megayacht

Dubai Ruler Refits Yacht to Beat Abramovich's Eclipse

Just as we predicted in our latest story (dated Aug. 23) on Roman Abramovich's gigayacht Eclipse (above), it won't be the world's largest privately owned yacht for very much longer. Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is reportedly having his own floating palace, the Dubai, refitted to literally eclipse the Eclipse. As we noted in our previous story, at 531.5 ft. the Dubai is already only 18 inches shorter than the actual length of the Eclipse, which yachting experts Camper & Nicholsons finally pegged at 533 ft. Now the London Sunday Times reports that Sheikh Mohammed is planning to have the Dubai extended by at least two feet, and possibly as much as eight feet, easily beating the Eclipse to recapture the World's Largest title. The UAE's Platinum Yachts, which built the Dubai, is considering updates that could include a black box radar to be mounted jutting forward from under the prow. [continued]

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Tags: Dubai, Eclipse, gigayacht, megayacht, Platinum Yachts, Roman Abramovich, russian billionaire, sheikh, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, superyacht, UAE, worlds largest, yacht

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

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

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

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

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Abramovich's Gigayacht 'Eclipse' Not as Big as He Claims?

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

Has Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich been exaggerating the size of his gigayacht Eclipse (above), billed as the world's largest and most expensive privately owned yacht? Judging by Camper & Nicholsons' newly-released Super Yachting Index that would seem to be the case. C&N, the leading international yacht broker established in 1782, lists the world's largest yachts among other data in its much-anticipated report. According to their rigorously fact-checked figures, Abramovich's behemoth built by Blohm + Voss is still the world's largest yacht – but only by a hair. C&N states that it measures only 533 ft., a whopping 24 ft. shorter than the figure in general circulation. That means Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum's Dubai at 531.5 ft., which held the World's Largest title until the Eclipse was constructed, is only 18 inches shorter. And since the Dubai ruler basically owns his own shipyard now – the U.A.E.'s Platinum Yachts, where the Dubai was finished – it wouldn't take much for him to have it refitted with an extra few feet of metal to put Abramovich firmly in his place. We expect he'll see to it straight away – meanwhile, Abramovich should consider changing his yacht's name to something a little more humble, like Obstruction.

[via JamesList]

Tags: billionaire, Blohm + Voss, Camper Nicholsons, Dubai, Eclipse, megayacht, Roman Abramovich, Russian billionaires, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, superyacht, worlds most expensive, yacht

The Classicist: The Summer of Superstars Borrowing Superyachts

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Celebrity Shopping, The Classicist, Wealth

The other day we reported that Madonna has borrowed Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's brand new superyacht, the 377-ft. Luna, while filming the new Duke of WIndsor movie she's directing in the South of France. The yacht is fitted out with two helicopter pads, a covered pool, spa, medical center, hot tub and 40 staff, including butlers and a macrobiotic chef. The middle-aged Material Girl isn't the only celeb cadging a ride on a pal's superyacht this summer, however – everyone from Brad and Angelina to the Beckhams are living it up on the high seas, though some stars are actually paying their way. Here's the full rundown on the famous folk's nautical hijinks:

1. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: the world's most famous movie star couple have borrowed Johnny Depp's classic yacht, the 156-ft. Vajoliroja (above), which as we noted in April is available for charter at $130,000 per week, JustLuxe reports. The mahogany paneled craft features accommodations for 10 guests and a crew of 8, a formal dining room, library, plush salon and outdoor seating and eating areas, all decorated in Depp's signature version of Art Deco Paris meets the Orient Express.

2. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham: Posh and Becks have borrowed their pal designer Roberto Cavalli's iridescent 133-ft. yacht, the RC, which features a leopardskin interior, 15 bedrooms, a gym, whirlpool spa and locker full of fur coats for when the weather turns cool. Supposedly Cavalli only allows clothes he designed to be worn onboard.

3. Simon Cowell: The TV star is one of the few celebs footing the bill for his fun, having shelled out a whopping $975,000 per week to charter the 196-ft. Slipstream. The 12-berth yacht boasts sumptuous leather sofas, mirrors above a giant waterbed, a Jacuzzi, an observation lounge with panoramic views, gym, a sky lounge with a retractable roof and a crew of 14 including a private chef.

4. Paris Hilton: The world's biggest party girl is kicking back on Microsoft magnate Paul Allen's 300-ft. pleasure craft the Tatoosh, which as we recently reported has been put up for sale at $160 million. The yacht, which has a pool, hot tub, cinema, basketball court, recording studio, spa, massage room, gym, games room and helicopter pad, comes with a crew of 30. "The best summer of my life," Paris recently tweeted about the trip. "Our yacht is incredible! I'm in heaven on the water. Definitely the biggest and best yacht everywhere we go. Love it! Huge!" [continued]

Gallery: Superstars & Superyachts

Sir Philip Green's Lionheart - Kate Moss

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Tags: Angelina Jolie, billionaire, Brad Pitt, celebrity, celebrity vacation, David Beckham, Eva Longoria, France, Guy Ritchie, Heidi Klum, Jacqui Ainsley, Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Luna, Madonna, megayacht, Paris Hilton, Paul Allen, Roberto Cavalli, Roman Abramovich, Simon Cowell, Sir Philip Green, South of France, Spain, supermodel, superyacht, Tatoosh, Vajoliroja, Victoria Beckham, yacht

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Perini Navi Building Megayacht to Top Maltese Falcon

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

Last summer we reported that hedge fund queen Elena Ambrosiadou had purchased the 289-ft. Maltese Falcon, the world's largest, best designed, and most expensive sailing superyacht, for around $100 million. She might want her money back – Perini Navi, the Italian shipyard that built the incredible yacht, is now hard at work on a new one that will dwarf the Maltese by 46 feet. The 335-ft. megayacht, dubbed the C.2157 (above), also has three enormous self-standing, rotating masts and will be equipped with an even more impressive version of Perini Navi's revolutionary carbon fibrer DynaRig sailing system. Topping the Maltese's 15 sails and 25,791 sq. ft. sail area, the 335 will be capable of a maximum speed of 19.5 knots despite its impressive size.

Look for the 2,700 ton yacht with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure to equal if not better the Maltese Falcon's 10-day Atlantic crossing time as well. Perini Navi has not disclosed which of the world's billionaires commissioned the craft, which is expect to cost several hundred million dollars, but it will no doubt have opulent fittings and finishes galore throughout its five decks, including two contoured sets of stairs wrapping around the buttress of the aft mast descending towards the aft of the main deck. There will also be accommodations for more than the Maltese's 12 guests in the luxurious staterooms in addition to an enormous master suite.

[via JamesList]

Gallery: Perini Navi 355-ft. Sailing Superyacht

Tags: carbon fibrer, Elena Ambrosiadou, hedge fund, Italy, megayacht, Perini Navi, sailing, sailing superyacht, sailing yacht, superyacht

Ship of Fools: Abramovich's Billion-Dollar Yacht Beset by Problems

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

Roman Abramovich's new 557-ft. Eclipse (above), the world's largest and most expensive privately owned yacht, is awash in a sea of snafus leaving the oligarch steaming mad, the London Daily Mail reports. Abramovich has yet to take delivery of the jaw-dropping ship, which is said to have cost up to $1 billion and features a military-grade missile defense system, armor plating, bullet-proof windows, three helipads, two swimming pools and a wellness center. He is reportedly feuding with the boatyard, Germany's Blohm + Voss, over allegedly defective finishes and fittings.

The paper reports that the problems are said to include a giant mirror on one of the nine decks being smashed during tests in the North Sea; vibrations from the electro-diesel engines rattling the billionaire's bespoke crystal glassware; a dispute over demands by Abramovich that exotic animal and reptile skins used on chairs and to line the walls of a massage room be ethically sourced; an argument over who should pay for shifting the location of one of the helipads; difficulties with the French-made navigation system; and flaking paint on some of the decks. Neither Blohm + Voss nor Abramovich would comment for the Daily Mail's story.

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Tags: Blohm + Voss, Eclipse, gigayacht, megayacht, Roman Abramovich, Russia, Russian billionaires, superyacht, yacht

German Newspaper Scores Sneak Peek Inside Abramovich's Eclipse

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

German newspaper Bild has scored an exclusive sneak peak inside Roman Abramovich's new 557-ft. Eclipse (above), the world's largest and most expensive privately owned yacht which was recently completed by Hamburg shipyard Blohm + Voss at a cost estimated to be near $1 billion. The gigayacht boasts every luxury finish imaginable in its nearly 20,000-sq-.ft. interior, including a master suite upholstered in shagreen (stingray skin) on the topmost sixth deck with a retractable moon roof. On Deck 4 there are two VIP suites and eight guest cabins, while accommodations for the 80 crew members needed to man the massive vessel are located in the bow. The décor however is fairly understated with earth tones predominating, we note. One of the three helicopter landing pads disappears under the deck with the push of a button, and the yacht also features the world's largest onboard swimming pool which converts into a dancefloor, in addition to a wellness center including a fitness studio, hairdresser, massage parlor, sauna, steambath and whirlpool. Bild notes the Eclipse will cost about $100,000 per day, or $36.5 million per year, to operate. Check out some exclusive interior images here.

Tags: Blohm + Voss, Eclipse, Germany, gigayacht, helicopter, megayacht, oligarch, Roman Abramovich, Russia, Russian billionaires, shagreen, swimming pool, yacht

Abramovich's Gigayacht Eclipse Sets Sail

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

When we last checked in on the progress of Roman Abramovich's new 557-ft. Eclipse (above), the world's largest and most expensive privately owned yacht, the Russian oligarch had installed a high-tech anti-photo shield designed to keep the paparazzi at bay. After numerous delays and costs spiraling to an estimated $1 billion, it seems as if the gigayacht is now finally ready to be delivered. The Huffington Post found some pix of the massive vessel leaving the dock of the Blohm +Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, the other day, a sight to behold (apparently the photo shield isn't working yet). In addition to the paparazzi spoiler, the Eclipse features a military-grade missile defense system, armor plating and bullet-proof windows. It also has three helipads, two swimming pools – the larger of which converts into a dance floor when drained – six foot home cinema screens in every guest cabin, and a master suite where the roof opens to allow Abramovich and his girlfriend Dasha Zhukova to sleep under the stars.

Gallery: The Eclipse Sets Sail

Tags: Blohm + Voss, Blohm Voss, Dasha Zhukova, Germany, gigayacht, megayacht, Roman Abramovic, Russia, Russian billionaire, Russian oligarch, superyacht, yacht

Red Square Superyacht for Sale at $86 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

The floating oligarch's palace known as Red Square built by Turkish shipyard Dunya Yachts has been listed for sale at $86 million. The 236-ft. steel superyacht which has not one but two helipads is being fitted out like a "floating bordello" in preparation for delivery to some profligate billionaire in 2011. Designed by Diana Scott from the Monaco based studio Sterling Scott with naval architecture by Taka Yachts and interior flourishes by "master of overstatement" Alberto Pinto, Red Square can accommodate up to 16 guests in sickeningly luxurious staterooms. In addition to the two helipads, she features an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and massive exterior entertaining spaces. Power-wise twin 3,150 hp Caterpillar diesels deliver a maximum speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 4,200 nautical miles at cruising speed - hopefully more than enough to outrun your creditors.

[via JamesList]

Tags: megayacht, Monaco, Russia, superyacht, Turkey, yacht

The Alysia Mega Yacht is For Sale

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

The impressive 280ft Alysia mega yacht is for sale and if you're in the market it might be worth a look as it claims to have more features than any other yacht available today. Built in 2005 by Alpha Marine and Lally Poulias, the yacht has room for 36 guests and offers 18 staterooms and 18 bedroom suites, including the Master suite that has its own jacuzzi, private study, panoramic window view, and private deck. Other amenities offered on the yacht include a movie theater, temperature-controlled wine cellar, saloon with Grand Piano, hair and beauty salon, gym, dedicated spa deck with Jacuzzi, children's play room, business center, helicopter pad, and a sprawling sun deck that is reached via lift that takes you 21 meters above the sea.

And all that's just a taste. The Alysia is priced at €85,000,000 and will be available for viewing at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show at the end of this month at the Yas Marina.

Gallery: The Alysia Megayacht

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Tags: alysia, megayacht, yacht, yacht for sale, YachtForSale, yachting

Emocean Design for World's Largest Yacht to Beat Abramovich

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

Roman Abramovich's recently launched Eclipse is currently the world's largest private yacht at a whopping 557 ft. His oceanic supremacy may be short lived however, as Belgium-based Emocean Yacht Design has just unveiled plans for a 656-ft. gigayacht (above) which would put the the oligarch's new toy to shame. Like Emocean's 541-ft. design for the UK's Devonport Yachts to be featured at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, the 656-footer is a completely bespoke design, with equipment, styling, configuration, and class tailored to the desires and tastes of the client.

The monstrous but attractively styled vessel features a drive-in garage, two 98-foot day boats, helipad and hanger, a 100-ft. swimming pool, nightclub, casino, games room, two-level cinema, three beach clubs, a health spa, and 10 VIP rooms, 22 guest suites and a private owners deck accommodating a total of 45 passengers, along with 70 crew. Even at that size she'll be impressively fast, with a planned maximum speed of 28 knots, a cruising speed of 20 knots and a range of 6,500 nautical miles at cruising speed. No price has been mentioned yet but expect it to clock in at well over $500 million.

[via JamesList]

Tags: Belgium, Emocean, gigayacht, megayacht, Roman Abramovich, RomanAbramovich, superyacht, yacht

Wheels Yacht Available At A Discount

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

A charming 116-foot motor yacht is back on the market with a discount. The motor yacht Wheels was built by Horizon Yachts in 2002 and sleeps ten guests in five staterooms. The yacht's master suite includes a sunken bathroom and reflects italian style with a Versace-like opulence. The yacht was designed by Tomaso Spadolini with a low profile silhouette that includes a deep hull and large windows. The upper deck stows the yacht's tender and jet skis which are craned into the water for use. The upper deck is also home to a Jacuzzi and sunbathing area. There is ample dining space on the aft deck. Inside the yacht has been designed by Evan Marshall and has details like birds eye maple wall paneling, engraved glass door panels and marble floors. Twin engines keep Wheels spinning along at a cruising speed of 14 knots. The yacht is listed with Ocean Independence for 7,200,000 euros, a price reduction of 1,750,000 euros.

[via Superyacht Times]

Tags: horizon yachts, HorizonYachts, megayacht, motor yacht, MotorYacht, wheels, yacht

315-ft. Project Orca, Megayacht of the Future

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

We've seen a lot of futuristic superyacht designs that look extremely cool and avant garde, and have no chance at all of ever being built. The 315-ft. Project Orca (above) by UK-based designer Michael Leach is an exception; it's currently under construction at the famed Blohm + Voss shipyard, scheduled for delivery in spring 2010. Leach's 220-ft. Anna for Feadship, one of their largest ever, won a World Superyacht Award for best displacement motor yacht. The Orca features a futuristic exoskeletal curving superstructure, aggressive lines and innovative glazing. Its enormous entertaining and private spaces will feature bespoke furniture from British firm Silverlining, with each piece handmade by a single craftsman and stamped with their signature silver hallmark. Metrica will handle the interior execution, and Cougar Marine will provide two custom limousine tenders stored on the yacht's sports deck.

Tags: Blohm Voss, Blohm Voss, Feadship, megayacht, superyacht, yacht

Robb Report Offers the World's Most Expensive Xmas Gift for $500 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wings, Wealth

Looking for a really unforgettable Christmas present for that special someone this year? That glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report has just the thing - a matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million. The eye-popping present, the world's most expensive, is part of the profligate publication's Ultimate Gift Guide, a seasonal offering of over-the-top exclusives. The recipient will receive an Airbus A380 (above), the world's largest jumbo jet, and a bespoke megayacht, both customized by renowned designer Patrick Knowles. The interiors will complement each other creating what Knowles calls a "custom personal brand" for the lucky owner. There's one catch - considering the backlog on A380 deliveries and the time required to design and build a custom megayacht, the giftee will have to wait at least six years to get their hands on the toys.

Tags: Airbus A380, AirbusA380, gifts, megayacht, Patrick Knowles, PatrickKnowles, private jet, PrivateJet, Robb Report, RobbReport, worlds most expensive, WorldsMostExpensive, yacht

Female UK Hedge Funder Revealed as Buyer of Maltese Falcon

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

The mystery buyer of the 289-ft. Maltese Falcon, the world's largest, best designed, and most expensive sailing superyacht, has been revealed as Elena Ambrosiadou, Greek-born founder of hedge fund Ikos Partners. The UK's highest-paid woman and its wealthiest female entrepreneur, Ambrosiadou, pictured above after winning the Perini Navi Cup with her new toy (and collecting the Rolex prize), is said to have paid $120 million for the megayacht. Built by Perini Navi for venture capitalist Tom Perkins in 2006, it remains the ne plus ultra of sailing superyachts, a masterpiece of technology and design, and was recently featured on the cover of Luxury Toys: Top of the World. Her revolutionary sailing system - the DynaRig - set a new milestone in yachting history: three self-standing and rotating masts hosting 15 sails for a total sail area of 25,791 square feet for unrivaled, performance maneuverability and record-shattering speed; she can complete Atlantic crossings in ten days.

[via JamesList]

Gallery: The Maltese Falcon