The new VQ80 Sportfish from Vanquish Yachts in the Netherlands certainly isn’t the typical cruising boat that we usually write about, but it’s so over the top that I couldn’t resist. Consider this: The 79-foot Vanquish (top picture) isn’t the owner’s main boat: It’s just a chase boat for SkyFall, his 194-foot superyacht (above picture), now under construction as Heesen Yachts, also in the Netherlands.
For its part, the Vanquish isn’t too shabby. It’s the most powerful Vanquish yet, with state-of-the-art C32 Cat diesels producing 4,800-hp paired to two surface drives. Top speed is expected to be 51 knots. It carries 1,505 gallons of fuel, and has a range of 330 nm at 48 to 50 knots.
“The client has set out to create a very special sportfish that resembles nothing else on the water today,” said Guido de Groot, the designer who worked with Vanquish to create the VQ80. One problem was getting the proportions right, particularly the tuna tower, which has been integrated into the superstructure.
The VQ80 has what the company calls an elegant and cool aesthetic, with carbon fiber finishing and no wood in the interior. It has an owner’s suite and two double guest cabins below, plus room for two crew. A Seakeeper 26 gyro stabilizer should help keep everyone comfortable.
SkyFall has four guest cabins below and the owner’s suite aft on the bridge deck with a private terrace and a whirlpool. SkyFall is Heesen’s most powerful yacht yet, with engines producing 22,000 horsepower, paired to four water jets, and a top speed of 37 knots.
SkyFall also has a media room with a cinema, a games room, and a formal dining area for 12. The tenders and water toys are on the foredeck, so the cockpit and swim platform can serve as a beach club and what the company calls “a wellness area.” The yacht is due to be launched in the spring of 2023. Read more:
