Hunton’s ‘Next-Gen’ XRS54 Displays Futuristic Technology With Luxury Design & Raw Power
Hampshire-based Hunton Yachts are adding the XRS54 to its range of luxury cruisers after almost a decade in the works and with an upcoming launch imminent, the latest addition to the Hunton stable represents a new breed of luxury cruiser. It encompasses everything that discerning boat enthusiasts might come to expect from the legendary boat builder with a great British pedigree.
Driven by an uncompromising quest for excellence, the Romsey-based firm is committed to building the best boats of its generation under the guidance of CEO Fiona Pool, a former investment banker at Bank of America and Goldman Sachs in The City of London. These luxury yachts were designed by the legendary Jeff Hunton, an offshore powerboat racer who established Hunton over thirty years ago, with the now famous stepped hull responsible for the smooth ride, stability and handling of these unique boats.
The new model, a 15.8 metre cruiser, comes with a choice of hardtop or open cockpit, twin or triple engines, diesel propulsion, two cabins (both with bathrooms), modular cockpit seating, leather interiors, cutting-edge electronics and a top speed of around 50 knots.
In line with all the firm’s yachts – including their stylish and comfortable XRS37 luxury sports boat – the XRS54 is hand-crafted with an attention to detail and quality of finish rarely seen down at the marina. The XRS54, with a price tag around £1m, is aimed at discerning ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNW’s) who expect only the very best, and comes with bespoke finishes, interiors and design as standard.
Engineering & Craftsmanship
Blending the best of British design and engineering, the XRS54 offers a unique blend of artistic creativity, craftsmanship, technology and excitement, which all underscores the future of Hunton and the next generation of luxury powerboats. But then experimentation and innovation have always been the heart and centre of the Hunton philosophy for over three decades now.
Speed is not the only distinguishing aspect that sets Hunton apart from its peers. Their boats are traditionally hand crafted using only the finest materials for an understated British flair and style. Known as the Aston Martin of the seas, these luxury yachts are the ultimate in sophistication and luxury comfort.
Luxury Accommodation
In order to create the practical accommodation that goes with Hunton’s reputation, a carbon-fibre foredeck tops the Kevlar hull, which adds strength, stiffness and lightweight properties to the overall structure.
Within the open-plan interior space a salon is offered and there is a luxury galley as well as two double berths with a mid-ship master cabin. The cockpit is well-stocked with a wet-bar, grill and refrigerator, a waterproof hi-fi system and a teak-lined bathing platform. Add to that a wraparound banquette and a double sun-pad that hydraulically rises to reveal the engine bay.
The XRS54 sits alongside other models in the firm’s portfolio: the XRS37 model starting out at a price of £375,000 and the XRS43 commanding a price tag of £470,000.
Under the management leadership of Pool, who headed European High Yield at Bank of America in London, Hunton Yachts is now seeking to expand its luxury range with modern flair that is “appropriate and targeted” to UHNW’s and provides this audience with the finest British luxury yacht money can buy.
The XRS54 is the firm’s latest offering and their focus going forward will be on the 43ft and larger yachts for markets in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia. There is business logic to this as this is where the higher margins can be achieved. Over the next five years the production target for the firm is 40 to 50 yachts according to Pool. The XRS54 will be instrumental to achieving that goal.
“We will be producing demonstration boats and inventory from 2017,” explains former University of London graduate Pool, who studied French, Italian, and Economic and Political history. That said, Hunton will still be producing the “one-off bespoke builds”, she says. The XRS54 combines the best of British design and engineering and offers a unique blend of artistic creativity, craftsmanship, technology and excitement. It all goes to define the future of Hunton and the next generation of luxury yachts.
Now is the time to order your luxury yacht
Now that Britain is leaving the EU, Brexit makes this an ideal time to buy British. The exchange rate of most currencies to the British Pound is at a record high so buyers from abroad can benefit from a large increase in their spending power. There will never be a better time to order this stunning luxury British icon!
The specifications of the XRS54 include amongst others:
* 2 full cabins with bathrooms
* 50 Knots with high performance Man 1200 diesel engines.
* Hard top or open cockpit
* Tender garage
* Modular cockpit seating
* Luxury galley
* State of the art electronics
* Teak decking, leather upholstery and bespoke design finishes as standard
* Choice of bespoke colours, materials and finish, to make each boat unique!
