise waters around Seychelles' 115 islands. The granitic and coralline islands offer spectacular views and the ocean's abundance make great yachting and diving experiences.

In the four decades that Sunseeker has been building boats it has evolved from a brand into an icon. To possess a Sunseeker has become an aspiration for many, to some an obsession. To own a Sunseeker is to buy into a style and to make the ultimate lifestyle statement. When only the best will do in luxury and performance, Sunseeker provides it.

http://www.sunseeker.com

[YachtNews]

Sunseeker Poole and Sunseeker London joined forces welcoming existing and prospective Sunseeker owners to an Open Weekend held at the Sunseeker Poole yard. Sunseeker had 9 boats on display ranging from the XS 2000 for those who thrive on adrenaline, through to the stunning Manhattan 60. Sunseeker were also proud to show off the breathtaking 34 Metre Yacht.

Everyone was able to enjoy Wight Vodka cocktails and canapés at the two day event, taking in further attractions on site, which included their main sponsor MTU UK and other leading marine companies such as; Marine Electronic Services, Avon RIBS, Barclays Marine Finance, Salterns Boatyard, Dawsons (B&O), Honda of Bournemouth and Aston Martin and Bentley from Broughtons.

A total of 550 clients and Sunseeker enthusiasts from around the UK attended the weekend event, in addition guests also had the opportunity to exclusive access of the Sunseeker factory, touring the production line from the hull moulding shed through to final test and launch, taking in the new Predator 130 which is to make its world debut at this forthcoming Southampton Boat Show in September.

Main sponsor MTU UK displayed a 10V2000M94 engine, specially shipped in from Germany for this event. The M94 is their newest Series 2000 engine, providing the highest horsepower in its class. Naomi Thornton - Sales and Marketing at MTU UK commented, "The weekend for us was to show the Sunseeker clients the capabilities of our engines and to inform how they are the perfect choice for yachts in the 60 foot and above category. We are further increasing our range and providing Sunseeker an expansive engine choice and options for their vessels. The weekend has been a great success and we look forward to the next!"

http://www.sunseeker.com

[YachtNews]

Sunseeker upscales from the successful 37-meter yacht with the introduction of a 46-meter design set to launch in 2012.

Positioning Sunseeker fairly and squarely in the megayacht world, the new flagship 46 Metre Yacht is set to premiere in 2012.A remarkable up-scaling of the acclaimed 37 Metre Yacht, this latest benchmark craft can be built to top MCA and RINA credentials for class and according to flag requirements, once again brings almost twice the volume of previous accommodation limits. Yet still the Sunseeker spirit of high-speed cruising with smooth and secure sea-keeping remains, thanks to an intricate design testing process.

Preliminary Specifications:

Length Overall: 46.0M, 150'0"

Beam Maximum (incl. Topside Fender Strakes): 8.50M, 27'11"

Draft (@ Full Load): 2.47M, 8'1"

[hbyachtboy]

Found this picture today on Flickr.
It is a photograph of the new Predator 130. She is going to make her debut shortly.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dawnv/3891872679/sizes/l/

[K1W1]

Originally Posted by YachtNews

......craft can be built to top MCA and RINA credentials for class....

Hi,

Does anyone have any sensible answers to what the differences are between these standards and the ones normally shoved down our throats as being the MCA and or RINA Standard?

Class requirements are the absolute minimum to get your boat through, most if not everything covered by class can be improved a long way.

[FISHTIGUA]

Originally Posted by K1W1

Hi,

Does anyone have any sensible answers to what the differences are between these standards and the ones normally shoved down our throats as being the MCA and or RINA Standard?

Class requirements are the absolute minimum to get your boat through, most if not everything covered by class can be improved a long way.

Thank heavens someone else thinks this is a crock. I've had to explain to more than one owner just because a boat is built to a certain Class it does not mean it is built to a standard a good yard, skipper or engineer would accept.

Just because you carry so many bright orange life-belts with a stamp on them does not make a safe boat. They are minimums for the insurance companies to work to.

For one owner, when I cut a new hole in the bottom of his boat to fit a new depth-sounder he almost went ballistic when he saw how thin the hull was compared to the drawings (within Class though). He though Classification was a guarantee of quality. His lawyer soon told him the truth.

[Kevin]

Paperwork never made a better product.

[Blarp]

Originally Posted by FISHTIGUA

Thank heavens someone else thinks this is a crock. I've had to explain to more than one owner just because a boat is built to a certain Class it does not mean it is built to a standard a good yard, skipper or engineer would accept.

Yes, but that does not mean that every boat described as being built to class (as they are above) are not good boats. Each yard has its own build quility and I personally dont think that Sunseeker hides behind any 'crock'.
I cant wait to see the P130 in the flesh. It looks great the picture.

[K1W1]

Originally Posted by Blarp

Yes, but that does not mean that every boat described as being built to class (as they are above) are not good boats.

That is open to some debate, I assume you have crawled around a good number of classed vessels in order to make this kind of sweeping endorsement of the system.

Originally Posted by Blarp

Each yard has its own build quility and I personally dont think that Sunseeker hides behind any 'crock'.

Where has anyone suggested that they hide behind a crock? I have run a Sunseeker Superhawk all over the Med in some very poor weather and have nothing but respect for just how tough those things are put together.

I was trying to find out if there really is such a thing as top MCA and RINA credentials as stated in the article posted by YachtNews in addition to the ones that are normally applied. I was not slagging off any particular yard or brand of vessel.