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SAILING YACHT A – World’s Biggest Sailing Yacht – $600 Million

SAILING YACHT A measures 143 meters making her the world’s biggest sailing yacht.

SAILING YACHT A is far more than a luxury vessel. She is a masterpiece of design and innovation combining sleek metal surfaces with futuristic naval architecture that took over two years to complete.

Launched in 2017, both the interior and exterior of this mega sailing yacht were designed by Phillippe Starck, who calls SAILING YACHT A one of his most high-profile projects.

The superyacht has taken on voyages all around the world and was most recently spotted sailing off the coasts of Gibraltar and Cyprus.

SAILING YACHT A interior

Both the interior and exterior of SAILING YACHT A were designed by Philippe Starck , a French architect known for his wide range of design projects.

He famously worked on the impressive MOTOR YACHT A, and the two iconic vessels share a lot of similarities in their layout and specifications.

Both yachts look incredibly futuristic and are sure to attract attention wherever they go.

While no exact details are known about the interior of SAILING YACHT A, it is rumored that she has an underwater observation pod with 30 cm (1 ft) thick glass located in the keel of the vessel.

This is one of the few parts where design mockups are publicly available, and the style of the interior can be examined.

The observation pod appears to have cream upholstery that stretches across the floor and ceiling of the cabin.

Two large symmetrical glass windows allow guests to view the breathtaking underwater world without even having to leave the yacht.

A third window is located at the bottom of the pod, which lets it feel like a true 360-degree experience and is almost comparable to a submarine.

A small floating side table provides guests with a space to place drinks or snacks in the pod and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience in this unusual location.

Since the pod is located at the keel of the yacht, the large propellers are most likely visible from the windows suggesting it is most commonly used at anchor.

The superyacht has ten cabins that can accommodate 20 guests as well as a further 54 crew member.

Paparazzi photos and the work of yacht spotters provide a rare glimpse into the interior of SAILING YACHT A.

No official footage of cabins or salons has been released, although Starck’s past work suggests that the yacht would be furnished with opulent elements that perfectly combine luxury with style.

Silver and metal decorations play a large role and tie the interior design of the yacht together. 

However, SAILING YACHT A was launched much later than her motorized companion suggesting her interior might be more modern with minimalistic elements rather than lavish furnishings.

Occasional photographs shot through open doors, and portholes show expensive art pieces decorating the interior of the yacht and rather absurd design choices like a set of chairs shaped like large human heads.

The yacht appears to feature a large, open salon with an elevated seating area and symmetrical arches on either side.

While details aren’t known to the public, it is rumored that SAILING YACHT A features a luxurious spa area, a sizable gym as well as an owner’s suite with several rooms that is only accessible via fingerprint.

The massive private area is said to feature a 60-inch television that disappears into the floor as well as a rotating bed. 

Considering she is the largest sailing yacht in the world, it is surprising that SAILING YACHT A can only host 20 guests.

This suggests that there are spacious entertainment areas located on board, including several saloons and ample below-deck space for crew members.

Due to her large size and a small number of cabins, it is assumed that SAILING YACHT A can welcome a large number of day guests onboard for special events and celebrations.

Biggest sailing yacht controversy

It has been the topic of debate that SAILING YACHT A is not the largest yacht in the world but instead the ‘largest sail-assisted motor yacht.

Depending on the definition used, that would make BLACK PEARL the biggest sailing yacht in the world.

The most expensive sailing yacht

SAILING YACHT A is the most expensive sailing yacht in the world and cost an estimated price of US $600 million – a relatively “affordable” price considering her large size and tonnage.

A calculated US $48,000 per ton is considered low in the yachting industry, where European yachts are usually priced at US $60,000 per ton and over.

This average price would bring the value of SAILING YACHT A up to nearly US $800 million. However, due to the fact that the official sales price has not been released to the public, these numbers are mere estimates and cannot be validated officially.

Since the yacht is a custom project and one of a kind, it can be assumed that the total value of SAILING YACHT A lies far higher than her initial price.

In addition to any cost for the crew, supplies, and docking fees, she has annual running costs of US $50-75 million.

SAILING YACHT A is currently not available for sale or charter.

Specifications

SAILING YACHT A is incredibly large for a sailing yacht, and even compared to the longest motor yachts in the world, she would rank in the top ten.

Paired with her unusual futuristic design, this mega sailing yacht has a length of 143 meters (469 ft), a beam of 25 meters (82 ft), and a draft of 8 meters (26 ft) making her a more than an impressive vessel.

SAILING YACHT A was built by Nobiskrug , a German superyacht builder at their Kiel shipyard, and launched in 2017 after more than two years of construction.

To date, SAILING YACHT A is the largest yacht ever built by Nobiskrug and remains their flagship.

It is considered the most complicated project to ever be completed in the sailing industry and gained international media attention on its launch date. It has a total volume of 12.558 tons and is powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines. 

SAILING YACHT A is considered the longest sailing yacht in the world and is more than 36 meters (118 ft) longer than BLACK PEARL, which ranks in second place on the list.

Coincidentally her project name was WHITE PEARL which is a reference to her brilliant white exterior, although it couldn’t have referred to BLACK PEARL since she was only launched in 2018, a year after Melnichenko’s masterpiece.  

Her three-carbon masts stand at an impressive 100 meters (328 ft), making them some of the largest in the world and taller than Big Ben in London.

However, her large size is sometimes also limiting as she struggles to fit underneath most bridges and is therefore constrained to certain routes.

She once passed under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with only 20 feet to spare between her masts and the bottom of the famous bridge.

She is rumored to have an electric gimbal crow’s nest, which allows for remote operation and advanced wind measurements. Her sails are all white, and her masts have nearly sickle-like shapes, which add to her striking futuristic appearance.

It is noteworthy that she is commonly photographed with her sails down, which suggests she might be using her support engines more frequently than true wind power.

With a sail area of more than 3.700m^2 (40.000 square ft), she can reach top speeds of up to 21 knots which is supported by her twin 4895 Horsepower MTU engines .

Her average cruise speed lies at 16 knots, and her total range is estimated to lie at 5320 nautical miles. She features a state-of-the-art sail system that is able to raise and lower the sails and anchors at the touch of a button. 

SAILING YACHT A has a steel hull and composite steel superstructure, which is unusual in the superyacht industry as most shipyards choose aluminum to reduce weight and keep the vessel light.

She currently sails under the flag of Bermuda, which is common for prominent sailing yachts.

During construction, SAILING YACHT A was called project WHITE PEARL, a fitting name for this sizable vessel.

Like her interior, the exterior of SAILING YACHT A was designed by Philippe Starck, although the Dutch studio Dykstra Naval Architects played a role in the naval architecture of the vessel.

They specialize in sailing yachts of all sizes and have been involved in many prominent projects in the industry over the years.

She features eight teak decks with a large swimming pool located in the center and several elevators spread across the yacht.

She is even said to carry a submarine. The main pool is lowered into the deck allowing for additional privacy for the owners.

Her hull has 24 shell doors, which are used to access equipment and provide additional deck space if needed. She is accompanied by four tenders also designed by Philippe Starck and built by Lloyd Stevenson in New Zealand.

Their sleek and elegant design matches that of the main vessel, and they are used for transporting guests and taking them on excursions.

One of the tenders of SAILING YACHT A is a carbon fiber speedboat especially reserved for the owner who can operate the vessel autonomously whenever required without the aid of crew members.

This allows Melnichenko, who is a fan of driving high-speed cars to be independent when staying aboard his luxury yacht. The tender is small but powerful, reaching speeds of up to 53 knots.

The larger tenders can seat up to eight passengers and feature panoramic windows ideal for sightseeing and exploring but are much slower at only 30 knots. 

The aft features a large garage used for storing jet skis, tenders, and other equipment.

High-profile artists such as Snoop Dogg are rumored to have performed here, although detailed evidence of such concerts remains unknown.

Whenever the aft isn’t used for performances or parties, it can be transformed into a swimming platform designed in the yacht’s iconic futuristic style. 

However, despite her cutting-edge design features, SAILING YACHT A surprisingly also includes classic nautical elements. She has a wooden steering wheel that is reminiscent of a pirate ship, although it is not operational.

The captain of the vessel can instead use modern technologies to operate the massive yacht via a small joystick and touchscreen.

There are symmetric extendable balconies that protrude from the bridge of the yacht and allow the crew to have a better view to be able to gauge the dimensions of the immense vessel.

Of course, SAILING YACHT A has a modern underwater lighting system that illuminates the vessel perfectly at night.

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Exclusive: Sailing Yacht A delivered by Nobiskrug

Sailing Yacht A , one of  the world's largest superyachts , has been delivered by German yard Nobiskrug, it has been announced.

The 142.81 metre sail-assisted motor yacht was commissioned by Russian yacht owner Andrey Melnichenko and completed her final set of sea trials last month.

Holger Kahl, managing director of Nobiskrug, said: "Born from the desire of the owner to push the boundaries of engineering and challenge the status quo of the industry, Sailing Yacht A is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in.” The German yard added that she has a total interior volume of approximately 12,600GT.

In an exclusive with  Boat International  last year, full details of the  boundary pushing technology of  Sailing Yacht A  and her true name were revealed. Key features on board include an underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation systems.

The first aerial images of Sailing Yacht A emerged in March 2015, giving us a glimpse of her gargantuan dimensions and unique form. Indeed, she should prove to be just as much a head turner — if not more so — than owner Andrey Melnichenko’s iconic Motor Yacht A . Both vessels were styled by the renowned French designer  Philippe Starck .

Nobiskrug, part of Iskandar Safa’s Privinvest Group, technically launched Sailing Yacht A in 2015, and the build was shrouded in secrecy ever since. Dutch studio  Dykstra Naval Architects  designed the rig and keel, while Magma Structures in the UK built the carbon masts for  Sailing Yacht A , which tower up to 100 metres above the waterline.

Twin 4,827hp MTU diesel engines will give her a top speed of 21 knots, while her cruising speed of 16 knots should return a transatlantic range of 5,320 nautical miles.

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Sailing Yacht A: Everything You Want To Know

The sailing yacht known as A was built between 2015 and 2016 by German yacht makers Nobiskrug based on designs by French architect Phillippe Starck that seemed to have made use of some naval architecture for inspiration. It currently holds the record for being the world’s largest sailing yacht, though, to be fair, it is technically a sail-assisted motor yacht as it is fully capable of moving under its own power rather than relying on the sails. 

Who Owns Sailing Yacht A?

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, a man who made his fortune thanks to a coal company and a chemical company, is the owner of Sailing Yacht A as well as its older sister yacht the Motor Yacht A. Melnichenko has French designer Philippe Starck design both of the vessels for him. 

How Big is Sailing Yacht A?

As mentioned, this is actually the largest sailing yacht in the world and it truly is immense. It earned the title of largest sailing yet specifically because of the length which clocks in at a stunning 468.5 feet. Not only is it the longest sailing yacht as a result of that, making it over 50 feet longer than its closest competitor, it qualifies as one of the largest yachts period, sailing or motor powered. It’s the 11th largest yacht in the world if you also include motor yachts.

Even aside from length, the stats are pretty remarkable. The masts, which are very hard to miss, are also gigantic. The main mast stands at over 100 meters or 300 feet tall. The entire boat has a listed height of 328 feet. That makes the A taller than the Tower of London or Big Ben. 

The vessel is just over 81 feet wide and has a gross tonnage of 12,558 gt. The sails measure an incredible 3,747 square meters or 40,332 square feet. The sails can be controlled with an in-boom furling system. It also features a gimballed crow’s nest, accessible by an elevator, 60m high in one of the curved, carbon masts.

So It’s the Largest Sail Assisted Motor Yacht?

Technically, yes. There is not really a distinction made for more people between sail-assisted and sailing yacht.

Why Is it Called Sailing Yacht A?

Sailing Yacht A’s owner was being a little crafty when he came up with the name for the vessel. Like his earlier motor yacht, which is also called A or Motor Yacht A, Sailing Yacht A got the name it has so that it will always appear at the top of boat registry lists. It’s kind of like when businesses used to call themselves something like AAAA+ Plumbing so they’d be at the top of the page in the phone book, back when people still used phone books. 

What is the Interior of Sailing Yacht A Like?

As you can imagine, there’s a lot going on in this massive yacht. To start, it’s a full eight decks. These can be accessed throughout the yacht with either a number of elevators or the free-floating spiral staircases. It’s rumored that there are cabins for at least 20 guests, plus a master suite on board.

There are oval windows throughout the vessel that are almost impossible to see from outside as they’re covered in a one-way film that allows passengers to look out but prevents anyone from looking in. Some of the rooms have floor to ceiling windows that simply can’t be seen from outside. It’s rumored that the master suite has a rotating bed and is presumably of a significant size as the master suite in the smaller Motor Yacht A was 2,500 square feet.

In terms of luxury amenities there’s plenty to choose from. The yacht has an underwater observation pod right in the keel with windows to the sides and below. The glass is one foot thick to ensure it can handle the pressure. It offers a view of the props in action which is unique and unlike observation windows you’d likely find on any other boats. And unlike many yachts which have launch vessels or jet skis in the garage, this one has a three-man submarine you can take out for fun as well as four tenders.

Melnichenko is known for throwing lavish parties – he’s had Lennie Kravitz and Snoop Dogg perform on board Motor Yacht A for him and his guests, and even had Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera perform at his wedding some years ago, so it’s safe to assume the sailing yacht also features an extravagant party room as well. 

A crew of up to 54 operate the vessel and much of that can be done easier than you’d think. Touch screen controls can power and maneuver the vessel at the touch of a button. Even the sails can be raised and lowered with electronic controls and a single person operating them. 

In addition to the piloting of the ship, the crew run the yacht’s internal power plant, a professional galley the size of a kitchen you’d expect to find in a hotel, and other guest services like laundry and so on. These services and features are maintained across two of the boat’s 8 decks.

Much like any other yacht of this size, there is a helipad on the deck, and you can also find a large pool in the center of the deck as well. There are two other pools and all three are said to have current-generating technology to give them a more realistic ocean feel. As in his previous yacht, one of the pools has a glass floor so that you can see up into the pool from the deck below.

Many of the internal features have been kept under wraps as few people have had a chance to go on board the yacht. One particularly odd feature that has been noticed, however, is a chair on deck shaped like a giant, human head. Other glimpses of the interior have also shown off things like a large hot tub which has storage underneath it for a number of lifeboats, and the stunning blue navigation lights that line the exterior from bow to stern, just along the waterline.

The security features on the boat have not been disclosed, for obvious reasons, but Melnichenko previous yacht was rumored to feature everything from bomb proof glass to fingerprint scanners for enhanced security at key entry points. 

Was Sailing Yacht A Seized?

In March, 2022, Sailing Yacht A was seized by Italian authorities in the Port of Trieste after Andrey Melnichenko was placed on an EU sanctions list following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many Russian billionaires who have had ties to President Vladimir Putin had sanctions levied against them which resulted in assets being frozen or confiscated all over the world.  

For unknown reasons, A was placed back in the water in June 2022 after being in dry dock for a few months. It was officially listed as being at anchor at that time with no further details about why the change in status. Melnichenko had stated at the time that he was going to contest the seizure of the luxury yacht but it’s unknown when or if that happened. 

What Did Sailing Yacht A Cost?

Billionaires don’t always like to share their expenses with the world and  Andrey Melnichenko is no different. He has not disclosed what he paid for the mega yacht and the yacht makers built it with a very thorough non-disclosure agreement in place that prevents them from sharing any of the particulars. 

The fact that there has been no officially confirmed price tag doesn’t mean there hasn’t been some solid speculation about the price which has yet to be refuted. According to most sources, the yacht likely cost its owner somewhere in the neighborhood of €530 million which, at the time, probably worked out to around $578 million to $600 million US.

How Fast is Sailing Yacht A?

The props on the yacht are powered by twin MTU 20V 4000 ML73 main diesel engines or by electric motors or even by both together. It runs up to 2,050rpm, giving 2,800kW, and makes use of four generators instead of five to cut down on the overall weight.  The generators are able to run down to 1,050rpm when it’s appropriate. Something called Superimposed System Controller (SSC) is able to constantly recalculate the optimal speed and determine the best combination of generators to use from moment to moment. This ensures optimal fuel and power usage while also limiting noise and vibration. 

The result of all of this engineering is that the yacht has a cruising speed of 16 knots and a top speed of 21 knots. 

The Bottom Line

Sailing Yacht A is the largest sail-assisted yacht in the world and, although the price is just speculated to be around $600 million, it’s clearly one of the most expensive yachts in the world as well. The exterior design is sleek and subtle and is able to hide many features including shell doors and windows while the interior spans 8 decks and has room for 54 crew and up to 20 passengers on board. The boat was seized by Italian authorities in 2022 and it’s unknown if or when the owner will get it back. 

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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80 m / 262 ft

143 m / 468 ft

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73.5 m / 241 ft

68 m / 223 ft

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92.5 m / 303 ft

NOBISKRUG’s story officially starts in 1905. But it really began a few years earlier when the shipyard’s lifeline, the Kiel Canal was opened in 1895. Today the canal is one of the world’s busiest waterways and NOBISKRUG is an internationally renowned superyacht shipyard, specializing in made-to-measure custom-built superyachts. Throughout the company's history, NOBISKRUG can look back and build on a long history and many innovations that have benefited every superyacht built at this shipyard.

Otto Storck establishes the NOBISKRUG shipyard in Rendsburg.

First contract for the 18 workers on the yard is a hopper barge for N. C. Ohlsen of Aalborg, Denmark. Her hull number is 001.

NOBISKRUG schooners of the type “ICH VERDIENE” (“I EARN“) became bestsellers. "ANNEMARIE" is followed by others. Many of these three-masters are still seaworthy today.

Famous customs-cruiser “NETTELBEK” is launched.

Coasters "WALTRAUD BEHRMANN" and "CHARLOTTE BOHL" are the first new-builds after the end of World War II.

Cargo vessel Bleichen, 93.3 metres long, is built. Today she is a museum ship in Hamburg.

NOBISKRUG builds the 138.23-metre-long naval training ship Deutschland (A59).

NOBISKRUG builds car ferries “PRINS BERTIL”, “GUSTAV VASA”, “KRONPRINS CARL GUSTAV”, “MUNSTER”, “INNISFALLEN” and “PRINS OBERON”. All are still in use today.

NOBISKRUG builds fourteen cargo ships of the type Rendsburg.

Construction of "DEUTSCHLAND", a car and train ferry for the German Federal Railways.

NOBISKRUG builds car and passenger ferries “PETER PAN” and “NILS HOLGERSSON” for TT Line for their Travemünde-Trelleborg route.

Crown Princess Sonja of Norway christens ferry “KRONPRINS HARALD” in Rendsburg.

Delivery of "SEABEX ONE", a dive support vessel for use in the North Sea. "SEAWAY CONDOR" follows in 1982.

Launch of “POLARSTERN”, the German research and supply vessel that is also an icebreaker.

NOBISKRUG develops first prototypes of closed lifeboats. Today they are standard equipment on cargo ships worldwide.

Oil-recovery vessel “WESTENSEE” is built for the Bremerhaven Water and Shipping Authority.

Extension of famous cruise ship “BERLIN” with a length of 16.8 m - A masterpiece in shipbuilding.

Kieler Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) takes over NOBISKRUG.

NOBISKRUG establishes a department of steel construction. Their fields of operation includes the oil platform “MITTELPLATE” in the Wadden Sea and RWE Dea’s offshore pontoons.

NOBISKRUG's inaugural project "TATOOSH", completed in the year 2000, was one of the largest superyacht at that time, equipped with special features like a large swimming pool, a helicopter landing pad and a sail-boat tender.

Refit of the 46-metre-long yacht “ONTARIO”.

Delivery of river cruise ships “BOLERO”, “MAXIMA”, “JOHANN STRAUSS”, “ARTISTRY”, “VIKTORIA” and “POETRY” (TUI).

Refit of 96-metre-long superyacht “LIMITLESS”.

Construction of the superyacht hall. An impressive 160 m long, 25 m wide and 23.4 m high (air draft), It is Europe’s largest, most modern and climate- controlled shipbuilding hall and can accommodate two 75-metre-long superyachts.

Refit of 54-metre-long yacht "MARIDOME" at NOBISKRUG.

Delivery of "TRIPLE SEVEN". For this project NOBISKRUG used for the first time - the in-house developed technology - moulded parts made of composite materials, which replaced the usual aluminium superstructure. This can be formed into any shape or size, saves weight and time during construction and eases up maintenance while the yacht is in use. Years later, the use of GRP on yachts became standard. Awarded prize by International Superyacht Society (ISS).

Delivery of 74-metre-long superyacht “SIREN”. She was the first superyacht with a hydraulic foldable helicopter platform, that can also be used as a sundeck, a dance floor or a stage. The owner's side terrace was another innovation of its time. Nowadays this feuature is a standard.

Takeover of NOBISKRUG by PRIVINVEST Group.

NOBISKRUG steel construction department receives a special commission for extensive repair work to the high railway bridge Rendsburg.

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Delivery of superyachts “JAMAICA BAY” and “SYCARA V”. At the time, “SYCARA V” had the largest tender garage that has ever been installed on a superyacht.

Takeover of GERMAN NAVAL YARDS Kiel (formerly HDW Gaarden).

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Delivery of 73.5-metre-long superyacht “SAPPHIRE”. She receives a special construction method which allows improved fuel consumption to reach her maximum speed (17 kn).

Delivery of superyachts “MOGAMBO” and “FLYING FOX” Two other yachts are under construction.

Takeover of the LINDENAU shipyard in Kiel.

Delivery of 74-metre-long superyacht “ODESSA II”. Apart for her being a perfect superyacht for various entertainment activities (the helicopter platform turns into an illuminated stage, sophisticated loudspeaker systems, food lift from the pantry to the main deck etc.), she has an innovative water mist system, which is installed in all awaning poles across all the exterior decks, providing a cool breeze for guests in sunny locations.

Delivery of a transformer platform for the wind farm EnBW Baltic 2.

Delivery of the accommodation platform “DanTysk”.

In conjunction with GERMAN NAVAL YARDS Kiel and LINDENAU shipyard, NOBISKRUG forms the German shipyard group GERMAN NAVAL YARDS and opens its representative office in Germany’s capital city, Berlin. With an integrated management and joint administration, the German shipyard group leverages the unique skills of approx. 1000 employees and the high-performance infrastructure of its neighbouring shipyards.

Delivery of 143-metre-long superyacht “SAILING YACHT A”. “SAILING YACHT A” leads the way with her revolutionary engineering and design. She is one of the world’s largest and most advanced superyachts with unique features such as underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation systems.

The high-tech and environmentally-conscious 80-metre superyacht "ARTEFACT" (Project 790) is one of the first yachts built under the new IMO Tier III regulations. ARTEFACT’s distinctive aesthetic exterior and interior styling reflect the discerning Owner’s persistence to achieve a list of special criteria that included environmental responsibility, technological innovation and guest comfort. "ARTEFACT" is the perfect marriage of art and science.

under construction

"BLACK SHARK" is a custom superyacht project commencing the outfitting phase at the shipyard in Rendsburg. The superyacht is built under the new IMO Tier 3 regulations and the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A.

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Takeover of NOBISKRUG by Flensburger-Schiffbau Gesellschaft mbH.

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SAILING YACHT A – World’s Largest $600M Sail Assisted Superyacht

https://yachtbible.com/sailing-yacht-a/

Italian authorities seized a 530 million-euro ($580 million) superyacht owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko as pressure on Russia’s elite continues following the invasion of Ukraine.

The vessel may be the world’s biggest sailing yacht and was seized in the port of Trieste in Northern Italy, according to a statement from Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s office.

SAILING YACHT A is far more than a luxury vessel. She is a masterpiece of design and innovation combining sleek metal surfaces with futuristic naval architecture that took over two years to complete.

Name: Sailing Yacht A

Length: 143 metres

Builder: Nobiskrug

Designer: Phillipe Starke

Interior Designer: Reymond Langton Design

Speed: 21 knots

Engines: MTU

Volume: 12,558 ton

Launched in 2017, SAILING YACHT A is currently the largest sail-assisted motor yacht in private ownership and cost her owner Andrej Melnichenko an estimated price of US $600 million.

Both her interior and exterior were designed by Phillippe Starck, who calls SAILING YACHT A one of his most high-profile projects. The superyacht has taken on voyages all around the world and was most recently spotted sailing off the coasts of Gibraltar and Cyprus.

SAILING YACHT A interior

Both the interior and exterior of SAILING YACHT A were designed by Philippe Starck , a French architect known for his wide range of design projects. He famously worked on the impressive MOTOR YACHT A, and the two iconic vessels share a lot of similarities in their layout and specifications.

The owner, Andrej Melnichenko, made sure that his two largest vessels matched in many aspects and could be utilised together seamlessly which is why he hired the same design team several times. Both yachts look incredibly futuristic and are sure to attract attention wherever they go.

While no exact details are known about the interior of SAILING YACHT A, it is rumoured that she has an underwater observation pod with 30 cm (1 ft) thick glass located in the keel of the vessel. This is one of the few parts where design mockups are publicly available, and the style of the interior can be examined.

The observation pod appears to have cream upholstery which stretches across the floor and ceiling of the cabin. Two large symmetrical glass windows allow guests to view the breathtaking underwater world without even having to leave the yacht. A third window is located on the bottom of the pod, which lets it feel like a true 360-degree experience and almost comparable to a submarine.

A small floating side table provides guests with a space to place drinks or snacks in the pod and enjoy a one of a kind dining experience in this unusual location. Since the pod is located at the keel of the yacht, the large propellers are most likely visible from the windows suggesting it is most commonly used at anchor.

The superyacht has ten cabins that can accommodate 20 guests as well as a further 54 crew members. Paparazzi photos and the work of yacht spotters provide a rare glimpse into the interior of SAILING YACHT A. No official footage of cabins or salons has been released, although Starck’s past work suggests that the yacht would be furnished with opulent elements that perfectly combine luxury with style.

Andrej Melnichenko’s MOTOR YACHT A, for example, has ornate furniture in white and cream tones which are contrasted by dark wooden elements and teak. Silver and metal decorations play a large role and tie the interior design of the yacht together.

However, SAILING YACHT A was launched much later than her motorised companion suggesting her interior might be more modern with minimalistic elements rather than lavish furnishings.

Occasional photographs shot through open doors, and portholes show expensive art pieces decorating the interior of the yacht and rather absurd design choices like a set of chairs shaped like large human heads.

The yacht appears to feature a large, open salon with an elevated seating area and symmetrical arches on either side. While details aren’t known to the public, it is rumoured that SAILING YACHT A features a luxurious spa area, a sizable gym as well as an owner’s suite with several rooms that is only accessible via fingerprint. The massive private area is said to feature a 60-inch television that disappears into the floor as well as a rotating bed.

Considering she is the largest sailing yacht in the world, it is surprising that SAILING YACHT A can only host 20 guests. This suggests that there are spacious entertainment areas located on board, including several saloons and ample below deck space for crew members.

The owner of SAILING YACHT A is Andrej Melnichenko, a Russian businessman who made his fortune in the coal and fertiliser industries. He also owns MOTOR YACHT A, which is 24 metres shorter than SAILING YACHT A.

Melnichenko is said to have a net worth of US $13 Billion making him one of the richest men in Russia. He owns a private Boeing 737 jet as well as his two superyachts which are his prized possessions.

Melnichenko and his wife Aleksandra, who is a former singer and model, particularly enjoy visiting the Mediterranean with SAILING YACHT A. They are frequently seen off the shore of Croatia and tend to take MOTOR YACHT A along with them as a support vessel.

Melnichenko and his wife have two children, Tara and Adrian, who sometimes accompany their parents on extended trips aboard the family’s luxury yachts.

SAILING YACHT A cost an estimated US $600 million, which is a relatively affordable price considering her large size and tonnage. A calculated US $48,000 per ton is considered low in the yachting industry, where European yachts are usually priced at US $60,000 per ton and over.

This average price would bring the value of SAILING YACHT A up to nearly US $800 million. However, due to the fact that the official sales price of has not been released to the public, these numbers are mere estimates and cannot be validated officially.

Since the yacht is a custom project and one of a kind, it can be assumed that the total value of SAILING YACHT A lies far higher than her initial price.

In addition to any cost for crew, supplies and docking fees, she has annual running costs of US $50-75 million. SAILING YACHT A is currently not available for sale or charter, and her owner Andrej Melnichenko is very particular about who is allowed on board.

Specifications

SAILING YACHT A is incredibly large for a sailing yacht, and even compared to the longest motor yachts in the world, she would rank in the top ten. Paired with her unusual futuristic design, her length of 143 meters (469 ft), beam of 25 metres (82 ft) and draft of 8 metres (26 ft) make her a more than impressive vessel.

SAILING YACHT A was built by Nobiskrug , a German superyacht builder at their Kiel shipyard and launched in 2017 after more than two years of construction. To date, SAILING YACHT A is the largest yacht ever built by Nobiskrug and remains their flagship.

She is considered the most complicated project to ever be completed in the sailing industry and gained international media attention on her launch date. She has a total volume of 12.558 tons and is powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines.

SAILING YACHT A is considered the longest sailing yacht in the world and is more than 36 metres (118 ft) longer than BLACK PEARL, which ranks in second place on the list.

Coincidentally her project name was WHITE PEARL which is a reference to her brilliant white exterior, although it couldn’t have referred to BLACK PEARL since she was only launched in 2018, a year after Melnichenko’s masterpiece.

Her three-carbon masts stand at an impressive 100 metres (328 ft), making them some of the largest in the world and taller than Big Ben in London. However, her large size is sometimes also limiting as she struggles to fit underneath most bridges and is therefore constrained to certain routes.

She once passed under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with only 20 feet to spare between her masts and the bottom of the famous bridge.

She is rumoured to have an electric gimbal crow’s nest, which allows for remote operation and advanced wind measurements. Her sails are all white, and her masts have nearly sickle-like shapes, which add to her striking futuristic appearance.

It is noteworthy that she is commonly photographed with her sails down, which suggests she might be using her support engines more frequently than true wind power.

With a sail area of more than 3.700m^2 (40.000 square ft), she can reach top speeds of up to 21 knots which is supported by her twin 4895 Horsepower MTU engines.

Her average cruise speed lies at 16 knots, and her total range is estimated to lie at 5320 nautical miles. She features a state of the art sail system that is able to raise and lower the sails and anchors at the touch of a button.

SAILING YACHT A has a steel hull and composite steel superstructure, which is unusual in the superyacht industry as most shipyards choose aluminium to reduce weight and keep the vessel light. She currently sails under the flag of Bermuda, which is common for prominent sailing yachts.

During construction, SAILING YACHT A was called project WHITE PEARL, a fitting name for this sizable vessel. Like her interior, the exterior of SAILING YACHT A was designed by Philippe Starck, although the Dutch studio Dykstra Naval Architects played a role in the naval architecture of the vessel.

They specialise in sailing yachts of all sizes and have been involved in many prominent projects in the industry over the years.

She features eight teak decks with a large swimming pool located in the centre and several elevators spread across the yacht. She is even said to carry a submarine. The main pool is lowered into the deck allowing for additional privacy of the owners.

Her hull has 24 shell doors, which are used to access equipment and provide additional deck space if needed. She is accompanied by four tenders also designed by Philippe Starck and built by Lloyd Stevenson in New Zealand.

Their sleek and elegant design matches that of the main vessel, and they are used for transporting guests, taking them on excursions. One of the tenders of SAILING YACHT A is a carbon fibre speedboat especially reserved for the owner who can operate the vessel autonomously whenever required without the aid of crew members.

This allows Melnichenko, who is a fan of driving high-speed cars to be independent when staying aboard his luxury yacht. The tender is small but powerful, reaching speeds of up to 53 knots.

The larger tenders can seat up to eight passengers and feature panoramic windows ideal for sightseeing and exploring but are much slower at only 30 knots.

The aft features a large garage used for storing jet skies, tenders and other equipment. However, Andrej Melnichenko is known for enjoying lavish parties and events, so the space was specially designed so it can be converted into a dance floor and entertainment space if needed.

High profile artists such as Snoop Dogg are rumoured to have performed here, although detailed evidence of such concerts remains unknown. Whenever the aft isn’t used for performances or parties, it can be transformed into a swimming platform designed in the yacht’s iconic futuristic style.

However, despite her cutting edge design features, SAILING YACHT A surprisingly also includes classic nautical elements. She has a wooden steering wheel that is reminiscent of a pirate ship, although it is not operational.

The captain of the vessel can instead use modern technologies to operate the massive yacht via a small joystick and touchscreen.

There are symmetric extendable balconies that protrude from the bridge of the yacht and allow the crew to have a better view to be able to gauge the dimensions of the immense vessel. Of course, SAILING YACHT A has a modern underwater lighting system that illuminates the vessel perfectly at night.

SAILING YACHT A in Gibraltar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5InVRWH3Yg

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Italy has seized the $580 million yacht of sanctioned Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko – The world’s largest sailing yacht has bomb-proof windows, a rotating bed, & an underwater observation pod. Its mainmast is taller than Big Ben.

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The $578 million megayacht owned by Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko was seized by Italy

• Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko's yacht was seized Friday, Italian authorities said.
• Sailing Yacht A is the world's largest sailing yacht at around 469 feet long and has eight decks.
• Melnichenko was sanctioned by the European Union in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A megayacht belonging to Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko was seized by Italian authorities on Friday, CNN reported.

A statement from Italy's finance police said the yacht, known as SY A or Sailing Yacht A, was worth around 530 million euros, or $578 million, according to CNN. It also said the yacht was currently in storage in Trieste, Italy. Maritime tracking data viewed by Insider confirmed the location of the yacht in the Adriatic Sea.

Melnichenko is one of the billionaire oligarchs sanctioned by the European Union in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Melnichenko, who is worth $11 billion according to Forbes, founded fertilizer producer EuroChem Group and coal energy company SUEK.

Related stories

In announcing its decision, the EU council said Melnichenko "belongs to the most influential circle of Russian businesspeople with close connections to the Russian Government." It also said he was among a group of 37 businesspeople who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials on February 24 to discuss the impact of potential sanctions.

"The fact that he was invited to attend this meeting shows that he is a member of the closest circle of Vladimir Putin and that he is supporting or implementing actions or policies which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, as well as stability and security in Ukraine," the EU said, adding it also showed he is "providing a substantial source of revenue to the Government of Russia."

In a statement provided to Insider, a spokesperson for Melnichenko denied the EU's accusations about his connections to the war in Ukraine.

"Andrey Melnichenko is an international self-made entrepreneur. He has no relation to the tragic events in Ukraine. He has no political affiliations. To draw a parallel between attending a meeting through membership in a business council, just as dozens of businesspeople from both Russia and Europe have done in the past, and undermining or threatening a country is absurd and nonsensical," the statement said.

"There is no justification whatsoever for placing him on the EU sanctions list. We will be disputing these baseless and unjustified sanctions, and believe that the rule of law and common sense will prevail," the statement continued.

The spokesperson also noted Melnichenko resigned as a member of the board and main beneficiary of both EuroChem Group  and SUEK this week, as the companies announced in separate statements on Thursday. He also said both companies are privately owned and not affiliated with any government, and that EuroChem Group is based in Switzerland.

Sailing Yacht A is the worlds largest sailing yacht at around 469 feet long, according to SuperYachtFan.com . It has 300-foot masts, eight decks, a swimming pool, and an underwater observation pod. It's one of several megayachts owned by Russian oligarchs that are subject to sanctions.

Some Russian oligarchs and billionaires have tried to escape sanctions by transporting their luxury yachts to places like Dubai, which has not enacted sanctions, and the Maldives, which does not have an extradition treaty with the US.

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With launch in 2016, Sailing Yacht A, built under the hull number 787, is a highly innovative three-masted 142,81m sail-assisted motor yacht, built by the prominent German shipyard, Nobiskrug, and outfitted by its sister facility, German Naval Yards. Philippe Starck was responsible for the striking exterior design of luxury superyacht A. Thanks to advanced technology now available in the superyacht construction, the tallest mast of Sailing Yacht A is 91 metres.

Spreading over eight impressive decks, Sailing Yacht A boasts all the luxury amenities of a superyacht, including a touch-and-go helicopter pad on deck six. There is space for a numerous crew of up to 54 members.

Her extraordinary features include the underwater observation pod and massive swimming pool. The operating system is controlled through a digital interface.

Sailing Yacht 'A' Specifications

With sailing design, rig and keel, as well as associated structural engineering by Dykstra Naval Architects, the imposing 142,81-metre mega yacht A boasts an impressive moulded beam at the widest point of 24,88 metres, an eight-metre encapsulated keel and a gross tonnage of approximately 12,700GT.

Thanks to a hull and superstructure predominantly made of steel and incorporating composite and accents of carbon fibre, the weight and draught of sailing superyacht A are kept to an acceptable level. She is run by twin MTU 3,600kW diesel engines, as well as two 4,300kW electric motors, achieving a maximum speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots.

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We do have available further accommodation information for yacht Sailing Yacht 'A', so please enquire for more information.

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We do have available further amenity, owner and price information for the 142.81m (469') yacht Sailing Yacht 'A', so please enquire for more information.

Sailing Yacht 'A' Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht Sailing Yacht 'A' displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor spots Sailing Yacht A in Formentera

• Stef Bottinelli

UFC Lightweight champion Conor McGregor has spotted Sailing Yacht A whilst on a yacht holiday with friends and family in Formentera

14 September 2017

UFC Lightweight champion Conor McGregor has been on a yacht holiday with friends and family since losing a fight with Floyd Mayweather at the end of August.

The 29-year-old boxer is currently in the Balearic island Formentera, popular with the rich and famous, where he has spotted Sailing Yacht A.

McGregor has documented the sighting on his Instagram page, posting a few pictures of the mega yacht, which really give the idea of the scale of Russian businessman Andrey Melnichenko’s vessel.

In one caption the boxing champion wrote: “That was a mad scene. I only posted ‘race to the next yacht’ two days ago and then this one pulls up right out my back garden. The biggest one of all. This is an eye opening level of opulence to witness first hand. To me, it is truly motivating. I’m starting to think I don’t have a wealth belly just yet. I’m more just rich fat now. I must keep eating. I wonder if my lunch is ready. Happy Tuesday”.

One of the most highly anticipated launches of 2017 has now been delivered to its owner.

Sailing Yacht A was handed over to Russian businessman Andrey Melnichenko last week in Monaco by the project team led by Dirk Kloosterman.

This came after the sail-assisted superyacht completed final sea trials in the Navantia shipyard in Cartagena, Southern Spain.

Sailing Yacht A was built by Nobiskrug’s shipyard at Kiel, Germany, and was delivered by the yard in February.

Sailing Yacht A is one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts, with unique features such as underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation systems.

The vessel’s distinctive three masts are some of the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world.

The superyacht was designed by Frenchman Philippe Starck, who also created Melnichenko’s other vessel, Motor Yacht A.

Both vessels were spotted in Monaco at the weekend.

Pictured for the first time side by side

American sail manufacturer, Doyle Sailmakers, has released behind the scene footage revealing for the first time how the sails of Sailing Yacht A were made.

The video follows the project from design to installation.

The three sails were created in 2016 at Doyle Sailmakers in Salem, Massachusetts.

They were then shipped to Nobiskrug’s shipyard at Kiel, Germany were they were installed.

Sailing Yacht A has three distinct mast, with the tallest being 91 metres – just slightly smaller than Big Ben in London.

Each mast can sustain 90 knots of wind, and are the most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world.

The 148-metre sail-assisted superyacht is undergoing final preparations before being handed over to its owner, Russian businessman Andrey Melnichenko.

Sailing Yacht A is almost complete, around 18 months after it was first sighted undergoing sea trials off the coast of Germany.

The  sail-assisted superyacht, which measures almost 143 metres (468-ft) and has a gross tonnage of about 12,600 GT, was spotted in Gibraltar at the weekend ahead of being handed over to its owner.

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko has reportedly spent £360 million on the vessel, which was delivered by the German shipyard, Nobiskrug in February.

Sailing into the sunset. Credit: superyachts_gibraltar/Instagram

The vessel’s distinctive three masts are the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world.

The main mast towers 100 metres above the waterline.

Scaling the mast. Credit: superyachts_gibraltar/Instagram

Sailing Yacht A has been designed by Philippe Starck, who is known for creating unconventional vessels which challenges the expectations of conventional aesthetics.

He is responsible for Melnichenko’s previous superyacht, Motor Yacht A, which is currently for sale for $300 million.

Sailing Yacht A is not without its controversy.

Sailing Yacht A is spotted in Gibraltar. Credit: frigate_shtandart/Wikimedia Commons

The ship was impounded by the Gibraltar Port Authority in February over claims by Nobiskrug of a disputed payment in arbitration. It was later released.

Last month, German public prosecutor, Axel Bieler made claims that Nobiskrug shipyard used illegal teak supplied by the Spanish company, Teak Solutions, during the construction of Sailing Yacht A. Nobiskrug deny the allegations

10 April 2017

There are claims that one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts – Sailing Yacht A – was built using illegal timber from Burma.

German public prosecutor, Axel Bieler has told the news agency, DPA, that Nobiskrug shipyard used wood supplied by the Spanish company, Teak Solutions, during the construction of Sailing Yacht A.

The wood was sold to Teak Solutions by the Burmese Government-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE).

Bieler said experts analysed samples of teak used in the construction of Sailing Yacht A, and found that based on the composition and ring structure, the teak had not come from a legal plantation.

Instead, the tropical hardwood is believed to have come from forests in Myanmar, where deforestation is happening at an alarming rate.

There is currently a national ban on exporting raw teak in Burma.

London-based NGO the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) logged a complaint last October, claiming that the teak used was indeed coming from Burma and after a two-month investigation they accused Teak Solutions and eight other European timber suppliers of ‘wilful ignorance’ with regards to the origins of the wood.

Bieler, who is conducting a criminal investigation, said it was unclear if Nobiskrug knew if the wood was illegal.

In a statement to the German newspaper, Kieler Nachrichten, a spokesman for the shipyard said: “We support the investigations of Kiel’s public prosecutor and we are cooperating fully with the authorities. We have a great interest in quickly disproving the allegations, especially since the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food halted similar investigations in the same case against us last year.”

According to the Independent newspaper  Teak Solutions CEO Kimble told German  magazine Der Spiegel his Burmese imports were legal and met EU regulations. He added that dealing with MTE was the “safest” way to acquire the timber.

Speaking to The Independent, a representative for the owner of Sailing Yacht A said: “We are extremely disappointed that the high profile of Sailing Yacht A is being used by others to raise an issue which has nothing to do with the yacht or the owner. Virtually every superyacht in the world uses Burmese teak. This issue is for the shipyard and supplier of the teak.”

Sailing Yacht A has been built for the the Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko.

The sail-assisted superyacht measures almost 143 metres (468-ft) and has a gross tonnage of about 12,600 GT.

23 February 2017

Sailing Yacht A left Gibraltar on Wednesday morning, 22 February, after being impounded over claims of unpaid bills. The superyacht is now on its way to Cartagena to undergo further sea trials after its owner, Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, settled the outstanding bill with German shipyard Nobiskrug. Sailing Yacht A will be delivered to Melnichenko later in the spring.

21 February 2017

One of the world’s largest sail-assisted superyachts, Sailing Yacht A,  has been impounded by the Gibraltar Port Authority over claims of an outstanding bill.

German shipyard, Nobiskrug is claiming that it still hasn’t received an outstanding payment of £13.3 million from Valla Yachts Ltd, the company which the yacht is registered to.

Just a few weeks ago, Nobiskrug announced that it had delivered Sailing Yacht A.

Its managing director, Holger Kahl said at the time that the 468-foot vessel was “undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in.”

Sailing Yacht A was impounded last week while it was on its way to southern Spain where the ship will undergo further sea trials before the internal fit-out continues at another shipyard.

The vessel, which has unique features such as underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation system, is expected to be handed over to its billionaire Russian owner, Andrey Melnichenko in the late Spring.

Speaking to The Guardian, the Gibraltar Admiralty marshal Liam Yeats, said: “The vessel is under arrest and is currently at anchor in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.”

A spokesman for Melnichenko has described the incident as “a technical problem”.

He told the BBC: “We are confident that the yacht will be handed over to the owner’s project team in the coming days and this unfortunate episode will be over.”

6 February 2017

The German ship builder, Nobiskrug, has announced that it has delivered Sailing Yacht A.

Built for the the Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, the sail-assisted superyacht measures almost 143 metres (468-ft) and has a gross tonnage of about 12,600 GT.

Sailing Yacht A on the water. Credit: Olaf Eggert/Kiel

The mainmast towers 100 metres above the waterline.

He is responsible for Melnichenko’s previous superyacht, Motor Yacht A.

Working with the Owners Project Director, Dirk Kloosterman and his dedicated team, Nobiskrug believes Sailing Yacht A will become “one of the greatest PYC superyachts in the world in terms of design and technology”

The distinctive masts of Sailing Yacht A. Credit: Carl Groll

The German yard used a steel hull and steel superstructure with high-tech composite fashion plates that can be formed into any shape or size.

Commenting on the delivery, Nobiskrug’s managing director, Holger Kahl said: “Born from the desire of the owner to ‘push the boundaries of engineering and challenge the status quo of the industry’, “Sailing Yacht A” is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in.”

“Thanks to her striking looks and innovative technology, Sailing Yacht A is unquestionably the most anticipated delivery of 2017. She will definitely change the future landscape of the Nobiskrug fleet as well as the future of supersail,” he added.

Sailing Yacht A is currently heading to southern Spain where she will undergo further sea trials as the internal fit-out continues at another shipyard.

The handover to Melnichenko is estimated to take place in the late Spring.

5 December 2016

Built for the Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, Sailing Yacht A is expected to be one of the most eagerly anticipated launches of 2017.

The 140-metre vessel has recently undergone further sea trials in Kiel, Germany.

It has been designed by Philippe Starck, who also designed Melnichenko’s Superyacht A which is currently on the market for $300 million.

Marine Electronics EU has pulled together some of the fascinating facts about Sailing Yacht A – perfect for impressing your mates down the pub!

The three masts on Sailing Yacht A have been built by Magma Structures at Trafalgar Wharf in Portsmouth.

They are the world’s tallest carbon composite masts and were designed by Dykstra Naval Architects in the Netherlands.

Sailing Yacht A may beat many records, but speed isn’t one of them.

Inside, Sailing Yacht can luxuriously accommodate up to 20 guests and a crew of 54.

A highlight is the 193-square-foot curved glass observation pod in the vessel’s hull.

Sailing Yacht A is reported to be costing $400 million to build, which is more than double the price of the New Titanic  and more than the national defence budget of Estonia, Cameroon and Georgia.

It is expected to cost $40 million a year to run

5 October 2016

New video of Sailing Yacht A leaving the Nobiskrug yard in Kiel, Germany, reveals the massive 469-foot superyacht is nearing completion.

The sail-assisted motor yacht has been designed by Frenchman Philippe Starck, and is being built for the Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko.

It will replace the Melnichenko’s current vessel, Motor Yacht A, which is currently for sale with a price tag of $300 million.

Sailing Yacht A left the shipyard for sea trials earlier this month, nearly a year after it made its world debut.

The superyacht, which is reported to be costing Melnichenko $450 million, has eight decks and a unique underwater observation pod in the keel with 30cm-thick glass.

The hull is made of steel, and has now been painted grey.

It has a top speed of 21 knots, and is powered by a variable-speed hybrid powerplant with two lineshaft controllable-pitch propellers.

Sailing Yacht A also has three distinct carbon-fibre rotating masts, which were manufactured by Magma Structures at Trafalgar Wharf, Portsmouth.

The sails were made by Doyle Sailmakers USA.

The superyacht is designed to accommodate up to 20 guests and a crew of 54, and is expected to be completed in 2017.

22 October 2015

Sailing Yacht A, has made its debut, sailing in a series of sea trials off the coast of Germany.

The 142-metre yacht is being built for 43-year-old Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, one of Russia’s 10 richest people.

The mogul reportedly spent £292 million on the yacht, which he helped to design. The boat has eight decks and will have a crew of 54.

Dutch firm Dykstra Naval Architects was contracted for the ship design and the massive boat is under construction at German Naval Yards in Kiel, Germany.

One of the yacht’s several superlative design features is an enormous 193-square-foot curved glass observation pod in the vessel’s hull allowing the billionaire and his guests undersea views.

The boat also boasts three composite carbon fibre masts that are reportedly the largest and most technologically advanced free-standing masts in the world. It can also be powered by two hybrid diesel-electric engines and large electric motors.

Sailing Yacht A is scheduled for delivery in 2016. Melnichenko also owns one of the largest and most expensive motor yachts in the world, Motor Yacht A.