This $400 million super-yacht was built for a Russian oligarch, Andrey Melnichenko, 37, who is worth $9.2 billion and was ranked 172 on the Forbes list of the world's richest people.
There is a large master suite as well as six luxury cabins for up to 14 guests and enough room for 42 crew members.
Designed by Philippe Stark, the 400ft long superyacht is said to have its own discotheque featuring a glass roof which is situated directly under the swimming pool. Other details of the interior have been kept strictly secret by its German boat builders Blohm and Voss. But it is rumoured to have a helicopter hangar, as well as two 30ft speed boats kept in hatches on both sides of the hull.
Yacht “A” - named after his model wife Aleksandra - is registered in Bermuda, weighs 5,900 tons and can travel at speeds of up to 27 miles per hour.
The futuristic yacht docked in Kristiansand, Norway, last week where three paintings by the French Impressionist artist Claude Monet were loaded on board, amid an impressive security operation.
Mr Melnichenko was a founder of worldwide MDM Bank and went on to become its president from 1997 to 2001.
Monday, July 21, 2008
One $400 million super-yacht with three Monet paintings onboard
Friday, July 18, 2008
Megayachts - SETZER DESIGN Unveils Futuristic "Vision Line"
SETZER DESIGN, one of the world’s most respected yacht design studios, has unveiled Two Stunning Additions to Its “Vision Line” of Megayachts.
Cerise, a sleek 50 meter/165-foot plumb bow, and Javelin, a grand 73 meter/240-foot vessel are the latest to emerge among Setzer Design Group’s new, futuristic Vision Line of mega-yacht designs.
The “VL-50” Cerise brings an elegant, refined design to life via the studio’s spin on the plumb-bow trend, yet at a more manageable, main-stream market sizing. Expressed in vivid red, the design’s unique styling is underscored by the long, sweeping, retro elements of its superstructure.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
A champagne holder for yacht owners
For the yacht owner who want all the luxuries onboard, you can now add the gimballed champagne holder to your accessories, so as not to spill a drop of Champagne anymore! 
The extraordinary hand-manufactured piece “was designed for Dutch company Bottler BV by a famous Dutch interior yacht designer, who was inspired by Gerolamo Cardano, the Italian physician, philosopher and mathematician. In 1537 he developed his 'cardanic suspension' (gimbals), in order to hold the compass stably against the ships movements.” It is designed with three concentric rings hold the bottle perpendicularly no matter the motion of the boat. 
This extraordinary tribute to hedonism is made with watch-making precision and available in three different metals (brass, nickel and gold-plated) to match the interior of any yacht
Prices start from €5.500 (Bottler "J-Class limited edition" is priced €10.000)
For additional details or more information regarding Bottler, please contact Nathalie Beck, info@bottler.nl
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Rolls-Royce joins American shipyards to meet global demand for Megayachts
I am so tired from all my weekend activities to write anything tonight so I am just going to leave you with the press release from Rolls-Royce Marine : they decided to enter the megayachts market to meet the global demand and help the poor wealthy people who have been waiting for their luxury yacht for too long : )
European shipyards are backed up with megayacht orders, charging up to $1 million per foot for yachts over 250’, and with customers waiting 6 years for delivery due to a dearth of building capacity. To help meet this demand, Rolls-Royce Marine has been contracted by a consortium of American shipbuilders led by Atlantic Yachts and its CEO Paul Madden, the former North American representative for Blohm+Voss - Germany’s ‘über’ yacht builder specializing in megayachts from 300-feet, to over 500-feet in length.
The US-built megayachts are European-designed. With the Dollar-Euro advantage, combined with US shipyard capacities, the megayachts will cost one-third less, and can be delivered in half the time as the European-built megayachts.
“Our core management were recruited from the top European shipyards, and we enlist sub-contractors from both sides of the Atlantic,” reports CEO Paul Madden. “This is a classic technology and design transfer from Europe to the US, where we currently have a significant advantage in the manufacture of sophisticated equipment, such as large steel motor yachts. We are using the same shipyards that build the next-generation US Navy ships.”
Rolls-Royce Marine is working in concert with several top European yacht designers, providing engineering and integrated power, propulsion and stability systems on all of Atlantic’s US-built yachts.
Rolls-Royce’s Marine Division provides engineering and equipment on 20,000 commercial and naval vessels operating around the world, ranging from nuclear submarines to megayachts. They also provide ongoing warranty and unparalleled service from Rolls-Royce’s 40 offices in 30 countries.
The venture plans to deliver 2 to 3 megayachts per year, representing over a half billion dollars in gross sales annually. The customer list can not be discussed, according to Madden. “Suffice it to say that they are high-net-worth individuals who value discretion.”
The company does not advertise. Its phone number is unlisted. “We only deal directly with owners and their designers and technical teams,” states Madden. “Rest assured, our clients have my cell number. And they are not shy about calling, day or night…”
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Solar Powered Sea Limousine For Dubai
Designed and developed by Dennis Ingemansson, the Dubai Sea Limousine is an idea based on the “The World”- a man-made archipelago of 300 islands constructed in the shape of a world map and located 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) off the coast of Dubai.
Since access to all these islands, which are currently under construction, from the coast and also amongst themselves is only by water, this ambitious new taxi service seeks to become the sort of marine transportation between artificial islands.
Powered by sun’s energy, it comes with solar cells integrated in the window skin and moves forward with the help of a hovercraft.
The vehicle is controlled by a satellite navigation system and therefore needs no human pilot. This concept delivers a new dimension of discrete sea limousine in terms of luxury yacht design. 
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
YachtPlus 40 Signature Series luxury superyacht
The Foster designed 40 “Signature Series” is a new concept private luxury super-yacht for a new generation of yacht owner. Her unique contemporary shape makes her unmistakably a piece of modern architecture.
A new emphasis was given to such issues as quality and quantity of space, outdoor terraces, light and views. With outdoor terraces, plenty of natural light, and panoramic ocean views from the interior cabin, this 132-foot megayacht offer luxury-loving clients all the amenities conducive to comfort.
Lord Norman Foster’s work on luxury hotels and residences provided a fresh approach to achieving privacy, comfort and usage of space onboard a motor yacht. As a result, the 40 “Signature Series” offers more deck space and interior comfort than any equivalent yacht of her size.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
118 WallyPower High Speed Luxury Yacht
The 118 WallyPower is one of the most eye-catching yachts in today’s luxury boating market, created by the Monaco-based Wally Yachts. It is narrow and angular in design with black glass housing. It is 118 feet long and is capable of reaching speeds as fast as 60 knots (70 mph, 110 km/h).
It is capable of this feat due to three Vericor TF50 gas turbines generating 16,800 hp. The three gas turbines each drive a Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jet, two steerable outboard and a non-steering booster on centerline. The steerable water jets also have a diesel engine input for a 370 hp Cummins diesel hence these two wing drive trains are Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine (CODOG).
Wally Yachts did extensive testing in the SSPA facility in Gothenburg, Sweden and at Ferrari’s windtunnel in Italy.
The 118 WallyPower is superbly crafted of exotic materials in and out, with thin wood veneers over honeycomb cores and lots of exposed black carbon fiber.
The 118 WallyPower won the MYDA, Millennium Yacht Design Award, organised by Seatec (the yachting and shipping technology show of Carrarafiere) for the "Layout of the Third Millennium." The WallyPower is also being honoured by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art as the sole boat in its major architecture and design exhibition, 'Glamour: Fabricating Affluence', which ran from October 9 2004 to January 16 2005.
Wally Yachts has only produced one, and it currently resides in the Mediterranean. The 118 is known by most from its role as the "Renovatio" in the 2005 science-fiction film The Island. (source : wikipedia)
Price? $24 million - and the Wally owner should budget, say, $400,000 a year for a professional crew. Wally is awaiting a firm order before building the next 118. The company might have to wait a while. “I don’t think it’s a marketable product,” says Roger Marshall, a yacht designer and boating writer.. “It’s a high-speed boat that is way overpowered and expensive as hell to run, so the market consists of very few people.”
Friday, June 27, 2008
Bandido 75 : The new Explorer Yacht
Following in the wake of the Bandido 90 launched a year ago, this time Drettmann is launching the Bandido 75. Built in Taiwan, The admiral’s ship is 22.90 meters long and weighs 100 tons .
The yacht’s superior range and the unusual amount of room (a standard three double cabin offer, with an optional of an extra fourth cabin) on board make longer journeys a pure pleasure. The saloon is the classic layout featuring a big C-shaped settee for entertainment, a dining area forward and a separate galley.
In terms of equipment and functionality, nearly anything is possible on board a Bandido! Luxury, comfort, technical refinements and special equipment can all be tailored exactly to the owner’s requests and needs
Off great importance is the space for the water toys with the possibility of having three personal water craft: a big tender in the garage, another toy space on the flybridge and a space for a small water craft like jet ski on the bathing platform.
Every Bandido yacht combines technical innovation with pure luxury in an aesthetic and unusual form . At 3,895,000 euros (complete in standard equipment), it is a top-class explorer yacht, perfect for long sea trips !
Related articles : Prince Albert II launches world's most luxurious expedition ship
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Submerge Yourself in Luxury
For the first time ever, you can own your very own luxury submarine. The Phoenix 1000 makes underwater travel for adventure-seeking billionaires a reality.Phoenix 1000 is the biggest and luxurious private submarine ever designed. It is the top of the line model produced by U.S. Submarines Inc., the first company to bring luxury submarines to the commercial market.
The 65-meter personal luxury submarine has 460 sq meters (5,000 square feet) of interior space on four levels and is able to dive up to 1,000 feet. The Phoenix is capable of making trans-Atlantic crossings at 16 knots yet can dive along the route and explore the continental margins of some of the most fascinating waters on earth.
And unlike surface yachts, when the water gets rough, the submarine can submerge into a perfectly smooth and quiet environment, continuing on toward its destination, assuring long journeys in most luxurious and comfortable way.
On board, it offers accommodation for around 12 guests divided into 6 cabins with private bathrooms; while on the main deck have a fantastic deck saloon from which they can admire the unusual and fascinating landscapes of navigation in depth. The luxury amenities include Jacuzzis, gyms, wine cellars and the clients even have the option of going for a basketball court.
The uppermost level of the vessel is the flying bridge. This area is similar to its equivalent area on most yachts, with the exception of the fact that the materials selected can stand immersion.
The utmost depth is reached 305 meters but if you want to go down even more, the integrated docking mini-sub can take 8 passengers to an extreme 610 metres below the surface. Additionally, in the unlikely event of an emergency at depth, the minisub could be used to take passengers and crew to the surface.
The estimated price of the Phoenix is $78 million and this luxurious undersea vehicle takes about three years to build.
Monday, June 23, 2008
XSMG XSR48 luxury Speedboat
The XSR48 Speedboat from XSMG is hailed as the “world’s fastest superboat”. It is a supercar on water, a luxury powerboat with supercar looks.
With a total of no less than 1600hp from two bi-turbo diesel engines, the XSR48 has supercar acceleration with a stablization and propulsion system meant to handle this insane amount of power.
But style has not been sacrificed for speed. The XSR48 combines the DNA and high performance of a supercar with superyacht styling making it the "Bugatti Veyron" of the sea.
The XSR48 has been developed in collaboration with a number of world class design and construction partners including legendary hull designer Fabio Buzzi, award winning superyacht designers Redman Whiteley Dixon and High Modulus the world’s leading exponent in composite marine structures.
The interior is filled with smooth, modern lines, high-grade materials, and niceties like flat-panel TVs.
No price has been specified yet
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Prince Albert II launches world's most luxurious expedition ship
Prince Albert II, the ruler of Monaco, recently christened a new cruise ship named after himself, which will be the newest addition to the Silversea line and said to be the most luxurious expedition ship ever to sail.
A gutted expedition ship now completely redecorated and outfitted to suit the most wealthy of customers it is ready for the most rugged of adventures with the most luxurious of accommodations.
The 132-passenger Prince Albert II, which formerly sailed as the World Discoverer before Silversea bought it in September, sets sail on June 12 from London on an inaugural season of 10- to 22-day adventure cruises focusing on the polar regions.
Silversea has spent millions gutting the ice-rated vessel's interior and rebuilding it from the ground up. The line, known for $1,000-a-day luxury cruises, hopes to develop a new market for wealthy cruisers who want to take adventurous trips to rugged places like Antarctica without sacrificing comfort.
Among the highlights of the ship are six spacious luxury suites that fill the entire top floor of the vessel and can be booked together to form giant, multi-room mega-suites.
The Prince Albert II also now has an elegant theater and an outdoor deck with whirlpools which is unusual features for expedition ships. Other amenities not often found on expedition ships include a spiffy library and Internet center.
The ship will spend its maiden season sailing to Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, Belize, Costa Rica, the Sea of Cortez, South America and Antarctica. Prices for voyages start at $3,867 per person, based on double occupancy and including shore excursions.
Souce : usatodayMonday, June 9, 2008
Pershing 80 launches in Italy
Ferretti Group company Pershing recently launched the new Pershing 80 motoryacht in Italy.
Designed by Italian naval architect Fulvio De Simoni, the 24.4m (80ft) yacht is said to offer exceptional performance. The standard version is powered by two 2030hp MTU engines combined with ASD 15L surface propellers for speeds of up to 44kt, while a faster version equipped with two 2435mhp MTU engines allows for speeds of 50kt at 1/3 loaded displacement.
The yacht’s construction process uses the “Scrimp System”, a fiberglass vacuum molding process that significantly reduces voids in the laminate and increases strength.
Pershing says that several elements give the new yacht an edge over its competitors, including an elegant slide-away glass partition, designed in collaboration with Besenzoni, that allows the cockpit to be closed off from the upper saloon. Alternatively, the owner can choose to join the two areas together to create a large open space, all on the same level. Another exceptional Pershing 80’ feature is the extendable-retractable hard top over the upper saloon.
Source IBInewsSunday, June 1, 2008
The AZIMUT 68S at the Cannes Film Festival
The luxury yacht Azimut 68S were the most exclusive limousine yacht of the Croisette, chosen by Chopard to offer its VIP guests an unprecedented attention.
Chopard was the Main Sponsor of the “Palme d’Or” Festival besides being the maker of the coveted award.
On the occasion of the 61st Film Festival, the Azimut 68S becomes the most impressive stage on the sea in all of Cannes, welcoming onboard the stars of the Film Festival who are Chopard’s guests for “glitzy” photo shoots organised by the prestigious firm and offering short cruises between the Croisette, the famed beach of the Hotel Carlton and the Eden Roc of Cap d’Antibes, the exclusive venue for Chopard’s trendiest parties.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Megayacht of the week : The Riva 92 Duchessa
After the hugely successful 115' Athena, flagship of the fleet since 2005, Riva continues its adventure in the megayacht segment, with a new, refined model. Mauro Micheli's pencil, the work of his team at Officina Italiana Design and Riva's Engineering Department have once again managed to sketch a winning yacht.
Curved, racy lines harmoniously design the profile of this yacht which encloses all the elegance and inimitable Riva style.
The novelties are numerous, both in the exterior design and in the interior layout and fittings, that won't miss to match the requests of the most demanding owners. This megayacht features implements like an exquisitely crafted black American walnut interior, spacious VIP and master cabins, a large sunpad, an above-board Jacuzzi and an advanced entertainment system.
The 92 Duchessa has been added to the Riva collection, which currently features twelve models, and will be on display in September at 2008 Cannes Boat Show.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Luxury Yacht 4H - San Lorenzo
Luxury yacht 4H is a 2008 San Lorenzo 40 alloy motor yacht which is available for charters in the western Mediterranean EUR€ 110,000 /week ($173,000 usd !!!) Built by San Lorenzo Yachts of Italy, 4H is a sleek and modernist yacht with an interesting and novel approach to design. The luxury yacht’s interior and exterior design is by Francesco Paszkowski. 
M/Y 4H has a semi displacement aluminium hull which is capable of a cruising speed of 22 knots and is powered by 2 MTU 12V 4000 M90 engines. Able to move quickly and easily between beach and port 4H has great outdoor entertainment spaces including a fantastic sundeck as well as a stylish aft deck. She has a study, a gym, gullwings, a Kaleidoscope Video Server and Sea Terraces. 
This San Lorenzo 40 accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins and has high speed V Sat internet.
The brand new admiral displacement yacht
The first 54-meter mega yacht by AMY, the joint venture founded in October 2005 by Cantieri Navali Lavagna and T.Mariotti/Genova with a view to building Admiral branded displacement yachts, will be launched next July.
A grand party will celebrate this event, an important achievement for AMY: the advancement from spectators in the world of mega-yachts to significant players of such ever-growing industry.
Designed by Luca Dini and planned by AMY, the Admiral flagship enters the international stage as a truly unique vessel. Since the very first stages of design and construction of its steel hull and light alloy superstructure new construction criteria, typical in ship construction yet innovative in yacht building, have been adopted: the results are excellent.
The black hull and sleek silhouette of this stately vessel and the care put in the exterior lighting immediately convey an idea of the owner’s strong personality, showing a clear choice of style.
The yacht spreads over 4 bridges and is conceived to welcome 10 passengers (5 cabins) and up to 12 crew members, it reaches almost 54-meter in length and 10,50-meter in width.
The stern is arranged to offer a spectacular 'balcony on the sea' and the garage is outfitted with a sofa and a table turning into a true veranda when the platform opens while the tender and jet skis are stored in a side-accessed service garage.
On either side of the main deck, where the hall and the master’s cabin are located, hydraulic doors lower becoming balconies over the water. One of them, located at hall’s level, links up with a staircase providing access to guests. Other two terraces are sited in the masters cabin creating two private areas that allow the closest and most enjoyable contact with nature. The sundeck is a spacious relaxing area complete with a Jacuzzi and a sushi bar while the upper deck has a gym space as well as an ample dinner salon that can easily welcome up to 30 guests.
Particular attention has been paid to the comfort of guests on board, noise and vibration reduction standards are stringent.
[...]
The Admiral 54 will be a preview at the next Monaco Yacht Show (24-27 September 2008)
Monday, May 19, 2008
CRN launches the 54 meter Maraya
“MARAYA” which translates as “many mirrors” is the newest launch to hit the charter industry. This 2008, 54m motor yacht offers the very latest innovations in technology along with the rich and luxurious comforts expected from a charter vessel and an abundance of both internal and external spaces for her guests to escape, relax and fully enjoy their freedom onboard.
The yachts contemporary styling and crisp minimal interior designs by “Claude Misser” present the guests with elegant curves and strong vertical lines combined with exquisite materials and countless refined finishing touches.
Some of the yachts more striking features include: a Master state room balcony, which can be lowered whilst at anchor to provide a completely private external relaxation area for the principle guests, over 450m2 of external space consisting of 5 separate deck areas, each with their own on demand entertainments and a great selection of toys ranging from a professional ski/wake boat to a pair of radio controlled racing yachts.
International Yacht Collection offer 150' Palmer Johnson HOKULANI for charter
The 150’ (45.7m) M/Y HokulaniI has a spectacularly contemporary interior.
Built in 2007 by Palmer Johnson, this luxurious superyacht has plenty of exterior deck space for relaxing, large swim platform, and dining for 10 in the spacious dining room. There are five staterooms.
There is also a Lantic fully integrated and centralized entertainment system in every cabin and space for Music (inc iPod), Radio, TV, and Movies.
The HOKULANI is available to charter through IYC at a rate of EUR175,000 / week in the West Mediterranean - Riviera/Corsica/Sardinia for Summer 2008 and EUR160,000 / week in Winter 2008/09 in the West Med.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Platinum Yacht becomes the Golden Star
In 1996 Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei commissioned a secret project called 'The Platinum Yacht' but ran into financial difficulty and the project was put on hold.
The project was taken over in 2001 by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and the yacht was renamed the 'Golden Star'. It is now in dry dock awaiting completion, but when it is finally completed the Golden Star will not only be the world's most expensive yacht at a cost of over $300 million USD, but also the longest at 525 feet.
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