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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Paris Hilton and her family recently completed a Mediterranean holiday aboard the 24.4-meter Sunreef 80 Eco Nalani, a solar-electric catamaran that combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The black-hulled vessel served as the family's floating residence during their Sardinian getaway, accommodating Hilton, husband Carter Reum, and their two children.The Nalani features 340 square meters of living space across four staterooms and a children's bunk room. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a master suite featuring a private balcony and common areas that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces. The yacht's integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion system align with Hilton's public advocacy for sustainable luxury.During their charter, the family utilized the yacht's numerous amenities including a flybridge hot tub, open-air cinema, and various water toys. Hilton shared glimpses of their experience on social media, highlighting quiet family moments and Mediterranean sunsets.Sunreef's 80 Eco series represents the Polish builder's commitment to environmentally conscious yachting, combining conventional propulsion with renewable energy systems for limited silent operation. The model has gained popularity among charter clients seeking sustainable luxury options.The catamaran's layout prioritizes outdoor living with multiple lounge areas, including a forward terrace and aft beach club configuration. Its crew quarters accommodate four staff members to ensure full service during charters.Industry observers note growing interest in eco-friendly yachting solutions among high-profile clients, with solar-assisted systems becoming increasingly common in new builds. The Nalani remains available for Mediterranean charters through the current season.Sunreef continues production of its eco-focused catamaran line at its Gdansk facility, offering models from 15 to 30 meters in length. The company reports steady demand for vessels combining luxury amenities with reduced environmental impact.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: courtesy by Paris Hilton; Sunreef Yachts
August 8, 2025
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.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
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025