A superyacht won't go out of fashion as quickly as, say, a piece of smaller tech like a smartphone or a smartwatch, but that's not to say that trends don't come and go fast in this market. Savannah proves that quality will always stand the test of time.
You can't throw a stone in a marina and not find something amazing to appreciate and drool over. The recent boom in this segment has paved the way for more spectacular builds and more creativity, which came to replace stale models that no longer meet the demands of today's (millionaire) owners.
Yes, the rich are getting richer, and social inequality deepens, and yes, superyachts are among the leading causes of pollution. But to give credit where it's due, some superyachts do try to make things better on the latter account – and they're also beautiful enough to make you forget about pay disparity for a while.
Savannah is one such vessel. Delivered to the owner in 2015, it's one of the most beautiful superyachts afloat today, even though it's not exactly spanking new. It's also the world's first hybrid propulsion superyacht, as stressed over and over again by Dutch shipyard Feadship, which built it.
Photo: Feadship
A trailblazer, but a stunner as well!
The owner of Savannah is believed to be oil tycoon Lukas Lundin, who commissioned it. The steel and aluminum vessel doesn't stand out for its length (274 feet/83.5 meters) or for its interior volume (2,305 GT), but it definitely makes a memorable impression with its sleek, gleaming silhouette and green credentials.
Based on naval architecture by De Voogt Naval Architects, Savannah features exteriors by Cristina Gherardi Benardeau (who also penned the interiors) and diesel-electric hybrid propulsion that renders it 30% more efficient than other vessels in the same size category.
Hybrid propulsion is slowly becoming a standard across the industry, but in 2015, it was still a novelty, earning Savannah the trailblazer label it still wears proudly today.
Photo: Feadship
Another novelty is the use of a single diesel engine for a boat this size, and it was only possible after repeated optimizations to the hull. A single 2,414 hp Wartsila 9L20 4-stroke engine works in conjunction with a propeller and an azimuth thruster powered by a one-megawatt battery bank to take Savannah to a top speed of 17 knots (19.5 mph/31.5 kph). At a cruising speed of 14 knots (16 mph/26 kph), range is 6,500 nautical miles (7,480 miles/12,000 km).
Savannah is high-performance but also good-looking, as befits any superyacht worthy of the name. It's one step above good-looking: it's a sum of many industry firsts that played a part in its winning the prestigious Motor Yacht of the Year award in 2016.
It's also the world's largest silver-painted floating object, though we're not sure this world record is certified. The custom paintjob, in a special shade called Sea Foam Metallic Green, was refreshed in 2020.
Photo: Feadship
Among these firsts are the world's first "Nemo" underwater lounge and "peerless" use of wraparound glazing. Savannah features a lounge with amphitheater-style seating deep within the hull, allowing guests to go below the water level for the most incredible views. The other "first" refers to entire walls of glass used in spaces like the owner's suite to create 270-degree views.
The list of amenities is as incredible as it's long. Savannah has a basketball court that can convert into a golf driving range, football or volleyball court, or even a cinema. It features a spectacular pool that spills onto the beach club and a helipad with direct access to the owner's suite. It has gorgeous spaces for relaxation and socializing and a statement glass elevator that crosses all four decks.
Savannah has a modern art collection with double-height video monitors for displaying it. It is the most elegant and sumptuous combination of modern and classic styles on a yacht, creating spaces that successfully avoid categorization.
Accommodation onboard is for 12 guests and 24 crew, with one of the industry's largest garages offering ample entertainment options for those guests. That last part explains why Savannah could command upwards of $1.1 million per week in charting season.
Photo: Feadship
Savannah lists for the first time since delivery
Savannah will be at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show at the end of September, but it's business that brings it there. Edmiston, which has held the charter listing for the past several years, is now holding the listing for the sale as well.
Price is only available on application, but here's a point of reference: earlier reports claimed maintenance and running costs for this superyacht were about $14 million a year. According to the golden rule of the industry, these costs are usually 10% of the vessel's value, which would put Savannah at roughly $140 million.
Did you expect less for a superyacht this good-looking and brandishing the trailblazer label?
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News