France

Pierrejean Design Studio

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/354168/image/large-b33a2e70562907328a80341c57f28216.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/354168">Spotted last month anchored here in a bay near Puerto Williams, Chile, was the 31-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marama31.0m (101'8&quot;)N2A2009">Marama</a>. Designed by naval architect <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1681" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominique Presles (Company)">Dominique Presles</a> with exterior styling by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pierrejean Design Studio (Company)">Pierrejean Design Studio</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marama31.0m (101'8&quot;)N2A2009">Marama</a> had an extended construction period, starting in 1994 and concluding in 2009 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="N2A (Company)">N2A</a> shipyard in France. Constructed with an aluminium hull and superstructure, the vessel offers robust expedition capabilities and a sailing rig designed for extended periods at sea without sole reliance on engine power. She is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Deere (Company)">John Deere</a> diesel engine, enabling a cruising speed of 10 knots and a maximum speed of 12 knots. Notably, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marama31.0m (101'8&quot;)N2A2009">Marama</a> has been involved in various expeditions to remote locations such as Antarctica, Cape Horn, and Patagonia, reflecting her capability in challenging conditions.If you would like to see your photo featured each day, then send your submissions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:news@superyachttimes.com" target="_blank">news@superyachttimes.com</a>

31m sailing yacht Marama anchored in Chile

The 31m sailing yacht Marama, built by N2A in 2009, was seen anchored in Puerto Williams, Chile. 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/329223/image/large-1d2ba17bef42449c0ec45776f22cf235.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/329223">Spotted last weekend anchored here in Antibes, France, is the 141-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a>. Originally launched in 1981 by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1553" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke Schelde Groep BV (KSG) (Company)">Koninklijke Schelde</a> shipyard for the Royal Dutch Navy, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> began her life as the frigate HNLMS Piet Hein (F811). Serving actively for over two decades in naval operations, she was acquired by the UAE in 1998 and renamed Al Emarat (F02), continuing her role as a frigate until her decommissioning in 2006. Afterwards, the vessel underwent a remarkable transformation at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ADM Shipyards (Company)">ADM Shipyards</a> in Abu Dhabi, which was completed in 2015. Rechristened as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a>, the 5,002 GT yacht now boasts a sleek, dolphin-inspired design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pierrejean Design Studio (Company)">Pierrejean Design Studio</a>, complete with a futuristic glass dome. During her conversion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a>' original two pairs of gas turbines were replaced with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> diesel engines, giving her a top speed of 26 knots, while accommodating 60 guests and 56 crew.

141m superyacht Yas in Antibes

The 141m superyacht Yas, built by Koninklijke Schelde in 1981, is seen anchored in Antibes, France. 

The AZ Project is aimed at researching new methodologies for fairing hulls and cladding superstructures. The brainchild of Kay-Johannes Wrede, coating expert and founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wrede Consulting GmbH (Company)">Wrede Consulting</a> in Hamburg, his theories are being put into practice on a 30-metre motor yacht in build in Bremerhaven.Beyond the fried fish outlets that line the seafront in Bremerhaven, a half-built yacht sits in a modest construction shed next to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3779" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dörries Yachts (Company)">Dörries Yachts</a>. The classic two-decker with a canoe stern designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/11" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Vries Lentsch (Company)">De Vries Lentsch</a> is effectively a floating laboratory initiated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maritime Research GmbH & Co. KG (Company)">International Maritime Research (IMR)</a>, a sister company of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wrede Consulting GmbH (Company)">Wrede Consulting</a>, and funded in part by the German government. The yacht’s deckhouse is still a network of steel frames and carbon modules, but the hull is complete and has been faired, although the two sides use visibly different coatings – for reasons that will become apparent.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320899/image/large-803a1b12086f1e5bfd2cee375cd9147c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320899">The AZ Project was started three years ago by a consortium of international companies under the guidance of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maritime Research GmbH & Co. KG (Company)">IMR</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wrede Consulting GmbH (Company)">Wrede Consulting</a> in a supervisory role as a full-scale R&amp;D project comprising two areas of research: to test new methodologies for filling and fairing, and to develop a modular process for cladding the steel structure of a superstructure with composite sandwich panels.&nbsp;Traditional production of the final surfaces on metal yachts requires several labour-intensive steps. Correcting pronounced defects such as welding distortions or the connection with functional elements like doors, windows and hatches with filler compound is time-consuming, heavyweight and costly. Part of the research program was to resolve these issues with a composite fairing solution for hulls.“Fairing the metal hulls of superyachts requires a lot of filler, many tons in some cases,” says Kay-Johannes Wrede, founder of Wrede Consulting. “The thicker the filler the more sensitive it is to temperature fluctuations and flexing, leading to cracking and flaking, We wanted to save weight, reduce the time-consuming filler work, and achieve better thermal insulation of the hull to save energy costs. Our proposal is to use a foam core laminated with GRP in a modular, industrialised manufacturing process.”&nbsp;Like many good ideas, the concept is not new. Going back over 20 years, Fagerdala Marine Systems, a division of Fagerdala World Foams in Sweden, developed a coating system based on the application of a foam composite structure on the aluminium hull of a yacht (see sidebar). The system proposed by Wrede, however, benefits from advances in engineering and technology over the past two decades to increase manufacturing accuracy and efficiency. &nbsp;&nbsp;A giant jigsawAfter laser scanning the bare hull to create a 3D model, a new surface is CNC milled from foam panels that are pre-laminated with fibreglass on the outside. These panels are then glued onto the existing structure like a giant jigsaw puzzle to create a robust and very stiff ‘skin’. The 3D model exactly measures every deflection, imperfection and weld seam in the hull so the foam panels fit flush with the metal plates to provide a ready-made faired finish. Only a minimal amount of fine filler is required on top to provide a perfect exterior finish.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320902/image/large-44da2f081ba7f5f520b0339bce1d849d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320902">“This sandwich construction offers several advantages,” says Enno Herrmann of Innovative Composite Solutions (ICS, a joint venture company set up to market the developed products), who is also a qualified composite boatbuilder and technical project manager on the AZ Project. “The foam is much lighter and can be engineered to reinforce parts of the hull where traditional filler is susceptible to cracking. It also provides better insulation, which means the steel or aluminium doesn’t heat up so much, so there is less expansion. That’s a good thing especially on dark-painted hulls because expansion creates stress between the metal hull and the filler, which is liable to break off.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320903/image/large-5452aa98024a9135d6058270d2928122.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320903">Whereas filler serves only an aesthetic purpose, composite fairing also has a practical function. Different grades of foam can also be used for different parts of the hulls according to the pressure loads. The stiff skins provide high bending stiffness, while the foam core supports the shear and compressive stresses and stabilises the skins, preventing global and local instabilities. The weight reduction results in fuel-savings, lower inertia, as well as increased stability and buoyancy.Other probable advantages include reduced risk of galvanic corrosion since the hull is covered by closed-cell foam; and no condensation as the insulating effect of the foam on the outside means the inside shell temperature remains above the dew point. In addition, damaged panels can be easily replicated from the 3D files and replaced (in fact, nowadays structural and/or filler problems are usually repaired using the sandwich system).<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320897/image/large-fdf69e2a0c644eca4071951d594722d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320897">However, the research program does not stop there. In order to compare performance with conventional fillers over time, the portside of the hull has been covered with the composite fairing solution while the starboard side has been treated in the traditional manner using different types of filler in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/340" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pinmar (Company)">Pinmar</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AkzoNobel (Company)">AkzoNobel</a>. Standard 830 two-ingredient epoxy filler has been used in the bow area and Awlfair SF hot spray filler system elsewhere on the hull. Sensors imbedded in the coating materials will measure relative temperature, expansion rates and wave pressure loads. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320898/image/large-5fd779c9965a36fcc3460828207ebf6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320898">Composite claddingThe second phase of the AZ Project is to research a method of gluing laminated foam panels to existing metal structures to create perfectly shaped superstructures. Welding superstructures out of steel or aluminium is challenging when it comes to creating complex shapes and the end result still has to be fully faired. Further, care has to be taken with aluminium superstructures that twist and flex in a seaway, which again can lead to unsightly cracks in the filler. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Like the composite fairing system, the basic idea behind the composite cladding for the deckhouse is to make the the yachts lighter and the whole build process faster and more efficient,” says Wrede. “So we’ve developed three prototype sandwich panels that can be glued directly onto the steel framework of the superstructure to replace the metal plating.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320900/image/large-8157600d6cd53786735cfcb8df026d99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320900">Again, composite superstructures on superyachts are not new. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lurssen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> have built yachts with at least partial composite superstructures. &nbsp;Notably, when Paris-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pierrejean Design Studio (Company)">Pierrejean Design Studio</a> the sleek, modern design for the Swift 141, the former Dutch frigate that became 141-metre Yas, the company’s engineers determined that the steel superstructure should be replaced with a composite construction throughout. Even the helicopter landing pad is made of sandwiched panels of Divinycell foam and eight plies of carbon fabric. These were all hugely expensive one-off projects, however. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wrede Consulting GmbH (Company)">Wrede</a>’s composite system, on the other hand, is conceived with pre-fabrication and ease of assembly in mind.&nbsp;A class actArguably the biggest single challenge for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wrede Consulting GmbH (Company)">Wrede Consulting</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3838" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maritime Technologies (Company)">Centre of Maritime Technologies</a>, a body that conducts its own technical research in strategic maritime areas, is gaining Class approval in a conservative industry where steel and aluminium are still the de facto building materials for ships and large yachts. In case of fire, they are required to prove that everything is equivalent to steel construction.“The issue with composite materials is that the resin used in the manufacture does not like heat, so part of our research was to come up with sufficient insulation to get Class approval for a system that we can always use for coating the steel superstructure frame,” says Wrede. “We were able to improve the fire rating with insulation on the inside and now have Class approval ‘in principle’ for the process.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320904/image/large-ef8fa714f90f9e212b5d31f801c2fa97.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320904" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">There are other drawbacks. Tooling design and development increases the lead times as well as cost, and cut-off wastage is also a factor. Reconfigurable tools or adaptive moulds to make the laminated thermoformed panels helps reduce the cost, delivery time and waste. Complex double curved shapes from 3D files can be shaped in minutes with a high surface quality and one mould can make many unique mould surfaces.Having invested around €2.5 million in the project to date, Wrede is looking to sell his floating laboratory and construction is paused while waiting for an owner to come forward. Her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> C18 main engines are already on site and the shafts and rudders have been ordered. There is also a complete interior design concept by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/320" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Schnaase Interior Design (Company)">Schnaase Interior Design</a>.&nbsp;“Ideally, we would like to see it used as a charter boat in different climates and conditions to have as much data feedback from the imbedded sensors as possible, “says Christopher Rothe, head of marketing at Wrede Consulting. ”Clearly it will take a client who buys into the research part of the project, but the advantage is that he or she could take delivery of a high-quality, Dutch-designed yacht in less than a year.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320901/image/large-cb8524209eff57274d655f759ad67614.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320901">United SpiritIn the late 1980s, Swedish inventor Sven Jönsson decided to refit his all-aluminium motoryacht. The sleek, 100-foot vessel was launched as Edi in 1939 for the industrialist Torsten Kreuger, but her hull was a badly buckled and the deckhouse was in a very poor state of repair. Supported by the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Jönsson drew on his knowledge of teak-decking systems and adhesives to develep an elastic, waterproof glue to withstand the forces between a rigid closed-cell foam sheet and the twisting and flexing metal hull. A new superstructure was also created out of 3mm aluminium. Vacuum-glued sheets of closed-cell foam were added and the foam surface was then planed to shape, laminated and painted.&nbsp;In 2005, after 14 years of service in the Mediterranean and the North Sea, some areas were opened up to see how well the concept had worked in practice. In a bottom section below the engine room, a small area of foam had separated from the metal. The cause was a broken rivet that had allowed oily bilge water to penetrate the hull plating and dissolve the aluminium primer. All the other surfaces were like new.Fagerdala Marine Systems AB later became the owner of the prototype vessel M/Y <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1439" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="United Spirit34.2m (112'2&quot;)Götaverken1938">United Spirit</a> and patented the Fagerdala Hull System (the patent has since expired). For reasons unknown, the thoroughly tested and proven coating technique never took off.&nbsp;

Filler and foam: In conversation with Wrede Consulting's Kay-Johannes Wrede

The AZ Project is aimed at researching new methodologies for fairing hulls and cladding superstructures.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/307850/image/large-8e0824d347d96dafeddb08cc65cab3f4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/307850">The 141-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> was recently observed anchored in Dubai, with the Burj Khalifa rising in the background. Originally launched in 1981 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4803" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke Schelde (Company)">Koninklijke Schelde</a> shipyard as the HNLMS Piet Hein for the Dutch Navy, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> was actively deployed in naval missions for over two decades. In 1998, the 4,700 GT superyacht was acquired by the UAE, renamed Al Emarat (F 02), and served until her refit in 2006 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ADM Shipyards (Company)">ADM Shipyards</a>, Abu Dhabi. Rechristened as&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a>, she now showcases a dolphin-like design and a glass dome, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pierrejean Design Studio (Company)">Pierrejean Design Studio</a>, setting her apart as an innovative superyacht capable of accommodating 60 guests and 56 crew members.

141m superyacht Yas in Dubai

The 141-metre motor yacht Yas, built by Koninklijke Schelde in 1981, is seen anchored in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

One of the most elusive superyachts in the world, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> has captured the imagination of many since her launch in 2011 and leaves onlookers perplexed with her one-of-a-kind exterior. With a rich history and a daring owner at the helm, here is the story behind the realisation of one of the most innovative superyachts in the world today.Life for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> started in 1981 when the then 130-metre-long vessel was launched as the HNLMS Piet Hein (F811) at the Koninklijke Schelde shipyard in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. She served in the Royal Dutch Navy for over two decades and covered countless miles as she participated in several international missions. The vessel then changed hands for the first time and was inducted into UAE military service in 1998, serving under the name Al Emarat (F 02) in its navy until 2006.&nbsp;<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G0ypwiTdQsg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>Iskandar Safa, Chairman of the ADM shipyard that was behind the build of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a>, explains how the vessel went from frigate to superyacht.&nbsp;“The owner was driven by sentiment and was looking for a yacht that had a backbone of a frigate which was successfully used by the navy of his country and he wanted the entire project to be carried out in Abu Dhabi.”According to designer Jacques Pierrejean, the man behind the abstract lines of the vessel, the project started with a visit to the naval vessel and talks of a small refit project. As he and the rest of the build team would later realise, the project soon turned into a far more complex operation, nothing short of a new build project.&nbsp;As the dismantling process got underway in Abu Dhabi, the team, led by Project Manager Johan Valentijn, found that much of the existing structure of the vessel would have to be replaced. And so, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> was stripped to the bone and essentially rebuilt using materials such as carbon fibre for an extra-tough foundation. It was during this period that the designers also saw the opportunity to extend the stern area of the vessel which would eventually serve as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a>’ pool deck, taking the overall length of the new vessel to 141-metres. Jacques Pierrejean explains: “We proposed to extend the aft section of the boat by roughly 12 metres, which would allow us enough space to fit the outdoor bar and pool area. That turned out to be an important part of the design for me as I felt, for the overall fluidity of the shape of the yacht, this made a big difference.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/17057/image/large-223419474aaa9d47ae3ef5196b9f503d.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17057"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> was launched at Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi in 2011 and spent the next four years in the area as she was outfitted and had her custom interior installed.During an intensive five-day sea trial phase, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> was pushed to her limit in terms of performance and guest satisfaction. In the shallow waters around Abu Dhabi, she managed to reach a speed of 29.9 knots, an impressive number considering the size of the vessel. “Thanks to her narrow hull and subsequent lower resistance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> is able to reach a much higher speed with far less power,” says Valentijn.Inside, an impressive owner’s cabin is located on the forward upper deck, hidden underneath a giant glass dome that offers spectacular panoramic views to the outside. A second, ‘hidden’ suite within the suite provides the necessary privacy required by her owner. &nbsp;A special feature onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> that she shares with no other superyacht on the water is her ability to accommodate up to 60 overnight guests. Conventional maritime classifications in the big yacht segment would not allow for a vessel of her size to carry so many passengers, but with a new yacht rule set out by the owner, yachts such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> can now be built in Abu Dhabi under these special regulations. In addition to her guests, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> is also home to up to 69 crew members when in full-service mode.&nbsp;

Video: Inside the 141m motor yacht Yas

An inside look at the luxury 141-metre motor yacht Yas and the story behind her conception as told by the people who built her.

Video: Behind the design of the 141m motor yacht Yas

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/92607/image/large-598872bae03002d619ffbf10ad480d00.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/92607">Recently spotted in the Finnish capital of Helsinki was one of the world’s most secretive yachts on her maiden visit to Scandinavia, the 141-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a>. Life for <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/yas">Yas</a> started in 1981 when the then 130-metre-long vessel was launched as the HNLMS Piet Hein (F811) at the Koninklijke Schelde shipyard in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. She served in the Royal Dutch Navy for over two decades and covered countless miles as she participated in several international missions. The vessel then changed hands for the first time and was inducted into UAE military service in 1998, serving under the name Al Emarat (F 02) in its navy until 2006. Completely rebuilt at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ADM Shipyards (Company)">ADM Shipyards</a> in Abu Dhabi to a design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Jacques Pierrejean</a>, today <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yas141.0m (462'7&quot;)Koninklijke Schelde1981">Yas</a> is one of the most radical superyachts on the water with a Dolphin-inspired shape and glass-faced dome that houses the yacht’s bridge and owner’s apartment. Built under special class regulations in Abu Dhabi, she can accommodate up to 60 overnight guests and carries a crew of up to 69 members.

141m motor yacht Yas visits Helsinki

The cutting-edge 141-metre motor yacht Yas against the skyline in the Finnish capital. 

141m motor yacht Yas in downtown Helsinki 

The unusual-looking superyacht Yas has returned north for the first time since being moved to the Middle East to be completely converted from a world-cruising warship into the modern and luxury superyacht we see today. Yas is currently hauled out at Blohm + Voss where she will undergo a refit and maintenance period at the German shipyard in Hamburg.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162878/image/large-60ebbd5b956ec3ba6942a68411724344.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162878">

The background story of Yas is an interesting one, with the yacht having started life out as a Dutch naval vessel and was then later moved to Abu Dhabi where she was transformed by the ADM Shipyard. She features an interior by Pierrejean Studio in France, who also designed her exterior. Yas arrived in the Mediterranean for the first time last year after she was launched in 2011 at the Middle Eastern shipyard.

141m superyacht Yas visits Blohm + Voss

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/161567/image/large-96ebbf5e0a02aca26f4fc02d8476ae4a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161567">

​Superyacht Yas arriving in Portimāo, Portugal

On her first visit to Portuguese shores as a converted superyacht, the 141-metre motor yacht Yas arrived in the town of Portimāo earlier this month. The background story of Yas is an interesting one, with the yacht having started life out as a Dutch naval vessel and was then later moved to Abu Dhabi where she was transformed by the ADM Shipyard. She features an interior by Pierrejean Studio in France, who also designed her exterior. Yas arrived in the Mediterranean for the first time last year after she was launched in 2011 at the Middle Eastern shipyard.

Photo by Miguel Santos

The 141m superyacht Yas arriving in Portimāo

Following a busy summer season many yachts have now moved onto more suitable cruising grounds, while some have chosen to take some much needed down-time in shipyards where crew will no doubt work hard at getting their yachts back in shape. In the following feature we take a look at some of the latest, coolest and largest yachts in the world and where they are currently located.Lady Lara in Oslo<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157236/image/large-3be1875d35390a31bafc1bf5fcacfffa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157236">Lady Lara has left Lürssen’s Rendsburg facility in Germany earlier this week and is now moored in downtown Olso, Norway. The yacht was launched in April this year and embarked on her sea trials in July. Y.CO managed the build throughout and oversaw the past month’s final outfitting leading up to the delivery. The vessel’s interior and exterior was designed by Reymond Langton Design. Her exterior shape features grand sweeping curves and elegant proportions that resembles a feminine image, combined with masculine features such as defined lines and sculpted surfaces. Following her crew training trip in Norway, Lady Lara is expected to cross the Atlantic to cruise the winter season between Florida, the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean IslandsA in Malta<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157237/image/large-2b80b19c418b6243c3186eef858cb48c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157237">The iconic 119 metre superyacht A was built by German shipyard Blohm &amp; Voss and launched in 2008 at their facility in Kiel. Her Philippe Strack design has long since been an industry-wide topic met with mixed opinions about the end result. She is powered by two 6,035hp MAN diesel engines propelling her to speeds up to 23 knots. She boasts an incredible range of 4250nm while maintaining her top speed. She has recently been hauled out for end-of-season maintenance works at the Palumbo Superyacht shipyard in Malta.Venus in West Palm Beach<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157238/image/large-72a4764e760434cadf3dbfd0e6dfb689.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157238">Superyacht Venus, the 78 metre Feadship that was designed by Philippe Starck for the late Steve Jobs, has arrived in the USA following a 2 month maintenance period in La Ciotat, France, and is currently docked at the Rybovich yard in West Palm Beach. She is fitted with large cabin windows to fill the inside with an abundance of natural light, whilst in the main living area are forty feet long and ten feet high walls of glass further enhance a light and airy ambience for the total of 12 guests that she comfortably accommodates.Yas in Barcelona<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157239/image/large-2377c13b7a7e1a25b509ac6022edc4b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157239">Superyacht Yas has an interesting background story, and started out as a Dutch naval vessel, which was then later moved to Abu Dhabi where she was transformed by the ADM Shipyard. She features an interior by Pierrejean Studio in France, who also designed her exterior. She was spotted spending time on the <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/44654">French Riviera</a> this past summer season and has since been spending time in Barcelona for maintenance works.Eclipse in Hamburg<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157240/image/large-8e96574d00ed51f9b5095df5a26e135b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157240">The world’s second largest yacht, Eclipse, is currently hauled at the German shipyard Blohm &amp; Voss where she is undergoing maintenance and rebuild work. The yacht has seen a very busy summer cruising season with destinations ranging from Norway, Scotland, Turkey and Palma de Mallorca and will spend the next few winter months at her birthplace according to local news sources. The huge yacht, owned by a well known Russian businessman, accommodates 36 guests and can carry up to 100 crew members. Some of Eclipse’s most impressive features include a massive 200m² swim platform, a large pool on the main aft deck and two helicopter landing pads.Kismet in Cabo San Lucas<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157241/image/large-8be40e17a9543d57ffc36eae3cb45ffa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157241">Superyacht Kismet became the largest yacht to enter Marina de CSL in the Mexican coastal town of Cabo San Lucas when she arrived here over a week ago. Certainly one of the German shipyard’s most recognizable creations, the 95m Espen Oeino designed yacht was launched in July 2014 and is characterised by her glistening golden exterior and striking Jaguar figurehead on the bow. She is currently exploring the west coast of Mexico.Ocean Victory in Malaysia<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157242/image/large-768052af6a9923b912d37f0825d38b65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157242">Completed by Fincantieri Yachts in 2014, Ocean Victory is designed by renowned designer Espen Oeino with interior spaces created by the late Alberto Pinto together with Sessa Romboli. As with many other yachts of this size, Ocean Victory is packed with guest-pleasing features such as 6 pools spread out over her 7 decks, an internal floodable dock to house her 14 metre tender, and two heli pads. The yacht’s owner is known to have owned a 75 metre Feadship also named Ocean Victory, which is now called Ebony Shine. She has been seen spending time in Malaysia over the past few weeks.Octopus in Malaga<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157243/image/large-632714342b22b45bfd8b1d97e5893df9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157243">Octopus was built by Lürssen in 2003 to a design of Espen Oeino International and features an interior by Jonathan Quinn Barnett. She has a cruising speed of 17 and a top speed of 20 knots. Octopus has a large swimming pool on her bridge deck, a cinema, a basketball court, two helipads and two mini submarines. She is currently moored in the Spanish city of Malaga on the Costa del Sol.Al Said in Muscat<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157244/image/large-9b473ad54d5d5d0987c42d87c868cbbe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157244">Built by Lürssen in Germany under the project name Sunflower, Al Said was delivered in 2008 to her owner, the ruler of Oman. Currently listed as the 4th largest yacht in the world, it is interesting that Al Said is in fact far larger than the three yachts which surpass her in length, with a total volume of 15,850 tons. She is also one of the most powerful yachts in the fleet, with a total of 16,399 kilowatts. The yacht's exterior is designed by Espen Oeino, with an interior by Redman Whiteley Dixon. She is currently moored in her home berth in Muscat, Doha.Quattroelle in Dubai<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157245/image/large-3760c6f982efaae2f643d9c310f77367.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157245">Measuring 86.11 metres in length, pictured here in Dubai is Quattroelle, built by the German shipyard Lürssen Yachts in 2013 with both interior and exterior design by Nuvolari &amp; Lenard - the first superyacht the brand has designed for the shipyard. The name Quattroelle is Italian for "4 times the letter L" and the 4 L's representing Love, Life, Liberty and Luxury. On board she accommodates up to 12 guests, hosted in absolute style and luxury over six spacious decks. A crew of 28 are also accommodated for.By Charl van Rooy

Top 10 coolest superyachts in their current locations

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155577/image/large-100c8b53482be89e13c631393b8dfc67.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155577">Seen here in Barcelona are the newly delivered yachts Maryah and Yas for the first time in MB’92. The 125 metre Maryah was intended as a research vessel for the Soviet Union, which was later converted at the Greek Elfsis shipyard into the superyacht we see today. She can accommodate up to 54 guests across her six decks, with an interior and exterior design by H2 Yacht Design. Superyacht Yas shares a similar background story, and started out as a Dutch naval vessel, which was then later moved to Abu Dhabi where she was transformed by the ADM Shipyard. She features an interior by Pierrejean Studio in France, who also designed her exterior.By Charl van Rooy, photo by Manuel Hernandez Lafuente

Superyachts Maryah and Yas in Barcelona

Greenline Yacht Interiors has announced that the interiors on board the 141 metre superyacht Yas have been completed after the company took over the scope of work previously commenced by other subcontractors in 2013.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152847/image/large-81bb8a158ee593109183b8c86e5ba445.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/137375">Built by the Abu Dhabi Mar Shipyard, Yas is one of the top ten largest yachts in the world. Her exterior and interior design was designed by the Pierrejean Design Studio in France, who has created an ultra modern look and feel. She has a graceful exterior of fluid curves and volumes, and a particularly notable structural covering of glass.Greenline’s CEO and Chairman Samir Badro, comments, “2014 has been a very productive year for us. We are currently working on several projects and are glad and proud that the Yas Project has been now successfully completed.”On board, Yas accommodates up to 60 guests in total, as well as a crew of 56. She is powered by two MTU 10,500hp diesel engines, giving her a maximum speed of 26 knots, a cruising speed of 23 knots, and a range of 5,000 nm.By Gemma Fottles, photo by Dick Holthuis

Interiors on board the 141m superyacht Yas complete

The 141 metre Yas is now undergoing seatrials, off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The yacht was launched by ADM Shipyards in November 2011, and we believe these will be the first seatrials since her launch. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151942/image/large-4bad2ad739f7ab206c6341470dab6da2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/137375">Yas was styled inside and out by Pierrejean Design in Paris, with a striking exterior of fluid curves and volumes, and a spectacular structural covering of glass.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151943/image/large-d6d162d611a91d92169e0795234b5f6f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151943">Yas is reported to accommodate up to 60 guests. She is powered by modern diesel power and variable-pitch propellers assure a top speed of 26 knots, cruising speed of 20 knots.By Maarten Janssen, photo by Dick Holthuis Photography