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Gorgeous Jewel in the crown 

Most of the recent talk and tweets about Sunseeker pertain to the launch of their largest build, a sweeping 155-footer, not the Sunseeker 73. No doubt the new flagship will be a gorgeous jewel in the crown of a company that first dipped its hulls into the world of yachts over 100’ about ten years ago.

Yet even with the successes of those custom cruising machines, long-time fans of the brand know this company built its reputation on premium production models sized for owner/operators. So when Sunseeker puts a new, “smaller” yacht onto the water, it too merits attention.

That explains why the Sunseeker 73 Manhattan caused such a stir on the docks at the Ft. Lauderdale boat show last fall, when the model made its U.S. debut, and again in February at the Miami show, where the boat was also on display. The largest of three flybridge motoryachts that comprise the Manhattan series, the 73 replaces the 70 and serves as the next stop for those trading up from the smaller Sunseeker yachts, like the 63 or even the Portofino 48.

Like all Manhattans, the 73 is designed to satisfy a demand for a beautiful, multi-level luxury cruiser that can accommodate many passengers yet maintain the sexy lines and strong performance of a sport yacht. That’s a tough combination to get just right, but Sunseeker seems to have the formula down to a stylish science in the 73.

To generate excitement in the boating business, a new model has to dare to be different. The features that distinguish this flybridge motoryacht from other models in its class are volume and a crafty use of space. Sunseeker created more usable square footage with a brand-new hull design that boasts a broad beam carried low to the chines, but not so low that performance is sacrificed.

The extra width enables the builder to offer three full-size staterooms, each with a private bath. Those accommodations include a massive owner’s cabin amidships with walk-in wardrobes and penthouse-style windows that frame the horizon like art, only this landscape plays out in real time. An optional layout with four cabins (one with bunks) is offered, too. This layout puts the galley up into the salon rather than on the accommodations level.

Yet even with the extra cabin, there’s still plenty of elbowroom below. These are rooms, not berths stuffed into closets, and they prove Sunseeker places value on space. That’s a good thing, since space is one of those things that we sometimes take for granted until we get offshore and realize—after all the seabags, provisions and toys are aboard—there’s just not enough of it.

Living area is maximized on the main deck, too, where a single-level salon makes for a sweeping entertainment area that extends all the way aft and out into the cockpit when the sliding glass doors are pushed open. The decor was executed by Sunseeker and Design Unlimited. 

This partnership has produced many striking interiors over the years. On the 73, good headroom and views through big windows are complemented by warm walnut joinery and planked flooring, the texture of which plays elegantly against the smooth pale upholstery on the settees.

This is a Sunseeker, though, which means the owner can customize the interior, choosing woods, fabrics, finishes, and furnishings, to suit personal style. It’s worth exploring the décor options offered by Sunseeker, particularly the packages designed for this builder by Armani Casa, which are pared-down and sophisticated.

At the forward end of the salon on the port side is a nice arrangement: a U-shaped lounge that can serve as a breakfast nook if you add a table, or as a seating area for guests who want to be close to the captain as he pilots the 73 from the lower helm station, located to starboard.

One of the nice additions to the helm of this Sunseeker is the JMS joystick system by ZF Marine, which goes a long way toward making this yacht one that an owner will be comfortable handling. JMS offers full joystick functionality for boats up to 80’ that are powered by inboard engines and thrusters. On the Sunseeker, the joystick enables the captain to confidently maneuver this high-windage flybridge cruiser powered by 1,360-hp MANs, in tight spaces and around the dock. Professional captains embrace the system too, so if you’re running the boat with a crew or the boat is used for charter—and Sunseeker charters have been voted the best in the business—it makes their job easier, as well.

Speaking of crew, note that the 73 is equipped with crew quarters with bunks or a double berth. It’s located at the transom. Nearby, the hydraulic swim platform eases the process of launching a tender or PWC.

Sunseeker built in yet another place for passengers to mingle. On the foredeck, three lounges with adjustable backrests are forward of a long settee that has the potential to be the most coveted space to curl up onboard, particularly when the hook is down and the view is incredible.

Like most flybridge yachts in this class, the Sunseeker is offered with a number of premium systems. One of the interesting options is the Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, which, when the boat is underway, can reduce roll by as much as 60 percent. Seakeeper is being installed on a number of yachts today, and according to Sunseeker, it can enhance the resale value of a boat. That’s something to consider when choosing options for the 73.

There’s a lot to like about this flybridge motoryacht, which comes from one of Britain’s best-known builders. The luxurious space, the swift performance, the easy handling and the lovely lines are buzz-worthy in their own right.

 

Specifications:

Length Overall:

 74 ft 

Beam: 

19 ft

Engine

1x 27.5 kW @ 60Hz 240/120v single phase

MAX SPEED (half load)

 34 knots

Cruising Speed 

25 knots

 Full load displacement

98,780 lb

Range

325 nm

Fuel Capacity

1,321 US gal.

Fresh Water Tank Capacity 

317 US gal.

 

Text:  Amura ± Photo: NAUTIKOS