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McConaghy Boats - The Makara Sailing Superyacht Series

From the builders of Fastnet Race record breakers and America’s Cup contenders, comes a new range of semi-custom sailing superyachts that combine luxury with performance like never before.


McConaghy has a proven track record for high-performance yacht building. The McConaghy name has become synonymous with complex composite construction and the yard has earned a world-class reputation that’s made them the builder of choice for many a discerning yachtsman.


The Makara series, designed by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design, was unveiled last year and comprises the Makara 85, Makara 105 and the Makara 120.



Featuring subtle intricacies and perfectly proportioned style, the Makara sailing yachts are designed to glide with the lightest of breeze, delivering the highest levels of sailing performance with minimal effort and maximum comfort.​

In bringing this advanced design to the marketplace, the team set out to devise a monohull that whilst able to comfortably accommodate a family, can be sailed and raced short-handed.​ It is this simplicity of use that sets the Makara series apart.


The exterior lines incorporate a defined hull chine and low-profile superstructure, with dark glass giving a dynamic and striking contrast to the teak deck and paintwork.​



Benefitting from the full scope of McConaghy’s 50-year experience in the build of high-performance carbon fiber race boats and superyachts, such as the iconic 42.5m Adastra and 33m SY Leopard 3, the Makara yachts are a lightweight luxury sailing series that bring the superyacht lifestyle to the racecourse.

Constructed using prepreg carbon and structural foam cores, the Makara 85 (measuring 85ft/25.9m in length) has a lightship displacement of just 48 tonnes. The Makara 85 is specified with a carbon rig and a client can hone their racing and cruising preferences with the optional additions of a bowsprit and a lifting keel.


The sail plan for the Makara 85 features a 189sq.m mainsail and a 149sq.m blade. Advanced systems and sail handling technology deliver push-button performance with effortless ease, and confident blue water cruising even for a solo sailor.​ The level of control offered to the helmsman brings single-handed sailing capability to the yachting mass-market place in an incredibly beautiful package.


The semi-custom design is presented with four interior arrangements and an option of three or four cabins, with the master suite positioned fore or aft. With the master suite positioned forward, the layout allows for a three cabin arrangement with a snug saloon, or a four cabin setup.​ Accommodation is also provided for a full complement of crew, giving the design additional appeal and function as a charter yacht.​


The arrangement of the cockpit, flanked by the ergonomic coaming, allows guests to sit on deck in safety even whilst the yacht is underway and maneuvers are being undertaken. The cushioned sun beds, extending aft from the cockpit, are a desirable spot to relax when at anchor.​

Other attributes of the Makara series include a number of McConaghy-designed carbon fiber deck items and hardware, including carbon helm wheels (on a chain sprocket and shaft system), and a stern lazarette with fold-down transom door that creates a spacious and stable swim platform.​



An array of interior schematics has been developed for the Makara series, conceived by the notable Italian studio, m2atelier. Clients can choose from light oaks, walnuts and cool contemporary grays or, thanks to McConaghy’s bespoke-build capabilities, can implement and interior design completely of their choosing.


Glass has been positioned both at seated eye level and standing which, in partnership with glass panels in the cabin top, gives an incredible visual connection with the surroundings and the impression of still being on deck.​

The Makara 85 is ready to commence production, with a sail-away price from $6.3 million USD (including carbon mast and composite standing rigging).




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