Following the launch of seven new models in 2021, Sunseeker has revealed that it plans to launch another 17 new models in the coming four years. Sitting on a forward order book worth GBP500 million (about US$700 million), the British builder announced it plans to launch four new models this year, five in 2023 and four in each of the following two years.
This year’s world premieres start with the Predator 65, which was scheduled to be unveiled at the now-cancelled Boot Dusseldorf so instead will debut at the Miami International Boat Show in Florida from February 16-20.
The 100 Yacht is another new model for 2022, with hull one already in the water, and will be the shipyard’s longest new model for six years. However, in an online media announcement, Sales Director Sean Robertson saved his superlatives for the Superhawk 55, which is scheduled to splash this summer and show at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 6-11.
Robertson described the new model as Sunseeker “going back to the future”, as it re-introduces the line over 13 years since production of the last Superhawk 43, the culmination of the Hawk series of open cruisers that began in the 1980s and blossomed in the 1990s.
“Models like the Superhawk 48 and 43 were so different for their time, offering so much innovation and performance and comfort. For the last seven or eight years, we’ve been hounded by clients and dealers saying we want a Superhawk, we want that way of boating again,” said Robertson, who has worked at Sunseeker since 1986.
“However, we couldn’t just reintroduce what we did all those years ago. It would have worked for a while, but it wouldn’t take the market by storm. This is what the Superhawk 55 will do.”
The new Superhawk 55 has a flexible aft cockpit layout as well as a saloon and two cabins below deck, while twin 725hp Volvo Penta D11-IPS 950 engines are expected to produce a top speed of 38-40 knots. Robertson believes that of all Sunseeker’s new models this year, the Superhawk 55 will be the most talked-about.
“By the end of this year, the Superhawk 55 will be the most desired boat in the marketplace. It has a beauty that pulls clients in. Then you add in that Superhawk attitude and performance, but performance that’s easy for any client to use, from leaving the dock to that 40-knot top speed.”
Robertson also emphasised the yacht’s practical design including an optional hardtop and two side doors to the full walkaround to the foredeck, where the sunpad slides apart to become a seating area. Aft, the hydraulic swim platform reveals a garage for a 3m tender, above is a triple sunpad with a water toys drawer, while the flat cockpit also features a table and moveable chairs.
“The semi-hardtop gives you as much sun and light or shade as you need in those areas. The stern offers that all-important connection with the water from the high-low bathing platform and easy-access stairs plus storage below the deck line for a 3m tender, which is easy to launch as you simply flood the garage and let it out,” Robertson said.
“Considering this is a Q3 launch, we’ve seen unprecedented interest and orders, almost a clamouring of clients wanting to get their name against this boat going forward. The Superhawk 55 is undoubtedly the most desirable boat of the year.”