Offering the best views on board, not to mention plenty of space for fitting a spa pool, the sundeck is often the centrepiece of a superyacht’s design. BOAT takes a look at a selection of very best superyacht sundecks in the world, starting with Lana...
Lana's large sundeck certainly provides the social hub for Benetti's 107 metre colossus. The 100sqm alfresco dining area on this level is found alongside an eight-metre pool, vast sunbathing areas and a shaded dining table with a backlit honey onyx base. When night falls it's decked out for partying, featuring a California Audio Technology system and a space for two club-standard speakers with two built-in K-array subwoofers.
Cantiere delle Marche’s first Flexplorer, 39 metre Aurelia, has less of a sundeck and more of a "private Jacuzzi deck" at its top. The owner requested an intimate, exclusive space, with a fridge, some storage and a large spa pool. "They created an alcove," said Vasco Buonpensiere, sales director and co-founder of Cantiere delle Marche. "A cosy place up there for the two of them, so the crew can’t go there.”
The compact 28 metre Custom Line Navetta 30 has a glass breakfast bar perched on the sundeck, giving its owners spectacular morning views. Its resort-like, barefoot informality complements the conviviality of the upper deck with Ferretti's chief executive officer Alberto Galassi referring to the area as his favourite on the yacht. "The sundeck is huge," he said. "You could have a game of football there."
Rossinavi's automative-inspired 50 metre EIV has plenty of wellness amenities, with a five metre contra-flow swimming pool on its sundeck. Enrico Gobbi of Venice-based Team for Design oversaw the exterior and chose a dark grey colour-scheme for the superyacht's sundeck. In this way, the large 10 metre beam's scale is minimised and doesn't impinge on the boat's elegant silhouette.
Amadea's sundeck is the “party area” according to designer Espen Øino. The pool can be converted into a stage for private gigs and equipment can be plugged into the yacht's audio system. Alternatively, guests can use the area of al fresco relaxation in the sun.
The sundeck was an area of huge importance to the owner of Elandess who specifically requested a place capable of supporting various activities and several generations of guests. The expansive sunpad doubles as observation seating, while a large dining area sits on starboard opposite a bar on the portside. The pool meanwhile holds 22 tonnes of fresh water and has a glass wall for watching grandchildren at play.
Masterfully integrated into the sleek profile of this sporty 70 metre Heesen superyacht, the sundeck of Galactica Super Nova is linked visually and physically to the open bow. Sliding glass and a hardtop bimini make this an ideal space for entertaining, both during the heat of the day and late at night.
The top deck of 69.55 metre Elysian is party central, with a kitchen, grill and bar, a drop-down cinema screen and a sound system and DJ set-up for a disco. Delivered by Lürssen in 2014, Elysian features exterior styling by the world-renowned Espen Øino and a sumptuous Reymond Langton Design interior that provides accommodation for up to 12 guests.
The sprawling sundeck on this 85.1 metre superyacht runs from a horseshoe bar with gold mosaic to a beach-chic lounge platform with a twinkly star overhead and dance floor — it has hosted 60 guests for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Designed for pure enjoyment, Solandge was launched by German yard Lürssen in 2013.