Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

I t’s not often that a new build superyacht is delivered from the shores of China, and even less so when it’s the largest yacht ever to be built in Asia, but the hat-trick comes when it scoops a design award during its world debut event. Delivered in 2018 by Pride Mega Yachts, Illusion Plus was designed by British studio Rainsford Saunders Design (now known as Rainsford Mann Design), with renowned Dutch naval architecture by Azure, and interior styled by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design. Rising six decks high, Illusion Plus is an extraordinary 3,642GT vessel. Cruising at 15kn and reaching a top speed of 17kn, she accommodates up to 12 guests in eight cabins, but it hasn’t always been plain sailing. The project dates back to 2007 and was put on hold when the global financial crisis hit. The Yantai-based shipyard went by the name of CIMC Raffles Yacht when construction began in 2010. Rebranding occurred a few years later, to better reflect the emphasis on large pleasure vessels. Long and sleek, Illusion Plus cuts a distinctive silhouette on the water. Her exterior lines are inspired are inspired by Rolls-Royce motor cars, with a vertical bow and gently sloping transom. Built from a steel hull she has an aluminium superstructure to ABS standards. Rather aptly, and befitting of her time, Illusion Plus features two 3,000hp Rolls Royce diesel-electric propulsion engines designed to be ultra-efficient and quiet without sacrificing speed. For added comfort and safety, she has also been fitted with Rolls Royce zero speed retractable fin stabilisers. Illusion Plus benefits from two 1,700kw Azipull Thruster pods for more efficient operations and manoeuvring, and has a true dynamic- positioning system, which means the vessel can stay in place in sensitive regions, for example, without using her anchor. Built by Yantai-based shipyard Pride Mega Yachts, Illusion Plus sports award-winning interior design by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, and a striking exterior by Rainsford Saunders Design. At 88.5m it is the largest yacht ever to be built in Asia. b y J u l i a Z a l t z m a n