‘A’

Three-masted 142.81m/468.5ft motor sailing yacht A (HULL 787) is the world’s largest sailing yacht, built by German shipyard Nobiskrug in 2016 and featuring a dramatic futuristic hull designed by Philippe Starck, who was also responsible for her interiors. The naval architecture also comes from Nobiskrug in collaboration with Dykstra Naval Architects, and she has a broad beam of 24.9/81.8ft and a draft of 8m/26.2ft. The masts reach more than 100m/328ft into the sky as some of the world’s largest composite freestanding structures, and were manufactured by UK-based Magma Structures. The custom booms come from Future Fibres in Valencia and the custom sails from Doyle Sails in the USA. Built to Passenger Yacht Code standards and Lloyd’s Register class, she has steel hull, composite superstructure and high-tech composite fashion plates, and is capable of a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. There is a crew of 54 to ensure that guests receive first-class service throughout their time on board.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF A

• World's largest sailing yacht 
• Swimming pools on main deck, upper deck and bridge deck
• Seamless appearance with near-invisible windows
• Interiors spanning eight decks
• Underwater observation pod
• Touch-n'-go helipad
• Cutting-edge navigation systems
• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi

EXTERIOR

Spanning eight decks, the exterior styling comes from renowned designer Philippe Starck and features a massive steel hull into which are set flush oval windows that are imperceptible from a distance. Tender garages and side balconies appear almost seamless in the hull to create an imposing and futuristic appearance unlike any other luxury yacht on the market.

The main deck aft and upper deck aft are fitted with two large tiles swimming pools along the stern, and both their lengths run from port to starboard. Up on the bridge deck, there is a central alfresco lounging space with a swimming pool at its centre and the sunshine pours in from the open surroundings.

Above, the sundeck provides plenty of space for sunbathing, observation and exercise, with a balustrade surrounding the cut-out section in the centre that opens up the alfresco living area on the bridge deck below. An elongated sofa is placed forward so that guests can enjoy the sunshine and panoramic views of the surroundings together.

The helm station and controls for propulsion and sailing systems are situated on deck seven, and a helipad can be found on deck six.

INTERIOR

Details on the interior layout and amenities have yet to be revealed by the shipyard, however her total interior volume comes to 12,600 GT approximately.

Twin MTU 20V 4000 M73L 2,050 rpm 3,600 kW line shaft engines provide diesel power, while the electric power comes from four 4,050–24,050 rpm 2,800 kW hotel generators that drive two Vacon 4,300 kW line shaft motors. M/S A is capable of a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots, with a range of 5,320 nautical miles.