Few superyachts have ever gained a level of recognition across mainstream audiences as has the A fleet in recent years. Designed by Starck, their lines have become the most polarizing in the yachting sector and brought unprecedented attention to the field in general.
Initially sketched by Starck in a matter of minutes according to the French designer, the project for Motor Yacht A started back in 2004 when Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko contracted him for the project. Starck later said in interviews that the brief simply said the yacht had to have six cabins and approximately measure its current length, the rest was left up to the designer.
At that point, the Frenchman had completed two yachts already, a 24-meter sailing yacht named Virtuelle and the 65m Feadship, Wedge Too. The project was nonetheless ambitious, to create an original yacht that stood out and didn't mimick anything done before. Designed to have volume, whilst at the same time living in the light, Starck emphasized that the layout needed to be simple and human without too many corridors.
Starck is known for often pushing for his own style in his projects and designs, not necessarily folding to the requests of the owner. Instead, he says he tries to understand their needs and come up with a creative solution as he did with Motor Yacht A according to his interviews.
Delivered in 2008 by Blohm+Voss, a German shipyard since acquired by Lurssen, Motor Yacht A hit headlines in the worldwide press for her polarizing design and didn't leave anyone indifferent. Innovative amenities onboard included a large main salon that stretched as a single room throughout the main deck and encouraged socializing.
Another key element in her design was the creation of a spacious, lounging zone forward on the yacht's bow. Whereas such areas are typically found towards the aft, Starck believed that it allowed to be closer to the sea and better enjoy the yacht. The space combines both shaded and open spaces for entertainment and sunbathing. The bow also features a swimming pool with jets and a helipad.
Starck dedicated much space and attention to the tender garage on Motor Yacht A. Whereas in most superyachts, it is merely a technical space accessed, essentially only by crew, on the 119-meter it is a fully integrant part of the yacht's guest areas. Finished in wood and with a extremely high ceiling, the tender garage houses a plethora of options to get to shore as well as a lounging area.
Aft of the yacht is a platform that opens up directly onto the sea for swimming. Often found on yachts of a smaller scale, such a set up is particularly unusual for a megayacht of M/Y A's size. Instead of merely lying on top of the water, however, it actually lowers into the water at an angle comfortable for its guests to simply step into the water.
Following its delivery, M/Y A continued to make headlines as it cruised around the world. Just as some believed her newsworthiness would fade, images of project 787 started to emerge online in early 2015 as it left its shed at Nobiskrug to start sea trials. Even more polarizing and again designed by Starck, it wasn't long before it became clear the 142.8-meter yacht would become S/Y A.
Although her 142.8-meter length would give Melnichenko's new flagship the title of largest sailing yacht in the world, its technical classification as a sail-assisted motor yacht led to many viewing her more as a hybrid between the two types. As a result some argued, the 108-meter Black Pearl, designed by Ken Freivokh and built by Oceanco, should be considered the largest sailing yacht.
With masts taller than Big Ben at nearly 100 meters in height, S/Y A boasts over 12,600 GT of interior volume, just 3,100 less than Dilbar, the most voluminous yacht in the world. By this measurement, she's also 4.6 times larger than the largest sailing yacht in the world, the 108-meter Black Pearl. Stretching across a beam of 24.8 meters at her widest point, S/Y A could reach a top speed of 20 knots during her sea trials without using her sails.
Spanning across eight decks, S/Y A was designed by Starck, similarly to M/Y A. Her rig and keel were, however, done by Dykstra Naval Architects, a company famous for their work on the 88m Maltese Falcon as well as the Black Pearl. A more closed yacht than M/Y A, the 142.8-meter features a myriad of balconies throughout its hull.
S/Y A was built in Germany by Nobiskrug, a shipyard owned by the Safa brothers' Privinvest Group, which also includes CMN and ADMShipyards. The sailing yacht left Nobiskrug in February 2017, heading to Spain for further sea trials and some interior fittings.
Shrouded in secrecy throughout her build and following her delivery, very little details are known about the amenities onboard the sailing yacht. Spotter imagery has, however, shown that towards the bow of the yacht is a large swimming pool with sunpads around it that can be covered by a retractable roof. Other known elements include a beach club aft of the yacht with a folding platform. Two hot tubs can also be seen aft of the 142.8-meter's upper decks.
A year prior to the delivery of S/Y A, Melnichenko's motor yacht was put up for sale according to Forbes Russia. The 119-meter was, however, subsequently taken off the brokerage market according to several reports and is still owned by the Russian billionaire. In 2016, the yacht had travelled across a lot of large cities including Bordeaux, Amsterdam, London, Rotterdam and spent a significant amount of time in the Gulf. She is currently in the Indian Ocean.
Valued by Forbes at $13.2 billion, Andrey Melnichenko currently sits in their ranking as the 9th richest man in Russia. The 45-year-old started his entrepreneurial career as a 2nd year college student in the 1990s with a chain of currency-exchange booths, from which later emerged MDM Bank. In 1997, he co-founded a holding company that went on to create fertilizer producer, Eurochem, pipe exporter TMK and SUEK. According to Forbes Russia, the partners invested near $1 billion at the time to build out this holding between 2000 and 2002.
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Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025
Feadship has confirmed the sale of Project 717 through its dedicated resale division. The 49.5-meter yacht was sold to an existing Feadship owner, with Feadship Resale representing the buyer and Edmiston acting as the seller's representative.The yacht features an angular exterior design by Studio De Voogt and contemporary interior spaces. Accommodation includes five staterooms for ten guests, with a full-beam owner's suite featuring panoramic views and a private study.Outdoor amenities include a glass-fronted hot tub, fold-down bulwarks that expand the beach club area, and a sundeck equipped with a bar and barbecue facilities.This transaction represents the third sale completed by Feadship Resale since its establishment, following previous sales of yachts named ONE and Savannah. Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
September 22, 2025
A comprehensive study profiling Italian recreational boat owners was presented on September 18 at the Genoa International Boat Show. Conducted by the Italian Marine Industry Association's National Nautical Observatory, the research analyzed demographic patterns, boat characteristics, and regional distribution trends among Italy's boating population. Roberto Neglia, Head of Institutional Relations at the association, presented the findings.The study revealed that 80% of Italian boat owners are over 50 years old, with the largest concentration (45%) in the 60-75 age bracket. Only 4% of owners are between 30-39 years old. Women represent 13% of boat owners, a minority but growing segment that tends to be younger than male owners, with approximately 15% of female owners in the 40-49 age range.Geographical distribution shows relatively balanced representation across regions: North-East (25%), Central Italy (24%), North-West (21%), South (20%), and Italian islands (10%). The analysis identified Rome, Milan, and Naples as the top three municipalities for boat ownership, accounting for approximately one-third of all owners. Southern Italy shows the highest proportion of young boat owners under 40, particularly in the 30-39 age bracket, representing over 25% of the national total for that demographic.The typical Italian boat owner possesses a 10-12 meter vessel with inboard propulsion, built between 2000 and 2009. Regarding propulsion types, 73% of boats use inboard engines, with motorboats being more popular in Southern Italy (73%) and the islands (61%), while sailing vessels gain more market share in Northern and Central regions (48-55%). The most common power category is 251-999 HP (35% of units), followed by 40-115 HP (22%).The study noted significant generational differences in boat preferences. Motor propulsion shows strongest concentration among 60-75-year-olds, while sailboats attract more diversified age groups. Owners of vessels over 24 meters have an average age exceeding 68 years, while owners of registered boats under 10 meters average approximately 58 years.The research also analyzed registration trends, noting that only 2% of registered boat owners are foreign residents. Since 2015, the industry has seen a sharp reduction in new registrations despite sector turnover growth. While the industry reached a record turnover of €8.6 billion in 2024, annual registrations remain significantly below peak levels of 2006, when over 800 new units were registered yearly.The study contrasted boat owner demographics with show visitor demographics, noting that Boat Show attendees average 50 years old, with the 55-64 age bracket representing 34% of visitors and 25-44 year-olds comprising 22%.The analysis of mooring patterns revealed pressure throughout Central and Northern Italy and the Naples province, while Southern regions show deficits in transit mooring availability. Approximately 35% of pleasure boats were built before 2000, with less than 10% constructed after 2020.The research provides data for public and private sector planning regarding infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and policy decisions affecting Italy's marine industry.Credits: Genoa International Boat Show
September 21, 2025
The Invictus TT550, a 16.87-meter yacht built by Cantieri Aschenez, made its first public appearance at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival followed by exhibition at the Genoa International Boat Show. With a beam of 5.04 meters, the model represents the flagship of the Invictus TT series.The yacht incorporates structural fiberglass tanks integrated into the hull construction, which the shipyard states enhances rigidity and weight distribution. The hull utilizes PET thermoplastic resin, a recyclable material that reduces overall weight. The exterior design includes folding side terraces, a semi-reverse bow, and an extended swim platform.Outdoor areas feature a carbon fiber hardtop covering the dinette and galley area, deep side bulwarks, and a forward lounge shaded by a carbon fiber canopy. The aft section contains a sunpad and sofa with foldable backrest that extends the sunbathing area. A garage provides storage without occupying primary lounge spaces.Rosario Alcaro, General Manager of Invictus Yacht, stated: "The enthusiastic response we have received in Cannes and now in Genoa, from both our dealer network and the public, confirms that we are on the right track. The TT550 is truly one-of-a-kind in terms of design, innovation and performance. Our goal is to keep evolving, to ensure our yachts are never static projects, but always forward-looking, always seeking solutions that enhance both product quality and onboard lifestyle."Below deck, interior layouts offer flexibility with two cabins (Master and VIP) that can be positioned either forward or amidships, accompanied by two bathrooms. Options include a third cabin, central galley, or crew cabin for extended voyages. The interior design was developed by Christian Grande.Customization options include an expanded color palette with new Stone White and Deep Groove exterior tones, paired with Cloudy, Sandy or Woody upholstery shades. The shipyard utilizes water-resistant upholstery textiles developed through cross-industry research. The Atelier Invictus program provides modular layout options and bespoke finishes.Propulsion comes from twin Volvo Penta IPS950 units, providing what the shipyard describes as a balance between sport performance and cruising comfort. The design emphasizes open-air living spaces and connection with the marine environment through multiple outdoor social areas.The Italian shipbuilder produced open type boats with multiple vocations. The debut production will include two ranges of leisure boats, corresponding with two types of propulsion: inboard-outboard for the “GT” series, more tending to leisure and sailing, and outboard for the “FX”, more technical and sporty. Credits: Invictus Yacht
September 19, 2025
Arcadia Yachts will display two models at the 34th Monaco Yacht Show: the A80new and A96new. The A80new model recently made its international debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival.The A80new measures just under 24 meters in length, a specification that complies with Mediterranean Posidonia Oceanica protection regulations. The yacht features a raised pilot house design and is equipped with solar panels. Its propulsion system consists of Volvo IPS engines, supplemented by a CMC Marine electric fin stabilization system.The main deck functions as a continuous open space with large opening windows. The upper deck provides 80 square meters of space, including an aft outdoor area configurable with loose furniture, a convertible salon under hardtop coverage, a secondary helm station, and a forward area convertible between dining and sunbathing functions. The stern features a beach area with an adjustable platform for water access.The A96new model measures 30 meters in length with five cabins. Arcadia Yachts has sold four units of this model to date. The design emphasizes connection with natural environments through convertible lounge spaces that can be opened to the exterior via side and aft walls. The layout separates guest and crew circulation patterns and includes a fully equipped pantry. An optional second day toilet can be installed on the upper deck.Both models will be exhibited among approximately 120 superyachts at Port Hercule during the Monaco Yacht Show. The designs focus on providing outdoor connectivity and privacy while maintaining operational capabilities in various anchoring conditions.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
September 19, 2025