Yacht Class n°30 (sept-oct-nov 2022)

Sunseeker Yachts

This is the motto of Sunseeker: there is always room for new models. Among these, we had the privilege of boarding the 90 Ocean to discover a unit with seductive lines, offering a surprising habitability. She is also well equiped to face the competition, in addition to having respectable performance.

Written by: Alain Brousse – Photos: All rights reserved

The British Sunseeker is quite ambitious. Its ranges boast a total of 22 models from 38 to 165 feet (12.50 to 50 metres), divided into six families: Performance, Predator, Sport-Yacht, Yacht & Super Yacht. Last year, its CEO, Andrea Frabetti, awoke our curiosity when he suggested he was planning several launches. In fact, no less than three projects were unveiled: Superhawk 55, Predator 65 & 100 Yacht. But, before discovering those, we visited the 90 Ocean, part of the “Yacht” family. For Sunseeker’s in-house architectural department, she boasts 30% more deck space than a unit of the same size, and a 20% extra external surface. Nothing but positive a priori.

A very innovative stern

The silhouette of this 27-metre-long three-deck flybridge has a nice balance. She boasts flowing – yet not aggressive – lines. And the flybridge sunroof is perfectly integrated. Given the glass surfaces of the main and side decks, it is easy to imagine the importance attributed to the luminosity inside and to the sea view. Before checking this out, let’s start with the outdoors. The side decks lead directly to the 28 m2 beach club. When it is not housing the Williams 460 Sportjet, this platform is entirely dedicated to the pleasures of swimming. Against the transom, two large chaise longue (2 x 2 people) serve as sunbeds and rise up to the floor of the cockpit in order, as one might imagine, to increase by a few square metres this spot of already 20 m2. Let’s praise the exterior designer for this “expandable” cockpit. In addition, during our visit, the cockpit was presented as an outdoor lounge with two L-shaped sofas and two coffee tables, which mean that, with these reclining chaise longues, eight passengers can spend some very pleasant hours at this convertible stern. The cockpit is also available in a dining configuration with table and chairs. There is nothing easier than going to the foredeck (15 m2) via “reassuring” side decks to enjoy an additional relaxation area featuring a large sofa facing the bow, a coffee table and a sunbed. There is also a mini dinette (for two people) with a settee and table on each side. Yet, this Sunseeker 90 Ocean is a flybridge with, as it should, a third deck. This spacious 78 m2 spot offers first an aft terrace with a spa pool (2,60 x 2 m) framed by sunpads and can accommodate eight guests on the starboard dining area. There is also an opposite bar with three stools. Of course, this flybridge also has a steering position (two seats) on portside and a solarium. And for sunbathing enthusiasts, the roof opens up entirely! The conclusion to be drawn from this visit of the outdoors is that the 90 Ocean has plenty of room for passengers to relax. What about the interiors? Let’s follow our guide, the captain.

The vast space of the main deck

When we saw the Sunseeker 90 Ocean peeking out of the Port of Cannes, there was little doubt about the size of the interior volumes as the superstructure speaks for itself. Massive yet aesthetic… First observation: the open-plan main deck is three-quarters open thanks to sliding windows. Those are tinted, yet not too much so they do not to conceal the view when the bad weather requires them closed. Inside, one immediately discovers to port a floor-to-ceiling bulkhead, which is actually a two-metre-long TV mirror. Otherwise, it’s all glass from bottom to top in this reception area with, first, a large sofa for eight to ten on starboard. Then comes a double-purpose wall cabinet that spans over half the width: bar and galley. This fits perfectly into the contemporary décor. Its third role is to conceal the main wheelhouse, which offers two electrically adjustable seats and a well-designed steering console with three control screens. Another layout of this deck is also available with the dining area on starboard, between the sofa and the open-plan galley-bar, which leaves room for a second lounge area. There is even a third one, forward on port side, to enable the guests to chat with the captain in navigation.

Four friendly cabins

This 90 Ocean gathers all the cabins on the lower deck for both passengers and crew. Which made it possible to dedicate the main deck to a large lounge and dining area. Let’s head back belowdecks where the owner enjoys a forward full-beam cabin, with a headroom of 2.10 metres and a private access. This spacious space (28 m2) has a large porthole on each side and features a discreetly luxurious decoration, which is of course left to the buyer’s discretion, at all levels. The bathroom boasts two washbasins and an independent shower. VIP will be housed on the lower deck in a slightly less spacious but equally welcoming VIP cabin. Amidships are the last two cabins, one double and one twin, both en suite. Adjacent to the engine room is the crew area, with its private access, gathering two single cabins and a dining area with a small kitchenette.