Key Highlights:
Priced from $135,000 (€124,900) excluding VAT, with numerous customization options.
Designed for short, fast cruises.
4kW electric motor with 8.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries.
Uses "Resysta" decking (recycled material)
Adjustable draught 2.78ft to 6.1ft (0.85 to 1.85 m) and double rudder system.
Open-plan layout, customizable options.
Accommodates up to 4 people with a modern, elegant design.
Sunbeam Yachts, an iconic Austrian brand renowned for its build quality and craftsmanship, has strategically focused its production on small boats under 32 feet.
This shift is evident in their latest model, the SUNBEAM 29.1, which follows the impressive launch of their 32-footer. Designed as the ultimate daysailer, the SUNBEAM 29.1 is crafted for short, fast cruises, offering comfort and performance.
Premiering at the Boot in Düsseldorf in 2024, the SUNBEAM 29.1 made a significant impression. Available for orders with first deliveries expected by the end of the year, Sunbeam has ensured potential buyers have ample opportunity to experience its capabilities through trial sails and consultations with SUNBEAM partners. The boat hints at Sunbeam's allegiance to flexibility and innovation, aimed at delivering "Simply MORE!" to its users.
Exterior
The exterior of the SUNBEAM 29.1 has a sporty and modern design, a collaboration between Jerney Jacopin, known for his work with Bavaria, and Austrian designer Gerard Kiska, who brings his expertise from designing KTM motorcycles. The result is an elegant emerald-green hull with a cantilevered bow that enhances comfort on deck and provides a distinctive look.
The design concept of the SUNBEAM 29.1 focuses on making it the perfect daysailer for short, fast cruises.
It features a large open cockpit concept, providing more usable deck space, an integrated bathing platform, and a removable cockpit table. The boat is designed for single-handed sailing, with all halyards and lines led below deck and the mainsail circuit positioned behind the tiller. This layout allows the helmsman to handle all maneuvers directly from the cockpit, enhancing the boat's usability and comfort.
Constructed with a combination of hand-sandwiched fiberglass and laminate with carbon reinforcements, the boat ensures durability and performance.
Instead of traditional teak, the deck is covered with Resysta, a sustainable material made from recycled rice husks, reflecting Sunbeam's dedication to sustainability. This material choice reduces environmental impact and provides a durable and low-maintenance alternative.
The hydraulic swing keel is another notable feature, allowing the draught to range from 0.85 to 1.85 meters, making the boat highly adaptable to different water depths and perfect for shallow waters and diverse berthing options. With a displacement of just 2.3 tons and a width of 8.2ft (2.5 m), the SUNBEAM 29.1 is easily trailerable, offering flexibility for transport and storage.
Incorporating modern sustainability features, the SUNBEAM 29.1 comes standard with a 4KW electric motor powered by 8.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries, avoiding using tropical woods, and has a dedicated place for integrating solar panels into the deck structure.
The SUNBEAM 29.1's exterior design and features highlight its suitability for short cruises and single-handed sailing, setting a new standard in the small boat segment.
Sailing Capabilities
The SUNBEAM 29.1 is engineered to provide superior sailing performance and ease of handling, making it an ideal choice for seasoned sailors and those new to the sport.
With a maximum sail area of 516 square feet (48 square meters), the boat is equipped to handle various wind conditions, ensuring a thrilling and comfortable sailing experience.
One of the standout features is the canting keel, which allows the draught to be adjusted between 2.78ft and 6.1ft (0.85 and 1.85 m). This flexibility enhances sailing performance and enables access to shallow waters, making it versatile for various sailing environments.
The double rudder system improves handling and agility, providing excellent control even in challenging conditions.
The rigging on the SUNBEAM 29.1 is designed for efficiency and ease of use. The standard setup includes a square top mainsail and a self-tacking jib made from durable Dacron.
Optional laminate sails and a carbon mast are available for enhanced performance. The mast features no backstay, simplifying the rigging and reducing wind resistance.
Sailing the SUNBEAM 29.1 is more manageable, with features tailored for single-handed sailing. All halyards and lines are routed below deck, keeping the cockpit clean and clutter-free.
The boat is equipped with electric winches and an integrated autopilot, allowing the helmsman to handle all maneuvers directly from the cockpit. Downwind sailing options include a rollable gennaker or code-zero, which can be operated from the cockpit, eliminating the need for additional crew.
During a test sail, the SUNBEAM 29.1 demonstrated impressive performance, reaching speeds of nearly 4 knots upwind with just 6 knots of wind. With the wind picking up to 10 knots, the boat achieved speeds of up to 6.5 knots. The ability to manage the boat with a few buttons from the helm position makes it perfect for family outings or casual sailing with friends who may be inexperienced sailors.
In strong wind conditions, the SUNBEAM 29.1 remains stable and responsive. Even in gusts over 30 knots, the boat handled smoothly, and the electric motor provided the necessary thrust to return safely to the dock. This combination of performance, ease of handling, and safety features makes the SUNBEAM 29.1 a standout in its class.
Interior
Step below deck on the SUNBEAM 29.1, and you'll find an interior that is both spacious and elegantly designed. The open-plan layout eliminates doors and bulkheads, creating an ample, airy space that feels much bigger than its actual size. This design enhances the feeling of openness and provides flexibility in how the space can be used.
The interior can accommodate up to four people, with side bunks and a bed in the bow. LED light strips add a touch of modern elegance, enhancing the overall ambiance of the cabin.
Customization is a crucial feature of the SUNBEAM 29.1's interior. Optional pantry and wet cell modules can be added, allowing owners to retrofit and adapt the space to their needs.
A small table on the port side can be converted into a bar area, with options for a refrigerator and sink. Practical storage solutions, such as magnet-equipped dish holders, ensure that items stay in place even when the boat is heeled.
The design prioritizes comfort and convenience. There is ample headroom to sit comfortably on the side benches, and the open layout ensures that natural light fills the cabin. The optional toilet on the starboard side is discreetly integrated, maintaining the interior's clean lines while providing necessary amenities.
Overall, the interior of the SUNBEAM 29.1 reflects a thoughtful balance of functionality, comfort, and modern design. It's a space that invites relaxation and enjoyment, perfect for weekend getaways or short cruises. Whether sailing solo or with friends and family, the SUNBEAM 29.1 offers a welcoming and adaptable environment below deck.
Market Position and Pricing
The SUNBEAM 29.1 is strategically positioned as a premium daysailer and sporty cabin cruiser for those seeking a blend of modern design, high performance, and sustainability. It stands out in the competitive small boat market by offering features typically found in larger, more expensive yachts.
Priced from $135,000 (€124,900) excluding VAT, the SUNBEAM 29.1 has a standard 4KW electric motor and 8.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries. This base price reflects the boat's advanced engineering, high-quality materials, and sustainable features. For those looking to personalize their boat further, a range of optional extras is available, including a carbon mast, laminate sails, and additional interior modules. The striking emerald green hull, as seen on the test model, is also available as an optional extra, adding a touch of unique style.
The pricing strategy positions the SUNBEAM 29.1 as an attractive option for sailors who value innovation and sustainability.
Its competitive pricing, robust set of standard features, and numerous customization options ensure its appeal to a broad market segment, from experienced sailors to those new to the sport.
Wrap Up
The SUNBEAM 29.1 truly exemplifies Sunbeam Yachts' dedication to pushing boundaries, delivering excellence, and prioritizing environmental responsibility.
This modern, sporty cabin cruiser is designed to offer "Simply MORE!" – more comfort, more performance, and more flexibility.
With its elegant design, versatile sailing capabilities, and thoughtfully designed interior, the SUNBEAM 29.1 is perfect for short cruises and weekend getaways.
Its focus on sustainability, from using Resysta decking to the standard electric motor and integrated solar panels, sets it apart in the market.
The SUNBEAM 29.1 offers unique features, making it an excellent choice for sailors looking for a high-performance, easy-to-handle, and environmentally friendly boat. Whether for family outings or solo adventures, this boat promises to deliver an exceptional sailing experience.
