They have the same name "A" and were designed for the same owner - the Russian businessman and billionaire Andrei Melnichenko - but one is motorized and the other is sailing. Even though the M/Y A no longer belongs to him, the two superyachts met on the Côte d'Azur in early May and were seen side by side on the sea. It was the first time that the S/Y A came to the south of France, and more particularly to Monaco, where it will be delivered to its owner. The photographer Raphael Belly, a yacht specialist, was able to capture the reunion of his two giants.
The motoryacht A
The motoryacht A was designed by Philippe Starck and Martin Francis and built by Blohm & Voss - Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Kiel, Germany in November 2004 for Russian billionaire Andreï Melnitchenko. Delivered in 2008, it would have cost $300 million and owes its name to the initials of Mr. and Mrs. (Aleksandra).
With a length of 119 m and a displacement of almost 6000 tonnes, it has an inverted bow, which gives it a submarine look, and it is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 23 knots (cruise speed of 19 knots). It is thanks to its provocative design that it has become known, attracting criticism or public approval.
With an interior surface area of 2,200 m2, it has an owner's area of 230 m2 and six suites (convertible into four large cabins). There is also a secret "Nookie" room hidden behind mirror panels, two swimming pools, one with a glass bottom, a disco and a helipad.
As for the decoration, it was the owner's wife - Aleksandra Melnitchenko - and the designer Philippe Starck, who took care of it: reflective surfaces, Baccarat Crystal for crockery and furniture, crocodile skin furniture, white stingray on the walls (cartilaginous fish leather).
Sailing yacht A
Sailing yacht A is 142.81 m (469 feet) long, and would be the largest private sailing yacht in the world. Designed for billionaire Andrei Melnichenko, it was built in the greatest secrecy, even though we know that the Dutch studio Dykstra Naval Architects designed the rigging and keel or that Magma Structures in the United Kingdom designed the carbon masts, which are 100 m above the waterline. It would have cost £360 million (417 m €illion).
The yacht entered construction at the German shipyard Nobiskrug in 2011 and launched in 2015 before being delivered to its owner in 2016. For its design, the businessman once again called on Philippe Starck, in collaboration with Doelker & Voges.
With an interior volume of 12,600 gross tons and an area of 8 decks, the main features of the A are its underwater observation room, its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and its ultramodern navigation systems. We can also note its bomb-proof glass or its 40 security cameras.
Once again, its ultramodern design attracts public praise or wrath.
