One of the most recently built and unusual yachts to grace the Mediterranean, the 'A' arrived in Grand Harbour earlier today.

The $300 million, 120 metre 'A' was built by the German shipyard Blohm and Voss. It was designed by Philippe Stark for 36-year-old Russian billionnaire Andrey Melnichenko. He ordered it for his wife Aleksandra, a former Serbian supermodel, hence the name 'A'.

Contrary to contemporary vessels, the 'A' is a radical design, mostly enclosed and with the bow sloping out at waterline level, rather than curving down from the main deck.

The superstructure is concentrated in the middle of the hull, giving the yacht the appearance of a giant white submarine when seen from a distance. There is a helicopter pad on the bow and a pool at the stern.