Largest sailing yacht ever needs new owner to float

First announced 11 years ago, the 141m (463ft) sailing superyacht, Dream Symphony looked to break records. The four-masted schooner-rigged yacht, currently in build at Dream Ship Victory’s yard in Bozburun, Turkey, is set to become the largest sailing yacht in the world when launched. However, progress has slowed since and yacht broker, Burgess is looking for a new owner to see the project through to completion.

The vessel is being constructed entirely from wood (epoxy laminated iroko). However, when yacht classifier RINA was approached to certify construction, there was a problem – the firm had never certified any wooden structure measuring over 30m. This quandary resulted in a scientific research project spearheaded by designer Dykstra Naval Architects, involving composite experts and tests undertaken by Italian universities and Dutch laboratories. By the end, RINA was satisfied and construction began, with the keel laid in 2011.

Despite the project stalling, it is not without some “unique selling points”, said Burgess. It has been designed by Dykstra and Ken Freivokh — who also worked on the 106m Black Pearl and 88m Maltese Falcon. Also, given its all-wooden hull, the vessel is renewable and recyclable, according to Burgess.

“[Although the original concept called for] a very traditional schooner in terms of the rig”, said Freivokh. The layout of the interior was less conventional, with its concept created around a “very private owner’s quarters”.

Split across two levels with an atrium and spiral staircase, this dedicated apartment includes a bedroom, bathroom, and private lounge on the lower deck while an adjoining saloon and office sit on the main deck above. The rest of the accommodation sits on the lower deck and sleeps 16 guests in eight cabins, including two VIPs, three doubles, one twin and two convertible rooms.

Elsewhere, the yacht features a convertible conservatory located between the owner’s living quarters and the main lobby, which can be closed at the “touch of a button”, according to Freivokh.

Elsewhere, the yacht has a double-height swimming pool on the aft deck, complete with a rising bottom that transforms into a dancefloor or helipad.

Burgess said: “The sheer scale of Project Dream Symphony is jaw-dropping.”

Freivokh reports that the hull is now “pretty much complete”. It hasn’t been completely mothballed, with the yard using a “skeleton crew” to keep work ticking over. “They are keeping it in very good condition”, he adds.

“When she does launch, she will redefine superyacht sailing for the modern age in a way that honours the past and acknowledges the future,” said Burgess.