Famously known as the world's largest yacht by gross tonnage, ie interior volume, the 156-meter Dilbar has redefined the notion of space in yachting. The third yacht to bear the same name, she was delivered by Lurssen to her Russian billionaire owner in 2017.
The first Dilbar superyacht to be delivered to Alisher Usmanov, a billionaire investor whose net worth was valued by Forbes at $16 billion, became a 66-meter Oceanco. Launched in 2005 by the Dutch shipyard, the first Dilbar was a significant step forward for the yard thanks to the 66-meter's innovative features such as her spa pool and beach club. Both well ahead of their time.
With an interior by Alberto Pinto, she became one of the most sought-after yachts on the water. Her rounded aft as well as her impressive 1,801GT of interior volume made her stand out from the crowd on the exterior. Inside, amenities included a private cinema, spacious cabins on the main deck, a vast dinning room and a salon with a piano.
Shortly prior to the delivery of his second Dilbar, Usmanov renamed the 66-meter to Ona in 2008 and subsequently put her on the brokerage market. The yacht was then sold in 2010 to US oil mogul, William Kallop at an asking price of €59.9 million.
Lately, Natita was in the press following her being seized by Goldman Sachs from Kallop and then sold. The American oil veteran had taken out a $32 million loan against Natita and his other yacht, the 57-meter Bad Girl, from Goldman before stopping to service it with nearly $28 million still left on it.
The investment bank thus decided to seize the 66-meter yacht from Kallop in Palm Beach and put her on the market. Goldman quickly offloaded Natita from their books by selling the yacht at a final price of $39.9 million, hence covering Kallop's remaining payment on the loan.
Usmanov's second Dilbar became a 110-meter superyacht out of Germany. A close sistership to Pelorus, she was launched by Lurssen in June 2008 and became the world's 17th largest yacht in the world. In addition to this, she also became one of the first yachts on the water to have particle filters on her main engine exhausts.
Known throughout her build as Project Opal, the 110-meter featured some similarities in interior design and amenities with the first Dilbar. A large Jacuzzi with a glass wall and water feature was installed forward of the sundeck with a lounging area around it, both on the 110-meter and the Oceanco. A lounge with a bar and piano was also incorporated into both yachts as well as a private cinema.
The scale of the new superyacht, however, allowed for some new, ameliorated features such as a large owner's office with several meeting areas and lounging area that opens onto the upper aft deck. A separate, executive conference room was also built onboard with an unbeatable view onto the sea through floor-to-ceiling windows. Other improvements include a spacious gym and spa area.
After several years near the top of the list of the world's largest yachts, the Dilbar name leapfrogged onto the number spot with the delivery of the 156-meter behemoth that is now the fleet's flagship. One of yachting's most anticipated projects ever, Dilbar was launched in 2016 and boasted a gross tonnage of 15,917 confirmed by the shipyard.
Around the same time, the 110-meter was renamed from Dilbar to Ona and put on the brokerage market according to landing pages that had then sprung up on websites of superyacht brokers. These have since been taken offline, however, it is yet unknown if the owner of the 110-meter changed or if these simply updated their marketing strategy.
Photo by Josip Baresic
With an exterior design by Espen Oeino, Dilbar now has a gross tonnage of 15,917 tons, hence topping Al Said's 15,850 tons and Azzam's 13,136 tons. Notably, all three of these voluminous yachts were built by Lurssen that has kept fortifying its position as the main destination for megayacht construction.
Impressive facts about the new Dilbar flagship include her beam of 23 meters as well as her deep, 6-meter draft. Onboard over 1,100km of cables were stretched for all of the required wiring and set up. According to the shipyard, 3,800 square meters of living space were built on Dilbar.
Built in under 52 months from the time of signing of the contract to delivery, Dilbar was also the largest yacht ever to feature a diesel electric power plant from an engineering standpoint. This lets the 156-meter yacht get up to a cruising speed of 22.5 knots. Her hull and superstructure represented near 10,000 square meters of faired surfaces.
Ever since her delivery in 2016, Dilbar has drawn the attention of worldwide press as well as social media users around the globe. Her travels throughout the Mediterranean have hence been essentially documented by enthusiasts around the world with her photos now having been taken from nearly every possible angle.
In early 2017, it was reported that a 160-meter berth, the largest in the world, was sold in OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona. Although the name of the acquirer of the long term lease that is set to last until 2036 wasn't released, Dilbar is statistically the only yacht that could have used the berth to its full potential, which it has indeed done during the off season.
Fully renovated in 2014 through a €100 million investment led by the UK-based Salamanca Group, OneOcean Port Vell has become a hype destination for large superyachts in recent quarters thanks to its newly built amenities. In 2017, they had reported a 742% spike in visits of 100m+ yachts. Later that year, the marina was acquired by Qatari investment bank, QInvest together with an investment fund beneficially owned by Russian billionaire, Vagit Alekperov.
Currently Russia's fifth richest man with a net worth of $16 billion according to Forbes, Alisher Usmanov was also featured as one of the most powerful people in the world on their 2016 ranking. Primarily known in yachting through the Dilbar fleet, Usmanov is best known in business circles as the main shareholder of USM Holdings.
USM's initial equity stakes primarily stem from the metal and industrial sectors. These have, however, over time diversified and now also include ownership of Megafon, one of Russia's largest telecom operators. To the United Kingdom, Usmanov is best known as one of the co-owners of the Arsenal football club.
To the tech community, Usmanov is one of the most successful investors in modern history, having made investments into companies such as Facebook, Alibaba and Mail.ru.
Photos via Superyachts Gibraltar, Yacht Harbour, Instagram
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Feadship shared the video from the sea trials of the Project 1011. Project 1011 is not just a superyacht; it's a marvel challenging the limits of design and engineering. Crafted for a visionary owner deeply engaged in the 103-meter project, this masterpiece, designed collaboratively by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design and Azure Yacht Design, pushes boundaries in innovation. With a distinctive vertical bow, Project 1011 showcases a clean-cut exterior, exuding a purposeful personality. The exterior is adorned with a staggering 1,100 square meters of glass, featuring twenty sliding doors, twelve glass windbreaks, four outdoor hot tubs, and a main deck swimming pool that spans its entire height. The forward helipad cleverly conceals a helicopter hangar, while eight hull doors, including the largest tender garage door ever installed on a Feadship, enhance its functionality.<iframe src=https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=315&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFeadship%2Fvideos%2F371252095276469%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0 width=560 height=315 style=border:none;overflow:hidden scrolling=no frameborder=0 allowfullscreen=true allow=autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share allowFullScreen=true></iframe>Despite challenging criteria, including the provision of amenities comparable to the owner's previous 6,000GT yacht within half the volume, Project 1011 excels in space planning and ingenious solutions. The single-deck engine room, a groundbreaking concept, maximizes guest areas. The engineering marvels extend to expansive glass suites, a colossal 15-meter tender garage door, fully retractable glass doors, a futuristic Kongsberg bridge, and a towering glass staircase and elevator in the main atrium. 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
December 1, 2023
Exciting news echoes from CdM as the Darwin 86 Empire joins the fleet, marking the third launch in just two weeks, following the RJ 115 Pazienza and the Flexplorer 146 Maverick. It's not just a celebration; it's an exhilarating showcase of craftsmanship and innovation, leaving no room for comments, only sheer pride and excitement at the forefront.“The Darwin Class continues to provide us with great satisfaction, firmly establishing itself as a reference in the explorer yachts’ market. This Darwin 86 adds up to a total of twelve Darwins from 86 to 112 feet already delivered,” says Vasco Buonpensiere, CdM co-founder and CEO. Acquired by an enthusiastic American owner, the Darwin 86 Empire is a testament to bespoke luxury. From reinforced hulls with bulletproof steel plates to navigation plans that span distant and challenging seas, this vessel is tailored to the owner’s every whim.Designed with Hydro Tec's unmistakable Darwin aesthetics and CdM's unique approach to technical areas, the interior design, crafted by Massari Design, is a testament to opulence. The owner's requests, including an 'ice belt' at waterline level and enhanced scantlings for icy conditions, make this vessel a true explorer.Featuring a fourth pilot station in the engine room, the interior layout aligns seamlessly with the owner's vision. The warm and inviting ambiance is achieved by blending custom-made furniture with renowned manufacturers like Poltrona Frau and Poliform.The lower deck houses the owner’s full-beam stateroom and two twin cabins, while the VIP suite occupies the forward section. Crew quarters for four members are strategically located on the main deck forward. The main deck serves as the social hub, connecting lounging and dining areas with a cozy bar linked to the galley. The upper deck hosts a well-equipped gym, and the sundeck is furnished with loose furniture and sunbeds for outdoor enjoyment.Measuring 26.30m, the Empire is a little ship of robustness, comfort, and reliability. Powered by twin Scania engines and featuring 3 Northern Light generators and sodium-lithium chloride batteries, this vessel is a paragon of engineering excellence. The wheelhouse is designed for ease of handling, equipped with Boening integrated monitoring and control systems. A sophisticated anti-intrusion system adds an extra layer of protection.CdM's story begins in 2010. The facilities cover an overall surface of 16˙000 square meters, including 7˙000 sq. m of workshops and 1˙000 sq. m of docks. Since 2015, the shipyard has been the world’s leading builder of explorer yachts. Based in Ancona, Cantiere delle Marche builds yachts from 26m to 43m in length.Credits: CdM
December 1, 2023
Northrop & Johnson has announced the successful sale of the opulent 77.7m Golden Yachts O’Rea, orchestrated by Yacht Broker Steve Elario, representing the buyer.Motor yacht O’Rea, delivered by the Greek shipyard, Golden Yachts, in 2023, has found a new owner. With interior styling curated by Studio Vafiadis and Massari Design, O’Rea is not just a yacht; it's a masterpiece that sets new standards for luxury living on the water. The incredible design details, such as polished marble steps, backlit vertical paneling, and three-dimensional glass patterns, permeate throughout the yacht.Crafted for the discerning owner who values exquisite indoor and outdoor experiences, O’Rea showcases voluminous spaces across multiple decks, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation, entertainment, and indulgence. The seamless interconnection between each exterior area and the interior allows guests to transition effortlessly. The strategic use of glass blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, whether sunbathing on the beach club sea terraces, relaxing in the spa, or dining in the sprawling main deck area with floor-to-ceiling windows.With accommodation for up to 12 guests in eight stunning staterooms, O’Rea ensures a consistent level of comfort and sophistication for every guest. The owner’s suite stands out with its expansive height and volume, including a private office area. A dedicated crew of twenty-two ensures precision and care in every aspect of the journey.O’Rea is a symphony of indulgence and entertainment. Onboard amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, sauna, Turkish hammam, massage room, and a notable glass-bottom pool on the main deck aft, positioned above the beach club. Additional features comprise an outdoor theater, an exterior lounge/bar area, and ample sunpads across various decks.O’Rea has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, the yacht cruises comfortably at 16 knots, reaching a maximum speed of 18 knots.Recognized as a finalist at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2024, O’Rea stands as a symbol of outstanding exterior motor yacht design in the 60m and above category.Golden Yachts was founded in 1996. The company began its activities by consulting and supervising the construction of the 42m luxury M/Y O’Pari new building at Intermarine SpA. Golden Yachts entered a new era in the 2000’s with a team of enthusiastic and committed naval architects and engineers. Now shipyard is famous for its 95m O'Pari, and 85m O'Ptasia. Credits: Northrop & Johnson
December 1, 2023
The latest addition to Custom Line's Navetta 30 displacement line, the eighteenth hull, was launched on November 7 at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona. The ceremony, attended by Custom Line employees instrumental in the yacht's creation, marked the debut of this superyacht, tailored for an owner in the Asia-Pacific region.Crafted through a collaborative design process, the Strategic Product Department, responsible for exterior styling, worked in tandem with the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. Internally, ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel led the interior architecture, supported by Filippo Salvetti for exteriors and strategic interior design consulting from the Custom Line Atelier.Measuring 28.43 meters in length and boasting a 7.3-meter beam, this superyacht achieves ambitious volumes while radiating a sense of lightness and cruising elegance. The exterior design showcases horizontal lines sweeping towards the bow, imparting a sleek and dynamic silhouette with a touch of timeless classicism. The four-deck configuration maximizes onboard spaces, strategically arranged for conviviality, relaxation, and contemplation. Expansive glazed surfaces, over-two-meter high decks, and generous stern and bow areas provide panoramic views, creating an immediate sense of openness.Seamless integration between interior and exterior spaces defines a linear continuum, optimizing functionality. The interior styling, blending classic elements with a contemporary twist, introduces carbon detailing, sophisticated lacquer finishes, and custom textured claddings. Reflecting the owner's preferences, the decor embodies a sporty chic style, enriched by materials like nubuck leather and a captivating interplay of contrasts using polished Orobico marble and Silk Georgette marble.Dynamic contrasts come to life in a well-balanced fusion of pale, delicate tones – white, beige, and cream – with evocative shades of burnt brown, dark gray, and sepia. 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
November 30, 2023
Antonini Navi announces the sale of the custom 33-meter yacht, Seamore 33, marking another success within a month of revealing the Explorer Yacht 32 M contract. This new yacht, commissioned by an Italian owner, is set to launch in spring 2025 and will debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival the same year. Seamore 33 represents the initial vessel in a semi-custom series, showcasing Antonini Navi’s venture into highly customizable yet series-produced yachts.This broader project involves a collaborative effort between Antonini Navi's Technical Office, Hydro Tec for exterior design and naval architecture, and Hot Lab for interior design. The steel and aluminum construction, based on a Hydro Tec concept, enables modifications to the superstructure and hull sections while maintaining the platform's integrity.Seamore 33’s distinctive design features a high, dominant bow, creating a sleek and sporty profile. The emphasis on open spaces prioritizes flexibility, with over 150 square meters of open-air living space on the main deck, expandable or enclosed by sliding pocket windows. An additional 160 square meters of al fresco space on the upper deck, including 50 square meters under an elegant hard-top, enhances the yacht's versatile layout.The interiors, crafted by Hot Lab, strike a balance between classic elegance and modern innovation. Noble teak wood complements pastel colors, fostering an atmosphere of calm and harmony with the sea. Enrico Lumini of Hot Lab describes the interiors as an "instant classic" with timeless beauty.Simone Antonini, CEO of the shipyard, expresses immense pride in Antonini Navi's achievements and credits the success to the commitment and vision of the group. This recent sale, along with the Explorer Yacht 32 M contract, solidifies Antonini Navi's position as a niche brand in luxury custom yacht construction. Aldo Manna, partner and sales director, emphasizes the challenge of selling two units over 30 meters in less than two months. With three out of four production slots occupied, Antonini Navi aims to conclude on a high note, selling the next unit with delivery in the 2026 season.Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec applauds the shared commitment to exceeding expectations, showcasing the success of the long collaboration and ongoing dedication between the involved companies.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
November 30, 2023