Russian Billionaire's Philippe Starck - Designed Superyacht Startles San Diego

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Sep 2nd 2010 at 6:01AM

It caused quite a kerfuffle when 38-year-old Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko's megayacht A (above), designed by Philippe Starck, weighed anchor off San Diego the other day while its owner drove off to check out Hearst Castle. The 390-ft. craft which resembles a sci-fi submarine cost over $300 million to build to the quirky designer's specs at Blohm + Voss, where Roman Abramovich's Eclipse was also constructed. With a crew of 35 (all outfitted in Starck-designed uniforms) to run it, the A's twin diesel's kick down 24,000 hp for a maximum speed of 24 knots, impressive for a ship this size. The interior features $40,000 bath faucets and $60,000 stair banisters.

The all-white, 2,583-sq.-ft. master suite wrapped in bulletproof, 44-milimeter glass is accessed by a silver-plated staircase with a fingerprint scanner at the door. Elsewhere Starck scattered Baccarat crystal tables, alligator skin and Kudu horn chairs, stingray skin upholstered walls and hand-stitched leather paneling. Some of the companies involved in constructing the unique sea beast went bankrupt due to the difficulties in executing Starck's design dictums. Filling the A's gas tanks alone costs $500,000 a pop and running costs come to about $20 million a year. Check out a video of the eye-popping yacht after the jump:

Tags: alligator, Andrey Melnichenko, Baccarat, Blohm + Voss, bulletproof, design, leather, megayacht, Philippe Starck, Roman Abramovich, Russian billionaire, San Diego, silver, stingray, superyacht, yacht

Filed under: Decor, Yachts & Sailing, Wealth, Architecture & Design

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Reader Comments (Page 4 of 5)

Coleman Sep 3rd 2010 2:06PM

Thanks for your opinion.

Steven Sep 3rd 2010 2:36PM

I wonder if I could get this yacht in a different color?

sue Sep 3rd 2010 2:41PM

Doesn't sound like PETA would like him very much.

chinamom Sep 3rd 2010 4:32PM

I agree. It was boring.

rod Sep 3rd 2010 6:38PM

Where did a 38 year old in Russia make all of this money?

Gary Pane Sep 3rd 2010 7:56PM

Excuse me! So, Russians became capitalists and we Americans are becoming Socialists. No Socialist could afford a boat like that. We'll all have a rowboat if we keep listening to Obama.

bansheemarc Sep 3rd 2010 7:47PM

That's one ugly boat and the video blows with the special effects.

E Sep 5th 2010 8:13PM

300 million for a yacht, and the fuel unbelievable!!!
How about sending me just a measley 1ilion for myself kids for c=school college etc, food sheleter clothing it would be more than appreciated

navycap Sep 5th 2010 9:09PM

It is so sad were a person could spend so much money, like water and you have people around the world eating GARBAGE how sad ................

Amy Sep 5th 2010 9:23PM

Ridiculous.

Alex Sep 5th 2010 9:51PM

How unbelievabley gluttonous. This fits right in with the Hummer and Super-Sized Big Mac. I'm wondering if this guy ever feels any sense of guilt or remorse as he cruises past starving human beings. Don't get me wrong, I have a comfortable life....but this is almost criminal - and I'm sure God agrees with me.

Samuel Smith Sep 6th 2010 2:02AM

Seem like they always win, Only the workers get screwed.

winston Sep 6th 2010 5:48PM

Hearst Castle is between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You would never dock in San Diego and drive about 8-9 hours to San Simeon, California. Check your facts, Mr Stern.

what a joke Sep 5th 2010 10:19PM

And we're supposed to spring for Katrina and Haiti relief and all manner of BS? I tell you what, All the nouveau riche with all their taste in their mouth can pick up the tab. BTW THAT IS ONE OF THE UGLIEST BOATS I HAVE EVER SEEN.

Dennis Sep 5th 2010 10:39PM

I don't Knowk, Kinda Looks more like a SUBMARINE to me
not much fund cruising around in the Tropics would it? Can't be outside very much on it..
Where's the Mini Boat to run to shore and go skining and the Wave Runners?

John Sep 5th 2010 10:36PM

To weigh anchor means to pull the anchor up and get underway, not put it down to offload owners and guests. Stupid journalists!!

Flagrante Delicto Sep 5th 2010 10:40PM

To weigh anchor means to pull the anchor up and get underway, not put it down to offload owners and guests. Stupid journalists!!

BTW, 7 of the 10 richest Senators in Washington... are Democrats. so much for being the party of the little man.

giorgio trani Sep 5th 2010 10:48PM

He is going to buy the Castle

RETIREDANDALIVE2 Sep 5th 2010 10:50PM

IT HIS MONEY .HE CAN BUY ANYTHING HE WANT

Judy Beaudoin Sep 5th 2010 11:24PM

Anymore, I find something like this an ego extension. Far more impressive would be if this egotist would have helped the poor - especially the dying in the Sudan.
I am not impressed, I am sickened.

He will answer for his selfish display of obscene wealth.