Every year sees a number of notable yachts handed over to clients around the world. This year has been no exception. Though, 2015 was truly exceptional. No less than five megayachts measuring 300 feet (91.4 meters) and larger were delivered. Several more splashed, too, set for delivery in the early weeks and months of 2016. Naturally, this unusual size range gets the lion’s share of attention in the media. That stands in stark contrast to it comprising a small portion of the overall yachting market. Nonetheless, we share the fascination with the LOAs. Simultaneously, we’re celebrating the skills of the designers and shipyards that succeed in making these massive craft look like anything but behemoths.
The seven superyachts here, all given to their owners in recent months, are listed in size order.
1. Golden Odyssey. During her construction at Lürssen, mum was the word about this yacht. A confidentiality agreement kept—and continues to keep—the build team from commenting. She was known as Project Tatiana until her nameboards became visible over the summer. Measuring 404’2” (123.2 meters), Golden Odyssey has one of the most high-profile owners around. He’s Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, whose pride includes the Golden Fleet. It’s a collection of megayachts and research craft. Among them: the 263-footer (80.15-meter) Golden Odyssey (now called Golden Odyssey II) built back in 1990 by Blohm+Voss. Given the prince’s interest in ocean research, we expect his new Golden Odyssey to participate in expeditions for his non-profit, the Living Oceans Foundation. 2. Symphony. The launch and delivery of Symphony was music to the ears of Feadship. She marks its largest yacht to date, at 333 feet (101.5 meters). She, too, has been a confidential project, referred to as Hull 808 during her build. Back in January, though, Feadship did release a brief statement. It said that Royal Van Lent “will own and operate her upon completion, as a showpiece of Feadship excellence.” Contrary to this, many believe Symphony is owned by Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH. Whatever the truth, Symphony accommodates an owners’ party of 16 to 20. Another highlight: a waterfall feature for the nearly 20-foot-long (6-meter-long) glass-bottomed swimming pool.
3. I Dynasty. Launched in late 2014 and delivered several months ago, I Dynasty comes in at 330’7” (100.8 meters). Construction was overseen by Kusch Yachts in Germany. The video above, shot this summer when I Dynasty left the yard, showcases her curvy, head-turning lines. They’re penned by The A Group; the studio handled naval architecture, too. You can really appreciate just how big she is when two PWCs zip by in the footage. Few details are known about I Dynasty. She’s said to accommodate 22 guests and 29 crew, plus the captain. Beam is an elbowroom-friendly 52’5” (16 meters). She also has diesel-electric propulsion.
4. Royal Romance. Yet another Feadship made headlines this year for her LOA. Royal Romance comes in at 303’5” (92.5 meters). She’s been kept under tight publicity wraps, too. Among the few features divulged are accommodations for 22 guests and a pool with a waterfall. She’s enjoying the waters of the western Med as you read this.
5. Lady Lara. Known as Project Orchid while at Lürssen, Lady Lara measures 298’6” (91 meters). Delivery occurred just last month. The owners are wasting no time putting her to good use. Lady Lara is currently in St. Barths, prepared to ring in the new year amid a plethora of other megayachts. The Bahamas and Florida are further on the yacht’s itinerary.
6. Savannah (above). Though Savannah is the smallest of the three Feadships on this list, she marks a significant first for the yard. The 273’10” (83.5-meter) megayacht has a hybrid propulsion system. It’s a proprietary system comprised of a single Wärtsilä powerplant, three Caterpillar gensets, a battery bank, a propeller, and an azimuthing thruster. Savannah has another noteworthy feature, this being an underwater viewing lounge. Feadship can’t reveal details, though it’s been depicted in a few of its print ads.
7. RoMEA (at top). It’s been a while since an Abeking & Rasmussen build has been available for publicity. This 268’4” (81.8-meter) megayacht is family-friendly, with an entire deck devoted to the owners and their children. It includes the kids’ stateroom plus a lounge containing a player piano. Relaxation is the watchword for RoMEA, given another deck area devoted to massages, manicures, and manes, plus a spa with a sauna and cold pool off the swim platform. You can charter her for €875,000 per week, too. For more on RoMEA, see our Megayacht News Onboard feature.)
Freddie Pugh
Hello, Does Launched in late 2014 and delivered several months ago ?
Diane M. Byrne
Yes, launched in 2014 and delivered in 2015 is fine; in fact, that is the case with Dynasty I, as mentioned.