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.
Check our Timeline platform to get the full access to our analytics platform, that offers you a detailed report on the timeline of each superyacht, real time market view to see the yacht market developing and much more!
Benetti has announced the sale of the B.Now 72M yacht, a testament to its fruitful partnership with the esteemed British design studio RWD. This collaboration has resulted in a yacht that prioritizes the owner's exclusive use and offers expansive spaces for a modern and luxurious lifestyle.With dimensions of 72 meters in length and 12.5 meters in beam, the B.Now 72M takes the helm as the flagship of the B.Now series. The B.Now 72M Oasis Deck®, conceptualized to cater to the owner's individual preferences, is distinguished by its steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Its flowing layout, accentuated by extended windows, creates a sleek and inviting ambiance. The exterior styling, crafted by RWD, embodies a contemporary spirit while ensuring the utmost privacy and comfort for the owner and their esteemed guests."The creation of the 72M B.Now with Oasis Deck further strengthens RWD's ongoing collaboration with Benetti, building on the worldwide success of the B.Now series. This flagship model offers the largest and most exceptional version of the Oasis Deck to date, providing unparalleled guest privacy and a seamless connection to the environment. We eagerly anticipate the sight of the 72M alongside the B.Now fleet," says Andrew Collett, representative of the RWD team. The owner, who will have ample opportunity to customize the interiors, has chosen the B.Now 72M with the iconic Oasis Deck® layout. The entire owner's deck, commanding the entire yacht, ensures complete privacy and an unrivaled space for relaxation while maintaining a visual connection with the magnificent sea. This deck is designed to offer every comfort, featuring a majestic suite in the bow with two bathrooms, a study, and an expansive lounge area with a well-appointed bar counter. Above the owner's deck, the large sun deck provides exceptional comfort and a stunning view of the water. The main deck boasts a generous living area and seven guest cabins, including a VIP full-beam cabin in the bow. Around the infinity pool, the aft deck presents a spacious multifunctional area that can be adapted to various uses and different times of the day. The boat has a top speed of 16 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots. The new model will be delivered to the owner in May 2027.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. They design, build and sell composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. Their fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom, to meet all the needs of the market, and they belong to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
June 9, 2023
80 Sunreef Power Red Azalea is one of the newest yachts of 2023. She features plenty of interior space and reliable performance, it's ready to travel anywhere in the world.The yacht boasts four distinct entertainment areas, including one located in the aft cockpit. Beneath the sofa in the catamaran's discreet aft garage, guests will find a three-seater jet ski with a gas station, along with a collection of water sports equipment.Upon entering the full beam aft cockpit, guests are greeted by a spacious dining table that accommodates eight people, making it the favored dining spot on board. An additional sofa provides the perfect setting to enjoy the breathtaking sunset.The light-filled main saloon is divided into a generous dining area on the starboard side and a cozy seating area on the port side. It features an intriguing central island and is equipped with everything needed for delightful evening gatherings. To enhance TV viewing, the saloon is equipped with a swiveling overhead TV lift that can be easily lowered electrically.Red Azalea offers four comfortable cabins that can accommodate up to twelve guests. The expansive master cabin boasts a drop-down balcony, providing a unique and captivating experience. The thoughtful and comfortable layout of the yacht's cabins ensures plenty of space for relaxation, and the magnificent bathrooms add a touch of luxury. The interior décor combines tasteful materials with dark tones, creating an elegant and inviting ambiance. The galley is conveniently located below deck and is fully equipped to cater to the chef's every need. Adjacent to the galley, the crew quarters provide a respectful level of independence for both owners and crew.On the Red Azalea's flybridge, guests can enjoy the spacious refrigerator and relax on comfortable sofas while taking in the stunning views of the ocean during drinks and dinners.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: Sunreef Yachts
June 9, 2023
Sakura, the latest creation by Feadship, embraces the essence of its Japanese namesake, the cherry blossom. This 71.76-meter vessel embodies the grace of organic lines and embraces a forward-thinking approach to sustainable yachting with its diesel-electric propulsion. The exterior design by Studio De Voogt reflects a sense of tranquility, drawing inspiration from Feadship's Pure concept. From the expansive sundeck to the 7-meter swimming pool at the aft, every aspect of Sakura's exterior has been meticulously crafted. Combining spacious decks with exquisite interior design, courtesy of Italian studio FM Architettura d'Interni, Sakura presents a Japandi style that merges Scandinavian warmth and functionality with Japanese sobriety and minimalism. The result is an artistic, natural, and simplistic ambiance that perfectly complements the yacht's clean lines, bright spaces, and light colors.Main saloonSakura's raised pilothouse design grants her a dedicated owner's deck, a rarity for a yacht of this size, while maintaining a sleek and low-rise profile. The master stateroom occupies a prominent position forward, featuring direct access to a private breakfast nook and hot tub. Wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer panoramic views, creating a serene and immersive experience. The sky lounge doubles as a family-friendly media room, while the open aft terrace serves as a delightful setting for al fresco dining.Owner's deck With changing trends in sea life, Feadship has adapted its approach accordingly. The main deck aft has become the focal point, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sakura harnesses Feadship's expertise in glass construction, surrounding the main deck with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light. The sliding glass doors open effortlessly onto the aft deck and swimming pool, seamlessly connecting guests to the outdoors. Teak stadium steps lead to the expansive swim platform, adding to Sakura's distinctive allure.To maximize comfort and capitalize on wider beams and larger windows, all guest accommodations, including four spacious guest staterooms and two VIP staterooms, are situated on the main deck. The two forward VIP suites can be combined into a single full-beam suite, providing a versatile layout for charter purposes.Guest cabin Sakura also features a wellness space, located in the stern, and is easily accessible to everyone on board and just steps from the swim platform. The teak stadium steps can be opened with a touch of a button, revealing a versatile area that can serve as a gym, steam room, massage room, or even a dive store.Sakura will be equipped with an efficient diesel-electric propulsion system and IMO-Tier III compliant generators coupled to electric thrusters. Dramatically reducing both fuel consumption and engine noise, the system is engineered to be supported by alternative energy sources in the future. "We aimed to create a yacht that combines the intimacy of a 71.76-meter vessel with the spaciousness of a much larger yacht. Sakura presents an exceptional opportunity for clients seeking a new Feadship in this specific size category, with the added advantage of quick delivery," says Maarten Janssen, Feadship's Sales Director. Scheduled for delivery in May 2025, Sakura is available for direct purchase from the shipyard.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
June 9, 2023
Nautor Swan has shared the pictures from the launch of the Swan 108, the first unit of the new generation of Maxi Swan. The yacht is the result of cooperation of German Frers for Naval Architecture, Misa Poggi for Interior Design and Lucio Micheletti, Micheletti + Partners, for exterior styling.Built with a full carbon hull and deck in epoxy Sprint technology from carbon molds, the S/Y will be registered with Rina charter classification. The yacht features the new dual-acting transom door. This simple yet robustly engineered mechanism, is a major “small” revolution. The stern opens along with part of the aft deck to give the customer an oversized beach club. This solution allows to double the space available for this important area of the boat, as well as making the tender management far easier. The beach area does not compromise interior volumes.On deck, the coamings widen in the aft part of the cockpit, allowing a further outboard position for the steering stations while still maintaining good helm protection. The extra-large main companionway provides an incredible light-well for the interior. “The Swan 108 marks a new era in the Swan Maxi range at Nautor” says Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO. “The project, launched in 2021 during the Regate di Primavera in Portofino, has been like drawing a beautiful painting. Like a painter meticulously chooses his palette, we made a very intense research of talents that were able to put on the table their know-how and blend it with the other, to create a beautiful and unique product.” At the same time, the Boatbuilding Technology Centre, the House of Swan in Pietarsaari, sees the Swan 88, Swan 108 hull number two and Swan 128 under construction. The maxi yacht will make her worldwide début at Monaco Yacht Show, where the team at Nautor will be delighted to showcase her to guests.Nautor’s 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’s Swan
June 9, 2023
Renowned British design studio Andy Waugh Yacht Design has introduced an innovative 80-meter catamaran concept named Decadence. Inspired by the technological advancements witnessed in the 1920s automotive and aeronautical industries, the design aims to capture the essence of that era while pushing the boundaries of modern design and engineering.According to the studio, Decadence represents the potential of the SWATH (Small-Waterplane-Area-Twin-Hull) hull form. This distinctive catamaran configuration features submerged cylindrical hulls connected to a central structure by stilts, offering unprecedented aesthetic possibilities yet to be fully explored in the luxury superyacht sector.The futuristic hull design enables notable technical advancements, including an estimated 70% reduction in pitch and roll movements compared to conventional monohull superyachts, ensuring enhanced comfort and safety for passengers.With a generous beam of 30 meters, the 5,000 gross tonnage (GT) vessel offers expansive interior spaces. The owner's suite, spanning 20 meters in width, 30 meters in length, and 3 meters in height, exemplifies the scale and grandeur of Decadence. Each deck will feature fully enclosed exterior areas, providing privacy and protection from inclement weather.The crew quarters and technical areas are intelligently located in the sponsons and outer hulls, maximizing space within the main superstructure for guest accommodations.Recognizing the challenge of finding suitable marina berths due to its oversized beam, the design studio has implemented practical solutions. The inherent stability of the hull form mitigates the need to seek shelter during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the concept incorporates provisions for two 14-meter chase-boat tenders from Skyline Yachts, serving as transfer shuttles to shore.Renderings of Decadence reveal retractable inflatable sails, suggesting the potential utilization of wind power. Furthermore, the yacht will feature a revolutionary propulsion system expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 30%.Andy Waugh Yacht Design has gained acclaim for its visionary yacht concepts, including the 70-meter Serafina, 175-meter Acionna, 45-meter Revolution, and 90-meter Nouveau. Credits: Andy Waugh Yacht Design
June 8, 2023