Breaking with the traditions of the Sunbeam shipyard
Austrian builder Sunbeam Yachts will launch its new model, the Sunbeam 32.1, in the summer of 2021. This 10-meter-long sailboat has a design that completely breaks with the shipyard's traditions. The lines are modern and appealing, particularly with this sort of rostrum at the bow. The idea is to create a "Weekend Sailer" to attract a younger clientele, looking for a good time on the water, with family or friends, for a weekend or a day.
"For 70 years, Sunbeam has been building boats that are evolutions of previous models, based on customer feedback, our own sailing experience and the latest industry trends. For this new concept, we based our initial thinking on leisure. Today, we have many hobbies and not as much free time for sailing. The boat must therefore allow for leisure activities with family and friends. It must be used for sailing, but not only. It is the starting point for all other nautical activities such as stand-up paddle, diving or simply swimming. The idea is to offer them privacy to practice all their leisure activities" explains Andras Schöchhl, CEO of Sunbeam Yachts.
For this innovative project, the shipyard worked with industrial designer Gerald Kiska. The Sunbeam 32.1 will be the first in the range to offer a double wheelhouse, with maneuvers brought aft. It will be equipped with two rudders and offered with several ballast versions (keelboat, short keel), including a twin keel version for beaching.
The main characteristics
The front of the boat is striking with its inverted bow and a deck wider than the hull, to offer a second living space on the boat, in addition to the cockpit. This "Flight Deck" is radical and innovative enough to make a lasting impression (you choose your interpretation).
The piano is offset on each side in front of the bars, the maneuvers are hidden from the crew by passing through tunnels. Two winches are installed as standard, two others are integrated in the genoa pack.
The cockpit, where there are benches and tables, can be extended by a telescopic bathing platform with a surface area of 4 m 2 that disappears under the cockpit when stowed.
Inside, the site wishes to highlight the loft spirit with an open and bright space and an absence of partitions, except for the toilet. There is a saloon with a table that converts into a double berth, a second double berth at the rear and a kitchen. The glass surfaces and the hull and deckhouse windows bring a lot of luminosity, especially the front window.
To bring a more sustainable side to its new model, the shipyard decided to replace teak and other exotic woods with a Resysta coating, composed of 60% rice husk, 22% crystalline salts and 18% mineral oils. Solar panels can be integrated into the sliding door of the companionway and complemented by other modules on the roof. Finally, the canopy and bimini are made from 23% recycled fibers, and flax fiber has been preferred over fiberglass.
A turnkey rate
The Sunbeam 32.1 is approved in category B, designed for coastal navigation and inland waters. It is priced at 169,000 euros (excluding VAT) (navigation instruments in the cockpit, refrigerator, sail feeder - self-tacking jib with reefing system and mainsail -, antifouling, WC).
