[catmando]

There is no doubt Platinum is the big buzz now, and will be, far into the future. Let's hope al-Maktoum will not hide it away from us(if such a monster CAN be hidden ).

[Spicoli]

it'll be the dinghy they can tool around in when they get bored of their island.

I tried to upload the image, but it's too large.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/image...ature_418.html


Palm Island Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is featured in this image photographed by Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao from the International Space Station. The resort is under construction on reclaimed land silhouetted against the dark waters of Dubai’s Persian Gulf coast. Advertised as "being visible from the Moon," this man-made palm-shaped structure displays 17 huge fronds framed by a 12-kilometer protective barrier. When completed, the resort will sport 2,000 villas, 40 luxury hotels, shopping centers, cinemas, and other facilities. When completed, the resort is expected to support a population of approximately 500,000 people.

[Remy]

I wish I could own a villa over there...

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Spicoli

Palm Island Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is featured in this image photographed by Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao from the International Space Station. The resort is under construction on reclaimed land silhouetted against the dark waters of Dubai’s Persian Gulf coast. Advertised as "being visible from the Moon,"

LOL Those crazy Dubai-ites. Or is it Dubai-ians.

As for the "visible from the Moon" comment... I'm skeptical. Ok, so they claim someone on the ISS took that pic. Fine. The ISS is in orbit at an altitude of 354 kms. The Moon is 384,467 kms away. Their advertising is a little far-fetched I think.

[YachtForums]

Any news on Platinum? I heard sea trials were under way.

[Kiwispotter]

Originally Posted by catmando

Let's hope al-Maktoum will not hide it away from us(if such a monster CAN be hidden ).

Is this the same Sheikh al-Maktoum that died on 4th Jan this year??
If so does anyone know what is happening with Platinum

[Codger]

Originally Posted by Kiwispotter

Is this the same Sheikh al-Maktoum that died on 4th Jan this year??
If so does anyone know what is happening with Platinum

Yes, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum passed on this past January.
I would suspect that whatever plans that he had for Platinum will be respected and carried out.

[daiwa]

How an earth did Prince Jefri Bolkiah made banktrupcy ? Oil price has rocket 600% from 10 $ per baller to 60 $ in the very short period. As far as I could understand instedad it should boost Brunei´s balancesheet. Btw. I am very surprized none of the thread has not much even mentioned about oil price in this forum, perhaps it´s not an issue to superyacht owners, but I am sure it will have an effect to boat indursty sooner or later mixed with the aspect that interest rates heading up in U.S

To mention something positive this all could turn to be good news for sailors.

[Kevin]

Daiwa, there's actually a seperate thread all about diesel prices skyrocketing.

[foundrycourt]

Has anyone got any updates on this monster? Haven't heard anything now for quite awhile. Last I heard they were doing sea trials.
Some more photos would be nice.

[dbart9]

Here is a link:
http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/...php?lid=180233
There are a few pics...they are scattered through out this website.

[foundrycourt]

Originally Posted by dbart9

Here is a link:
http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/...php?lid=180233
There are a few pics...they are scattered through out this website.

Thanks for those

[jimminychricket]

Originally Posted by jonstinton

My two cents on this whole subject was:

Surely boats cant get much larger than this?! Won't her sheer size prohibit her from entering some of the most popular sailing destinations around the world. Therefore this would NOT be seen as the most perfect yacht.

I woudn't say that is it 'downhill all the way' when you think about the size of the craft, this is just what was wanted by the owner, to proove the point that it can be done, and in some style too!

However, when you talk about it reaching a pinicle, as the best superyacht that can be ever produced, this is not true. A super yacht is not simply 'how big can you make it', but what goes on inside, its workings, furnishing, stlye and design, engineering and economy, etc. The size of a boat is a major factor for people who are not necessarily 'in the know' as it is the first impression you get of a yacht. But for a boat to be 'perfect' it has to be the best it can possible be in all aspects of design and operation at the time of construction.

However, technologies will get better, boats may get bigger, but the needs of the users are what make each individual boat perfect.

A pinicle has not been reached here, I see Platinum as simply extending boundaries. Boundaries that are ever changing and ever challenging to human skills and technologies.

How do other people feel about this?

The question is, how soon are we going to see something the size of a super luxury Cruiseliner? Or Boats that sail above the water? Personally large sizes appeal to me, but Small is a lot more economically and environmentally friendly. Some may say, 'Well any boat can be just as Harmful pending on the practices of each individual owner and captain and crew?' I'll take anything between 80 and 250 ft anyday.

The thing about this one, Is the owner is going to be risking alot if he is not properly funded. Fuel is going to be rediculous I'm sure. Interiour furnishings, and obviously the most expensive artifacts are going to be required to accomplish her feat of being the largest and most luxurious yacht. I'm sure her features are going to be most important and plentiful. But seriously. Why would you want to carry that heavy burden of paying for fuel costs, maintenence, and operation unless if you have a couple high profile investors involved in concieving this monsterous masterpiece? Because i don't even think Bill gates could keep up with something this expensive?

[dbart9]

Originally Posted by Codger

Yes, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum passed on this past January.
I would suspect that whatever plans that he had for Platinum will be respected and carried out.

That was the older brother. It is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who commissioned the yacht. He has been appointed ruler of Dubai now.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by dbart9

He has been appointed ruler of Dubai now.

Nice work if you can get it.