A
Yacht name: A • Project Sigma • SF99
Length: 387 ft 1 • 118 m
Year: 2008
Builder: Blohm & Voss • HDW • # 970
Architect: Martin Francis
Design: Philippe Starck
Photo: Klaus Gaeth • near Kiel • 11 March 2008
Photo: Armin Tank • Kiel • 10 March 2008
Photo: Boschuda • Kiel • 8 March 2008
Photo: Armin Tank • Kiel • 20 February 2008
Photo: Jörg Brekeller • Kiel • 20 February 2008
Photo: Boschuda • Kiel • Dec 2007 - Jan 2008
Update: June 2008: synfo has reported the final name of the yacht formerly known as Sigma and SF99 is A. They also suggest A's owner is Andrei Melnichenko, reported here way back in January!
First Sea Trials
Excellent photos from Klaus Gaeth in Kiel of SF99's first sea trials. He also took the video below.
And if you're wondering what makes Philippe Starck tick, here he is on the big design questions - life, the universe, and toilet brushes …
March update: New photos from Boschuda ! Another veil is lifted from SF99 as the plastic protective covering is peeled from the windows on the lower deck and the scaffolding is removed from around the funnels, masts and Sea-Tel domes.
The anchor enclosure also seems to have a new cover. Hydraulic hatches can be seen at the back.
The name SF99 is clearly written on the stern - visible in Armin's shot from yesterday evening - possibly a temporary name…
February update: More new photos, taken by Armin, showing off the razor sharp bow …
Great new photos of Project Sigma - taken by Jörg - of the extraordinary new Philippe Starck designed megayacht from ThyssenKrupp, conceived in 2003.
Once again, Philippe Starck has made a radical departure, literally turning yacht design on its head, with a superstructure reminiscent of an upturned keel. He has also borrowed heavily from modern warship lines. Like it or loathe it, this will most certainly be the yacht of 2008.
Robert Frank of the Wall Street Journal has already dubbed this the ugliest yacht in the world ! Although many of his readers appear to disagree…
Diane Byrne at PMY has cited insider rumours that the owner is none other than Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich, despite official denials from the yard. In the comments below, another Russian name has surfaced, however. People in the know seem to think it unlikely that Abramovich is the owner, as his gigayacht Eclipse is nearing completion.
At 118 m, Sigma is the world's 9th largest yacht - 3rd largest if you don't count state-owned yachts and charter cruisers. Though she will drop a place when the yet unseen Project May from Peterswerft is launched later this year.
Design plans on Philippe Starck website here (under vehicles).
Sigma, or M as Philippe Starck has called it, is due for delivery summer 2008.