New Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti has announced a major new product development plan for the famed British builder that will result in the current range doubling in size to 22 models during the next three years. Appointed Chief Technical Officer in January, the Italian was promoted to CEO in June following the resignation of German Christian Marti.

Appointed Chief Technical Officer in January, Italian Andrea Frabetti was promoted to CEO in June following the resignation of German Christian Marti

Alongside Chief Financial Officer Mike McMillan and Chief Operations Officer Michael Straughan, Frabetti has formed a new Strategic Committee focused on further developing the framework for the company, aided by a £50million CAPEX investment across five years.

The latest announcement follows positive anticipated financial results for the 2018 year including gross profit increasing by over a third as well as an overall increase in revenue.

“The new models will include new product segments as well as improved differentiation between various lines,” said Frabetti, who worked for Ferretti Group for 25 years. “To enable this, we are actively developing our existing footprint as well as seeking new facilities and partnership opportunities.”

The existing range includes five Yacht models (76, 86, 95,
116, 131), the 74 Sport Yacht, three Predators (50, 57, 74) and two Manhattans (52, 66). The new Hawk 38 will have its world premiere later this year and the 161 Yacht being built by Dutch yard Icon will launch in 2021 (read more below).

The Strategic Committee is working alongside Executive Management colleagues Adrian Powell, General Counsel and Company Secretary, HR Director Sian Dodds and Sales Director Sean Robertson, who was delighted with the new models already in production.

“New and exciting products breed growth in this market and the response for our latest models has been nothing short of incredible,” Robertson said. “We are confident this is going to continue as we are making a considerable investment across the business to support a bold product-development plan.”

Sunseeker has also revealed results of testing on the pioneering hull design for the 161 Yacht, which is expected to top 22 knots despite using smaller engines than are typically used on a 50m build.

Designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the Fast Displacement Hull Form for the 161 Yacht was recently declared the most efficient round-bilge hull tested by the UK-based Wolfson Unit

World-renowned Van Oossanen Naval Architects has designed the yacht’s Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), a hybrid hull developed to be efficient over the entire speed range by generating less wake, resulting in a longer range with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Sunseeker says ‘the FDHF concept improves the efficiency of the vessel by around 15 to 20 per cent, made possible by the slenderness and special form of the hull, resulting in a very low wave profile’.

The FDHF for the 161 Yacht was recently declared the most efficient round-bilge hull tested by the UK-based Wolfson Unit, which has carried out towing tank tests on nearly 1,200 hull forms since 1968, including the majority of tested motor yacht hull forms.

“When compared to other round-bilge hull forms at speeds between the cruising speed of 15 knots and those approaching planing of 44 knots, the tested motor yacht’s ranking is typically around 100-140 per cent,” said Dickon Buckland from Wolfson Unit. “This means the design is currently ranked as the most efficient in the Wolfson Unit’s database.”

The 161 Yacht also has the option of Hull Vane technology positioned below the stern. The patented fixed-foil device influences the stern wave pattern, creating a forward-orientated lifting force which lowers pitch motion and running trim, further saving fuel costs.

Frabetti said: “The 161 Yacht will be a true game-changer for yachts in the 50m sector. With its class-beating efficiency, stability and comfort, she will deliver a significant performance advantage in open water that has been unachievable to date.”

Majority owned by China’s Wanda Group since August 2013, Sunseeker employs 2,500 people, annually produces about 150 boats ranging from 38-161ft and has dealer representation in over 74 countries.

The original article appears in Yacht Style Issue 48. Email [email protected] for print subscription enquiries or subscribe to the Magzter version at: www.magzter.com/SG/Lux-Inc-Media/Yacht-Style/Fashion/