There are seven seas, and seven continents. The number seven is considered lucky, too. In these spirits, with 2017 arriving this weekend, we’re looking ahead at the seven largest megayacht deliveries of the coming year. In order, from largest to smallest (if “smallest” makes any sense for 200- to 400-foot-plus yachts), they are:
1. Sailing Yacht A. This highly anticipated project is in build at Nobiskrug. At 468 feet LOA, with a beam of 81’6”, and standing eight decks high, Sailing Yacht A is nothing if not big. So, too, are her masts, the tallest freestanding ones in the world. Technically, though, she’s not a sailing yacht. She’s a sail-assisted motoryacht. This means that she can operate under sail, but will rely on engine propulsion (an MTU diesel-electric system) more often than not. Sailing Yacht A should therefore cruise at 16 knots. She gets her unusual styling from Philippe Starck, who also designed the unusual motoryacht known as Both belong to Andrey Melnichenko, a Russian industrialist. “A” signifies his first initial, plus his wife’s first initial.
2. Project Jupiter. This 403-footer touched the water a few days before Halloween at Lürssen. She gets her exterior looks from H2 Yacht Design. It’s characterized by prominent arches around amidships. The styling is similar to what the firm did for Maryah, built at a Greek yard a few years ago, plus a concept it created for Fincantieri. While Lürssen can’t reveal the owner’s identity, it does hint that Project Jupiter “will stun the Hollywood crowd.” The beam of 65’6” should stun them, too.
3. U116. U116 is a code name for a 381-footer. The numeral in her name is her length in meters. She’s also referred to as Kleven 370, since she’s in build at Kleven, a commercial shipyard in Norway. The expedition yacht arrived in Germany, as seen in the video above, in early December for final fit out. She’s the second such yacht from Kleven, following the 351-foot Ulysses that was delivered earlier this year. U116 is for the same owners as Ulysses, in fact, Graeme and Robyn Hart, New Zealanders who love cruising. Sixty-six people will be able to stay aboard U116 in a few short months.
4. Solar. The world got its first good glimpse at the code-named megayacht project Solar (above) when she left her build shed at Oceanco this fall. The 348-foot sailing yacht features styling and interior design by Nuvolari-Lenard. Between her LOA and nearly 3,000 gross tonnage, she’s the world’s largest sailing yacht. Solar power reportedly plays a big role aboard, though details aren’t available.
5. Aviva. Abeking & Rasmussen has remained quiet about Aviva, just as it has about other projects in build, as per the wishes of the owners. LOA should be about 321 feet.
6. Vertigo. Feadship launched Vertigo , coming in at 317 feet, in November. Redman Whiteley Dixon graced her with plentiful soft curves outside. A significant feature aboard Vertigo is a glass-bottomed and –sided pool that’s eight feet deep at one end. That same end is shaped like an S. Another big feature aboard: a two-sided fireplace, dividing the saloon and formal dining area.
7. Oceanco Y715. This 290-foot motoryacht has a rich blue hull and styling as well as interior design by Sam Sorgiovanni Designs. Details remain closely guarded secrets.
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