By: Scott Way
The Somnio 'yacht liner' will set the new record as the world's largest yacht at 728 feet, but that may not even be its most interesting feature. Most megayachts are owned by individual owners for personal use. Somnio will contain 39 luxury condominiums, each with an individual owner, making it not only the world's largest yacht but also giving it arguably the most individual owners of any ship ever built.
Setting these new records might not sit well with other famous megayachters like Jeff Bezos, who was recently linked to the world's largest sailing yacht at 417 feet. The Bezos machine will boast a tender 246 feet long (where the helipad will be), giving his floating metropolis a total length of 663 feet, a full 65 feet shorter than the Somnio. The previous titleholder for world's largest yacht was the Azzam at a meager 590 feet.
Somnio has also been given the moniker of the world's first "yacht liner." The ship is the handiwork of Winch Design in partnership with Tillberg Design, both of whom have an impressive portfolio in megayachts that includes such masterworks as the Cosmos and the TDoS sailing yacht.
When the ship comes off drydock in mid-2024 she will be the largest superyacht in the world by both length and volume with a gross tonnage of 33,500 tonnes spread across 6 decks. It will be built by Norwegian shipyard Vard and will have Somnio co-founder Erik Bredhe providing oversight. Bredhe already captains the The World, a 643-foot behemoth based in the Mediterranean. It should be noted The World is also the world's first residential ship with 165 luxury apartments onboard.
“The World has been a phenomenal success, though it is time for true superyacht co-ownership. Somnio will be the only residential superyacht in the world and has been designed to exacting standards that are commensurate with a life of opportunity. Owners will share a truly unique lifestyle at sea, with a hand-picked crew and a never-ending global itinerary of carefully selected destinations and experiences befitting a yacht of this nature,” said Bredhe said in a company statement.
The 39 luxury condos will have a starting price around $11.2 million and it appears there's already interest. Several units sold immediately, and any remaining purchasing opportunities are "by invitation or referral only." Ownership will remain a tightly guarded secret.
Each of the 39 units is available for customization but will include a fully appointed kitchen, walk-in closets, and multiple cabins commensurate with each owner's needs. Other mainstay features for all guests will include a gym, library, a beach club, multiple pools, and both indoor and outdoor restaurants. Owners will even have access to a 10,000 bottle wine cellar and tasting room. A unique bow lounge will be incorporated to give unprecedented views while underway.
As if all those decadent features weren't enough, Somnio will also be equipped with cutting edge research equipment so scientists and marine researchers can explore ocean environments under a professional setting. Given that Somnio is planned to travel globally with stops anywhere from the Mediterranean to Antarctica, adding a professional research contingent makes it even more viable for its various travels.
Somnio is clearly a bold dream, which is fitting since "somnio" is Latin for "to dream." Hopefully you have the funds and the connections to join the dream and purchase one of its remaining luxury condos.
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