142.8-meter S/Y A, the largest sail assisted motor yacht in the world, built for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, left Nobiskrug on February 5th and has been spotted in Gibraltar yesterday. S/Y A is scheduled to be handed over to her owner in late Spring 2017.
In October 2016 we've seen S/Y A undergoing her sea trials and returning back to the German shipyard afterwards. Boasting over 12,600 gross tons, S/Y A has an interior volume 4,6 times larger than the second largest sailing yacht, Black Pearl ( ex Project Solar) and her 2,700GT.
With masts taller than Big Ben at nearly 100 meters in height, S/Y A had managed to reach a top speed of 20 knots without using her sails during her first sea trials. The yacht is projected to have a cruising speed of 16 knots powered by twin MTU engines of 4,827hp each which will give her a transatlantic range of 5,320 nautical miles.
The yacht also boasts a digital control system that has a touch sensitive sheet of black glass, allowing the crew to raise and lower sails and the anchor with a simple swipe according to the Daily Mail. Amongst the yacht's key features is also an underwater observation pod and a large swimming pool with a retractable roof located towards the bow of the yacht.
Philippe Starck, who had also worked on M/Y A, is responsible for the design, whilst the rig and keel were done by Dutch-based Dykstra Naval Architects, with the masts constructed by British firm Magma Structures and the sails by Doyle Sails in the United States. The yacht boasts eight decks and her keel incorporates one of the largest single pieces of curved glass ever made at 193 square feet and weighs a whopping 1.8 tons. S/Y A is expected to be operated by a crew of 54.
When the project for S/Y A was first announced in August 2015, she was first referred to as a sail-assisted motor yacht and can in fact reach up to 20 knots without using her sails as became known during her sea trials. Stretching across a beam of 24.8 meters at her widest point, she comes in at just 3,100GT less than Dilbar, the largest yacht in the world by interior volume.
M/Y A, which also belongs to Mr Melnichenko, has been recently spotted in Iceland, the South of France, the Netherlands ( Rotterdam and Amsterdam), Germany, Bordeaux, France and most recently Abu Dhabi. The former flagship is now up for sale.
Photos by @superyachts_gibraltar
Silent Yachts is preparing for a busy year in 2025, building on significant achievements in 2024. The company delivered six SY62 models over the past year and plans to increase output by 50% in 2025, including the launch of its new flagship, the SY80. The shipyard in Fano, Italy, is operating at full capacity, with seven yachts in advanced stages of construction and scheduled for delivery in the first half of the year.Under new management since March 2024, Silent Yachts implemented a modular construction system at its shipyard. This approach allows yacht modules to be built simultaneously and assembled in the final production phase, streamlining the process and improving efficiency. The company now achieves a production rate of one yacht per month. According to CEO Fabrizio Iarrera, this restructuring played a pivotal role in the company’s successful year, marked by the delivery of the triple-deck SY62 and its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival.Silent Yachts expanded its visibility in 2024 through participation in several prominent boat shows, including its first appearance at the Venice Boat Show and the debut of the SY62 3-Deck Open at Cannes, where it won the "Most Efficient Yacht" award at the World Yachts Trophies. The company also increased its presence in the US, opening a new commercial office at Fort Lauderdale’s Safe Harbor Marine Center to strengthen its sales and after-sales support.The year also saw the establishment of a dedicated Silent Yachts charter network, with operations in the Caribbean and the western Mediterranean, offering potential customers the chance to experience its yachts firsthand. A 10-day sea trial program in the Bahamas highlighted the compatibility of Silent Yachts with environmentally sensitive areas, thanks to their low draft and silent electric propulsion systems.Silent Yachts is set to continue its international outreach in 2025. The SY62 3-Deck Open will be on display at the Palm Beach International Boat Show from March 19–23. The SY62 3-Deck Closed, featuring an enclosed upper deck with panoramic views, will make its debut at the Singapore Yachting Festival from April 10–13. In addition, the SY80 flagship is scheduled for launch later this year.Looking further ahead, Silent Yachts is collaborating with superyacht designers Nuvolari Lenard on a new 70-footer expected to launch in 2026. According to Iarrera, the company remains committed to innovation and is working on new models while expanding its presence in key markets.Credit: Silent Yachts
January 17, 2025
Ferretti Group will mark the start of 2025 with the unveiling of the Riva Iseo Super at boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest indoor boat show, scheduled from January 18 to 26. The event will feature six yachts from the Group, highlighting its recent developments.Ferretti Yachts 500The Riva Iseo Super will debut as an updated 27-foot runabout, designed to build on the features of its predecessor. This model incorporates new technical elements and design refinements aimed at enhancing the cruising experience.Riva El-IseoThe Ferretti Group’s exhibit will also include the Ferretti Yachts 500, a flybridge model focused on comfort and functionality; the Dolceriva, a 48-foot open yacht with a contemporary design approach; the Riva El-Iseo, the company’s first fully electric powerboat; the Pershing GTX80, introducing a new concept in sport yachts; and the wallytender48, a tender designed with an emphasis on utility and performance, displayed at the Wally stand in Halle 6.Pershing GTX80A press conference is scheduled for January 18 at 11 am at stand 6D28 in Halle 6, where further updates on the Group’s projects and future plans will be shared.Ferretti Group’s presentation will be accompanied by collaborations with brands including Range Rover, providing a ride service for visitors, and Flexjet, representing business aviation. Additional partnerships with Dolce&Gabbana, Lavazza, La Scolca, and Seabob, among others, aim to complement the Group’s presence at the event. These partners will showcase products tailored to the event’s atmosphere, such as custom-designed uniforms, wine selections, and specialty coffee.wallytender48The event offers an opportunity to observe Ferretti Group’s latest offerings and collaborations, presenting a snapshot of its activities within the yachting industry.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
January 17, 2025
The latest Amels 80 superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen, Netherlands facility, marking a key milestone in its construction. Following its recent launch at Damen Yachting's Galati, Romania hull building facility, the 80-meter Amels Limited Editions yacht is now ready for the outfitting phase.This arrival signifies the commencement of the next stage of the build process, highlighting the continued popularity and success of the Amels 80 design. The extensive outfitting work will be carried out at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen East shipyard, a state-of-the-art facility located just 3 nautical miles from the Vlissingen City yard. This shipyard plays a vital role in Damen Yachting's new build and refit operations.This specific Amels 80 is the third currently undergoing outfitting and is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Further details about the project remain confidential at this time.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
January 16, 2025
Dutch Design has unveiled the Sea Rover, a groundbreaking 42.5-meter superyacht concept billed as the world's first wellness-focused vessel. Developed in collaboration with superyacht owner Scott Blum and designer Bernd Weel (renowned for the award-winning Lady Fleur), the Sea Rover represents a limited semi-custom series of just ten yachts. Blum's inspiration stemmed from a lack of superyachts catering to a healthy, balanced lifestyle.This philosophy is evident in the yacht's abundant wellness amenities. Unlike traditional layouts, the spa, gym, and sports court are prominently positioned on the bridge deck. The spa boasts a dual-temperature plunge pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, infrared therapy wall, and massage area. The adaptable sports court caters to pickleball, basketball, paddle tennis, volleyball, or general fitness, doubling as storage for water toys, tenders, and even a car.Accommodation includes five cabins, highlighted by a full-beam owner's suite on the main deck featuring an expansive closet and a luxurious Japanese onsen-style tub and steam room. Nine crew members enjoy quarters finished to the same high standards as the guest cabins, separate from the captain's cabin on the bridge. While interior renderings remain confidential, the design emphasizes a beachy Californian aesthetic with natural wood, stone, and earthen-toned textiles.A central staircase, starting as a sculptural glass table on the sundeck, dramatically illuminates the lower decks. Large glass panels in the dining area provide panoramic views, seamlessly merging with the galley and entertainment space to create a vibrant "grand room" fostering interaction between guests, chef, and crew. A spacious beach club completes the experience, offering a dining table, sunbeds, wet bar, and ample storage.Blum emphasizes the yacht's unique integration of travel and well-being, describing it as an investment that will retain its value. Weel highlights the design's timeless appeal, achieved by prioritizing essential features and creating a classic, clean, and distinctly Dutch aesthetic, effectively condensing the grandeur of much larger yachts into a more intimate yet comprehensively luxurious experience.Credits: Dutch Design
January 16, 2025
Zeelander Yachts, celebrating 22 years of crafting timeless yachts, strengthens its team with the appointment of Floris Koopmans as Business Development Manager. This strategic move reinforces the company’s commitment to exceptional client experiences and global market expansion.In his new role, Koopmans will spearhead efforts to enhance commercial activities worldwide. He will focus on building and nurturing relationships with yacht owners and brokers, ensuring every interaction reflects Zeelander’s renowned quality. Koopmans will also oversee marketing initiatives, ensuring the brand's continued success. His appointment reflects Zeelander's dedication to providing a tailored experience for each client.Floris Koopmans Koopmans brings extensive experience to this position, having served Zeelander Yachts since 2017 in various roles, including marketing, brand management, and sales. His intimate knowledge of the brand and its heritage ensures a seamless integration into the leadership team. This also marks a significant family milestone, as Koopmans will collaborate closely with his father, Sietse Koopmans, the founder and chairman of Zeelander Yachts, furthering the family legacy in the yachting industry.“Zeelander forges objects of desire," says Floris Koopmans. "My goal is to deeply understand our owners' needs so we perfectly tailor each yacht and experience to fulfill those desires." Sietse Koopmans adds, “When I founded Zeelander, I aimed for the best yachts money could buy. Floris embodies that vision, bringing valuable perspective and experience, enriched by his upbringing in the yachting world and Zeelander's legacy."The Koopmans family’s deep maritime roots, spanning four generations of skippers, inform Zeelander's unwavering commitment to quality. This dedication is further reinforced by the shipyard's location in Groot-Ammers, Netherlands, a place of significant personal and professional history for the family. The skilled craftsmen, many with decades of experience, bring unparalleled expertise to each yacht's creation.Zeelander Yachts will be showcasing its yachts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show (March 19-23, 2025), providing an excellent opportunity to meet Floris Koopmans and learn more about the brand's future plans.Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 in the Netherlands by Sietse Koopmans. The first model was unveiled to the public in 2008. The launch model Z44 received positive reviews at the Monaco Yacht Show and drew enormous crowds, despite being at an event dominated by much larger yachts. Within three years, the Z44 had been successfully introduced to the US as well as Europe, and it was an obvious direction to add a larger model to the fleet. The first Z55 was delivered in November 2015, and the flagship Z72 was launched in March 2019.Credits: Tom van Oossanen/Zeelander Yachts
January 16, 2025