Video: Drone footage of Motor Yacht A

20 July 2015 • Written by Philip Reynolds

This eye-catching film could be a clip from the new James Bond adventure Spectre but though it isn’t, like the British spy’s martinis, it is something to shake and stir.

This drone film has is, in fact, captured Motor Yacht A, one of the most arresting boats on the planet. Designed by Philippe Starck and built by Blohm and Voss, the yacht was captured at anchor off Portofino on the Italian Riviera, an hour’s drive east of Genoa.

Even visitors and residents of this picturesque fishing village, where evidence of the trappings of luxury is commonplace, would have to admit that A at anchor was a dramatic and special sight.

The boat was commissioned in 2004 by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, who is rumoured to be the owner of one of the world's largest superyachts Sailing Yacht A and made his considerable fortune in the chemical and energy industries.

There is no mistaking the original look of the superyacht, the trademark of Starck, who made his name challenging tradition during a long career that has seen him design many things from street furniture to hotels. The Frenchman has a love of the sea and also designed Venus, the superyacht owned by Steve Jobs, the late founder of Apple computers.

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