One of the most unusual yachts to grace the Mediterranean, the A, sailed out of Grand Harbour today after a paint job at the Palumbo shipyard.

The 120-metre-long vessel, which cost $300m when commissioned in 2008, was built by the German shipyard Blohm and Voss. It was designed by Philippe Starck for 44-year-old Russian billionnaire Andrey Melnichenko. 

Contrary to contemporary vessels, the A is 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.

Video above by Justin Zammit Tabona.

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