THINKING THURSDAY AT THE YNOT TIMES

THINK ABOUT THIS

BALLIN AND IN CONTROL
World's Largest Yacht: 525' "Platinum"
The Platinum Project was originally commissioned in 1996 by Prince Jefri Bolkiah, the younger brother to the Sultan of Brunei. Following the prince's bankruptcy, the yacht was mothballed, until the project was later sold to Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. Launched in April of 2005, Platinum was originally a collaboration between the Lürssen and Blohm & Voss yards. At 525 feet (160m), Platinum is undisputably… the world’s largest luxury yacht. Move over Octopus and Rising Sun! There is some speculation regarding the current name of “Platinum”. The yacht may be renamed “Golden Star”. However, there is no speculation about the price tag… EXPENSIVE! Some estimates exceed $300 million. Currently, Platinum is moored at the Jebel Ali Docks in Dubai, but will likely have it’s interior fitted at another yard by craftsmen with experience working with vessels of this magnitude. It is scheduled to be towed up river shortly, after the exterior paintwork has been completed.Platinum is a well-conceived yacht, combining the massive engineering experience of both Lurssen and Blohm & Voss. Among the many features to be expected on a yacht of this enormity, Platinum will have a heli-pad on the bow and on the upper aft-deck, with dedicated observation rooms for each.There is a minimum of two master staterooms, located fore and aft, with an additional five or more VIP suites. The numbers of guest staterooms are undisclosed at this time, but it might be reasonable to assume they would rival a mini-cruise ship! The Bridge deck includes the captain’s quarters, along with a dedicated lounge and office, all within steps of the exterior port/starboard observation stanchions. Platinum will likely feature an enormous foyer and atrium, connecting each deck with illumination via a skylight above. There is an abundant area of exterior seating on every level, both fore and aft.Platinum is projected to be powered by four (4) diesel engines, each packing in excess of 9000 horsepower. Suffice to say, this might be the first yacht that needs an onboard crude-oil refinery. ;-)