Nobiskrug’s 468-Foot Sailing Yacht A

A true sea monster, the 468-foot sailing yacht A apparently made its first pelagic prowl with sea tests off the German coast of Kiel in October. Designed by Philippe Starck and built by Nobiskrug, the three-mast monolith (with a beam greater than 81 feet) is the largest vessel in the world to be powered by sail. Features include a steel […]

3 of 5

Nobiskrug’s 468-foot sailing yacht A

Photo by Carl Groll

Nobiskrug’s 468-foot sailing yacht A

Photo by Carl Groll

Nobiskrug’s 468-foot sailing yacht A

Photo by Carl Groll

Nobiskrug’s 468-foot sailing yacht A

Photo by Carl Groll

Nobiskrug’s 468-foot sailing yacht A

Photo by Carl Groll

Nobiskrug’s 468-foot sailing yacht A

Photo by Carl Groll

A true sea monster, the 468-foot sailing yacht A apparently made its first pelagic prowl with sea tests off the German coast of Kiel in October. Designed by Philippe Starck and built by Nobiskrug, the three-mast monolith (with a beam greater than 81 feet) is the largest vessel in the world to be powered by sail. Features include a steel hull with a composite superstructure, eight decks dressed in teak, and three carbon-fiber masts, each about 300 feet tall. The yacht will have a cruising speed of 16 knots, top speed of 21 knots, and range of 5,320 nautical miles. Commissioned by Russian tycoon Andrey Melnichenko for a reported price of approximately $318 million, A is a follow-up to his 390-foot motor yacht of the same name. Melnichenko is expected to take delivery of his latest aquatic acquisition in the spring of 2017. (nobiskrug.com)