In the past, we’ve covered superyacht concepts that have detachable sections, stealthy designs, and flyability. But concepts are just that: elaborate dreams of a future product.
Sailing Yacht A, on the other hand, is a reality—one that took to the high seas for one in a number of test runs, the most recent of which was back in October. If it’s not altogether obvious, a sailing yacht is one powered by the wind via its sails; and this one’s technically not a superyacht, but a “sail-assisted motoryacht.” (It is, however, the largest of its kind known to exist.) It’s the product of Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, who was seen testing his reportedly $318 million purchase off the coast of Strande, Germany (it’s ported in nearby Kiel).
Designed by Frenchman Philippe Starck, in conjunction with German yacht-maker Nobiskrug, the 468-foot yacht has been in the works since 2008, and has a number of over-the-top bells and whistles. According to Boat International, these include: eight decks, built entirely from teak wood, which are interconnected with a number of elevators and free-floating spiral staircases; a garage for a submarine and helipad; three, 300-foot carbon-fiber masts, which would unfurl some 12,300 feet of sail; a max speed of 21 knots; and enough space for a crew of 54.
Sailing Yacht A is the second extravagant superyacht purchase made by Melnichenko, who commissioned Starck to design him the similarly named Motor Yacht A. It’s slightly shorter at 394 feet long, and reportedly saved the billionaire just $18 million compared to his newbie.
Below, watch an amateur-shot video of Sailing Yacht A taking a spin back in 2015.
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