Galeon’s 700 SKY Takes Sporting Luxury to Dizzying New Heights
The SKY’s the limit.
Over the past several years, Polish boat maker Galeon Yachts has been raising eyebrows with its innovative designs and high-quality construction. Now the company is exceeding expectations with its all-new 700 SKY.
Although the 700 SKY model has been a mainstay in the Galeon lineup for years, the 2022 edition is a completely new boat with an all-new design inside and out. For starters, it uses lightweight carbon fibre to reimagine the traditional flybridge yacht with what the company describes as “tech-forward” helm stations, no less than four staterooms, separate crew quarters, and multiple massive entertaining spaces—all packed into a sleek and sporty exterior design.
Stretching just under 22 metres in overall length and with a 5.25-metre beam, the 700 SKY maintains a low profile in spite of its skydeck configuration, looking more like an oversized express cruiser than a proper three-deck yacht at first. A large part of that optical illusion lies in the company’s imaginative use of glass, with enormous windows on the main deck contributing to the yacht’s sporty profile while providing 360-degree panoramic views.
Complementing the slimming quality of the window treatment are elegant, forward-leaning stainless steel side rails along the bow promenades, which echo the swooping profile of the skydeck hardtop. At the stern, a teak-covered swim platform further accentuates the illusion of movement even as the boat lies still. All in all, the external design of the yacht is exquisite, exciting as one boards for a closer look.
Inspired Design
Beginning at the stern, the hydraulically actuated swim platform provides a natural entry point, leading from the pier to the cockpit. On the water, the platform lowers at the push of a button to facilitate family swims or help launch the inflatable dinghy concealed in the transom tender garage.
A wide set of stairs to the starboard end of the swim platform passes a water-tight door that provides access to the dedicated crew cabin. For owners who self-crew, this can provide a charming private cabin the kids will surely fight over, or it can be converted to a storage/pantry space for extended voyages.
Farther forward along the starboard promenade to the bow, a large, forward-facing C-shaped settee surrounds a pedestal-mount table, creating an ideal spot for socializing over a bottle of wine. Forward of the table, another expansive sun pad invites guests to spend some time soaking up golden rays.
The most direct access to the yacht’s interior is via stairs leading up from the port side of the swim platform, where a wide passageway leads directly to the cockpit. Dominating the outdoor space is a large L-shaped settee surrounding a pedestal-mount table, with an expansive sun pad immediately aft. While the sun pad is fully exposed to the sky, the cockpit settee is protected from rainy weather or the midday sun by an overhead hard top, making it an enjoyable space day or night.
More Than Meets the Eye
From the cockpit, a wide flight of port-side stairs beckons upward to the skydeck, but first the wide-open salon door is an invitation to further explore the main deck.
The galley, just inside the salon along the port side, is more residential in scope than expected in a yacht this size. It’s brilliantly done, making excellent use of its U-shaped layout to provide an exceptional counter and storage space in a compact footprint. Huge windows and thoughtful lighting make the galley a pleasant and inviting environment, while its positioning allows it to serve both indoor and outdoor spaces with equal ease. Opposite, an outward-facing breakfast bar with stools might just be the best spot to enjoy that morning coffee while planning the day’s activities.
Just forward of the galley is the salon proper, with a large U-shaped bank salon surrounding two pedestal-mount tables that can be joined to form the primary dining space. It faces a snug settee to starboard, creating a delightful space for relaxing at the end of the day.
The helm, far forward on the starboard side, features twin pedestal-mount, shock-absorbing seats and a state-of-the-art glass dash with three multifunction displays.
All the Comforts
A centreline passage immediately left of the helm station leads to the lower deck guest accommodations. Continuing forward at the base of the stairs takes guests to the VIP suite, complete with a queen bed, a large HDTV, and an elegant ensuite with a beautiful shower.
A pair of twin cabins, each equipped with two twin beds, lie amidships. Each has its own large wardrobe and ample storage space for personal items. Both cabins share the rather spacious guest head, complete with its own glass-encased shower.
Accessed from the main deck by a separate stairway opposite the galley, the full-beam owner’s suite offers every comfort of home with its queen bed, an oversized head with double shower, and a substantial walk-in closet.
Reach for the Top
Accessed by stairs on the port side of the cockpit, the extended skydeck positions a second helm station far forward, with a dash setup mirroring the main deck arrangement but with just two multifunction displays. A companion seat to each side of the helm seat makes for pleasant cruising when self-crewing the yacht, and a Fusion stereo with Bluetooth further enhances the joy of riding up top.
Full 360-degree panoramic views under the protection of an overhead hard top with a sunroof make this the top space to relax on board. The aft end of the skydeck is dominated by a large J-shaped settee surrounding a pedestal-mount table, creating an inviting spot to relax while on the water, whether catching up with a good book or enjoying a delicious meal al fresco. A wet bar to port houses a second refrigerator and a sink.
With its twin MAN 1,200-horsepower V8 turbo diesels and 3,500-litre fuel capacity, Galeon’s 700 SKY offers a level of performance that matches its stunning good looks, cruising comfortably at 28 knots and speeding along at 32 knots when it has to get somewhere in a hurry. Drafting only 1.43 metres, it’s able to negotiate smaller harbours with ease, allowing this yacht to get into the thick of the action and in most cases, eliminate the need to tender in.
Galeon caused a stir when it first announced it would redesign the 700 SKY, but the results speak for themselves. With its innovative design, inspired presentation, and superlative build quality, this is one cruising yacht that knows no limits.
