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
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!
The Board of Directors of Sanlorenzo S.p.A., chaired by Mr. Massimo Perotti, convened to review and approve the preliminary consolidated results as of December 31, 2024. Key highlights include:Financial PerformanceNet Revenues from New Yachts ("Net Revenues New Yachts") reached €930.4 million, an increase of 10.7% compared to €840.2 million in 2023. This growth was driven by the excellent performance of the Superyacht Division (+17.6% YoY) and the stabilization of the Yacht Division (+1.8% YoY).EBITDA increased by 12.0% to €176.4 million, with a margin of 19.0% on revenues.Operating Profit (EBIT) grew by 10.6% to €139.3 million, with a margin of 15.0% on revenues.Operational PerformanceInvestments totaled €49.3 million, largely directed towards expanding industrial capacity and developing new models and product lines. Following the inclusion of Nautor Swan and Simpson Marine, total investments for the period reached €188.1 million.Net Cash Position stood at €29.1 million post dividend payments of €34.8 million, organic investments of €49.3 million, and other operational expenses. Excluding extraordinary transactions, the net cash position would have been €112.8 million.Order Book and Sales:Q4 2024 Orders amounted to €230.2 million, a 22.0% increase over the same period in 2023. The total backlog stood at €1,019.8 billion, with €623.1 million allocated to 2025.Strategic InitiativesThe company continued to enhance its international footprint via direct representation in key regions, exemplified by the acquisition of 95% of the Simpson Marine Group in March 2024.In August 2024, Sanlorenzo signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Nautor Swan, which had already contributed €38.3 million over five months.Technological advancements were also notable, with the launch of three yachts showcasing innovative sustainable technologies.Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman of Sanlorenzo, stated: "Our solid growth trajectory, confirmed by achieving results both in terms of revenues and margins, highlights the effectiveness of our 'Haute Couture' business model and the ability of our team to successfully navigate global markets and close valuable acquisitions, even in uncertain times like 2024. We are steadily pursuing the Group’s long-term vision and executing the strategic objectives set out in our business plan, while maintaining a solid financial position and liquidity that allow us to evaluate and seize every opportunity to further strengthen our brands."Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
February 14, 2025
Maxim Yachts is set to make its first appearance at the Dubai International Boat Show, held from February 19th to 23rd, 2025, at Dubai Harbour.Max 43 Comfort The Spanish shipyard, renowned for its day cruisers, will welcome visitors by showcasing its mission to offer a highly customizable range of boats tailored to fit both the specifications and regional requirements of owners worldwide.Max 43 Race Among the highlights is the latest model from the Barcelona-based yard, the Max 44R, which made its global debut at the recent Miami Boat Show. Designed by Alex Cherigny and engineered by Isonaval, the Max 44R is equipped with a triple Mercury Verado outboard engine configuration, generating a total of 1,200 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds above 50 knots.Max 44 RMaxim Yachts has already created a buzz within the industry, making an impactful appearance at the Genoa Boat Show earlier this year. Renowned for its limited and customizable production, the shipyard prides itself on superior craftsmanship. The Neo 43 Comfort exemplifies a perfect blend of style, performance, and comfort, showcasing Maxim Yachts’ unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.Credit: Maxim Yachts
February 14, 2025
The Quick Group, a globally recognized leader in the development of advanced marine systems and comprehensive pre- and after-sales services for yachts and superyachts, is thrilled to announce a momentous strategic partnership between its renowned Quick Nautical Equipment brand and Mercury Marine. This significant collaboration was officially unveiled at the Miami International Boat Show 2025.For decades, Quick Nautical Equipment has been instrumental in shaping the marine industry, establishing benchmarks with its pioneering innovations. Known for its uncompromising reliability and technological advancements, the brand has garnered a stellar reputation for excellence across various sectors, including anchoring systems, water heaters, bow thrusters, inverters, battery chargers, and more. Its extensive product portfolio encompasses a vast array of offerings, notably its comprehensive selection of bow thrusters, which have consistently delivered superior performance and durability.Notably, Quick Nautical Equipment was among the first to introduce bow thrusters powered by IP68 synchronous motors with integrated drivers, ensuring unlimited continuous proportional operation—a hallmark of the brand's commitment to innovation.Beginning now, Quick Nautical Equipment's thrusters are officially compatible with Mercury Marine's Joystick Piloting system. This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in enhancing boat maneuverability and control. By integrating Quick Nautical Equipment’s advanced bow thrusters with Mercury’s Joystick Piloting system, boaters can expect unprecedented precision, responsiveness, and ease of handling.Quick Nautical Equipment offers a comprehensive range of thrusters specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with Mercury's single-engine and multi-engine Joystick Piloting systems. To facilitate this integration, Quick Nautical Equipment has developed a gateway that allows communication between its Proportional Control Systems (PCS) and Mercury’s protocols. This means that control of QNE thrusters can be achieved directly through Mercury’s maneuvering joysticks. Moreover, this system can be retrofitted onto existing Quick Nautical Equipment installations, provided that the PCS is either already in place or will be installed.This integration significantly enhances precision and control during low-speed maneuvers, resulting in a superior boating experience for users.Quick Nautical Equipment's enduring commitment to excellence ensures that it remains at the forefront of marine innovation, continuously delivering solutions that stand the test of time and elevate the overall boating experience. These achievements are bolstered by strategic collaborations with top global industry leaders, such as Mercury Marine, driving the integration of cutting-edge technologies and raising the bar for the entire marine industry.Credits: Quick Group
February 14, 2025
Overmarine Group hassold the seventh unit in the Mangusta Oceano 50 series, with the transaction facilitated by Moran Yacht & Ship. Dubbed Project Nexus, this 49.9-meter yacht is designed by Alberto Mancini and will be constructed at Overmarine's facility in Viareggio, Italy. Moran Yacht & Ship will manage the project, with delivery expected in 2028. Upon completion, Project Nexus will join other notable sisterships like Dokinha and Eternity.The first Oceano 50, named Alisa, was delivered in 2021 and went on to secure a victory in its category at the subsequent World Superyacht Awards.Project Nexus offers a flexible accommodation layout, featuring five cabins on the lower deck, including two VIP suites, along with an optional additional VIP cabin or gym, depending on the owner's preferences. The owner's suite is situated on the main deck and comes equipped with a fully automated balcony, providing unobstructed views of the ocean.One of the standout features of this model is the bow area, which houses a garage that transforms into a swimming pool with a counterflow system when the tender is deployed. Additional amenities include a spacious sundeck with a hot tub, lounge, and al fresco dining area, as well as a 68-square-meter beach club with three terraces overlooking the sea.Performance-wise, the Mangusta Oceano 50 can achieve a top speed of 16 knots and boast a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.Overmarine Group was founded in 1985 by the Balducci family. The shipyard builds open and displacement power superyachts under the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceanco brand names. Credits: Overmarine Group
February 13, 2025
Pearl Yachts is thrilled to announce its participation in the highly anticipated Dubai International Boat Show 2025, scheduled from February 19th to 23rd. This significant event also marks the debut of Pearl Gulf, the brand’s newly appointed dealer for the GCC region, highlighting Pearl Yachts' ongoing expansion in the global market.Pearl Gulf, a distinguished member of the esteemed Ocean World Group, will cater to the discerning tastes of yacht enthusiasts across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. Building on its successful introduction at Boot Düsseldorf, Pearl Gulf reinforces Pearl Yachts’ presence in one of the world's most dynamic yachting markets.Visitors to the Dubai Boat Show will enjoy an exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Pearl yachts via Virtual Reality, exploring: the flagship Pearl 95, the Pearl 82, the Pearl 72, and all-new Pearl 63.Pearl Yachts has cemented its status as a boutique British yacht builder, celebrated for its painstaking attention to detail and pioneering approach to luxury yacht design. Each model is the product of a unique collaboration between Dixon Yacht Design, responsible for exterior styling and naval architecture, and Kelly Hoppen Interiors, renowned for creating exceptionally stylish interiors. This exclusive partnership guarantees that every Pearl yacht seamlessly merges cutting-edge performance with timeless elegance.What distinguishes Pearl Yachts is its unwavering focus on the customer experience. Owners benefit from an industry-leading five-year warranty, a reflection of the brand’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, each yacht is meticulously crafted to offer spacious interiors, distinctive features, and exceptional value for money.Iain Smallridge, Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, shared: “The Dubai International Boat Show presents the ideal platform for us to engage with yacht enthusiasts in the GCC, a region with a flourishing and growing yachting culture. Pearl Gulf’s involvement emphasizes our commitment to extending the Pearl Yachts experience to a broader audience. At Pearl, we do more than construct yachts; we create extraordinary experiences for our owners that surpass all expectations.”Pearl Yachts was founded in 1998 and has now become one of the UK’s most prominent shipyards. Every Pearl motor yacht is designed and built by experienced craftsmen. Pearl’s fleet consists of the new Pearl 62, the Pearl 80 and the Pearl 95. All newly launched Pearl Yachts are covered by a unique, comprehensive five-year warranty program.Credits: Pearl Yachts
February 13, 2025