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Andrej Melnichenko Sailing Yacht A

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SAILING YACHT A – World’s Biggest Sailing Yacht – $600 Million

SAILING YACHT A measures 143 meters making her the world’s biggest sailing yacht.

SAILING YACHT A is far more than a luxury vessel. She is a masterpiece of design and innovation combining sleek metal surfaces with futuristic naval architecture that took over two years to complete.

Launched in 2017, both the interior and exterior of this mega sailing yacht were designed by Phillippe Starck, who calls SAILING YACHT A one of his most high-profile projects.

The superyacht has taken on voyages all around the world and was most recently spotted sailing off the coasts of Gibraltar and Cyprus.

Sailing Yacht A
143 meters
20
20
Nobiskrug
Phillipe Starke
Reymond Langton Design
2017
21 knots
MTU
12,558 ton

Sailing Yacht A Blohm VOSS SV

SAILING YACHT A interior

Both the interior and exterior of SAILING YACHT A were designed by Philippe Starck , a French architect known for his wide range of design projects.

He famously worked on the impressive MOTOR YACHT A, and the two iconic vessels share a lot of similarities in their layout and specifications.

Both yachts look incredibly futuristic and are sure to attract attention wherever they go.

While no exact details are known about the interior of SAILING YACHT A, it is rumored that she has an underwater observation pod with 30 cm (1 ft) thick glass located in the keel of the vessel.

This is one of the few parts where design mockups are publicly available, and the style of the interior can be examined.

The observation pod appears to have cream upholstery that stretches across the floor and ceiling of the cabin.

Two large symmetrical glass windows allow guests to view the breathtaking underwater world without even having to leave the yacht.

A third window is located at the bottom of the pod, which lets it feel like a true 360-degree experience and is almost comparable to a submarine.

A small floating side table provides guests with a space to place drinks or snacks in the pod and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience in this unusual location.

Since the pod is located at the keel of the yacht, the large propellers are most likely visible from the windows suggesting it is most commonly used at anchor.

The superyacht has ten cabins that can accommodate 20 guests as well as a further 54 crew member.

Paparazzi photos and the work of yacht spotters provide a rare glimpse into the interior of SAILING YACHT A.

No official footage of cabins or salons has been released, although Starck’s past work suggests that the yacht would be furnished with opulent elements that perfectly combine luxury with style.

Silver and metal decorations play a large role and tie the interior design of the yacht together. 

However, SAILING YACHT A was launched much later than her motorized companion suggesting her interior might be more modern with minimalistic elements rather than lavish furnishings.

Occasional photographs shot through open doors, and portholes show expensive art pieces decorating the interior of the yacht and rather absurd design choices like a set of chairs shaped like large human heads.

The yacht appears to feature a large, open salon with an elevated seating area and symmetrical arches on either side.

While details aren’t known to the public, it is rumored that SAILING YACHT A features a luxurious spa area, a sizable gym as well as an owner’s suite with several rooms that is only accessible via fingerprint.

The massive private area is said to feature a 60-inch television that disappears into the floor as well as a rotating bed. 

Considering she is the largest sailing yacht in the world, it is surprising that SAILING YACHT A can only host 20 guests.

This suggests that there are spacious entertainment areas located on board, including several saloons and ample below-deck space for crew members.

Due to her large size and a small number of cabins, it is assumed that SAILING YACHT A can welcome a large number of day guests onboard for special events and celebrations.

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Biggest sailing yacht controversy

It has been the topic of debate that SAILING YACHT A is not the largest yacht in the world but instead the ‘largest sail-assisted motor yacht.

Depending on the definition used, that would make BLACK PEARL the biggest sailing yacht in the world.

Sailing Yacht A Blohm VOSS SV2

The most expensive sailing yacht

SAILING YACHT A is the most expensive sailing yacht in the world and cost an estimated price of US $600 million – a relatively “affordable” price considering her large size and tonnage.

A calculated US $48,000 per ton is considered low in the yachting industry, where European yachts are usually priced at US $60,000 per ton and over.

This average price would bring the value of SAILING YACHT A up to nearly US $800 million. However, due to the fact that the official sales price has not been released to the public, these numbers are mere estimates and cannot be validated officially.

Since the yacht is a custom project and one of a kind, it can be assumed that the total value of SAILING YACHT A lies far higher than her initial price.

In addition to any cost for the crew, supplies, and docking fees, she has annual running costs of US $50-75 million.

SAILING YACHT A is currently not available for sale or charter.

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Specifications

SAILING YACHT A is incredibly large for a sailing yacht, and even compared to the longest motor yachts in the world, she would rank in the top ten.

Paired with her unusual futuristic design, this mega sailing yacht has a length of 143 meters (469 ft), a beam of 25 meters (82 ft), and a draft of 8 meters (26 ft) making her a more than an impressive vessel.

SAILING YACHT A was built by Nobiskrug , a German superyacht builder at their Kiel shipyard, and launched in 2017 after more than two years of construction.

To date, SAILING YACHT A is the largest yacht ever built by Nobiskrug and remains their flagship.

It is considered the most complicated project to ever be completed in the sailing industry and gained international media attention on its launch date. It has a total volume of 12.558 tons and is powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines. 

SAILING YACHT A is considered the longest sailing yacht in the world and is more than 36 meters (118 ft) longer than BLACK PEARL, which ranks in second place on the list.

Coincidentally her project name was WHITE PEARL which is a reference to her brilliant white exterior, although it couldn’t have referred to BLACK PEARL since she was only launched in 2018, a year after Melnichenko’s masterpiece.  

Her three-carbon masts stand at an impressive 100 meters (328 ft), making them some of the largest in the world and taller than Big Ben in London.

However, her large size is sometimes also limiting as she struggles to fit underneath most bridges and is therefore constrained to certain routes.

She once passed under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with only 20 feet to spare between her masts and the bottom of the famous bridge.

She is rumored to have an electric gimbal crow’s nest, which allows for remote operation and advanced wind measurements. Her sails are all white, and her masts have nearly sickle-like shapes, which add to her striking futuristic appearance.

It is noteworthy that she is commonly photographed with her sails down, which suggests she might be using her support engines more frequently than true wind power.

With a sail area of more than 3.700m^2 (40.000 square ft), she can reach top speeds of up to 21 knots which is supported by her twin 4895 Horsepower MTU engines .

Her average cruise speed lies at 16 knots, and her total range is estimated to lie at 5320 nautical miles. She features a state-of-the-art sail system that is able to raise and lower the sails and anchors at the touch of a button. 

SAILING YACHT A has a steel hull and composite steel superstructure, which is unusual in the superyacht industry as most shipyards choose aluminum to reduce weight and keep the vessel light.

She currently sails under the flag of Bermuda, which is common for prominent sailing yachts.

sailing yacht a tender 2

During construction, SAILING YACHT A was called project WHITE PEARL, a fitting name for this sizable vessel.

Like her interior, the exterior of SAILING YACHT A was designed by Philippe Starck, although the Dutch studio Dykstra Naval Architects played a role in the naval architecture of the vessel.

They specialize in sailing yachts of all sizes and have been involved in many prominent projects in the industry over the years.

She features eight teak decks with a large swimming pool located in the center and several elevators spread across the yacht.

She is even said to carry a submarine. The main pool is lowered into the deck allowing for additional privacy for the owners.

Her hull has 24 shell doors, which are used to access equipment and provide additional deck space if needed. She is accompanied by four tenders also designed by Philippe Starck and built by Lloyd Stevenson in New Zealand.

Their sleek and elegant design matches that of the main vessel, and they are used for transporting guests and taking them on excursions.

One of the tenders of SAILING YACHT A is a carbon fiber speedboat especially reserved for the owner who can operate the vessel autonomously whenever required without the aid of crew members.

This allows Melnichenko, who is a fan of driving high-speed cars to be independent when staying aboard his luxury yacht. The tender is small but powerful, reaching speeds of up to 53 knots.

The larger tenders can seat up to eight passengers and feature panoramic windows ideal for sightseeing and exploring but are much slower at only 30 knots. 

The aft features a large garage used for storing jet skis, tenders, and other equipment.

High-profile artists such as Snoop Dogg are rumored to have performed here, although detailed evidence of such concerts remains unknown.

Whenever the aft isn’t used for performances or parties, it can be transformed into a swimming platform designed in the yacht’s iconic futuristic style. 

However, despite her cutting-edge design features, SAILING YACHT A surprisingly also includes classic nautical elements. She has a wooden steering wheel that is reminiscent of a pirate ship, although it is not operational.

The captain of the vessel can instead use modern technologies to operate the massive yacht via a small joystick and touchscreen.

There are symmetric extendable balconies that protrude from the bridge of the yacht and allow the crew to have a better view to be able to gauge the dimensions of the immense vessel.

Of course, SAILING YACHT A has a modern underwater lighting system that illuminates the vessel perfectly at night.

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Nobiskrug - SAILING YACHT A - The largest sailing yacht ever built

LOA: 142.81 m

Beam: 24.88 m

Draft: 8.00 m

Interior: Philippe Starck

Exterior: Philippe Starck

Hull: Steel

Superstructure: Steel / GRP

Max. speed: 21 knots

Cruising speed: 16 knots

Gross tonnage: 12.558

Project number

“Born from the desire of the owner to push the boundaries of engineering and challenge the status quo of the industry, ‘SAILING YACHT A’ is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects NOBISKRUG has ever been involved in.”

SAILING YACHT A is the ultimate embodiment of German superyachts built for the 22 nd century.

She is unique.

She is the largest of her kind. She is a masterpiece in every detail. Her name: SAILING YACHT A. She will draw eyes the world over, as no other superyacht has ever done before.

the super yacht a

She is sophisticated.

Measuring almost 143 m and a gross tonnage of about 12.600, she became one of the most impressive PYC superyachts in the world in terms of design and technology.

Nobiskrug - SAILING YACHT A - The largest sailing yacht ever built

She is innovative.

She is one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts with unique features such as an underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of- the-art navigation systems. The luxury sailing yacht's three masts are the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world. The mainmast towers 100 m above the waterline.

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The smooth, lustrous, silver-metallic surfaces…

…and nearly invisible windows give this yacht a futuristic look. World-renowned Philippe Starck created this unconventional design, which challenges the expectations of conventional aesthetics. NOBISKRUG high-tech building technology made this fascinating design possible.

Steel hull and steel superstructure with high-tech composite fashion plates that can be formed into any shape or size, a technology NOBISKRUG has developed during the past 15 years in co-operation with classification societies and special subcontractors.

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Thanks to her striking looks and innovative technology SAILING YACHT A definitely changes the upcoming landscape of the NOBISKRUG fleet as well as the future of supersail.

Nobiskrug - Sailing Yacht A - World Superyacht Awards

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Sailing Yacht A is the largest motorsailer in the world

sailing-yacht-A-5

143m of awesomeness

sailing-yacht-A-5

She's one of the most impressive private superyacht's out there. We can love it or hate it for her looks, but she's a great feat of engineering.

The 143m motorsailer belongs to Andrey Melnichenko, a Russian businessman that also own M/Y A.

Sailing Yacht A was designed by Philippe Stark and was built by German yard Nobiskrug. Delivered in February 2017, S/Y A has made appearances in Monte Carlo and the Med.

Sailing Yacht A is one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts, with unique features such as underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation systems.

The story of Sailing Yacht A is not without controversy. The vessel was impounded by the Gibraltar Port Authority just after the launch over claims by Nobiskrug of a disputed payment. The financial situation was settled and the vessel was later released.

The motorsailer is easy to spot due to its three large masts. These are the tallest freestanding composite structures in the world. The center mast stands at 91m tall, a fraction shorter of the height of Big Ben. The masts are designed to sustain 90 knots of wind. The composite masts were built in the Great Britain, while the sails are made by an American company.

The yacht is built from steel hull and steel superstructure with high-tech composite fashion plates.

Nobiskrug’s managing director, Holger Kahl said: “Born from the desire of the owner to ‘push the boundaries of engineering and challenge the status quo of the industry’, “Sailing Yacht A” is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in.”

No official numbers have been communicated, but it's believed the total build costs for S/Y A are around $400 million. Also, the cost of operating this ship is estimated at $40 million a year.

Since its launch, S/Y A turns heads in any harbor. She was seen in Monte Carlo alongside M/Y A, the other yacht owned by Andrey Melnichenko, but also in the waters close to the island of Formentera in Spain. Here was spotted by UFC Lightweight champion Conor McGregor. The fighter was on a yacht holiday after losing the fight with Floyd Mayweather. He took to Instagram to document his spotting of S/Y A.

That was a mad scene. I only posted "race to the next yacht" two days ago and then this one pulls up right out my back garden. The biggest one of all. This is an eye opening level of opulence to witness first hand. To me, it is truly motivating. I'm starting to think I don't have a wealth belly just yet. I'm more just rich fat now. I must keep eating. I wonder if my lunch is ready. Happy Tuesday A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on Sep 12, 2017 at 3:02pm PDT
A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on Sep 12, 2017 at 11:03am PDT

Sailing Yacht A has eight decks and more than 4,400 square meters of sails. The propulsion system includes two MTU diesel engines of 4,896 hp each and two electric motors of 4.300 kW each.

The yacht uses a digital control system with touch-sensitive sheet of black glass that allows the crew to raise and lower sails or the anchor with a simple swipe. The guests can also enjoy an underwater observation pod and a large swimming pool with a retractable roof. S/Y A has a 54 people crew.

During sea trials, the motorsailer achieved a top speed of 20 knots without the use of sails. The cruising speed is 16 knots and has a transatlantic range of 5,320 nautical miles.

Take a look at this stunning video of Sailing Yacht A and Motor Yacht A:

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Motor Yacht A

Motor Yacht

Built by Blohm + Voss in 2008, the 119m superyacht ‘A’ is considered one of the finest yachts on the water. Designed by Philippe Starck, ‘A’ is a truly unconventional superyacht with her upside down hull and unique exterior aesthetics.

The luxury yacht features a whole range of unique features from her innovative engineering and design to her three swimming pools that create currents to swim against. Motor yacht 'A' also features two unique 11m tenders, the Open and the Limo models, also designed by Starck.

Motor yacht ‘A’s interior is a modern and masterfully designed environment, featuring excellent use of space, wood furnishings and numerous other details such as a glass roof looking up into one of the swimming pools.

Powered by twin 6035hp MAN RK280 Diesel engines, superyacht ‘A’ is and is capable of reaching up to 23 knots with a range of 4250nm. ‘A’ features all of the latest navigation and entertainment equipment, prepared and equipped for whatever owner may need aboard his luxury cruise. She offers unparalleled comfort and handling with advanced stabilizers and bow thrusters.

‘A’ can happily accommodate 14 guests in one owner's suite and six guest suites. She can also accommodate up to 37 crew members onboard.

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Here are the superyachts seized from Russian oligarchs

As part of an international pressure campaign on Russia, authorities from around the world have seized more than a half-dozen superyachts belonging to billionaire oligarchs allied with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The yacht seizures since the Feb. 24 invasion are "just the beginning," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters in March, as an international task force worked to identify further assets that can be seized or frozen.

“The Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to hold accountable those who facilitate the death and destruction we are witnessing in Ukraine,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said of the ongoing efforts in May.

Here are the superyachts government officials have seized since Russia invaded Ukraine last month.

Image: The Amadea anchored at a pier in Pasatarlasi on Feb. 18, 2020 in Bodrum, Turkey.

The Justice Department announced May 5 that the Fijian government had seized billionaire oligarch Suleiman Kerimov 's 348-foot yacht Amadea. The vessel, which is valued at more than $300 million , arrived in Fiji last month. Kerimov, who's worth an estimated $14 billion and has ties to the Russian government, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department over alleged money laundering in 2018.

Special features on the sprawling yacht include a helipad, infinity pool, a jacuzzi and multiple bars, according to a report in Boat International . It can accommodate 16 overnight guests in addition to 36 crew members, the report said.

Tango yacht in Marmaris, Turkey on April 19, 2014.

In April, Spanish law-enforcement officials seized a 255-foot yacht called the Tango, which Justice Department says is owned by oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. Vekselberg is an aluminum magnate who the Treasury Department says has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Tango is worth an estimated $90 million, prosecutors said , and Vekselberg allegedly purchased it through shell companies. The 11-year-old yacht has seven staterooms and reportedly includes amenities such as a pool, gym and beauty salon .

Detained Superyachts Of Sanctioned Russian Billionaires

Authorities in Italy seized a 215-foot superyacht called the Lady M this month. It's owned by Alexei Mordashov, Russia's richest businessman, and it’s estimated to be worth $27 million . The vessel, which requires a crew of 14, has six guest cabins , a pool and a gym.

But it pales in comparison to another of Mordashov's yachts, the $500 million Nord . The 464-foot vessel, which has two helipads and a waterfall and can accommodate 36 guests, was anchored this month in the Seychelles, where the U.S. and European Union sanctions don’t apply.

Image: The yacht "Lena", belonging to Gennady Timchenko, an oligarch close to Russian President, in the port of San Remo on on March 5, 2022 .

Italian officials also seized the 132-foot superyacht Lena, owned by the energy magnate Gennady Timchenko. Estimated to be worth $8 million, it has five cabins and can accommodate 10 guests.

The "SY A" yacht, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, seized by Italian authorities

SY A — short for Sailing Yacht A — is one of the world's largest superyachts. Valued at over $440 million, the 469-foot vessel, owned by the fertilizer magnate Andrey Melnichenko, has eight decks, multiple elevators, an underwater observation area and the world's tallest masts . It was seized in the Italian port of Trieste.

Image: The 85m long yacht "Valerie", linked to Rostec defense firm chief Sergei Chemezov, moored in the port of Barcelona, on March 15, 2022.

Authorities in Spain seized Sergei Chemezov's Valerie, a 279-foot superyacht that had been moored in Barcelona. Chemezov , a former KGB officer, heads the state conglomerate Rostec. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez touted the seizure on La Sexta television. “We are talking about a yacht that we estimate is worth $140 million,” Sanchez said.

Image: Amore Vero, a yacht owned by a company linked to Igor Sechin, chief executive of Russian energy giant Rosneft, in a shipyard in La Ciotat, near Marseille, southern France, on March 3, 2022.

Officials in France announced this month that they had seized the 289-foot Amore Vero, which was undergoing repairs in a shipyard near Marseille. When they arrived, authorities said, they found the crew preparing for an urgent departure, even though the repair work was scheduled to last through April. The $120 million boat, which has seven cabins , is linked to Igor Sechin, described by the U.S. Treasury Department as a close ally of Putin's.

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Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.

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The best photos of Motor Yacht A

Motor yacht a's profile.

Dubbed the world’s most famous superyacht, the 119 metre Motor Yacht A looks like a cross between a floating submarine and futuristic spaceship. Here, Motor Yacht A's iconic profile can be seen silhouetted against a sunset. 

Turning heads since it first hit the water in 2008, Motor Yacht A was built by Blohm & Voss . Here, the yacht's striking underwater lights are illuminated as night falls. 

Speaking about the design of Motor Yacht A , designer Philippe Starck says his intention was to make the yacht blend with the sea. He was focused on the way the yacht moved through the water, with barely a ripple, “like a whale”, he says. 

Like the 142.81 metre sail-assisted motor yacht Sailing Yacht A, Motor Yacht A was designed by legendary designer Philippe Starck (pictured) and was built by Blohm & Voss. Both superyachts are owned by Andrey Melnichenko.

The aft deck

Motor Yacht A’s iconic aft view is seen here. 

Forward of the main saloon, Motor Yacht A features a main outdoor lounging area protected by a deck overhang but open to the elements from the bow.

The owner's cabin

Accommodation on board the 119 metre yacht is for a total of 14 people and 35 crew members. Pictured here is the owner's cabin, which is illuminated in plentiful natural light. 

The tender garage

The tender garage is understood to be designer Starck’s favourite place on board. This huge space accommodates a sports tender and a limo tender.

The helideck

Located at the very front of Motor Yacht A's bow is the dedicated helideck, allowing the owner and guests to come and go in style. 

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Super-yacht crew setting off fireworks allegedly sparks catastrophic blaze on one of Jeff Bezos’ favorite islands

T he crew of a super yacht allegedly started a catastrophic forest fire on one of Jeff Bezos’ favorite Greek isles — after setting off fireworks to entertain guests.

More than a dozen workers and passengers aboard the lux Persefoni I craft were arrested for the environmental disaster that scorched the island of Hydra on Friday night, just a week after Bezos, fiancee Lauren Sanchez and his son Preston celebrated Father’s Day there.

The US Embassy and Consulate in Greece had issued a Natural Disaster Alert earlier Friday warning the public of potential wildfire risks as extreme high temperatures gripped the region.

The accused boaters were busted when they docked near Athens on Saturday. They denied involvement in the fiasco, which destroyed more than 70 acres of forest, according to local outlets.

Greece has suffered from ruinous wildfires and recently hardened its laws and penalties for arson. An arson conviction can land offenders there to 20 years in prison and a hefty fine of more than $200,000.

Hydra Island has long been a popular travel destination for celebs and is known for inspiring a host of artists and musicians such as Leonard Cohen and Picasso. 

Super-yacht crew setting off fireworks allegedly sparks catastrophic blaze on one of Jeff Bezos’ favorite islands

Why a yacht docked in Halifax is getting extra attention

Yachts along the Halifax Waterfront often garner attention, but one currently docked has people doing a double take.

The Samsara, which is docked near Bishop's Landing, is reportedly owned by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

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People were stopping by Sunday to get a look at the yacht and see if anybody was on board. Crew members could be seen at times.

According to the website ' SuperYachtFan ', the Samsara was sold to Rowling in 2023 and is valued at $150 million US.

CTV News has reached out to Rowling's PR team for more information.

For more Nova Scotia news visit our  dedicated provincial page .

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'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling's yacht visits US Southern states

Rowling's mega yacht, the samsara, recently docked in florida, georgia and south carolina.

Billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook parent Meta, gifted himself a $300 million superyacht named ‘Launchpad’ as his net worth nears $200 billion. (Dutch Yachting)

The mega yacht reportedly owned by "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling recently made a few stops at U.S. ports, causing local buzz along the way.

The writer's yacht, a vessel called the Samsara, was first spotted earlier this month off the coast of St. Augustine, Florida , according to Fits News. It then docked in Savannah, Georgia, until June 8, before making its way up the coast to Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.  

Mega yacht Samsara is moored in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, June 14, 2024. (The Image Direct for Fox News Digital / Fox News)

It is unclear whether Rowling was onboard the super yacht during its travels to the Southern states. FOX Business has reached out to the author's publicist for further details.

According to Superyachtfan.com, the Samara is 290 feet long and was built in 2015 by Oceanco. The vessel has seven cabins for holding up to 14 guests, along with another 13 cabins for housing up to 27 crew members.

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The luxury boat is worth an estimated $150 million and costs between $10 million and $15 million to operate annually, according to the site. 

The 290-foot Samsara is reportedly owned by author J.K. Rowling, and has an estimated value of $150 million, with an annual running cost of $10 million to $15 million. (The Image Direct for Fox News Digital / Fox News)

For those wishing to take it for a spin, the Samara is available for charter at YachtCharterFleet.com for around $1,179,000 per week. The site states that the yacht has a movie theater, swimming pool, elevator, beach club, gym and helicopter hangar.

TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS KELCE LEAD STARS SUMMERING IN LAKE COMO, THE ‘QUINTESSENTIAL PRIVATE ESCAPE’: EXPERT

Samsara also has an array of toys for guests to choose from, including Jet Skis, a Flyboard, a Kite Surfer, a seabob, wakeboards, kayaks and WindSurfers.

J.K. Rowling arrives for the U.K. premiere of the film "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" in London on Nov. 13, 2018. (Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Rowling is the world's wealthiest author , with an estimated net worth of around $1 billion, according to a recent report by The Sun. However, she was famously booted from the Forbes billionaire list in 2012 after her charitable giving led to her net worth falling below that mark.

Copies of J.K. Rowling's latest book, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," on display at a bookstore in New York on Aug. 3, 2016. (Volkan Furuncu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

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Rowling began writing the "Harry Potter" book series in the 1990s as a struggling single mother. Since then, she has sold more than 600 million copies globally, and the eight films based on the series have raked in more than $7.7 billion, according to IMBD.

Forget cruising, let’s superyacht like the 1 per cent

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SeaDream Yacht Club boasts access to some of the most exclusive yachting harbours around the world. Photo / SeaDream Yacht Club

Good news for anyone who’s ever wanted to own a private yacht but doesn’t have a spare billion dollars, several high-end cruise companies are rolling out super yacht experiences, writes Michelle Tsea

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean launched their Icon of the Seas, with a seven-day journey on board the world’s largest ship, 365m long and 250,800 tonnes, where more than 5000 passengers mingle on waterslides and bathe in bubbling hot Jacuzzis while sailing across the Mediterranean. With 20 decks and 20 bars and restaurants, as well as the largest waterpark at sea, the seven swimming pools and nine whirlpools cater to a large range of travellers and equally diverse budgets making the ship crowded and not everyone’s cup of tea.

As the cruising industry continues to grow more and more extravagant, over-the-top liners are built to provide travellers with superlative experiences on the water, on the other side of the spectrum, ultra-luxury ships are also being reimagined to cater to travellers who want more intimate experiences when sailing. For travellers who prefer not to fight for a deck chair when cruising, smaller ships are becoming more popular with the “superyachts-style” cruising where the privacy of a smaller ship is offered to those who want a less “party” scene when on water. The Somnio is one of the latest superyachts setting sail this year and offering 39 spacious private apartments for residents who have the ability to fork out a cool US$11.3 million ($18.3m) to sail the globe.

The Somnio is one of the latest superyachts setting sail this year and offering 39 spacious apartments for residents who want a very particular home away from home. Photo / Winch Design

Despite a double-digit superyacht being quite cheap when compared to purchasing your own liner (prices start at $275 million these days), not many of us can still afford a shared residency on a boat … until now.

Although very few of us have a few million sitting in our bank accounts, cruising enthusiasts who have always dreamt of owning their own private yacht will soon be able to enjoy what the 1 per cent experience. As companies such as Scenic, Seabourne and MSC continue to vie for the attention of travellers, cruising is about to become more luxurious for the everyday traveller with companies mirroring what an experience on a superyacht would feel like with more curated on-board experiences, tailored off-shore excursions to remote destinations and also the “small-ship” feeling with premium services and space for guests to enjoy.

The past few years have seen cruise lines launch a slew of yacht-like experiences. Scenic Group launched Emerald Azzurra and will follow it up with Emerald Sakara due to the immense popularity of its first ship; rival Ponant continues to entice with intimate experiences on their Explorer ships with just 92 all-balcony suites offering a chic Scandi-style of living and SeaDream Yacht Club is unapologetically for yachters with their “it’s yachting, not cruising” experience, boasting access to some of the most exclusive yachting harbours around the world.

Water sports with SeaDream Yacht Club, including the only slide on a cruise ship that takes you from ship to sea. Photo / SeaDream Yacht Club

The trend for super-yachting and not cruising has sent waves around the cruising industry, so much so, hospitality brands are also stepping in on the action and launching their own super-yacht cum cruising experiences. Well-known hospitality brand, Ritz-Carlton launched their own yacht collection a couple of years ago and rivals, Aman and Four Seasons will roll out their own fleets in the next few years with the same luxury hotel feel but on water.

While many cruising experts have reviewed and enjoyed the intimate and high-design cabins, some do argue that it is just a five-star hotel at sea which begs the question - are these fancy “superyachts” worth the price tag? Ritz Carlton starts at approximately $10,000 a week and Scenic superyachts will set cruisers back close to $16,000 for their yachting experience - perhaps a small price to pay for a week of luxury.

While some serious cruisers will scoff at the overpriced cruising experience and others will continue to marvel at having a more intimate experience at sea without forking out a few million for their own private yacht, it seems that this is more than just a trend but a lifestyle that all of us can now enjoy. If you are curious about what a superyacht cruise feels like, here are the ones to check out.

Launched last summer, Explora I was the first ship by MSC Cruises (yes, the same company that produces the World Europa mega-ship for 7000 passengers) and another five ships will follow by 2028, including Explora II which was launched this year. Alexa Aponte Vago, the founder of Explora says that yachting and five-star elegance like those found in a luxury hotel were pillars when designing the ship, “We always had in mind the atmosphere of a private yacht, creating relaxing experiences that you can only have if you are on your own yacht - floating home,” says Vago. The “experiences” that Vago refers to include “off-the-beaten-path encounters‘, like truffle hunting in Istria, Croatia; enjoying a hammam in a historical palace in Morocco, and sipping wine in Mykonos, Greece. Around the ship, guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows and a private sun terrace in the suites, as well as an expansive wellness centre for high-tech treatments like cryotherapy, as well as 18 dining options, including Michelin-approved menus.

explorajourneys.com/at/en

Launched last summer, Explora I is the first ship by MSC Cruises. Photo / Supplied

Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn, a firm favourite for luxury cruising launched the first ultra-luxury ship, Seabourn Venture in 2022 and then followed it up a year later with the ever-so-stylish Pursuit fleet. Promoted as a “sophisticated and luxurious small ship cruise”, only ocean-front suites are on offer here, as well as pool-side neck massages for passengers as they sail swiftly towards the Norwegian Fjords. Guests are treated like VIPs and passengers can expect an open-bar policy serving premium wine, champagne and spirits, restaurants helmed by 3-Michelin star chef Thomas Keller and access to some high-tech toys like six-person submarines, kayaks and zodiacs. If you are looking to get-up-close-and-personal to wildlife, there are remote adventures ashore too, which include: New Guinea, Indonesia and also the Kimberly in Australia as the most popular destinations. On deck, there are craft cocktail master classes and an outdoor Sky Bar for unlimited Happy Hours.

seabourn.com/en/au/cruise-ships/seabourn-pursuit/1

Seabourn Pursuit is a sophisticated and luxurious small ship cruise. Photo / Seabourn

Virgin Voyages

If you are contemplating whether or not a superyacht cruise is for you - perhaps consider Virgin Voyages. The adult-only cruise is inspired by a superyacht design and that’s the only thing that resembles the yachting experience so you will experience all the same great things as if you were on a luxury cruise liner. Perks include mermaid-inspired spas, contemporary public areas and tech-savvy suites equipped with in-cabin tablets and a Sailor App for bookings onboard. For foodies, there are six signature restaurants including Korean barbecue and even Michelin-star dining experiences. Resilient Lady was launched from Greece last year and Brilliant Lady will set sail later this year in 2024 and travel to New York City, Boston and the Dutch Caribbean before finally reaching Alaska.

virginvoyages.com

Silversea Silver Origin

If you are looking for the latest exclusive itinerary by the award-winning Silversea cruise line, you have to book yourself a suite on the 100-guest Silver Origin and explore the Galapagos region in true “yachting” fashion. Some of the perks to look forward to include the highest crew-to-guest ratio, eight zodiacs for extraordinary adventures, including having your very own team of Ecuadorian national experts guiding you to remote parts of the Galapagos islands. Like other ultra-luxury cruise ships, there are only suites available with horizon balconies and butler services too. For the sustainable traveller, this is the most environmentally conscious ship built by Silversea and all organic waste is transported out of the islands to be recycled to protect the Unesco-designated World Heritage Site.

silversea.com/ships/silver-origin.html

Ponant prides itself as being a smaller but elegant cruise ship for discerning cruisers but the explorer ships are definitely more yacht-like than the other fleets they have.

Many guests rave about the innovative Blue Eye Lounge, which feels like a supermarine with two oversized portholes reinforced with 18 layers of glass for passengers to look into the blue sea without goggles or an oxygen tank. There are only two restaurants on each Explora, which can be a little too small for some cruisers, but it definitely gives passengers a taste of what a superyacht would feel like with limited but well-thoughout dining options.

You can also try Le Ponant, a three-masted French sailing ship with only 16 cabins and suites.

au.ponant.com/the-ponant-fleet

Le Ponant is a three-masted French sailing ship with only 16 cabins and suites. Photo / Ponant

Four Seasons

If you need a couple of years to save up for your first superyacht-cruise experience, make it a good one and go for a Four Seasons yacht. Rather than calling it “yacht-like”, the Four Seasons are in fact, building luxurious yachts with the same classy and luxurious amenities and services you can expect to find in one of their 100-strong hotels around the world. With 95 suites per yacht, floor-to-ceiling windows and private terrace, the swimming pool will apparently be one of the largest ever to sail across the ocean. Launching in 2026, it will give many of us some time before we take the plunge and book ourselves this highly exciting yacht that will take travellers to Nevis, Curacao and Martinique. Other perks to help you justify the costs include a whole range of water toys like a sea limousine for excursions.

fourseasonsyachts.com

The inaugural yacht by Four Seasons, launching in 2026. Photo / Four Seasons

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Julian assange flew to freedom on same $40m private jet taylor swift chartered to super bowl.

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Where do the worlds of pop-superstardom and international espionage meet? Aboard a $40 million private jet at 41,000 feet, of course.

The jet WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange paid $500,000 to fly him from London to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday is none other than the same plane Taylor Swift chartered when she famously rushed from a Japan concert to watch her boyfriend Travis Kelce win the Super Bowl in Las Vegas back in February, flight logs show.

Assange, 52, and Swift, 34, both hired the 2017 Bombardier Global 6000 executive jet with the tail number 9H-VTD from the flight company VistaJet, according to photos from their respective journeys.

Assange onboard the VistaJet plane as he travelled from London to Saipan on Monday to appear for a plea deal

The luxury aircraft can carry 14 passengers and sleep seven, with cabin lounge chairs converting into comfortable beds.

Th jet, which sells for up to $40 million, can fly for 13 hours over a range of 6,000 nautical miles, according to VistaJet’s website.

The plane has a roomy cabin with headspace of six-foot, two-inches — ample room for the 5’11” Swift.

Taylor Swift appeared to take the same jet to fly from Tokyo to Los Angeles for the Super Bowl in February

Flight records for the jet also line up with the itineraries from each of their flights.

Records from February 10 show the jet flying from Tokyo to Los Angeles — as Swift did.

Entries from Monday and Tuesday show the plane flying from London to Saipan with a stopover in Bangkok on the same itinerary Assange followed.

Both flights were followed closely by journalists and supporters across the world, though for starkly different reasons.

Assange took to the skies Monday as part of a plea deal with the US that’s freed him from London prison for the first time in five years.

VistaJet 9H-VTD, which is believed to have carried both Taylor Swift and Julian Assange on separate flights

He was expected to plead guilty Wednesday morning local time to conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information related to WikiLeak’s 2010 release of hundreds of thousands of classified military and diplomatic files.

The plane first landed in Bangkok, Thailand for refueling.

He landed in Saipan on Wednesday morning local time, flight records show, touching down in American territory nearly 6,000 miles from California after he reportedly refused to set foot on the US mainland.

He was due in federal court on the remote island Wednesday.

Julian Assange steps off the VistaJet plane in Saipan on Tuesday. He is due in federal court on Wednesday

Swift’s needs for jet 9H-VTD were vastly different.

After playing a show for thousands of screaming fans in Tokyo, some fretted about whether she’d be able to make it across the world to watch Kelce play in the Super Bowl the very next day.

Swift rushed to the Haneda airport after wrapping up the show and proceeded to fly across nine time zones and the international date line to make it to Los Angeles with time to spare for the Las Vegas showdown.

The plane came to be known as “The Football Era” during the travel drama surrounding Swift.

VistaJet did not respond to requests for comment.

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Assange onboard the VistaJet plane as he travelled from London to Saipan on Monday to appear for a plea deal

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  9. 142.8m SAILING YACHT A Superyacht

    SAILING YACHT A is an exceptionally unique 2017 build by Nobiskrug, measuring 142.80m (468'6"ft). She is the ultimate embodiment of German superyachts built for the 22nd century. Measuring almost 143 m and a gross tonnage of about 12,600 GT, she became one of the most impressive PYC superyachts in the world in terms of design and technology.

  10. Sailing Yacht A: World's tallest superyacht

    Sailing Yacht A, Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko's latest venture, started its sea testing in Strande, Germany last month ahead of its proposed 2017 delivery. At 143 meters, it will be ...

  11. Sailing Yacht A is the largest motorsailer in the world

    The yacht is built from steel hull and steel superstructure with high-tech composite fashion plates. Nobiskrug's managing director, Holger Kahl said: "Born from the desire of the owner to 'push the boundaries of engineering and challenge the status quo of the industry', "Sailing Yacht A" is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in."

  12. Inside A Billionaire's $600 Million Mega Yacht

    Inside Andrey Melnichenko's $600 Million 'Yacht A'.Yacht A spans 468 ft. and features amenities like 4 launch boats and an underwater observation deck. With ...

  13. 6 facts about the build of Sailing Yacht A

    The rig and sail plan of Sailing Yacht A. Three colossal unstayed masts - the largest carbon masts in the world - define Sailing Yacht A. The mainmast towers 100 metres above the waterline - taller than Big Ben. An enclosed electric gimballed crow's nest is incorporated, to whoosh a crew member 60 metres up the mast for what will surely ...

  14. 119.0m Motor Yacht A Superyacht

    Motor yacht 'A's interior is a modern and masterfully designed environment, featuring excellent use of space, wood furnishings and numerous other details such as a glass roof looking up into one of the swimming pools. Powered by twin 6035hp MAN RK280 Diesel engines, superyacht 'A' is and is capable of reaching up to 23 knots with a ...

  15. Sailing Yacht A: Is this the ultimate super yacht?

    Eclipse is the motor yacht of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and is a staggering 163.5 meters long. Squeezed into that are two helicopter pads, two swimming pools, a disco, 24 guest cabins and a ...

  16. Sailing Yacht A • Nobiskrug • 2017 • Photos • Interior

    What began as a pastime for yacht spotting has evolved into a leading online destination for yachting enthusiasts, with thousands of visitors engaging with our content every day. Launched in 2009, SuperYacht Fan transitioned from a gallery of yacht imagery to a pivotal resource, culminating in the Super Yacht Owners Register —a meticulously ...

  17. Here are the superyachts seized from Russian oligarchs

    Authorities in Italy seized a 215-foot superyacht called the Lady M this month. It's owned by Alexei Mordashov, Russia's richest businessman, and it's estimated to be worth $27 million. The ...

  18. The best photos of Motor Yacht A

    The mast. Credit: Christoffer Rudquist. Like the 142.81 metre sail-assisted motor yacht Sailing Yacht A, Motor Yacht A was designed by legendary designer Philippe Starck (pictured) and was built by Blohm & Voss. Both superyachts are owned by Andrey Melnichenko.

  19. Superyacht

    Superyacht. Azzam, at 180.6 metres (592.5 ft) the longest superyacht, as of 2020. A, at 142.8 metres (468.5 ft) the largest "sail-assisted" motor yacht, as of 2018 [1] A superyacht or megayacht is a large and luxurious pleasure vessel. There are no official or agreed upon definitions for such yachts, but these terms are regularly used to ...

  20. What Is A Superyacht? Is A Megayacht Bigger?

    The answer is quite straightforward. The terms superyacht, megayacht, and gigayacht are used by boat builders and yacht brokers to classify luxury vessels by their length. Although often used interchangeably, each term typically applies to a certain size range. Below is a rough guideline of the generally accepted industry standards for these terms.

  21. See Mark Zuckerberg's glossy new $300M, 287-foot superyacht ...

    The Feadship-built yacht, built in 2022, can comfortably fit 24 guests aboard, requires a crew of 48, and is said to cost $30 million a year for upkeep and usage, according to Superyachtfan.com.

  22. What Makes A Superyacht A Superyacht?

    A superyacht with the best limousine tender provides plenty of "billionaire bragging rights." Jeff Brown - Breed Media. Each of the largest, most expensive, most over-the-top yachts in the world ...

  23. Super-yacht crew setting off fireworks allegedly sparks ...

    The crew of a super yacht allegedly started a catastrophic forest fire on one of Jeff Bezos' favorite Greek isles — after setting off fireworks to entertain guests. More than a dozen workers ...

  24. Potterheads flock to Halifax waterfront to see J.K. Rowling's yacht

    An employee of the government department that runs the waterfront said the yacht is booked to be in Halifax for two weeks. Fees for berths are charged by the day and by the foot and the employee said, "I don't know exactly, but it's a fortune," when asked what the bill would be, speculating it could run as high as $20,000.

  25. World's largest single-mast yacht docked in Charleston

    The M5, the world's largest single-mast sailing yacht, is docked in the Charleston City Marina. It has a record-breaking 300 ft mast and 36,000 sq ft sail.

  26. Requête rejetée / Request Rejected

    Oups Votre requête ne peut être traitée en ce moment, veuillez contacter votre service à la clientèle. Numéro de référence: W9/10C3482314911204944581

  27. 'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling's yacht visits US Southern states

    The Samsara, a super yacht reportedly owned by "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, made stops at multiple ports in southern U.S. states this month, including Florida and Georgia.

  28. Forget cruising, let's superyacht like the 1 per cent

    SeaDream Yacht Club boasts access to some of the most exclusive yachting harbours around the world. Photo / SeaDream Yacht Club Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean launched their Icon of the Seas ...

  29. Taylor Swift, Julian Assange chartered the same private jet

    The jet WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange paid $500,000 to fly him from London to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday is none other than the same plane Taylor Swift chartered when she ...

  30. SUPERYACHTFAN • Yacht Owners Directory • SuperYachts • Private Jets

    SuperYacht Fan: All about Superyachts and Luxury Yacht Owners. A super yacht or megayacht is a large and luxurious pleasure vessel. Yacht Owners often also own a private jet.