The next generation of Sunseeker’s iconic performance open boats couples spacious multifunctional accommodation and family-oriented onboard living with the latest technologies in an aggressively styled package. Recently unveiled, the new Sunseeker Superhawk 55 is a lightweight performance yacht designed to exceed the expectations of today’s boating family.
For this exciting new model, the design process for the Superhawk began with a look at the past—in this case, at the brand’s Tomahawk speedboats of the 1970s and ’80s. Demand for these speedsters had tapered off in the ’90s as clients turned their attention toward more-spacious flybridge designs, and for a time, Sunseeker stepped away completely from their production. But as interest in the high-performance boats for which the brand is renowned resumed, the team at Sunseeker’s Design & Technology Centre returned to the drawing boards to reincarnate the high-performing Hawk concept in a completely new package.
The emphasis of the reinvention of the Superhawk model focused on incorporating aspects that are most important to today’s client: a spacious dayboat offering more interior volume while retaining the sleek low profile and aggressive styling that was traditional to the iconic Hawk look. Within this, safety was paramount, particularly with regards to the design of the walk-around side decks. Sunseeker’s signature multifunctional innovation would allow the team to achieve the space, functionality and performance desired in the 56-foot package.
This out-of-the-box thinking is immediately apparent from the dock, where the openness of the boat is mimicked in the geometric window design that allows a clear view from port to starboard. New Union Jack track lighting extends from the open helm to the decking, further distinguishing the profile while hinting at the brand’s British roots.
Flexibility of use gives the Superhawk 55 a best-of-all-worlds feel. The main deck cockpit presents a multipurpose seating area with twin L-shaped lounge settees that can be positioned inboard or outboard for dining or relaxing as necessary. A large sun pad aft boasts yet another innovation: a cavernous pullout drawer perfect for storing water-skis and other watersports equipment. Forward, a central wet bar houses appliances or a waterproof pop-up television as desired, while a centerline triple helm—a first for Sunseeker—is positioned behind a one-piece curved, 54-square-foot windshield with a stainless cap, offering uninterrupted panoramic views. A stylish retractable carbon-fiber hardtop is an optional accessory.
The aforementioned side decks are easily accessed via pantograph doors to port and starboard, and lead forward to a sprawling sun pad on the bow with a table that transforms into a separate seating/dinette space. Thoughtful details such as storage and wireless charging stations are found here, as well as throughout.
The open-plan feel continues within the interior living space on the lower deck, which is augmented by the light that floods in through the large windows and overhead screen. Here, the galley and interior salon area lead to both a full-beam Master en suite stateroom forward and a full-beam VIP en suite stateroom aft with a convertible double bed that separates to create a twin cabin.
Yet another innovation aboard the Superhawk 55 is found at the stern, where the swim platform can be lowered hydraulically to reveal a significant tender garage with a funicular launch able to house a Williams 280 jet tender, SeaBobs and other miscellaneous toys.
Performance remains the keystone feature of the Superhawk 55, and the brand-new deep-V planing-hull design, coupled with twin Volvo IPS drives, provides exhilaration and safe seakeeping in tandem. Joystick control is standard, while gyro seakeeping stabilization and dynamic positioning are optional.
“We have been immensely excited to bring back the Superhawk name, and we knew this one had to be different, better,” says Bryan Jones, Marketing Manager for Sunseeker. “From searing performance to dynamic handling, from safety to onboard living, our team has addressed every area and created a dayboat of great style that will be a world beater. Initial interest and sales from the US has been phenomenal so we know we’re on to a winner.”
With tooling now underway, the first Superhawk 55 is estimated to debut in late summer 2022, with the first of this next-generation model set to thrill US clients at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October.
To learn more about Sunseeker and the Superhawk 55, visit sunseeker.com.
