Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

World's largest sailing boat on the drawing board

by Des Ryan on 12 Aug 2012
Eos, now the world’s largest SW
Those who watch the yachting world closely are used to seeing the world's billionaires competing to see who can build larger and ever larger superyachts, but the word 'sailing' mostly doesn't figure - until now.

40-year-old Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko first made waves when he launched 'A,' a 396-foot motor yacht, but now he wants to build the largest sailing boat in the world, a title currently held by Eos or the Maltese Falcon, depending on how you measure them.

The design is likely to be radical if his past reputation is anything to go by. 'A', styled by the architect and designer Philippe Starck, has a stealthy, knife-like design that many likened to a submarine or battleship.


According to industry executives, Melnichenko and his yacht team are in the early stages of building the yacht. It is reported somewhere in the 400-foot range.

But it's pretty hard to find out anything else. Melnichenko and his staff have been tight-lipped about the new yacht. A spokesman for Melnichenko refused to comment on any details. No photos or blueprints for the boat have been released and very few yachting executives have even seen the plans.

But according to contractors and companies that are have been involved with the project, the new boat will be 'sail-assisted' – meaning that it will be powered with both motors and sails. Two people involved in the project say the hull bears some similarities to 'A,' with a low-slung, modern look. But another said the hull is 'quite different from ‘A.’ '

The sails of the new ship will be raked, or angled backward, giving it a sleeker look compared to boats with straighter masts, like Maltese Falcon.

Another feature that makes the new boat unusual, according to CNBC, is the business plan. Most mega-yachts are built by one of the 'big three' builders – Lurssen, Feadship or Blohm & Voss. When it comes to sailing yachts, Perini Navi rules the seas.

Melnichenko's own team will manage the construction of his new yacht. It’s being built in the Nobiskrug shipyard in Germany, which is controlled by Abu Dhabi MAR. While it’s unusual for an owner to manage his own project, one industry executive told CNBC Melnichenko’s private team is 'among the best in the industry. His guys know more than many of the major builders.'

The total cost of the boat is unclear, since it’s still in the early planning and building stages. Experts say the cost will likely exceed $100 million. Industry experts say work has started on the hull and that it will be funded as construction progresses.

But don't get excited yet - the yacht isn't expected to hit the water until 2015 or 2016.

MySail 2025Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca 2025Allen Dynamic 40 Footer

Related Articles

Summer Youth Olympic Games equipment confirmed
Dakar 2026 will feature 2 sailing events in the Techno293 World Sailing is pleased to announce the selection of Techno293 as the equipment used in competition at the upcoming Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, being held from 31 October to 13 November 2026.
Posted today at 6:08 am
America's Cup entries open on Sunday
A Cup in turmoil - has Grant Dalton dodged a bullet with the new Cup organisation? Updated story: America's Cup got underway in Rome on Monday, with Round 2 of the official welcoming ceremonies on Wednesday in Naples. Emirates Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton appears to have dodged a bullet with the formation of of new AC organising body.
Posted today at 4:18 am
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta day 1
Ideal conditions for starting the Southern Wind RendezVous and Trophy The 2025 edition of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, organised by the YCCS with the support of title sponsor Giorgio Armani, got under way right on time today, 28 May 2025 at 11.30 a.m. on the waters off Porto Cervo.
Posted on 28 May
America's Cup Power Plays
And Growing Sailing Through Learning There's always so much speculation and intrigue in-between each edition of the America's Cup. Everyone wants to know what is happening behind closed doors, inside the teams, and when the Challengers meet with the Defender.
Posted on 28 May
2025 is going to be a huge season for IMOCA
Antoine Mermod talks about the season ahead Over the next four years the most exciting monohull class in world offshore ocean racing will take on no less than 17 races, covering tens of thousands of miles of the world's oceans.
Posted on 28 May
America's Cup enthusiastically received in Naples
The Castel dell'Ovo, was the venue for the arrival of the America's Cup in Napes The Castel dell'Ovo, set on the tuft peninsula of Megaride was the outstanding setting for the Official Host Venue Presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
Posted on 28 May
Increased Crowds and Unrivalled Showcase
At 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show The 36th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has once again cemented its status as the Southern Hemisphere's premier marine event, drawing an impressive 45,865 visitors over four spectacular days from 22-25 May 2025.
Posted on 28 May
CYCA team to take best shot at the Admiral's Cup
The Australian flag will fly proud on Zen and Back 2 Black The Australian flag will fly proud on Zen and Back 2 Black during the Admiral's Cup to be held in Cowes from the Isle of Wight from 17 July - 1 August.
Posted on 28 May
Doyle Sails: Ragtime blends retro and modern
Launched in 1966, Infidel now Ragtime Sailing, has celebrated her 60th year with a refit Tina Roberts has beautifully restored Ragtime Sailing in honour of her late partner's wishes, choosing Doyle Sails not only for the world-class sails but for the depth of experience, personal commitment, and collaborative support that define the team.
Posted on 28 May
The Ocean's Logbook amplifies global voices
A digital survey that looks beyond cold statistics to capture real stories A powerful new campaign designed to capture the world's emotional connection to the ocean is being launched today ahead of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France in June.
Posted on 27 May