The largest private sailing yacht in the world, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, was spotted in Gibraltar at the weekend, according to Yacht Harbour.
The 142.8-metre “Sailing Yacht A,” as it has been named by his owner, or S/Y A, is undergoing final tests and is due to be handed over to Melnichenko in a matter of days. It left Nobiskrug, Germany, on February 5.
Its 300 ft masts are taller than Big Ben. The £360 million vessel also boasts eight storeys and counts a massive swimming pool and underwater observation pod among its stunning features, according to the Daily Mail.
Melnichenko also owns M/Y A, another luxury motor yacht. Both vessels are designed by Philippe Starck.
Instagram user @superyachts_gibraltar documented the sighting on May 1 at the Port of Gibraltar.
http://instagr.am/p/BTkLsNsAEMg
Boasting over 12,600 gross tonnes (GT), S/Y A has an interior volume more than four times larger than the second largest sailing yacht in the world, Black Pearl, and her 2,700 GT, according to Yacht Harbour.
http://instagr.am/p/BTkUHNMg6SJ
Its 300 ft masts are taller than Big Ben.
http://instagr.am/p/BTjflTjAMXx
The video below demonstrates the sheer size of the masts, as a man spends "hours" cleaning them.
http://instagr.am/p/BTjd0RpAwd6
The mega yacht is designed by Philippe Starck, who is also behind Melnichenko's other luxury vessel, M/Y A.