The world's billionaires have a long-standing history of owning some of the most luxurious yachts ever made. This can of course be explained through their wealth but also through their taste.
Following the release of this year's list of the world's billionaires by Forbes, we've decided to compile the list of the richest people who according to other media publications own a yacht.
#1 Musashi | Larry Elisson | $47 billion
The Japanese name of this Feadship XL-88 comes from the renowned samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, who is not only revered as the greatest samurai of all time but also as the author of The Book of Five Rings which deals with strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is still studied today. This choice of name does not come as a surprise knowing that Larry Ellison is an aficionado of Japanese culture.
Designed by the duo De Voogt Naval Architects/Sinot Yacht Design, the 87.78 metres of Musashi accommodate a total of 18 guests and a crew of 23. One of the two master suites faces forward on the upper deck, while the second one is aft on the bridge deck. Seven further double guest cabins are on the main deck.
#2 Senses | Larry Page | $35.2 billion
Delivered by Germany's Schweers yard in 1999, this superyacht was designed, built and engineered to rise to the challenges of exploring the world's oceans. Senses carries a comprehensive inventory of equipment and exceeds the expectations of any 21st century adventurer.
She is the opportunity for a truly unique lifestyle in luxury yachting with stylish, well appointed interiors designed by Philippe Starck.
Split-level decks provide open and shaded sun-lounging areas, secluded side pods, sheltered outdoor dining and informal seating areas, an airy and light gymnasium and a private beach club complete with Jacuzzi and vast sun beds. With impressive volume provided by six decks and a beam of 12.7m, Senses can store three tenders laterally, has full helicopter capability and a stern-launched 42' Nelson tender.
Water toys include no fewer than four high speed tenders, five waverunners, two jet skis, snorkeling gear, diving equipment and a range of towables.
#3 Dragonfly | Sergey Brin | $34.4 billion
Built by Silver Yachts in 2009, Dragonfly was hailed as the fastest, most fuel-efficient long-range cruising superyacht on the water. She has a transatlantic range at 22 knots and has a fuel consumption of only 360 litres per hour at 18 knots, extending her range to 4,500 nautical miles.
Previously named Silver Zwei her luxurious interior is designed by Silvestrin Design and her exterior styling is by Espen Oeino.
The superyacht offers accommodation for up to 18 guests, who are taken care of by a crew of 16. The most special feature is the yacht's foredeck helipad that doubles as a guest sitting area. Also she has two tender garages, one forward and one aft, the latter converting to a beach house following the launch of the tenders.
#4 Symphony | Bernard Arnault | $34 billion
Symphony, formerly known as Project 808, was launched in January 2015. She is the first Feadship yacht to exceed the 100-metre mark, surpassing the builder's previous flagship, 99-metre Madame Gu, launched in 2013. It's also the first Feadship yacht built to be fully compliant with the new Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) regulations, which allows for pleasure yachts to carry 13 to 36 passengers. Building with PYC has allowed for a custom interior that makes use of veneers, leathers and exotic materials that are compliant with the new rules. She is also certified for chartering with helicopter operations.
The yacht features exterior design by legendary yacht designer Tim Heywood with naval architecture by Feadship's De Voogt Naval Architects. Her accommodation is spread over six decks, with up to 20 guests hosted in six staterooms, including one full-beam VIP cabin, double owner's stateroom and additional guest cabins on the lower deck.
Symphony is also kitted out with a gym, a beauty salon and massage room and carries no less than three custom Pascoe tenders of 9.6, 8.3 and 7.85 metres, as well as two wave runners, two Seabobs, windsurfers, watersides and various inflatable toys. Her layout includes an observation lounge, bar and Jacuzzi on the sun deck, while the bridge deck features a terrace and outdoor cinema. The main deck hosts a six-metre contraflow, glass-bottom swimming pool with waterfall, and below the pool on the lower deck is a lounge, beach club and wellness centre, as well as an ultra-high-definition megayacht cinema.
#5 Moneikos | Leonardo Del Vecchio | $19.1 billion
Moneikos was built in 2006 by Codecasa in 2006 to a Della Role Design. The yacht can reportedly accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 cabins.
With a beam of 11.2 meters, the yacht can cruise at a speed of 14 knots for 6,000 nautical miles.
#6 Tatoosh | Paul Allen | $17.5 billion
Tatoosh is a 92.42m motor yacht, built by Nobiskrug for mobile phone magnate Craig McCaw. Then the vessel was purchased by Paul Allen for a reported $100 million. Allen also owns the motor yacht Octopus. The yacht's interior has been designed by Terence Disdale and has exterior styling by Kusch Yachts, Studio Yacht.
The owner's accommodation incorporates two deck levels and is designed for total privacy, with a full beam bedroom, family room, observation lounge, gymnasium and a private office along with two children's cabins. She can sleep 20 guests overall in a further nine double staterooms and two cabins for four staff. Amenities aboard include a cinema and a heated swimming pool with contra-flow jets and Tatoosh also has two helicopter pads.
#7 Kingdom 5KR | Prince Alwaleed | $17.3 billion
Kingdom 5KR was launched by Benetti in 1980 and was one of the world's largest yachts for many years. The 85.9 metre yacht was designed by Luigi Sturchio and originally named Nabila.
The yacht has not had a quiet life. She featured in the James Bond movie Never Say Never Again and was owned for a time by 2016 candidate for President of the United States, Donald Trump. However she can now usually be found berthed at the International Yacht Club in Antibes.
The superyacht features five decks, a disco, a cinema with seats for 12 and 2 double beds, 11 opulent suites, a helipad on top (its funnels are sloped outward to avoid interference with the helicopters), a pool with a water jet on top in front of the heliport, 2 Riva tenders, a crew of 48, a top speed of 20 knots, and cruising speed of 17.5 knots.
#8 Venus | Laurene Powell Jobs | $16.7 billion
A 78 metre aluminum yacht engineered by De Voogt Naval Architects with styling by Philippe Starck was launched in 2012 and last refitted in 2015.
One of the best Feadship superyachts of all time, Venus has a wealth of interesting design features, from her highly innovative glass exterior design to the reported high-tech amenities. The yacht is extremely secret with no interior images ever seen.
The new photos show Venus emerging from her refit with a gleaming hull, and close-up pictures give a look at intriguing details of the yacht. The bridge on Venus, for instance, is packed with Apple computers.
Sadly, Steve Jobs passed away in 2011 before the yacht was launched and never got to enjoy his vessel.
#9 Archimedes | James Simons | $15.5 billion
Archimedes is a 68.00m (223.09 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Feadship in 2008 making the yacht 8 years old. With a beam of 12.30m and a draft of 3.50m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 1462 tones. She is classified by Lloyds.
She is powered by Catepillar 3516B DITA engines of 2,000hp each, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots and cruise at 12 knots for 7500 nautical miles.
She can accommodate 8 guests in 4 cabins with an interior design by John Munford and an exterior design by John Munford.
#10 Pacific | Leonid Michelson | $14.4 billion
The 85,2m yacht was built by Lurssen in 2010. The yacht's interior has been designed by Bannenberg & Rowell Design and exterior styled by German Frers.
Pacific offers accommodation for up to 12 guests. She is also capable of carrying up to 28 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.
The yacht has a unique colour, which seems to change in the sun.
Little more is publically known about Pacific. She has been designed and built to be a blue water superyacht made for the ocean and she will no doubt be able to explore long distances in trying conditions if required. While not plumb, her bow is reasonably sheer and it raises to an ample height above the waterline with good flare which is ideal for challenging ocean and weather conditions.
#11 Dilbar | Alisher Usmanov | $12.5 billion
Launched by Lurssen in November 2015, the superyacht was reportedly built for Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who owns a 110 metre superyacht Dilbar, which has now been renamed Ona.
Not a lot is known about this project, only that 156m Omar could possibly be the largest yacht in the world measured by gross tonnage. It is understood that her exterior design is by Espen Oeino with interiors by Andrew Winch. Omar's construction materials of a steel hull and aluminium superstructure are confirmed.
The megayacht has recently been spotted in Germany heading out on sea trials. Omar is due to be delivered in 2016.
#12 C2 | Ronald Perelman | $12.4 billion
Little is known about C2, Eminence, Amaryllis, Titan and her share the same hull platform.
C2 is a 78.00m (255.90 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2008 making the yacht 7 years old. With a beam of 12.14m and a draft of 3.20m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 2050 tones. She is classified by Lloyds.
#13 Nirvana | Vladimir Potanin | $12.1 billion
Built by Oceanco in 2012, Nirvana was the star of the Monaco Yacht Show the following year busting an aquarium aft and a set of revolutionary features.
With a jungle-themed interior design, the yacht features two spa pools and extensive lounging accommodations. Designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, the yacht has a transpacific range and a maximum speed of 19.5 knots.
The yacht was previously listed for sale asking 199 million euros but was supposedly taken off the market without any sale occurring.
#14 Tango | Viktor Vekselberg | $10.8 billion
Tango is a 78.00m (255.90 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Feadship in 2011 making the yacht 5 years old. With a beam of 12.20m and a draft of 3.65m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 1250 tones. She is classified by Lloyds.
#15 Amevi | Lakshmi Mittal | $9 billion
Part of the, at the time, new initiative by Oceanco to move to larger yachts, Amevi was allegedly delivered to Lakshmi Mittal for the 2007 summer season.
Amevi is a 80.00m (262.46 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Oceanco in 2007 making the yacht 8 years old. With a beam of 14.20m and a draft of 3.90m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 2500 tones.
#16 A | Andrey Melnichenko | $8.4 billion
There is perhaps no more noticeable shape than the Philippe Starck design of superyacht A. Built by Blohm and Voss in 2008 out of a steel hull and aluminum superstructure for owner Andrei Melnichenko, A has a length of 119 meters.
Crewed by 42, A is capable of accommodating 14 guests in 7 luxurious cabins. With her upside-down exterior line, A has a draft of over 5 meters which allows for plenty of volume as well as increased stability. With a meticulous attention to detail, A's interior uses wood furniture with natural light to reach an innovative style.
#17 Palladium | Mikhail Prokhorov | $7.9 billion
With an original design by Michael Leach, Palladium, formerly Project Orca, is thought to be own by Mikhail Prokhorov, Russian oligarch and owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
Palladium is a 95.15m (312.17 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Blohm + Voss in 2010 making the yacht 5 years old. With a beam of 16.00m and a draft of 4.40m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 6000 tones. She is classified by Lloyds + MCA.
#18 Mayan Queen IV | Alberto Bailleres Gonzalez | $7.6 billion
Owned by Mexican billionaire, Alberto Bailleres, Mayan Queen IV, formerly known as Project Safari, has been built as a replacement vessel for his previous 49m Feadship, MQ2.
Mayan Queen IV is a 93.25m (305.93 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Blohm + Voss in 2008 making the yacht 7 years old. With a beam of 15.88m and a draft of 4.25m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 3879 tones. She is classified by Lloyds.
She can accommodate 16 guests in 8 cabins with an interior design by Terence Disdale and an exterior design by Tim Heywood.
#19 Eclipse | Roman Abramovitch | $7.6 billion
Demoted from the rank of the largest superyacht in 2013 by Azzam, Eclipse has dominated for 3 years the superyacht rankings with a tremendous length of a 160m. Owned by Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, Eclipse , is now the flagship of the Blohm + Voss yards.
Built in a shroud of secrecy in 2010 to a design by Terence Disdale, Eclispe features a 16-meter long swimming pool convertible into a dance floor, a three-man private submarine, an exterior fireplace as well as space for six tenders and three helicopters.
#20 Rising Sun | David Geffen | $6.6 billion
Built by Lurssen Yachts to a famous Bannenberg exterior design, the 138m Rising Sun has beam of 18.5m and a draft of 5m. She is powered by 4 MTU engines of 12,230 hp each giving Rising Sun a maximum speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots.
Originally commissioned by Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, the project was supposedly extended by 18 meters to become larger than the 126 m Octopus owned by Microsoft owner Paul Allen. Half of it was sold a year later to David Geffen, media mogul, who bought the remaining share in 2010.
#21 Seven Seas | Steven Spielberg | $3.5 billion
Owned by Steven Spielberg, Seven Seas features a large cinema, several large televisions and a large swimming pool aft.
Seven Seas is a 86.00m (282.15 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Oceanco in 2010 making the yacht 5 years old. With a beam of 14.02m and a draft of 3.96m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 2658 tones. She is classified by MCA.
She is powered by MTU engines of 4680hp each, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 20 knots and cruise at 15 knots.
She can accommodate 12 guests in 7 cabins with an interior design by Nuvolari & Lenard and an exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard
#23 Radiant | Abdulla Al Futtaim | $3.1 billion
Built by Lurssen yachts in 2009 to a famous Tim Heywood exterior design, Radiant has a length of 110m, a beam of 16.2m and a draft of 4.6m. With a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, these metrics add up to a gross tonnage of 5,027 tones.
Commissioned by Boris Berezovsky, Russian billionaire who died in London in 2013 after having lost a huge lawsuit against Roman Abramovitch, his rival in the Russian market, the yacht was supposed to rival Abramovitch's Pelorus. The yacht has cost a reported 270 million $ to build but was sold, 10% away from completion to Abdulla al-Futtaom, UAE billionaire. The sale resulted in a lawsuit between Ousmanov and Edmiston for a 6 million commission that was ultimately paid to the brokerage firm.
#24 Ocean Victory | Victor Rashnikov | $1.87 billion
Ocean Victory was built for Russian billionaire, Victor Rashnikov and delivered in 2014.
#25 Lady Lara | Alexander Machkevich | $1.65 billion
Owned by Kazakh billionaire Alexander Machkevitch, the 91m long superyacht embarked her first sea trials in July. It is believed that Machkevitch still owns his previous yacht, which has been put on the market this year for $35million.
The superyacht's noticeable features include VIP suites with fold down balconies, a large beach club, a gym, Jacuzzi, a swimming pool and even a helipad. Lady Lara has a full displacement hull and an aluminum superstructure. Her exterior and interior design comes from Reymond Langton.
Cantieri di Pisa's CdP Custom Division has announced the sale of a 37.50-meter explorer yacht, featuring a steel hull and composite superstructure. Designed and engineered by Marcelo Penna, this vessel offers accommodation for six guests and four crew members, with interiors designed for comfort and ample light-filled outdoor spaces. Key features include a well-equipped galley, a hot tub, an owner’s terrace, a spacious beach club, a massage room, and two side terraces. Parallel to launching three new yacht lines, Cantieri di Pisa is advancing its CdP Custom Division. “This sale marks a significant milestone for our CdP Custom Division,” said Marco Massabò, CEO of the shipyard under the ownership of Enrico Gennasio. “We are pleased with the swift completion of this sale, thanks to the collaboration of our sales and engineering teams. The yacht is set to launch by summer 2026.”At 37.50 meters in length and 8.15 meters in beam, the explorer sold to a French owner features a steel hull and a composite superstructure crafted using advanced vacuum technology. This reduces tonnage and lowers the center of gravity, enhancing propulsion efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. It also has a spacious garage midships with a side-launching system for a 6.5-meter tender and wave runners. The well-appointed galley, pantries, fridge and freezer areas, and a high-capacity laundry ensure comfort for long cruises, supported by generous storage compartments on all four decks.Designed for cruising in various latitudes and suitable for chartering, the yacht is equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems. The owner’s suite on the main deck includes a private terrace, while a full-beam VIP cabin and four guest cabins are on the lower deck. The captain’s cabin, situated on the bridge deck, is adjacent to the wheelhouse. Additionally, a massage room on the upper deck can serve as an extra single cabin.Marcelo Penna, the project's designer, noted, “This explorer is tailored for an expert owner, offering sustainability through a hybrid battery pack and generators that power hotel services at anchor. This ensures compliance with stringent environmental regulations.”Powered by two 1,000 HP MAN V8 engines, the yacht achieves a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots, with a range of 2,600 nautical miles. The engines meet the highest environmental standards (IMO III Epa Tier IV), and the hybrid battery pack provides additional power and silent operation during nighttime anchorage.The yacht will carry Bureau Veritas Charter class certification. Yachts Invest represented the shipyard in the sale, while AB Yacht represented the owner. AB Yacht commented, “The buyer chose Cantieri di Pisa for their uncompromising quality. This modern hybrid vessel, suitable for chartering, will set a new benchmark in the motor yacht market.”Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
July 26, 2024
Espen Øino, renowned for designing some of the world's most notable superyachts, has turned his attention to a smaller scale with Hodgdon's latest limousine tenders.The new limousine models, designed by Øino, measure between 9 and 11 meters and feature sleek, contemporary profiles. Both models share a streamlined hull design and can be configured with either a forward or aft helm. The helm's position affects the layout: a forward helm allows for a spacious aft deck, while an aft helm creates space in the bow for a plush lounge and a boarding ramp for beach access.The cabin boasts a retracting glass roof and large integrated windows, ensuring ample natural light and 360-degree views. The interior includes upholstered seating for up to eight passengers, with four additional seats in the bow lounge on one model and two captain’s chairs at the helm on both.In terms of propulsion, the tenders can be equipped with single or twin engines. Although Hodgdon has not disclosed specific details about propulsion options, speed, or range, the company’s existing lineup indicates robust performance. For instance, Hodgdon’s Mini Venetian Limousine, powered by a Volvo D3-220 diesel engine, can cruise 250 kilometers at 32.5 knots and reach a top speed of 35 knots.With these new limousine tenders, Espen Øino and Hodgdon combine luxury and performance in a sleek, modern package, offering a stylish and efficient option for superyacht owners seeking high-quality tenders for their maritime adventures.Hodgdon Yachts founded in Boothbay, Maine, in 1816, has a legacy of delivering over 440 vessels across two centuries. Known for high-quality, advanced composite construction, the family-owned company offers a variety of tenders, including limousine, beachlander, and open styles, along with fully custom runabouts tailored to specific owner requirements.Credits: Hodgdon Yachts
July 26, 2024
Heesen has unveiled Project Agnetha, a 55-meter steel class motor yacht with a profile designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. The yacht's exterior features a modern, assertive design with horizontal lines that enhance its visual length, broad expanses of tinted glass on the main and upper decks, and a distinctive 'shark tooth' motif on the wheelhouse overhang. The design eliminates the need for fashion plates, resulting in a pillar-free superstructure aft, which enhances the yacht's indoor/outdoor flow and offers unobstructed sea views from nearly every vantage point on board, including the sky lounge.Mark Cavendish, Heesen CCO, comments: "The Heesen 55-meter Steel Class is constantly evolving, and Project Agnetha is the result. The beauty of buying this kind of superyacht is that the shipyard has taken care of all the technical aspects and has perfected the platform, incorporating in-depth feedback from our constant dialogue with brokers, owners, and captains. So when clients join the project, they can enjoy the fun part of building a superyacht, focusing on all those details that will make the yacht truly theirs."Project Agnetha accommodates twelve guests across six opulent staterooms, including a spacious owners' stateroom on the main deck forward, with separate his and hers dressing rooms and bathrooms, and a veranda on the starboard side, four guest cabins on the lower deck, and a VIP suite on the bridge deck. This layout makes the Heesen 55-meter class perfect for charters and clients who prefer multiple cabins.The interior, designed by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, focuses on creating a cosy and traditional atmosphere that radiates warmth and hospitality. Using a palette of warm tones, the design wraps guests in a feeling of comfort and familiarity, making Project Agnetha an ideal sanctuary for those who like to spend extended periods on their yachts.Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, comments: "The Heesen 55-meter Steel Class represents the best example of intelligent superyacht construction. Over the past decade, we have focused on excellence and have achieved it, developing and refining the platform while optimising our supply chain and creating strategic collaborations with suppliers. This approach means we can deliver unparalleled benefits to our clients, including shortened delivery timelines, extensive personalisation, and – of course – Dutch craftsmanship of the highest standard."Vaessen elaborates, "Heesen has always been at the forefront of innovation in superyacht construction. We were pioneers in speculative build projects, beginning this transformative journey in the early 2000s with the highly successful 37-meter series and subsequently expanded the portfolio to include the 44, 47, and 50-meter yachts. Today, we are global leaders in the 50 to 57-meter segment. It's a testament to our bold and strategic commercial vision."Photo by Ruben GriffioenThe engineering of Project Agnetha is equally impressive, with an ultra-efficient Fast Displacement hull and two MTU8V4000 M63 (IMO Tier III) engines, enabling a top speed of 15.5 knots. The yacht is designed for safe navigation in all sea conditions, making it a quintessential go-anywhere blue-water motor yacht.Project Agnetha, where modern elegance meets superior performance, is available for delivery in Q2 2025.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
July 26, 2024
U-Boat Worx, a leading manufacturer of personal and commercial submarines, has announced a significant milestone for its Cruise Sub series, achieving 5,000 dives since its launch in 2019.The Cruise Sub series has become a prominent choice for underwater exploration, particularly within the cruise industry. With units delivered to private clients and ten units supplied to cruise operators, these submarines have established a reputation for safety, reliability, and performance.Since their introduction five years ago, U-Boat Worx’s Cruise Subs have been integral to the cruise industry, providing unique underwater experiences for passengers. The submarines’ capability to perform 5,000 dives underscores their durability and operational excellence.Roy Heijdra, Marketing Manager of U-Boat Worx, commented, "Reaching this milestone of nearly 25,000 people diving inside a Cruise Sub is a testament to our mission of making the oceans accessible. Our network of nearly 300 trained professionals reflects our commitment to advancing underwater technology and ensuring the highest operational standards."U-Boat Worx has positioned itself as a primary supplier to the cruise industry, driven by the growing demand for immersive underwater adventures. The Cruise Sub series allows cruise companies to offer guests unparalleled experiences while prioritizing safety and comfort.The submarines’ success is attributed to their adherence to stringent safety standards. U-Boat Worx collaborates with DNV, a leading classification society, ensuring their vessels meet advanced maritime standards. Andreas Fischer from DNV Maritime in Hamburg highlighted their decade-long partnership: "Our cooperation with U-Boat Worx has resulted in over 50 submersibles achieving compliance with international regulations. We congratulate them on this milestone and look forward to continued collaboration."The reliability of the Cruise Sub series has earned the trust of cruise operators worldwide. U-Boat Worx's comprehensive training program has been instrumental, with nearly 300 chief pilots trained to operate these submersibles, ensuring skilled handling in various conditions.Bryn Spencer, Chief Submersible Pilot, shared his experience, "Diving with the Cruise Sub and discovering new marine life in Chile's fjords was remarkable. Witnessing a bright orange anemone and a symphony of bioluminescence on our return was unforgettable."U-Boat Worx remains focused on advancing underwater exploration technology, with an unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and reliability. This dedication drives the ongoing success and confidence placed in their submarines by the cruise industry.The Cruise Sub series continues to set the standard for underwater exploration. As U-Boat Worx celebrates five years of achievements and 5,000 dives, the company is poised to lead the industry with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to making underwater exploration accessible and safe.Founded in the 1980s by Bert Houtman, U-Boat Worx leads the global submersible market, continuing The Netherlands' maritime tradition with innovative, safe, and high-quality designs for both private and commercial use.Credits: U-Boat Worx
July 25, 2024
Royal Huisman, celebrating its 140th anniversary, has reached a significant milestone with the hull turning of Project 410, the world's largest sloop. This 85-meter marvel, also known as the "85m New World Sloop," represents the pinnacle of modern yacht design and engineering.Project 410, cloaked in secrecy, is a collaborative effort involving the yacht owner, Frers Design for the overall concept and naval architecture, and Wetzels Brown for the interior design. The engineering is handled by Royal Huisman's in-house team alongside expert co-makers. The project was initially unveiled at the St. Barths Bucket Regatta in 2022, but details have been sparse since then.The aluminum hull, constructed at Royal Huisman's expanded Hall 2 in Vollenhove, showcases the shipyard's commitment to pushing boundaries in superyacht construction. This latest milestone sees the main 61-meter section of the hull turned upright, a critical step in the vessel's development.The hull turning is a testament to Royal Huisman's engineering prowess and marks a pivotal point in the creation of the world's largest single-mast yacht. CEO Jan Timmerman highlighted the significance of this event, noting, "Four of the world's ten largest sailing yachts are either built by or under construction at Royal Huisman. This includes Athena, Sea Eagle, Project 410, and another large sailing yacht currently underway. These projects exemplify the advantages of large sailing yachts, such as the thrill of hoisting sails and cutting through waves, combined with advanced technologies for comfort and efficiency."Timmerman also emphasized the green credentials of these yachts, noting their ability to utilize wind propulsion and operate in an energy-neutral mode, a feature that allows for silent anchoring and efficient power generation. This approach continues Royal Huisman's legacy of innovation, initiated nearly two decades ago with the world’s first hybrid superyacht.The hull turning of Project 410 involved a meticulously planned maneuver using four cranes to lift and rotate the 200-foot aluminum structure over a canal adjacent to the shipyard. Once turned, the hull was placed on a cradle and moved back into the construction hall for further outfitting.With this phase complete, the focus now shifts to the installation of onboard systems and the completion of the bow section, which is being constructed separately. Concurrently, Rondal, a sister company, is progressing on the carbon boom, mast, and integrated sailing system.The completion of the hull turning marks a significant step forward in the journey of Project 410. As the yacht continues to take shape, it embodies the shipyard’s ethos of combining tradition with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. The Royal Huisman team, along with their partners, will continue to work towards delivering a yacht that is not only the largest of its kind but also a symbol of personal freedom and innovation.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman
July 25, 2024