Russian Billionaire Unveils his £260m Superyacht [Photo]



Cruise speed of the ship is 18mph, with a top speed of 24mph. The hull is made of steel, with a teak-finish deck

Built for Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, 'Sailing Yacht A,' which Mr Melnichenko is thought to have named 'A' to ensure it is listed first in shipping registers, is taking its test voyage in Kiel, northern Germany.
 
The ship is believed to have cost over £260million and is the world's largest sailing yacht. At 468ft in length, with masts nearing 300ft high, the 'mega-yacht,' has eight floors and has an underwater observation room.

 
 

The vessel is an upgrade to the Russian billionaire's current multi-million pound 'Motor Yacht A,' that set him back £190million. 

 

At 468ft in length, with ship masts nearing 300ft high, the 'mega-yacht,' has eight floors and includes an underwater observation room.

 

 

Superyachtfan.com reports that the boat is powered by a 'hybrid diesel-electric package with controllable pitch propellers,' and is designed to accommodate 20 guests and a crew of 54.

 

The yacht was designed by Frenchman Philippe Starck and built by German Naval Yards, Nobiskrug. Mr Melnichenko is expected to recover some of the costs by licensing the technology developed for the vessel for commercial applications.

With a spacious aftdeck and upper deck, the superyacht is ideal for alfresco dining and basking in the sunshine 

Currently based in Antibes, France, the vessel is 46 metres (150ft), and can sleep as many as 12 guests in five staterooms

With a top speed of 25 knots (28.7mph), Balista comes with a hot tub, satellite television throughout and a large indoor saloon

 Mr Melnichenko (pictured with wife Aleksandra), whose net worth is estimated at £6billion ($9billion), founded the fertilizer producer EuroChem, the coal producer Suek, the power generator SGK, and the pipe exporter TMK