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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Turkish yard Numarine has launched the 37.2-meter Orpheus from its Kocaeli site, marking the latest addition to the 37XP model, the largest in the Numarine fleet. The 37XP series, initiated in 2021 with the launch of Alaia, is characterized by a full-displacement steel hull designed for long-range and offshore cruising.Umberto Tagliavini served as the naval architect, while Can Yalman led the exterior and interior design. A standout feature of the Orpheus is its flybridge, which spans nearly 10 meters and offers 83 square meters of open space.The yacht accommodates up to six guests across five cabins, including a main deck master suite and an upper deck VIP cabin. The VIP cabin benefits from an aft-facing bed and a terrace that can be adapted for sunbathing, outdoor sports, parties, or storing tenders. Another al fresco space is the beach club, featuring a bathing platform and a water-level lounge.Orpheus boasts a range of 6,000 nautical miles at eight knots, placing it among the elite expedition yachts in its class, according to the yard.Orpheus joins eight other 37XP models in service, with a ninth flagship, the 39-meter 40MXP, scheduled for delivery later this year.Credits: Numarine
March 24, 2025
The first unit of the Pershing GTX70, an agile and dynamic yacht embodying the innovations of the GTX series, was launched on March 19 in the port of Fano. Representing the most compact model in the range, the GTX70 captures the sporty spirit and livable spaces of its predecessors, offering an exceptional on-board experience in a more compact format.Measuring 21.88 meters in length and 5.42 meters in beam, the GTX70 is the result of collaboration between the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee, Vallicelli Design, and the Group’s Engineering Department. The new hull was produced at the Ferretti Group Plug and Mould facility, leveraging the brand’s advanced technology and craftsmanship, with construction completed in the new Mondolfo production area.Characterized by extensive exterior and interior spaces, the GTX70 offers an exceptionally comfortable experience, increasing on-board liveability and providing direct contact with the water. Spanning two decks and a sportbridge, the yacht accommodates up to six guests in three cabins.The exterior design, clad in classic Pershing grey, carries forward stylistic elements from the GTX series, including a slightly convex sheer line, stanchion-free design, and sleek, sweeping lines. The bow’s near-vertical shape adds to the yacht’s elegance. The beach area aft, furnished with a sunpad on this first unit, spans 23 square meters when the side terraces are open. The stern swim platform features dual-linear lift technology, increasing usable space and enabling the deployment of a jet ski or Williams 325 tender.The main deck boasts a seamless, open design, with a generous C-shaped sofa and table in the shaded cockpit. The galley is connected to the exterior and interior lounge areas via a pocket up-down glass panel, enhancing the flow of space. The use of contrasting colors, such as dark nubuck leather upholstery and muted tones, creates a visually striking atmosphere, while LED light strips illuminate the deck.Below deck, the three cabins and three en suite bathrooms optimize comfort in the sleeping area. The 16-square-meter sportbridge is divided into sunbathing, dining, and helm stations, featuring an innovative electric bimini top with prepreg carbon poles, available as an option.Powered by three 900 hp Volvo Pent D13 IPS1200 units, the GTX70 reaches a top speed of 35 knots and cruising speed of 30 knots (preliminary data).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
March 24, 2025
The Invictus ST550 embodies the perfect fusion of traditional elegance and cutting-edge innovation. With its striking design and meticulous craftsmanship, this new flagship from Invictus Yacht stands out as a masterpiece of maritime engineering. Designed by renowned architect Christian Grande, the ST550 boasts clean lines, a spacious layout, and state-of-the-art technology, setting a new standard in the luxury yacht industry.At 16.87 meters long and 5.04 meters wide, the ST550 offers ample room for relaxation and entertainment. Its semi-reverse bow pays homage to classic tenders while incorporating modern touches like carbon fiber details and optional glossy mahogany finishes. High bulwarks not only protect passengers but also add to the vessel’s sleek profile, ensuring safety without compromising aesthetics.A standout feature of the ST550 is its innovative bow living area. Featuring a large U-shaped sofa and sundeck, this space transforms into a private lounge ideal for enjoying scenic views during navigation. Combined with collapsible bulwarks and protective glazing, it provides both openness and privacy, enhancing the overall cruising experience.The spacious cockpit includes a comfortable seating arrangement, complete with dining amenities, and can easily convert into a sizable sunbed. Below deck, the ST550 accommodates two luxurious cabins – the Master and VIP – both fitted with en-suite bathrooms. An additional midship living area can be customized to serve as a third cabin or galley, depending on the owner’s preference.Customization is central to the Invictus philosophy, allowing owners to personalize every aspect of their yacht through the Invictus Atelier program. From choosing unique color palettes like Stone White or Deep Groove – a metallic blue gradient – to selecting premium materials like breathable fabrics and synthetic leathers, the ST550 can be tailored to reflect individual tastes and styles.Powered by dual IPS800 or IPS950 engines, the ST550 ensures smooth sailing while delivering exceptional performance. Its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 will mark a pivotal moment for Invictus Yacht, solidifying its position as a leader in the global yachting market.With its timeless design, advanced features, and bespoke approach, the Invictus ST550 redefines what it means to cruise in style. It is a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence and innovation, combining the best of classic charm with modern sophistication.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
March 24, 2025
ISA Yachts announces the sale of the second unit of its Classic 65m model, a 1,420 GT displacement superyacht, to a European owner. Based on the platform of the iconic M/Y Resilience, delivery is scheduled for 2028.Introduced by Kristina Falkone of Aberton Yachts, this sale strengthens the fruitful partnership between the shipyard and Aberton, with several ongoing projects underway at the Palumbo Superyachts facilities. The transaction boosts the production fleet under the ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, and Extra Yachts brands to 18 units, spanning sizes from 37 to 80 meters.Enrico Gobbi and Team for Design crafted the interior and exterior design, while the shipyard's technical department oversaw naval architecture. The design harmoniously blends elegance and dynamism, with multifaceted, curved, and fluid lines that embody a sculptural masterpiece.Giuseppe Palumbo, Sole Director of Palumbo Superyachts, expressed gratitude: "We sincerely thank the owner and their team for selecting ISA Yachts' 65-meter platform, a testament to careful design and advanced technological solutions. Joining the fleet of nine 40-80 metre ISA Yachts under construction, this superyacht represents enduring Italian excellence."The yacht features a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and measures 64.8 meters in length, with a 12-meter beam and 3.3-meter draft. The interior layout includes six cabins, with a full-beam owner's suite boasting a double fold-out balcony on the main deck. Clean-lined contemporary furnishings seamlessly integrate with the outdoor spaces.Amenities include a large swimming pool on the main deck's stern and a hot tub on the fly deck. The expansive beach club encompasses a lounge, bar, showers, gym, sauna, massage room, and a welcoming guest embarkation zone. A scenic corridor connecting the beach club to the guest cabins traverses the engine room.Two jet skis and two tenders are housed forward on the main deck, served by a hydraulic crane and a sliding lateral system for ease of handling. The lower deck accommodates up to 15 crew members across eight cabins, with a separate captain's cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse.Propelled by two MTU 12V 1,500 kW engines, the ISA Classic 65m achieves a top speed of 17 knots, cruises at 14 knots, and boasts a range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at 11 knots.Palumbo Superyachts took root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 it launched its first 54m 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); it also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: ISA Yachts
March 21, 2025
At the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show, Benetti unveiled the latest updates on Project Life, an 85-metrer steel giga yacht designed in collaboration with industry giants Espen Øino International, Zuretti Design, and Burgess. This extraordinary project encapsulates Benetti's mission to combine technological innovation with timeless design, redefining the yachting lifestyle.As Benetti's largest engineering-platform-based yacht, Project Life allows owners to focus on personalizing the design and lifestyle aspects, knowing that the technical elements, systems, and performance are handled with precision. This approach brings together Benetti's expertise with the creativity of world-renowned partners, resulting in a visionary yacht that celebrates life at sea.Sebastiano Vida, Head of Product at Benetti, explained, "Our vision for Project Life was to create varied experiences on each deck, emphasizing social interaction and versatile gathering spaces, all centered around the ocean." Through this collaboration, Benetti has achieved a harmonious balance of design, technology, and lifestyle.Project Life offers an immersive yachting experience, where every detail encourages engagement with the sea. One of its standout features is the Beach Area, a collaboration between Espen Øino and Zuretti Design. This expansive, multi-purpose space spans 270 square meters, opening on three sides to create a seamless connection between the yacht and the ocean. Two 14-meter fold-down side doors and a swim platform enhance accessibility, making it easy for guests to dive into the water or relax by the beach club.The main deck features an 18-square-meter swimming pool, complete with integrated seating, perfect for casual gatherings. Adjacent to the pool, the aqua lounge provides a refreshing escape, inviting guests to socialize in a relaxed, poolside atmosphere. Meanwhile, the upper foredeck serves as a private sanctuary, offering panoramic views of the sea and a tranquil retreat for owners.François Zuretti, known for his refined interiors, aimed to eliminate boundaries between the interior and exterior, crafting a fluid connection with nature. The result is a modern, organic design that envelops guests in a luxurious yet inviting environment.Project Life is not just about aesthetics; it also incorporates cutting-edge technology to minimize environmental impact. The yacht's optimized hull and diesel-electric architecture with pod propulsion maximize efficiency, maneuverability, and comfort. Additionally, it operates on both diesel and alternative fuels like HVO, dramatically reducing emissions. Advanced solar panels integrated into the superstructure generate clean energy, helping to recharge electric tenders and water toys.Burgess ensured that Project Life maintained operational efficiency and environmental consciousness. According to Ed Beckett, Senior Partner at Burgess, "Clients are increasingly concerned with holistic yacht design, balancing aesthetics with operational and environmental considerations. Project Life integrates these elements seamlessly."Project Life exemplifies Benetti's 'Steel Legacy,' highlighting the shipyard's expertise in steel yacht construction. The collaboration with Edmiston demonstrates Benetti's commitment to global growth, particularly in the Americas, where the demand for technologically advanced and sustainably designed yachts continues to rise.Federico Ferrante, President of Azimut|Benetti Americas, noted, "Presenting Project Life at the Palm Beach Boat Show underscores the growing importance of the Americas market for Benetti. This region appreciates our combination of design and innovation, and we're excited to share this new chapter in yachting excellence."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: Benetti
March 21, 2025