She just started construction, and she’s two years from completion. “She” is the Noble Star 140 model, the largest megayacht so far from IAG Yachts.
China-based IAG Yachts was founded in Zhuhai, China in 2005 by two brothers who enjoy boat ownership and cruising. They believed yacht construction, with the input of an internationally experienced team, could take place on Chinese soil. So far IAG Yachts has built and delivered two megayachts, with two more under construction, including the Noble Star 140, to be christened King Baby.
If King Baby sounds familiar, it’s because the owner, from New York, is a repeat yacht owner, having had a 100-foot Hargrave. He’s also a good friend of the founder of the King Baby jewelry company, whose chunky, edgy designs are worn by many famous rock stars. (He actually at first was simply an admirer of the jewelry and approached the head of King Baby several years ago for permission to use the name on one of his boats. The rest, as they say, is history.)
You also may recall having heard the King Baby name associated with IAG Yachts in recent months. That’s because the Noble Star 140 started out as the IAG 135, which was to be christened King Baby. As is the case with many megayacht projects, she has grown in size.
IAG Yachts is building the megayacht to RINA Commercial Class and in compliance with the LY2 standard of the MCA Code. As the model name suggests, LOA is 140 feet. Beam should exceed 30 feet, and draft will be about seven feet. While she’ll be built of fiberglass, some carbon fiber is also being employed, making the Noble Star 140 the largest of this type to be built anywhere in China.
All-American systems and equipment will be aboard, for ease of service and maintenance. Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec is serving as the naval architect, while Evan K. Marshall is overseeing styling and interior design. Note the Noble Star 140’s bow flare, which should keep spray down. Top speed should be about 21 knots, while cruise speed should be about 17 knots, given twin 16V MTU 2000 M94 engines, for a total of 5,200 hp.
Marshall says the interior design is still evolving, though the owner and his wife “are very engaged, challenging and pushing my team.” One thing that is already set is the alfresco space; note the opening hardtop over the flying bridge, which should be directly above a dining and/or relaxation area.
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