In terms of their hull lines, large sailing and motor yachts no longer have much in common. One feature in particular, the pronounced positive deck projection, has become an anachronistic exception. The bows of the colossal formats are generally straight on the deck side, if not negative. Lürssen last realised elegantly straightened cracks, as seen on classic transatlantic liners, on the "Limitless" (96 m) in 1997 and on the 85-metre-long "Pacific X" in 2010. In its frigate-like shape and colour, the latter is strikingly similar to "Dragonfly", the latest delivery from the Bremen shipyard. The reason: Leonid Michelson originally commissioned the 142 metre long steel and aluminium construction, who owned a sailing yacht designed by Germán Frers and entrusted him with the line design of both yachts.
Germán Frers designs motor yachts by sailors
However, the name suggests a change of ownership before completion and Google co-founder Sergey Brin as the new owner. Brin, who was born in Moscow in 1973, previously used a 73-metre aluminium format from Silver Yachts (ex-"Dragonfly", now "Capricorn") and will now enjoy a "business deck" on the large yacht. Under the bridge there is space for a large office, gym, games room and heli-hangar. Other amenities include a glass-bottom pool on the main deck, cinema, spa and a water sports centre.
The 1000 square metre outdoor areas and interiors, covering a total of 2000 square metres, were designed by Milan-based studio Nauta Design, which - like Frers - usually lends sailing yachts understated elegance and Italian flair. "It was an exciting four years of creative work to design this extraordinary combination of atmosphere and unique lifestyle," says Mario Pedol from Nauta Design.
Germán Frers and his team also design motor yachts for Sirena Yachts, series models made of GRP from 16 to 36 metres in length. The Argentinian has been the in-house designer and constructor for the Turkish shipyard group since 2013. Here, too, there was a connection through sailing: The shipyard founder sailed privately on a yacht designed by Frers and initially had him design sailing yachts for his brands Azuree and Euphoria before launching Sirena Yachts.
"Dragonfly": Two-stage rear platform like the Swan
The design brief for "Dragonfly" was: elegance and functionality. The maestro explains: "The aim was to create a balanced design that prioritises timeless appeal over passing trends." The seemingly closed rear opens up via a double-folding platform. When extended, parts of the transom and deck form a large area with direct access to the water. A similar two-stage extension of the bathing platform can be seen on Nautor's maxi models, such as the Swan 88.
According to the shipyard, "Dragonfly" is designed for maximum efficiency. Lürssen provided the entire design services for the 142 metre long five-deck vessel, and the in-house engineers developed a diesel-electric propulsion system. Two diesel engines drive two controllable pitch propellers via individual gearboxes, which are equipped with PTI/PTO units for electric operation of the propulsion pods or to generate electrical energy for operation.
