The woman at the bow of yhe 280-foot-long, 351-foot tall Apex 850 suoeryacht concept from Royal ... [+]
Normally, I’d be at the press conference at the Monaco Yacht Show where Royal Huisman would be announcing their newest superyacht collaboration with noted superyacht designer Malcolm McKeon. And I must admit, it’s a bit sad to be learning about Apex 850, the sleek powerful sloop concept that measures almost 280-feet-long and will feature a massive 351-foot tall mast that’s as high as a 35-story tall building when its built, remotely! But the truth is I don’t need to be in Monaco to see McKeon and Huisman seem to have accomplished a very difficult feat—to design a massive, yet radically elegant design that will be unlike anything that has been launched in the past.
Malcolm McKeon says: “The sailing experience of APEX 850 will be sensational, with speeds in excess of wind speed in most conditions. Her retractable keel, optimized weight distribution and limited heel angle will provide stability, comfort and safety for all on board. Her twin high aspect rudders will provide a rapid response to her fly by wire helm.”
This graphic gives an idea of just how tall the Apex 850 concept yacht will be
Meanwhile Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman adds: “Two of the world’s ten largest sailing yachts, ATHENA and SEA EAGLE II, are Royal Huisman builds and APEX 850 would make a fitting third, easily becoming the largest member of this elite circle. Every Royal Huisman yacht benefits from the research, innovations and challenges of our previous builds, ensuring this would be the finest yet.”
A potential owner, with obviously, very deep pockets, can step aboard and into a beautifully appointed lobby where stairs connect to the saloon and its all-glass superstructure. It can accommodate up to 12 guests in that can accommodate up to twelve guests in incomparable luxury.
In fact, these renderings may not even to the size and potential luxury of this concept justice.
The Apex 850 concept could be the world's tallest sloop when it is built.
The owners’ area, occupies 2,690 square feet of interior volume including a private beach club / cinema. The full-beam bedroom is encompassed by a private lounge, giant TV screen, sauna, walk-in wardrobe and spacious, beautifully-designed bathroom facilities.
the owners suite also features a private beach club / cinema with floor-to-ceiling glass walls on either side connecting directly with the seascape.
Further aft, the transom and a section of deck swing silently out and over to reveal an expansive 540 square-foot swim platform, gym and social area with direct access from the Owners’ beach club.
These renderings provide a glimpse of what the Apex 850's accomodatons could be like
Steps from the beach deck lead past seating on the stern quarters where guests can also relax – on both starboard and portside – in close connection with the sea - and then onto the main deck.
This superstructure also houses a social area yet, from on deck, you would not know it. Minimalism is the design ethos of the APEX 850 and her designers have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that this architectural element of the yacht not only supports that minimalism but enhances it.
Continuous clear glass sides provide a virtually see-through exterior, while also acting as a principal, yet invisible, structural component. The ‘white glass’ employed is devoid of reflections.
This is what a yacht with a 351-foot-tall mast looks like when it's sailing upwind!
Going forward, through full-beam access, the saloon is focused on tranquil and sheltered relaxation. To starboard, stairs provide a direct connection to the guest accommodation and to port there is a nav station.
Just ahead of the mast, the forward guest cockpit is strategically sited to focus on the spectacle provided by the horizon and the yacht’s fast motion towards it. Instead of focusing on the yacht itself, this intensifies the viewer’s response to the surrounding sea and landscape. A snug and secure gathering space, it is sheltered by a Moroccan tent when the yacht is at anchor.
The large aluminum hull is lighter than steel, quieter than carbon and virtually corrosion-free. The massive rig features a carbon mast and furling boom with continuous carbon rigging to support a staggering 34,444 square feet of upwind sail area and 50,590 square feet of downwind (main and code sail) sail area that’s efficiently harnessed and managed by Rondal’s Integrated Sailing System, with captive winches pulling up to 48 tons and controlled by advanced push-button technologies.
Despite the high loads, the gigantic mainsail and blade headsail can be hoisted and sheeted within a few short minutes. they can even be unfurled without starting an engine.
As a sailor all I can say is WOAH! And I’d love to be aboard when all 50,590 square-feet of downwind sail area are unfurled! That’s a test sail I’ll fly anywhere to be part of!
Stay tuned!
