most advanced superyacht

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Baja Bay Club
• Costa Palmas
• Fairmont Doha
• Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

From Solar-Powered Catamarans to Giant Sailing Yachts: The 12 Most Innovative Boats on the High Seas

These yachts are shaping the future of luxury boating., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

• This Boatmaker Builds 1960s-Inspired Cruisers With a Modern Twist. Here’s How.
• This 150-Foot Fishing Trawler Was Transformed Into a Rugged Explorer Yacht
• These 3 Miniature Explorer Yachts Are Ready to Take You Off-Grid
• Share This Article

Yachts that make you look twice. That’s what our round-up of future-forward superyachts on the water today make us do. From aft decks dedicated to the ultimate helipad to silent hybrid cruisers, and even optical illusion design, it’s a rubbernecker’s paradise of top notch amenities and visionary thinking all rolled up into one dynamic yacht package. Whether you’re a salty sailor at heart or keen on speed machines, here we identify eight innovative vessels that will make you want to hop aboard without a second thought.

Feadship 312-foot ‘Bliss’

Launched in May 2021, Bliss has the Dutch shipyard’s all-new hybrid propulsion system. Designed and engineered in partnership with De Voogt Naval Architects, the diesel-electric hybrid system is paired with Polar Code compliance, meaning guests can cruise the more sensitive Polar regions with greater efficiency and as light a footprint as possible. Welcoming nine guests in an interior designed by Remi Tessier, the 312-foot world traveler packs true go-anywhere capabilities, along with a gym, wellness space, a pool and a convertible helideck.

Royal Huisman’s 184-Foot Sailing Yacht ‘Aquarius’

When design simplicity meets cutting-edge technology, the result is 184-foot ketch Aquarius . Built for an owner who likes to race and explore in equal measure, the Royal Huisman sailing yacht shows how performance and classic design do not have to be mutually exclusive. Fast yet easy to sail, Aquarius has a ketch rig developed in collaboration by the yard, its sister company Rondal, and Dykstra Naval Architects. She pairs 9,843-square-feet of sails with the latest in navigational aids to be a world explorer. Classic teak decking and good seakeeping qualities make her a true sailor’s yacht.

Heesen 262-foot ‘Galactica’

The 262-foot Galactica, built by Dutch shipyard Heesen in 2022, rewrites the rules of engineering. The owner’s brief requested fast and big, which led to an all-aluminum build to keep weight down and achieve speeds close to 30 knots, and a newly patented “backbone” for strength and rigidity. Developed in partnership with Dutch hydrodynamicists Van Oossanen, Galactica ’s fast displacement platform is created using two long, flat metal plates that are joined together by a vertical plate in the middle. This prevents the hull from flexing in water. Four MTU engines deliver 19,000-hp, and the addition of a fully-certified helipad means no place is off limits.

Ulstein Verft’s 290-Foot Motor Yacht ‘Olivia O’

Olivia O is a yacht that means business. Robust in every way, she is owned by a commercial shipping magnate with a love for industrial boats. Built by Norwegian shipyard Ulstein Verft Olivia O ’s rustic appeal is exemplified by the use of metal in the Espen Øino-designed interior, from windows with steel borders to corridors with painted metal ceilings. On water, she is defined by Ulstein’s trademarked X-Bow, which was originally designed for use on offshore vessels. Olivia O is the first yacht to ever feature it. Launched in 2020, she bridges the gap between luxury superyacht and authentic rugged explorer.

Oceanco’s 350-Foot Sailing Yacht ‘Black Pearl’

Scooping the top spot for largest DynaRig sailing yacht in the world, Black Pearl is designed by Nuvolari Lenard (assisted by Villate Design). A tri-deck sailing yacht, she boasts three revolutionary 70m DynaRig carbon masts and a sailing system designed by Dykstra Naval Architects. What’s more impressive is that all 2,900sqm of her black, highly distinctive sails can be set in a rapid seven minutes, and all at the push of a button. Her hybrid propulsion system, and other environmental onboard systems, such as waste heat recovery, propel her among a new generation of environmentally sustainable, and highly efficient vessels.

Benetti 351-foot ‘Lana’

One of the most exciting additions to the gigayacht club, Lana was built to discover the four corners of the globe. One of the largest yachts delivered by the Italian builder, Lana is powered by an unusual Rolls-Royce hybrid-electric propulsion, delivering fuel efficiency and long-range cruising. Delivered in 2020, she boasts a large pool on the sun deck that comes with its own heating system, meaning guests can enjoy a splash wherever she cruises. A waterside beach club with folding terraces creates a floating apartment at sea, equipped with a Hammam, massage room, and a dedicated professional therapist makes up one of the 33 full-time crew.

Bilgin 262-foot ‘Tatiana’

Launched in 2020, Tatiana the new flagship yacht from Bilgin Yachts heralded the arrival of cutting-edge, metal-hulled Turkish-built superyachts. With an internal volume of 1,689 gross tons—more than twice that of Bilgin’s previous flagship— Tatiana is defined by long overhangs and a sweeping sheer line penned by Unique Yacht Design. But it’s the 1,200-square-foot lower deck beach club with its two fold-down sea terraces that steal the limelight. The centerpiece is a 30-foot long, freshwater swimming pool. A second glass-bottomed pool on the main deck bathes the beach club below in dappled sunlight. When the shell doors are closed, guests can pamper themselves in the spa that enjoys a hammam, massage room and wet bar with a backlit floor.

Oceanco’s 360-Foot ‘Kaos’ (ex-‘Jubilee’)

The mighty motor yacht Kaos , formerly known as Jubilee , was built by Dutch shipyard Oceanco. For her Moscow-born exterior designer Igor Lobanov, she represents the need to always have faith in your own vision. Topping both length and volume records in the Netherlands at the time of her launch, Kaos’s layered double decks—the very thing that originally put so many people off the concept—are, for Lobanov, the key to the design’s success. “When you’re travelling on a small tender it gives the scale of a bigger yacht, but as you get closer to the yacht you realize her actual size. That’s what we wanted to achieve. We wanted it to be a design trick.” The illusion has been created with smoked glass panels between the decks that run the length of the superstructure and areas of teak decking inaccessible to guests, but which from a distance look like genuine deck spaces. Perfection.

Nobiskrug’s 262-Foot ‘Artefact’

Renowned for a truly striking exterior before she had even hit water, Artefact is the latest launch from German shipyard Nobiskrug. Designed by Gregory C Marshall, she boasts an extensive use of both structural and decorative glass, and includes a number of new technological and engineering features to minimise its environmental impact. These include a large battery storage system which allows the boat to operate without internal combustion engines for a limited time. The biggest-volume 262-foot superyacht in the world, she is also among the first superyachts to meet IMO Tier III emissions regulations and features an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system developed with electric motor manufacturer ABB.

Sanlorenzo 112-foot SX112

As the flagship of Sanlorenzo’s SX crossover line, the premise of the 111.5-foot SX112 is to introduce a new way of living at sea. Described by the Italian builder as a “floating building,” the innovative design enhances guests’ onboard connectivity to the outdoors. It’s achieved by reducing barriers to the outside and closer indoor-outdoor connection. Greater emphasis has been placed on the stern, which has a spacious internal beach area with easy access to the water and beyond, and elsewhere, retractable terraces maximize the outside connection. Exterior designed by Zucccon International, the SX112 gifts superyacht living space typically found on a much larger yacht aboard a compact platform.

Sunreef 78.7-foot 80 Eco

Is there anything more responsible than an electric sailing yacht that creates renewable energy? We don’t think so. The Sunreef 80 Eco is a sustainable transatlantic catamaran that combines electric propulsion with superyacht living and reliable sailing performance. Designed for long offshore navigation, it even generates its own electricity while under sail via a hydro generation system. A total of 1,765-square-feet of ultra-lightweight composite-integrated solar panels are spread across the mast, boom, superstructure, Bimini and hull sides generating up to 32kWp. Inside, the 78.7-foot multihull enjoys living quarters and accommodation for up to 10 guests, thanks in part to a 38-foot beam. It’s like a luxury pied-à-terre on water.

McConaghy Boats’ 140-Foot Trimaran ‘Adastra’

Costing over $20 million to build when launched in 2012, the owner of this custom-built transatlantic trimaran—shipping magnate Antony Marden—has cruised the seven seas for seven years turning heads everywhere he goes. Adastra ’s space age design comes from the boards of British studio Shuttleworth Design and was built in China by McConaghy Boats. Her speedy and light-weight hull is made from a super-strong e-glass/Kevlar foam sandwich, while her superstructure is made up of carbon fiber with a lightweight Nomex honeycomb core. Currently for sale, she provides the rare opportunity to own a yacht with “amazing seaworthiness” and looks like nothing else out there right now.

This story was originally published on August 7, 2020. It has been updated to reflect the most innovative vessels on the water as of the current publishing date. 

Read More On:

• Dream Machines 2022
• Sailing Yacht
• Silent Yachts

More Marine

This New 131-Foot All-Aluminum Superyacht Lets You Take a Dip at Tip and Tail

This 92-Foot Yacht Has a Deck Big Enough for Your Chopper

Four Seasons Just Unveiled the First Itineraries for Its Luxury Cruise Ship

Lexus Just Unveiled a Speedy New 68-Foot Yacht

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Unica 40 in Photos

8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Wayfinder,’ a 224-Foot Catamaran With a Helipad That Doubles as a Pickleball Court

More from our brands, art basel hong kong still draws fashion crowd amid uncertainty, sixth street signs $500k jersey deal with sixth street-owned bay fc, chance perdomo, ‘gen v’ and ‘chilling adventures of sabrina’ star, dies at 27, christie’s secures sale of $30 m. de la cruz collection, the best exercise mats for working out, according to fitness experts.

More From Forbes

Is the 262-foot-long xplorer 80 the ultimate crossover superyacht.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Damen Yachting's Xplorer 80 is uniquely qualified to cruise in the tropics

Full disclosure. I love all of Damen Yachting ’s newly rebranded Xplorer line of crossover superyachts that combine all the capabilities of an expedition yacht with all the over-the-top luxury of a more conventional yacht. I love the way they dare to be just a bit different too.

And now that the new, 262-foot-long (80 meter) Xplorer 80 has been introduced to the Xplorer range which already includes the 196-foot-long Xplorer 60 (meter), and the massive 344-foot-long Xplorer 105 (meter), it’s great to see the Damen Yachting team continue to innovate.

Ahhhhh. The Xplore 80 combines luxury with capability

“By introducing the Xplorer 80, we have further established our ability to create a perfect crossover superyacht. She combines luxury, expedition, capability, high-spec shipbuilding and everything in- between.” Rose Damen, Managing Director Damen Yachting.

According to advance reports the concept was conceived with customization in mind while offering a number of configuration options to suit any lifestyle. Xplorer Design Manager Enrique Tintore explains, “The way the Xplorer has been designed allows for a high level of flexibility to suit any extreme environment or refined landscape. If a helicopter isn’t essential for you, we’ve got many other options for that space. Need a conference room or a seventh guest cabin? Or a separate gym and a high-spec laboratory? We can make that happen.”

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

The configuration options include everything from a below deck helicopter hangar, and large gym and wellness center, to a massive twin tender garage setup with a fully-equipped dive center. And for many who don’t require such serious heli-ops storage capability, the large aft area can be configured into wall-to-wall lounge and beach club too.

The main lounge aboard the Xplore 80 from Damen Yachting.

The flexibility in the design does not stop at configuration options. For the exterior design, Damen Yachting has once again partnered with Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture to further develop the Xplorer 80’s exterior lines. But the Dutch builder has also partnered up with a number of additional exterior and interior designers to provide a unique set of alternatives centered around the same base platform. For the exterior, alternative designs have been created by Espen Øino, Harrison Eidsgaard and Azure Yacht Design.

For the interior design concepts, Damen Yachting has partnered with London-based design studio Harrison Eidsgaard. The result is a custom designed for long-term and luxurious living. Known for their quality and personal attention to detail, the Harrison Eidsgaard team has developed a Manhattan loft-inspired space that encompasses how you like to explore and experience your passions. With refined details, smart storage and a warm ambience throughout, every step you take around this yacht has been considered. "This interior can cover every journey and any lifestyle - all you need to do is immerse yourself." Ben Harrison, co-founder of Harrison Eidsgaard. Alternative interior design concepts have also been provided by Winch Design and Reymond Langton Design.

The owners suite aboard the Xplore 80 from Damen Yachting

Coinciding with the introduction of the Xplorer 80, Damen Yachting have also introduced their updated and modernized branding for their range of luxury explorers. Damen Yachting’s Marketing Manager Sarah Flavell explains. “We wanted to make the original SeaXplorer branding more relevant for today’s and tomorrow’s luxurious yet adventurous yachting needs. While the DNA within the Xplorer 80 proudly carries all of the original SeaXplorer key attributes, we wanted to update the way the brand was presented to better reflect the forward-thinking nature of this new 80-metre Xplorer. The result is that the Xplorer 80 absolutely embodies the brand values associated with the Xplorer range bringing extensive capability, unrivalled autonomy and above all luxury space and lifestyle to the most extreme corners of the globe.”

An alternative exterior layout from Harrison Eidsgaard is also available

It's cool to see Damen Yachting focus on a world of infinite adventures where superyachts and expedition yachts combine. In fact, the new Xplorer 80 may just be the ultimate crossover superyacht that combines luxury and expedition capability in a whole new way.

Watch this space.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

DriveMag Boats

Your ultimate resource for anything ship-related

Sailing Yacht A is the largest motorsailer in the world

143m of awesomeness

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:

• Nautic Shows
• America’s Cup
• Classic Yachts
• Motor Yachts

Sailing Yachts

• Superyachts
• Yachts News
• Destinations
• Yacht Clubs
• Boat Racing
• Meta Yachts

Yachts and Superyachts, understandably, have a bad name when it comes to being environmentally friendly. But there are many options for enjoying these beasts of the ocean in a greener and more responsible way. Among the growing number of initiatives for lower-impact yachting is hybrid propulsion (the use of a combination of energy sources, such as diesel and battery power), more efficient hulls and choosing sail over motor.  Looking to the future, sustainability is becoming more and more important to those building and buying yachts, and this is reflected in the types of superyachts hitting the water. We take a closer look at the trailblazing eco-friendly yachts of the past 20 years, as well as the most exciting projects on the horizon.

SY Ethereal was the first superyacht with a true hybrid system on board / @Franco Pace

Launched by Dutch yard Royal Huisman in 2008, 190-ft ketch  Ethereal  was a trendsetter that paved the way for future ‘eco’ superyachts. The first superyacht with a true hybrid system on board, she was the dream of owners Bill and Shannon Joy who set out to challenge the norm of yacht building. Together with the shipyard, naval architect Ron Holland and exterior/interior designer Pieter Beeldsnijder, the Joys worked to create a yacht that would have the lowest possible impact on the planet. The result was a technologically advanced design that delivered energy efficiency in a sleek and high-performance package.

Thanks to a twin hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion system, which recharges her battery bank,  Ethereal  can operate for long periods of time under the quiet stored power of her own resources. Every detail of  Ethereal  was examined for ways to reduce energy demands—from lighting to air-conditioning—and she delivers an impressively efficient performance when underway. Her open interior, with a warm and welcoming feel, invites guests in— fittingly, as her entire layout was designed to maximize spaces and allow those on board to spend quality time together. Since her launch  Ethereal  has traveled the world, treading lightly wherever she goes.

royalhuisman.com

Black Pearl

The Black Pearl is capable of crossing the Atlantic without using any fuel / ©Tom Van Oossanen

At 350 ft,  Black Pearl  is the largest sailing superyacht in the world. She is certainly not inconspicuous but, despite her size, she is extremely eco-friendly. Delivered by Oceanco in 2016,  Black Pearl  is said to have the capability to cross the Atlantic using zero fossil fuel. Plans for undertaking this particular feat were underway when Covid-19 hit and delayed this attempt, but her captain, Chris Gartner, says that the owner and the  Black Pearl  team are committed to going ahead with that as soon as possible.

Black Pearl  incorporates features that ensure a lower environmental impact: propellers that can generate electricity when operating in ‘regeneration mode’ and, one of her most impressive features, her sails also double as a source of power. Measuring an incredible 31,215 sq ft,  Black Pearl’s  sails have built-in solar panels that create electricity that is then stored so it can be put to use elsewhere as needed. The DynaRig sails also allow the yacht to be easily operated under sail power as much as possible, greatly reducing the need for fuel.

oceancoyacht.com

Savannah was built by Dutch shipyard Feadship/ ©Feadship

Savannah , built by Dutch shipyard Feadship and hailed as the first hybrid motoryacht at her 2015 launch, is also the world’s largest metallic-painted floating object. This beautiful yacht has collected many awards, including the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year at the 2016World Superyacht Awards. Her ‘Breathe’ propulsion system delivers 30% fuel-saving economies, and she can cruise under diesel electric or simply electric battery power.

Savannah  set a precedent for other eco-friendly projects from Feadship, including the ultra-sustainable 308-ft  Viva  (Hull 817), which has made waves since her February 2021 launch. As attractive as she is innovative, her elegant, four-deck floating superstructure pairs world-class technology with timeless style; features include the ‘Nemo Lounge,’ where you can peek below the waves and marvel at passing sea life from the comfort of the yacht. The main deck has a 30-ft pool and two main salons that are divided by a video wall, and the owner’s stateroom boasts a skylight above the master bed for admiring the starscape above.

feadship.nl

Ice was one of the most technologically advanced yachts when it was launched in 2005 / @Klaus Jordan

Delivered in 2005 by German powerhouse Lürssen, at the time of her launch  ICE  (then named  AIR ) was one of the most technologically advanced yachts. The brief from the owner called for the yacht to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and she delivered that in spades. She was the first yacht in the world to be fitted with Azipods, a diesel-electric propulsion system that offers many benefits including improved fuel efficiency, the option to use multiple energy sources and improved comfort, thanks to lower noise and vibration levels.

Pump jets combined with the Azipods can be controlled by the yacht’s dynamic positioning system, allowing  ICE  to anchor ‘electronically’ in shallow waters, removing the need to drop anchor and potentially damage sensitive underwater environments. Her original owner had a very clear vision of what he wanted from his yacht — it needed to be big on space with sleek lines and well-balanced proportions yet with large volumes. Design legend Tim Heywood took this brief and ran with it, resulting in a graceful yacht characterized by sweeping contours and grand windows that drench the yacht in natural light.

lurssen.com

Artefact sets sail on her maiden voyage in 2020 / ©Francisco Martinez

The impressive 262-ft  Artefact , designed by Gregory C Marshall and delivered by Nobiskrug Yachts in 2020, is a head turner for more than one reason. Her striking exterior, which makes clever use of glass, is the most obvious, but her eco-credentials are her biggest asset. Built for visionary owners who specifically requested a yacht with a reduced environmental impact,  Artefact’s  many solutions for this brief include 248 ft of solar panels and a battery storage system that allows the yacht to operate without its main engines for periods of time.

Added to that is her dynamic positioning system and Azipod propulsion system – these allow  Artefact  to easily hold her position without needing to use her anchors and reduce her emissions while also upping her efficiency. In fact, she was one of the very first superyachts built to meet IMO Tier III emissions regulations. For those wishing to enjoy pristine surroundings without interruption,  Artefact  is also capable of silent operations. This ‘greener’ superyacht certainly doesn’t compromise on comfort and on her launch was the biggest volume yacht of her size in the world. She perfectly pairs form and function… in other words, this award-winning yacht is the full package.

nobiskrug.com

Juliet in the Norwegian fjords / ©Jonathan Allan

Originally launched in 1993, the 143-ft  Juliet  was reborn this summer after an extensive “go greener” refit at her original build yard, Royal Huisman. Newly transformed into a hybrid yacht,  Juliet  now bears technologies that will future-proof her for years to come. Her new hybrid system offers numerous benefits including silent operations, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption. A brand-new gearbox, aligned with a sophisticated new electric motor/generator, will allow electric propulsion that is powered by either the main engine or alternatively the battery pack or generator. Meanwhile, a battery bank will allow  Juliet  to operate in ‘silent ship’ mode.

When stretching her legs under sail, the rotation of the propeller will generate electric power. When at anchor she can run on battery power so guests can relax without any noise pollution that might detract from their surroundings. With nearly a quarter a million miles logged since her launch,  Juliet  is now ready for the next quarter million miles to come.

Swan 88 Hybrid

Finnish builders Nautor’s Swan has joined the trend for hybrid yachts with its Swan 88 Hybrid model, which has a hybrid-electric propulsion system that marks a new era for the yard’s Maxi range. This new direction for the yard includes making greater use of eco-friendly materials in its designs. The  Swan 88 Hybrid  is the yard’s first attempt at a hybrid yacht, and the design has already borne fruit – in May 2021 it announced it had already sold the first hull.

Described by Nautor’s Swan as a “dual soul of racer and cruiser,” the  Swan 88 Hybrid  pairs comfort and performance and is an excellent ‘starter size’ superyacht that is spacious but manageable. The minimalist exterior design by German Frers is complemented by “a comfortable, harmonious and magical” interior by Misa Poggi. An easy-handle sail plan makes use of the brand’s long experience in ocean racing, delivering “efficient, uncomplicated and easily managed sailing”. The layout and design has been tailored to maximize guest comfort on longer trips – this first model will be able to travel the world with a lighter footprint thanks to her eco credentials.

nautorswan.com

Sailing purists the world over treasure the sight of a J Class yacht. Original J Class yachts raced in the 1930s under the Universal Rule, in events including the  America’s Cup.  There have been several replica J Class yachts built in modern times as well. Elegant  Rainbow  is one such replica and was built in Holland in 2012 by Holland Jachtbouw. Her design was based on the original  Rainbow , which won the America’s Cup in 1934, and it paired the best of classic yacht design with all the necessary modern technologies and comforts.

Like many other eco-friendly sailing yachts,  Rainbow  is powered by a hybrid propulsion system – in fact, she was the first J Class to boast this capability. This means a welcome 30% reduction in fuel usage, as well as the option of silent operations when underway. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside,  Rainbow ’s luxurious interior makes use of elegant mahogany woods, sophisticated styling and plenty of space to enjoy. If owning a J Class is your dream,  Rainbow  is currently for sale for a cool $8,250,000.

y.co/yacht/rainbow

The 142-ft Canova takes the title of being Baltic Yachts’s very first zero emissions yacht over 100 ft / ©Baltic Yachts

Built by Finnish firm Baltic Yachts in 2019, the 142-ft  Canova  takes the title of being the yard’s very first zero emissions yacht over 100 ft. This was a mandate of her owner, who wanted his long-distance cruising yacht to be as green as possible.  Canova  more than met the mark and carries an impressive line-up of modern technologies including a power regeneration system that, in theory, allows a never-ending supply for the yacht to make use of. An added first is that  Canova  is the first superyacht to be fitted with a transverse Dynamic Stability System foil, which delivers unprecedented comfort levels for a sailing yacht by reducing heel and motion.

Guests can relax on board  Canova  and enjoy nine hours of ‘silent’ mode made possible by an electric propulsion system that also charges the on-board battery bank. An easy-to-handle, yet powerful, sail plan ensures hoisting the sails is a breeze, meaning  Canova  can make the most of her sailing prowess (again cutting down on engine use). Large spaces and good indoor/outdoor flow make her a home away from home, with communal spaces including the large, sheltered cockpit with drop down glass sides.  Canova  was built to take her owner and guests around the world and will be venturing to a wide variety of destinations over the coming years.

balticyachts.fi

Sw108 Hybrid

The SW108 Hybrid will allow for efficient consumption of fossil fuels and reduce harmful emissions

First revealed in 2021, the  SW108 Hybrid  from South African shipyard Southern Wind Shipyard (SWS) is an exciting diesel-electric concept that has been designed with the planet in mind. It is the result of an impressive collaboration between SWS, Nauta Design and Farr Yacht Design. Featuring the ‘SWS Diesel-Electric Hybrid System,’ the  SW108 Hybrid  will allow for efficient consumption of fossil fuels and reduce harmful emissions.

All this is presented in a sleek, elegant and reliable package typical of SWS. Key features include a plus-sized beach club and a garage with room for a 16 ft tender. Sure to appeal to sailors looking for a reliable and comfortable “greener” sailing yacht, the design is what the yard describes as “a more environmentally friendly approach to performance yacht sailing.” The shipyard takes its responsibilities to deliver more eco-friendly yachts very seriously and the  SW108 Hybrid  will likely set the tone for future designs from SWS.

sws-yachts.com

To the Future…

REV Ocean will be kitted out with the latest sampling, observation, mapping and communication equipment / ©REV Ocean

Due to be completed in 2024, 600-ft  REV   Ocean  will be the world’s largest research vessel. With construction well underway in Norway,  REV   Ocean  is a state-of-the-art yacht that has been designed to ensure ‘one healthy ocean.’ As a luxury floating laboratory, her impressive facilities will allow her to undertake cutting-edge ocean science. She has an abundance of sustainable features, and her assets will include everything from a deep-diving submarine to a lecture theater for discussing discoveries.

“ REV   Ocean’s  hull and propeller were designed for less resistance and more efficiency moving through the water, saving up to 15% on fuel consumption,” explains Lawrence Hislop of  REV   Ocean . “Additionally, lithium-ion battery packs, LED lighting, a heat recovery system, an onboard incinerator and DNV SILENT-R rating all contribute to the philosophy of making  REV Ocean  one of the world’s most sustainable research and expedition vessels.” Want to experience  REV Ocean  for yourself? She will be offering special, once-in-a-lifetime charters that allow guests to play their own part in  REV   Ocean’s  important work.

revocean.org

Arksen 85 offers luxurious comfort and large onboard spaces / ©Arksen Yachts

Last year work began on the  Arksen 85  — dubbed  Project Ocean  — the first self-proclaimed “ultimate marine exploration vessel” to be built by Arksen Yachts. Created to travel the world, with a stable, hardy design, the  Arksen 85  is intended to explore with low environmental impact. She’s built in an eco-friendly way, with her hull and superstructure made from low-carbon, recycled aluminum. A range of up to 7,000 nm will give her plenty of scope for adventures, and her eco credentials include a solar array option for zero-carbon electrical power and a hybrid propulsion system.

Buying an Arksen yacht offers several bolt-ons such as membership in the Arksen Explorers’ Club, which helps owners make the most of their vessels, and an invitation to join the Arksen Foundation, where owners are invited to pledge 10% of their vessels’ sea time to ocean-exploration projects. The  Arksen 85  offers luxurious comfort and large onboard spaces. This first build will include a full beam master suite, media room and children’s cabin. She is due to launch in 2022, and a large portion of her time at sea has already been committed to the Arksen Foundation.

Project AQUA

The stunning infinity pool on Project AQUA / ©Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

Project AQUA  made headlines around the world last year when rumors started that she was being built for Bill Gates. This speculation was later dispelled but, in the process, the world got a good look at the 367-ft vessel and so too a glimpse of what the future of yacht design might look like. The work of Lateral Naval Architects in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Design, hydrogen-powered  Project AQUA  represents how yachting might one day achieve zero carbon usage.

“For  Project AQUA  we set ourselves an objective of using near-future technology,” explains Simon Brealey, principal mechanical engineer at Lateral. “Liquid hydrogen has the potential to be created from renewable sources via electrolysis and as such can be considered a zero carbon fuel with the only local emissions being water.  Project AQUA  demonstrates [that] the onboard technology to enable a zero carbon project is ready, and we hope that it acts to inspire superyacht owners, shipyards, the hydrogen infrastructure industry and the wider maritime industry.”

The Sinot team used “an integrated and highly poetic design approach” when creating her: Cascading exterior decks are paired with a minimalist Japanese beach-style interior that provides living spaces in perfect balance with the water on which the vessel sits.

lateral.engineering ,  sinot.com

The 312-ft hybrid yacht Bliss is the most recent Feadship vessel to hit the water / ©Feadship

Dutch yard Feadship now has a good number of eco yachts to its name, and 312-ft hybrid yacht  Bliss  is the most recent to have hit the water. Launched in May 2021,  Bliss  benefits from the very latest advances in technology with an all-new hybrid propulsion system. De Voogt Naval Architects were heavily involved in the design and engineering of the hybrid system, which will allow the yacht to sail in diesel-electric mode. In a win-win for comfort and for the world, “this package helps to protect the environment and provides premium comfort for all who step aboard,” says Feadship.  Bliss  also has Polar Code compliance – what better way to connect with the importance of protecting the health of our planet than by coming face to face with the icy majesty of the Polar regions?

Built for a very hands-on owner,  Bliss  features an exterior design by Jan Schaffers of Studio de Voogt and interior design by Remi Tessier. This team has created an elegant style that they describe as “natural and welcoming, inside and out.” Highlights include nine cabins, a gym and wellness space, a pool and a convertible helideck. Designed for family fun and to see the world this magnificent custom yacht is a timeless triumph.

Eco Explorer

Eco Explorer concept is described as “a genuinely eco-friendly superyacht” / ©Feadship

A collaboration between Dutch yard Feadship and French design studio Merveille Yachting, the  Eco Explorer  concept is described by Feadship as “a genuinely eco-friendly superyacht.” The yacht combines all the best elements of motor and sail yachts in one efficient package. She features a mast system that has fully automated wings twice as powerful as a standard sailing yacht rig, while the use of sail power reduces fuel use as well.

Energy is also harnessed from a trio of onboard solutions including wind turbines, solar panels and underwater turbines. These, together with other reduction elements, add up to the use of an estimated 50-70% less fossil fuel, and more than three times the range of an equivalent boat. The 55-ft beam ensures plenty of space on board, with an inviting interior and vast beach club that includes a 49-ft swimming pool. The perfect yacht for seeing the world guilt-free, “the  Eco Explorer  is on the forefront of cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology,” says Feadship.

feadship.nl ,  merveille-yachting.com

Vento was designed by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard to be a “manifesto for environmental protection” / ©Nuvolari-Lenard

A mighty 328-ft sailing yacht concept,  Vento  is the brainchild of Nuvolari-Lenard. First revealed in June 2021 at the Venice Boat Show, this behemoth was created by design duo Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard to be a “manifesto for environmental protection” and a visual appeal to superyacht designers to create truly green yachts. This radical concept will use the wind as its main source of propulsion and its slipstream hull will ensure it moves efficiently through the water. Its Wing Sail sail plan is more efficient than traditional rigs, allowing for better performance. A diesel-electric system with variable speed generators and variable pitch propellors will allow operations to be adjusted to achieve maximum efficiency.

Nuvolari and Lenard both believe that it is not enough to design a yacht that is “greener,” and instead our entire mentalities and attitudes towards yacht design needs to shift. “ Vento  speaks to a market sensitive to environmental issues, worried about the future of the marine ecosystem, which is ready to do its part,” they say.  Vento  is their testimony and, they believe, proof that a truly green yacht needn’t mean compromising on innovative designs and luxurious living.

nuvolari-lenard.com  

Project Crystal

Project Crystal is named for the distinctive crystalline lattice that forms a striking part of the exterior profile / ©Nick Stark Design

The size of the 308-ft  Project Crystal  is an eco yacht option for buyers who can’t let go of the idea of a very large yacht. She, like the rest on this list, has been designed in a way that will allow efficient operations and energy savings. “As with all our designs, the impact of a vessel on its context is crucial — environmental considerations extend from the controllable pitch propellers which maximize efficiency, through the hydrodynamic optimizations of the hull, hybrid power systems and glazing arrangements that minimize solar gain,” says Nick Stark, naval architect at Nick Stark Design.

Project Crystal  is named for the distinctive crystalline lattice that forms a striking part of the exterior profile. Designed to be a sanctuary,  Project Crystal  is a safe and relaxing space that is both beautiful on board and from afar. “We wanted to create an aesthetic that is celebratory,” says Stark. “The lines flow up and across, both lifting our gaze and also guiding it to what is around us: the people, the community and the environment”. The design is able to achieve swift global navigation and she has been crafted with a relentless focus on hydrodynamic fundamentals – the sleek unadorned underwater lines tick the boxes for both fuel efficiency and superb seakeeping. Not to mention she looks pretty exceptional too.

nickstark.design

Sunreef 80 Eco

The eco-responsible luxury craft contains the latest green technologies in the industry / ©Sunreef

The  Sunreef 80 Eco  catamaran design is described by Sunreef Yachts as “an eco-responsible luxury craft combining electric propulsion, superyacht living spaces, reliable sailing performance and the latest green technologies in the industry.” The  Sunreef 80 Eco  is the largest in the yard’s Eco range, which boasts a large number of appealing ‘green’ features. These include state-of-the-art batteries, sustainable interiors, wind generators and smart water management. In fact, the entire Sunreef brand has undergone a central shift and rebrand towards producing “eco luxury” catamarans.

Sunreef Yachts have worked hard on developing their own proprietary solar panel system, which has been integrated into the  Sunreef 80 Eco  design, allowing for 1,765 sq ft of ultra-light solar panels installed around the vessel. Pairing comfort and green technology, she has been designed for long range offshore cruising in total silence and in harmony with her surroundings. The entire design can be customized to suit her owners, with plenty of light-filled spaces in close proximity to the ocean. The first Sunreef 80 Eco is currently in build and due to make her debut in 2021.

sunreef-yachts-eco.com

The sailing yacht with the lowest possible environmental footprint / ©TDoS

This year saw Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) release its interpretation of an eco superyacht, the 265-ft  Aegir 2.0 . The design house describes it as “the sailing yacht with the lowest possible environmental footprint.” A big claim indeed. The design has a wind-electric propulsion system that recharges her batteries as she sails. This means her range is theoretically infinite – the world will be her oyster. A Dynarig sail plan will ensure excellent performance, while the trimaran hull delivers excellent seakeeping.

Her eco credentials do not mean a sacrifice on comfort as  Aegir 2.0  has plenty of luxury features including a swimming pool, beach club space and spacious rooms. A minimalist Scandinavian style interior pairs a subtle color palette with natural materials, complemented by large windows that fill all spaces with light.

tillbergdesign.com

Lürssen’s fuel cell yacht

There is little public information available about an exciting new project from German yard Lürssen Yachts, but it certainly warrants a place in this list for the feat of being the yard’s first yacht with fuel cell technology. Now in build, the yacht has been commissioned by a forward thinking and technology driven owner. This project is huge news as it represents a big step towards an emission free Lürssen superyacht. Flanking the traditional generators, the fuel cell will offer many benefits including the ability to anchor for 15 days or cruise 1,000 miles at slow speed with no emissions.

Complementing this new build project, the yard has set up an Innovation Laboratory that will “simulate and test the integration and operation of a Marine Hybrid Fuel Cell System on board a yacht powered by methanol.” Lürssen is certainly looking to the future and has ambitious goals to lead the field in the construction of emission free yachts.

• innovative yachts
• superyachts

RELATED ARTICLES

Vision turns view: the first unit of the widercat 92 hits the water, most exciting new yachts at the venice boat show, rossinavi to present futuristic catamaran oneiric, what to know about hydrogen-powered yachts, innovative yachts and superyachts of the 21st century.

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

LATEST ARTICLES

Unleashing potential: emirates team new zealand’s two-boat training session, foiling awards: these are the best “flying” boats of 2024, editor picks, canadian beau lake introduces the tahoe ’14 and lugano ’14 electric runabouts, underwater adventure and exploration with deepflight’s super falcon 3s, driving performance on land and on water: 41′ amg carbon edition, popular posts, young designer of the year 2022: ioana valentina corcodel reveals 65m ophelia concept, mirabaud sailing video of the century: celebrating 2 decades of passion, superyacht the flying fox seized in the dominican republic, popular category.

• Regatta 807
• America's Cup 384
• Motor Yachts 261
• Boating 215
• Superyachts 183
• Sailing 177
• Yachts News 174
• Sailing Yachts 162

When will ‘Renaissance’ be streaming? How to watch every Beyoncé documentary and concert film

The box office hit film 'Renaissance' wasn't Beyoncé's first on-screen rodeo.

A Brief History of Superyachts

And how they explain the world..

Tim Murphy January+February 2024 Issue

James Clapham

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

When the US targeted Russia’s oligarchs after the invasion of Ukraine, the trail of assets kept leading to our own backyard. Not only had our nation become a haven for shady foreign money, but we were also incubating a familiar class of yacht-owning, industry-dominating, resource-extracting billionaires. In the  January + February 2024  issue of our magazine, we investigate the rise of American Oligarchy—and what it means for the rest of us. You can read all the pieces  here .

The luxury yacht may be the world’s most exclusive form of transportation. But there are only a hundred-some that meet the definition of a gigayacht—a pleasure craft 295 feet or longer. Their opaque ownership records offer a glimpse of modern wealth and power: Over two dozen are linked to Gulf royals, businessmen, or states, and 20 to citizens (past or current) of the former Soviet Union. At least 23 have reportedly belonged to Americans, including founders of Microsoft, Netscape, Amazon, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. The widow of a German retailer who thrived under Hitler owned one; a UK tax exile and a Formula 1 dad still do. Yugoslav strongman Tito’s old yacht makes the list; Dominican dictator Trujillo’s does too. Take a cruise through the history of the vessels and their—somewhat—more modest sister ships.

1895: Nineteen years before World War I, the future King Edward VII of England punches his nephew, Kaiser Wilhelm II, in the face, after the German’s 121-foot yacht, Meteor II , defeats the royal Britannia in a race off the Isle of Wight.

1954: Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis ushers in an era of postwar one-upmanship with his 325-foot Christina O . It features a pool that converts into a dance floor, furniture made from whale foreskin, and pornographic carvings.

1963: During his final birthday party aboard the presidential yacht Sequoia , JFK chases future Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee’s wife, Antoinette, into the bathroom and gropes her. “I guess I was pretty surprised, but I was kind of flattered, and appalled, too,” she says later. The ship’s visitor logs are destroyed after Kennedy’s assassination.

1984: King Fahd of Saudi Arabia builds the record-breaking 482-foot Prince Abdulaziz .

1987: Sen. Gary Hart (D-Colo.) drops out of the presidential race just before photos emerge of him with model Donna Rice aboard the yacht Monkey Business .

1988: Donald Trump acquires Nabila , which previously belonged to the Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi and was featured in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again . He renames it Trump Princess , adds a disco, and changes the helipad’s “H” to a “T.”

1991: After one of Trump’s casinos files for bankruptcy, he sells Trump Princess to his bank—which flips it to a Saudi prince. A new yacht, the Trump Princess II , which he boasted would be “something in excess of 400 feet long, closer to 500 feet,” is never built.

British publisher Robert Maxwell’s body is found in the Atlantic Ocean, where he had been cruising on a 180-footer named for his daughter—the Lady Ghislaine . The vessel is eventually resold to Anna Murdoch, Rupert’s second wife.

1994: At a cocktail party on the oligarch Petr Aven’s yacht in the Caribbean, Boris Berezovsky meets Roman Abramovich, calling him a “nice boy who wanted to discuss commercial projects.” He and Abramovich begin working together to acquire Sibneft, a Russian state oil company.

1997: Construction ends on The Limited and Victoria’s Secret owner Les Wexner’s ­316-foot Limitless . The project was overseen by his good friend Jeffrey Epstein.

1999: Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison buys the 191-foot Izanami from a Japanese seller. He changes the name to Ronin , he said later , after “the local newspapers started pointing out that Izanami was ‘I’m a Nazi’ spelled backwards.”

2001: Months before Enron files for bankruptcy, former CEO Jeffrey Skilling asks a company executive for advice on finding a yacht broker. “This industry is known for crooks and thieves,” he warns Skilling.

2002: House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Texas) promises to strip “corporate kingpins of their ill-gotten gains,” after scandals rock Enron and WorldCom. “We’re coming after the yacht.”

2003: DeLay charges donors $500,000 a pop for tickets to a yacht cruise.

2005: Ellison shoots down rumors he issued orders midconstruction to have his newest yacht, the 454-foot Rising Sun , extended to outdo Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s recently launched 414-foot Octopus .

Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.) pleads guilty to federal bribery charges after being caught living rent-free on a yacht, called the Duke-Stir , that was moored in Washington, DC, and owned by a defense contractor.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s 531-foot Dubai surpasses Prince Abdulaziz as the world’s longest yacht.

2006: Media mogul Barry Diller reveals the world’s longest sailing yacht, the 305-foot Eos , whose prow features a 9-foot-tall sculpture of his wife, Diane von Furstenberg.

2007: Diller opens a Manhattan corporate headquarters­­ at a Frank Gehry­–designed building that itself has been likened to a sailboat . It’s across the street from where Eos ties up.

2008: George Osborne, the No. 2 official in the UK’s Conservative Party, relaxes on Russian aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska’s yacht while vacationing with his family in Greece. He denies an accusation that he solicited funds, explaining in a statement that they discussed “Russian history” and drank tea.

2009: As his marriage falls apart, Tiger Woods retreats to a 155-foot yacht called Privacy .

2010: Abramovich’s new ship, Eclipse , surpasses Dubai as the world’s longest yacht. The 533-foot vessel features a submarine, anti-missile systems, and lasers to thwart paparazzi .

2011: During an unsuccessful suit seeking $5 billion he believed Abramovich owed him from the sale of Sibneft, an exiled Berezovsky claims that his former partner helped purchase the yacht Olympia for Vladimir Putin. When the BBC publishes a supporting account from another Russian businessman five years later, Abramovich’s lawyers dismiss the allegation as “a rehash of speculation and rumours.”

2012: As GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney faces criticism for holding investment funds in the Cayman Islands, his campaign invites donors to party on Cracker Bay . The ship, owned by the founder of The Villages retirement community, flies the Cayman Islands’ flag.

2013: UAE leader Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan launches the 593-foot Azzam , surpassing the Eclipse .

2014: The Wall Street Journal reports that Ellison has basketball hoops on “at least two of his yachts” and had someone follow in a smaller boat “to retrieve balls that go overboard.”

2016: Allen’s Tatoosh drags its anchor through a protected zone in the Cayman Islands, destroying 14,000 square feet of coral.

2017: After leaving office, Barack and Michelle Obama retreat to the South Pacific aboard David Geffen’s yacht, where they’re joined by Oprah, Tom Hanks, and Bruce Springsteen.

Abramovich’s business partner, Eugene Shvidler, blocks views of the Statue of Liberty while anchoring his 370-foot Le Grand Bleu in New York Harbor for a month.

Addressing the national Boy Scout Jamboree, Trump tells an anecdote widely assumed to allude to sex parties on a yacht belonging to the developer of the Levittown suburbs. “You’re Boy Scouts, so I’m not going to tell you what he did,” he said. “But you know life.”

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) buys a yacht and on the same day votes to cut taxes on yachts.

2018: Rupert Murdoch is airlifted to UCLA after collapsing on a yacht trip with his fourth wife, Jerry Hall. “He kept almost dying,” a source tells Vanity Fair .

Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott designates a billionaire donor’s marina as a special anti-­poverty opportunity zone.

Someone unties Seaquest , a superyacht belonging to Trump administration Secretary of Education (and billionaire) Betsy DeVos, causing it to crash into a dock on Lake Erie.

Businessman Jho Low, who financed The Wolf of Wall Street , is accused of taking part in a $4.5 billion scheme to siphon Malaysian state development funds and using some to purchase a $250 million yacht.

2019: Actress Lori Loughlin is arrested in a college admissions bribery scheme . Her daughter, USC student Olivia Jade, is vacationing in the Bahamas— on a yacht belonging to USC board of trustees chair Rick Caruso.

Following an investigation into corruption in the Nigerian oil industry, the US government auctions off businessman Kolawole Aluko’s Galactica Star , six years after Jay-Z rented out the vessel for Beyoncé’s 32nd birthday. A former Enron unit attempts to claim a portion of the proceeds.

Clarence Thomas visits an Indonesian preserve for Komodo dragons with billionaire Harlan Crow on the conservative megadonor’s Michaela Rose .

ArtNet reports that a $450 million (reputed) da Vinci that was supposed to be in an Abu Dhabi museum has been spotted hanging in Mohammed bin Salman’s personal yacht, Serene .

Kylie Jenner holds her 22nd birthday party on Low’s yacht, now under new ownership.

2020: “[I]solated in the Grenadines avoiding the virus,” Geffen writes on Instagram from Rising Sun , which he purchased in 2010. “I’m hoping everybody is staying safe.”

Steve Bannon is arrested off the coast of Connecticut by US Postal Police while aboard the fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui’s 150-foot Lady May .

Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. dresses up as a character from the TV show Trailer Park Boys for a costume party aboard a NASCAR mogul’s yacht. He later posts a photo of himself to Instagram with his fly unzipped and his arms around his wife’s assistant.

2021: NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre testifies that he took refuge on Illusions , a Hollywood producer’s yacht, after the Newtown and Parkland mass shootings. “I remember getting there going, ‘Thank God I’m safe, nobody can get me here.’”

During a bitter divorce, the Daily Mail reports that Tatiana Akhmedova, wife of the Russian Azerbaijani billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov, hired a team of British special forces veterans to seize his yacht, Luna , in an effort to enforce a Marshall Islands court ruling. They settle instead, and he keeps the boat.

Port Azure , dubbed the world’s first harbor designed exclusively for megayachts, opens in Gocek, Turkey. It bills itself as a place where “problems big and small go away.”

2022: Amid reports a historic bridge will be dismantled so Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ newly built Koru can leave Rotterdam’s shipyards, residents threaten to pelt the sailboat with eggs . The city changes plans.

A Ukrainian mechanic is arrested in Mallorca for attempting to sink a vessel owned by his boss, a Russian arms dealer.

Biden promises oligarchs he’s going to “take their ill-begotten gains” after the invasion of Ukraine. “We’re going to seize their yachts.”

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder avoids a congressional subpoena on the team’s misogynistic culture while cruising the Mediterranean on his yacht, Lady S .

Missing Russian superyachts are spotted waiting out sanctions at Port Azure.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) criticizes Joe Biden for vacationing in Delaware while vacationing on a luxury yacht in Italy.

After sailing through Fiji on his yacht Aquarius , briefly retired Disney CEO Bob Iger tells friends he misses his wife and is bored with life.

New York Republican congressional candidate George Santos brokers a $19 million deal to sell a superyacht called Namaste to a Long Island car dealer.

Bankrupt crypto exchange FTX reveals in court filings that founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s hedge fund once spent $2.5 million on a yacht, which a top executive named Soak My Deck .

2023: Bezos takes possession of Koru . The $500 million, 417-foot sailboat comes with a bust that resembles his fiancée Lauren Sánchez—and its own second, 246-foot “shadow” support yacht with crew quarters and a hangar for the helicopter she pilots.

After divorcing Jerry Hall, Rupert Murdoch vacations on the Christina O with Abramovich’s ex-mother-in-law.

As TV and movie writers and actors strike, the Wall Street Journal reports that Iger, now back at work, has been regaling visitors to his Burbank office about the new, longer yacht he’s building.

Measuring Contest

Iconic gigayachts through the years

1931: Sea Cloud , Marjorie Post: 359 ft.

1981: Atlantis II , Stavros Niarchos: 380 ft.

2003: Octopus , Paul Allen: 414 ft.

2005: Rising Sun , Larry Ellison: 454 ft.

2010: Eclipse , Roman Abramovich: 533 ft.

2013: Azzam , Sheikh Khalifa: 593 ft.

Illustrations by Anthony Calvert

The Few, The Loud

Some famous faces aboard gigayachts

Steven Spielberg reeled out his anchor off Cannes.

A part of Katy Perry got stuck exiting a dinghy on her way to Barry Diller’s yacht.

Mohammed bin Salman purchased his yacht, Serene , just hours after he saw it.

Jerry Jones made a draft pick aboard his Bravo Eugenia to deepen the Cowboys’ bench.

Mariah Carey was engaged to a gigayacht owner, before the fantasy ended.

Donald Trump Stoops to Lowest Low Yet With Violent Post of Biden

In “Quiet on Set,” Justice Isn’t So Simple

Sophie Hayssen

New Jersey’s County-Line Ballot Is Almost Dead

A GOP Official and Election Denier Voted Illegally Nine Times. That’s Not Even the Worst Part.

We recommend.

The Disturbing Link Between Foster Care and For-Profit Psychiatric Hospitals

Mother Jones

The Easter Bunny Can’t Be Happy About the Global “Chocolate Meltdown”

Patrick Greenfield

Does “And” Really Mean “And”? Not Always, the Supreme Court Rules.

Daniel King

Beyoncé Just Covered the Beatles In the Most Authentic Way: By Honoring Black History

Garrison Hayes

Texas Drops Plans to Execute Man With Intellectual Disability

Julia Métraux

Wall Street Journal Marks One Year Since Evan Gershkovich’s Arrest in Russia

Julianne McShane

Surge of US-Led Fossil Fuel Projects Could Blow Up Paris Climate Goals

Oliver Milman

Ruben Gallego’s Battle Against Kari Lake Could Decide the Fate of the Senate—And Our Democracy

Abby Vesoulis

Sign up for our free newsletter

Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use , and to receive messages from Mother Jones and our partners.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones ' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Independent. In print. In your mailbox.

Inexpensive, too! Subscribe today and get a full year of Mother Jones for just $14.95.

Bold. Brave. Beautiful.

Award-winning photojournalism. Stunning video. Fearless conversations.

Looking for news you can trust?

We noticed you have an ad blocker on..

Can you pitch in a few bucks to help fund Mother Jones' investigative journalism? We're a nonprofit (so it's tax-deductible), and reader support makes up about two-thirds of our budget.

We noticed you have an ad blocker on. Can you pitch in a few bucks to help fund Mother Jones' investigative journalism?

Don't let an algorithm decide what news you see.

Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily newsletter and follow the news that matters.

• Cars, Jets & Yachts

Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century

There are many options for enjoying these beasts of the ocean in a more responsible way.

By Ellie Brade

Superyachts, understandably, have a bad name when it comes to being environmentally friendly. But there are many options for enjoying these beasts of the ocean in a greener and more responsible way. Among the growing number of initiatives for lower-impact yachting is hybrid propulsion (the use of a combination of energy sources, such as diesel and battery power), more efficient hulls and choosing sail over motor.  Looking to the future, sustainability is becoming more and more important to those building and buying yachts, and this is reflected in the types of superyachts hitting the water. Ellie Brade takes a closer look at the trailblazing eco-friendly yachts of the past 20 years, as well as the most exciting projects on the horizon.

SY Ethereal was the first superyacht with a true hybrid system on board / @Franco Pace

Launched by Dutch yard Royal Huisman in 2008, 190-ft ketch Ethereal was a trendsetter that paved the way for future ‘eco’ superyachts. The first superyacht with a true hybrid system on board, she was the dream of owners Bill and Shannon Joy who set out to challenge the norm of yacht building. Together with the shipyard, naval architect Ron Holland and exterior/interior designer Pieter Beeldsnijder, the Joys worked to create a yacht that would have the lowest possible impact on the planet. The result was a technologically advanced design that delivered energy efficiency in a sleek and high-performance package.

Thanks to a twin hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion system, which recharges her battery bank, Ethereal can operate for long periods of time under the quiet stored power of her own resources. Every detail of Ethereal was examined for ways to reduce energy demands—from lighting to air-conditioning—and she delivers an impressively efficient performance when underway. Her open interior, with a warm and welcoming feel, invites guests in— fittingly, as her entire layout was designed to maximize spaces and allow those on board to spend quality time together. Since her launch Ethereal has traveled the world, treading lightly wherever she goes.

royalhuisman.com

Black Pearl

The Black Pearl is capable of crossing the Atlantic without using any fuel / ©Tom Van Oossanen

At 350 ft, Black Pearl is the largest sailing superyacht in the world. She is certainly not inconspicuous but, despite her size, she is extremely eco-friendly. Delivered by Oceanco in 2016, Black Pearl is said to have the capability to cross the Atlantic using zero fossil fuel. Plans for undertaking this particular feat were underway when Covid-19 hit and delayed this attempt, but her captain, Chris Gartner, says that the owner and the Black Pearl team are committed to going ahead with that as soon as possible.

[See also: Step Inside the Black Pearl Yacht]

Sea Change: The Sunreef 88 Ultima Yacht

Four Seasons Yachts Announces its First Luxury Itineraries

Sialia Yachts Launches Advanced Electric Explorer Yacht

Black Pearl incorporates features that ensure a lower environmental impact: propellers that can generate electricity when operating in ‘regeneration mode’ and, one of her most impressive features, her sails also double as a source of power. Measuring an incredible 31,215 sq ft, Black Pearl’s sails have built-in solar panels that create electricity that is then stored so it can be put to use elsewhere as needed. The DynaRig sails also allow the yacht to be easily operated under sail power as much as possible, greatly reducing the need for fuel.

oceancoyacht.com

Savannah was built by Dutch shipyard Feadship/ ©Feadship

Savannah , built by Dutch shipyard Feadship and hailed as the first hybrid motoryacht at her 2015 launch, is also the world’s largest metallic-painted floating object. This beautiful yacht has collected many awards, including the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year at the 2016World Superyacht Awards. Her ‘Breathe’ propulsion system delivers 30% fuel-saving economies, and she can cruise under diesel electric or simply electric battery power.

Content from our partners

W New York – Times Square: “We Do Things Differently”

The Finest Destinations to Fly Private with Qatar Executive

A Weekend Travel Guide to Austin, Texas

Savannah set a precedent for other eco-friendly projects from Feadship, including the ultra-sustainable 308-ft Viva (Hull 817), which has made waves since her February 2021 launch. As attractive as she is innovative, her elegant, four-deck floating superstructure pairs world-class technology with timeless style; features include the ‘Nemo Lounge,’ where you can peek below the waves and marvel at passing sea life from the comfort of the yacht. The main deck has a 30-ft pool and two main salons that are divided by a video wall, and the owner’s stateroom boasts a skylight above the master bed for admiring the starscape above.

feadship.nl

Ice was one of the most technologically advanced yachts when it was launched in 2005 / @Klaus Jordan

Delivered in 2005 by German powerhouse Lürssen, at the time of her launch ICE (then named AIR ) was one of the most technologically advanced yachts. The brief from the owner called for the yacht to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and she delivered that in spades. She was the first yacht in the world to be fitted with Azipods, a diesel-electric propulsion system that offers many benefits including improved fuel efficiency, the option to use multiple energy sources and improved comfort, thanks to lower noise and vibration levels.

Pump jets combined with the Azipods can be controlled by the yacht’s dynamic positioning system, allowing ICE to anchor ‘electronically’ in shallow waters, removing the need to drop anchor and potentially damage sensitive underwater environments. Her original owner had a very clear vision of what he wanted from his yacht — it needed to be big on space with sleek lines and well-balanced proportions yet with large volumes. Design legend Tim Heywood took this brief and ran with it, resulting in a graceful yacht characterized by sweeping contours and grand windows that drench the yacht in natural light.

lurssen.com

Artefact sets sail on her maiden voyage in 2020 / ©Francisco Martinez

The impressive 262-ft Artefact , designed by Gregory C Marshall and delivered by Nobiskrug Yachts in 2020, is a head turner for more than one reason. Her striking exterior, which makes clever use of glass, is the most obvious, but her eco-credentials are her biggest asset. Built for visionary owners who specifically requested a yacht with a reduced environmental impact, Artefact’s many solutions for this brief include 248 ft of solar panels and a battery storage system that allows the yacht to operate without its main engines for periods of time.

[See also: Artefact: The Eco Superyacht that Changed the Game]

Added to that is her dynamic positioning system and Azipod propulsion system – these allow Artefact to easily hold her position without needing to use her anchors and reduce her emissions while also upping her efficiency. In fact, she was one of the very first superyachts built to meet IMO Tier III emissions regulations. For those wishing to enjoy pristine surroundings without interruption, Artefact is also capable of silent operations. This ‘greener’ superyacht certainly doesn’t compromise on comfort and on her launch was the biggest volume yacht of her size in the world. She perfectly pairs form and function… in other words, this award-winning yacht is the full package.

nobiskrug.com

Sailing Yachts

Juliet in the Norwegian fjords / ©Jonathan Allan

Originally launched in 1993, the 143-ft Juliet was reborn this summer after an extensive “go greener” refit at her original build yard, Royal Huisman. Newly transformed into a hybrid yacht, Juliet now bears technologies that will future-proof her for years to come. Her new hybrid system offers numerous benefits including silent operations, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption. A brand-new gearbox, aligned with a sophisticated new electric motor/generator, will allow electric propulsion that is powered by either the main engine or alternatively the battery pack or generator. Meanwhile, a battery bank will allow Juliet to operate in ‘silent ship’ mode.

When stretching her legs under sail, the rotation of the propeller will generate electric power. When at anchor she can run on battery power so guests can relax without any noise pollution that might detract from their surroundings. With nearly a quarter a million miles logged since her launch, Juliet is now ready for the next quarter million miles to come.

Swan 88 Hybrid

Finnish builders Nautor’s Swan has joined the trend for hybrid yachts with its Swan 88 Hybrid model, which has a hybrid-electric propulsion system that marks a new era for the yard’s Maxi range. This new direction for the yard includes making greater use of eco-friendly materials in its designs. The Swan 88 Hybrid is the yard’s first attempt at a hybrid yacht, and the design has already borne fruit – in May 2021 it announced it had already sold the first hull.

Described by Nautor’s Swan as a “dual soul of racer and cruiser,” the Swan 88 Hybrid pairs comfort and performance and is an excellent ‘starter size’ superyacht that is spacious but manageable. The minimalist exterior design by German Frers is complemented by “a comfortable, harmonious and magical” interior by Misa Poggi. An easy-handle sail plan makes use of the brand’s long experience in ocean racing, delivering “efficient, uncomplicated and easily managed sailing”. The layout and design has been tailored to maximize guest comfort on longer trips – this first model will be able to travel the world with a lighter footprint thanks to her eco credentials.

nautorswan.com

Sailing purists the world over treasure the sight of a J Class yacht. Original J Class yachts raced in the 1930s under the Universal Rule, in events including the America’s Cup. There have been several replica J Class yachts built in modern times as well. Elegant Rainbow is one such replica and was built in Holland in 2012 by Holland Jachtbouw. Her design was based on the original Rainbow , which won the America’s Cup in 1934, and it paired the best of classic yacht design with all the necessary modern technologies and comforts.

Like many other eco-friendly sailing yachts, Rainbow is powered by a hybrid propulsion system – in fact, she was the first J Class to boast this capability. This means a welcome 30% reduction in fuel usage, as well as the option of silent operations when underway. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, Rainbow ’s luxurious interior makes use of elegant mahogany woods, sophisticated styling and plenty of space to enjoy. If owning a J Class is your dream, Rainbow is currently for sale for a cool $8,250,000.

y.co/yacht/rainbow

The 142-ft Canova takes the title of being Baltic Yachts’s very first zero emissions yacht over 100 ft / ©Baltic Yachts

Built by Finnish firm Baltic Yachts in 2019, the 142-ft Canova takes the title of being the yard’s very first zero emissions yacht over 100 ft. This was a mandate of her owner, who wanted his long-distance cruising yacht to be as green as possible. Canova more than met the mark and carries an impressive line-up of modern technologies including a power regeneration system that, in theory, allows a never-ending supply for the yacht to make use of. An added first is that Canova is the first superyacht to be fitted with a transverse Dynamic Stability System foil, which delivers unprecedented comfort levels for a sailing yacht by reducing heel and motion.

Guests can relax on board Canova and enjoy nine hours of ‘silent’ mode made possible by an electric propulsion system that also charges the on-board battery bank. An easy-to-handle, yet powerful, sail plan ensures hoisting the sails is a breeze, meaning Canova can make the most of her sailing prowess (again cutting down on engine use). Large spaces and good indoor/outdoor flow make her a home away from home, with communal spaces including the large, sheltered cockpit with drop down glass sides. Canova was built to take her owner and guests around the world and will be venturing to a wide variety of destinations over the coming years.

balticyachts.fi

Sw108 Hybrid

The SW108 Hybrid will allow for efficient consumption of fossil fuels and reduce harmful emissions

First revealed in 2021, the SW108 Hybrid from South African shipyard Southern Wind Shipyard (SWS) is an exciting diesel-electric concept that has been designed with the planet in mind. It is the result of an impressive collaboration between SWS, Nauta Design and Farr Yacht Design. Featuring the ‘SWS Diesel-Electric Hybrid System,’ the SW108 Hybrid will allow for efficient consumption of fossil fuels and reduce harmful emissions.

[See also: Discovering the World’s Most Exciting Superyacht Concepts]

All this is presented in a sleek, elegant and reliable package typical of SWS. Key features include a plus-sized beach club and a garage with room for a 16 ft tender. Sure to appeal to sailors looking for a reliable and comfortable “greener” sailing yacht, the design is what the yard describes as “a more environmentally friendly approach to performance yacht sailing.” The shipyard takes its responsibilities to deliver more eco-friendly yachts very seriously and the SW108 Hybrid will likely set the tone for future designs from SWS.

sws-yachts.com

To the Future…

REV Ocean will be kitted out with the latest sampling, observation, mapping and communication equipment / ©REV Ocean

Due to be completed in 2024, 600-ft REV Ocean will be the world’s largest research vessel. With construction well underway in Norway, REV Ocean is a state-of-the-art yacht that has been designed to ensure ‘one healthy ocean.’ As a luxury floating laboratory, her impressive facilities will allow her to undertake cutting-edge ocean science. She has an abundance of sustainable features, and her assets will include everything from a deep-diving submarine to a lecture theater for discussing discoveries.

[See also: Inside the Incredible Superyacht REV]

“ REV Ocean’s hull and propeller were designed for less resistance and more efficiency moving through the water, saving up to 15% on fuel consumption,” explains Lawrence Hislop of REV Ocean . “Additionally, lithium-ion battery packs, LED lighting, a heat recovery system, an onboard incinerator and DNV SILENT-R rating all contribute to the philosophy of making REV Ocean one of the world’s most sustainable research and expedition vessels.” Want to experience REV Ocean for yourself? She will be offering special, once-in-a-lifetime charters that allow guests to play their own part in REV Ocean’s important work.

revocean.org

Arksen 85 offers luxurious comfort and large onboard spaces / ©Arksen Yachts

Last year work began on the Arksen 85 — dubbed Project Ocean — the first self-proclaimed “ultimate marine exploration vessel” to be built by Arksen Yachts. Created to travel the world, with a stable, hardy design, the Arksen 85 is intended to explore with low environmental impact. She’s built in an eco-friendly way, with her hull and superstructure made from low-carbon, recycled aluminum. A range of up to 7,000 nm will give her plenty of scope for adventures, and her eco credentials include a solar array option for zero-carbon electrical power and a hybrid propulsion system.

Buying an Arksen yacht offers several bolt-ons such as membership in the Arksen Explorers’ Club, which helps owners make the most of their vessels, and an invitation to join the Arksen Foundation, where owners are invited to pledge 10% of their vessels’ sea time to ocean-exploration projects. The Arksen 85 offers luxurious comfort and large onboard spaces. This first build will include a full beam master suite, media room and children’s cabin. She is due to launch in 2022, and a large portion of her time at sea has already been committed to the Arksen Foundation.

Project AQUA

The stunning infinity pool on Project AQUA / ©Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

Project AQUA made headlines around the world last year when rumors started that she was being built for Bill Gates. This speculation was later dispelled but, in the process, the world got a good look at the 367-ft vessel and so too a glimpse of what the future of yacht design might look like. The work of Lateral Naval Architects in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Design, hydrogen-powered Project AQUA represents how yachting might one day achieve zero carbon usage.

[See also: Hydrogen-Powered Yachts: What to Know]

“For Project AQUA we set ourselves an objective of using near-future technology,” explains Simon Brealey, principal mechanical engineer at Lateral. “Liquid hydrogen has the potential to be created from renewable sources via electrolysis and as such can be considered a zero carbon fuel with the only local emissions being water. Project AQUA demonstrates [that] the onboard technology to enable a zero carbon project is ready, and we hope that it acts to inspire superyacht owners, shipyards, the hydrogen infrastructure industry and the wider maritime industry.”

The Sinot team used “an integrated and highly poetic design approach” when creating her: Cascading exterior decks are paired with a minimalist Japanese beach-style interior that provides living spaces in perfect balance with the water on which the vessel sits.

lateral.engineering , sinot.com

The 312-ft hybrid yacht Bliss is the most recent Feadship vessel to hit the water / ©Feadship

Dutch yard Feadship now has a good number of eco yachts to its name, and 312-ft hybrid yacht Bliss is the most recent to have hit the water. Launched in May 2021, Bliss benefits from the very latest advances in technology with an all-new hybrid propulsion system. De Voogt Naval Architects were heavily involved in the design and engineering of the hybrid system, which will allow the yacht to sail in diesel-electric mode. In a win-win for comfort and for the world, “this package helps to protect the environment and provides premium comfort for all who step aboard,” says Feadship. Bliss also has Polar Code compliance – what better way to connect with the importance of protecting the health of our planet than by coming face to face with the icy majesty of the Polar regions?

Built for a very hands-on owner, Bliss features an exterior design by Jan Schaffers of Studio de Voogt and interior design by Remi Tessier. This team has created an elegant style that they describe as “natural and welcoming, inside and out.” Highlights include nine cabins, a gym and wellness space, a pool and a convertible helideck. Designed for family fun and to see the world this magnificent custom yacht is a timeless triumph.

Eco Explorer

Eco Explorer concept is described as “a genuinely eco-friendly superyacht” / ©Feadship

A collaboration between Dutch yard Feadship and French design studio Merveille Yachting, the Eco Explorer concept is described by Feadship as “a genuinely eco-friendly superyacht.” The yacht combines all the best elements of motor and sail yachts in one efficient package. She features a mast system that has fully automated wings twice as powerful as a standard sailing yacht rig, while the use of sail power reduces fuel use as well.

Energy is also harnessed from a trio of onboard solutions including wind turbines, solar panels and underwater turbines. These, together with other reduction elements, add up to the use of an estimated 50-70% less fossil fuel, and more than three times the range of an equivalent boat. The 55-ft beam ensures plenty of space on board, with an inviting interior and vast beach club that includes a 49-ft swimming pool. The perfect yacht for seeing the world guilt-free, “the Eco Explorer is on the forefront of cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology,” says Feadship.

feadship.nl , merveille-yachting.com

Vento was designed by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard to be a “manifesto for environmental protection” / ©Nuvolari-Lenard

A mighty 328-ft sailing yacht concept, Vento is the brainchild of Nuvolari-Lenard. First revealed in June 2021 at the Venice Boat Show, this behemoth was created by design duo Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard to be a “manifesto for environmental protection” and a visual appeal to superyacht designers to create truly green yachts. This radical concept will use the wind as its main source of propulsion and its slipstream hull will ensure it moves efficiently through the water. Its Wing Sail sail plan is more efficient than traditional rigs, allowing for better performance. A diesel-electric system with variable speed generators and variable pitch propellors will allow operations to be adjusted to achieve maximum efficiency.

Nuvolari and Lenard both believe that it is not enough to design a yacht that is “greener,” and instead our entire mentalities and attitudes towards yacht design needs to shift. “ Vento speaks to a market sensitive to environmental issues, worried about the future of the marine ecosystem, which is ready to do its part,” they say. Vento is their testimony and, they believe, proof that a truly green yacht needn’t mean compromising on innovative designs and luxurious living.

nuvolari-lenard.com  

Project Crystal

Project Crystal is named for the distinctive crystalline lattice that forms a striking part of the exterior profile / ©Nick Stark Design

The size of the 308-ft Project Crystal is an eco yacht option for buyers who can’t let go of the idea of a very large yacht. She, like the rest on this list, has been designed in a way that will allow efficient operations and energy savings. “As with all our designs, the impact of a vessel on its context is crucial — environmental considerations extend from the controllable pitch propellers which maximize efficiency, through the hydrodynamic optimizations of the hull, hybrid power systems and glazing arrangements that minimize solar gain,” says Nick Stark, naval architect at Nick Stark Design.

Project Crystal is named for the distinctive crystalline lattice that forms a striking part of the exterior profile. Designed to be a sanctuary, Project Crystal is a safe and relaxing space that is both beautiful on board and from afar. “We wanted to create an aesthetic that is celebratory,” says Stark. “The lines flow up and across, both lifting our gaze and also guiding it to what is around us: the people, the community and the environment”. The design is able to achieve swift global navigation and she has been crafted with a relentless focus on hydrodynamic fundamentals – the sleek unadorned underwater lines tick the boxes for both fuel efficiency and superb seakeeping. Not to mention she looks pretty exceptional too.

nickstark.design

Sunreef 80 Eco

The eco-responsible luxury craft contains the latest green technologies in the industry / ©Sunreef

The Sunreef 80 Eco catamaran design is described by Sunreef Yachts as “an eco-responsible luxury craft combining electric propulsion, superyacht living spaces, reliable sailing performance and the latest green technologies in the industry.” The Sunreef 80 Eco is the largest in the yard’s Eco range, which boasts a large number of appealing ‘green’ features. These include state-of-the-art batteries, sustainable interiors, wind generators and smart water management. In fact, the entire Sunreef brand has undergone a central shift and rebrand towards producing “eco luxury” catamarans.

[See also: Style and Sustainability: The New Sunreef 80 Eco Catamaran]

Sunreef Yachts have worked hard on developing their own proprietary solar panel system, which has been integrated into the Sunreef 80 Eco design, allowing for 1,765 sq ft of ultra-light solar panels installed around the vessel. Pairing comfort and green technology, she has been designed for long range offshore cruising in total silence and in harmony with her surroundings. The entire design can be customized to suit her owners, with plenty of light-filled spaces in close proximity to the ocean. The first Sunreef 80 Eco is currently in build and due to make her debut in 2021.

sunreef-yachts-eco.com

The sailing yacht with the lowest possible environmental footprint / ©TDoS

This year saw Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) release its interpretation of an eco superyacht, the 265-ft Aegir 2.0 . The design house describes it as “the sailing yacht with the lowest possible environmental footprint.” A big claim indeed. The design has a wind-electric propulsion system that recharges her batteries as she sails. This means her range is theoretically infinite – the world will be her oyster. A Dynarig sail plan will ensure excellent performance, while the trimaran hull delivers excellent seakeeping.

Her eco credentials do not mean a sacrifice on comfort as Aegir 2.0 has plenty of luxury features including a swimming pool, beach club space and spacious rooms. A minimalist Scandinavian style interior pairs a subtle color palette with natural materials, complemented by large windows that fill all spaces with light.

tillbergdesign.com

Lürssen’s fuel cell yacht

There is little public information available about an exciting new project from German yard Lürssen Yachts, but it certainly warrants a place in this list for the feat of being the yard’s first yacht with fuel cell technology. Now in build, the yacht has been commissioned by a forward thinking and technology driven owner. This project is huge news as it represents a big step towards an emission free Lürssen superyacht. Flanking the traditional generators, the fuel cell will offer many benefits including the ability to anchor for 15 days or cruise 1,000 miles at slow speed with no emissions.

Complementing this new build project, the yard has set up an Innovation Laboratory that will “simulate and test the integration and operation of a Marine Hybrid Fuel Cell System on board a yacht powered by methanol.” Lürssen is certainly looking to the future and has ambitious goals to lead the field in the construction of emission free yachts.

Ellie Brade

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

The top 10 fastest superyachts in the world

Despite their larger size, superyachts can still reach an impressive speed on the water – as this official list of the world’s fastest superyachts shows. For now, the list is topped by 41.5 metre Foners as the world’s speediest superyacht. Able to reach top speeds of 70 knots – equivalent to 80 miles per hour – the Izar-built yacht has been outpacing her contenders for more than 20 years. But her challengers are not far behind. For adrenaline-seekers with a need for speed, get your pulses racing with our definitive list of the quickest superyachts on the water.

Foners | 70.1 knots

Clocking in at a thrilling 70.10 knots, the 41.5 metre Foners has raced to the top spot as the world’s fastest superyacht. She’s been difficult to catch up with, having maintained her position for over 20 years since her delivery in 2000. 

Her zippy speed is produced by two 1,280hp MAN engines coupled with three Rolls Royce 6,700hp gas turbines that drive three KaMeWa water jets. But she is not just about speed; her interior, designed by Studio Spadolini is quite literally fit for a king. Originally built by Spanish shipyard Izar as the King of Spain’s royal yacht , the DLBA-designed Foners features interiors finished in elegant gloss sycamore wood panelling with stitched tan leather detailing. She can accommodate eight guests and six crew on board, and her superstructure has been lined with Aramid fibre for the express purpose of making it bullet proof. There is a formal dining room indoors, while the deck spaces are vast offering plenty of opportunities for al fresco entertaining. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, she has a range of 1,800 nautical miles.

• Builder: Izar
• Country of build: Spain
• Delivery year: 2000
• Length Overall: 41.5 m
• Beam: 9.2 m
• Gross Tonnage 180 t

More about this yacht

More stories, world is not enough | 67 knots.

World Is Not Enough comes second to Foners by just a fraction, able to reach a respectable top speed of 67 knots. She was delivered in 2004 by Millenium Super Yachts and designed by Dutch naval architect Frank Mulder . She is propelled by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines, producing a staggering 20,600hp. She also boasts an impressive cruising range of 3800 nautical miles at a comfortable speed of 10 knots.

World Is Not Enough measures 42.4 metres LOA and can accommodate 10 guests on board in five luxurious cabins, along with seven crew members. When not ploughing through the waves at full throttle, she offers plenty of space for relaxation, with al fresco dining and lounge spaces available on all decks and an additional formal dining space and bar indoors. Her interiors have been designed in a classic style by Evan K Marshall and feature marble finishes, opulent mirrors and glossy wood panelling. She was last refitted in 2011.

• Builder: Neptunus - Millennium
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Delivery year: 2004
• Length Overall: 42.4 m
• Beam: 8.25 m
• Gross Tonnage 291 t

Destriero | 66 knots

In third place is the 68.18 metre Destriero . Launched in 1991, she was built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri to a design by Donald Blount and Pininfarina . Powered by a Codag engine with three GE Aviation LM1600 gas turbines totalling 54,000hp, she is able to reach a top speed a 66 knots. The construction of Destriero was sponsored by Aga Khan IV for the purpose of achieving the Blue Riband, a record awarded to the fastest vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Shortly after her launch, Destriero crossed the Atlantic in 1992 twice without refuelling. Her first westbound voyage took her from Tarifa Point in Spain to Ambrose Light in New York. The return voyage saw her travel from Ambrose Light to Bishop Rock in the Isles of Scilly, a total distance of 3,106 nautical miles which she covered at an average speed of 53.09 knots and completed in a record time of 58 hours, 34 minutes and 5 seconds. Although Destriero was ultimately denied the Blue Riband’s Hales Trophy on the basis that the award can only be given to passenger vessels and not private yachts, she did receive the Virgin Atlantic Challenge Trophy awarded by former record-holder Richard Branson for the fastest crossing by any vessel. She also won the Columbus Atlantic Trophy sponsored by the Costa Smeralda and New York Yacht Clubs for the fastest trans-Atlantic round-trip.

• Builder: Fincantieri
• Country of build: Italy
• Delivery year: 1991
• Length Overall: 68.18 m
• Beam: 12.91 m
• Gross Tonnage 1376 t

Galeocerdo | 65 Knots

The sleek lines and futuristic design of Rodriquez Yachts’ Galeocerdo is the result of exhaustive research and design development programme by Wally founder Luca Bassani. Created with the aim of maintaining high speeds in rough seas, the 36-metre Wally Power 118 superyacht was launched in 2003 following tank testing at the SSPA facility in Goteborg, Sweden, and wind tunnel testing at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy. Lazzarini Pickering Architetti and Intermarine also collobroated on the design of Galeocredo.

Galeocerdo is driven to a top speed of 65 knots by three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each driving a Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jet. The titanium exhaust system is lightweight while extremely resistant to the high temperatures generated by the gas turbines, and can muster up to 16,800hp. At a cruising speed of 45 knots, she can cover a range of 1,500 nautical miles. Her interiors offer room for six guests and six crew on board.

• Builder: Rodriquez Yachts
• Delivery year: 2003
• Length Overall: 36 m

Gentry Eagle | 63.5 knots

Gentry Eagle was built by Vosper Thornycroft and launched in 1988 for the late Tom Gentry, who set nearly every powerboat speed record in existence during his lifetime. His passion to win powerboating's most coveted honour, the Blue Riband for the fastest passage across the Atlantic, drove him to commission the 34.1 metre Gentry Eagle , capable of 63.5 knots. She was designed by Peter Birkett and Grant Robinson , and her interiors by Robin Rose can host six guests and four members of crew.

In 1989, he finally won the Blue Riband on board Gentry Eagle . His record time of 62 hours and seven minutes beat Richard Branson's previous record by an astonishing 23 per cent. Gentry Eagle was relaunched as a private superyacht in 1992.

• Builder: Vosper Thornycroft
• Country of build: United Kingdom
• Delivery year: 1988
• Length Overall: 35.66 m
• Beam: 7.32 m
• Gross Tonnage 166 t

Kereon | 62.3 Knots

Launched in 2004 by Italian yard AB Yachts, Kereon can blast through waves at a top speed of 62.3 knots. This punchy performance is made possible by a triple 6,300hp CRM diesel engine set-up fitted to a fast planing hull designed by naval architect Angelo Arnaboldi . Inside Kereon can accommodate up to six guests in three cabins, while her 12,000 litre fuel tank means a maximum range of 900 nautical miles is possible at her fast cruising speed of 50 knots. The 35.66 metre superyacht features sharp exterior lines and a distinctive metallic silver superstructure that contribute to her sporty allure.

• Builder: AB Yachts - Next Yacht Group
• Length Overall: 27 m
• Beam: 6.4 m

Jet Ruban Bleu | 60 knots

In 10th place, but still neck-and-neck with Brave Challenger , Azimut Atlantic Challenger and OCI Ciorinie is the 25 metre Jet Ruban Bleu . Delivered in 1990 by Multiplast , and designed by Gilles Ollier together with Coste Design & Partners , she is powered by a single MTU 3,500hp engine and can reach a top speed of 60 knots. At a speed of 50 knots she has a cruising range of 3,000 nautical miles. She features a planing GRP hull and superstructure, with her decks also constructed from GRP.

• Builder: Multiplast
• Country of build: France
• Delivery year: 1990
• Length Overall: 25 m
• Beam: 4.39 m

Azimut Atlantic Challenger | 60 knots

Designed purely for the purposes of collecting the Blue Riband award, the Azimut Atlantic Challenger was launched by Benetti in 1988 with exterior details by Pininfarina . The 26.82 metre aluminium monohull can reach a top speed of 60 knots under the power of four CRM diesel engines offering 7,400hp. At a cruising speed of 40 knots, she has a range of 3,000 nautical miles. Unfortunately, her attempt to procure the Blue Riband shortly after her launch in 1988 but was ultimately fruitless.

• Builder: Benetti
• Length Overall: 26.82 m
• Beam: 7.5 m

Oci Ciornie | 60 Knots

Prolific naval architect Don Shead teamed up with American yard Palmer Johnson and Dutch shipbuilders Vripack in 1998 to create Oci Ciornie . This aluminium-hulled speed machine was fitted with twin 1,800hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine and Arneson surface drives for a staggering top speed of 60 knots.

Her interiors can accommodate up to eight guests in three cabins consisting of a master suite, double cabin and twin room with a pair of pullman berths. The deck saloon and forward outside spaces are all located on one level for a streamlined look, and the interior of the main saloon takes design cues from vintage aircraft design. The 25 metre superyacht can also accommodate two crew on board.

• Builder: Palmer Johnson
• Country of build: United States of America
• Delivery year: 1998
• Beam: 6.22 m

Brave Challenger | 60 Knots

Powered by three Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbines totalling 13,500hp, the 31 metre Brave Challenger has proven top speeds of over 60 knots and can achieve higher speeds using its alternative Vosper-developed high-speed propellers.

Built by Vosper Ltd in Portsmouth in 1961, Brave Challenger is the only surviving example of the Brave Class fast-patrol design that was designed and built for the Royal Navy. Built alongside the Royal Navy’s HMS Brave Borderer and HMS Brave Swordsman , Brave Challenger was completed with a special consent of the Admiralty and Royal Navy to be equipped for private use.

First acquired by owner W.G. Haydon-Baillie in 1979, Brave Challenger was rebuilt to flagship standard at a purpose-built facility as part of the Haydon-Baillie Aircraft and Naval Collection in Southampton over a period of 10 years and 2.2 million man hours from 1979 – 1989. From 2017 – 2021, Brave Challenger has been undergoing a full restoration by the Haydon-Baillie Maritime Heritage Team at the superyacht refit yard Trafalgar Shipyard in Portsmouth. Its dedicated support base now includes 54 spare Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbine engines, extensive spares, 10 spare V-Drive gearboxes and 12 spare propellers.

"Brave Challenger ’s speed of 60 knots+ was officially recorded under Lloyds Supervision over the Measured Mile off Portsmouth, UK, - and is fully repeatable at all times as part of its design and everyday operating potential," according to owner W.G Haydon-Baillie. "It is often considered that only the fastest yacht speeds that are officially recorded and are not one-off events - and are fully repeatable as part of the yacht's design and everyday operating potential are relevant to include in the top ten fastest claims."

• Builder: Vosper
• Delivery year: 1960
• Length Overall: 31.39 m
• Gross Tonnage 209 t

Sponsored listings

The superyacht world is speculating that Mark Zuckerberg just bought this 118-meter boat

• The 118-meter superyacht Launchpad made her maiden voyage last week.
• The yacht world is speculating that her owner is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
• Here's what we know about the luxury vessel.

In the world of superyachts , privacy is the most valuable asset. It can be next to impossible to discern the details of a superyacht transaction — and that's particularly true if the vessel in question is worth nine figures.

Yet some in the boat blogging world are speculating that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the new owner of Launchpad, a megayacht currently moored in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after she made her maiden voyage from Gibraltar to St Maarten last week. Launchpad clocks in at 118 meters long, about nine meters shorter than Jeff Bezos' superyacht Koru .

The transaction could not be confirmed, with yacht world insiders declining to share what they know and representatives for Zuckerberg not responding to a request for comment from Business Insider. In the past, reports about Zuckerberg owning superyacht Ulysses have proven false.

Related stories

"It is Feadship's standard policy to never divulge any information about our yachts with reference to ownership, costs, or delivery, etc," Feadship, the ship's builder, wrote to BI. "Whether it is an 18-meter Feadship from the 1960s or a 118-meter Feadship from the 21st century, we do not share private information."

But Zuckerberg's name has been connected to Launchpad for a few months now, beginning in December when reports swirled that he visited Feadship's shipyard in the Netherlands.

Then, earlier in March, yachting bloggers like eSysman SuperYachts and Autoevolution started speculating that he officially snagged the boat, originally built for a sanctioned Russian businessman, at a $300 million price tag. (While that's a seemingly huge amount, it's still less than 0.2% of Zuckerberg's $177 billion net worth.)

Another clue that might point to US ownership is that the yacht bears the flag of the Marshall Islands, a US territory and commonplace for American buyers to register their ships, according to public marine tracking.

If Zuckerberg were to have bought Launchpad, he would join a cohort of superyacht-owning tech billionaires . Along with Bezos, the likes of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison and Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have purchased impressive boats with even more impressive amenities.

SuperYacht Times , an industry publication and intelligence platform, has some of the best images of the yacht. Photos show a swimming pool on her main deck and a large helipad.

While less is known of the interior, a vessel of her size can likely sleep dozens of guests and crew and may have amenities like an expansive gym where Zuckerberg could practice his jiu-jitsu or a spa with a massage area. We suspect there's also space for plenty of toys — which could include his viral hydrofoil foil .

Do you have any details about Launchpad or any other superyachts? Email reporter Madeline Berg at [email protected].

Watch: Walmart heiress' superyacht vandalized by activists in Ibiza

• Main content

Inside Micron's most advanced memory fab - we visited the colossal control room and newest A3 fab in Taiwan

And learned the Micron Taiwan boss has been building DIY PCs since 1996.

We recently got the opportunity to visit one of Micron’s largest and most advanced DRAM manufacturing facilities. The visit impressed us on many levels: the scale of the fab, the advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques being used, and getting to look behind the scenes at the cutting-edge Taichung A3 facility. It was also a great pleasure to meet up with CVP and Head of Micron Taiwan Dr. Donghui Lu, who provided insight into the operations at the enormous ‘One Mega Taiwan’. Last but not least, we learned that Dr. Lu has enjoyed building PC DIY desktops since way back in 1996.

Arriving at Micron Taichung

Houli station, a small provincial stop, is the nearest rail transit link to Micron Taiwan. Emerging from the station you find several bicycle hire businesses outside for people wanting a leisurely ride around nearby parkland. However, around a five-minute taxi ride away is Micron’s colossal Fab 16 which is dedicated to making the world’s most advanced memory chips in Taiwan. Moreover, thousands of people work there (into five figures in the whole of Taiwan), and most need to be highly educated and highly trained for the tasks they do.

There are a lot of huge numbers to take in to weigh up this operation. To sum up the manufacturing facilities here, there are three memory chip production buildings: Taichung A1, A2, and A3. A1 and A2 came to Micron through acquisition, and A3 was the new Fab Micron constructed in 2021. Surrounding these fabs are complementary buildings for the vertically integrated parts of the business – things like MTB (Assembly and Test- backend), TCP (Taiwan Central Probe), and AATT (Advanced Assembly and Testing Taiwan). There are also manufacturing support industries like water, gas, and chemical processing and recycling plants dotted around the fabs.

Micron's newest fabs and buildings utilize sustainable resources and clever recycling. Taichung A3, for example, was constructed in a park with 600 trees. It also uses solar and rainwater resources. It is estimated that Micron's green credentials save 90 million KWh of electricity per year, and 75% of the water used is recycled and reused.

No one wants these fabs to stop due to adverse conditions like drought or power shortages. Thus Micron is aiming for all its Taiwan operations to achieve a 75% reduction in water consumption by 2030, net zero emissions by 2050 using renewable and controlling both direct and indirect emissions. Lastly, Micron Taiwan has already achieved a waste reuse, recycling , and recovery rate of 98.1% in FY23 thanks to its circular economy approach.

What happens at Micron Taichung?

DRAM chips for memory modules are produced in Micron facilities in Taiwan and Japan, with expansion plans announced in Boise, Idaho, and Syracuse, New York. The product portfolio using these memory chips currently ranges from ultra-high bandwidth products like HBM3E through graphics memory like GDDR6X , to LPDDR5 and DDR5 for computers. There are diverse form factors and target markets, too, spanning server, PC, mobile, auto, industrial, HMDs, and AIoT devices. You'll probably be most familiar with Micron DRAM-based products like DDR5 DIMMs and SODIMMs, but the latest LPCAMM2 mobile memory modules will be made by Micron, too.

Dr. Lu explained to us that, in brief, Micron takes in wafers and puts them through its FEOL (Front End of Line), MOL (Middle of Line), memory cell testing, BEOL (Back End of Line), and PROBE (product testing) phases before sending them off to subsequent assembly, test, and packaging steps. Interestingly, the Taichung and Taoyuan fabs work in a unified manner for this operational flow, which Micron dubs ‘One Mega Taiwan.’

Stay on the Cutting Edge

Join the experts who read Tom's Hardware for the inside track on enthusiast PC tech news — and have for over 25 years. We'll send breaking news and in-depth reviews of CPUs, GPUs, AI, maker hardware and more straight to your inbox.

The thousands of staff at Micron around the world are involved in activities as diverse as research, electronic design, engineering, product design, manufacturing, product sales, and marketing.

At the time of the visit, Dr. Lu and other Micron execs appeared to be excited by the impending announcement of new HBM3E chips . They even presented us with a commemorative HBM3E memory chip.

Micron executives we met during the visit were clearly energized regarding the prospect of the AI boom delivering an uplift to business. This starkly contrasts with the feeling during last year’s memory industry downturn , almost entirely due to the surge in interest in AI. While 2023 saw the industry take its foot off the accelerator, it takes 9 to 12 months to rebuild production momentum, and this lag is partly why we see the memory business as so cyclical.

The cyclical nature of the business doesn’t affect research, development, and technological refinement. Micron and the other big memory players are well aware that when the cycle turns, they can still benefit from having the best, most advanced memory technologies.

Ahead of SK hynix and Samsung?

Memory making is a highly competitive business, and the three big players are all keen to power the AI revolution. TrendForce notes that, with HMB3E, this will probably be the first time that HBM technology is embraced simultaneously by the power trio.

Micron says that its current memory chips are produced on its 1 alpha and 1 beta processes. 1 alpha process began mass production in Taiwan in 2021.  1 beta memory chips were developed in Japan, but mass production began in Taiwan in 2023. Demand for the current process is outstripping supply, and last year’s downturn is more than partly to blame. Micron uses 1 beta memory chips for its newly announced 24GB HBM3E , which Nvidia has chosen for its H200 GPU accelerators .

In 2025, Micron expects to start producing its 1 gamma memory chip, which was reaffirmed in its Fiscal Q2'2024 earnings call on March 21. 1 gamma will be first ramped in Taiwan and then in Japan. It is already testing this advanced memory, which is fabbed using state-of-the-art EUV machines. Understandably, we weren’t allowed to tour this area of the megafab.

Going forward, it isn’t only things like EUV that will yield benefits. DRAM fabrication, like NAND, will see increased verticality via the use of advanced packaging to boost key properties like performance and density.

What we saw at Micron Fab 16

The two key aspects of Micron’s Taichung operations that we were allowed to view were the Remote Operations Center (ROC) and the showroom at Taichung A3 which provides an expansive view across a fab clean room. Remember, this is where the process of creating the current state-of-the-art 1 beta memory chips on 300mm wafers begins.

Entering the ROC, visitors see a huge mission control area where staff monitors, troubleshoots, and optimizes a process with hundreds of discrete steps, spanning from supplied wafer to finished wafer (a wafer that still needs to be tested, prepared, cut, etc.).

Various data presentation techniques are leveraged in the ROC, with bar charts, color coding, and so on, to make it easily apparent what is happening (and what has recently happened) and highlight anything sub-optimal. Some charts also showed various semiconductor machine brands. The charts and colors made it easy to see an overview and then drill down into anything unusual or not working as expected.

Micron Taiwan is naturally an early adopter of AI in manufacturing, and this is something Dr. Lu is particularly proud of. As part of its smart manufacturing initiative, the firm uses AI and machine learning to accelerate yield ramping and strengthen real-time monitoring. Understanding and interpreting the data on the multitude of screens in the ROC has been improved and accelerated by AI.

Chinese New Year had just passed, but it was strange to see the CNY celebratory decorations in the ROC, as they weren’t red – they were all green. The ROC manager told us that Taiwan’s engineers are averse to red and love green, as a green light on a machine means that all is well. However, we didn’t spot any green packs of Guai Guai around the building.

Taichung A3 viewing

A3 is the newest fab in Taichung, which, unlike the others, has been designed from the ground up by Micron. During our visit to this area of the megafab, the tour started with information about how A3 is as automated as possible to cut down any chance of contamination.

The Taichung A3 clean room we saw from the showroom was full of advanced machinery and Overhead Hoist Transfer (OHT) robots with minimal human intrusions. We constantly saw robots zipping around, each typically holding a large transparent 'AutoPod' caddy. Also important were incredibly clean and constant streams of filtered air and water.  

In an earthquake-affected island like Taiwan, readers also won’t be surprised to hear that the machines in the clean room area were all securely attached to the elevated flooring. Dr. Lu told us that some of the processing machinery also featured vibration dampening to shrug off smaller tremors. 

Near the end of our visit, we passed through another huge installation at Micron Taichung – the food court. The facility has its own Starbucks, Burger King, 7-11, and various local food outlets for employees on this very high- security site to enjoy during breaks. It was honestly so big that it was difficult to see one end of the rest, food, and drink area from the other.

Executive profile: Dr. Donghui Lu CVP of Front-End Manufacturing and Head of Micron Taiwan

Dr. Lu is the current Head of Micron Taiwan, responsible for manufacturing facilities in Taichung and Taoyuan and aligning the operations on the island to Micron’s global objectives and mission. He’s been at Micron for two years and was our host throughout the tour - from the introduction to Micron Taiwan, accompanying us through to the ROC, and guiding our tour of the Taichung A3 showroom. Dr. Lu has an interesting history in PC tech, and spent 20 years of his career at Intel.

Lu graduated from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, but went to Ohio State University to further his materials science and engineering studies by completing a PhD. After receiving joint executive MBA degrees in the U.S., Lu worked at Intel for over 20 years. His Intel endeavors spanned technology development and transfer, manufacturing and ramp-up, and fab construction. Lu also played a critical leadership role in growing Intel’s memory business, transferring jointly developed 3D NAND and Optane technology nodes from Micron to Intel.

Dr. Lu is a PC enthusiast and happily recounted his earliest PC DIY memories. He told us that the first desktop PC he remembers building was back in 1996. The system ran Windows NT 3.51 but was updated to NT4 as soon as that came out. Multi-core PCs were not very common back then, but Lu remembers making a dual CPU system in 1997, as his wife wanted a powerful graphics workstation for her work. That dual CPU system used a Tyan motherboard, perhaps the Tyan Tahoe 2 ATX .

Working at Intel might sound like a dream job for PC DIYers. Interestingly, Dr. Lu remembers being allowed to pick up a new CPU for free every year – a nice little perk. For guidance, he would (and assures us he still does) check out Tom’s Hardware component reviews and guides. However, like all of us old-timers lament, he notes that overclocking isn’t the boon it used to be for PC DIYers and tinkerers.

Mark Tyson is a Freelance News Writer at Tom's Hardware US. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

SK hynix reportedly planning for a $4 billion chip packaging facility in Indiana — for HBM and other exotic memory types

Micron shows massive 256GB DDR5-8800 memory sticks — High-capacity double-height 20-watt MCRDIMM modules come in different flavors

AMD says the UCIe universal chiplet interface will create a whole ecosystem — custom multi-chiplet designs are the future

Most Popular

By Matthew Connatser February 19, 2024

By Denise Bertacchi February 15, 2024

By Albert Thomas January 18, 2024

By Shane Downing January 13, 2024

By Matt Safford January 09, 2024

By Matt Safford January 05, 2024

By Ross Rubin December 23, 2023

By Jarred Walton December 22, 2023

By Matt Safford December 20, 2023

By Mark Tyson December 20, 2023

By The Editors of Tom's Hardware December 18, 2023