The Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht shares many design traits (and a thrill-seeker’s flair for speed) with its stablemate, the Predator 74 – but piles on more for its guests’ comfort and entertainment. It still has the performance, it still has the looks, but it offers more practicality. For Sunseeker, that’s how the Sport Yacht was born.
More than a hybrid, the 74 Sport Yacht shows the evolution of this species: Predator looks have been combined with more liveable spaces to create something entirely new. The two models share the same succession of three progressively larger hull windows with long expanses of black glass divided by white, tooth-like jags of hull and the same taut, forward-reaching curves. You’ve got the great looks, the great curve appeal but it still takes on the new values that Sunseeker want for the brand.
Sunseeker’s direction is thinking more about comfort; glazing now is larger for more light and usable space, while also thinking about the environment; designing more efficient hull shapes and systems.
Upon boarding the Sport Yacht, you will clearly see how the design makes the best use of every space. Built into the transom, above the hydraulic beach platform, there is a convenient fold-down bench on top of access points to the tender garage, and an en-suite cabin for two crew members. The aft guest cockpit has a table with banquettes and large sun pads on a platform to stern. The table can adjust in height and fold out to become an additional sunbathing area.
One spectacular feature of this area is invisible at times. The 74 Sport Yacht has cockpit glazing that can slide across to open like a conventional glass door but can also hydraulically lower to disappear, leaving the saloon and cockpit as one space. The saloon’s large windows are without mullions for uninterrupted views, and additional light shines through the sunroof above the helm. Lightness and brightness are picked up in the lines of the clean, modern furnishings that include a U-shaped sofa and table facing a bar that conceals a flat-screen television.
Moving forward, twin helm seats are flanked by an observation lounge to one side and a door to the side deck on the other. The foredeck has another large sun pad and a U-shaped banquette around a table – a perfect spot for drinks or a quiet meal.
The galley and guest cabins are on the lower deck. In the three-cabin version, the owner’s cabin with en-suite is amidships, aft of the galley, and uses the yacht’s full beam to its advantage. The VIP is forward with a twin cabin starboard. Families might find it convenient to put guests up in the fully-private owner’s cabin using the VIP and the twin cabin themselves as they are on the same level and work well together as a suite. All cabins are en-suite and receive fresh air through opening portholes inserted into the hull windows.
While looks and performance cues come from the Predator 74, it’s the addition of the flybridge that sets the 74 Sport Yacht apart. It is key to give clients this practicality and extra entertainment space without ruining the Predator style. The Sport Yacht has the flybridge, and unless you really concentrate on the side profile, it’s so well hidden it’s almost lost. This means the Sport Yacht keeps its precious DNA while adding an outdoor helm station and the seating, dining and sunbathing spaces that make it an ideal option for owners who want to enjoy a fast run in the sun with family and friends.
With the addition of the flybridge, the 74 Sport Yacht has kept the Predator’s capacity to thrill while adding a dimension of its own. Depending on the propulsion package, you get 35 to 40 knots boat speed. It’s about the flybridge helm, you’re higher up, outside, you put the boat up to 38, 40 knots, crank it into a hard turn and it’s just an amazing feeling. That performance and agility on a big boat really is good fun. That’s what it’s all about.
Sport Yachts have quickly evolved to claim a market space of their own, with the market changing again; the Sport Yacht is a new niche. Clients are really enjoying it because they’re getting the best of both worlds. The 74 Sport Yacht shares the Predator 74’s pounce with the spaces you need to enjoy the chase in good company.
A stunning example of the sleek and sexy 74 Sport Yacht is now at home on the Gold Coast and will be prowling our waterways. You will know it when you see it! Be warned, you will want it when you see it!
www.sunseekereastcoast.com.au
Published in print January-March 2022
