Manhattan 56: a compact flybridge yacht from Sunseeker

The Manhattan 56 is a blend of New York skyscrapers’ graphic lines with the sleek contours of supercars 

The smaller the yacht, the greater the challenge for designers. Demanding clients often do not want to hear the word “compromise”, making it difficult to explain why a 56-foot yacht lacks some features found on a 70-footer. As a result, yachts seem to go on expanding in width and height and even to bend the very fabric of space. Thanks to the skillful work with the Manhattan 56’s length of 17.21 m and beam of 4.87 m, the British team managed to create a functional layout and to demonstrate their ability to make the most of the available space. 

The continuous glazing of the main deck reflects the water and the sky, creating a feeling that you are in a glass cube floating above the waves. As for the Manhattan 56’s flybridge, it gives you an opportunity to feel on top of the world. There is a sunbathing area forward, while the aft section features a spacious dining area with a bar. The entire area doubles the space available for outdoor recreation. For those who value privacy and being alone with the elements, there is a seating area on the foredeck with a table, perfect for enjoying cozy breakfasts away from prying eyes.

Modular furniture in the aft cockpit allows one to transform the area easily. In the morning, it’s a lounge for having coffee and making business calls, in the afternoon it is like an outdoor veranda of a restaurant or a full-beam sunbathing area, and in the evening one can have cocktails and admire the sunset here. The open aft section transitions smoothly into the beach club by the water. As an option, it can also be fitted with a shower and a barbecue. 

On entering the main saloon, one immediately feels like touching the finishes. The interior has been transformed using the new Sunseeker Interiors collection created in collaboration with Design Unlimited that the yard has trusted for years. Drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of modern apartments, the designers have moved away from traditional yacht styling towards minimalist forms, warm natural finishes and tactile textures. 

A slightly raised lounge area in the center of the saloon adds dynamism and divides the space visually without enclosing it, which is an impressive design feature that makes the entire deck feel spacious yet cozy. This kind of layout offers guests a truly panoramic view: aft, forward through the large wheelhouse windows and out to the sides. 

The U-shaped galley is located near the cockpit entrance to connect directly with the aft lounge area, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. It resembles an open-plan kitchen in a restaurant or loft, allowing the owner, a guest chef or a bartender to interact with guests while cooking or serving food and cocktails and setting the tone for the entire gathering. Another important detail often overlooked is that this layout prevents cooking odours from entering the lounge and cabins. Any smells disappear instantly when the aft doors or window are open. 

There are three cabins below deck. The full-beam master cabin amidships is incredibly generous for a yacht of this size. It  features a king-size bed and a high ceiling allowing one to stand at full height. The space on the starboard side can be tailored to the owners’ preferences: there can be a sunpad for afternoon reading, a small table for intimate breakfasts or additional storage. The master bathroom features a separate shower stall, recessed lighting and fixtures that are pleasing both to the eye and to the touch. The forward VIP cabin is bright and spacious, and is ensuite. There is also a cabin with twin beds. 

True to her Manhattan lineage, this yacht is not only a feast for the eyes: she delivers confident performance and substantial thrust. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D13-800 engines of 800 hp each, she is available both with pod and shaft drives. Her cruising speed is about 25 knots, and for those who plan longer journeys, at a speed of 21 knots she has a range of up to 230 nautical miles. When you are in a mood for a more exhilarating ride, she can reach an impressive top speed of 32 knots. 

Thanks to the tried and tested hull and responsive handling, the Manhattan 56 is meant for the owners, who handle their boat on their own. She combines performance, stability and comfort on board, and that is exactly what owners around the world have been expecting – and getting – from British Sunseeker for years.