The Sailing Yacht A: The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Sailing Yacht A—initially known as Project 787 “White Pearl”—was delivered by the German shipyard Nobiskrug in 2017 to its owner, Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko. At 143 meters (469 ft) in length with a beam of 25 meters (82 ft), it holds the distinction of being the world’s largest sailing yacht.
An Unprecedented Scale
Sailing Yacht A features eight decks, offering accommodation for 20 guests and a crew of 20. Its estimated value is around US$600 million, which reflects its substantial displacement of approximately 12,558 tons, as well as the advanced materials and construction methods used.
Key Takeaways: Sailing Yacht A
- Largest Sailing Yacht: 143 meters in length.
- Spacious Layout: Eight decks for 20 guests and 20 crew.
- Estimated Value: Around $600 million, with annual running costs near $60 million.
- Ownership: Belongs to Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.
- Innovative Design: Created by Philippe Starck, featuring composite masts and a hybrid diesel-electric system.
- Unique Feature: An underwater observation pod with a one-foot-thick glass floor.
Power and Performance
Equipped with MTU engines, Sailing Yacht A achieves a top speed of about 21 knots and cruises comfortably at 14 knots. Its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and controllable pitch propellers enhance both efficiency and maneuverability.
An Exquisite Design by Philippe Starck
Renowned designer Philippe Starck applied similar concepts from Melnichenko’s Motor Yacht A. The design includes some of the world’s largest composite masts and emphasizes modern aesthetics combined with advanced marine engineering.
Construction and Delivery
The German shipyard Nobiskrug, known for yachts like ARTEFACT and SYCARA V, was responsible for building Sailing Yacht A. Final sea trials took place at the Navantia shipyard in Cartagena, followed by inspections in Gibraltar. The yacht was officially delivered to Melnichenko in Monaco in early May 2017 under the supervision of Dirk Kloosterman’s project team.
Operational and Legal Challenges
In 2017, the yacht was temporarily held in Gibraltar over a €15.3 million payment dispute with Nobiskrug. More recently, in March 2022, it was seized in Trieste by Italian authorities after Melnichenko was placed on an EU sanctions list. Additionally, the yacht’s draught was designed for eight meters but came in at 7.5 meters due to lower-than-expected weight, leaving part of the bow bulb above the waterline. Extra weight was subsequently added to address this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is Sailing Yacht A worth?
It is valued at around US$600 million, with running costs of about US$60 million per year. Final pricing can vary based on factors such as size, build quality, and onboard technology.
Where is Sailing Yacht A now?
You can track its latest position through AIS data on dedicated yacht-tracking platforms.
Who owns the yacht?
The yacht belongs to Andrey Melnichenko, a Russian billionaire with interests in companies like the Siberian Coal Energy Company (SUEK) and EuroChem.
How big is Sailing Yacht A?
It measures 143 meters (468 ft) in length, has a beam of around 25 meters (82 ft), and displaces roughly 12,558 tons.
What is its top speed?
Sailing Yacht A can reach approximately 21 knots, while its cruising speed is about 14 knots.
What happened to Sailing Yacht A?
In March 2022, Italian authorities seized the yacht due to EU sanctions imposed on its owner, Andrey Melnichenko.
Key Takeaways
- Sailing Yacht A is the largest sailing yacht in the world at 143 meters.
- It is owned by Andrey Melnichenko and valued at approximately US$600 million.
- Philippe Starck designed its innovative composite masts and hybrid propulsion system.
- Nobiskrug, a respected German shipyard, oversaw construction.
- The yacht has faced legal issues, including temporary seizures linked to disputes and sanctions.
- Despite challenges, Sailing Yacht A remains a landmark in modern yacht design.
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