Designed by Philippe Starck, it features a bomb-proof master suite. On its maiden voyage, it went on a shopping spree for expensive paintings. And it looks like a James Bond supervillain’s yacht. Personally, I’d rather sail. The 119-meter-long superyacht is still owned by the Melnichenko couple—an ultra-wealthy billionaire duo who have commissioned a new yacht. Once again, Philippe Starck was behind the design of this new vessel. Currently undergoing sea trials, it was scheduled for delivery in 2017. The Melnichenkos have decided to take to the seas—not on just any ship, but on the Sailing Yacht "A," an impressive 142.8-meter three-masted schooner. With a cruising speed of 16 knots and a top speed of 21 knots, it is expected to have a crew of around 55 members at their disposal.
A true super yacht
The Motor Yacht A has apparently become redundant and has been on the market since August 2016. A yacht like this isn’t something you can simply list on Marktplaats. The cost of building the vessel was around $300 million, and in return, the Melnichenkos received a uniquely designed yacht with extensive features. Opinions on its appearance remain divided—it resembles more of a battleship or a submarine than a traditional luxury vessel. However, there is nothing military about its interior. Designed by Philippe Starck, the yacht features an exclusive interior, complete with three swimming pools, spacious areas to entertain guests, and ample storage for the three Starck-designed tenders. For those seeking an unparalleled yacht charter experience, this vessel redefines luxury and innovation.
Safety
The yacht is designed with top-tier security features. Access to the master suite is restricted by fingerprint sensor-protected doors, and the suite itself is reinforced with bomb-proof glass, ensuring maximum safety and privacy. Beyond its elegant design, this yacht offers more than just luxury—it provides ultimate convenience. In addition to its tenders, a spacious helipad is available for those who prefer a quick and seamless departure. The captain navigates with cutting-edge technology, ensuring precision and ease in every manoeuvre. It can be effortlessly controlled using a traditional ship’s wheel, a joystick, or even through an advanced computer system that autonomously manages all propulsion functions—all operated via an intuitive touchscreen interface. This yacht seamlessly combines luxury, technology, and unparalleled performance on the open seas.
Buyers?
The question remains—who would buy this yacht? First, it is a pre-owned vessel, which often means the world’s wealthiest individuals may overlook it in favor of custom-built options. However, exceptions exist; billionaire and yacht enthusiast David Geffen has purchased pre-owned yachts twice, though he already has his fleet secured. Potential buyers are, of course, found in the Middle East, where the appetite for ultra-luxury yachts remains strong. In fact, nearly all of the top ten largest superyachts are owned by sheikhs from the region. For those considering a high-end boat charter or yacht rental, this vessel represents an extraordinary opportunity to experience world-class luxury and cutting-edge design on the open seas.
An extravagant target audience
To find a couple who can match the extravagance of the Melnichenkos, one must look to the United Kingdom. James and Petra Stunt seem to fit the profile of the ideal target audience for this yacht. They, too, have something to sell—The Manor, their lavish estate in the hills of Los Angeles, known as the most expensive property in the United States. The sale of this massive estate could provide a significant boost toward financing the purchase of a luxury motor yacht. For those considering an elite boat charter or yacht rental, this vessel represents the epitome of opulence, offering a seamless blend of sophistication and cutting-edge design.