'World's most futuristic superyacht' on way to billionaire owner

A gigantic superyacht, described by some as the 'most futuristic' ever built, is due to be delivered to its owner, Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, later this year.

The vast ship, named  Sailing Yacht A, was designed by Philippe Starck and built in  in Kiel, Germany at a cost of £360million. 

The yacht was photographed today as she passed through Elsinore in Denmark, on her way to southern Spain where she will undergo further sea trials.

The 468ft-long vessel has twin 4,827hp MTU diesel engines, giving her a top speed of 21 knots, with a range of 5,320 nautical miles.

Built at Germany's Nobiskrug shipyard, Sailing Yacht A's rig and keel were designed by  Dykstra Naval Architects of the Netherlands, while British firm  Magma Structures built its three 100-metre carbon masts.

Holger Kahl, managing director of Nobiskrug, said: "Born from the desire of the owner to push the boundaries of engineering and challenge the status quo of the industry, Sailing Yacht A is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in.”

Project director Dirk Kloosterman said: "This has been the most challenging assignment of my career. I am confident Sailing Yacht A will be the world’s greatest yacht in terms of design and technology for the years ahead. 

"Her beauty is breathtaking, and Philippe Starck's astonishing design and ultimate vision will be the subject of many conversations wherever she travels around the globe. We look forward to the final delivery to the owner."

Among its many features, the yacht has a helipad on the bow, garages for four vehicles, and a glass hall.

Not everyone in the boating-world is a fan; last year one commentator described as more  "a cruiser for Darth Vader's navy than a family pleasure boat for the Mediterranean."