The 9,500-Gross-Ton Yacht Dragonfly On Her Maiden Voyage

Four years of design work is now in the rear-view mirror as the rugged-looking yacht Dragonfly is officially in her owner’s hands. Lürssen delivered her on December 3.

During construction, the yacht went by the name Project Alibaba. She bears dramatic, long lines by Germán Frers. The way the lines flow to the especially elongated aft deck means there’s no mistaking her for another yacht on the horizon. “The goal was to produce a well-balanced design that emphasizes timeless appeal over transient trends,” Frers explains. Silvery paint lends more emphasis to her strong features and overall 466-foot (142-meter) length.

Even with her extraordinary volume of 9,500 gross tons, the yacht Dragonfly is more than just a large private vessel. She reflects some engineering challenges as well. For instance, she has a double-folding platform system at the transom. According to Lürssen, which is responsible for naval architecture, too, the deck directly above can fold into the platform. This opens up an airy beach club, with of course direct access for the owner and guests to the sea. Another technical challenge was the diesel-electric propulsion system, again developed in house by the shipyard. Two diesel engines pair with gearboxes that themselves have PTI/PTO (Power Take In/Power Take Off) units. Briefly, the setup allows the system to provide either electric propulsion or electricity for other onboard systems.

Although the owner wants most of the design details kept confidential, the yacht Dragonfly does have a few notable creature comforts. For instance, one deck is for business, containing an office. But, the same deck further has a gym, a games room, and a heli hangar. The main deck, meanwhile, is home to a spa, a cinema, a watersports center with plenty of gear, and a glass-bottomed pool. Nauta Design worked with the owner for the internal and alfresco social spaces, “an exciting four years” according to Mario Pedol, the studio’s president. “Dragonfly offers incredible perspectives and breathtaking outside views—all with a subtle balance of refined elegance.”

If the name Dragonfly is familiar, it should be. The same owner had a 241-footer (73-meter) that famously assisted YachtAid Global in Vanuatu in 2015 to provide much-needed aid following a devastating cyclone.

Y.CO will handle management for the yacht, which is for private use only. The company represented the owner during construction as well.

Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering germanfrers.net

Lürssen lurssen.com

Nauta Design nautadesign.com

Y.CO y.co