The debate over what sailing yacht could claim the sough-after title of largest sailing yacht in the world has been a long and tedious one in yachting and with a few possible contenders in the running and more in build, it looks like the battle isn't over yet.
Indeed, whereas it is clear that 180-meter Azzam is the longest yacht in the world and Dilbar is the most voluminous, both of these are motor yachts. With sailing yachts, the ranking is however much more opaque due largely to the measurement that is used.
Loaded waterline length, known as LWL, is the measurement of the length of a vessel from the points where it sits in the water. On the other hand length overall, abbreviated as LOA, is defined as the maximum length of a yacht's hull, which for sailing yacht also includes the bowsprit, a key factor when measuring a sailing yacht and part of the difficulty in this ranking.
Length overall: 88m (289 ft)
Length at waterline: 78.21m (256 ft)
Owner: Elena Ambrosiadou
The Maltese Falcon, built by Italian shipyard, Perini Navi in Turkey for the late venture capitalist, Tom Perkins is often referred to as the largest sailing yacht in the world. Reason being, the schooner with her three rotating masts has an overall length of 88 meters and a length at waterline of 78.21 meters.
At the time of her sale in 2009 to Elena Ambrosiadou at an asking price of €70 million, the Maltese Falcon was indeed hailed by many news organisations as the largest sailing yacht in the world. The Maltese Falcon's claim to the title mainly rests on her LOA and the fact that she does not have a bowsprit to offset calculations. The sailing yacht is currently available for charter from $400,000 per week.
Length overall: 90m (295 ft)
Length at waterline: 78.25m (260 ft)
Owner: Jim Clark
Referred to as the largest sailing yacht in the world available for charter by many adverts, Athena was built in 2004 by Royal Huisman in the Netherlands for Netscape founder, Jim Clark. Designed by Gerrard Dijkstra and Pieter Beeldsnijder, the yacht is able to reach 19 knots under sail whilst still providing plenty of space across her three decks.
Currently on the brokerage market asking $69,9 million, Athena could only claim the title of world's largest sailing yacht available for charter thanks to her overall length. At 90 meters, the yacht therefore surpasses the Maltese Falcon in LOA but supporters of the Falcon always argue that their pick doesn't have such a bowsprit to account for.
Length overall: 92.93m (305 ft)
Length at waterline: 82.6m (260 ft)
Owner: Barry Diller
If one was however to go by the measures that Athena advertisers have used, she would still not be the world's largest sailing yacht even if she would outrank the Maltese Falcon in LOA. Indeed, EOS, built by Lurssen in 2006 and refitted at Royal Huisman in 2011 would take the first spot both in LWL and in LOA.
Her claim to be the largest sailing yacht in the world is however still contested by some as they claim that since Maltese Falcon doesn't have a bowsprit, her LOA should be consider, which would then allow it to top EOS' LWL. A fight in which therefore both sides present solid arguments.
Length overall: 106m (348 ft)
The landscape will however significantly change in 2017 with the upcoming delivery of Oceanco's Project Solar. At 106 meters in LOA, the Dutch shipyard's hull Y712 is expected to become the largest sailing yacht in the world upon its handover to her owner. Designed by Nuvolari Lenard, Project Solar has started sea trials in early 2017 and is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of this year.
Her claim to the title will however be contested once again by Melnichenko's 142-meter S/Y A, which was just delivered in early February 2017. Some have however voiced concerns that S/Y A is actually closer to a motor yacht by design whilst others argue she is indeed the largest private sailing yacht. Back in August 2015 she was however first introduced as a sail-assisted motor yacht. The battle for the title of the largest sailing yacht therefore continues...
Palumbo Superyachts has introduced a new corporate logo as part of a broader effort to enhance its brand identity in the luxury yachting industry. The updated visual identity is designed to reflect the company's ongoing dedication to improving product quality and refining organizational processes.The new logo symbolizes more than just a stylistic change; it embodies Palumbo Superyachts' commitment to innovation and excellence. Central to this identity are the three P's that characterize the brand: Passionate, Pioneering, and Proactive.Passionate: Palumbo Superyachts approaches its projects with deep conviction, infusing its design and execution processes with enthusiasm that extends to client relationships.Pioneering: The company continues to push the boundaries of the industry, exploring new ideas and methods to position itself at the forefront of luxury yachting.Proactive: Palumbo Superyachts invests in research and technology, anticipating market trends to meet the evolving demands of its clients.This rebranding effort underscores Palumbo Superyachts' focus on achieving new milestones and strengthening its leadership position in the luxury yachting sector.Palumbo Superyachts began to take root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 launched its first 54 meter superyacht, emblematically christened “Prima” (“the First”). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona), and also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Extra Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credit: Palumbo Superyachts
September 9, 2024
The catamaran Acali, a premier example of the WiderCat 92 series, has been officially listed for sale at EUR11,900,000. Northrop & Johnson yacht broker Gabriele Modica Ragusa is representing the sale. Set to debut at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, Acali showcases a blend of modern design, advanced technology, and Italian craftsmanship.Acali is the first multihull vessel produced by the Italian shipyard Wider Yachts. Measuring 28 meters in length and nearly 12 meters in beam, she is the widest yacht the company has constructed to date. The yacht's exterior, developed in collaboration with designer Luca Dini, combines aesthetic appeal with functionality.The yacht's interior offers considerable volume, especially on the forward main deck, which is entirely dedicated to the owner. The owner's suite features panoramic views, a centrally placed bed, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with luxury finishes.Acali accommodates up to eight guests in four cabins, including two VIP suites with drop-down balconies that convert into private terraces with direct ocean access. The fourth twin cabin is also designed with style and comfort in mind. The yacht's interior design features a bold color scheme and asymmetric patterns that complement her modern exterior.Outdoor spaces on Acali include a foredeck sunpad, a 67-square-meter beach club, and a transom hatch that transforms the tender garage into an extended swim platform. The yacht is equipped with fold-down bulwarks for easy launching of water toys, including a 4.5-meter tender and a Jet Ski.Acali is also notable for her sustainable features. She is powered by an advanced hybrid propulsion system supported by 170 square meters of solar panels, enabling eco-friendly cruising. The yacht can operate in full-electric mode, providing silent and vibration-free navigation. A smart battery management system stores excess solar energy, ensuring a sustainable experience without compromising on luxury.The construction of Acali was overseen by a renowned superyacht industry surveyor, ensuring high standards of quality and safety.Founded in 2010 and based in Ancona (Le Marche), Wider Yachts is an innovative Italian yacht builder shipbuilder specialized in electric and renewable energy-powered superyachts. Credit: Northrop & Johnson
September 9, 2024
The Ferretti Group's ninth annual "Private Preview" event at the Yacht Club de Monaco featured a standout live performance by British pop star Robbie Williams, marking the official opening of the 2024-2025 yachting season. The event, held on September 7, showcased the luxury yacht builder's 37-vessel fleet, including seven world premieres.Robbie Williams, the UK’s top-selling solo artist, delivered a private concert titled "Rock DJ," which captivated an exclusive audience of over 600 guests. The performance took place on a stage suspended over the water, with the audience surrounded by a display of yachts. Attendees included notable figures such as H.R.H. Prince Albert of Monaco, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, fashion designer Domenico Dolce, and actor Pierfrancesco Favino.The evening also featured a dinner prepared by chef Antonio Mellino, who recently earned his third Michelin star, adding to the event's prestige.“A big thank you to Robbie Williams for the style and extraordinary talent with which he won the hearts of our guests and friends. He entertains his audience with an incredible joy and generosity that are perfectly in tune with the passion Ferretti Group brings to the creation of ever more beautiful dream boats,” said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. “This stellar Private Preview welcomes in a remarkable season for Ferretti Group and its fantastic new products. We'll carry the enthusiasm and energy of this event in our hearts for the rest of the season and our memories of it will remain truly unforgettable.”The Yacht Club de Monaco served as a striking venue for the event, offering guests exclusive visits and sea trials of the seven world premieres. Among these were the Custom Line Navetta 38, Pershing GTX80, Ferretti Yachts Infynito 80, and the Riva El-Iseo, the first fully electric powerboat from Riva.In addition to the yachts, the event featured collaborations with luxury brands, including Range Rover, Bang & Olufsen, and Dolce & Gabbana, among others. The event reflected Ferretti Group's commitment to blending yachting with high-end lifestyle experiences, setting the tone for the upcoming season.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.Credit: Ferretti Group
September 9, 2024
Acquera, a company specializing in personalized services for mega yachts, is set to make a significant impact at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show with the unveiling of its new brand image. The event, taking place from September 25th to 28th, marks the beginning of the 2024-2025 nautical season and will serve as the platform for Acquera's rebranding debut.Founded in 2018 by Stefano Tositti, Acquera has undergone a comprehensive rebranding process over several months, resulting in a refreshed and more visually striking corporate identity. This new brand image aims to unify the various companies within the Acquera group under a strong, recognizable brand that reflects the company's innovative spirit and future-focused vision.Acquera will welcome customers in a prominent location at the Monaco Yacht Show, situated within The Lounge @ MK Club. The stand, described as the largest and most refined ever for the company, will be shared with four other notable brands in the sector: The Super Yacht Group, MedAire, Dsnm, and Wilson Halligan Recruiter. This collaborative project is designed to foster connections and create synergies that will elevate industry standards.Caterina Oliviero, Chief Commercial Officer of Acquera, emphasized the significance of the Monaco Yacht Show as the ideal venue for presenting the company's new image. "We are particularly proud to do so in this exclusive Lounge, in collaboration with four companies with which we share the same desire to enhance the sector to a higher level," said Oliviero. She also highlighted the event's potential for generating new ideas and expanding Acquera's customer base.The rebranding effort focuses on making the company's iconography more visually impactful, with new color codes that enhance readability and a greater emphasis on images over text. The goal is to communicate Acquera's new positioning in the market, showcasing its commitment to innovation and the development of the yachting industry.Acquera's presence at the Monaco Yacht Show underscores its commitment to forming strategic partnerships and offering comprehensive services to all industry stakeholders, including yacht owners, captains, and other professionals. The company will be located at The Lounge, MK Club, 18 Rte de la Piscine, 98000 Monaco, from September 25th to 28th.Credit: Acquera
September 6, 2024
The Italian Sea Group has recently launched the ADM 67m, a 67-meter superyacht from the Admiral fleet. The yacht, a product of collaboration between The Italian Sea Group’s CENTRO STILE and British designer Mark Berryman, is set to make its world premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25 to 28, 2024.The ADM 67m features a design characterized by bold, sculptural lines combined with refined details. The yacht’s exterior and interior layout were crafted by CENTRO STILE, while the interior design was developed by Berryman and executed by CELI 1920, The Italian Sea Group’s cabinet-making division. According to Giovanni Costantino, Founder and CEO of The Italian Sea Group, the yacht’s aesthetic reflects a balance of harmony and audacity, consistent with the Admiral fleet’s design philosophy.The ADM 67m’s design concept is built around a new relationship between internal and external spaces, with large, floor-to-ceiling glass walls that create versatile hybrid zones. These spaces can adapt to various guest needs, time of day, and weather conditions, offering a unique at-sea experience. The yacht also features fold-down balconies and large hatches that enhance usable space, providing dedicated areas for outdoor activities and relaxation.The yacht’s interiors are described as luxurious yet understated, with a calming color palette that includes warm whites, sand, beige, and natural tones. The design maintains a contemporary and sophisticated style without excess, aiming to create a serene and informal atmosphere on board.The ADM 67m is the latest addition to The Italian Sea Group’s Admiral fleet and is expected to draw significant attention at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show.Credit: The Italian Sea Group
September 6, 2024