Great Yachts, Wicked Thoughts

Frances and Michael Howorth witness the first public appearance of Sunseeker’s brand new Predator 130 at the recent Southampton boat show, and find that three of six new hulls are headed to Hong Kong

Sunseeker Predator 130

The recent Southampton Boat Show in the UK was the setting for the star-studded launch of Evil Zana, the first in the new Predator 130 series from Sunseeker. At 11:30am, an expectant crowd gathered around the stern of the 38-meter superyacht that had arrived straight from the yard onto her berth just four hours earlier. This was to be the world premiere of a brand new boat and as with all Sunseeker unveilings, it was set to be a spectacle.

Company CEO Robert Braithwaite CBE climbed the stairs and stood on the aft deck. Welcoming those attending, he said his guest would cut the ribbon immediately after we had been entertained, whereupon he invited Escala, the female classical quartet, who shot to fame after appearing on a TV talent show, to perform. Up on the sundeck, the seductive, all-girl string quartet started into their distinctive renditions of well-known hits. After, Formula 1 race celebrity Eddie Jordan, a serial Sunseeker owner, cut the ribbon and officially launched the yacht onto the market.

It is this combination of showmanship and a hard-earned reputation for excellence and an unceasing desire for improvement that has driven Sunseeker to greatness over the past 40 years. The company has become known both as an innovator and a guardian of traditional boat-building skills – not an easy feat. Despite its success, the company refuses to stand still.

From the early models of the mid-1970s to today, the company’s reputation for performance is also matched by its ability to design and develop stunning interiors and Evil Zana is no exception. Her sleek design provides a two-and-a-half deck layout along with an exceptionally large flybridge that offers plenty of seating and sunbathing space, plus a full bar layout and spa tub. The hardtop with opening sunroof gives shelter over the flybridge helm and seating/dining areas.

As larger craft have become more popular, so the demand for more highly specified interiors has grown. To meet this demand, Sunseeker has built up a team of designers to provide individual clients with a personalised service that ensures every consideration is thought through and implemented to the highest standard.

Like every Predator 130, Evil Zana is a one-off, bespoke to a unique set of specifications, which determines layouts and configurations throughout the boat and offers spacious accommodation for up to 10 guests. To some, this would be a challenge, leaving them open to mistakes. Sunseeker has implemented lean manufacturing techniques to ensure every yacht achieves excellent build quality and finish that is prized by owners and envied by anyone else.

Evil Zana, the first in the series, will not be delivered until early 2010 when she will be shipped to the Aegean. Hull number 2 is Australia-bound, hull 3 is off to the USA and hull numbers 4, 5 and 6 are all bound for Hong Kong and will arrive in 2011 thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of Gordon Hui at Sunseeker Asia.