SAILING YACHT A - World's Largest Sailing Yacht - $600M (2024)

SAILING YACHT A measures 143 meters making her the world’s biggest sailing yacht. Owned by Andrey Melnichenko, she has an estimated value of US $600 million making her not only the largest but also the most expensive sailing yacht.

SAILING YACHT A is far more than a luxury vessel. She is a masterpiece of design and innovation combining sleek metal surfaces with futuristic naval architecture that took over two years to complete.

Launched in 2017, both the interior and exterior of this mega sailing yacht were designed by Phillippe Starck, who calls SAILING YACHT A one of his most high-profile projects. The superyacht has taken on voyages all around the world and was most recently spotted sailing off the coasts of Gibraltar and Cyprus.

Name:Sailing Yacht A
Length:143 meters
Guests:20
Crew:20
Builder:Nobiskrug
Designer:Phillipe Starke
Interior Designer:Reymond Langton Design
Year:2017
Speed:21 knots
Engines:MTU
Volume:12,558 ton
SAILING YACHT A - World's Largest Sailing Yacht - $600M (1)

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SAILING YACHT A interior

Both the interior and exterior of SAILING YACHT A were designed by Philippe Starck, a French architect known for his wide range of design projects.

He famously worked on the impressive MOTOR YACHT A, and the two iconic vessels share a lot of similarities in their layout and specifications.

The owner, Andrey Melnichenko, made sure that his two largest vessels matched in many aspects and could be utilized together seamlessly which is why he hired the same design team several times. Both yachts look incredibly futuristic and are sure to attract attention wherever they go.

While no exact details are known about the interior of SAILING YACHT A, it is rumored that she has an underwater observation pod with 30 cm (1 ft) thick glass located in the keel of the vessel.

This is one of the few parts where design mockups are publicly available, and the style of the interior can be examined.

The observation pod appears to have cream upholstery which stretches across the floor and ceiling of the cabin. Two large symmetrical glass windows allow guests to view the breathtaking underwater world without even having to leave the yacht.

A third window is located at the bottom of the pod, which lets it feel like a true 360-degree experience and is almost comparable to a submarine.

A small floating side table provides guests with a space to place drinks or snacks in the pod and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience in this unusual location. Since the pod is located at the keel of the yacht, the large propellers are most likely visible from the windows suggesting it is most commonly used at anchor.

The superyacht has ten cabins that can accommodate 20 guests as well as a further 54 crew members. Paparazzi photos and the work of yacht spotters provide a rare glimpse into the interior of SAILING YACHT A.

No official footage of cabins or salons has been released, although Starck’s past work suggests that the yacht would be furnished with opulent elements that perfectly combine luxury with style.

Andrey Melnichenko’s MOTOR YACHT A, for example, has ornate furniture in white and cream tones which are contrasted by dark wooden elements and teak. Silver and metal decorations play a large role and tie the interior design of the yacht together.

However, SAILING YACHT A was launched much later than her motorized companion suggesting her interior might be more modern with minimalistic elements rather than lavish furnishings.

Occasional photographs shot through open doors, and portholes show expensive art pieces decorating the interior of the yacht and rather absurd design choices like a set of chairs shaped like large human heads.

The yacht appears to feature a large, open salon with an elevated seating area and symmetrical arches on either side.

While details aren’t known to the public, it is rumored that SAILING YACHT A features a luxurious spa area, a sizable gym as well as an owner’s suite with several rooms that is only accessible via fingerprint.

The massive private area is said to feature a 60-inch television that disappears into the floor as well as a rotating bed.

Considering she is the largest sailing yacht in the world, it is surprising that SAILING YACHT A can only host 20 guests. This suggests that there are spacious entertainment areas located on board, including several saloons and ample below deck space for crew members.

Due to her large size and a small number of cabins, it is assumed that SAILING YACHT A can welcome a large number of day guests onboard for special events and celebrations.

SAILING YACHT A - World's Largest Sailing Yacht - $600M (2)

SAILING YACHT A owner – Andrey Melnichenko

The owner of the largest sailing yacht in the world is Andrey Melnichenko, a Russian businessman who made his fortune in the coal and fertilizer industries. He also owns MOTOR YACHT A, which is 24 meters shorter than SAILING YACHT A.

Melnichenko is said to have a net worth of US $13 Billion making him one of the richest men in Russia. He owns a private Boeing 737 jet as well as his two superyachts which are his prized possessions.

Melnichenko and his wife Aleksandra, who is a former singer and model, particularly enjoy visiting the Mediterranean with SAILING YACHT A. They are frequently seen off the shore of Croatia and tend to take MOTOR YACHT A along with them as a support vessel.

Melnichenko and his wife have two children, Tara and Adrian, who sometimes accompany their parents on extended trips aboard the family’s luxury yachts.

Biggest sailing yacht controversy

It has been the topic of debate that SAILING YACHT A is not the largest yacht in the world but instead the ‘largest sail-assisted motor yacht.

Depending on the definition used, that would make BLACK PEARL the biggest sailing yacht in the world.

SAILING YACHT A - World's Largest Sailing Yacht - $600M (3)

The most expensive sailing yacht

SAILING YACHT A is the most expensive sailing yacht in the world and cost an estimated price of US $600 million – a relatively “affordable” price considering her large size and tonnage.

A calculated US $48,000 per ton is considered low in the yachting industry, where European yachts are usually priced at US $60,000 per ton and over.

This average price would bring the value of SAILING YACHT A up to nearly US $800 million. However, due to the fact that the official sales price has not been released to the public, these numbers are mere estimates and cannot be validated officially.

Since the yacht is a custom project and one of a kind, it can be assumed that the total value of SAILING YACHT A lies far higher than her initial price.

In addition to any cost for the crew, supplies, and docking fees, she has annual running costs of US $50-75 million. SAILING YACHT A is currently not available for sale or charter, and her owner Andrey Melnichenko is very particular about who is allowed on board.

SAILING YACHT A - World's Largest Sailing Yacht - $600M (4)

Specifications

SAILING YACHT A is incredibly large for a sailing yacht, and even compared to the longest motor yachts in the world, she would rank in the top ten.

Paired with her unusual futuristic design, this mega sailing yacht has a length of 143 meters (469 ft), a beam of 25 meters (82 ft), and a draft of 8 meters (26 ft) making her a more than an impressive vessel.

SAILING YACHT A was built by Nobiskrug, a German superyacht builder at their Kiel shipyard, and launched in 2017 after more than two years of construction. To date, SAILING YACHT A is the largest yacht ever built by Nobiskrug and remains their flagship.

It is considered the most complicated project to ever be completed in the sailing industry and gained international media attention on its launch date. It has a total volume of 12.558 tons and is powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines.

SAILING YACHT A is considered the longest sailing yacht in the world and is more than 36 meters (118 ft) longer than BLACK PEARL, which ranks in second place on the list.

Coincidentally her project name was WHITE PEARL which is a reference to her brilliant white exterior, although it couldn’t have referred to BLACK PEARL since she was only launched in 2018, a year after Melnichenko’s masterpiece.

Her three-carbon masts stand at an impressive 100 meters (328 ft), making them some of the largest in the world and taller than Big Ben in London.

However, her large size is sometimes also limiting as she struggles to fit underneath most bridges and is therefore constrained to certain routes.

She once passed under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with only 20 feet to spare between her masts and the bottom of the famous bridge.

She is rumored to have an electric gimbal crow’s nest, which allows for remote operation and advanced wind measurements. Her sails are all white, and her masts have nearly sickle-like shapes, which add to her striking futuristic appearance.

It is noteworthy that she is commonly photographed with her sails down, which suggests she might be using her support engines more frequently than true wind power.

With a sail area of more than 3.700m^2 (40.000 square ft), she can reach top speeds of up to 21 knots which is supported by her twin 4895 Horsepower MTU engines.

Her average cruise speed lies at 16 knots, and her total range is estimated to lie at 5320 nautical miles. She features a state-of-the-art sail system that is able to raise and lower the sails and anchors at the touch of a button.

SAILING YACHT A has a steel hull and composite steel superstructure, which is unusual in the superyacht industry as most shipyards choose aluminum to reduce weight and keep the vessel light. She currently sails under the flag of Bermuda, which is common for prominent sailing yachts.

SAILING YACHT A - World's Largest Sailing Yacht - $600M (5)
SAILING YACHT A - World's Largest Sailing Yacht - $600M (6)

Exterior

During construction, SAILING YACHT A was called project WHITE PEARL, a fitting name for this sizable vessel. Like her interior, the exterior of SAILING YACHT A was designed by Philippe Starck, although the Dutch studio Dykstra Naval Architects played a role in the naval architecture of the vessel.

They specialize in sailing yachts of all sizes and have been involved in many prominent projects in the industry over the years.

She features eight teak decks with a large swimming pool located in the center and several elevators spread across the yacht. She is even said to carry a submarine. The main pool is lowered into the deck allowing for additional privacy for the owners.

Her hull has 24 shell doors, which are used to access equipment and provide additional deck space if needed. She is accompanied by four tenders also designed by Philippe Starck and built by Lloyd Stevenson in New Zealand.

Their sleek and elegant design matches that of the main vessel, and they are used for transporting guests and taking them on excursions.

One of the tenders of SAILING YACHT A is a carbon fiber speedboat especially reserved for the owner who can operate the vessel autonomously whenever required without the aid of crew members.

This allows Melnichenko, who is a fan of driving high-speed cars to be independent when staying aboard his luxury yacht. The tender is small but powerful, reaching speeds of up to 53 knots.

The larger tenders can seat up to eight passengers and feature panoramic windows ideal for sightseeing and exploring but are much slower at only 30 knots.

The aft features a large garage used for storing jet skis, tenders, and other equipment. However, Andrey Melnichenko is known for enjoying lavish parties and events, so the space was specially designed so it can be converted into a dance floor and entertainment space if needed.

High-profile artists such as Snoop Dogg are rumored to have performed here, although detailed evidence of such concerts remains unknown. Whenever the aft isn’t used for performances or parties, it can be transformed into a swimming platform designed in the yacht’s iconic futuristic style.

However, despite her cutting edge design features, SAILING YACHT A surprisingly also includes classic nautical elements. She has a wooden steering wheel that is reminiscent of a pirate ship, although it is not operational.

The captain of the vessel can instead use modern technologies to operate the massive yacht via a small joystick and touchscreen.

There are symmetric extendable balconies that protrude from the bridge of the yacht and allow the crew to have a better view to be able to gauge the dimensions of the immense vessel.

Of course, SAILING YACHT A has a modern underwater lighting system that illuminates the vessel perfectly at night.

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SAILING YACHT A - World's Largest Sailing Yacht - $600M (2024)

FAQs

Who owns a 600 million dollar sailing yacht? ›

SAILING YACHT A – World's Biggest Sailing Yacht – $600 Million. SAILING YACHT A measures 143 meters making her the world's biggest sailing yacht. Owned by Andrey Melnichenko, she has an estimated value of US $600 million making her not only the largest but also the most expensive sailing yacht.

Who owns world's largest sailing yacht? ›

Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, the 97th wealthiest person on the planet according to Forbes, and the ninth richest in Russia, owns the world's largest sailing super yacht named 'Sailing Yacht A'.

What happened to Sailing Yacht A? ›

The yacht was seized by the Italian authorities on 12 March 2022 in the port of Trieste, due to the EU's sanctions imposed on a number of Russian businessmen as a consequence of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

How expensive is Sailing Yacht A? ›

A (motor yacht)
History
BuilderBlohm + Voss
Costc. US$300 million
Launched3 January 2008
IdentificationIMO number: 1009340 MMSI number: 538071242 Callsign: V7UJ7
20 more rows

What happens when a yacht gets seized? ›

“When a yacht is seized while in a yard, the owner will remain liable for the maintenance costs,” Maltby said. “But if the owner is unable to pay, the yard is left in a difficult position.” The situation remains unclear for the shipyards and marinas docking the yachts.

Does Oprah Winfrey own a yacht? ›

Oprah Yacht

As far as we know Winfrey does not own a yacht. She is often spotted on yachts.

Who owns the most expensive sail yacht? ›

I. Eclipse: Owned by the Russian billionaire and oligarch, Roman Abramovich, Eclipse is currently the world's most expensive yacht. The vessel was launched in the year 2009 at a developmental cost of over one billion.

Why was Sailing Yacht A seized? ›

Sy A – short for Sailing Yacht A – was seized on Friday evening in the port of Trieste after being identified by Italian police as belonging to the billionaire owner of EuroChem Group, a major fertiliser producer, and the coal company SUEK.

Does Sailing Yacht A have windows? ›

Sailing Yacht A's imposing scale

Astonishingly, there are 24 shell doors in the hull. The windows, which are all oval, look small from a distance, but all have a magnifying effect, making them seem huge from the inside.

Will Sailing Yacht A be seized? ›

Sailing Yacht A was arrested in Italy at the beginning of March 2022. At the time, it was in storage in the port of Trieste, where it had been brought in for refits, and authorities confirmed that they had detained it over its ownership: Melnichenko is a known close associate of President Vladimir Putin.

What was the largest sailing ship ever built? ›

The Guinness Book of World Records cites Royal Clipper as the largest square-rigged ship in service, with 54,000 square feet of sail.

Is sailing an expensive hobby? ›

Sailing can cost around $1000 to get into and $50 a month to maintain. It could also cost $100,000+ initially with monthly costs in the thousands. Whether sailing is an expensive hobby for you depends on whether you rent or buy, how you store and maintain your boat and what boat you buy.

How long do sails last on a sailboat? ›

Lifespan of Sails

Sails on a sailboat may endure anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 hours of use, or around ten years, assuming they are appropriately fitted to the yacht and rigging and well cared for.

How much does a 40ft sailing yacht cost? ›

Yachts start around $300,000 for smaller 40-foot models and can go as high as several hundred million dollars for superyachts. This average amount is all-encompassing.

What makes an oligarch? ›

More generally, an oligarch (from Ancient Greek ὀλίγος (oligos) 'few', and ἄρχειν (archein) 'rule') is a "member of an oligarchy; a person who is part of a small group holding power in a state".

Who seized Russian yacht? ›

$300 Million Yacht of Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Suleiman Kerimov Seized by Fiji at Request of United States. Fijian law enforcement executed a seizure warrant freezing the Motor Yacht Amadea (the Amadea), a 348-foot luxury vessel owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov.

Where does seized money go UK? ›

Where cash is forfeited, half of the funds go to the police and the other half of the funds go the Home Office. In some cases, the judge can allocate a percentage of the seized funds to the victim as compensation. There have also been schemes that allocate forfeited funds to community programmes.

Does Tom Brady have a boat? ›

Brady's fleet is growing. According to TMZ, he's owned a 55-footer since 2020, as seen during Tampa Bay's waterfront Super Bowl parade. That was the Wajer 55S, but the quarterback has recently upgraded to a 77-foot yacht from the Dutch ship maker.

Where is Michael Jordan's yacht? ›

MJ's super yacht is named Joy, and it is worth an estimated $80 million. Jordan purchased the vessel in 2019 and set sail to the Caribbean Island of St Barts shortly after.

What is Bill Gates yacht? ›

Bill Gates, touring the Aegean on a superyacht on his 66th birthday, apparently got a visit from Jeff Bezos en route. The yacht chartered by Gates is called the Lana. The craft, available via Imperial Yachts, features a sleek contemporary architecture, and measures 107 meters—about 351 feet. She was delivered in 2020.

How much is Jeff Bezos yacht? ›

More On: jeff bezos

The $500 million Y721 will be, at 417 feet long, the biggest sailing yacht in the world when it launches this summer.

What is the largest sailboat you can sail alone? ›

Without systems: under 28 ft or 8 m. With systems: under 46 ft or 14 m. Typically, experienced sailors stay under 35 ft. Anything over 50 ft or 15m is uncommon.

Which billionaire has the biggest yacht? ›

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's superyacht, the world's largest by volume, was seized by German authorities in Hamburg, according to Forbes. The German government has frozen the Dilbar, Usmanov's 512-foot yacht, the publication said, citing three unidentified industry sources.

Who owns Sailing Yacht A? ›

Sailing Yacht A was built for Russian yacht owner Andrey Melnichenko and has garnered much attention for her unique form, sheer size and well-known owner.

What is the biggest private yacht in the world? ›

Azzam. At 180 meters, Azzam is currently the biggest superyacht in the world. It's held the record for world's largest privately owned superyacht since 2013, but this 180-meter vessel was originally meant to be 35 meters shorter.

How much does a super yacht cost to maintain? ›

A 180-foot superyacht and/or mega yacht costs a minimum of $4.75 million per year to operate and maintain. Kitty McGowan of the US Superyacht Association estimates an annual budget of $1 million for maintenance and repairs, $350,000 for dockage, $240,000 for insurance, $400,000 for fuel, and $1.4 million for the crew.

What are bedrooms called on a yacht? ›

Cabin: Private rooms and living compartments in a yacht are called cabins.

What is the bottom of a yacht called? ›

The keel is the bottom-most longitudinal structural element on a vessel.

What is a bunny pad on a yacht? ›

What is a bunny pad on a yacht? A bunny pad is not an official part of a yacht, but it is what some consider the area on the deck for sunbathing and relaxing.

What happens to the crew of A seized yacht? ›

Meantime, the yachts and villas that have been seized remain in legal limbo, with controversies likely over who will pay to maintain them. Oligarchs are technically responsible to pay for the crews, staff, maintenance and fees of the assets impounded.

Where is Sailing Yacht A right now? ›

The current position of A is at Arabian Sea (coordinates 24.23542 N / 58.44756 E) reported 163 days ago by AIS. The vessel is sailing at a speed of 17.4 knots.

Who owns the Black Pearl? ›

Tributes paid to Oleg Burlakov, owner of 106.7m sailing superyacht Black Pearl.

What is the largest sailing ship today? ›

At present, the Royal Clipper is regarded to be the world's largest sailing ship with five masts that are rigged fully. The cruise ship offers a Mediterranean cruise during the summer while offering a Caribbean cruise during the winter.

What was the most powerful sailing ship? ›

USS Pennsylvania was a three-decked ship of the line of the United States Navy, rated at 130 guns, and named for the state of Pennsylvania. She was the largest United States sailing warship ever built, the equivalent of a first-rate of the British Royal Navy.
...
USS Pennsylvania (1837)
History
Armament130 × 32 pounder (15 kg) guns
18 more rows

What was the fastest sailing ship? ›

(CNN) — For more than eight years, the world sailing speed record has remained unbroken. In November 2012, Australian Paul Larsen reached 65.45 knots (or 121 kilometers per hour/75 mph) in his Vesta Sailrocket 2 in South Atlantic waters off the coast of Namibia.

Do you need a license to sail around the world? ›

You do not need a license to sail around the world. However, certain licenses and certifications can help you in local jurisdictions, and it's not a bad idea to get them.

Is sailing difficult to learn? ›

Sailing is really very simple; a skilled instructor can teach you the basics in an afternoon. Most beginners shove off on their own after just a few days of lessons. Once you're sailing, you'll wonder why you waited so long to learn.

Do you have to be rich to sail? ›

Well, it can be an expensive hobby but it doesn't have to. It all depends on what you want and how much you're willing to spend on this thrilling hobby. In essence, sailing shouldn't just be meant for those with the wealth of a monarch. Instead, even an average salaried man could easily get into.

Can you sleep while sailing? ›

Most sailboats have cabins with sleeping quarters. While underway in the open ocean, sailboat crews sleep in shifts between two and six hours long. Single-handed sailors wake up briefly every few hours to check their heading and watch for other ships.

Why do yachts have black sails? ›

Black has not always been the fast look for sails, but lately more and more black sails are showing up on the water. Why? The simple answer is that many sails are now made with carbon fibers—the strongest load-carrying material in sails—and carbon is black.

How long will a fiberglass sailboat last? ›

How Long Do Fiberglass Boats Typically last? Fiberglass boats can be sound and seaworthy for up to fifty years or more. Fiberglass is very durable, and with proper maintenance and care, fiberglass boats can last for many decades. Fiberglass itself will not break down but instead will break down due to outside factors.

How much does a yacht captain make? ›

According to data from the 2021 Salary Survey, captains working on vessels between 60- and 99-feet were earning an average of $8,002.01 per month, with a range of $3,105 to $20,000 per month.

How much does a 420 sailboat cost? ›

Despite the emergence of newer commercial driven classes and asymmetrics, the 420 is still the world's top youth training boat. A brand new 420 ready to sail costs approximately EUR5500 - 6000, making the boat an extremely affordable choice.

How much does a 100 ft yacht cost? ›

New yachts over 100-feet long have an average price of a yacht equal to $1 million per 3.3 feet in length. In other words, a 100-foot yacht will, on average, cost more than $30 million. Older yachts below 85 feet are less expensive.

Who is the owner of the most expensive sailboat? ›

History Supreme, the most expensive yacht in the world, is owned by a Malaysian businessman who is believed to be Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts' founder Robert Kuok.

How much is Andrey Melnichenko worth? ›

He is the founder and ex-beneficiary of fertilizer producer EuroChem Group and coal producer SUEK, and was a non-executive director in both companies until 9 March 2022. Forbes and Bloomberg estimated his net worth at $15.8 billion and $17.4 billion respectively, which makes him one of the richest persons in Russia.

Who owns the Black Pearl? ›

Tributes paid to Oleg Burlakov, owner of 106.7m sailing superyacht Black Pearl.

What yacht Does Simon Cowell own? ›

American Idol bigwig Simon Cowell has joined the superyacht crowd in St. American Idol bigwig Simon Cowell has joined the superyacht crowd in St. Barths aboard his $450,000-per-week chartered superyacht Slipstream. The 196-footer, the largest yacht ever launched by France's CMN Shipyard, is 12 inches shorter than P.

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