Saturday, May 8, 2010

Starck Motor Yacht ... What's up with these Russians?


Described by the Wall Street Journal's 'Wealth' columnist as the ugliest yacht in the world, the $200 million 'Motor Yacht A' designed by Philippe Starck and built by Blohm+Voss shipyards is 119 meters long and weighs approximately 5,500 tonnes.
The keys belong to 36-year-old Russian banking and energy billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.


The 400ft long superyacht is said to have its own discotheque featuring a glass roof which is situated directly under the swimming pool.
There is a large 'owners' suite' as well as six luxury cabins for up to 14 guests and enough room for a staggering 42 crew members.
Other details of the interior have been kept strictly secret by its German boat builders Blohm and Voss along with its renowned designer Philippe Stark.
But it is rumoured to have a helicopter hangar, as well as two 30ft speed boats kept in hatches on both sides of the hull.
Mr Melnichenko's boat is 23ft longer than the 377ft Pelorus, the largest of four superyachts owned by Chelsea FC boss Abramovich.
He bought the boat from a Saudi businessman in 2003 before giving it an extensive face-lift.
However fellow Russian Mr Melnichenko is believed to have topped this with his new cruiser, simply called 'A'.