Closer look: The new Makara sailing yacht series by McKeon and McConaghy

McKeon and McConaghy are names that regularly pop up in industry news. Malcolm McKeon – the yacht designer with a string of front-running sailing yacht design concepts and the successful 32.64-metre Ribelle – has teamed up with the superyacht builder responsible for the 42.5-metre space-age Adastra, McConaghy Boats, to release a new sailing superyacht series called Makara.

In the 50 years McConaghy has been building high-performance racing yachts and complex composite structures, the team have become experts in applying advanced construction methods to all of their projects. Now with the team ready to start production on the first Makara 85 (which costs $6,750,000), SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at what makes this new series of super sailers one to watch.

Can be sailed single-handed

The new series is the Australian yard’s entrance into the semi-custom luxury yacht sector. Proving that a highly advanced and complex design can be operated short-handed, McConaghy’s Makara yachts deliver the highest levels of sailing performance with minimal effort and maximum comfort.

With a 189-square-metre mainsail and a 149-square-metre blade, the Makara 85 features push-button functionality for its mainsheet trim. These advanced systems and sail handling technology are made to give a solo helmsman confidence in making the most of a bluewater cruising experience.

Built with impressive lightweight kit

The yacht’s generous output is thanks to its composite engineering from Pure Design and prepreg carbon and structural foam cores that McConaghy has ensured remains lightweight (the 25.9-metre model has a lightship displacement of just 48 GT). The build package can be customised to include a bowsprit and a lifting keel with other McConaghy-designed carbon fibre items such as the carbon helm wheels and stern lazarette with a fold-down transom door. The rig package for the Makara series has been specified by Southern Spars.

Designed with plenty of sailing style

Malcolm McKeon’s exterior lines show off a defined hull chine and low profile superstructure for all three of the series yachts: Makara 85, Makara 105 and the Makara 120. The use of dark glass surrounding the superstructure gives a dynamic look and is a striking contrast to the teak deck and paintwork. The exterior styling largely compliments the selection of smart interior schemes on offer – such as the oak or walnut veneers or the minimalist smooth grey finish.

"Our Makara sailing superyacht series, designed by one of the most famous names in yachting, has perfectly proportioned style and all the makings of an iconic sailing yacht range. With the Makara series, we are establishing our position in the semi-custom luxury yacht sector, introducing a highly advanced and complex design which, in its resulting simplicity of use, sets it apart," explains Mark Evans, director of McConaghy.

Fast, but family-friendly

The semi-custom design comes with four interior arrangements and an option of three or four cabins with the master suite positioned fore or aft and the potential for a snug saloon. The flexible interior layout was made to be appealing to the charter market and for families.

The arrangement of the cockpit, flanked by the ergonomic coaming, allow guests to safely sit on deck whilst the yacht is underway and manoeuvres are being undertaken by the crew nearby. The cushioned sun beds, extending aft from the cockpit, are the perfect spot to relax when at anchor.

McConaghy’s superyacht division has been specifically established for the construction of custom projects over 24 metres. To find out how the in-house design staff can work closely with you for a unique project or a unit of the Makara series, please contact mevans@mcconaghyboats.com.