Last year we had already witnessed a meetup between M/Y A and S/Y A at the Nobiskrug yard in Kiel, Germany, where the largest sail assisted motor yacht in the world was under construction. The two megayachts have now met up together in Monaco for the first time since the recent handover of S/Y A to her owner.
Built for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, valued at $12.8 billion by Forbes, the 142.8-meter S/Y A left Nobiskrug on February 5th and was spotted leaving Gibraltar, heading to Monaco 4 days ago.
A spokesman for the owner confirmed to Yacht Harbour that S/Y A has been handed over to her owner by the project team led by Dirk Kloosterman, after completing final sea trials in the Navantia shipyard in Cartagena, Southern Spain.
Boasting over 12,600 gross tons, S/Y A has an interior volume 4,6 times larger than the 106-metre Black Pearl, soon to be delivered by Oceanco to a design by Ken Freivokh with an interior volume of 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.
Photos by Raphael Belly and Yacht Harbour
The 35-meter explorer yacht Fox, constructed by Pendennis Shipyard in the United Kingdom during 2024, is currently listed for sale with an asking price of €18 Million. Burgess is acting as the central sales agent. The yacht features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure built to RINA commercial class standards. Exterior styling is credited to Tansu Yachts and Pendennis, with interiors by Q London. Fox accommodates ten guests across five cabins—comprising a full-beam owner’s suite and four lower-deck guest cabins, each with its own ensuite bathroom—and carries a crew of seven. Its propulsion system consists of twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT engines producing a combined 2,080 HP, enabling a cruising speed of 12 knots, a top speed of approximately 14–16 knots, and a range of around 3,000 nautical miles at a steady pace. ABT TRAC fin stabilisers ensure smooth sailing both underway and at anchor, while Simrad navigation systems enhance onboard operations. Fox is characteristic of an expedition-style explorer yacht, with a muscular exterior and a spacious 103.5-square-meter aft deck capable of storing two 7.5-meter tenders, additional water toys, and even submersibles. This area includes a DJ station, open-air dining, a bar, and a glass-walled sky lounge with a terrace featuring a BBQ and open-air dining. Delivered in Spring 2024, the yacht has been operational with voyages to the Mediterranean. Its name honors Falmouth scientist Robert Were Fox the Younger. Fox was developed as a compact but capable yacht suited for adventurous owners aiming to explore remote regions. The Fox represents a blend of practical explorer functionality and contemporary comfort, now available via Burgess for €18 million.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
August 15, 2025
The 30.2-meter Royal Huisman sailing yacht Foftein has been listed for sale with Manfred Haas of Haas International at an asking price of €8,500,000 with VAT paid.Built in aluminium and delivered in 1999, Foftein was designed by German Frers as a cutter-rigged yacht intended for bluewater cruising. She has had only two owners since new, the first being a yachtsman and marine photographer. The yacht underwent a significant refit in 2020 by Huisfit, Royal Huisman’s refit division, which included the installation of hybrid propulsion and updated systems.The refit allows Foftein to cruise silently for up to eight hours, regenerate power under sail, and meet advanced environmental standards. Her propulsion is provided by Volvo Penta 550hp engines, complemented by lithium-ion energy storage.The interior, designed by Pieter Beeldsnijder, features cherry wood panelling and accommodates six guests in a master suite and two twin cabins, all with en suite bathrooms. Crew quarters provide space for four in two cabins.On deck, Foftein has two cockpits: a centre cockpit leading to the deckhouse, and a private aft cockpit connected directly to the master suite. Her sailing capabilities are supported by a modern fast hull, aluminium mast and spars, and semi-automated sail handling systems.Currently cruising in the English Channel, Foftein is presented in what the broker describes as “exceptional, turn-key” condition.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
August 14, 2025
Global Services Ltd, a UK-based supplier of marine equipment and services to the superyacht, commercial shipping, and cruise ship industries, has appointed Ian Cooke as Chairman to oversee its next stage of development.The company operates from offices in the UK, the Netherlands, and Palma, working with vessel crews and management to source and deliver a wide range of operational equipment, including tools, spare parts, consumables, and technical items. It also provides ancillary services such as storage solutions, mobile phone plans, inventory management, and logistical support.Cooke, who has more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry across yacht and commercial sectors, will focus on expanding Global Services’ market presence, strengthening partnerships, and advancing its digital transformation and sustainability plans.“Ian has a deep understanding of the marine industry and a clear strategy to guide Global Services into its next chapter,” said Doug Grover, Director of Operations. “We are confident in his ability to build on our strong foundation and accelerate our global impact.”Commenting on his appointment, Cooke said: “The company’s global reach, talented team and strong commitment to client success present an incredible platform for continued innovation and growth. I look forward to working closely with the Board, leadership team, employees, suppliers and clients around the world to shape the future of Global Services.”In addition to his new position, Cooke will continue in his roles at marine equipment distributor C-Quip Ltd and Crewsafe Marine Ltd, along with their associated brands.Credit: Global Services
August 14, 2025
The Sunreef 80 sailing catamaran Ahava has been introduced as a yacht combining retro-inspired interiors with features designed for extended cruising comfort.The main salon is finished in neutral tones with walnut accents and large windows. The space includes a lounge area and a dining section, while a galley-down layout separates food preparation from guest areas. Accommodation comprises a master suite with sea views and two forward guest cabins, with additional crew quarters for four.Outdoor spaces include an aft cockpit for dining and the Ocean Lounge, which features a hydraulic platform providing access to the water and storage for water sports equipment. The flybridge is equipped with sunpads and a bar, intended for use both during the day and in the evening.The Ahava is part of Sunreef’s 80-foot sailing catamaran range, designed to offer a balance of private indoor living areas and open-air social spaces for owners and guests.Credits: Sunreef
August 14, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has facilitated the sale of the 54-meter Benetti motor yacht Starfire, represented by broker Carl Sputh. Built in 1997, the steel-and-aluminum vessel has undergone two major refits (2019 and 2023) that included mechanical updates and interior renovations.The yacht accommodates 14 guests across six staterooms with crew quarters for 14 personnel. Recent upgrades comprised a 12,000-hour engine service, new stabilization systems, updated technology infrastructure, and refreshed interior finishes. Starfire maintains Lloyd's classification certification following its most recent special survey.Performance specifications include a 12-knot cruising speed and 15-knot maximum speed with fuel consumption of 64 gallons per hour. The vessel's design emphasizes crew functionality with dedicated workspaces and separate lounge/dining areas.The Starfire transaction represents continued activity in the secondary market for well-maintained superyachts with recent refit histories. Northrop & Johnson's involvement underscores the brokerage's presence in the 50-60 meter segment. Both yachts demonstrate the enduring value of robust engineering and periodic upgrades in maintaining vessel competitiveness across decades of service.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 13, 2025