American Tech Billionaire Is Getting the Megayacht of Dreams: 374-Foot Project Arwen

This megayacht boasts a dramatic inverted bow and an impressive length of 374 feet (114 meters), which means that, once it's launched, it will be taking its place among the world's longest. Its size also takes it across the threshold into megayacht category, while its spectacular features confirm that classification.

Project Arwen represents an international collaboration that's been shrouded in secrecy until recently. The exterior and interior design are by U.S.-based firm Pindaros, with Andy Waugh and Champeau Wilde listed as contributors. Meanwhile, the naval architecture is by Azure, while Dorries Yachts is handling the construction at its shipyard.

Details about the interiors remain scarce as of this writing, but some things have slipped through the cracks – and they're enough to paint a very vivid picture of how exclusive and luxurious the onboard experience will be.

The biggest highlight here is the aft pool.

Taking up most of the space on the aft deck, it will be a 66-foot (20-meter) pool with an infinity edge and glass walls, and a 43-foot (13-foot) section that will lift on hydraulics when the owner wants to expand entertainment options.

In much simpler words, much like you'd remove a chair or another small piece of furniture to make more room for the guests at a party to move around freely, you can make half of this gorgeous pool "disappear" by pressing a button and having its glass bottom come up to create extra deck space.

"This ingenious adaptation not only enhances the yacht’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a versatile space for leisure and entertainment, making Project Arwen a trailblazer in redefining the possibilities of luxury on the open seas," Dorries says in a statement.

And that's probably not an exaggeration. Sure enough, you can find other examples of transforming pools on large superyachts (even the older, 2014 Blohm + Voss build Graceful, believed to belong to Vladimir Putin, has a pool whose bottom rises up so the space becomes a dancefloor or a private cinema), but this is an industry first for a half-transforming pool and for a glass-bottomed transforming pool.

Project Arwen offers an interior volume of 4,950 GT and accommodation for 12 guests across six staterooms and a large staff, quartered in 18 cabins below deck. Meanwhile, the staterooms feature lavish finishes in gold and plush neutrals, with floor-to-ceiling glazing that allows opening up interior spaces to the outside.

The "heart" of the megayacht is a sculptural master staircase that does double duty as a work of art. Spaces are fluid and elegant in a bid to create a "new approach to luxury." The styling could be described as contemporary with a not-too-subtle-but-neither-tacky touch of outrageousness, so mission accomplished on that novel approach to luxury.

Meanwhile, the laundry list of amenities includes everything from wellness areas to a fully equipped gym and countless lounge areas both indoors and outside. It also boasts two cinemas, a winter garden, a full-on spa facility, several bars, a hair and beauty salon, and a helipad allowing guests to drop in at a moment's notice.

The owner's suite sits on its own deck and features double bathrooms, a private office, walk-in wardrobes, and access to an exclusive lounge and dining area. After all, that's the least you should expect if you're building yourself a megayacht: the possibility to get away from everyone if you want to.

Power for Project Arwen comes from dual CAT engines that will max out at 15 knots (17.2 mph/27.8 kph) and cruise at a more leisurely 12 knots (13.8 mph/22.2 kph) for a range of 5,000 nautical miles (5,754 miles/9,260 km).

The yard mentions technological innovations that will bring it in harmony with nature, so we're assuming that means features to enhance sustainability. If it does, Dorries Yachts hasn't said anything about those just yet.