Having started her life in 2004 as the 85-meter Annaliesse, one of Andreas Liveras' charter projects, the superyacht underwent a series of ownership changes until it was eventually acquired by American billionaire, Sheldon Adelson, who rebuilt the yacht and extended it by 6.5 meters.
Difficult to recognise following her 16-month refit in Italy, the newly named, 91.5-meter Queen Miri now features a state of the art, floodable garage that transforms into a heated, seawater swimming pool, a beach club and a revamped interior look. With a weekly rate starting at €1,825,000, she's also the most expensive yacht marketed for charter.
Originally built in 2004 by Greek shipyard, Neorion, the yacht was commissioned by the late shipping magnate, Andreas Liveras and christened as Annaliesse. Constructed during the golden age of yacht charter being a viable business for owners, Annaliesse was a popular yacht due to her ability to cruise with parties of up to 36 guests.
In 2007, Annaliesse was however sold to a Dubai-based owner who kept her private following the acquisition and renamed her to Delma. Two years prior to her sale, she was asking $103 million and got a price reduction to $79 million in 2006, the last recorded asking price remained undisclosed.
85m Delma
In 2013, Delma came back on the market, this time asking €53 million. Eventually the yacht was sold to her current owner, Sheldon Adelson. With a net worth valued at $38,6 billion by Forbes, Adelson is most well known as the majority stakeholder of the Las Vegas Sands.
Following his purchase, which occurred at some point in early 2015, Delma was sent to the Amico & Co refit facility in Italy, where the yacht was extended by 6.5-meters, essentially gaining her new beach club and seawater swimming pool. The interior of the yacht was also revamped and a large Jacuzzi installed on the sundeck.
Immediately procuring the image of a superyacht, Queen Miri's main salon features a hallway that stretches in a straight line up to the yacht's bow. On either side of the hallway are a total of 8 cabins on the main deck. Designed to entertain a large amount of guests, the main salon features several sets of lounging areas and coffee tables.
Forward of the lounging area; in the main salon, are two large dinning tables, separated by the infinite hallway, each capable of sitting 18 guests, hence being able to cater in a formal way to its 36 guests. Continuing the salon's purple colour scheme, the dinning room is furnished with a slightly darker violet pallet from its chairs to its carpets and chandeliers.
Whilst there are a lot of cabins onboard Queen Miri, it's behemoth like size at 91.5 meters in length still allows for large guest cabins. Its twin suites for example feature wide rooms with lots of space to move around as well bathrooms worthy of a master cabin on a 50m yacht.
As a true superyacht, Queen Miri features a massive staircase connecting its various floors from the bridge deck all the way down to the lower deck. Both wide and spacious, its staircase and foyers allow for large groups to move around the yacht with ease, for example when entertaining large parties moored in a harbour.
Up on the superyacht's upper deck is an area dedicated to sports. Surrounded by Queen Miri's large tenders and six jet skis, the gym features professional equipment spread out over a space, in essence, as large as the main salon found on the main deck. As a bonus, a children's playing castle was also included as part of the gym's equipment.
Forward of the yacht's gym are located another four guest cabins, two twins and two doubles. These are slightly larger than the cabins found previously on the main deck but are laid out in the same fashion around a central hallway as the rest of the yacht.
Towards the bow of the upper deck can be found Queen Miri's master suite. Although not as large as could typically be found onboard a 91-meter due to the large amount of guest cabins, the stateroom still offers an unbeatable 180 degree view, a private study, a large bathroom and the possibility to connect a twin cabin to it for guests with kids.
Located at the very forward of the yacht's upper deck, the master stateroom can be sealed off for maximum privacy, resulting in essentially a private residence with the best view on board. The gym can also be accessed in just a few seconds out of the owner's area.
Queen Miri's bridge deck, ie it's 4th storey, features yet another lounge area with a bar, playing table and three separate lounging zones, ideally set up for entertaining large groups of guests. Forward of the salon can be found another cabin as well as the captain's cabin. To the forward of the deck is the yacht's bridge.
Towards the aft of the bridge deck can be found another two dinning tables capable of seating 18 guests each as well. This area acts as an outdoor dinning area, which will in fact, typically, be much more used than the formal dinning are on the main deck. To the aft of the tables is a lounging area for cocktails either before or after dinner.
During her refit, one of the areas of the yacht that was most notably improved, in addition to the yacht's beach club, was its outdoor space. Designed within the blue colour theme that spreads throughout the whole boat, it features an American design with regards to furniture.
One of the main improvements on Queen Miri was the installation of a supersized Jacuzzi forward of her sundeck. Surrounded by lounging pads as well as sunpads and lounging chairs, it created the perfect place to enjoy the sun whilst onboard. Aft of the Jacuzzi are a further set of playing tables, wet bar, technical space as well as a helipad populated with sunbeds when not in operation.
A signature area onboard Queen Miri has now become her lower deck. Previously mostly used for crew and operations, the space now features a floodable tender bay to transport one of her tenders. When at anchor, however, the bay transforms into a seawater, heated swimming pool surrounded by mosaics and lights.
Through folding platforms on both sides of the pool and to its aft, a large beach club is extended whenever Queen Miri is at anchor, allowing its guests to enjoy their time at sea and benefit from the yacht's wide array of watertoys and jetskis.
A bonus area of the yacht, which can often be overlooked, is her five-star hotel-grade spa, located amidst the lower deck. Featuring sunbeds located around a plunge pool as well as passage rooms, it acts as a perfect place to relax indoors whilst on Queen Miri.
Another alluring aspect of the yacht, especially to ladies onboard, is Queen Miri's onboard hair salon, which can also be found in its spa area. In addition to acting as a hair salon, it is also used for treatments of all sorts onboard.
Born in Cyprus in 1935, Andreas Liveras immigrated with his family to London in 1963 where he started off selling pastries and driving a delivery truck for a bakery. Five years into his job, he bought the company and expanded it to becoming one of the largest frozen cake manufacturers in Europe.
In 1985, he sold his first bakery business and ultimately started a cream-filled pastry producer in the UK in 1992 with his son, which they later sold for £130 million to the Bakkavor Group.
Liveras is however most well known in yachting for his business of building and chartering out yachts, Liveras Yachts, that he started with his gains from the bakery businesses during what was the golden age of yachting as a business. Queen Miri, formerly known as Annaliesse was one of the yachts built for this business. Tragically, Liveras was killed in a terrorist attack in Mumbai, India in 2008.
Born in 1933, Adelson started his first business at 12 years old selling newspapers. His first big hit, however, came with Comdex, a computer trade show. In 1995, he and his partners sold the Interface Group Show Division for $862 million to SoftBank.
In 1988, he purchased the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. In 1991, he built the Venetian on top of it. During the years that followed, Adelson continued to expand his gaming empire to other US states and Macau. Forbes currently puts his net worth at $38,6 billion.
In an elegant ceremony held in Viareggio, the eighth installment of the Mangusta GranSport 33 set sail into the azure waters, marking yet another milestone for the renowned yacht series.Crafted at the intersection of avant-garde design, artisanal expertise, and cutting-edge technology, this vessel is the epitome of nautical excellence. Designed in collaboration between Alberto Mancini and Ovemarine Group's technical department, the Mangusta GranSport 33 offers a seamless blend of sophistication and performance.Measuring 33 meters in length, this yacht effortlessly combines high-speed cruising capabilities of up to 25 knots with spacious and comfortable interiors, ideal for extended voyages across diverse waters.A hallmark of this vessel is its expansive interior spaces, totaling 228 gross tons, meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of the owner and their guests. The on-deck master stateroom, spanning over 40 square meters, sets a new standard of luxury in its class, complemented by two VIP cabins and two guest cabins on the lower deck, all benefiting from the innovative IPS propulsion system.With a keen focus on owner-centric design, every aspect of the Mangusta GranSport 33 reflects a harmonious fusion of functionality and elegance. From the panoramic glazed surfaces to the iconic infinity pool at the stern, every detail has been meticulously curated to enhance the onboard experience.Powered by four Volvo Penta D13 735kW engines paired with IPS pods 1350 drives, the Mangusta GranSport 33 boasts a shallow draught of only 1.9 meters, ensuring versatility in navigation without compromising on performance.Equipped with a spacious aft garage accommodating a large tender, water-skis, and an array of water toys, this vessel promises unparalleled leisure and entertainment options for its guests.Sold in collaboration with brokerage house HMY, this Mangusta GranSport 33, delivered to a U.S. owner, exemplifies the ongoing success and global appeal of the series. Overmarine Group was founded in 1985 by the Balducci family. The shipyard builds open and displacement power superyachts under the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceanco brand names. Credits: Overmarine Group
April 26, 2024
Van der Valk embarked on a monumental endeavor with the construction of Project EVO, a bespoke 40-meter superyacht. This ambitious project, the largest ever undertaken by the yard in terms of length and volume, promises to redefine luxury at sea. The owners were inspired by an exceptionally attractive design from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada, Project EVO boasts a sleek exterior and meticulously detailed interior.Ordered by seasoned clients with a penchant for high-performance vessels, Project EVO symbolizes the culmination of their yachting aspirations. With a vision to craft a tailor-made masterpiece for their family, the owners turned to Van der Valk, drawn by the promise of Dutch precision and excellence. The yacht's design journey, intricately guided by the owners, involved a transformative evolution led by Cristiano Gatto Design.Cristiano Gatto reflects on the project's inception, stating, “Our collaboration began with a shared vision to infuse the interior ambiance into the exterior design, culminating in a harmonious fusion of aesthetics.” The resulting profile, a synthesis of innovative proportions and lines, reflects the collective ingenuity of the design team.Beyond aesthetics, Project EVO is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance, with a round-bilged fast displacement hull and a target top speed of 24 knots. Compliant with ABS class standards and IMO Tier III emissions regulations, the yacht exemplifies Van der Valk's commitment to superior craftsmanship and environmental sustainability.<iframe title=vimeo-player src=https://player.vimeo.com/video/937794356?h=3c621b1611 width=640 height=360 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen></iframe>With accommodations tailored for ten guests across lavish staterooms and crew quarters, Project EVO promises a luxurious retreat at sea. Yoeri Bijker, head of sales at Van der Valk, affirms the yard's capability in delivering bespoke superyachts of exceptional quality, stating, “Project EVO epitomizes our dedication to excellence, offering clients the opportunity to realize their yachting dreams without compromise.” Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
April 26, 2024
Northrop & Johnson has been named the exclusive sales broker by Ares Yachts for the globally anticipated sale of the shipyard’s flagship, Simena. Currently in the outfitting stage in Antalya, the 62-meter superyacht is slated for delivery in March 2025.“We are pleased to collaborate with such a reputable company,” states Kerim Kalafatoğlu, Chairman of Ares Yachts. “We trust Northrop & Johnson to introduce our remarkable flagship to the market and promote her effectively.”“Northrop & Johnson is honored to represent Ares for the sale of the magnificent 62m Simena, set for delivery in March 2025. Ares has established itself as a leading shipyard in Turkey with an exceptional track record of over 230 vessels. Simena presents a rare opportunity to acquire a yacht of exceptional quality at a competitive price,” says Patrick Coote, Europe Managing Director of Northrop & Johnson.Simena, Ares Yachts' 62-meter flagship, entered the outfitting stage in November. The completion of outfitting, including joinery work, will precede the installation of the rigging system.Kerim Kalafatoğlu and Patrick Coote“Exterior paintwork is in progress, and the superstructure and hull connection have been completed,” shares Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts. “Construction of the mahogany planking for the superstructure and doghouse is underway, along with the insulation, wiring, and piping from the aft crew accommodation.”Designed by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited, Simena epitomizes classical and modern design elements. The vessel, designed to RINA Class C standards, boasts traditional teak decks and varnished Sipo Mahogany exterior joinery.Accommodating up to 12 guests and nine crew members, Simena offers luxurious onboard living. Its owner’s suite is strategically located forward on the main deck. Equipped with a sophisticated hybrid drive system, the yacht can operate silently under electric power at speeds up to 6 knots. Additionally, a 882 kW diesel engine complements her 220kW electric motors, allowing for a top speed of 14.5 knots and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.To maintain the yacht’s clean interior aesthetics, modern design elements have been discreetly integrated, including hidden TV lifts in the saloon and master suite. Walnut forms the basis of the interior, complemented by textured leathers, fabrics, and antiqued brass accents. Showers feature a blend of patterned tiles alongside Calacatta Oro and Patagonia White marbles, offering a blend of contemporary comfort and classic elegance.Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 25, 2024
As the Palma International Boat Show commemorates its 40th anniversary, it sets its gaze firmly on the future with two groundbreaking initiatives: an economic impact study and certification as a sustainable event. Organized by the Regional Ministry of Enterprise, Employment, and Energy, in collaboration with the Balearic Islands Institute for Business Innovation (IDI) and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA), the fair opens today at Palma’s Moll Vell.The economic impact study, conducted in partnership with the Directorate General of Economics and Statistics of the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Innovation, aims to assess the fair's contribution as an economic driver for the city and the region. Simultaneously, the fair is pursuing certification as a sustainable event, committing to minimizing its carbon footprint and promoting responsible practices.With a record 295 exhibitors, including international companies, the event promises to showcase an array of quality nautical products across its 86,000-square-meter venue. Notably, the Palma Superyacht Village will feature a dedicated area for boats over 24 meters, complemented by the introduction of the Superyacht Square, emphasizing innovation and sustainability.As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Balearic Superyacht Forum, the first international superyacht forum in the Balearic Islands, will convene around 300 industry professionals, enthusiasts, and experts to discuss the sector's future. Additionally, the fair will pay tribute to the companies that have contributed to its success over the years, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the event's legacy.The 40th-anniversary festivities will culminate in a series of activities on April 26th, featuring music, entertainment, and a captivating drone show. Credits: The Palma International Boat Show
April 25, 2024
ISA Yachts reveals the initial glimpses of the ISA Custom 80 meters as it embarks on its interior outfitting phase. Designed by Espen Øino International for the exterior and Peter Marino Architect for the interior, this flagship project marks a new milestone for the shipyard. With a gross tonnage of 2150 GT and a length of 80 meters, the vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026. In addition to this custom 80-meter, currently at the Ancona Shipyard there are other three ISA Yachts-brand constructions under way: an 80-meter of the Gran Turismo line (with exterior and interior by Enrico Gobbi Team for Design) due to be delivered in 2027, and two 66 meters. One of these has both exterior and interior designed by the Nuvolari-Lenard Studio, while the other has exterior design by Vallicelli and interior design by Enrico Gobbi – Team for Design, and they are set to be presented in 2026.Dedicated to producing forward-thinking superyachts made only with superior quality materials, ISA Yachts is a leading global superyacht and megayacht builder. Every ISA superyacht is uniquely designed to her owner’s briefs, and is built using the highest technology, the best quality materials and the finest furnishings and finishes. Currently in build are two 80-meter projects due to become the new ISA Yachts flagships. ISA Yachts is part of Palumbo Superyachts, which also includes: Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Extra Yachts.Credits: ISA Yachts
April 25, 2024