Malcolm McKeon Unveils World's Largest Sloop at 85m

By George Bains

Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design and Royal Huisman have unveiled the fruits of an exciting collaboration between two industry greats. The new APEX 850 concept is both the world’s largest sloop-rigged superyacht and the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht, but it is more than just the size that makes this a superyacht a future-icon.

Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design has been behind some of the most innovative and exhilarating superyacht designs of the last 30 years, with an exceptional portfolio that includes sail, power and multihull yachts. This latest design perfectly encapsulates the studio’s vision to turn dreams into reality, and it is certainly one dream that will make a thrilling addition to the stellar Royal Huisman fleet.

Apex 850 features a towering rig of 102m, and this ambitious fully resolved concept aims to redefine the notions of on-board luxury and sailing experience. A sleek, elongated hull adds graceful elegance to this dominating superyacht, with a gentle sheer and a reverse bow which allows her to lay like a feather on the water. The design is ready to commerce build, and is sure to inspire a future owner, who will benefit from two years of saved development time.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the design is an all-glass superstructure, which includes a pivotal 200sqm single-level social space. The use of glass brings guests closer to their surrounding environment, while the styling stays true to an ethos of minimalism throughout. This minimalism is enhanced by white glass, and virtually see-through exterior panels are an intriguing structural component.

Apex 850 is undoubtedly an incredibly voluminous superyacht, and the use of onboard guest spaces makes her an exciting prospect for all demographics of owners. Al fresco dining facilities are available between the helm and full-beam superstructure doors to ensure guests can always enjoy the outdoor experience, while an expansive main salon offers 360-degree panoramic views to inspire a connection with the sea. This connection if furthered in the forward-facing guest cockpit, which focuses eyes on the horizon.

There is plenty of opulent accommodation for guests onboard, with room for 12 in five sublime suites, including a 250sqm aft owner’s apartment. The luxurious owner’s apartment encompasses a stateroom with a private lounge, walk-in wardrobe and spacious ensuite bathroom with sauna. The stateroom also leads out onto the beach club, which can be converted into a cinema room with floor-to-ceiling glass on either side. This is a truly unique use of aft deck spaces, perfect for private use by the owner or shared with guests. The aft deck also includes a swing-out deck with a large 50sqm swim, gym and social area.

Guests onboard Apex 850 are certainly not short of onboard activities to enjoy while cruising around the world. Further amenities include a wine cave, large guest lobby, dedicated scuba diving store and side swim platforms from the midships lazarette.

Commenting on his latest groundbreaking design, Malcolm McKeon said: “When working at these scales, comfort and performance need never be compromised. Our evolution of the APEX 850 has allowed us to look beyond finding an ‘acceptable balance’ to focus, instead, on a heightened and indeed optimised partnership between each of these integral aspects of the concept.”

The Apex 850 concept has been designed with an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system, along with energy management technologies which optimise energy efficient and minimise environmental impact, adding to her future-proof value. Under sail, Apex 850 is forecasted to easily achieve 20 knots.  

The unprecedented luxury and sailing prowess of Apex 850 guarantees swashbuckling adventures for a future owner, and we hope to see this dream turned into reality.

"When working at these scales, comfort and performance need never be compromised."

Malcolm McKeon

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"When working at these scales, comfort and performance need never be compromised."

Malcolm McKeon
By George Bains
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