The Sailing Yacht A: The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
The Sailing Yacht A, initially known as Project 787 ‘White Pearl,’ was delivered by Nobiskrug to her owner, Andrey Melnichenko, in 2017. As the world’s largest sailing yacht, she measures an impressive 143 meters (469 ft) in length with a beam of 25 meters (82 ft). Featuring eight decks, SY A can accommodate 20 guests and a crew of 20.
Key Takeaways: Sailing Yacht A
- World’s Largest Sailing Yacht: Sailing Yacht A measures 143 meters in length, making it the largest of its kind.
- Luxury Accommodations: It accommodates 20 guests and 20 crew members across eight decks.
- Valuation: The yacht is valued at approximately $600 million.
- Owned by Andrey Melnichenko: Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko owns this luxurious vessel.
- Design: Philippe Starck designed the yacht, featuring innovative composite masts and a hybrid diesel-electric system.
- Annual Operating Costs: Operating costs are around $60 million per year.
- Unique Features: Includes a one-foot thick glass underwater observation area in the keel.
Performance and Power
Equipped with MTU engines, the yacht boasts a cruising speed of 14 knots. One of her most remarkable features is a 1 ft thick glass underwater observation area located in the keel. Despite her luxurious appearance and amenities, SY A has faced controversy and legal disputes.
Cost and Value
While the media has reported the yacht’s value to be over EUR 400 million (US$ 500 million), SuperYachtFan estimates the price to be around US$ 600 million. This figure is based on the yacht’s massive displacement of 12,558 tons, valuing the vessel at US$ 48,000 per ton. In comparison, a high-quality yacht built in Northern Europe would typically cost around US$ 65,000 per ton.
Exquisite Design
Philippe Starck designed the Sailing Yacht A, incorporating features reminiscent of Motor Yacht A, another vessel owned by Andrey Melnichenko. The yacht’s composite masts, the largest globally, are powered by a hybrid diesel-electric package with controllable pitch propellers.
Ownership and Delivery
Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko owns the Sailing Yacht A and the famous Motor Yacht A. After completing her final sea trials in the Navantia shipyard in Cartagena and undergoing final tests and inspections in Gibraltar, the superyacht was delivered to her owner in Monaco in early May 2017 by Dirk Kloosterman’s project team.
Legal Disputes and Seizures
In 2017, Sailing SuperYacht A was arrested in Gibraltar following a EUR 15.3 million claim by Nobiskrug for breach of contract. In March 2022, the yacht was seized by the Guardia Di Finanza (Italian customs) after her owner, Andrey Melnichenko, was placed on an EU sanctions list.
Draught Challenges
Super Yacht A has encountered technical and legal issues due to her draught. Her designed draught was 8 meters, but her actual weight was less than her designed weight, resulting in a draft of 7.5 meters instead of 8 meters. This discrepancy affected the yacht’s handling and exposed a portion of her bulbous bow above the waterline, which was deemed unsightly. Attempts were made to resolve the issue by adding extra weight to the yacht.
Nobiskrug
Nobiskrug is a German yacht builder, based in Rendsburg, Germany. Nobiskrug is famous for building SuperYacht A. After some financial issues, it is now part of Lars Windhorst’s Tennor Group. Notable projects include SAILINGYACHT A, ARTEFACT, and SYCARA V.
Philippe Starck
Philippe Starck is a French industrial architect and designer. He started his career, but soon founded his own design firm. He started interior design in the 1980s, and later designed building such as offices, hotels and museums. His Juicy Salif, a citrus reamer designed in 1990 for Alessi, is considered an icon of industrial design, and has been displayed in the permanent collections of several museums. He has also designed several large yachts, such as SY A, Motor Yacht A, Steve Jobs’ yacht VENUS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is SY A?
Her value is $600 million. Her annual running costs are around $60 million. The price of a yacht can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size, age, and level of luxury of the yacht, as well as the cost price of materials and technology used in its construction.
Where is Super Yacht A?
See our Location Page for her current location, using IAS data.
Who owns the Yacht?
Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko. He owns the Siberian Coal Energy Company (SUEK) and the chemical company Eurochem.
How big is the she?
She has a length of 143m (468ft), her beam is of 24.88m (82ft), her draft is 8m (26ft), her volume is 12,558 tons.
How fast can the superyacht go?
Her top speed is 21 knots.
What happened to SY A?
The yacht was seized by the Italian authorities in the port of Trieste, due to the EU’s sanctions imposed on her owner Andrey Melnichenko.
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