Russian Billionaire Has Unveiled The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht

By  //  September 26, 2015

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Sometimes a regular yacht just isn’t enough. That was the case for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko who unveiled his latest project this week: the world’s largest sailing yacht. (Ocean Victory Image)

(WEATHER.COM) – Sometimes a regular yacht just isn’t enough. That was the case for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko who unveiled his latest project this week: the world’s largest sailing yacht.

Measuring 468 feet long and 300 feet high, the $400 million yacht has eight floors in addition to an underwater observation deck (Nearly four football fields long). Despite still being under construction, the massive boat was spotted on an initial test run in Kiel, Germany.

The 14,224 ton structure can accommodate around 20 guests and will require of crew of nearly 54, according to The Daily Mail. The yacht is capable of a top speed of 24 mph with a cruising speed of 18 mph.

Boat International reports that Melnichenko’s aptly titled “Sailing Yacht A” is a sail-assisted motor yacht, and massive undertaking that brought together some of the brightest minds in modern design.

“I am honored and happy to bring to life the owner’s dream of what will be the summit of high technology and poetry,” expert yacht designer Philippe Starck told Boat International. His portfolio includes the late Steve Jobs’ yacht “Venus” and Melnichenko’s first super yacht, “Motor Yacht A.”

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Melnichenko, who made his fortune off of a series of chemical manufacturing companies is not the first Russian to take an interest in larger-than-life boating.

The world’s second largest super yacht, “The Eclipse” belongs to Russian man Roman Abramovich, according to The Telegraph. That boat measures in at 536-feet. Russian banking giant Vasily Klyukin recently proposed a yacht that comes equipped with its own helipad and helicopter.

“Sailing Yacht A” is expected to begin sea trials later this year.

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(Image for SpaceCoastDaily)