sailing yacht a

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Sailing Yacht A

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80 m / 262 ft

143 m / 468 ft

73 m / 239 ft

73.5 m / 241 ft

68 m / 223 ft

60 m / 196 ft

67 m / 219 ft

92.5 m / 303 ft

LOA: 142.81 m

Beam: 24.88 m

Draft: 8.00 m

Interior: Philippe Starck

Exterior: Philippe Starck

Hull: Steel

Superstructure: Steel / GRP

Max. speed: 21 knots

Cruising speed: 16 knots

Gross tonnage: 12.558

Project number

“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.”

SAILING YACHT A is the ultimate embodiment of German superyachts built for the 22 nd century.

She is unique.

She is the largest of her kind. She is a masterpiece in every detail. Her name: SAILING YACHT A. She will draw eyes the world over, as no other superyacht has ever done before.

She is sophisticated.

Measuring almost 143 m and a gross tonnage of about 12.600, she became one of the most impressive PYC superyachts in the world in terms of design and technology.

She is innovative.

She is one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts with unique features such as an underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of- the-art navigation systems. The luxury sailing yacht's three masts are the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world. The mainmast towers 100 m above the waterline.

The smooth, lustrous, silver-metallic surfaces…

…and nearly invisible windows give this yacht a futuristic look. World-renowned Philippe Starck created this unconventional design, which challenges the expectations of conventional aesthetics. NOBISKRUG high-tech building technology made this fascinating design possible.

Steel hull and steel superstructure with high-tech composite fashion plates that can be formed into any shape or size, a technology NOBISKRUG has developed during the past 15 years in co-operation with classification societies and special subcontractors.

Thanks to her striking looks and innovative technology SAILING YACHT A definitely changes the upcoming landscape of the NOBISKRUG fleet as well as the future of supersail.

Strictly confidential!

This is all we can tell you!

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SAILING YACHT A – World’s Biggest Sailing Yacht – $600 Million

SAILING YACHT A measures 143 meters making her the world’s biggest sailing yacht.

SAILING YACHT A is far more than a luxury vessel. She is a masterpiece of design and innovation combining sleek metal surfaces with futuristic naval architecture that took over two years to complete.

Launched in 2017, both the interior and exterior of this mega sailing yacht were designed by Phillippe Starck, who calls SAILING YACHT A one of his most high-profile projects.

The superyacht has taken on voyages all around the world and was most recently spotted sailing off the coasts of Gibraltar and Cyprus.

SAILING YACHT A interior

Both the interior and exterior of SAILING YACHT A were designed by Philippe Starck , a French architect known for his wide range of design projects.

He famously worked on the impressive MOTOR YACHT A, and the two iconic vessels share a lot of similarities in their layout and specifications.

Both yachts look incredibly futuristic and are sure to attract attention wherever they go.

While no exact details are known about the interior of SAILING YACHT A, it is rumored that she has an underwater observation pod with 30 cm (1 ft) thick glass located in the keel of the vessel.

This is one of the few parts where design mockups are publicly available, and the style of the interior can be examined.

The observation pod appears to have cream upholstery that stretches across the floor and ceiling of the cabin.

Two large symmetrical glass windows allow guests to view the breathtaking underwater world without even having to leave the yacht.

A third window is located at the bottom of the pod, which lets it feel like a true 360-degree experience and is almost comparable to a submarine.

A small floating side table provides guests with a space to place drinks or snacks in the pod and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience in this unusual location.

Since the pod is located at the keel of the yacht, the large propellers are most likely visible from the windows suggesting it is most commonly used at anchor.

The superyacht has ten cabins that can accommodate 20 guests as well as a further 54 crew member.

Paparazzi photos and the work of yacht spotters provide a rare glimpse into the interior of SAILING YACHT A.

No official footage of cabins or salons has been released, although Starck’s past work suggests that the yacht would be furnished with opulent elements that perfectly combine luxury with style.

Silver and metal decorations play a large role and tie the interior design of the yacht together. 

However, SAILING YACHT A was launched much later than her motorized companion suggesting her interior might be more modern with minimalistic elements rather than lavish furnishings.

Occasional photographs shot through open doors, and portholes show expensive art pieces decorating the interior of the yacht and rather absurd design choices like a set of chairs shaped like large human heads.

The yacht appears to feature a large, open salon with an elevated seating area and symmetrical arches on either side.

While details aren’t known to the public, it is rumored that SAILING YACHT A features a luxurious spa area, a sizable gym as well as an owner’s suite with several rooms that is only accessible via fingerprint.

The massive private area is said to feature a 60-inch television that disappears into the floor as well as a rotating bed. 

Considering she is the largest sailing yacht in the world, it is surprising that SAILING YACHT A can only host 20 guests.

This suggests that there are spacious entertainment areas located on board, including several saloons and ample below-deck space for crew members.

Due to her large size and a small number of cabins, it is assumed that SAILING YACHT A can welcome a large number of day guests onboard for special events and celebrations.

Biggest sailing yacht controversy

It has been the topic of debate that SAILING YACHT A is not the largest yacht in the world but instead the ‘largest sail-assisted motor yacht.

Depending on the definition used, that would make BLACK PEARL the biggest sailing yacht in the world.

The most expensive sailing yacht

SAILING YACHT A is the most expensive sailing yacht in the world and cost an estimated price of US $600 million – a relatively “affordable” price considering her large size and tonnage.

A calculated US $48,000 per ton is considered low in the yachting industry, where European yachts are usually priced at US $60,000 per ton and over.

This average price would bring the value of SAILING YACHT A up to nearly US $800 million. However, due to the fact that the official sales price has not been released to the public, these numbers are mere estimates and cannot be validated officially.

Since the yacht is a custom project and one of a kind, it can be assumed that the total value of SAILING YACHT A lies far higher than her initial price.

In addition to any cost for the crew, supplies, and docking fees, she has annual running costs of US $50-75 million.

SAILING YACHT A is currently not available for sale or charter.

Specifications

SAILING YACHT A is incredibly large for a sailing yacht, and even compared to the longest motor yachts in the world, she would rank in the top ten.

Paired with her unusual futuristic design, this mega sailing yacht has a length of 143 meters (469 ft), a beam of 25 meters (82 ft), and a draft of 8 meters (26 ft) making her a more than an impressive vessel.

SAILING YACHT A was built by Nobiskrug , a German superyacht builder at their Kiel shipyard, and launched in 2017 after more than two years of construction.

To date, SAILING YACHT A is the largest yacht ever built by Nobiskrug and remains their flagship.

It is considered the most complicated project to ever be completed in the sailing industry and gained international media attention on its launch date. It has a total volume of 12.558 tons and is powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines. 

SAILING YACHT A is considered the longest sailing yacht in the world and is more than 36 meters (118 ft) longer than BLACK PEARL, which ranks in second place on the list.

Coincidentally her project name was WHITE PEARL which is a reference to her brilliant white exterior, although it couldn’t have referred to BLACK PEARL since she was only launched in 2018, a year after Melnichenko’s masterpiece.  

Her three-carbon masts stand at an impressive 100 meters (328 ft), making them some of the largest in the world and taller than Big Ben in London.

However, her large size is sometimes also limiting as she struggles to fit underneath most bridges and is therefore constrained to certain routes.

She once passed under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with only 20 feet to spare between her masts and the bottom of the famous bridge.

She is rumored to have an electric gimbal crow’s nest, which allows for remote operation and advanced wind measurements. Her sails are all white, and her masts have nearly sickle-like shapes, which add to her striking futuristic appearance.

It is noteworthy that she is commonly photographed with her sails down, which suggests she might be using her support engines more frequently than true wind power.

With a sail area of more than 3.700m^2 (40.000 square ft), she can reach top speeds of up to 21 knots which is supported by her twin 4895 Horsepower MTU engines .

Her average cruise speed lies at 16 knots, and her total range is estimated to lie at 5320 nautical miles. She features a state-of-the-art sail system that is able to raise and lower the sails and anchors at the touch of a button. 

SAILING YACHT A has a steel hull and composite steel superstructure, which is unusual in the superyacht industry as most shipyards choose aluminum to reduce weight and keep the vessel light.

She currently sails under the flag of Bermuda, which is common for prominent sailing yachts.

During construction, SAILING YACHT A was called project WHITE PEARL, a fitting name for this sizable vessel.

Like her interior, the exterior of SAILING YACHT A was designed by Philippe Starck, although the Dutch studio Dykstra Naval Architects played a role in the naval architecture of the vessel.

They specialize in sailing yachts of all sizes and have been involved in many prominent projects in the industry over the years.

She features eight teak decks with a large swimming pool located in the center and several elevators spread across the yacht.

She is even said to carry a submarine. The main pool is lowered into the deck allowing for additional privacy for the owners.

Her hull has 24 shell doors, which are used to access equipment and provide additional deck space if needed. She is accompanied by four tenders also designed by Philippe Starck and built by Lloyd Stevenson in New Zealand.

Their sleek and elegant design matches that of the main vessel, and they are used for transporting guests and taking them on excursions.

One of the tenders of SAILING YACHT A is a carbon fiber speedboat especially reserved for the owner who can operate the vessel autonomously whenever required without the aid of crew members.

This allows Melnichenko, who is a fan of driving high-speed cars to be independent when staying aboard his luxury yacht. The tender is small but powerful, reaching speeds of up to 53 knots.

The larger tenders can seat up to eight passengers and feature panoramic windows ideal for sightseeing and exploring but are much slower at only 30 knots. 

The aft features a large garage used for storing jet skis, tenders, and other equipment.

High-profile artists such as Snoop Dogg are rumored to have performed here, although detailed evidence of such concerts remains unknown.

Whenever the aft isn’t used for performances or parties, it can be transformed into a swimming platform designed in the yacht’s iconic futuristic style. 

However, despite her cutting-edge design features, SAILING YACHT A surprisingly also includes classic nautical elements. She has a wooden steering wheel that is reminiscent of a pirate ship, although it is not operational.

The captain of the vessel can instead use modern technologies to operate the massive yacht via a small joystick and touchscreen.

There are symmetric extendable balconies that protrude from the bridge of the yacht and allow the crew to have a better view to be able to gauge the dimensions of the immense vessel.

Of course, SAILING YACHT A has a modern underwater lighting system that illuminates the vessel perfectly at night.

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SAILING YACHT A

SAILING YACHT A is an exceptionally unique 2017 build by Nobiskrug, measuring 142.80m (468'6"ft).

She is the ultimate embodiment of German superyachts built for the 22 nd  century.

Measuring almost 143 m and a gross tonnage of about 12,600 GT, she became one of the most impressive PYC superyachts in the world in terms of design and technology.

She is one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts with unique features such as an underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of- the-art navigation systems. The luxury sailing yacht's three masts are the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world. The mainmast towers 100 m above the waterline.

The smooth, lustrous silver metallic surfaces and nearly invisible windows give this yacht a futuristic look. World-renowned Philippe Starck created this unconventional design, which challenges the expectations of conventional aesthetics.  Nobiskrug high-tech building  technology made this fascinating design possible.

Steel hull and steel superstructure with high-tech composite fashion plates that can be formed into any shape or size, a technology Nobiskrug has developed during the past 15 years in co-operation with classification societies and special subcontractors.

Thanks to her striking looks and innovative technology SAILING YACHT A was unquestionably the most anticipated delivery of 2017. She definitely changes the upcoming landscape of the Nobiskrug fleet as well as the future of supersail.

“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.” Holger Kahl, Nobiskrug Managing Director. 

• Yacht Builder Nobiskrug View profile
• Exterior Designer Philippe Starck No profile available
• Interior Designer Philippe Starck No profile available

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Sailing Yacht A: Everything You Want To Know

The sailing yacht known as A was built between 2015 and 2016 by German yacht makers Nobiskrug based on designs by French architect Phillippe Starck that seemed to have made use of some naval architecture for inspiration. It currently holds the record for being the world’s largest sailing yacht, though, to be fair, it is technically a sail-assisted motor yacht as it is fully capable of moving under its own power rather than relying on the sails. 

Who Owns Sailing Yacht A?

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, a man who made his fortune thanks to a coal company and a chemical company, is the owner of Sailing Yacht A as well as its older sister yacht the Motor Yacht A. Melnichenko has French designer Philippe Starck design both of the vessels for him. 

How Big is Sailing Yacht A?

As mentioned, this is actually the largest sailing yacht in the world and it truly is immense. It earned the title of largest sailing yet specifically because of the length which clocks in at a stunning 468.5 feet. Not only is it the longest sailing yacht as a result of that, making it over 50 feet longer than its closest competitor, it qualifies as one of the largest yachts period, sailing or motor powered. It’s the 11th largest yacht in the world if you also include motor yachts.

Even aside from length, the stats are pretty remarkable. The masts, which are very hard to miss, are also gigantic. The main mast stands at over 100 meters or 300 feet tall. The entire boat has a listed height of 328 feet. That makes the A taller than the Tower of London or Big Ben. 

The vessel is just over 81 feet wide and has a gross tonnage of 12,558 gt. The sails measure an incredible 3,747 square meters or 40,332 square feet. The sails can be controlled with an in-boom furling system. It also features a gimballed crow’s nest, accessible by an elevator, 60m high in one of the curved, carbon masts.

So It’s the Largest Sail Assisted Motor Yacht?

Technically, yes. There is not really a distinction made for more people between sail-assisted and sailing yacht.

Why Is it Called Sailing Yacht A?

Sailing Yacht A’s owner was being a little crafty when he came up with the name for the vessel. Like his earlier motor yacht, which is also called A or Motor Yacht A, Sailing Yacht A got the name it has so that it will always appear at the top of boat registry lists. It’s kind of like when businesses used to call themselves something like AAAA+ Plumbing so they’d be at the top of the page in the phone book, back when people still used phone books. 

What is the Interior of Sailing Yacht A Like?

As you can imagine, there’s a lot going on in this massive yacht. To start, it’s a full eight decks. These can be accessed throughout the yacht with either a number of elevators or the free-floating spiral staircases. It’s rumored that there are cabins for at least 20 guests, plus a master suite on board.

There are oval windows throughout the vessel that are almost impossible to see from outside as they’re covered in a one-way film that allows passengers to look out but prevents anyone from looking in. Some of the rooms have floor to ceiling windows that simply can’t be seen from outside. It’s rumored that the master suite has a rotating bed and is presumably of a significant size as the master suite in the smaller Motor Yacht A was 2,500 square feet.

In terms of luxury amenities there’s plenty to choose from. The yacht has an underwater observation pod right in the keel with windows to the sides and below. The glass is one foot thick to ensure it can handle the pressure. It offers a view of the props in action which is unique and unlike observation windows you’d likely find on any other boats. And unlike many yachts which have launch vessels or jet skis in the garage, this one has a three-man submarine you can take out for fun as well as four tenders.

Melnichenko is known for throwing lavish parties – he’s had Lennie Kravitz and Snoop Dogg perform on board Motor Yacht A for him and his guests, and even had Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera perform at his wedding some years ago, so it’s safe to assume the sailing yacht also features an extravagant party room as well. 

A crew of up to 54 operate the vessel and much of that can be done easier than you’d think. Touch screen controls can power and maneuver the vessel at the touch of a button. Even the sails can be raised and lowered with electronic controls and a single person operating them. 

In addition to the piloting of the ship, the crew run the yacht’s internal power plant, a professional galley the size of a kitchen you’d expect to find in a hotel, and other guest services like laundry and so on. These services and features are maintained across two of the boat’s 8 decks.

Much like any other yacht of this size, there is a helipad on the deck, and you can also find a large pool in the center of the deck as well. There are two other pools and all three are said to have current-generating technology to give them a more realistic ocean feel. As in his previous yacht, one of the pools has a glass floor so that you can see up into the pool from the deck below.

Many of the internal features have been kept under wraps as few people have had a chance to go on board the yacht. One particularly odd feature that has been noticed, however, is a chair on deck shaped like a giant, human head. Other glimpses of the interior have also shown off things like a large hot tub which has storage underneath it for a number of lifeboats, and the stunning blue navigation lights that line the exterior from bow to stern, just along the waterline.

The security features on the boat have not been disclosed, for obvious reasons, but Melnichenko previous yacht was rumored to feature everything from bomb proof glass to fingerprint scanners for enhanced security at key entry points. 

Was Sailing Yacht A Seized?

In March, 2022, Sailing Yacht A was seized by Italian authorities in the Port of Trieste after Andrey Melnichenko was placed on an EU sanctions list following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many Russian billionaires who have had ties to President Vladimir Putin had sanctions levied against them which resulted in assets being frozen or confiscated all over the world.  

For unknown reasons, A was placed back in the water in June 2022 after being in dry dock for a few months. It was officially listed as being at anchor at that time with no further details about why the change in status. Melnichenko had stated at the time that he was going to contest the seizure of the luxury yacht but it’s unknown when or if that happened. 

What Did Sailing Yacht A Cost?

Billionaires don’t always like to share their expenses with the world and  Andrey Melnichenko is no different. He has not disclosed what he paid for the mega yacht and the yacht makers built it with a very thorough non-disclosure agreement in place that prevents them from sharing any of the particulars. 

The fact that there has been no officially confirmed price tag doesn’t mean there hasn’t been some solid speculation about the price which has yet to be refuted. According to most sources, the yacht likely cost its owner somewhere in the neighborhood of €530 million which, at the time, probably worked out to around $578 million to $600 million US.

How Fast is Sailing Yacht A?

The props on the yacht are powered by twin MTU 20V 4000 ML73 main diesel engines or by electric motors or even by both together. It runs up to 2,050rpm, giving 2,800kW, and makes use of four generators instead of five to cut down on the overall weight.  The generators are able to run down to 1,050rpm when it’s appropriate. Something called Superimposed System Controller (SSC) is able to constantly recalculate the optimal speed and determine the best combination of generators to use from moment to moment. This ensures optimal fuel and power usage while also limiting noise and vibration. 

The result of all of this engineering is that the yacht has a cruising speed of 16 knots and a top speed of 21 knots. 

The Bottom Line

Sailing Yacht A is the largest sail-assisted yacht in the world and, although the price is just speculated to be around $600 million, it’s clearly one of the most expensive yachts in the world as well. The exterior design is sleek and subtle and is able to hide many features including shell doors and windows while the interior spans 8 decks and has room for 54 crew and up to 20 passengers on board. The boat was seized by Italian authorities in 2022 and it’s unknown if or when the owner will get it back. 

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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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:

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

World’s largest sailing yacht, Sailing Yacht A, seized

• Helen Fretter
• March 12, 2022

The world's largest sailing yacht, Sailing Yacht A, has been seized by Italian authorities after its Russian owner was placed on a sanctions list

Italian authorities have seized the largest sail-assisted superyacht ever built, the 143m (470ft) Sailing Yacht A, Italian news outlets are reporting.

According to the Reuters news agency in Rome, the Italian prime minister’s office confirmed this morning (Saturday, March 12) that the yacht had been seized after owner, Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, was placed on an EU sanctions list following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Philippe Starck-designed  Sailing Yacht A is one of the most of the distinctive yachts ever built . At 143m (470ft) long it features eight decks, and a 20m freeboard.

Sailing Yacht A has a beam of 24.8m and a 20m freeboard

It was built by Nobiskrug in Germany and launched in 2016. It carries three of the world’s largest carbon rigs, which are unstayed and rotating, with over 3,700 square metres of sails set via an in-boom furling system. It also features a gimballed crow’s nest, accessible by lift, 60m high in one of the curved masts, an observation pod embedded in the keel and a three-man submarine.

The hull has a maximum beam of 24.8m and includes 24 shell doors concealed within it.

It was built under strict non-disclosure agreements, but has been reported to have a price tag of around €530 million ($578 million).

The yacht is reported to have been sequestered at the northern port of Trieste, following sanctions imposed on its owner. Melnichenko owns the fertiliser producer EuroChem Group and coal company SUEK.

Several high profile superyachts belonging to Russian oligarchs have been seized across Europe in the past week, although this is the first sailing vessel of its kind to be impounded.

Boat explodes in Marina del Rey

100-foot yacht explodes in marina del rey.

A boat was completely destroyed in a massive fire in Marina del Rey.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - A boat is completely destroyed after exploding in Marina del Rey .

The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a call in the 13800 block of Bora Bora Way a little after 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18. 

Firefighters say two people safely got out of a 100-foot-long yacht. Neither were hurt in the massive fire, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

SkyFOX was over the scene around 8:45 p.m. when the boat was engulfed in flames.

A boat was destroyed in a fire in Marina del Rey. It is unknown if people were inside the boat at the time of the explosion.

As of late Wednesday night, officials did not say what caused the boat to catch fire.

This is a developing story. Tune in to FOX 11 News at 10 p.m. and Good Nite LA at 11 p.m. for the latest.

Wisconsin wake boat bans, neighbors pitted against each other

Wisconsin wake boat bans has neighbors heating up.

A water war is still heating up in Wisconsin. A new kind of powerboat is prompting a wave of local ordinances all over the state.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Wis. - Summer may be winding down, but a water war is still heating up in Wisconsin. A new kind of powerboat is prompting a wave of local ordinances all over the state.

There is hardly a more sensitive issue on Wisconsin lakes than so-called "wake boats" – boats designed to make bigger waves for water sports. 

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It's unclear if lawmakers will tackle the issue at the state level, but in one small town after another, residents say they can't afford to wait. And wake boat owners are feeling singled out.

"We’re trying to be responsible, respectful boaters," said Corey Kincaid, who is raising three boys on Blue Spring Lake in southeast Jefferson County .

In recent months, Kincaid said neighbors have been recording him and his boys when they're on the lake. He said their affinity for competitive wakeboarding has made them targets. 

"They’ve been filmed and kind of somewhat harassed," he said. "You know, we just don’t want people hating us."

Minutes after Kincaid gave the FOX6 Investigators a ride in his wake boat, we sat down for an interview with one of his neighbors, Ryan Tobiasz.

"We have one boat that goes back and forth and back and forth," Tobiasz said, referring to Kincaid's boat, which he said makes repeated passes within a short distance of his shoreline. "We have said, ‘Hey, back off. You’re coming in too close.'" 

Tobiasz believes so-called wake boats like Kincaid's are doing damage to the lake his family has called home for generations.

"If the lake is damaged, if the bottom is going to be damaged, the shorelines are going to be damaged, that’s going to impact all of us," Tobiasz said.

That is why he and others want to restrict their operation on the public lake in southeastern Jefferson County , which covers about 150 square miles.

"You can see across the lake here," Tobiasz said. "It’s very small."

With a mean depth of just seven feet , wake boat critics say Blue Spring Lake is especially vulnerable to the slow, plowing speeds typically associated with wakesurfing, which requires a boat to operate with its bow pointed up.

"And that prop wash going down and scouring the bottom of the lake," Tobiasz said.

What is wakesurfing?

Wake surfing relies on special fins that push the wake to one side, creating a wave big enough to surf without a rope. However, Kincaid's boys don't wakesurf – they wake board .

"Seems like there’s a lot of confusion," Kincaid said.

Wakeboarding requires faster speeds, meaning the boat levels out on the water. It also relies on divided wakes and the use of a tow-rope. Some say it's more like waterskiing than wakesurfing. 

Still, as Kincaid's boys get older, they are learning to master more complicated wakeboard tricks.

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"That’s kind of where you need a bigger ramp, you know," Kincaid said.

That is where his wake boat comes in handy. It automatically draws lake water into built-in ballast tanks inside the hull. 

"We have to go slow for a second to get the ballast on," Kincaid said.

The onboard water makes the boat heavier, which makes the waves produced by the boat's movement bigger. 

"That’s the big controversy," Kincaid said.

In other words, it's not necessarily the sport that matters.

"It’s the boat," Tobiasz said.

"I think anyone who chooses a boat such as a wake boat for a lake that may not be suited for ballast boating may not have made a good decision," said Jim Hochman, Blue Spring Lake board chair.

Proposed ordinance divides community

That is what prompted Hochman to introduce a proposal to regulate wake boats on Blue Spring Lake. 

"It’s going to pit neighbor against neighbor," Kincaid said.

"It’s not meant to be a personal issue," Tobiasz said.

Last month, more than 100 residents packed a park pavilion for the annual meeting of the Blue Spring Lake Management District, some saying they were blindsided by the proposed ordinance.

"How, all of a sudden, is this an issue?" asked Sharon Deguzman, a lake resident who spoke up at the meeting.

"I would like to see some actual facts," said Andy Schuler, also a lake resident.

"We try to be good neighbors," Kincaid said, before his voice became choked. "It's hard for me to talk about."

Hochman now says the proposal should have been clearly marked as a working draft.

"Got that FOX?" he said, turning toward a FOX6 News photographer who attended the meeting. "I made a mistake."

The Aug. 24 meeting filled an outdoor pavilion in Aurelian Springs Park, a short drive from the lake. Nearly 20 different people took turns at the microphone, some defending wake boat owners. 

"You are videotaping 10-year-olds!" said a woman in a yellow t-shirt who did not give her name.

More than half of those who spoke, however, expressed concern for the lake's ecological health. 

"When the wake boats go by, the waves come crashing in," said former board member Bill Goldburg.

"It affects the weed beds, the lake bottom, and fish habitats," said resident Brian Randall. 

"I started seeing boats going through the water like this," said Eileen Oelke, a 75-year resident of Blue Spring Lake, as she used her hand to demonstrate the signature bow-high angle of wake boats. "Behind them was a trail of brown. Wake board boats don’t have poop. That was our lake bottom!"

Water war waged town by town

What's happening in Palmyra is part of a statewide water war that is being waged one small town at a time.

FOX6 Investigators have obtained a list of 31 communities that now have ordinances restricting "artificial wake enhancement." The first such ordinances in the state were passed in Mequon and Thiensville in 2009, along the Milwaukee River, which banned operating a boat in a "bow-high manner," "use of ballast," and "operation at transition speed." That prohibits boats from fast enough to create a wake, but too slow to level-out – or plane – on the water. Wakesurfing requires boats to operate at a transition speed, rather than planing.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic , just five wakesurfing ordinances existed across Wisconsin . From 2021 to 2023, another 10 ordinances were approved. And in 2024, 16 more communities have restricted artificial wake enhancement.

In all, the 31 local ordinances restrict ballast boating on nearly 200 Wisconsin lakes.

Many of those new ordinances were crafted with the direct assistance of Jeff Meessmann, director of Last Wilderness Alliance .

"A lot of people say, ‘Well you’re just trying to ban wake boats.’ That’s not true at all," Meessmann said.

Wake boats themselves are not the problem, according to Meessmann. It is how they are used; the artificially bigger waves matter. Meessmann said there is an even greater concern when ballast boats are used on more than one lake.

"Ballast tanks can not be emptied (completely), so they run the probability…they run the likelihood of transferring aquatic invasive species," Meessmann said.

Call for state legislation

Meessmann said he would like to see a state law that requires ballast tanks to be inspected before a boat can enter a new lake. He would like state lawmakers to ban wakesurfing from lakes smaller than 1,500 acres – and he wants state lawmakers to require wake boats to stay at least 700 feet from shore in water at least 30 feet deep.

The water sports industry has lobbied for a 200-foot shoreline buffer with no depth restriction.

Wakesurfing boats on WI lakes; calls to restrict 'monster trucks' of water

A conflict is brewing on Wisconsin lakes as a new generation of powerboats is making big waves. That is setting the stage for a water war in Madison.

"What we’re proposing compared to what the wake boat industry is proposing is miles apart," Meessmann said.

What is most important, according to Meessmann, is that nothing be passed that eliminates ordinances that have already been approved.

"You can't get rid of local control," Meessmann said. 

Ordinance on hold for 90 days

Back in Palmyra , lake board members agreed to slow down and study the issue further, but only for another 90 days.

"This group does not want to wait to see what happens in Madison," Hochman said.

That has Corey Kincaid nervous.

"We're just trying to enjoy the lake like everybody else," Kincaid said.

While his neighbors keep a wary eye on the future of a shared natural resource.

"I’m just really worried what could happen out here," Tobiasz said.

The Water Sports Industry Association did not respond to an interview request for this story.

Meanwhile, a pair of competing wake surfing bills – 2023 SB 680 and 2023 SB 1016 , both sponsored by Senate Republicans – failed to advance in the last legislative session. It's now unclear if lawmakers have any plans to bring them back.

State Sen. Andre Jacque (R-De Pere) declined an interview request, while State Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) did not respond at all.

As for scientific research, the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory is studying the impact of downward propeller thrust from wake boats on shallow lake bottoms. Many observers have been waiting months for the findings to be released. A spokesperson for the University of Minnesota now says they expect to publish results in early 2025.

Boat crashes into breakwater metres away from woman

A man was treated by paramedics

• 21:14, 17 SEP 2024

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A man had to be treated by paramedics after a motorboat crashed into a breakwater. An air ambulance landed at Mount Batten this afternoon after the boat dramatically ran aground just metres from where a woman was sitting.

Eyewitnesses say the vessel left Sutton Harbour this afternoon (Tuesday, September 17), appearing to intend to sail around Mount Batten. However, it was later photographed aground at the breakwater.

Plymouth Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI were called to the incident at around 2.50pm today. A spokesperson for HM Coastguard told PlymouthLive that a vessel was reported to have run aground at the Mount Batten breakwater.

An eyewitness said he and his wife saw the motorboat heading out of Sutton Harbour through the turntable bridge. "From there it was heading towards Mount Batten breakwater, presumably to go past it, to head on out," they said.

"After a couple of minutes a pilot boat tied up and two guys got off, jumped into a twin engine boat and with great haste, went chasing off in the same direction. By the time we walked up to Dutton's Cafe, the motor boat was already on the rocks."

Another witness said: "My daughter has just witnessed a boat crash into the rocks four meters away from her."

South Western Ambulance Service vehicles were seen in the area and video footage also shows a helicopter from Devon Air Ambulance landing. One man was taken into the care of paramedics, but it is unclear if he was then taken to hospital.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a motor vessel reported to have gone aground at the Mount Batten breakwater, Plymouth, at about 2.50pm on 17 September.

"The vessel was moved to a pontoon where the man was taken into the care of the South Western Ambulance Service. Plymouth Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI's inshore lifeboat from Plymouth attended."

• Devon Air Ambulance
• South Western Ambulance Service
• Mount Batten
• Sutton Harbour
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Parsifal III: Meet the charter star of Below Deck's sailing yacht spin-off

This week, producers have confirmed season five of hit reality TV show Below Deck Sailing Yacht will return to screens on 7 October for more crew drama and on-the-water antics. Set on the Balearic island of Ibiza, the series will again feature the 54-metre Perini Navi superyacht Parsifal III with Captain Glenn Shephard at the helm. In anticipation of the series' return, BOAT reflects on an interview with her owner Kim Vibe-Petersen , who unpacked the realities of filming a reality TV series on board his boat ahead of season three.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is a spin-off series of the hit superyacht reality TV show Below Deck that follows the lives of the crew and guests across an eight-week charter season. For Danish owner Kim Vibe-Petersen, Parsifal III' s return is yet another opportunity to show off the yacht's charter credentials. 

Vibe-Petersen was personally approached by Below Deck producers in 2018 after they struggled to find a suitable sailing yacht. Parsifal III fitted the bill as she was already equipped for charter and a number of her existing crew were willing to take part in the show.

The Perini Navi sailing yacht first hit the water in 2005 and rose to instant fame scoring a number of prestigious accolades including a coveted Neptune at the World Superyacht Awards . On her launch, she also joined the ranks as one of the fast Perini Navi superyachts on the water with a top speed of 18 knots under full sail granted by two high-tech carbon masts, automated in-boom furling and a winged keel.

Vibe-Petersen admitted there were some yacht owners who didn’t want the names of their yachts connected with the drama-filled reality show, but he "didn’t have that concern." Although he had the option to change the yacht’s name for filming, he decided to keep it to maximise the charter appeal of  Parsifal III .

"It’s free advertising," he said. "The name of the yacht will come to people’s minds, especially to someone who has never chartered a yacht before. They will see that name and know the boat from the show."

Vibe-Petersen was also keen to secure a guaranteed packed charter schedule during low season. "I think there were a lot of boats that did not want to be chartered for the show but it's good money in the bank," he said.

While admitting he might not be the "specific audience targeted by the series," he said he has sat down to watch the first series, which took place in Corfu. Even in Vibe-Peterson’s home country of Denmark, the US show has gained a big following.

"This is the kind of show where they want to make a little drama," he added. "It’s not that wild on board a normal charter." The conveyor belt of colourful guests are chosen by the production team and given a "big discount" for appearing on the show.

Vibe-Petersen also explained the complicated logistics of filming Below Deck , each season of which features 16 charters filmed across a period of eight weeks. This means that two groups of guests separately charter the yacht in a single week. Meanwhile, the production team require a time period of at least a week to get  Parsifal III  rigged up and fit for filming. "There are 30 people on board each day with lots of wires and cameras – it’s a big, big operation."

Season one was filmed in Corfu, Greece, which posed a number of challenges for  Parsifal III as the sailing yacht was required to have a specific charter licence. "It’s pretty tough to get that," said Vibe-Petersen. "It’s not something we can do within a short amount of time. It can take 10 to 12 weeks to get a charter licence so it takes time."

For her second season, Parsifal III was filmed cruising Croatia's 3,600 miles of coastline. For season three, the show follows Parsifal III as she cruises around the Spanish island of Menorca, carrying a mix of new and old crew.

Season five of Below Deck Sailing Yacht will feature returning department heads chief stew Daisy Kelliher and first mate Gary King, while chef Cloyce Martin, chief engineer Davide Morosi, stews Diana Cruz and Danni Warren, and deckhands Keith Allen and Emma Crouch are amongst the new crew members.

Parsifal III is managed for charter by Camper & Nicholsons with a weekly charter rate starting from €245,000. 

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