Benetti Offers Wide Open Spaces and an Infinity Pool at Sea

The Oasis 135’ superyacht adroitly blurs the distinction between indoors and outdoors.

Italian shipbuilder Benetti had plenty to show off at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival. But at least for the moment, we’re going to turn our spotlight towards one specific yacht: the new Oasis 135’. A departure from Benetti’s more traditional designs, the 135’ plays with the distinction—or lack thereof—between indoor and outdoor spaces, helping bring you and your guests closer to the water and its potential adventures than ever before.

Aimed at owners who want their active lifestyle reflected by their yacht, the new model is imbued with a more casual feel than the more traditional boats in Benetti’s Classic line. The Oasis 135’ was designed by Benetti in partnership with RWD in the U.K. and Bonetti/Kozerski in New York, which has worked on everything from residential and retail spaces to furniture lines. The distinct approach to blending indoor and outdoor spaces is perhaps best exemplified by the designers’ take on a main saloon, which in this case is surrounded with windows that can all be opened, transforming the area into an extension of the deck outside.

The interior decoration adds to the casual, airy feel of the yacht with a palette that is heavy on light-colored leathers, white panels, and touches of rosewood. Also located on the main deck is the owner’s apartment, which features its own marble-bedecked bathroom and a private balcony in the owner’s suite—once again removing barriers between passengers and the sea. Belowdecks, the 135-foot yacht is equipped with two VIP cabins and two cabins with twin beds. Guests can also congregate at seating areas in the pilothouse or head up to the sundeck for fresh air, a drink at the bar, and some serious lounging.

However, the new boat’s coup de grâce has to be the beach terrace on the main deck. Not only can it be expanded with two fold-down side platforms to accommodate large social gathering, it also boasts a mini infinity pool located just feet from the ocean.

 Photos: Courtesy of Benetti

Tis the new Gigayacht from Lürssen

Tis is a very small name for what turns out to be a very, very large yacht. The 364-footer was launched by Lürssen Yachts on Monday, as part of the multiyear build process.
The German builder expects to start sea trials in October and eventually deliver the yacht to its owner at an unspecified point over the winter.

The Winch Design is long, lithe, classic, and simple-looking in an elegant way, especially for a gigayacht of its substantial length. Winch did a masterful job of keeping the profile balanced and seemingly low to the water. He did this partly by giving the upper decks plenty of exterior space, fore and aft, so the yacht does not look dense, like many stacked, wedding-cake yacht designs. The navy-blue hull also has an unusually long foredeck compared to most contemporary gigayachts, so the profile once again seems slender, rather than heavy. The stern also ends relatively close to the water, with a soft tumblehome design that is more common on 30-foot motor yachts.

The decks flow upward in a nice proportional stairstep pattern at the stern, while the curves in front soften the profile. The tasteful cutouts along the shearline fuse the deck and superstructure aesthetically, giving Tis a distinctive profile that nobody will ever mistake for another yacht of its stature.

Lürssen remains mum about the interior or any other significant details of Tis, as the builder often does with its new launches, but it’s clear that the yacht’s 55-foot beam and banks of windows across all decks create abundant, light-filled interior spaces. The exterior spaces are likewise plentiful on the top three decks.

This newest launch from Lürssen will fall in the top 35 of the world’s largest yachts. To gain a sense of perspective, look for people standing on the decks. They appear like small dots, which shows just how large Tis really is.

All picture: Photo: Klaus Jordan

Maltese Falcon the World’s Most Radical Sailing Yacht

The 12-year-old 289-foot Perini Navi superyacht is still one of the world’s most technologically advanced and largest private sailing yachts.

When he launched Maltese Falcon in 2006, venture capitalist and former Hewlett Packard GM Tom Perkins fulfilled a fantasy that most sailors would never have even dared to dream.

The 289-foot superyacht by Perini Navi—considered the world’s most radical sailing yacht and the largest private sailing yacht at launch time—has three giant rotating masts, each supporting five sails. The “Dyna Rig” masts give Maltese Falcon a top-end speed of 24 knots. Although translating this 19th-century concept to a 21st-century yacht could have been a spectacular failure, Perkins forged ahead, spending between $150 million and $300 million over a four-year period. His team built a special facility to test and build the carbon-fiber masts (with heights up to 187 feet) at the Perini Navi shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey.

The furling sails are stored inside the masts and automatically deploy along tracks in six minutes at the push of a button. The sails, which have no rigging, are trimmed by simply rotating the masts electronically. To the amazement of many, and the outrage of sailing purists, a single, desk-size, push-button panel controls all 25,800 square feet of material on the yacht’s 15 sails, allowing Maltese Falcon to be operated by one person if desired.

With naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and Perini Navi, and exterior design by Ken Freivokh, the yacht has won multiple superyacht races, as well as numerous awards, including Robb Report’s Best of the Best.

In the stunning interior also created by Ken Freivokh, which features generous spaces and contrasting materials, carbon finish is used beside walnut, and aluminum works well beside Macassar ebony. The yacht has a full-beam master and five double suites, accommodating 12 guests.

Twelve years after he built his dream, Perkins’s Maltese Falcon is still one of the most technically advanced sailing yachts ever.

5 Of The World’s Most Iconic Luxury Superyachts

Nothing says unrivaled wealth and opulence like having ones’ very own superyacht; from Sheikhdoms and tech powerhouses to post-Iron Curtain juggernauts,

the outlandishly wealthy not only work hard to create their wealth, they work equally hard to show it; and while Monaco in July rapidly approaches, aquatic palaces will most certainly be on display. Passion4Luxury takes a look at the top five of the world’s largest, most astonishing yachts.

5. DILBAR

At 157m (512 ft), Dilbar is the world’s fourth longest yacht and the world’s biggest, by volume. Built by Lürrsen, Dilbar is owned by Russian-Uzbek mining and investment giant, Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov, accommodates 40 people, a crew of 100, and a bespoke Airbus H175 helicopter for seven passengers. The helicopter also features a forward zone, complete with a lounge vibe and club seating for four and a galley with sofa seating for three in the rear.

Dilbar has a displacement tonnage of 1,230 tons—equivalent to around 186 elephants, a beam width of 23m, and a 25m swimming pool able to hold 225,000 liters of water. The superyacht also has 3,800m of living space for the owner and guests. While it may not be the world’s most expensive boast at almost $300 million, it certainly is one for the books.

Initially, a joint venture between Blohm + Voss and Lürssen shipyards, the Andrew Winch-designed Platinum 525 was commissioned in 1996 for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. In 2001, Platinum Yachts acquired the hull for H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed took over the project in 2006 and what we renamed the Platinum 525 to what we now know as the Dubai.

4. DUBAI

Among the Dubai’s most intriguing features are the split-level owner’s deck, a helipad that accommodates a 9.5-ton helicopter, multiple Jacuzzis and sunbathing areas, magnificent, delicately wrought mosaics, and an astonishing circular staircase with glass steps. At 162m (531 ft; 6 in), the Dubai easily cruises at 26 knots (30 mph; 48km/h) with a crew of 88, and a crew area large enough to accommodate 115 people. The Dubai also has the distinction of being previously named the world’s largest yacht, it’s also one of the world’s most memorable. At $400 million, it’s also among the most expensive.

Initially, a joint venture between Blohm + Voss and Lürssen shipyards, the Andrew Winch-designed Platinum 525 was commissioned in 1996 for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. In 2001, Platinum Yachts acquired the hull for H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed took over the project in 2006 and what we renamed the Platinum 525 to what we now know as the Dubai.

Among the Dubai’s most intriguing features are the split-level owner’s deck, a helipad that accommodates a 9.5-ton helicopter, multiple Jacuzzis and sunbathing areas, magnificent, delicately wrought mosaics, and an astonishing circular staircase with glass steps. At 162m (531 ft; 6 in), the Dubai easily cruises at 26 knots (30 mph; 48km/h) with a crew of 88, and a crew area large enough to accommodate 115 people. The Dubai also has the distinction of being previously named the world’s largest yacht, it’s also one of the world’s most memorable. At $400 million, it’s also among the most expensive.

3. SAILING YACHT “A”

Yacht geeks the world over appreciate Sailing Yacht A’s monumental achievement. Commissioned by Belarusian-born philanthropist, Andrey Melnichenko, designed by Philippe Starck  and built by Nobiskrug in a project led by Dirk Kloosterman, the yacht is the largest sail-assisted motor yacht of its kind at 143m (469 ft).

Reaching top speeds at 21 knots and a traveling range of 5,320 nautical miles, Sailing Yacht A boasts a glass hull for ocean viewing, a helipad on the sixth floor, three 100m masts, and space for a crew of 54. Arguably one of the most cutting-edge yachts to date, the superyacht has a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation. At $500 million, Sailing Yacht A proves to be one of the most revolutionary vessels of the modern period.

2. The M/Y ECLIPSE

Eclipse was built by Blohm + Voss for Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich. The exterior and interior were designed by Terence Tisdale. Eclipse is the world’s second-largest private yacht at 162.5m (533 ft). The Eclipse is the result of 5 years of intense design, conceptual development, and construction.

With stunning custom interior finishing and amenities for up to 92, including guests and crew, the Eclipse has a 1 million liter fuel tank able to travel 6,000 nautical miles at 21 knots. There is a lift, underwater lights, Beach Club, gym, jacuzzi, exterior bar, and fireplace.  It also features 2 Wartsila 4,847hp diesel-electric engines, a 52m (170.6 ft) owner’s deck, two helipads with hangar space for a third helicopter, and a 16m swimming pool. Price tag: $390+ million.

THE AZZAM

1     Azzam in Arabic means “determination; resolute.” Perhaps that is why Lürssen Yachts built superyacht Azzam for H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, emir of Abu Dhabi, and supreme commander of the UAE’s Union Defence Forces. Priced north of $600, the Azzam is currently the world’s largest motor yacht (and fourth most expensive). The Azzam is outfitted with its very own submarine, missile defense system, and a bulletproof master suite. “She truly represents another milestone in yachting history,” Peter Lürssen said.

Two gas turbines and two diesel engines, with a combined 94,000 horsepower, drive the 180m (591 ft.), six-deck behemoth at a maximum speed of 30 knots. With two swimming pools, two helipads, and a cinema, the Azzam outmatches Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s superyacht, M/Y Eclipse by 15m (49.2 ft), boasting a 20.8m (68 ft; 4 in) beam. Without question, the Azzam takes the phrase, “members only,” to an entirely new level.

Acionna Yacht Concept Revealed

British yacht designer Andy Waugh has released his latest energy-efficient concept.

British designer Andy Waugh has announced his latest yacht concept. The impressive 175m 

(574-foot) eight-deck motor yacht is destined to push boundaries—not only in style but in efficiency, too. Designed to challenge preconceptions about a yacht of its size, its elegant lines are complemented by the finishing touches throughout.

Acionna’s interior is built for those with imagination. The yacht’s ample space can include just about anything, including (but not limited to) a full-size squash court, helicopter hanger, or 20m (66-foot) indoor pool. With eight decks, there is plenty of space to play with. The double-height main saloon features panoramic curved glass overlooking the main aft-deck pool. Uniquely situated between a central “island” of communal areas, the pool also flows down the sloped transom and into a lower pool of the swim platform.

Yet another unique feature to this advanced concept is the propulsion system. Drawing inspiration from a hydrogen propulsion system currently being trialed in cruise ships and ferries, the aim is to create a zero-impact yacht. And with carbon footprints in the superyacht industry pretty heavy, this hydrogen purchased from renewable energy sources would be a welcome change in that. As Waugh explains, “This concept could easily take five or eight years to build and things may well change in that time. But there are certain areas in the world such as the Norwegian fjords that may well not be accessible by diesel vessels shortly after that time due to planned regulations and so people who build diesel yachts now may find their cruising options are restricted in the future.”

If you’re looking for a long-range vessel that can go the distance, hydrogen propulsion can take you there. According to Waugh, such concepts need to come to fruition in order to create more demand for hydrogen-powered vessels in order to make them economically viable. But this concept is not for the fair-weather sailor—such a design is ready and waiting for the trendsetters and game-changers who will appreciate everything Acionna has to offer