A privileged yard, one of the leading builders of custom superyachts, Lürssen has constructed 5 out of 10 world’s largest vessels. The yard also holds all the records for the largest yachts in terms of LOA with the 180.6-metre Azzam, and in terms of interior volume with the 156-metre Dilbar.
With a few attempts to overdo the giant manufacturer in recent years (for instance, Project REV will exceed Azzam by 1.6 metres once launched), its domination in the field doesn’t seem to be hindered. Today, Yacht Harbour recalls the largest 10 mammoth vessels presented by the German yard so far.
#10. Octopus
LOA: 126.2m
Year: 2003
Until the explorer superyacht REV launches in 2020, Octopus holds the title of the largest expedition yacht in the world, not surpassed in 16 years from her launch. She had belonged to Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, who had also owned NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and NFL’s Seattle Seahawks teams till he passed away in late 2018. His fortune was estimated at $20,3 billion by Forbes.
Octopus is capable to accommodate 26 guests in total, with up to 57 crew members. Amenities found on-board include a swimming pool and a music studio as well as a courtyard-like set up on the third deck of Octopus occupied by guest space.
She has two helicopter pads and an internal dock that extends through the hull, holding two submarines and a 18-metre tender. The yacht has been involved in multiple exploration discoveries, including a Japanese battleship and the bell from HMS Hood, a World War II battlecruiser.
Despite her expedition nature, the yacht has been much favoured by the world’s top-rate celebrities, with Mick Jagger recording an album in on-board studio in 2011 and Usher, U2 and Johnny Cash listed among other performers.
#9. Crescent
LOA: 135m
Year: 2018
Built as project Thunder, motor yacht Crescent features exteriors by Espen Oeino and interiors by Zuretti Interior Design. She encompasses a total volume of 9,194 GT with a beam of 22 metres.
One of the most significant features of Crescent is her huge glared atrium with three-deck-high windows, allowing for plenty of natural light to penetrate the elegant interiors. In addition, the yacht has been constructed with two helicopter pads instead of one, including the retractable helicopter hangar on the upper deck.
Crescent represents a full-displacement steel hull and aluminium superstructure yacht, built to Lloyds Register classifications. She was fitted with zero speed stabilisers for increased comfort on board, while she is also air-conditioned.
The yacht offers accommodations for 18 guests across nine staterooms. Little is known about the interior, though if it lives up to Crescent’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design.
#8. Flying Fox
LOA: 136.0m
Year: 2019
Stretching across a beam of 20.5-meters, the yacht with estimated 9,100 GT of interior volume currently ranks as the 14th largest yacht in the world. Her dove grey sleek hull lines were conceived by Espen Oeino, complemented with interiors by UK designer Mark Berryman. The latter reportedly focus on neutral tones and a calm appearance.
Recently made available for charter, Flying Fox boasts two helipads, large sea terraces, wide swim platforms for watersports, a panoramic exterior saloon on the roof deck and a generous 12-metre swimming pool crossways the main deck, the first one for a superyacht of that size. She can accommodate up to 22 guests across 11 staterooms, along with a crew of 54.
Meanwhile, the vessel’s main interior area, the large two-floor saloon, lies on the bridge deck, fitted with wood fireplace, dining table for 22 guests and a cinema. Flying Fox is also trademarked with a unique in its size 400 square-metre two-floor spa, offering guests a hammam, sauna, massage area, gym and cryo sauna. On the lower deck, the spa area is connected to the sea lounge which comes with a large Jacuzzi, and access to the sea through the dive centre and sea platforms.
Speedwise, the vessel features a cruising speed of 15 knots.
#7. Rising Sun
LOA: 138m
Year: 2004
Rising Sun was built by Lürssen in 2004, with the design of Jon Bannenberg. David Geffen, a billionaire with a net worth of $6 billion, had co-owned Rising Sun along with Larry Ellison from 2004, before he bought it in 2010. Being one of the largest yachts in the world, it costed $200,000,000 to build Rising Sun, according to some reports.
With exterior design by Jon Bannenberg, Rising Sun is defined by banks of windows across the superstructure. The yacht takes advatage of 8,000 square metres of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Laura Seccombe includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar. One of the most destinctive hallmarks of the yacht, the rear cockpit deck, was designed as a basketball court.
#6. Al Salamah
LOA: 139.3m
Year: 1999
At the time of her launch in 1999, Al Salamah was not only the largest yacht by Lürssen, but also the third largest vessel in the world. Previously existing under the codename Mipos (Mission Possible), Al Salamah's owner was Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia (Crown Prince). Since then, rumours have been circulating that the yacht had been offered for sale in 2012 at nearly $300,000,000, but that remained unconfirmed.
Al Salamah was designed by Terence Disdale. The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements. Al Salamah has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 94 crew and has a top speed of 21 knots. Al Salamah underwent a refit by Lürssen in 2007.
#5. Redwood
LOA: 142m
Year: 2020
The 142-metre superyacht Redwood has been recently moved into final construction stage at Lürssen’ Vegesack facility in Bremen, with her delivery scheduled to 2020.
This vessel has already become history as the largest yacht ever sold and built by a brokerage company, Moran Yacht & Ship. Designed by the team at Nuvolari & Lenard, Project Redwood is being built to a Moran Yacht & Ship specification, overseeing her construction.
The sale of Project Redwood was announced In September 2015, as a 139-metre project. She was later extended at 3 metres, boasting six decks, with sports and diving centre, a generous partially-covered swimming pool, two helipads and a whole bunch of large tenders (15 metres).
Venive-based design studio Nuvolari & Lenard created the yacht’s interior design, which will be able to accommodate up to 36 guests in 20 staterooms. Redwood will also be able for long-range and efficient global explorations.
#4. A+
LOA: 147.3m
Year: 2012
Formerly known as Topaz, the yacht has been recently renamed A+, with no record of changing owners or being earlier listed for sale, though.
Built in 2012, A+ belongs on the list of the largest vessels owned by sports teams owners. According to media, she is owned by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with an estimated personal net worth of $4.9 billion. Sheikh Mansour also owns ADUG investment company that takes the ownership of Manchester City F.C.
With her gross tonnage of 12,532 GT, A+ is also one of the world’s largest superyachts in terms of volume. Topaz features sleek exteriors by Tim Heywood and the interiors conceived by UK-based studio Terence Disdale Design.
The eight-deck vessel has been built to steel displacement hull and aluminium superstructure. All the decks are connected with a lift, giving access provides access to two helipads and swimming platforms. A+ is also highlighted with a fully equipped gym, two Jacuzzi, movie theatre and a conference room. Heк large tender garage offers space for a wide choice of water toys, including jet skis, inflatable boats, catamaran and a mini-submarine.
The yacht can accommodate up to 62 guests within 26 cabins on-board, along with 79 crew members. Powered by specially designed Pielstick diesel engines of 7,990 HP each, A+ achieves her maximum speed at 25.5 knots and cruises at 22.9 knots. At anchor, particularly in rough water, her stabilisers ensure passengers’ comfort on-board.
#3. Al Said
LOA: 155m
Year: 2008
Originally referred to as Project Sunflower, steel and aluminium yacht Al Saïd gained her official name following her launch in 2008. Her exterior design by Espen Oeino resembles a classic cruise liner in many ways, complete with the twin exhaust stacks in the centre of the superstructure.
Owned by the Sultan Qaboos Al Said of Oman, fhe yacht flies the Oman flag. She can house a crew of 150 and, according to some sources, 65 guests. Lürssen reports, Al Saïd has a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed her interiors, which include a concert hall that can hold a 50-person orchestra.
Within her interior volume of 15,850 tones, Al Said features a cinema room for 50 people, as well as plenty of entertaining space dispatched amongst 6 decks, and a helipad.
#2. Dilbar
LOA: 156m
Year: 2016
Known during her highly secretive build as Project Omar, the 156-meter yacht was launched at Lürssen facility in 2015. She became Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's third yacht and the third yacht to bear the same name Dilbar, after the businessman’s mother.
With her gross tonnage of 15,917 tons, she has officially become the world's largest yacht by volume. Dilbar boasts exterior design by Espen Oeino and interior styling by Andrew Winch. Dilbar features a combined 3,800 square meters of living space, being able to host up to 40 guests and a crew of 80.
Following her delivery in June 2016, Lürssen also claimed two other records for Dilbar — her 180 cubic metre on-board swimming pool is believed to be the largest on any yacht, while the 30,000 kw diesel electric power plant is thought to be the most powerful ever fitted to a superyacht, giving her a cruising speed of 22.5 knots.
Lürssen added that the world’s largest motor yacht was one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, because of its dimensions and technology. Despite Dilbar’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte, with no obvious bulges along the hull.
#1. Azzam
LOA: 180.6m
Year: 2013
Designed by Nauta and launched in 2013, Azzam is the flagship of the German builder’s fleet. Powered by twin diesel engines and two gas turbines, Azzam blasts off at 30 knots, which is extremely impressive for a yacht of her size. She is able to operate at high speed even in shallow waters.
Very little information is known on the vessel after her 2013 launch, because of the penchant for privacy of her owner, who is according to media sources Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi.
Nauta Design’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. Lürssen describes the interior by Christophe Leoni as ‘sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century’.
Italian shipyard Baglietto has presented 43 m Baglietto Explorer designed by the Italian firm Santa Maria Magnolfi. The vessel was conceived with a view to create a real Explorer Yacht, inspired by work boats, that of warships and, obviously, the world of yachting.The concept represents a modified version of earlier presented project with a helipad. This version is rather designed for an owner who favours fishing or sailing with a small boat. Those ideas have been worked out to satisfy different requests.The yacht will be trademarked with a 58-square-metre upper deck entirely reserved for the owner. Access to the entrance salon may be open to everyone or limited. Furthermore, this version would hosts outside on this deck a 28’ sportfisherman boat as well as a 6-metre rescue tender, besides the enlarged dining area for 12 people. A panoramic area with sofa and table has been placed in the bow area.On the main deck, the large full-beam salon features an almost square layout and has ceiling-high windows on the bulwarks. The aft zone has been redesigned for open back space and a cosy conversation area in the shadow with a panoramic view and easy access to the sea thanks to a transformer system. A winter garden (an area that is considered as “outdoor” but is in fact enclosed by glazed surfaces and air conditioned) works as a transition between the salon and the aft area. This place can also be deployed as a TV room.The lower deck offers four guests cabins. Aft, there is a wine cellar with controlled temperature and humidity and a cold room fully dedicated to the fish storage.An external staircase allows to reach the sundeck, furnished with a sunbed area but featuring a much more minimal style, with teak having been replaced by polished flooring, typical of ice breakers and work boats. On this deck, the bridge house lies designed with military outlines in mind. The bridge house represents a lifting platform and an observation point for catching sight of whales or simply enjoying the views.In general, the interiors feature large glazed surfaces letting in plenty of natural light, vertical elements with metal finishes alternating with the pleasant shades of natural materials. Italian marbles and exotic woods come combined with ancient Moroccan straw mats and Indian silk fabrics; the large display cabinets and the wide shelves have been specifically designed to showcase precious objects gathered from seas across the globe. Baglietto is superyacht builder based in La Spezia, founded in 1854. In 2019, the shipyard has been active on the news, about to deliver the 55-metre vessel which is part of the yard’s well-known T-Line series and the lines of the 40-metre hull revealed.
June 18, 2019
The world premiere of the 50-metre flagship Race by Riva Yachts took place in Venice earlier today. The yacht was launched in March 2019 as the first model of the Riva Superyachts Division.Built for Italian customer, the yacht exceeds previous Riva flagship Fora (ex. Sol) by 12 metres and measures up to 9 metres in her beam.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, stated:The largest Riva, the dream of Carlo Riva that came true, a boat of immense beauty, could only make its debut at the Arsenale, which has been for centuries the largest naval factory in the world. The dreams, the skill and the talent that inhabited this space are the same ones that have animated the Riva myth in 177 years of history, up to the birth of this incredible mega yacht. Riva 50 metres is the result of the collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, the studio founded by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, who exclusively designs the entire Riva range, and the engineering team dedicated to designing the new Riva superyachts with the Ferretti Group Product Strategic Committee.The yacht features a large beach club at the stern, used as both an area for relaxation and a garage able to accommodate a Williams Dieseljet 625 tender. The bow houses a living area as well as a second garage with a hatch that opens to reveal a rescue boat. At the foredeck, there will be two jet-skis, with a carbon davit for easy launching. Additionally, the yacht’s sun deck is completed by a Jacuzzi, a sun pad and an area for dining and relaxing.Across her four decks, Riva 50 will be able to accommodate up to 12 guests in the master suite and a luxurious VIP cabin on the main deck, and another 4 VIP suites on the lower deck, which also hosts 4 cabins for the crew.The next international spot for Riva 50 will be Monaco Yacht Show 2019.
June 17, 2019
Italian media have reported that the 36.6-metre yacht Evo 120 by Italian builder Tecnomar caught fire in the early hours of Sunday, June 16, resulting in the vessel’s complete destruction. The incident took place in Marina di Carrara, Italy, with no casualties reported.According to media sources, the captain was on-board alone when the fire broke out. He managed to leave the vessel quickly. At around 01 a.m., firefighters, the police and the coast guard arrived to isolate the fire and prevent it from affecting other yachts.Launched 4 weeks ago, the yacht was the second hull from the Tecnomar Evo 120 series, due for imminent delivery to an Asian customer. As it is evident on the images available on the internet, the yacht has partly sunk and has been heavily damaged. The yacht was later towed away to a more remote section of the marina and isolated. Meanwhile, the first hull from the series was launched in 2018, while the third one is currently under construction. Sadly, the news is not the first sad ones of its kind regarding the vessels of the yard, after the 34-metre yacht caught fire in Mykonos in 2017.
June 17, 2019
Italian yacht builder Columbus Yachts (part of Palumbo Superyachts) has recently launched its current 80-metre flagship Dragon. Following the launch, Palumbo has released the first interior and running images of the yacht with exteriors and naval architecture by Hydro Tec and interiors by Francesco Guida.Dragon features impressive interior volume of over 2,100 GT spread over six decks. The upper deck also offers a 200-square-metre beach club laid at water level, fitted with multiple wellness and spa zones. The design concept is trademarked through large panoramic windows across the main salon and dining room, requested by the owner. The largest of these 40mm-thick panes covers an area of 10 square metres, with its weight of nearly two tonnes. Such windows are yet supported solely by the beams and stiffeners of the superstructure, without extra columns or pillars.The vessel will boast a Jacuzzi and large 7-metre mosaic-lined swimming pool on the sundeck, featured with counter current function. The latter is designed to provide ocean swimming experience when on-board. Cascading between the pool and the shaded hot tub is a waterfall feature from the overhanging mast roof.Furthermore, there is side-loading tender storage laid midships, with capacity for two tenders, with a 9,5-metre custom tender currently constructed by ISA Yachts, that will reflect the mothership’s style. The yacht’s interior hallmarks will include light and dark oak panels, parquet floor made of American walnut, Traventine marbles of moonlight and natural colours, satin-gold door handles and agate backlit surface used for beach club. Furthermore, a personal touch is given through owner-supplied items such as the occasional piece of vintage furniture and fine Persian rugs, or the Barrovier & Toso chandelier in the main saloon.Dragon’s accommodation capacity makes up to 12 guests within four double suites and a VIP-suite. fitted with a private lounge zone, covering full beam. The master suite with panoramic view is situated at the upper-deck, as well as a helipad. As to the crew, the vessel can accommodate up to 19.Powered by a pair of MTU engines, Dragon can boast a maximum speed of 16,5 knots, with comfortable cruising speed of 12 knots under the range of over 6,000 nautical miles.With Dragon scheduled for delivery and international debut at Monaco Yacht Show later this year, the yard has recently presented a 120-metre concept aimed to overdo the rcurrent flagship in terms of LOA. The builder is ready to begin construction of the latter as soon as a customer occurs.
June 17, 2019
This week, Italian builder Overmarine Group simultaneously delivered two vessels from different class series, the fourth 43-metre Mangusta Oceanco named Project Milano and the 45-metre Mangusta Grandsport, Project Capri. Both yachts were recently launched and final fitting-out activities are currently ongoing at the Pisa shipyard.Project Milano is trademarked through the use of wide glazed surfaces that remove existing barriers to the sea landscape, letting natural light flood in and brighten all interiors. She offers accommodation to up to 12 guests within 5 cabins.Large skylights embrace various decks, creating relaxing light effects indoors, too. The yacht is fitted with glass doors and opening balconies, infinity pool with a waterfall, located forward, and the aft beach club, and several al fresco areas.The Mangusta Oceano 43 delivers a cruising speed of 11 knots and a transatlantic range of almost 5,000 miles, which allows her to comfortably reach any destination her Owner dreams of.The previous unit from the Oceanco 43 line was delivered in April 2019.In her turn, the Project Capri reflects the lifestyle of an owner who prefers flexibility, moving quickly between different locations, but also covering long distances and exotic destinations. She is highlighted with a ‘dynamic combination of performance and freedom and the perfect harmony between luxury, comfort and sportiveness’.The simple, comfortable and laid-back-style layout smoothly connects various onboard areas. She features a spacious main deck, while the truly distinctive feature on this yacht is her upper deck, where the central living room is connected to both the stern, via large sliding glazed doors, and the forward sun bridge. The sun bridge features an infinity pool with a waterfall and a Jacuzzi for up to 7 people. The aft beach area consists of three interconnected platforms, ensuring direct contact with the sea. All the amenities are offered to up to 12 guests accommodated across 5 cabins.With her maximum speed of 26 knots, a range of 3,500 miles at 11 knots, and a draft of only 2.2 metres, the Mangusta GranSport 45 offers multiple destinations options.All in all, despite overall differences, the yard claims both vessels share some key elements, such as ‘explosive mix of Italian style, dynamic beauty and personality’ thanks to their designer Alberto Mancini, a ‘flawless combination of design and innovative technical solutions’, ‘uncompromised volumes, luxury and elegance’ through tailored design.Meanwhile, Overmarine is expanding its model range, with recently presented Mangusta Oceanco 50.
June 14, 2019