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SUPERYACHT DESIGN IS AS BOLDLY IMAGINATIVE AS EVER, REPORTS SAM FORTESCUE

- SAM FORTESCUE

APEX 850

LOA 85.00m 279ft 0in BEAM 15.00m 49ft 3in DRAUGHT 5.00m-8.50m (16ft 5in-27ft 11in) DISPLACEMENT 1,000 tonnes SAIL AREA 4,700m2 50,590ft2 (downwind) royalhuisman.com

The tie-up between Malcolm McKeon and Royal Huisman continues to bear fruit, this time in the form of the world’s largest sloop. Measuring 85m on deck, the yacht’s mast towers 107m above the water – eclipsing the former Mirabella V, currently the world’s biggest sloop. She will take her place as one of the world’s five largest sailing boats.

“The sailing experience of APEX 850 will be sensational, with speeds in excess of wind speed in most conditions,” says designer McKeon. “Her retractable keel, optimised weight distribution and limited heel angle will provide stability, comfort and safety for all on board.”

APEX 850 is a radical design, according to McKeon. Just look at the all-glass coachroof, which seems to float above the surface of the deck. Under its canopy is 200m2 of dining and lounging space that can be open to the elements or totally enclosed. Windows slide open and even the sliding glass doors can be lowered into hidden cassettes to create a huge party space.