Image: lagomdesign.co.uk

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko was recently spotted vacationing with his wife Aleksandra in Phuket after the pair pulled their $300 million yacht into the Phang Nga Bay for an afternoon on the beach.

The Philippe Starck-designed 390-foot ultra-modern megayacht, which carries a crew of 35, was recently spotted pulling into Phang Nga Bay in Phuket, Thailand. The Phuket New reported that Melnichenko, 38, and his model wife Aleksandra came to visit The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa last weekend.

The paper reports that the Melnichenko’s personal chef left the yacht and went to the resort ahead of the couple to test the food, followed by the security. The couple eventually left the yacht and “stayed on the beach on Naka for about an hour, but the tide was going out” and they decided not to stay for dinner. The resort offered them a luxury suite, but they declined and headed back to their yacht.

Forbes magazine evaluated Melnichenko’s wealth in 2010 at $4.4 billion. Married to Serbian top model Aleksandra, Melnichenko is a businessman who reportedly spent $40 million on their wedding in 2005, where according to reports Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston performed.

Image: en.kllproject.lv

Source: James List

Images: Henry Ward Designs

BMT Nigel Gee and Henry Ward have collaborated to develop an innovative “Recreational Island,” a floating platform able to be folded up and stored in the tender bay of a mega yacht.

Henry Ward recently graduated from Transport Design and developed the innovative concept as part of his final year project. BMT came on board and invested in the research needed to assess the technological components of the project after realizing the creative talents of Ward.

Yacht Design Director, James Roy, said, “This project is a perfect match for BMT Nigel Gee. We recognize that creativity drives innovation and it is encouraging to see young designers such as Henry initiating ideas such as the Recreational Island. We are strong believers in recognizing that the creation and development of new ideas is best accomplished in a collaborative manner – bringing together unique capabilities to achieve the optimum result.”

The island measures 10m x 8m can each one can be designed to meet the individual client’s specific requirements.

The floating, folding platform is deployed using standard overhead tender cranes and is able to be towed by tender in its folded position. It is ideal for areas such as a shallow bay that the yacht cannot access or in order to simply extend the yacht’s existing platform. It is designed to add extra, flexible space for recreation including dining and relaxing.

In order to avoid sacrifice valuable deck space, the team is also investigating the possibility of configuring the island for use as a “portable helicopter landing platform.” They are also looking into bringing the “Recreational Island” to the hospitality industry, the military and event sectors.

Ward said that they are continuing to technologically develop and further design the island while they actively look for a manufacturer interested in investing in the development of the project and bringing it to the market.

Source: SuperYachtTimes

In Jimmy Buffet’s song, “Son of a Son of a Sailor,” he says, “as the son of a son of a sailor, I went out on the sea for adventure, expanding the view of the captain and crew, like a man just released from indenture.”  The allure and freedom of being out at sea is a feeling anyone can relate to.  Luckily for us, we can tap into that timeless feeling in style.  Luxury boat company, Drettman Yacht’s new superyachts take that passion and infuse it into their new concepts.

Drettman Yachts has unveiled two new superyacht designs, the Drettman Explorer Yachts (DEY) and the Drettman Motor Yachts (DMY).  The yachts artistic modern design does not ignore the essentials of a luxury ship: ample space, comfort and elegance.

The DMY series has four models-the numbers stand for how many meters the boat is-the DMY20, DMY27, DMY32 and the DMY37.  Similarly, the DEY series consists of four as well, the DEY27, DEY32, DEY37 and the DEY45.

The interior design is nothing short of plush, with a fresh color scheme and spaciously comfortable furnishings; you will be traveling the seven seas like a king.  A beach club as well as retractable balconies also adds hautiness to these ultra-lux superyachts.

Source: Super Yacht Times

Photo: Boat International

On January 25, 2012, Moran Yacht & Ship announced the largest yacht sold in 2012. So far, the sale of 65.5 metre Palmer Johnson project Stimulus has set a record for the company. Over the past four years, this will be the fifth ever built Palmer Johnson to be sold by Moran Yacht & Ship. The sale of 65.5 metre Palmer Johnson has proven to be very beneficial for the company, not only have the managed to set a record for the largest yacht sold, but the sale also anticipates around 500 additional jobs for service companies and industries, along with 100 jobs at the shipyard of Palmer Johnson.

For more info on Moran Yacht & Ship, visit the website at www.moranyachts.com. Send email to: info@moranyachts.com or call 1.954.768.0707

Source: superyachttimes.com

Images: Greece Boat Charter

Formally owned by Mike Kittredge of Yankee Candle Company, Paraffin is a 197-foot yacht that is back on the market for $57 million.

Kittredge sold Yankee Candle Company in 1998 for $500 million and named his Feadship superyacht Paraffin. The extremely luxurious yacht was first launched in 2001 and subsequently refitted in 2010. Kittridge and his wife, Lisa, redid the yacht to maximize entertainment options by adding a small bar in the entry foyer, traditional raised panel mahogany interior, a 400 bottle wine cellar with storage for one glass per bottle, as 12-person gym, a steam room, a whirlpool, accommodation for 12 guests and 17 crew, a large bath outfitted in yellow Onice marble and heated floors, a large walk in closet, a full-beam VIP cabin (with an extra bed, games room, flat-screen TV and home movie system) and enough space for 20 to dine.

The large Master Suite spans the full beam of Paraffin on the main deck and all guest accommodations feature full CD/DVD/entertainment centers with video on demand. All rooms on board are totally sound-isolated from the hall to ensure vibration free quiet and privacy, even when the yacht is moving.

Fraser Yachts is now selling the yacht for $57 million.

Source: James List

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen rang in the new year on a luxurious, sun-filled holiday.

He sailed to Maldives from Addu Atoll (where his yacht Octopus was anchored). His private jet landed in Gan International Airport, and he was met his ship flown in by helicopter.

The Octopus was built by Lürssen in 2003 and is currently ranked the 12-largest yacht in the world, just behind Emir of Qatar’s 436-foot Al Mirqab. It was designed by Espen Oeino and features two helicopter pads, two submarines, seven tenders, swimming pool and basketball court.

Source: Luxuo

Photo: Yanko Design

It’s sexy. It’s high-performance. It’s symmetrical perfection.

Edward Gray’s Superyacht has impeccable interior design, and it’s anything but traditional. It’s characterized by dramatic curves and sharp edges. Under the hood is a twin-turbo V-12 engine that spits out 880hp, helping the sleek vessel reach speeds up to 230 mph.

And if that weren’t enough, it comes with it’s own matching sports car that fits snugly in the garage in the stern.

Photo: Yanko Design

Source: Yanko Design

Photo: Bornrich

In an economy where real estate continues to plummet further and further, it seems as if yachts remain a staple in luxurious leisure for the ultra rich and famous. They remain a primary indulgence for the rich and famous, but in ultimate money-making style, the business-savvy owners of these floating mansions found a way to profit off their prized possessions when they themselves aren’t using them—by renting them out for sky-high prices, of course.

Kjell Inge Rokke, the CEO of Aker Solutions ASA, is renting out his 230-foot Reverie for a $720,000 a week. It can accomodate 24 people. a 28-member crew and includes a stone-lined pizza parlor, a beauty salon, conference room, gym, helipad, spa and open-air bar. The master suite  comes equipped with a private deck and terrace, and the interior design features mahogany, walnut wood and marble all over the walls and floors. It was designed by famed English architect John Munford.

Photo: Bornrich

Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov, who recently announced his candidature for the Russian presidency, is renting out his yacht, Solemar, for $325,000 a week. The owner of the New Jersey Nets is the third richest man in Russia, and it’s evident from the luxury embodied in his 202-foot vessel built by Amels based in the Netherlands. It has seven state rooms, not including the master suite, high-end gadgetry including satellite telephone and fax, swimming pool and extensive entertainment system.

Source: Bornrich

Image: DLB Yacht Charter

Debt-laden Italian luxury yacht maker Ferretti was just bought by machinery maker Shandong Heavy Industry Group. The Chinese company just penned a deal this week to acquire a 75% stake in the luxury yacht company.

Adding to the list of European brands acquired by Chinese companies, Shandong Heavy Industry has taken advantage of financial troubles in Europe and now owns 75% of Ferrett, which was founded in 1968. The deal also reflects the increasing demand for luxury goods in China.

Norberto Ferretti, Ferretti Group chairman, said the acquisition will help his company meet a “growing China demand for luxury goods for the coming 5 to 10 years.”

While the company’s headquarters and production base will still be in Italy, Shandong Heavy does plan to build yachts in China too. Italy has long been considered a leader in the luxury yachting industry, contributing significantly to its economy.

In 2007, Ferretti accumulated €1.2 billion in debt and subsequently defaulted on its debt in January 2009. The company owns Pershing, Riva and Ferretti Yachts brands and ranked first in the 2011 Global Order Book, an annual report on the yachting industry done by ShowBoat International.

Oliver Burlot, managing director of the Hong Kong-based international yacht brokerage firm Simpson Marine, said, “The opening of new marinas, yachting facilities and yachting events in China, especially on the southern coast, is actually fueling demand for yachts.”

Source: New York Times

Photo: JamesList

Billionaire Larry Ellison is obsessed with all things Samurai. He designed his $110 million Woodside, Calif. estate to resemble a 16th century Japanese Steakhouse, collects samurai armor and adorns his mega-yachts with Japanese names. He sold his former jewel of the sea, Rising Sun, the eighth largest yacht in the world at 463 feet, to David Geffen.

Contrary to what many might believe, the Oracle billionaire is actually downsizing to a 255-foot vessel named Musashi, after the greatest samurai warrior to ever live. Although the size barely puts the boat in the top 50 largest in the world, it is the largest ship ever built by renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship. In the past, the famed shipyard has served luxe clientele in the likes of Malcolm Forbes, Paul Allen and the King Khalid of Saudi Arabia.

The yacht’s interior is a mix of art deco and Japanese style, channeling soothing earth tones to incorporate a Zen and tranquil atmosphere. Musashi can accomodate 18 guests and a crew of 23 and features two master suites, Anigre wood from Africa, luxurious silks, sauna, spa, gym, Jacuzzi and  architectural glass elevator. To top it off, it’s wired with the latest high-tech gadgets one would expect from a Silicon Valley samurai.

Source: JamesList