If you’ve taken a stroll through Port Vauban recently, you couldn’t have missed the striking silhouette currently dominating the skyline. The 141-meter superyacht Yas is officially in town, moored at the prestigious Quai des Milliardaires (Billionaires’ Quay) in Antibes.
With her dolphin-inspired curves and a glass superstructure that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi epic, Yas remains one of the most recognizable and talked-about vessels in the yachting world. Here is everything you need to know about this maritime marvel.
From Warship to Waterborne Palace
The most fascinating thing about Yas isn’t just her look; it’s her history. She didn’t start life as a luxury cruiser. She was originally launched in 1981 as the HNLMS Piet Hein, a Kortenaer-class frigate for the Royal Dutch Navy.
After decades of military service, she was purchased by the UAE and eventually underwent one of the most ambitious hull conversions in history at ADM Shipyards in Abu Dhabi. Her transformation from a rigid, “deadly” naval vessel into a fluid, avant-garde superyacht was completed in 2015.
Futuristic Design & Layout
The design, spearheaded by the French Pierrejean Design Studio, emphasizes curves over the traditional “wedding cake” layers seen on most yachts.
- The Glass Dome: The most iconic feature is the massive, emerald-tinted glass dome that houses the owner’s suite. It offers a staggering 220-degree panoramic view.
- The Silhouette: Inspired by the shape of a dolphin, her narrow, tapered hull (retained from her navy days) allows her to slice through waves with incredible efficiency.
- Guest Capacity: While most superyachts are capped at 12 guests for legal reasons, Yas is built to a different standard, capable of accommodating an incredible 60 guests across 30 luxury suites, supported by a crew of 56.
Read also: The superyacht Ambassador (ex Anna) docked in Antibes
Yas Yacht Specifications & Technical Data
Despite her size, Yas is surprisingly fast, thanks to her slender frigate hull and powerful engines.
| Feature | Specification |
| Length | 141 Meters (463 Feet) |
| Top Speed | 26 Knots |
| Cruising Speed | 23 Knots |
| Builder | ADM Shipyards (Conversion) |
| Hull Material | Steel |
| Superstructure | Advanced Composite & Glass |
Who is the Owner of the Superyacht Yas?
Yas is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a prominent member of the Abu Dhabi Royal Family. The name “Yas” is a nod to the Yas Island region in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Yacht Price: Is She for Sale or Charter?
For those looking to book a week on board, the answer is currently no. Yas is a private yacht and is not listed for public charter. Similarly, she is not on the market for sale. However, industry experts estimate her value at approximately $180 million, with annual running costs likely exceeding $15–20 million.
Why Antibes?
Seeing Yas at the Quai des Milliardaires is a treat for yacht spotters. As one of the only docks in the world capable of hosting the largest “Giga-yachts,” Antibes serves as the perfect Mediterranean hub for the Sheikh’s vessel during the winter and spring seasons.
Have you seen Yas in person yet? She is a masterclass in how to breathe new, luxurious life into a piece of naval history.
