By: Tom Kelly
Nice, France - Gliding with the elegance of a Mercedes-Benz car but floating on water, it is likely to become a must-have toy for the super-rich.
Mercedes’ new 14 metre motor yacht has been pictured for the first time, cruising off Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera.
Mercedes says the boat, which is expected to cost R24.7 million, represents ‘luxury, style and pleasure’.
The vessel is nicknamed ‘Silver Arrow of the Seas’, after Mercedes’ 1930s racing cars.
To ensure exclusivity, only 10 boats will be produced initially and only one person per country will be able to buy one. The boats were created in partnership with designers Silver Arrow Marine, based in Kensington, West London.
The interior, which has room for ten people, will be decked out with nubuck leather and eucalyptus wood panelling. Other features include windows that automatically tint according to the sunlight, a wine cellar and an audio system.
Silver Arrows Marine chairman Ron Gibbs explained: “By ensuring that the yachts all go to different countries we can guarantee that just one individual in each country will be able to say, ‘I am the first captain of the first Silver Arrow of the Seas’.”
Reservations are now being taken. Mercedes-Benz has also developed a helicopter, the interior of a private jet, and home furnishings.
WILL IT FIT IN MY MARINA?
Length: 14.3 metres
Cruising speed: 30 knots, or 55km/h
Power: Two Yanmar diesel engines, 353kW each
Interior: Nubuck leather, eucalyptus wood panelling, ice machine, windows that tint in sunlight, and a wine cellar
Cost: R24.7 million
Availability: Just 10 boats will be made at first, and only one sold per country.
Carries: Up to 10 people