The Exclusive World of Sunseeker Super Yachts
Sunseeker Yachts have become world leaders in the luxury yacht market. The company has been building luxury motorboats since 1979 and were the largest UK-based luxury yacht manufacturer in 2012. Sunseeker yachts have been based in Dorset, England since their inception and the company prides themselves on maintaining a strong British ship building tradition.
These yachts are decadent in terms of luxury and are very popular amongst the rich and famous. Many people recognise the Sunseeker brand through its appearance in a number of James Bond films. The relationship began in 1999 and since then Sunseeker yachts have appeared in The World is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum Solace. The Sunseeker “Predator 108” luxury yacht that appeared in Casino Royale was bought by a Chinese property developer for £300 million! Quantum of Solace actually featured two Sunseeker yachts — the “Superhawk 43” and the “Sovereign 17”.
Many sporting stars and Hollywood elite have purchased Sunseeker yachts. Here are a few of the high profile owners of these beautiful boats.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is one of the world’s most famous Formula One drivers, with a net worth of around $250 million dollars.
Lewis owns a 28 meter (91.9 feet) Sunseeker 90. While not the largest Sunseeker yacht, this model features a luxury interior with multiple living areas and bedrooms, the main bedroom featuring a king-size bed. The yacht also features American walnut carpentry, air conditioning, a swimming shower, full sized chef’s kitchen and an elaborate entertainment system.
Nicole Kidman
Academy-award winning actress Nicole Kidman decided to purchase a “Sunseeker Manhattan 74,” which has a list price of $4.5 million USD (£2.86m). Her yacht is named “Hokulani” which means heavenly star.
The Manhattan 74 features an opulent main saloon, separate dining areas and a stunning full-sized kitchen. The yacht is designed to sleep 8 guests and 3 crew members, but more can be accommodated within its large interior. With four state rooms, a master state room and forward guest cabins, it is designed to accommodate a large group. The ship’s interior is intelligently designed to make use of all of the available room and the finishes are spectacular.
Eddie Jordan
Eddie Jordan is one of the most recognisable faces within the motorsports industry. A successful entrepreneur, Jordan was the founder and owner of Formula One team “Jordan Grand Prix” from 1991 to 2005. He has worked since then as a motors sports commentator for the BBC.
Eddie spent a massive £32 million on his custom built Sunseeker yacht. The “155 Yacht” is larger than most Sunseeker motorboats, coming in at more than 40 meters in length. This vessel has room for up to 12 guests and 10 crew members, with very spacious cabins. Its most impressive feature is the huge social deck, which can be transformed into a mini-nightclub! It also has a full-sized kitchen, jacuzzi and huge dining room, all of which are beautifully fitted out.
Jenson Button
Jenson Button is another huge name in the motorsports world. The 35-year-old British Formula One driver has a net worth of over $100 million US dollars. Button recently bought a £4.5m Sunseeker 28, one of the largest Sunseeker vessels available at over 28 metres (91 feet).
Button bought the yacht for his family to go on holidays around Europe. It features a spacious interior, al fresco dining table, large panoramic windows, saloon balcony and large sun pads on the foredeck. The interior is the height of luxury with bedrooms featuring stained timber panelling, down-lights and opulent soft furnishings. The exterior has a very modern and streamlined appearance, suitable for a Formula One driver!
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Michael Douglas has been the owner of a custom built Sunseeker yacht for a number of years. Michael’s family enjoy travelling on the Sunseeker to destinations including Monte Carlo and Mallorca, where he owns property.
Michael’s sunseeker is more than 30 meters in length and features a full-sized kitchen and large entertaining area. He has had a great deal of custom work done to this yacht so exact details of the interior are not known. Douglas was one of the early adopters of Sunseeker yachts and he has had a great deal of use from it!
Sunseeker & Elysian Estates featured on CNBC’s First Class programme, find out more…
