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alt="Sunseeker 88 Yacht showcases interior evolution"/>
Launched online in May as one of Sunseeker’s ‘Famous Five’, the 88 Yacht has enjoyed lively early demand, selling at least nine units well ahead of the model’s scheduled world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 7-12.
The 88 Yacht is entering a strong space in the market for the British builder as it succeeds the 86, which sold an astonishing 56 units around the world, with about 15 per cent sold in Asia, from Hong Kong to Japan.
Also a sub-24m CE-classified yacht, the new 88 is based on the hull shape and under-water naval architecture of its predecessor, so shares the same overall length (86ft 7in), beam (21ft 3in) and similar performance.
The 88 Yacht is one of this year’s ‘Famous Five’
With twin 1,950hp MTU 12Vs, its top speed of 28 knots is just below that of the 86, reflecting the notable increase in volume and weight, with the new yacht over 12 per cent heavier.
Boasting a new superstructure, hardtop and completely reconfigured main and lower decks, naval architecture is about all the 88 shares with its predecessor, give or take some similarities in the flybridge and foredeck layouts.
“It’s a complete reconfiguration. You can’t even compare the two, really,” says Douglas Culverwell, Sunseeker International’s Director of Distributor Development. “It’s a completely new utilisation of the space.”
The yacht can reach 28 knots with a pair of MTU V12 engine options
Even the hull glazing has changed and now features one large strip covering the master and guest cabin hull windows, almost connecting to a higher strip for the forward VIP, which benefits from much larger windows. There’s also glass integrated into the bulwarks to allow for expanded sea views from either side of the dining area.
However, one of the most fun features distinguishing the 88 Yacht is that it’s one of the first two Sunseeker models – along with the 90 Ocean from the ‘Famous Five’ – to feature the brand’s revolutionary X-TEND™ aft sunbed system.
This optional but popular feature appears to be the garage door before it starts performing its party tricks at the touch of a button. The X-TEND™ offers various options, starting with an inset panel folding down to create a wide sunbed above the swim platform.
The X-TEND™ system can be raised to face the cockpit
When the whole X-TEND™ is raised horizontally, it reveals and shelters an interior ‘toy cupboard’ by the swim platform that includes storage racks, a low foldout bench and a hatch locker and charging points for two Seabobs. Other clever features in the area include a deck fitting to port that allows a carbon-fibre shower to be installed.
The swim platform is big enough to carry up to a 4.6m Williams or similar-sized tender and provides starboard access to the comprehensive crew quarters including two cabins with twin bunks.
However, the X-TEND’s™ most dramatic option is when it’s raised horizontally and the outside panel is folded out, this time becoming a backrest facing the cockpit. The central pair of glass balustrades can then be opened outwards to allow access to the X-TEND™, effectively extending the cockpit’s social area.
The X-TEND™ also acts as cover for the toy cupboard
The X-TEND™ and the aft glass balustrades with teak handrail are part of a new-look cockpit featuring free-standing furniture such as facing sofas that allow for sea views. Other cockpit layout options include a standalone dining table and chairs, and a traditional aft sofa with fitted table.
All options benefit from the cockpit’s integrated privacy screen, which electrically slides down to shield guests from either the glare of the sun or prying eyes when berthed stern-to. Other features include a sink, fridge and optional ice maker to starboard, plus a docking station to port.
Port stairs lead to the flybridge, covered by a newly designed single-piece black hard top that can include either a retractable canopy or a Besenzoni-designed system of tilting slats. For further cover, an extendable sunshade can cover the aft deck, which features a clear glass balustrade.
The 88 Yacht features a new single-piece black hard top
To port, a stylish new outdoor galley is a fresh attraction and features an electric barbecue, four water-cooled drawer fridges, ice maker and recessed sink with lift-up tap unit. The styling hints at what’s to come inside, with diagonal detailing on the exterior, stainless-steel inserts and integrated LED lighting, which is seen throughout the flybridge and creates ambient lighting in the evening.
Opposite the bar, the standard configuration includes a foldable teak table and a large C-shaped sofa connected to an aft square sunpad.
This still leaves room for the option of a RIB and crane, while other aft layouts include a new Sunseeker-designed spa tub with adjacent sunpad or an L-shaped sofa with table and space for sun loungers. There’s even a choice to extend the main C-shaped sofa and include two extendable tables.
As viewed from the saloon, the aft cockpit offers an infinity view
Forward is the twin-seat helm station to starboard, a J-shaped sofa to port and even a snug sunpad under the windshield.
The foredeck is another well designed outdoor area. Accessed by steps either side, the area is slightly raised, which improves the views from the C-shaped sofa and the triple sunpad, which has adjustable backrests and carbon-fibre drinks holders. The bow area can be covered by a parasol, while other options up front include a single or dual-anchor set-up.
X-TEND™ aside, the most dramatic changes are inside. From the cockpit, you enter the saloon through curved sliding doors and enter a new world for Sunseeker. The brand’s interior design language has evolved since Andrea Frabetti took over as CTO then CEO in 2019, but new models launched since the Italian designer took the helm had all been sub-70ft until this year.
The saloon has a light ceiling and carpet, and features a three-sided sofa facing the TV
The 88 Yacht shows Sunseeker’s interior upgrades on a superyacht scale and are shown in an elegant, refined network of controllable lighting, designer furniture, cabinetry with a choice of six to eight lacquered finishes, stainless-steel detailing, luxurious materials and artistic touches.
The saloon and dining area have a headroom of 2.1m yet even more notable is the expansion of these social areas compared to the 86 due to the galley’s new forward location beside the helm, a first for Sunseeker.
On hull one, the relaxing saloon is framed by beige carpeting and a white-panelled ceiling with feature lighting. To port is a designer coffee table and an enormous three-sided sofa, which faces a low cabinet with a fixed TV as a centrepiece. A large, circular light on the bulwark in the aft port corner is an artistic feature and a design replicated in mirrors in the master and VIP suites.
Full-height windows on both sides provide the dining area with light and views
Forward, the dining area’s more formal ambience is symbolised by wood flooring and a dark eucalyptus ceiling that features recessed lighting around a large rectangular inset that overlooks the table below. A feature ceiling light with four lamps adds further grandeur to the dining area.
On both sides, the dining area offers natural light and open views through full-length windows and the bulwark glazing, while there’s also the option of sliding doors to starboard.
As well as the light-versus-dark flooring and ceiling, the visual separation of the saloon and dining area is underlined by an elegant dual-height storage unit that runs the width of the forward end of the sofa. As well as providing a surface for lamps and ornaments, it provides storage for crockery and a glass-doored display for glassware.
Aft view through the dining area and saloon, an area significantly extended compared to the 86 Yacht
That concept moves to another level in the starboard corner, where a triangular cabinet showcases hanging champagne flutes, while a feature bookcase above has recessed lighting that illuminates artwork and ornaments.
“The level of detail on this boat is exceptional,” Culverwell says. “The hardware has all had an overhaul. It’s all brand-new.”
Sunseeker offers an alternative, less-formal layout for the main deck. This features the sofa to starboard, while forward, the dining table is placed lengthways to port and two chairs and a coffee table sit to starboard, where guests can enjoy open views through the sliding doors.
The new-look forward area includes an elegant day head by the stairs and then it’s into the helm station and galley, a zone that can be sealed off with sliding doors.
The helm station shares the same forward space as the newly placed galley
Situated starboard, the slightly raised helm features twin adjustable leather seats and two 24-inch Simrad screens but has been refined to incorporate lesser-used – or less-urgent – dials and buttons into Sunseeker’s CM8 control and monitoring touchscreen system. Behind the seats is a pantograph door to the side deck and there’s a port-side version in the galley.
Beside the helm are a pair of stools and a comfortable breakfast bar that faces a countertop with fridge-freezer drawers below, accessible from the galley side.
The galley’s main L-shaped countertop runs under the windshield – where you’ll also find three lift-up lockers – and along the port side, where the hobs, oven, microwave and dishwasher are among the fittings. Aft, just before the door to the dining area, is a full-height fridge freezer.
The galley includes a bar, optional TV and incredible views
A large TV on the aft bulkhead and a wine cooler are among many options in the galley area, which is designed for crew but can also be used by the owners and guests.
“For an owner-operator, this would be quite a nice place to have a coffee or quick breakfast in the morning and watch the news on the TV,” Culverwell says. “It’s a dual-purpose area, suitable for crew and for owners and guests to visit or use. And what’s nice is that those working in the galley enjoy the same views through the windshield as the skipper.”
The lower deck is accessed by an exquisitely finished staircase that leads down to a lobby accessing all four guest cabins, which each have a TV and en-suite bathroom. Heading aft towards the master suite, the lobby has full-height storage to starboard, suitable for bed linens and towels, while appliances such as a washer-dryer or a fridge can be fitted under the staircase.
The forward-facing king-sized bed in the full-beam master suite midships is set slightly port of centre
In contrast to the 86, where the master was between the forward VIP and guest cabins, the owner’s suite now occupies the prime position midships and features a forward-facing king-size bed, an enormous TV and a storage cabinet to port.
The spacious starboard area features a beautiful, leather-wrapped desk cum vanity table, flanked by drawers and a low cupboard. The forward bulkhead features a console below a large round mirror, replicating the circular wall light in the corner of the saloon. An alternative for the starboard area is an L-shaped sofa, coffee table and a smaller vanity table.
Aft is a beautiful walk-in dressing room with hanging space, drawers and open shelving. This room leads into a huge bathroom that spans three-quarters of the beam, has a walk-in shower at the far end and insulates the bedroom from the engine room.
The master suite’s starboard area (above); the en-suite bathroom (below)
The lower-deck lobby leads forward to two almost-symmetrical twin cabins, then onto the stunning VIP suite in the bow. The VIP may prove the yacht’s most talked-about cabin and could even be an owner’s choice for the master suite (which it is in the optional five-cabin layout with two double cabins in lieu of the midships master).
The VIP suite has its own lobby, which includes three steps up to a hallway that features a stone-top counter below a large circular mirror – there it is again – as well as a port door to the en-suite bathroom.
The remarkable VIP suite features the same luxurious finish as the master suite
The bed is hidden from view by an etched-glass screen at the forward end of the hallway, which leads starboard to a gorgeous desk unit with vanity beside a long hull window with porthole. Aft is a walk-in dressing room, a rare feature on a VIP suite in a yacht of this size but fitting for a room that could be the master.
Forward is the aft-facing double bed, which faces a 55-inch TV and is backed by a similar bulkhead design as the master suite, sharing the same level of finish and detailing.
“It’s really a VVIP suite or a second stateroom,” Culverwell says. “It’s like a hotel suite because of the overall space and multiple areas.”
The VIP suite features a desk and walk-in wardrobe to starboard; an etched-glass screen separates the bedroom from the entrance hallway
The 88 Yacht was launched alongside the 90 Ocean, yet there’s even more to come from Sunseeker this year with the 100 Yacht, as the Poole shipyard continues to focus on innovation across its entire range.
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