green mega yacht

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Meyer Presents 210M Green Megayacht Concept

Germany’s Meyer Yachts has unveiled a 210m green megayacht concept, TWO10, featuring green propulsion systems.

A year after the historic Meyer Werft shipyard launched Meyer Yachts at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show, the brand has unveiled the 210m second spectacular yacht concept, TWO10.

Like the ONE50, currently in build, the TWO10 will feature sustainable propulsion solutions as Meyer aims to build “the greenest superyachts in the world”.

The profile of the TWO10 is kept flat, although the decks illustrate the yacht’s enormous size. Like the ONE50, the TWO10 relies on green propulsion solutions, for example with fuel cells and battery systems.

Drones can be used for passenger transport on the helipad in the bow area and charged directly on the yacht with the green electricity generated onboard. Due to the generous space available, there’s also room for a complete tennis court, which is fenced in by a fine-mesh net during play. 

Other features include a beach club that extends over two decks and has an infinity pool suspended virtually above the bar.

Jan Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Yachts, said: “Here we show once again what innovations Meyer Yachts is capable of.

“We design our concepts in such a way that we can also make them a reality in this form. This makes our yachts technology pioneers, from which many other types of ships and people will also benefit.”

This article first appeared on Yacht Style .

For more yacht reads, click here.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Benchmark Wines
• Brian Fox Art
• Disneyland Resort
• Ka La’I Wakiki Beach
• Kalamazoo Grill
• Raffles Hotels & Resorts
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

7 Eco-Conscious Yachts That Are Changing the Future of Boating, From Zero-Carbon Catamarans to Hybrids

Pure-electric trawlers and hydrogen-powered sailing vessels sound like sci fi, but they'll be on the water soon..

• Share This Article

Yachting and sustainability may sound like a paradox, but we’re steadily seeing the marine world embrace eco-change. For the yachting world, there are an increasing number of ways to boat with a lower carbon imprint. From electric-diesel hybrids to zero-carbon catamarans powered by alternative fuel sources, here is a closer look at the newest eco-conscious yachts on the water—as well as several concepts that will be on the market in the next year, and a sailing vessel that helped start the emissions-reduction trend among superyachts.

Azimut Seadeck

Having the world’s largest yacht builder embrace sustainability promises to exert pressure on hundreds of smaller builders around the world. When the three-model Azimut Seadeck  series is launched, the combination of complementary emissions-reducing technologies promises to be a major milestone for yachting.

“This is the most efficient yacht ever designed by Azimut,” said Federico Lantero, head of Product Design at Azimut/Benetti, at an event announcing the series. “We’ve identified the most recent technologies over the years, so we sat together said let’s raise the bar once again. Let’s push these technologies to the limits. It’s been like assembling a big puzzle.”

The Italian shipyard promises above-average efficiency at a wide range of speeds: The official estimates predict an emission reduction of 40 percent, thanks to Seadeck’s diesel-electric hybrid systems, lightweight carbon-fiber superstructure, solar panels, and other energy-absorption solutions.

Monaco-based designer Alberto Mancini, who penned the exterior, teamed up with other Italian designers Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, who completed the sleek interior design. Thun and Rodriquez infused the interior with the newest sustainable materials, including cork, which they describe as the “best alternative to teak.”

The concept of Seadeck’s large open aft section—dubbed “Fun Island,” follows the success of the extended deck of sister builder’s Benetti Oasis. That design was a game-changer in its wellness-outdoor living approach. Azimut will release the Seadeck models in the next 20 months, starting with the Seadeck 6 in early 2024.

Alva Yachts Ocean Eco 90 H2

In the past couple of years, German catamaran and sailboat builder Alva Yachts has turned heads with its innovative solar catamarans.  But now it’s pushing boundaries farther with the announcement of what it’s calling “the first zero-emissions superyacht catamaran to run without fossil fuels.”

The Ocean Eco 90 H2 is a special 90-foot version of the Ocean Eco 90 series, the shipyard’s flagship model. It comes in two versions: full electric and hybrid diesel-electric. The new model is the company’s first venture into hydrogen. Dubbed a “fuel-less superyacht catamaran with wings,” the H2 was requested by an existing Alva owner. It is powered only by sustainable sources, including the sun, wind, electric energy, and hydrogen fuel cells. The company’s signature solar cells generate up to 40kWp of power while twin performance electric motors give power, with the aid of the Ayro Oceanwings wind-propulsion system.

Oceanco ‘Black Pearl’

The world’s biggest sailing superyacht— Black Pearl —is also the most sustainable boat on water. Energy is saved at every turn on board the 350-foot yacht, from the HVAC system to three carbon-fiber masts, striking black DynaRig sails and aluminum superstructure that combine to make the Oceanco yacht lightweight and efficient. Controllable pitch propellers feed power back into the yacht via a pair of shaft generators providing enough power to support the yacht’s hotel load. Equipped with battery banks and a waste-heat recovery system, the gigayacht is capable of sailing across the Atlantic using only renewable energy.

Sunreef 80 Eco Marie-Joseph

Formula One champion Fernando Alonso so enjoyed his Greek charter aboard the Sunreef 80 Eco Marie-Joseph last summer that he now has a Sunreef 60 Eco in build. Equipped with electric engines, Marie-Joseph is fitted with nearly 1,800 square feet of solar panels integrated into the yacht’s composite structures, including the mast, boom, superstructure and hull sides. It’s enough to generate up to 45.5kWh, which leaves the deck areas free for guest enjoyment. In addition to the yacht’s “solar skin,” the vessel also has a hydro-generation system, which recovers energy from the propellers as well as high-efficiency batteries.

Steeler 61S Electric

Designed by Vripack and built by Steeler, the 61-foot Steeler 61S Electric is a full custom electric trawler built for a liveaboard owner. Sustainable materials, such as steel, wood, leather and Flexiteek decking, give a nod to the owner’s determination to have a lighter carbon footprint—though the biggest sustainability breakthrough lies with the boat’s propulsion and slow-boating efficiency. Though equipped to run a 75kW diesel generator, the Steeler 61S Electric is also equipped with a 90kW electric motor and can run on shore power. In true Dutch style, solar panels and windmills mounted on the roof help feed the 184kWh battery pack.

Newcastle Marine ‘Safira’

When it comes to sustainability, every little bit helps. Powered by azipod drives, which provide 20 percent more efficiency than conventional shafts, the 129-foot Safira can also run on 15-percent biodiesel. The boat is fitted with LED lighting and good insulation, which allows for smaller generators and reduced fuel consumption. Environmental considerations extend to the choice of materials as well, with reclaimed oak, remnant stone and Esthec—a synthetic replacement for teak—being used for both cabinetry and exterior decks.

Rossinavi ‘No Stress’

Italian designer Enrico Gobbi’s latest project comes in the form of Rossinavi’s first hybrid yacht. Delivered earlier this month, the 169-foot, full-aluminum sports yacht, No Stress , is powered by two MTU 16V diesel engines and two electric motors. In electric mode, the dual power system is managed by an artificial intelligence (AI) system that monitors fuel consumption. No Stress forms part of the Italian shipyard’s aim to develop boats with BluE technology. In addition to more environmentally-friendly cruising, the inclusion of AI means the owners “can enjoy the electric experience on board to the fullest,” said Rossinavi’s COO Federico Rossi, in a statement.

The Italian yard recently launched another hybrid-electric “BluE” concept called Infinity , a sailing yacht with an exterior by Fulvio de Simoni. The 138-footer has solar panels that can be stored so that yacht can navigate in full-electric mode for 90 percent of an average day. De Simoni also penned Rossinavi’s Sea Cat hybrid cat, which is currently under construction.

Read More On:

• Sustainability

More Marine

The Shipyard That Built the ‘Titanic’ Has Filed for Bankruptcy

This New Catamaran Concept Was Designed to Carry Your Bugatti Across the High Seas

Meet Spitfire, a New 164-Foot Superyacht Based on a High-Performance Patrol Boat

What It’s Like to Watch an America’s Cup Race Right on the Water

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Spitfire Superyacht in Photos

The AX/E 22 and AX/E 25 in Photos

More from our brands, the 14 best baggy jeans and how to wear them now , fox powers past ‘smackdown’ in ‘college football friday’ debut, sean ‘diddy’ combs arrested in new york after grand jury indictment, a new edition of john elderfield’s ‘frankenthaler’ shows an artist with real new york chutzpah, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

• Cars, Jets & Yachts

The Best Eco-Friendly Yachts of the 21st Century

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

By Elite Traveler

As yachts get larger in size, they generally also increase in fuel capacity and consumption, running costs and also environmental impact. However, in recent years, there has been a change in the world of superyachts. Today, we are witnessing more and more yachts take steps towards efficiency, reducing fuel usage and innovating when it comes to improving sustainability credentials.

Much like aviation, bio and sustainable fuels are becoming far more accessible and prevalent in yachting. There has also been an uptick in the use of hybrid propulsion — the use of a combination of different energy sources — most commonly this results in a combination of both diesel and battery power. There has also been a renaissance of the sail, with some owners looking to harness the power of the wind to aid their transportation. It also undeniably looks superb.  

As many yacht owners and potential buyers begin to focus more on the sustainability of these vessels, yacht builders are taking note. Here, Elite Traveler takes a closer look at some of the most impressive eco-friendly yachts to have hit the water during the last two decades. We will also be taking a quick look at what’s on the horizon.

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

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

royalhuisman.com

The Rise of the Superyacht Marina

How Louis Vuitton Made the America’s Cup the Voyage en Vogue

H3: The Market’s Most Expensive Superyacht Debuts a New Design

Black pearl.

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

[See also: Step Inside the Black Pearl Yacht]

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

Content from our partners

Why Northeastern Spain is the Finest Family Destination

The Ritz-Carlton, Cayman Cookout: A Culinary Celebration

Managing Director Dustin Dent on the Transformation of Nemacolin

oceancoyacht.com

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

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

feadship.nl

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

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

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

nobiskrug.com

Sailing Yachts

Originally launched in 1993, the 143-ft Juliet was reborn in 2021 after an extensive “go greener” refit at her original build yard, Royal Huisman. Newly transformed into a hybrid yacht, Juliet now bears technologies that will future-proof her for years to come. Her new hybrid system offers numerous benefits including silent operations, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption. A brand-new gearbox, aligned with a sophisticated new electric motor/generator, will allow electric propulsion that is powered by either the main engine or alternatively the battery pack or generator. Meanwhile, a battery bank will allow Juliet to operate in ‘silent ship’ mode.

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

Swan 88 Hybrid

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

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

nautorswan.com

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

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

y.co/yacht/rainbow

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

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

balticyachts.fi

Sw108 Hybrid

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

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

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

sws-yachts.com

To the Future…

Now due to be completed in 2025, 640-ft REV Ocean will be the world’s largest research vessel. With construction well underway in Norway, REV Ocean is a state-of-the-art yacht that has been designed to ensure ‘one healthy ocean.’ As a luxury floating laboratory, her impressive facilities will allow her to undertake cutting-edge ocean science. She has an abundance of sustainable features, and her assets will include everything from a deep-diving submarine to a lecture theater for discussing discoveries.

[See also: Inside the Incredible Superyacht REV]

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

revocean.org

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

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

Project AQUA

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

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

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

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

lateral.engineering , sinot.com

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

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

Eco Explorer

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

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

feadship.nl , merveille-yachting.com

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

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

nuvolari-lenard.com  

Project Crystal

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

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

nickstark.design

Sunreef 80 Eco

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

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

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

sunreef-yachts-eco.com

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

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

tillbergdesign.com

Lürssen’s fuel cell yacht

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

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

lurssen.com

Elite Traveler

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

MEYER Group plans world's largest and greenest mega yachts

MEYER Group continues to work on realizing innovative ship concepts in new market segments: At the Monaco Yacht Show, the family-owned company will now show for the first time a concept for a mega yacht under the MEYER Yachts brand powered entirely by fuel cells and batteries, named ONE 50.

The MEYER Group is thus further diversifying its product portfolio. "Since 1795, we have built more than 700 ships in Papenburg alone. So our references can be seen on all the world's oceans. Now we are opening the next chapter in our history and entering the market for mega yachts. We have already received very positive feedback because we can realize almost limitless ideas and ship sizes - even the seemingly craziest ones. We are currently seeing that the demand for mega yachts is increasing and there is room for another shipyard in this segment," says Bernard Meyer.

Large and complex ships are part of the MEYER Group's core competence. In the shipbuilding halls, which can be up to 504 meters long, ships with a length of almost 350 meters have been built almost exclusively for years. "Mega yachts are a new market segment that we can serve at all our three shipyards. At MEYER, it is always our ambition to position ourselves at the top - in environmental protection as well as now in yacht size. That's why the ONE 50 is just the beginning of our ideas and plans," says Thomas Weigend.

150-meter yacht concept with fuel cells and battery system

As the first model from MEYER Yachts, ONE 50 immediately shows what the new brand stands for - pioneering spirit, exceptional excellence and no limits. At 150 metres long and 20 metres wide, ONE 50 has an enormous volume of 15,000 gross tons. On six decks, the yacht for a maximum of 44 guests offers a spa on two levels, a cinema with an adjoining billiard salon, an entertainment area including a stage, an art gallery and a huge infinity pool at the stern. Fuel cells and battery banks are installed in the engine room to make ONE 50 as sustainable as possible. Electrically powered by 25 000 kilowatts, ONE 50 will reach a maximum speed of 23 knots.

Building mega yachts may become next MEYER success story

"We see a lot of potential in mega yachts for new environmentally friendly technologies, which we also use directly in the ONE 50, for example the fuel cell for emission-free ship operation. We attach very great importance to this. In addition to the many competencies and skills we already have, we will also bring additional specialists from the yacht building industry into our team and strengthen the MEYER Group," says Malte Poelmann.

Mega yachts have the potential to become the next MEYER success story and thus also secure employment at all locations. "We are experts in building special ships, we have proven that many times. Now we are working on making mega yachts even bigger and, above all, greener," says Bernard Meyer.

More information at www.meyer-yachts.com .

04 media available

• Fortune 500 India
• 40 Under 40
• Most Powerful Women
• Budget 2024
• India's Richest
• The Next 500
• Best B-Schools
• All Rankings
• Fortune India Exchange
• Infographics
• Buy on Amazon
• Annual Subscription

The Green Megayacht

With its sumptuous, bespoke residences and two-three storey penthouses — many designed by u.k.’s linley — is a place for exploration and oceanography..

IT'S BEEN LABELLED as “the finest address anywhere in the world,” and a lucky few can live on board and explore the world with top oceanographers. The 289.3-metre-long, 86,000-tonne superyacht, M/Y Njord, is the largest of its kind; it has 118 residences (in 20 configurations), two penthouse apartments and 300 crew members. It also hosts an oceanographic laboratory, dive and expedition centre, restaurants, plus luxuries like a golf simulator, an art and craft studio, a wellness centre backed by Chenot, a whisky lounge and a billiards room.

Flying the Norwegian flag and envisioned by Ocean Residences, this gigantic ship will take its residents to world ports and twice a year sail to destinations as varied as Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Antarctica, Polynesia, and Greenland in curated trips around what residents want to discover. It could be a meteor shower over a country or flora and fauna in another–all done using bio-methanol, a net-zero carbon output fuel, wastewater sanitation, 100% LED lighting and waste heat recapture.

Two-bedroom to six-bedroom apartments cost $8.5-50 million, while the three-storey penthouse costs $100 million. Most apartments have been sold out. Each residence comes with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchens by Gaggenau, smart technologies, personalised housekeeping and laundry and stunning bespoke designs. The U.K.-based Linley (founded by Viscount David Linley, son of Princess Margaret), one of the world’s best interior designers and architects, is designing some apartments and penthouses along with public spaces like billiards room and whisky room. “When we were designing the apartments, luxury was of course paramount,” says Michael Keech, creative director, Linley, during a Zoom call from London. “But in fabrics that you use, the leather, the wallpaper, it’s very important to be as ecological as possible.”

A Njord property owner (it’s bought on a 50-year lease, as this is the life of the yacht) can always choose his own designers. “The owners of the yacht assume that each designer will create 10-20 apartments,” says Keech. “We at Linley have a lot of experience in yachts. Ours will be safer. We use the right structural and mechanical contractors as we have a relationship with them.”

Linley has proposed two design schemes, one for the penthouse and the other for the three-bedroom apartment, besides the public areas. For the penthouse, they have offered a Modern Art Deco apartment, one that showcases the breadth of their skillset, for living area, kitchen, master suite, winter garden and study on the lower level. “We are taking cues from classic ocean liners of the past like SS Normandie (a French ocean liner built in 1930s),” says Keech. “For the smaller apartment, we have used minimalist, modern, clean lines.”

Keech says Linley can move around and reconfigure whole apartments (except bathrooms and kitchens). “It all depends on how far the client wants to go, it’s like a tailor-made suit,” he says. “If the apartment has two storeys, with elevator, stairs, double-height ceilings, we can suggest options for square footage. There are no barriers to possibility.”

And sustainability is oozing out of every pore. “For timber and veneer, we use fast-growing wood like mango and eucalyptus from Asia,” says Keech. “If we use a rare veneer, we use laser machinery to get the most out of it.” For example, in the penthouse, Linley has cladded the walls with wood veneers and bedroom walls with cashmere for softness, tranquility and deadening sounds. “We use liquid metal, sprayed in a fine, atomised version on hardwood finish, so it appears like metal. It’s perfect for a yacht as it doesn’t have the weight of metal,” he says. Linley will also use stones like travertine, onyx and marble in very thin slabs of not 20 mm but 5 mm, which reduces material used as well as carbon footprint.

“We don’t mass-produce,” says Keech. “We are using a tiny fraction of resources available to us. We have green credentials built over 35 years. Ours are not pieces of furniture that get tossed away.” With materials from all over the world (silks and cashmeres come from India), each Linley piece is made in low carbon footprint workshops and factories all over the U.K., from Scotland to England. “Most of our furniture, jewellery boxes, humidors, are U.K.-made,” he says. “David always wanted to promote British craftsmanship all the while using materials from all over the world.”

The fabrics use dyes that are gentle on the environment and wool is cruelty-free and ethically produced in farms in the Highlands. Keech ensures that the vendors Linley works with produce with the least wastage.

Ultimately, it’s up to the customer. “We can use any furniture, not only Linley,” says Keech. “We can even custom-design a fabric, pattern and lighting with our team of designers. Furniture or interior design is bespoke, that is what we specialise in. If someone comes and says we want it to look like a Baroque castle, we can do a Baroque castle!” And for public areas, Linley has pulled a coup of sorts with a gravity-adjusting billiards table. “The floor in the billiards room moves to keep the table stable,” says Keech. “The ceiling moves so that the lighting stays right on top and does not cast shadows during the game. It’s modern and futuristic.” Keech says he’s unable to reveal more about the design.

The superyacht is being built in Germany. The date of completion is still open-ended, but it will be sometime this year. “There are points where the dates get pushed back but we are set to start developing our residential designs and, hopefully, more public areas,” says Keech. This is one vibrant design company at work.

Follow us on Facebook , X , YouTube , Instagram  and WhatsApp to never miss an update from Fortune India. To buy a copy, visit Amazon .

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required field are marked*

More Stories

How We Did It

The list is a ranking of the wealth of entrepreneurs of listed and unlisted companies.

What Ails Small Car Sales?

Stagnant middle-class incomes and price hikes due to stricter regulations and inflation have hit the segment hard.

Richest Indians

The Fortune India-Waterfield Advisors study ranks a record 185 dollar billionaires in the country with a cumulative net worth of ₹99.86 lakh crore.

New Avenues, New Hopes In Start-up Funding

India’s start-ups are recovering from post-2021 funding shock. Will the trend continue?

Realty Czars Cash In On Demand Boom

Real estate sector creates unprecedented wealth for promoters as companies chase next phase of expansion.

NRI Billionaires

• Nautic Shows
• America’s Cup
• Classic Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Superyachts
• Yachts News
• Destinations
• Yacht Clubs
• Yacht Club Monaco
• Boat Racing
• Meta Yachts

To those who say that the world’s richest are not very charitable or considerate of environmental issues, yacht designer Steve Kozloff has this to say: here’s the G-Quest megayacht. The rich might not be all these things right now, but they could be, if they commissioned the build of this megayacht.

Superyacht concepts might seem like a pointless exercise of imagination, but they do serve a point: that of pushing the envelope in naval design and driving innovation. Whether they propose larger volumes or more luxurious features, more gear and enhanced capabilities, or greener fuels and propulsion, these concepts can test the proverbial waters of the industry and introduce new ideas to revolutionize it.

California-based yacht designer Steve Kozloff has been putting in overtime on this account, delivering several concepts that go all out there in certain respects. The Goliath series is perhaps the project to draw the most attention, as it includes vessels that live up to that name. The G-Quest megayacht explorer is a good example in this sense.

Introduced earlier this month, the G-Quest is a gargantuan superyacht explorer (a megayacht, based on size alone) with incredible capabilities, with the most important being that of doubling as a research vessel. This megayacht is not only about meeting the sky-high demands of a very rich owner, but also about being a testbed for research and experimentation, a floating laboratory, and a marine research vessel. G-Quest is like all good things wrapped in one single package with a giant red bow on it, with the only downside that it doesn’t exist. It could at some point in the future, but it would take a lot of money for it to happen.

“The mission of G-Quest, a 215-meter [705-foot] yacht, allows its owner to oversee their philanthropic efforts while living in luxury at sea,”  the designer tells  autoevolution , adding that the vessel is  “designed for both humanitarian and research objectives.”

The division between work and play onboard G-Quest would be physical, with the owner and the guests occupying the top three decks, while the others are dedicated to gear, hospital functions, and research. Kozloff estimates the proportions would be of 20% to 80%, but there would be zero compromises in terms of luxury and comfort to the owner’s comparatively small chunk of the megayacht.

Renders show three pools and one massive helideck, a gorgeous solarium, shaded and open-air lounge areas, and a beach club – and all of them are blown up to size, to match the size of such an impressive vessel. The interior is not detailed, but the designer notes that the list of features also includes a full bar on the beach club, a crow’s nest for uninterrupted views and command and control, a spa area organized around the pool on the flybridge, formal dining and lounge area at the stern, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and a basketball half-court on the flydeck. Nothing compares with an outdoor workout session, and you know it.

The owner’s suite is 3,000 square feet (279 square meters) and sits on a private deck with a private pool. Given the size of the vessel, we can assume superyacht-standard features like a gym, cinema, and other fancy lounge areas would be included.

As impressive as all these sound – and the do sound very impressive – it’s the vessel’s remaining 80% that helps it stand out from the crowd of other megayacht concepts. G-Quest would be a  “philanthropic yacht”  that would serve a variety of purposes. In addition to the 26 guests on the top three decks, it would also carry as many as 150 people, including permanent crew, doctors and nurses, researchers, and a wide range of specialists.

G-Quest would carry a complete oceanographic laboratory, a medical laboratory with MRI and X-ray imaging, ophthalmology department, and dentist suite, and as many as 20 hospital beds with 5G-connected robotic surgery facilities. It would also have a marine laboratory and enough gear to allow exploration of the most remote areas, whether underwater or on land.

The cavernous garages of this megayacht would carry one U-Worx Research submarine, six Candela hydrofoil boats, one electric ship-to-shore landing craft for vehicles and bulk freight, three electric Taiga-Orca jet skis, and two SUVs, one of which would be the Nimbl overland vehicle that Kozloff also designed. A 5,600 square-foot (520 square-meter) hangar would house two Sikorsky S-92 VIP helicopters, one eVTOL air limo designed by Kozloff, and several smaller aircraft. Then, the hangars midships would fit two Cessna Caravan Seaplanes or, if need be, could be repurposed for experimental propulsion systems that would be tested out at sea. A complete dive center with gear would also be available.

Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and state-of-the-art everything, G-Quest would also be protected against possible attacks. Kozloff mentions anti-terrorism and pirate systems with a permanent crew of security officers and armored windows all around. You can never be too cautious about these things, especially when you have a vessel that stands out like that.

• Gargantuan Megayacht
• Steve Kozloff
• superyachts

RELATED ARTICLES

A riva-style summer in andalusia, discover the new moody ds48: where luxury meets innovation on the open seas, mirarri enata luxury yacht: a bold move in futuristic vessel design, antonini navi presents the sport utility yacht – suy 135, america’s cup and sailgp agree to merge yacht designs, introducing the deep sea dreamer: a visionary concept by designer steve kozloff.

Subscribe to our newsletter

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

LATEST ARTICLES

The many moons of the america’s cup: luna rossa’s journey from auckland 2000 to barcelona 2024, editor picks, nautic magazine and duward watches announce prestigious collaboration: introducing the aquastar summer sailing 2024 bcn edition, canadian beau lake introduces the tahoe ’14 and lugano ’14 electric runabouts, underwater adventure and exploration with deepflight’s super falcon 3s, popular posts, mirabaud sailing video of the century: celebrating 2 decades of passion, young designer of the year 2022: ioana valentina corcodel reveals 65m ophelia concept, the nacra15 world championships open in la grande motte, france, popular category.

• Regatta 846
• America's Cup 500
• Motor Yachts 264
• Boating 220
• Superyachts 191
• Sailing 187
• Yachts News 174
• Sailing Yachts 167

Superyachts seemed to be among the last modes of (luxe) transportation to bend toward the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly engine designs. But if news from last week’s Monaco Yacht Show served as a bellwether, the industry meant to cater to the wealthiest among us made a progressive splash with the unveiling of Aqua, the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Designed by the Dutch firm Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design, Aqua is a nearly 400-foot-long vessel that's run entirely by a renewable energy source. "Water is the eternal fuel of life, the life-sustaining force that makes planet Earth habitable," says Sander Sinot, founder of the firm that bears his name. "Water is soft, yet at the same time it cuts through hard rocks." It was this appreciation of water that helped the firm find balance between the natural world and the technological. The propulsion system is made up of two 28-ton vacuumed tanks that each contain liquified hydrogen which are stored at -423 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with being eco-friendly, hydrogen-based energy means for a quieter experience aboard the ship in comparison to traditional engines. That said, there will be backup diesel generators handy should the captain ever need them.

The infinity pool aboard AQUA. 

There was much confusion on Monday if there was already a buyer who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased the superyacht, rumors that proved to be false. Yet readers couldn't be blamed for believing such reports, as images show Aqua to include its own infinity pool, helipad, spa, and gym—amenities meant to attract billionaires such as Gates.

An aerial view of the superyacht shows how close passengers can get to the water, as well as the cascading design of the infinity pool.

Sinot and his team designed the vessel to safely bring passengers as close to the water as possible. "Water is relaxation; it makes us calmer and more creative," Sinot comments. "We wanted to provide those on board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features an innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level."

One of the bedrooms inside of Aqua shows a minimalist aesthetic. 

Aqua can reach speeds of up to 19.5 mph and features enough room for 14 guests and 31 crew members. The firm plans to complete the vessel by 2024.

SIENNA CHARLES

Project Sparta: The Megayacht Of The Future

The private yacht that offers everything.

The perfect marriage of bespoke luxury and ultra-efficient machinery, Project Sparta is the megayacht of the future. At 67-meters in length, her clever design asks for no compromises in either comfort or utility. Once finished, she will be the largest steel displacement motor yacht Heesen has ever built. The Dutch shipyard has announced that the construction of the superyacht began in Oct 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2023. 

Constantly pushing the boundaries of yacht crafting, Heesen has collaborated with Arcon Yachts of Monaco and Winch Designs to bring the floating masterpiece to life. Arcon Yachts serves as the Owner’s technical advisors and project managers of the full-custom yacht’s construction. Andrew Winch’s interior and exterior design ingenuity has maximized every inch of the vessel’s space while still maintaining an elevated look. Project Sparta features Winch’s signature sleek lines and ultra-modern yet classic touches. 

More than just her looks, Project Sparta utilizes Perry van Oossanen’s patented fast displacement hull form (FDHF) to guarantee a hyper-efficient yet smooth and comfortable journey. She has an internal volume of approximately 1,200 gross tons, and her elegant engine room houses two MTU 12V4000 M65R diesel engines. The mega-yacht will reach a top speed of 16 knots and cut through the seas with a transatlantic cruising range of 4,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. Her crew will operate her from a raised pilothouse, lending itself to a more streamlined and sporty profile.

THE PRIVATE YACHT THAT OFFERS EVERYTHING

Project Sparta comfortably hosts 12 guests, two staff members, and 14 crew members. The bridge deck is reserved for the Owner and is composed of two suites and a private outdoor lounge. The main deck houses four guest suites. Winch Designs has shown off his utilitarian side by incorporating a sliding partition that seamlessly transforms two of the front-facing suites into a full beam VIP suite–a feature unusual for a vessel of its size. There is no wasted space and no compromises in comfort found on this go-anywhere-sized vessel. Winch Designs has rightfully deemed Project Sparta a “pocket mega-yacht.” 

The stepped aft deck houses a 6.5-meter Infinity pool, and the top sundeck features a bar and jacuzzi. An offset spiral staircase wraps around a glass elevator that connects all three decks. The lower deck is home to crew quarters and a wellness sanctuary that includes an oval jacuzzi, sauna, gym, and steam room. 

PROJECT SPARTA EMBARKS ON THE ULTIMATE MAIDEN VOYAGE 

Project Sparta’s maneuverability means nearly unlimited opportunities to discover the world’s most exotic and far-flung destinations. Her 2023 maiden voyage will include stops at shipyards in the following most desirable destinations:

1.) THE MEDITERRANEAN 

The Mediterranean’s gorgeous coastlines will perfectly complement the yacht’s sleek and super sporty profile. Optimal mooring opportunities abound in this premier yachting destination, with possible dockings along the Amalfi Coast or perhaps a long tour through Northern Sardinia for breathtaking views and some of the  best cuisine  Italy has to offer. 

2.)  FJORDS OF NORWAY AND THE LOFOTEN ISLES

Project Sparta was destined to navigate Norway’s vast network of waterways. Her compact size and hyper-efficient machinery will allow her to move deftly through the deep fjords, letting her get up close and personal with its magnificent glaciers. The landscape drenched with untamed mountains and wildlife will offer an abundance of activities for the owner, including fishing, mountaineering, kayaking, and canyoning. 

3.) THE CARIBBEAN AND BAHAMAS

During the winter months, Project Sparta and her Owner will warm themselves along the sun-soaked coastlines of the Caribbean. Here, there will be plenty of opportunities to sunbathe on the yacht’s spacious decks, snorkel in the crystalline waters, and take in the warm breeze while entertaining friends and family at the top deck bar. Project Sparta will have no trouble maneuvering between the more than 700 islands the Bahamas has to offer–each with its distinct personality and offerings. 

4.) AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 

The Land Down Under’s vast coastline includes opportunities to explore the rugged island of Tasmania, visit the idyllic Whitsunday archipelago, and of course, scuba diving at the iconic Great Barrier Reef. New Zealand is almost ubiquitous with natural beauty, and no voyage would be complete without a visit to the idyllic paradise. Its rolling green highlands, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic glaciers will provide an abundance of outdoor activities for Project Sparta and her owner.

THE MEGAYACHT CHARTER OF THE FUTURE

Project Sparta is destined to influence the future design of mega-yacht charters. Its devotion to ultra-luxury design serves as the perfect template for the ultimate mega-yacht: a spacious and comfortable interior yet compact enough to navigate smaller passageways around the world. Those looking to charter yachts will want the option of being able to go anywhere without compromise. 

With our luxury travel concierge , whether you already own a yacht or are looking to charter, each journey is personally customized and guaranteed to exceed all expectations. Embark on the voyage of a lifetime, become a member to book the ultimate luxury yacht charter.

Sienna Charles offers a variety of luxury services to curate your ideal experience

The global authority in superyachting

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

Pigments of the imagination: The most colourful superyacht exteriors

Think all superyachts are white? Think again. We take a look at some of the most eye-catching exteriors from around the world, from the golden-hulled Stefania to the jet-black O'Pati ...

The design of Dynamiq superyacht Stefania was inspired by the art-deco style of the roaring twenties, and her gilded exterior wholeheartedly embraces this modern take on a golden age theme. According to Maria Dobroserdova, Dynamiq sales director, the owner initially considered both white and grey paints, but ultimately concluded that the metallic gold from DuPont, paired with a white superstructure, worked best with the lines and interior of the 41 metre superyacht. This gilt colour scheme continues throughout her interiors, interspersed with splashes of oceanic blue. 

More about this yacht

Mondomarine ’s new 50 metre superyacht Ipanema turned heads when she was launched in June 2016, with her striking red hull by Hot Lab  setting her apart from the traditional white-hulled crowd. The Italian yard said that the exterior design was "enriched by the magnificent colour combinations attributed to the owner’s exquisite taste”.

The 77 metre flagship of   Damen Yachting’s new SeaXplorer range , La Datcha is a rugged explorer that nonethless exudes glamour. Her strengthened hull has been designed to withstand icy waters in Kamchatka or Antarctica, but is coated in bronzed layer of paint. The theme of fire was reportedly a particularly important aspect of the design for the owner and this is reflected in the golden shades of the hull as well as the presence of on-board fireplaces .

Explorer yacht K584 sports a military look with her gunmetal silver hull. But a pop of colour is interjected in the bright crimson arrowhead which decorates the bow and which is a recurring shade throughout her interior and exterior design. Launched in 2020 , the 36.6 metre superyacht Is the first by Italian shipyard CPN .

Launched in 2018, Turquoise's new 77 metre flagship GO was designed inside and out by British studio H2 Yacht Design with a hull colour that pays tribute to the yard's name. “The turquoise is a theme that’s carried through the yacht,” says Ruth Thomas from H2 . “The design concept of the yacht is based on water in motion, so shades of turquoise made sense.” Accommodation is for a total of 18 guests split across nine cabins with crew quarters for a staff of 20. Key features include an owner's deck, 162 square metre superyacht beach club and a garage big enough to store a 10 metre limousine and eight metre multi-purpose tender.

The Amels 55 metre Limited Editions 180 series Nomad sports a bespoke colour scheme specified by the owner and designed in collaboration with exterior design Tim Heywood and the Amels in-house design team. The blue hull and anthracite grey superstructure emphasise the "long times of the bridge and sundecks," according to the yard. Standout features include a 190 square metre sundeck, bridge deck sun lounge and main deck owner's suite.

The dazzling pearlescent gold finish of 49 metre Palmer Johnson  PJ265 yacht  Khalilah is just one of the things that makes her a futuristic superyacht. When she was launched in 2015, she was believed to be the largest yacht in the world built entirely out of carbon fibre. What’s more, her radical, angular hull design allows for a 30-knot top speed and exceptional stability and comfort without the need for fins or gyro stabilisers.

Yachts for sale

At the beginning of 2020, charter favourite Axioma was spotted sporting a brand new Caribbean-sea blue hull, a far cry from her previously understated dove grey exterior. Onboard highlights include a beach house-style interior by the late Alberto Pinto with a huge aft swimming pool. 

Nature is the key theme of the 62 metre Feadship superyacht Sea Owl , which features a deep forest green finish on her topsides and matching custom tenders. This theme is carried through to her interiors, which were created by British studio Winch Design and feature intricate murals depicting Charles Darwin's voyage on board HMS Beagle .

Yachts for charter

Quinta essentia.

The deep ruby red colour of 55 metre Admiral superyacht Quinta Essentia is a tribute to her owner's favourite tipple, Tuscan Merlot. Swirling the wine in a glass produces tones similar to the accent colour that underlines architectural features on the hull and superstructure. This sophisticated exterior design was created by the  Dobroserdov Design studio.

Image credit: Emilio Bianchi

Sponsored listings.

BESPOKE INTERIORS FOR LUXURY SUPERYACHTS

Greenline Yacht Interiors is a name synonymous with ultra-luxurious and high quality yacht interiors. A development of the UAE-based Greenline Interiors, the company draws on forty years of experience in the design, manufacturing and contracting interior outfitting with its headquarters based in Dubai, a factory in Hamburg and an office in London. ​ With over 500 experienced craftsmen and artisans who have been specially trained in all methods of interior manufacturing and finishing, supported by a high-tech engineering department and dedicated management team, Greenline Yacht Interiors turns the most creative yacht design perspectives into reality.

Design Development

At Greenline Yacht Interiors, we pride ourselves on providing expert design development support to world-renowned designers. Our engineering team is the strength of the design development process, providing thorough and detailed drawings that allows the production process to flow smoothly. The result is the delivery of detailed drawings, from “concept design” to “as built”.

Manufacturing & Installation

With our 280,000 sq. ft. state of the art factory in Dubai, GLYI boasts a purpose built facility that improves its capacity to handle the biggest volume of super yachts available on the market today for mega yachts, super yachts and giga yachts. The factories combine the latest in state of the art technology while still maintaining traditional craftsmanship and hand skills. The new headquarters is the largest factory for luxury super yacht interiors in the world and surpasses all yacht interior factories around the globe, in terms of size, manpower and the resulting potential output.

Survey & Refit

Supported by a strong Engineering Department, the factory of Greenline Yacht Interiors can be the ideal facility for a Yacht Project in which customization and extreme intricacy combines with a large volume of outfitting surface to the highest quality of workmanship.

Shipyard: Blohm + Voss 

Interiors: terence disdale design, m.y. eclipse / 163m.

M.Y. A / 119m

Interiors: philippe starck.

M.Y. Lady Kathryn V / 65m

Shipyard: lürssen, interiors: adam lay designs, m.y. yas / 141m.

Shipyard: Abu Dhabi Mar

Interiors: pierrejean design studio, s.y. perseus iii / 60m.

Shipyard: Perini Navi

Interiors: perini navi.

S.Y. Samurai / 45m

Shipyard: royal huisman, interiors: rhoades young design, m.y. falcon / 50m.

Shipyard: Trinity Yachts 

Interiors: karen lynn interiors, m.y. reem 1 / 50m.

RFF 135 / 41m

Shipyard: Öregrundsvarvet

Interiors: porsche design, m.y. explorer / 60m.

Shipyard: Newcastle Shipyards

Interiors: andrew winch designs, m.y. martha ann / 70m.

Interiors: Francois Zuretti

M.y. st. nicolas / 70m.

M.Y. Integrity Series / 55 ft

Shipyard: Riviera

Interiors: riviera/greenline, m.y. integrity series / 93 ft.

Interiors: Cyrille Bieri Design

M.y. ocean 7 / 54m.

Shipyard: Refit

Jv74 series.

Shipyard: PCT

Interiors: adriana monk, the floating seahorse.

Developer: The Heart of Europe

M.y. illusion / 90m.

Year Established

Projects completed, 280k  sq.ft., factory space, shipyard: pride mega yachts, interiors: sinot exclusive yacht design in cooperation with pride mega yachts interior department, reference list.

For any inquiries, questions or just to get in touch,

please fill out the following form

Thank you for your message, we will get back to you shortly!

For Greenline Interiors, please visit:

Headquarters

Jebel Ali, P.O. Box 262566,

Dubai, U.A.E.

[email protected]

Tel: +971 4 8862244

Fax: +971 4 8862255

To apply for a job with Greenline Yacht Interiors, please send a cover letter together with your C.V. to: [email protected]

Inquiries: +971 4 8862244

Ongoing projects, yacht 1 - 80m+, yacht 2 - 70m+ , yacht 3 - 70m+   , refits - 30 - 50m+, 135' catamaran series , jv 74 series sailing yacht, floating villas.

See Mark Zuckerberg’s glossy new $300M, 287-foot superyacht ‘Launchpad’

All aboard S.S. Facebook.

Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly gifted himself a $300 million megayacht, dubbed “Launchpad,” ahead of his 40th birthday.

The staggering 387-foot-long vessel was seen floating at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after arriving at its berth earlier this week, The Sun reported Thursday.

The multi-layered luxury ship’s sleek exterior was designed by Espen Øino International and boasts a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure, according to SuperYacht Times.

Reportedly ranking as the 45th largest yacht in the world, the interiors are just as aesthetically pleasing and reportedly executed by Zuretti Interior Design company, a France-based company specializing in unique and custom yacht design.

The breathtakingly beautiful floater stands out with a navy blue theme matching an American flag perched proudly on its wood-paneled stern.

There are several outdoor areas where the social media maven will be able to relax with his family and the indoor levels feature glass paneling allowing for tons of natural light.

For more Page Six you love…

• Listen to our weekly “We Hear” podcast
• Shop our exclusive merch

There also appears to be a helipad perfect for whenever the Facebook co-founder wants to travel to his vessel by air.

The Feadship-built yacht, built in 2022, can comfortably fit 24 guests aboard, requires a crew of 48, and is said to cost $30 million a year for upkeep and usage, according to Superyachtfan.com .

Boatworld insiders have been buzzing with speculation that Zuckerberg is the owner of the newly minted mega-cruise ever since it made its main voyage from the Netherlands last week.

The tech titan was spotted touring the Russian-commissioned megayacht in early March, though the impressive boat didn’t arrive stateside until this week due to sanctions, according to The Sun.

The website reported that Zuckerberg purchased the pricey yacht – along with its own $30 million partner boat — most likely as an early 40th birthday present to himself.

The boat reportedly traveled to Florida after being granted special permission to be imported just weeks ahead of Zuckerberg’s birthday on May 14.

Zuckerberg’s yacht is just 30 feet shorter than the length of fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos’ 417-foot megayacht Koru, which the Amazon boss snagged for a whopping $500 million.

Zuckerberg’s rep did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

Travel Guide to Dagestan: Welcome to Russia’s Wild West!

As often is the case with off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world, they can be well-known by foreigners for all the wrong reasons.  Dagestan is a great example of this.  In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Dagestan began registering on foreigners’ radars because of the spillover of the Chechen wars into the region.  Then, once things stabilized post-war, Dagestan’s wrestlers hit the international scene, reaching its pinnacle when Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Irishman Conor MacGregor for the UFC world championship in 2018.    Today, most foreigners associate the word “Dagestan” with Khabib and his sheep wool hat .

While Khabib’s rise to fame is to be commended, all of this hides what Dagestan actually could be best known for: its incredible mountain landscapes, fascinating history, linguistic diversity, and incomparable hospitality towards guests.  As biased as we are towards the entire North Caucasus, we have to be honest: Dagestan is the gem of all travel destinations in the region.  Why, you ask?  Keep reading to find out!

1. How do I get to Dagestan?

Dagestan used to be a stop on the ancient Silk Road, and as a result is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.  There are a plethora of ways to get there, all of which may be part of the adventure itself.

A. Plane – There are daily domestic and international flights to Dagestan’s capital, Makhachkala (MCX).  As is to be expected, there are a good number of daily flights from Moscow, from all 3 airports (SVO, DME, and VKO).  You can also fly here from Rostov, Ekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Tyumen, and several other destinations within Russia.  International flights come and go regularly from Istanbul (Turkey), Dubai (UAE), and Aktau (Kazakhstan).  Check flight sites for exact departure cities and frequency of flights. 

B.  Train – Dagestan is Russia’s furthest southern republic and therefore borders Azerbaijan.  There are regular trains to/from Baku, that you can take to/from Derbent and Makhachkala (provided you have visas to both Russia and Azerbaijan).  Regular trains to Makhachkala can be taken from St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Mineralni Vody in the Central Caucasus.  Be prepared, though; a train from St. Petersburg to Makhachkala will take around 40-50 hours!

C.  Car – Despite being bordered to the east by the Caspian Sea, and to the south/west by the seemingly impenetrable Caucasus Mountain range, Dagestan is still very accessible by car.  From the south, cars are allowed to cross the Russian border into Dagestan from Azerbaijan.  From the north, Dagestan is accessible by highway both from the Astrakhan Oblast and Stavropol Krai.  From the west, there is a well-traveled federal highway from Chechnya that enters Dagestan at Khasavyurt.  Last but not least, there are mountain roads into Dagestan, most notably from Chechnya at Lake Kezenoy-am, into the Botlikh district.  Most entrances to Dagestan will have federal security checkpoints, which is normal for the greater Caucasus region.  As long as your documents are in order (passport, visa, registration w/ hotel, migration card), all will be good.

D.  Ferry/boat – Despite the incredible access the Caspian Sea gives to Dagestan from so many countries, there is NO cruise or ferry option to Dagestan from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, or another city from within Russia.  In fact, beyond the obvious beach swimming areas on its coast between Makhachkala and Derbent, Dagestan’s coast is considered a “border zone” with these foreign countries, since the Caspian Sea territory does not all belong to Russia.  Therefore, stick to the previously discussed options as you plan your travel to Dagestan.

2.  Where should I stay? 

Dagestan is a big place to visit with lots of places to stay, so the options here are endless.  Hotel and guesthouse infrastructure is developing rapidly both in the lowlands and the mountains; this is a positive sign of Dagestan’s response to increasing numbers of tourists every year.  Here are some basic recommendations of places to stay in the main cities as well as more remote parts of the mountains:

A. Makhachkala – As Dagestan’s capital and the largest city in the North Caucasus, it’s natural that you’ll spend at least one night here.  Recommended hotels include but are not limited to:

a) 4-star – Comfortable and luxurious – Jacques b) 3-star – Lower budget, in the city – Central City , 1001 Nights , Krepost  

B.  Derbent – The most ancient city in the Caucasus is a must-visit in Dagestan.  Here are two quality hotels for your stay there:  Alie Parusa (on the Caspian Sea Coast) and Evropa (city center).

C.  Gunib – This mountain town is a great option to base out of for several nights, as you visit surrounding villages and locations including Chokh, Gamsutl, Gotsatl, Goor, Khakhib, and more.  Gunib has new hotels being built each year, so you’re sure to find lodging here.  A comfortable hotel with large grounds is Orlinoye Gnezdo in Gunib itself, as well as the quaint EtnoDom in nearby Chokh.

D.  Akhti – This mountainous Lezgi village in the far south of Dagestan is not on most tourists’ radar, but is accessible from Derbent (1.5 hrs.), and has a comfortable 3-star hotel Samur to stay at.

E.  Guest Homes in Mountain Villages – Many tourists will stop in Dagestan’s villages, well-known for their hand-made goods, such as knives, pottery, silverware, woodwork, carpets, etc.  In almost all of these villages without fail, you’ll find a guest house happy to receive you, whether in Kubachi, Balkhar, Untsukul, etc.  Most of these guesthouses either have an Instagram page or little to no English-language advertising, and can be difficult to find if you don’t speak Russian or aren’t traveling with a local guide/tour agency.  If guesthouses are full, a local Dagestani will often be very happy to receive you as a guest in their home, as this is considered a great honor among the hospitable people of the region.

3.  Top cities to visit?  

Dagestan has a fairly well-traveled tourist circuit, particularly between Makhachkala and Derbent.  While we highly recommend visiting the lowland cities, the riches of the region is up in the smaller towns and villages of the mountains.  As a result, we’ll widen our definition of “city” to include some of the more bustling mountain towns as well:

A. Derbent – Any trip to Dagestan must include time in Derbent, one of Russia’s oldest cities.  While the “official” number is 2500 years old, many locals say Derbent’s origins go back 5,000 years!  It truly is a city unlike any other in Russia, having an ancient feel with its narrow cobblestone streets, old fortresses and religious buildings, and extremely diverse population (Lezgins, Tabasaran, Azeris, and many others).  Derbent sits right on the Caspian Sea coast, just 30 minutes from Azerbaijan, and allows for quick access to Dagestan’s beautiful mountains.  There is also a thriving market for the famous Tabasaran carpets.  Do not miss your chance to experience Derbent!

B.  Gunib – If you have several days, get to Gunib as quickly as you can to explore this incredible town and the surrounding region.  Gunib is an Avar village, and is the historical site of battles led by Imam Shamil, Dagestan’s revered spiritual and military leader from the 19th century.  Imam Shamil led the resistance against Russia in the Russian/Caucasus War, particularly from 1829-1859.  Gunib was built right on the side of a mountain, which its windy roads from bottom to top attest to.  There are many day-trips accessible to neighboring regions, abandoned villages, natural attractions, etc.  Gunib is approx. 4-5 hrs. from both Makhachkala and Derbent.

C.  Kubachi – This famous Dargin village is most well-known for the beautiful pottery produced by local women and sold around the world.  If you have the opportunity, take a master class and try your hand at this craft.  Kubachi is one of many Dagestani villages that is worth your time to visit, meet the local people, enjoy the beautiful nature, and learn about their culture, language, and traditions.

4.  Best local foods to try?

Where to start in this republic of 35+ different nationalities, each with their distinct spin on popular, common dishes?  We humbly submit these three recommendations, with the understanding that there are probably ten times as many Dagestani dishes that deserve to be on this list!

A. Khinkal – To not include a meat and bread dish in this list would amount to blasphemy among locals. 🙂  Khinkal is Dagestan’s version of the dumpling, and there are many different versions depending which nationality is cooking it: Avar, Dargin, Lak, etc.  The basic ingredients remain the same, though:  beef and bread, prepared with lots of love.  This dish can take a while to prepare but is well worth the wait!

B.  Urbetch – This is unique to Dagestan and is essentially Caucasus peanut butter, made out of ground-up seeds!  There are many different flavors you can find urbetch in, but all of them will stick to the roof of your mouth. 🙂  Very healthy and goes great on apple slices!

C.  Kurch – While often a stereotype of Russians is that they all eat buckwheat oatmeal (i.e. grechka), in Dagestan, there is a much tastier option: kurch.  Kurch is an Avar dish, oatmeal made from dried apricots (grown locally in the mountains).  Just picture yourself taking in a beautiful Caucasus sunrise in Dagestan’s mountains, while eating some apricot oatmeal.  Enough said!

D.  Oven-baked bread – Also unique to Dagestan in the Caucasus region, you can find bread cooked in traditional under-ground ovens, plastered to the side of the round, circular walls.  Bread is an essential part of the Caucasus diet that goes with meat, soup, and really any sit-down meal. A warm loaf of bread fresh out of a Dagestani oven will be something you won’t soon forget!  These ovens can be found among different Dagestani peoples/villages in the mountains, particularly among the Tabasaran people in southern Dagestan.

5.  What are the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants?

We strongly recommend you rely on your local guide’s recommendations for good restaurants to visit, and when you feel comfortable, accept a local’s invitation to dine in their home!  With that being said, here are two restaurant options for Makhachkala, Dagestan’s bustling capital:

A. Int – This restaurant is an ethno-cafe with authentic national decorations throughout, as well as traditional Dagestani dishes to try.  We highly recommend trying the Lak dish of kyachi here, or, filling meat pies.

B.  Hutorok – All of this restaurant’s ingredients are grown in the Avar mountain villages of Chokh and Sogratl, which makes for some mouth-watering dishes! 

As in most restaurants in the North Caucasus, if you don’t speak Russian, you may have difficulty communicating with your waiter, and there may not even be an English-language menu.  This is part of the experience in a developing tourism infrastructure.  Enjoy the ride and, especially, enjoy the food!

6.  What are the top 3 must-see destinations in Dagestan?

In reality, there is probably more like a top 33, or even top 53 list, but this is a good place to start. 🙂

A. Derbent – If there is one city to visit in the region, Derbent is the one, without a doubt.  From the 8th-century Shia mosque, to the 5th-century UNESCO citadel/fortress Naryn-Kala, to the local cemetery of 10th-century Muslim martyrs, Derbent oozes with ancient history and feels like a country of its own.

B.  Sulak Canyon – Did you know Dagestan is home to a river canyon even deeper than the Grand Canyon in the US?  The Sulak Canyon is less than 1.5 hrs. from Makhachkala, and is probably the most Instagrammed destination in Dagestan.  You will love the view of the teal-colored Sulak River snaking its way through the foothills on its way to the Caspian Sea.  If you have the chance, make sure to take the gravel road to the river itself, and take a boat ride, seeing beautiful waterfalls and enjoying fresh fish for lunch. 

C.  Craftsmen villages – To only list one of these villages would be a disservice to the rest.  Dagestan is famous for its unique hand-made goods, many of which are made in only one village in the entire republic. 

This includes, but is not limited to Kubachi (pottery), Untsukul (woodworking, vases), Balkhar (silversmithing, jewelry), Kizlyar (knives), Khuchni (carpets). 

All these villages are within a couple hours of either Makhachkala or Derbent.  Deeper into the mountains you can find hand-made burkas and more. 

7.  What are the top 2 off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit?

75% of Dagestan IS off-the-beaten-path :), even for Dagestanis who reside in the lowlands.  More than any other Caucasus republic, Dagestan’s mountain gorges are chock-full of small villages that dot the mountain landscape, places where ancient cultures and languages continue to be preserved, such as the Rutul, Andi, Chamalal, Tindi, and more.

While we have only experienced the tip of the iceberg, here are some mountain gems we recommend you seek out!

A. Abandoned villages – For better or worse, Dagestan’s mountains have a lot of abandoned villages, mainly due to families moving to the cities/lowlands.  Several of these have gone viral in recent years due to Instagram and drone footage on Youtube.  Here are 3 villages you can do day-trips from Gunib or Chokh to, that will take your breath away:

-Gamsutl – This is probably the most famous of abandoned Dagestani villages, called the Machu Pichu of Russia.  With an off-road vehicle, Gamsutl is about a 45 minute drive from Chokh (not far from Gunib), followed by a 1.5 hr. hike on foot up to its perch at the edge of a mountain.  You can stroll through this village that hasn’t had any residents since the 1950s, as well as capture fantastic pictures and videos from above. 

-Goor – This abandoned village is about a 2.5 hr. drive from Gunib in the Shamilsky region.  Once your vehicle has climbed the windy gravel road up to New Goor (where the descendants of Old Goor now live), it’s just another 20 minutes up to Old Goor.  Goor has several watchtowers still standing and its ruins back right up to the edge of a cliff with an incredible view of the surrounding region’s villages and landscape.  Experiencing a sunset here is really something special, as Dagestani village lights pop up as far as the eye can see.

-Kakhib – This tower-filled village is Goor’s neighbor, and so you can visit both villages in the same day.  Kakhib was built literally on the side of a steep mountain; the engineering ingenuity of ancient Dagestani builders is really to be commended.  You can hike through this abandoned village as well, and learn about its history from locals who love to meet its visitors and treat them to a cup of chai (hot tea). 

8.  Do I need a border permit to visit Dagestan?

As with any location within Russia, many foreigners are required to have a visa to enter the country, so make sure you take care of this first.  Most of Dagestan’s well-known tourist destinations are accessible without a border permit, except for some of the more remote parts of the region in the South, that border Azerbaijan and Georgia. 

To avoid any accidental mis-step into the border zone and potential serious issues with the Russian border police, make sure to plan your travel in advance, based on sound advice from experienced people in the region.  If you’re able to have a local guide with you from a tour agency to ensure you don’t have any issues close to the border, this is ideal.  If you do want to visit one of the more remote regions of Dagestan in the border zone, you’ll need to request a permit at least 60 days in advance through official avenues in Dagestan.  This is best done via a local guide or tour agency. 

9.  What should I know about Dagestan to avoid any cultural faux pas?

Respect for the local culture is paramount wherever one may travel around the world, and Dagestan is no exception.  Remember that Dagestan is a relatively conservative republic and quite religious in certain parts, and so modest dress is greatly appreciated.  For men, this means wearing pants in public (no shorts!).  For women, this means primarily wearing knee-length loose-fitting skirts as well as loose-fitting shirts that aren’t revealing.  Local people notice when guests/tourists make an effort to respect their traditions, and that generous spirit will be reciprocated by your hosts.

What are you waiting for?  Dagestan is waiting!  Enjoy your visit to Russia’s Wild West!

To learn more in-depth about all Dagestan has to offer, check out some of these podcast episodes by CaucasTalk :

– Travel Tips to Dagestan – Interview with local guide Vlad

– The Dazzling Languages of Dagestan – Interview with Linguist Dr. Maria Polinsky

– Dagestan “In Their Own Words” – Interview with local Dagestani Hasan

– Sports in the North Caucasus – The history and culture of wrestling in Dagestan

READY TO TRAVEL TO DAGESTAN WITH A HASSLE-FREE TOUR?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

A Cat In A Bag

A Blog About Day-to-Day Life In Russia

Isn’t Dagestan dangerous?

I recently went to Dagestan. Everyone I tell responds along the lines of – but wasn’t that dangerous?

Until fairly recently, when Habib Nurmagomedov won the UFC middleweight title, very few people had even heard of Dagestan, a republic in the south of Russia.  

Many people associate Dagestan with Chechnya, terrorism, and war.  

So, what was Dagestan really like?

When I first went to Dagestan in 2009, it was to be the best man at a wedding. I’d become close friends with a Dagestani guy in Moscow, and I was invited to the big day. And not only invited, but to be his best man (!), a guest of honour. I was the only foreigner, and the only blond person, at the huge wedding (his was a modest 500 people, but weddings in Dagestan can reach into the thousands).  

You can read more about Dagestani weddings here (in Russian):

https://svadebka.ws/article/dagestanskaya-svadba/

https://svadbagolik.ru/article/dagestanskaya-svadba/

You can see photos from another Dagestan wedding here:

https://mono-polist.livejournal.com/595958.html

Recently in Dagestan they had a world-record breaking wedding – 16 couples and 10,000 guests!

https://lenta.ru/news/2019/09/30/record/

Anyway, back to me, and then.

At that time, 2009, I was warned, however, not to walk the streets of Makhachkala alone, and certainly not to venture out of the city – the risk of being shot or kidnapped was too high.  

At that time, there were bombings weekly in the capital, mostly targeting the local police.  

When driving with the bride and groom on the wedding day itself we were in a few car chases and near crashes. Completely true.This was because there is (was) a tradition in Dagestan that if you can force the bride’s car off the road before the wedding, the best man has to pay a «fee» for the bride to be released. I (being the best man) was pre-warned, and had a pocket full of Roubles!

It was scary (the risk of crashing) but I took it in good cheer – handing out cash to the friendly kidnappers as we made our way to the wedding ceremony!!

Second time

I returned to Dagestan in 2019, and it was a totally different experience. No danger, no surprise in anyone’s face, just smiles.  

Except one moment – when I was scared, and genuinely thought my life may be in danger.  

We were driving along a quiet road towards the mountains. A car overtakes and then starts to slow, which forces me to slow. I can’t overtake. Are they trying to tell me something? Do they want me to stop? Did I cut them up earlier and this is revenge?

Then a window winds down and an arm comes out – waving a gun! I look over to my Dagestani guide – does he know what is going on? He doesnt. I take a photo (!) and then frantically overtake. As we go past, we look over. The driver is an old lady, and the person waving the gun is her grandson… phew.  

The Dagestani people were all very friendly. As a predominantly Muslim group they dont drink and are very respectful.  

(The only hint of aggression was when I saw a very large and muscular man walk up to a young Russian couple who were holding hands in a supermarket – and he said that they shouldn’t be doing that. (I think that he was Muslim and felt that overt physical affection shouldn’t be seen in public.) There was an unspoken threat, a pause … but then the man walked slowly off.)  

They have a history of healthiness and sport – producing the very best Sambo (Russian combat judo) fighters and wrestlers in the world.  

Terrorists?

The only vaguely dangerous moment/place was when we drove past a certain village. Apparently, the sheer number of terrorists who have come from that one village means that, to this day, it is fenced off, and entrance and exit closely monitored. There were soldiers with machine guns posted along the nearby road.  

I asked my guides about whether Dagestan and Chechnya were different (thinking they would say that Chechnya was more wild and dangerous). Their answer was interesting – they said the people were essentially the same, and both places were safe – but that people in Chechnya feel scared and oppressed, whereas in Dagestan they feel free and positive.   (Note – Dagestan has the highest percentage of registered entrepreneurs in Russia)

Police presence

I travelled all over the country by car – often we were stopped at various checkpoints. The police and army that we did encounter were friendly.

At one checkpoint (due to use driving close to a strategically important power station), I was able to spend a few minutes talking to a Russian soldier. He was young, serving a year in the army before university. He was from Volgograd, 12 hours north by car. He had seen around 4 foreigners in total over his 3 month stint. I was number 5.  

Dangerous driving

In fact, the most dangerous aspect of Dagestan, was the driving itself. The driving (and drivers) are hectic, frantic and frenetic. Outside of Makhachkala, the roads are long and fairly empty, so you can go quite fast. The riskiest aspect is that there are cows along the sides of the roads.

I will write more

I will write in more detail soon about the road trip itself, about certain aspects of Dagestan (food, animals, clothing, the wonderful people) and will post photos on Instagram and Facebook (with specific commentary).  

I’ll also create a Dagestan Photo Album here soon!  

Please share with anyone you know who might be interested in an expat blog about Russia.

Visiting Russia - Makhachkala, Capital of Dagestan

By Koryo Tours

Makhachkala, Capital of Dagestan

Visiting Russia – Makhachkala

Yoshkar-ola | cheboksary  |  astrakhan | elista | stalingrad (volograd)  | abakan  |  nalchik  | validkavkaz  | grozny.

Makhachkala is the capital city of the Republic of Dagestan, and the largest city in this part of the North Caucasus with around 600,000 people calling the city home.

While Dagestan has a bit of a bad reputation for extremism (justifiably, given that there have been various serious issues over the last couple of decades or so) Makhachkala itself is a very diverse and generally tolerant city with a fascinating combination of Russian influence and the flavours of the Caucasus and all its peoples in general. The ethnic mix here is particularly interesting, the largest group would be Avars who make up around a quarter of the people of Makhachkala.  – Avars are a North Caucasian people, as are Kumyks (2nd in terms of population), Darghins (3rd), Lezgins (4th), Laks (5th), Tabasarans (7th) and so on.

Compared to neighbouring Chechnya which has a high degree of ethnic homogeneity this is very notable. It makes for a far more diverse urban population than most would expect, also notable that identifying as a ‘Dagestani’ is not really a thing at all! Makhachkala is on the Caspian Sea, the west coast, it is one of the largest cities on this inland sea (with Baku, Azerbaijan being by far the most prominent and biggest) and has a very Mediterranean vibe when at the seaside. Visiting this part of the city is an absolute must, especially on a sunny day! Founded initially as a Russian fort in the mid 19th Century Makhachkala has gone by many names (both Russian and native). When known as Petrovsk it was briefly used as an air base by the occupying Royal Air Force (of the UK) during the Russian Civil War After the consolidation of victory of the Red forces the name was settled on Makhachkala, after the local revolutionary hero Magomed-Ali ‘Makhach’ Dakhadaev. Makhachkala is a somewhat chaotic city, in great contrast to the order and polish of the rebuilt centre of Grozny, many visitors who have been to Russia though will notice the familiar cracked sidewalks, random abandoned buildings, constant renovation, demolition, and building of somewhat unattractive malls and retail outlets.

It is largely unplanned, heavy with traffic, and generally bustling. The Central area near the beach is the most pleasant with some surviving examples of 19th and early 20th Century architecture, as well as some high-Soviet buildings still standing. The outskirts tent towards the utilitarian late-Soviet and 21st Century ‘Chinese-Style’ apartment buildings A note on drinking – Dagestan is not a dry republic, but still, the majority of people in Makhachkala and the republic, in general, do not touch alcohol. Being majority Muslim here does mean that beer houses and bars have to operate in a certain way. What most of them do is set themselves up as ‘fish bars’ where you can buy a wide range of smoked fish (they are delicious, if a little pungent sometimes) and also get a beer to go with your snack, including locally brewed ones.

Customers usually then sit in a booth and a curtain is drawn around them to protect their modesty. It does have the result of projecting shame onto the furtive drinker, whether you generally feel shame while having a beer or not. Quite an experience and something to be tried for sure! Do not take photos of people drinking alcohol - that's considered a bit rude.

Arriving/Departing

Uytash Airport (MCX) lies to the South of Makhachkala and serves mostly domestic destinations in Russia as well as the occasional flight to Dubai and various charter flights to Jeddah and Medina during Hajj season.

The airport is named for a fighter ace who was a Crimean Tatar, which makes it an odd choice of name for the eastern end of the North Caucasus. By rail Makhachkala is connected to the main Russian system so reaching here from Vladikavkaz and even further up into European Russia is also an option. Being a Caspian Sea port should enable access to the neighbouring countries of Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan but in reality, there is little passengers traffic from here. Worth checking out options on cargo ships though if you’re feeling adventurous! To get to the best city to visit in Dagestan, Derbent, there is a train that takes a leisurely 4 hours riding down the coast of the Caspian Sea.

This is by far the best way to get between the two most significant settlements in Dagestan.

Makhachkala Grand Mosque – one of the biggest in Russia this is the main attraction in the city. It is a Sunni Mosque and people here do take their religion seriously, so the dress code is enforced, women cannot go into the men’s section (nor vice versa) and casual visitors may get some looks from worshippers if they show up during prayer time.

This is very much a functional house of worship rather than something aimed at tourists. Still do go and see it, and check out the I Heart Mosque sign outside (a play on the almost-Omnipresent ‘I Heart Wherever-I-am’ signs you will have seen before.

This is an impressive multi-domed white building, reminiscent of the Istanbul Blue Mosque.

Lenin Square

A large space in the city centre with a towering Lenin Statue and all the main government buildings for the administration of the Republic of Dagestan plus the House of Friendship, local telecom base, Museum of the Republic, and so on. Basically the proper heart of the secular city. The Buildings here are very attractive and the size of the square makes it popular with kids playing, families strolling etc. Don’t miss the very pleasant park to the south of Lenin Square, in summer people often sell antiques here, bargains and curios aplenty!

In summer this is very much an unmissable spot. To many people who know nothing of Dagestan apart from its reputation for Islamic Extremism the idea of a beach full of sunbathers here is a bit of an odd one, but here you can find all manner of people, dressed conservatively, or very un-conservatively mixing and enjoying the sun. The beach is around 1km long and nicely sandy, the sea is cold but most people seem to be sunbathing rather than water bathing. Cafes and sitting areas are set up and it is a very pleasant spot. the buildings around here give off a Mediterranean vibe also. There may be no beer bottles but the range of ice creams for sale is highly impressive!

Makhachkala Bazaar

Inconveniently located uphill to the south of the city the main bazaar is a modern kind of place, in that it is not one of the particularly attractive bazaars that people may imagine. Most things sold are functional or the kind of clothing you can find anywhere, but there are still a few places selling Dagestani carpets and local trinkets.

Worth it for people-watching and as a reason to take a trek across the city (or jump on a public bus or marshrutka, there are loads of them and they are very cheap) to save some effort!

Statues and Monuments

As we have come to expect from Russian cities Makhachkala is full of interesting statues and monuments – two Lenins, a Pushkin (of course), Kirov, Rahul Gazmatov (an Avar poet), the city father Makhach Dakhadayev on a horse, a great monument to Dagestani fighters for Soviet power (outside the House of Friendship). And an excellent monument to Imam Shamil – the hero of Caucasian resistance to Russian imperialism.

Also, there is a Tu-134 monument at the airport.

Koryo Tours Russia Tours

Related articles, visiting russia - kazan, where east meets west.

Learn about Kazan, Russia - where east meets west.

Hamhung, North Korea – Where is it and Why Should You Visit?

Take a beach holiday in North Korea with a visit to Hamhung

Museums of Beijing #57: Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park

Remnant of Beijing's City Wall

Museums of Beijing #60: Tian Yi Tomb (formerly Eunuch Museum)

Tian Yi Tomb (formerly Eunuch Museum)

Museums of Beijing #6: Dongsi Hutong Museum

Museums of Beijing: Dongsi Hutong Museum

Museums of Beijing #53: Memorial Hall of Qi Baishi's Former Residence

Former home of China's greatest artist

Hotels of the DPRK: Local Guesthouses

Some accommodations for domestic travelers in the DPRK

My first tour to North Korea

Veteran Tour Leader Rich Beal recalls his first trip to the DPRK

Museums of Beijing #14: Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall

Museums of Beijing: Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall

Museums of Beijing #23: Shijia Hutong Museum

Museums of Beijing: Shijia Hutong Museum

Museums of Beijing #92: Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning

Development of Chaoyang District

Museums of Beijing #82: The New Culture Movement Memorial of Beijing

May the Fourth (Movement) be with you!

Golyo, not Koryo, Tours

Our long-lost Hungarian counterpart (now found!)

Visit Bangladesh: 5 Reasons You Should Visit Bangladesh

Five Reasons You Should Visit Bangladesh.

Tajikistan and Mongolia Open For Tourism

Your chance to travel Tajikistan and Mongolia this 2021 has just come a bit closer.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

• Group Tours
• Private Tours
• Pyongyang Marathon
• Turkmenistan
• Cultural Engagement
• Country profile
• Terms & conditions
• Why choose Koryo

[email protected] | + 86 10 6416 7544 WhatsApp (message only): +44 7822 014058 Room A409, Jucai Building. No. 76 Caoyuan Hutong. Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100027, PR China

中国北京市东城区草园胡同76号聚才大厦A 座409 室, 邮编：100027 Download contact card

Not registered yet? Register now

Trouble logging in? Reset password

* All fields are mandatory

Got an account already? Let me log in