Nothing says unrivaled wealth and opulence like having ones’
very own superyacht; from Sheikhdoms and tech powerhouses to post-Iron Curtain
juggernauts,
the outlandishly wealthy not only work hard to create their
wealth, they work equally hard to show it; and while Monaco in July rapidly
approaches, aquatic palaces will most certainly be on display. Passion4Luxury
takes a look at the top five of the world’s largest, most astonishing yachts.
5. DILBAR
At 157m (512 ft), Dilbar is the world’s fourth longest
yacht and the world’s biggest, by volume. Built by Lürrsen, Dilbar is owned by
Russian-Uzbek mining and investment giant, Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov,
accommodates 40 people, a crew of 100, and a bespoke Airbus H175 helicopter for
seven passengers. The helicopter also features a forward zone, complete with a
lounge vibe and club seating for four and a galley with sofa seating for three
in the rear.
Dilbar has a displacement tonnage of 1,230 tons—equivalent
to around 186 elephants, a beam width of 23m, and a 25m swimming pool able to
hold 225,000 liters of water. The superyacht also has 3,800m of living space
for the owner and guests. While it may not be the world’s most expensive boast
at almost $300 million, it certainly is one for the books.
Initially, a joint venture between Blohm + Voss and Lürssen
shipyards, the Andrew Winch-designed Platinum 525 was commissioned in 1996 for
Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. In 2001, Platinum Yachts acquired the hull for
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister
of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed took over the project in 2006 and
what we renamed the Platinum 525 to what we now know as the Dubai.
4. DUBAI
Among the Dubai’s most intriguing features are the
split-level owner’s deck, a helipad that accommodates a 9.5-ton helicopter,
multiple Jacuzzis and sunbathing areas, magnificent, delicately wrought
mosaics, and an astonishing circular staircase with glass steps. At 162m (531
ft; 6 in), the Dubai easily cruises at 26 knots (30 mph; 48km/h) with a crew of
88, and a crew area large enough to accommodate 115 people. The Dubai also has
the distinction of being previously named the world’s largest yacht, it’s also
one of the world’s most memorable. At $400 million, it’s also among the most
expensive.
Initially, a joint venture between Blohm + Voss and Lürssen
shipyards, the Andrew Winch-designed Platinum 525 was commissioned in 1996 for
Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. In 2001, Platinum Yachts acquired the hull for
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister
of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed took over the project in 2006 and
what we renamed the Platinum 525 to what we now know as the Dubai.
Among the Dubai’s most intriguing features are the
split-level owner’s deck, a helipad that accommodates a 9.5-ton helicopter,
multiple Jacuzzis and sunbathing areas, magnificent, delicately wrought
mosaics, and an astonishing circular staircase with glass steps. At 162m (531
ft; 6 in), the Dubai easily cruises at 26 knots (30 mph; 48km/h) with a crew of
88, and a crew area large enough to accommodate 115 people. The Dubai also has
the distinction of being previously named the world’s largest yacht, it’s also
one of the world’s most memorable. At $400 million, it’s also among the most
expensive.
3. SAILING YACHT “A”
Yacht geeks the world over appreciate Sailing Yacht A’s
monumental achievement. Commissioned by Belarusian-born philanthropist, Andrey
Melnichenko, designed by Philippe Starck
and built by Nobiskrug in a project led by Dirk Kloosterman, the yacht
is the largest sail-assisted motor yacht of its kind at 143m (469 ft).
Reaching top speeds at 21 knots and a traveling range of
5,320 nautical miles, Sailing Yacht A boasts a glass hull for ocean viewing, a
helipad on the sixth floor, three 100m masts, and space for a crew of 54.
Arguably one of the most cutting-edge yachts to date, the superyacht has a
hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation. At
$500 million, Sailing Yacht A proves to be one of the most revolutionary
vessels of the modern period.
2. The M/Y ECLIPSE
Eclipse was built by Blohm + Voss for Russian
tycoon Roman Abramovich. The exterior and interior were designed by Terence
Tisdale. Eclipse is the world’s second-largest private yacht at 162.5m (533
ft). The Eclipse is the result of 5 years of intense design, conceptual
development, and construction.
With stunning custom interior finishing and amenities for up
to 92, including guests and crew, the Eclipse has a 1 million liter fuel tank
able to travel 6,000 nautical miles at 21 knots. There is a lift, underwater
lights, Beach Club, gym, jacuzzi, exterior bar, and fireplace. It also features 2 Wartsila 4,847hp diesel-electric
engines, a 52m (170.6 ft) owner’s deck, two helipads with hangar space for a
third helicopter, and a 16m swimming pool. Price tag: $390+ million.
1 Azzam in Arabic means “determination; resolute.”
Perhaps that is why Lürssen Yachts built superyacht Azzam for H.H. Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, emir of Abu
Dhabi, and supreme commander of the UAE’s Union Defence Forces. Priced north of
$600, the Azzam is currently the world’s largest motor yacht (and fourth most
expensive). The Azzam is outfitted with its very own submarine, missile defense
system, and a bulletproof master suite. “She truly represents another milestone
in yachting history,” Peter Lürssen said.
Two gas turbines and two diesel engines, with a combined
94,000 horsepower, drive the 180m (591 ft.), six-deck behemoth at a maximum
speed of 30 knots. With two swimming pools, two helipads, and a cinema, the
Azzam outmatches Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s superyacht, M/Y Eclipse
by 15m (49.2 ft), boasting a 20.8m (68 ft; 4 in) beam. Without question, the
Azzam takes the phrase, “members only,” to an entirely new level.
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