This Striking Superyacht Is World’s Largest Wooden Vessel, but a Very Modern Beast

This one is, and it's not an old vessel, either. This is actually a 2020 build that's been designed and built as a nod to the past, but in keeping with the demands of today's seafarer. Strike that: it's as modern as any of its steel counterparts and equally luxurious, with finishes for which no expense has been spared.

The superyacht industry is a highly innovative one, but where construction of the hull is concerned, shipyards stick to what's been proven to work. Most superyachts come with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, and the majority are painted white and designed in accordance with classic lines. Put differently, this is a sector where a vessel painted blood red or steel gray or with a different silhouette stands out like a sore thumb.

Think of the iconic and, with the 2022 sanctions, controversial Motor Yacht A or the recently-delivered battleship-inspired Norn as outstanding examples of disruptive naval construction. Both these superyachts come with price tags in the hundreds of millions of dollars, attesting to the age-old adage that exclusivity is never cheap.

But it could be, at least comparatively. This striking wooden superyacht is on the market and, now offered with a $1 million discount, selling for peanuts. If you compare it to the other two luxury vessels mentioned above, that is.

This superyacht doesn't even have an official name, so whoever buys it will get the honor of naming it. It's a very recent build, having been commissioned in 2019 and going into construction one year later, and is presented as the world's largest wooden superyacht.

Measuring 50 meters (164 feet) in total length, it's a true stunner and an instant attention-grabber in a way comparable to its more expensive steel counterparts. It stands out for its sharp bow and a very wide beam, and the most beautiful teak wood exterior that gives it a very vintage look.

Unlike the sailing classics still in operation, this superyacht is not made entirely of wood. Based on a design by Henderson Marine International, which also handled all the engineering, it uses a "unique" construction of fiberglass and teak planks covered in high-gloss finish, both on the hull and the superstructure. The design is inspired by the old wooden dhows, traditional Arabian sailing boats either with one or two masts once used chiefly for transporting heavy goods.

The only hauling this vessel will do is of its guests from one vacation location to the next. Despite the vintage exterior, the superyacht is very modern in propulsion system and amenities. The listing notes that no expense has been spared in the finishes, which include the finest Italian marble and hardwoods, soft Hermes cashmere, and pricey plush carpets. Make no mistake about it, this is a very modern beast wearing the finest vintage threats.

Power comes from twin Caterpillar engines delivering a total of 3,512 hp, which take it to a decent top speed of 18 knots (20 mph/32.2 kph) and a cruising speed of 12 knots (13 mph/21 kph). Modern equipment includes a CCTV system, fire suppression system, Garmin autopilot and Garmin touchscreen GPS, and a FLIR camera.

Accommodation onboard is for 12 guests and five crew across six staterooms and three separate crew quarters, including the captain's suite. Guests can sleep in three master cabins and three regular cabins with ensuite bathrooms, but the bigger rooms get fancy features like walk-in wardrobes and all-marble bathrooms.

The superyacht offers an interior volume of 358 GT and an expanded beam of 10.56 meters (34.5 feet), which creates ample space for a "cavernous" main salon that spills onto the beach club. Amenities range from two screening rooms (private cinemas is probably a more accurate phrase), a formal dining room, a sky lounge, a breakfast bar, and several outdoor and indoor lounge and socializing areas.

There's no pool onboard and, as far as we can see, no mention of water toys. Then again, this is a much smaller vessel than the kind multi-millionaires tend to go crazy over, and with spatial constraints comes a narrower range of amenities. It's also more affordable than those, with an asking of $8,995,000 after the $ 1 million price cut.

This wooden superyacht made its public debut in Dubai earlier this year, and it still lies there, waiting for its next owner. One can only guess why the original one, who commissioned it, no longer wants it, but one thing is clear: this beauty has never been sailed beyond sea trials because it never got an official name assigned. How do you say "an incredible deal" in millionaire-speak?