France

Pierrejean Design Studio

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

Video: Inside the 141m motor yacht Yas

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

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

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

141m motor yacht Yas visits Helsinki

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

141m motor yacht Yas in downtown Helsinki 

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

141m superyacht Yas visits Blohm + Voss

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

The 141m superyacht Yas arriving in Portimāo

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

Top 10 coolest superyachts in their current locations

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

Superyachts Maryah and Yas in Barcelona

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

Interiors on board the 141m superyacht Yas complete

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