On Sunday 8th April in Yantai, China, Pride Mega Yachts rolled out its latest 88.5-metre (290-foot) superyacht Illusion Plus in preparation for her launch.
With her keel laid back in December 2010, when the company operated under the name CIMC Raffles Yacht Ltd, her build re-started on speculation, and is now valued at $145 million USD.
Branded by the shipyard as “the superyacht for the future”, Pride Mega Yachts states that one of the most valuable assets of the design is its interior volume, which, with a beam of 15.4m and draft of 4m, totals a volume of 3,603 gross tonnes, making her the largest ever superyacht to have ever been built in China.
According to Pride Mega Yachts, Illusion Plus has been developed using world-class consultants and designers to ensure she exceeds exacting standards set by the company.
Spread over six decks, her modern exterior lines come from the boards of Rainsford Saunders Design, who describe her profile to “combine beauty and power”. Azure Naval Architects is responsible for her naval architecture.
Interiors combining fine woods, rare natural stone and exclusive metals were completed by Dutch-design studio Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design to give a luxurious, relaxed and domestic feel. Accommodation for up to 12 guests is provided across six staterooms.
She is powered by a Rolls Royce diesel-electric propulsion package, allowing her to reach a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots while reducing emissions and improving fuel consumption.
After the sale of the yacht in August 2014, no information was provided for the project until January 2018 when Y.CO announced its hire as central agents, suggesting the project is back in the ownership of the shipyard while she awaits a new owner.
She is due for completion in the third quarter of 2018.
