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Royal Huisman’s New Blue, 192-Foot Superyacht ‘Phi’ Hits the Water

The vessel was named after the golden ratio which, according to lore, reflects natural order and beauty., michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

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Royal Huisman has an established track record of building complex, interesting and distinctive sailing superyachts, including the 184-foot Aquarius and the 190-foot Ngoni . Its just-released Phi is a 192-foot motoryacht that is just as stunning and unique as its sister sailing vessels.

The Dutch yard is being coy about releasing too many details before the yacht is handed over to the owner later this year. Phi ‘s interior by London design firm Lawson Robb is definitely a no-go area, but readers can get a sense of the naval architecture and exterior design through images the yard just issued.

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Dutch designer Cor D. Rover, with years of successful designs in both the custom and semi-custom sectors, designed Phi ’s exterior, naming it after a mathematical concept for the Irrational number Phi that has been around since the ancient Greeks. Also known as the golden ratio, Phi goes on forever after the decimal point without repeating itself, with the result that it has gained a reputation for reflecting never-ending beauty and natural harmony. Rover ran with the concept, saying he was inspired by “the galaxy, the ocean’s surface and the underwater world” in forming the design.

“Phi”‘s striking mirror-like hull.  Courtesy Tom van Oossanen/Royal Huisman

How those three big ideas translate physically into the actual design will require a longer explanation from Rover, now sworn to secrecy, but it’s clear that Phi’ s naval architecture by Van Oossanen Naval Architects gives the yacht its long, sleek form. The Fast Displacement XL hull keeps it under the 500-gross ton designation and, according to Royal Huisman, makes it the longest superyacht under 500 gross tons. The design also gives Phi  a respectable top speed, along with increased fuel efficiency.

The design was a challenge to pull off technically, said the shipyard, but Royal Huisman is used to facing complex technical problems. It also faced outsized challenges on its other big motoryacht project, 406, which will be the world’s largest sportfishing yacht once launched. The 171-footer not only looks like an authentic angler’s convertible on steroids, complete with a massive fishing cockpit and billfish fighting chair, but it will also boast impressive top speeds on its way to offshore fishing grounds.

Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman says the shipyard tries to accommodate the big, seemingly fantastical ideas of owners and designers, “rather than trying to persuade them to scale back their ambitions.”

The Fast Displacement XL hull allowed the designers to create a long, slender running surface that’s also fast and efficient.  Courtesy Tom van Oossanen/Royal Huisman

PHI will also come with a matching 118-foot shadow boat, courtesy of the same design team but built at Alia Yachts. Both mothership and shadow boat will be revealed in more detail by the end of the year.

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Royal Huisman's 58.5m superyacht PHI pictured on maiden voyage

Royal Huisman 's 58.5 metre superyacht PHI has completed its maiden voyage, arriving in London on Friday, December 10 following delivery. 

It is understood that the yacht, which was handed over to its owner last week following sea trials, will spend the winter season based in the UK capital.

It comes after the yacht's dedicated support vessel PHI Phantom was delivered by Turkish yard Alia Yachts last month .

Royal Huisman chief executive Jan Timmerman described the delivery as "a moment of great pride for our team." 

"It is also bittersweet, having to say farewell to PHI , as her creation has been part of our daily lives for several years. At the same time, we know that PHI and her shadow vessel will conquer the oceans."

PHI reached speeds of over 20 knots during sea trials, which commenced after the yacht left the yard's new-build facility in Vollenhove in November.

Designed by Cor D Rover, PHI is a fast-displacement, aluminium superyacht and is set to be the longest sub-500GT yacht in the world, according to today's regulations.

Naval architecture has been penned by Van Oossanen Naval Architects while the interior is from the boards of London design studio Lawson Robb.

PHI features a "sleek, low hull and superstructure profile" with "a range of subtle hints to the natural world that surrounds the yacht”, the yard revealed.

Equipped with Van Oossanen Naval Architect’s XL Fast Displacement Hull Form, PHI is described by the yard as a “technically highly advanced vessel that sets new standards”.

Elsewhere, Cor D Rover previously revealed that the yacht's upper deck will house the owner's "penthouse" apartment, while the main deck will be predominately dedicated to daytime guest activities.

Speaking about the design, Rover said: "Rather than just building a large yacht on a so-called shipyard ‘platform’ to enjoy the pleasures of being at sea, the owner of Phi wanted to build a yacht with a profound underlying story, a deep-rooted knowledge that runs through all aspects of the yacht, from her exterior appearance all the way to internal experience."

The yacht will also boast a patented DEPP swimming pool, which reduces the amount of freshwater used by heating and treating the water when the pool is not in use.

Covered by a flush pool cover, it can become a "sealed tank" at the touch of a button, the yard said. Phi will also feature an "infinite wine cellar" located in the lower deck lobby.

Speaking about the project, owner's representative and project manager Guy Booth said: "All of us involved in the creation of PHI feel a sense of privilege to have had the opportunity to contribute to this innovative project. The co-operation between the owner’s team, the architects, the designers and everyone at Royal Huisman has been exceptional. We can be justifiably proud of what we have achieved."

PHI will have a maximum speed of 22 knots, and will be gyro-stabilised for added comfort. Accommodation on board is for a total of 12 guests, with a staff quarters big enough for 11 crew.

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• Superyachts

The world of luxury yachts is a realm of opulence, innovation, and stunning design. In this exclusive domain, the PHI yacht stands as a testament to the zenith of nautical engineering and elegance.

Delivered in 2021 by the esteemed Royal Huisman shipyard, this masterpiece of the sea embodies a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, unparalleled comfort, and striking aesthetics.

Designed by the globally renowned Cor D. Rover Design, the PHI yacht is undeniably a breathtaking spectacle in the world of luxury yachts.

Design and Specifications: Unveiling the Art of Yachting

Stretching over 58 meters (191 feet), the PHI yacht encapsulates a sleek and modern design philosophy, characterized by its minimalist style and refined clean lines.

Adorned with a striking metallic gold exterior, the yacht asserts a unique and attention-grabbing persona on the seascape. But it’s not just about looks; it’s about performance too.

Under the hood, the yacht is powered by robust MTU engines, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 22 knots and cruise comfortably at 14 knots.

With an impressive range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles, the luxury motor yacht PHI emerges as a prime choice for enthusiasts of long journeys and extended voyages.

Whether you’re exploring coastal paradises or embarking on transoceanic adventures, PHI is more than up to the task.

Impeccable Interiors: A Haven of Luxury and Comfort

The interiors of the PHI yacht are a sight to behold. Crafted to leave onlookers spellbound, its design ethos focuses on creating spacious and cozy settings, bathed in natural light and open spaces, conducive to relaxation and conviviality.

The yacht can comfortably host up to 12 guests in six opulent cabins, each with its private en-suite bathroom. However, the pièce de résistance is the master suite, boasting its private deck and panoramic ocean vistas.

Imagine waking up to the gentle caress of sea breezes and the soothing sound of waves; it’s an experience beyond compare.

To ensure a seamless voyage, a dedicated crew area provides comfortable accommodation for up to 11 crew members.

Equipped with all the contemporary amenities, including advanced entertainment systems, high-speed internet, and a variety of water sports equipment, the yacht PHI promises an unforgettable journey.

The PHI Yacht: Redefining Luxury Yachting

Whether it’s an opulent escape with loved ones or a private romantic retreat, the yacht PHI, a true masterpiece of design and engineering, guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience.

Its striking exterior design and luxurious interiors provide an unmatched yachting experience. From hosting lavish parties to intimate family gatherings, PHI caters to every whim and fancy of its fortunate guests.

PHI Yacht: An Investment of Luxury

PHI comes with a significant price tag, valued at an estimated $45 million. Her annual operational costs hover around $5 million.

However, the price of a yacht can greatly fluctuate depending on various factors such as its size, age, level of luxury, as well as the materials and technology employed in its construction.

Royal Huisman: Crafting Dreams into Reality

Royal Huisman, the Dutch shipyard behind the creation of PHI, is a name synonymous with excellence in yacht design and construction.

Founded in 1884, the shipyard has been at the forefront of luxury sailing yachts and motor yachts for over a century. Based in Vollenhove, Netherlands, Royal Huisman is considered one of the most prestigious and respected shipyards in the world.

Their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail is evident in every project they undertake. Notable projects in their portfolio include Athena, Sea Eagle, and, of course, PHI.

PHI yacht summary

The PHI yacht is more than just a vessel; it’s a work of art, a symbol of luxury, and a source of intrigue.

From its stunning design and impeccable interiors to the ownership controversies that surround it, PHI encapsulates the essence of the world of luxury yachts.

As we continue to be enthralled by the mysteries and marvels of the yachting industry, PHI stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the open sea and the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity.

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Ukraine war: Russian-owned superyacht named Phi and worth £38m seized in London

The superyacht, which was in London for an awards ceremony, is 58.5 metres long and features what is described as an "infinite wine cellar" and a freshwater swimming pool.

Political reporter @itssophiemorris

Wednesday 30 March 2022 12:43, UK

A superyacht owned by a Russian businessman has been detained in London as the UK government continues to impose sanctions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that on Tuesday, UK officials boarded the vessel named Phi which was in Canary Wharf in east London.

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"Today we've detained a £38 million superyacht and turned an icon of Russia's power and wealth into a clear and stark warning to Putin and his cronies," Mr Shapps said.

"Detaining the Phi proves, yet again, that we can and will take the strongest possible action against those seeking to benefit from connections to Putin's regime."

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The Department for Transport said it worked with the National Crime Agency and the Border Force Maritime Investigation Bureau to identify and detain the vessel.

The government did not reveal the name of the superyacht's owner, but described her ownership as "deliberately well hidden".

Phi is registered to a company based in the Caribbean dual-island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and carries a Maltese flag.

The Department for Transport added that it is "looking at a number of other vessels" and hopes its "strong stance sends an example to international partners".

Following the detention of the vessel, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesperson told reporters that the UK government "will continue to take robust action against anyone benefitting from Russian links".

"For the first time ever in UK waters, we have detained a Russian superyacht - the £38 million, Phi," he said.

"The Department for Transport has worked closely with the National Crime Agency and Border Force Maritime Investigation Bureau to intercept the superyacht and will continue to take robust action against anyone benefitting from Russian links"

Phi - a vibrant bright blue superyacht named after a mathematical concept - is double the size of the other boats docked around it at Canary Wharf.

The vessel was built in the Netherlands and she made her maiden voyage last year.

Speaking after the vessel's detention, Mr Shapps said Phi "won't be going anywhere".

"It was here for refit, won't be going anywhere, and it's just another indication that we will not stand by whilst Putin's cronies are allowed to sail around the world in these kinds of yachts and people in Ukraine are suffering," he said.

"When you see what he's doing to Ukraine, when you see what he's doing to people's lives, it can't be right to have a yacht like this here in London, able to just sail away and that is why we've impounded it, and denied it ability to go anywhere right now, and it's another indication of how seriously we take these matters."

🚨BREAKING: Russian superyacht detained. I have worked closely with @NCA_UK & the @UKBorder ’s Maritime investigation Bureau to intercept the £38m - Phi. This Government will continue to take robust action against anyone benefiting from connections to Putin’s regime. pic.twitter.com/enp9M2tmBB — Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 29, 2022

The government later clarified that the owner of the vessel is not currently subject to UK sanctions.

The move came as the prime minister's official spokesman said Mr Johnson told his Cabinet that "a ceasefire alone would not be cause for UK sanctions to be removed in Russia".

"He said the pressure on Putin must be increased both through further economic measures and providing military aid to ensure Russia changes course completely," the spokesman told reporters.

Number 10 added that the UK government's view on sanctioning outgoing Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has not changed in light of his involvement in peace talks over the Russian invasion,

It comes as the Russian businessman was reported to be in Turkey for discussions on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said claims that the Chelsea FC owner suffered suspected poisoning during attempts to aid peace talks in Ukraine are "very concerning".

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The UK government has already imposed asset freezes and travel bans on a number of wealthy individuals as well as sanctioning certain Russian banks, limiting the ability of Russian companies to raise finance on the UK markets.

Ministers have also banned Russian carrier Aeroflot from landing in the UK.

But although it has announced it will phase out imports of Russian oil by the end of this year, it has stopped short of imposing a ban on the purchase of Russian gas.

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In the dock: Oligarch’s stranded superyacht haunts the UK's drive for Russia sanctions

The phi remains moored in london after sergei naumenko lost the latest round in his legal battle to get it back.

Detained Russian-owned superyacht Phi in London's West India and Millwall Docks in March 2022. Reuters

For commuters on their way to work on a chilly London morning and locals walking their dogs, the Phi doesn’t appear even to warrant a glance as they pass its striking profile.

The superyacht remains moored in the UK’s capital after being seized from its Russian owner in the weeks after Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine , and not long after its launch as the latest star on the superyacht scene.

With its sleek lines and skyscrapers backdrop, the Phi became a symbol of the push to respond to President Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The UK’s then Transport Secretary Grant Shapps popped up in a TikTok video beside the vessel, announcing: “It's a yacht which belongs to a Russian oligarch, friends of Putin,” as the National Crime Agency, the UK’s equivalent of the FBI, seized the Phi.

Almost two years later, Mr Shapps has moved on to oversee the UK's support for Ukraine as Defence Secretary, but the Phi is still moored in east London amid growing questions over whether the western sanctions drive against the Kremlin has been all symbolism and no bite.

One thing is for sure, the owner, Sergei Naumenko, isn't going to get to play with his €44 million (£38 million) toy any time soon. A UK court last week rejected his latest attempt to free the vessel.

The continued detention of the yacht has, however, raised the question of whether sanctions imposed on Russians, both as a result of the war in Ukraine and stemming from allegations of corruption, are effective in achieving their goals or are more to do with PR.

Experts The National has spoken to say there continue to be loopholes wealthy Russians can exploit to hide their wealth in the UK. While some assets have been frozen, none have been seized outright. Meanwhile, Russia itself continues to trade with the world.

“I think there’s a lot of questions about whether in this particular instance, it was more driven by PR than a tangible public policy outcome,” said Steve Goodrich from the campaign group Transparency International.

“Until we see either individuals before the courts or assets being taken away from them, it looks like sanctions are a bit of a paper tiger."

In the meantime, the 58.5-metre Phi remains part of the furniture at London’s Canary Wharf.

“We’ve been here since June and to be honest we don’t pay much attention to it,” a woman, out with her husband walking their two dogs, told The National.

“We’ve seen people on it now and again who look like they're doing maintenance. I heard it’s owned by a Russian oligarch but that’s all I know,” added the woman, who asked not to be identified.

The Phi has been moored in London since December 2021, when it arrived from the Netherlands after being completed by the prestigious Royal Huisman Shipyard.

It was only due to stop over in London to participate in the World Superyacht Awards before heading to Malta.

Mr Naumenko owns it through a front company registered in St Kitts and Nevis.

Mr Naumenko, who is adamant he has no connection to the Russian government and has never held any elected or official position, sued to get the superyacht back but in July 2023 a judge rejected the bid, and his appeal against that decision was thrown out this week.

While himself not a sanctioned individual, under UK law his assets can still be frozen if he is deemed to have benefited from the current Russian regime to the extent that he can afford a superyacht.

There was some consolation for him in the ruling when the judges said they were “troubled” by Mr Shapps' “incorrect statements” regarding Mr Naumenko and said these “ought not to have been made”, though ultimately they made no difference to the outcome.

Angelika Hellweger, a lawyer who is a sanctions and financial crime expert, told The National that actions such as detaining the Phi are "done by the West in a PR light to show the Russian elite what will happen to them and hope it has a deterrent effect".

“Moving against yachts and cars and so on is mainly a statement that they will go after them wherever they are and to show Putin and the people around him that the West won’t tolerate them," said Dr Hellweger, legal director at London law firm Rahman Ravelli.

She explained that while the term "seized" is in common parlance when talking about physical assets, they are in fact technically frozen – like a bank account might be – as they have not yet been confiscated.

When it comes to the wider sanctions regime, she said Russia, in common with many other countries in similar situations, has managed to find ways around them.

She cited the example of Russia being able to cope with the impact of the sanctions through a series of informal and shadow trade networks with neighbouring countries such as Kazakhstan and Belarus.

“You cannot isolate an economy forever, in particular one so integrated with the rest of the world, with globally important commodities such as oil and gas, like Russia, on which the West is very much dependent.”

The UK's Department of Transport says Mr Naumenko is picking up the bill for mooring, maintenance and any other charges relating to the Phi's detention.

By some estimates, the cost of maintaining a superyacht amounts to 10 per cent of its cost price, though that's likely to be lower given it's not consuming a large amount of fuel while berthed.

The Phi is among a number of superyachts linked to sanctioned Russian owners that have been detained. Some have been sold, including the Axioma, which was auctioned by the government of Gibraltar in 2022.

So far there has been no indication the UK authorities are looking to confiscate the Phi from Mr Naumenko, a property developer, as they did with the artwork seized from Nazem Ahmad , the alleged Hezbollah financier.

If it were to be put on the market there would be no shortage of potential buyers prepared to pay more than the original price, says superyacht broker Tim Johnson.

“It’s a pedigree yacht and it’s quite a unique design made by a pedigree shipyard,” Mr Johnson, the founder and chief executive of TJB Superyachts, told The National.

“A couple of years ago there was a big stigma with the past history of a yacht such as this but I think people have got past [that], so for some owners out there, they won’t mind that it was built for and owned by a Russian."

Mr Johnson explained that with the years-long wait for a new Royal Huisman yacht to be built, and with inflation pushing up the cost of building new vessels, it’s entirely possible the Phi would fetch more than its list price.

“It would take you four or five years to do something similar and with the time and man-hours that went into it, yachts at that level really hold their value for quite some time," he said.

“So to build this yacht again from start to finish today, you'll probably pay upwards of €70 million. So he could probably look to sell it for around €60 million.”

In the meantime, Mr Naumenko’s legal battle to get the yacht returned continues, said Sir Ian Collett, director of superyacht consultants Ward & McKenzie, who have been representing him.

“Our client’s solicitors and counsel are currently considering the detailed judgment with a view to seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court,” Sir Ian told The National.

Among them were a “number of issues within the judgment in which they disagree, and they may form the background to an appeal", in particular the fact that the Court of Appeal found that the Secretary of State for Transport made statements which were “incorrect”.

That the Court of Appeal found that these incorrect statements made no difference to the outcome is “something which we do not accept”.

The captain of a detained $50 million superyacht has slammed 'blatant racism' towards Russians who don't want to be associated with the Ukraine war

• The captain of a detained superyacht said its Russian owner was "guilty by association of his passport only."
• Guy Booth, captain of the Phi, told Stuff the yacht's owner wasn't an oligarch and hasn't been sanctioned.
• The $50 million Phi was detained in London by the UK government on Tuesday.

The captain of a $50 million superyacht detained by the UK has hit out at "blatant racism" shown toward Russians who don't want to be linked to the Ukraine war.

Guy Booth, captain of the 192-foot Phi, which has been linked to a Russian businessman, told New Zealand publication Stuff that the yacht's crew was "100% British and always has been" and they opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Putin's actions.

"However, we do not condone the blatant racism shown towards those Russians that wish to not be associated with the conflict," Booth said.

Booth said the owner of the Phi was "guilty by association of his passport only," adding that they hadn't been sanctioned and had "never been connected with anyone who is."

The West has been sanctioning Russian elites and seizing their assets to put pressure on the country to halt its invasion of Ukraine. Phi was detained by the UK on Tuesday in Canary Wharf, London's eastern financial district.

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has declined to name Phi's owner, describing them only as a "Russian businessman" who had "deliberately" kept their ownership of the vessel secret. However, UK transport minister Grant Shapps referred to the yacht's owner as a "Russian oligarch."

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Booth told Stuff that the vessel's owner wasn't an oligarch and said that Shapps' use of the term "puts all the crew at an unnecessary risk of harm from those that are angry about the war."

Some vessels owned by sanctioned oligarchs have been targeted by anti-war activists. A group of protesters in an inflatable dinghy reportedly tried to stop Roman Abramovich's $600 million superyacht Solaris from docking in Turkey .

The Financial Times earlier reported Phi's owner as Vitaly Vasilievich Kochetkov, founder of Motiv Telecom. Kochetkov has not been sanctioned by the UK, and The FT reported that he didn't appear to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On  March 1 , the UK banned all Russian-owned or operated ships from its ports and gave authorities the power to detain such vessels. Four weeks later, Phi became the "first ever" superyacht to be detained in UK waters, the National Crime Agency said .

Officials told the yacht's staff that Phi had been detained "on the grounds that it is owned, controlled, or operated by a person connected with Russia," Booth told Insider.

Shapps said that by detaining Phi, authorities had "turned an icon of Russia's power and wealth into a clear and stark warning to Putin and his cronies." Booth has said previously that Phi's detention was "government overreach and nothing more than a publicity stunt."

Phi has been moored in Canary Wharf  since December after it made its maiden voyage there from the Netherlands.

An NCA spokesperson told Insider that because the vessel "isn't seized, merely detained," it remains the property and responsibility of the owner, but can't leave the dock.

Booth told Insider that Phi Phantom, Phi's support ship, was inspected by Italian authorities on Thursday, who requested "comprehensive documents" before telling the vessel's staff that all appeared to be in order.

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Russian businessman loses appeal against UK over detained superyacht

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PHI TURNING HEADS

The 58.5m / 192ft motoryacht PHI, under power and turning heads: developed and constructed to remain below 500GT, she is by far the longest motoryacht in this category, worldwide, based on current Classification rules.

PHI – length overall: 58.5m / 192ft – gross tonnage: below 500 GT – hull and superstructure: aluminium – general concept, exterior design & interior layout: Cor D. Rover – interior design: Lawson Robb – naval architecture: Van Oossanen Naval Architects – project management / owner’s representative: Guy Booth – builder: Royal Huisman (2021)

“With such a powerful vision, a demand for the absolute highest level of quality available anywhere and such difficult engineering challenges, Royal Huisman were clearly the best partner to build the boat.”

Guy booth –  owner’s representative and project management.

PHI: 20+ knots during second trial on the North Sea (wind: Bft 5 and waves up to 1.4m / 5ft). PHI’s normal cruising speed is 12 knots and her maximum is over 22 knots.

“As a naval architect you are always looking to make something more efficient, more comfortable. One of the first things you learn about as a naval architect is the length / displacement ratio. If you make a boat longer without making it heavier it becomes so much more efficient and more comfortable. It improves all aspects.” explains Perry van Oossanen, PHI’s naval architect, during The Superyacht Forum 2021.

“PHI is 30% more efficient than a traditional 500GT motor yacht. I hope this new hull shape is more than a niche, it’s a new direction for the market. In order to gain the reductions in greenhouse gases we need to achieve, it could be a valuable step.” Perry van Oossanen adds.

Guy Booth continues: “At 22 knots you can barely hear the engines anywhere inside. You wouldn’t know you were moving unless you looked out of the window. Something of this size moving at 22 knots in silence was quite weird. It feels like you are stationary until you look out of the window and see everything flying past.”

PHI departs from Vollenhove

Royal Huisman project 403, PHI, has departed from the shipyard’s newbuild facilities in Vollenhove and is on her way to Royal Huisman Amsterdam to start sea trials. See the video and more photos in the annouoncement dated 26 October 2021 “PHI departs from Vollenhove” at this website: News > Announcements [click here]

PHI and the Golden Ratio

PHI is a magnificently sensuous motor yacht from the drawing board of Cor D. Rover, who has based the general concept, exterior design and interior layout on many in-depth conversations with the owner over a period of years. Relating inside and outside to the ”sectio divina” or the Golden Ratio, PHI is the formula that governs the continuation of dimensions and shapes in natural proportions throughout the design. Read much more about PHI’s design philosophy in the press release “PHI: the world’s longest motoryacht below 500GT” at this website: News > Announcements  [click here]

Complementing motoryacht PHI will be a 36m / 118ft shadow vessel, PHI Phantom, which is constructed at Alia Yachts. Carrying the same DNA as her bigger “beauty queen” sister, PHI Phantom is the hard working sibling. Both will have Cor D. Rover styling and a patented Van Oossanen Fast Displacement Hull, but her “make-up” will be a no-filler-matt-finish (albeit in the same color scheme as her big show-off sister).

“PHI would need to be a 90m project in order to deliver the same functions on board one yacht”

“PHI Phantom has been built to carry a 12m / 39ft and 14m / 46ft tender, an 8m / 26ft sailing boat, six jet skis, a car and 60,000 litres of surplus fuel for the mothership, as well as bicycles, motorbikes, spare parts and a vast amount of storage and refrigeration.”

A report into the support vessel concept: “Are two boats better value than one?” Read much more in this article by The Superyacht Owner Report at this website: News > Inhuis [click here]

“Just take a look at our two current motoryacht projects: project 403, PHI, and project 406, a unique 52m / 171ft sportfish yacht. The individual aspirations and challenges of each of these projects were seen to be well outside the comfort zone by some yards.” comments Jan Timmerman (CEO Royal Huisman):

Read more in the annouoncement dated 22 July 2021 “PHI is ready to shine” at this website: News > Announcements [click here]

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This Yacht is not for Charter*

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PHI yacht NOT for charter*

58.5m  /  191'11 | royal huisman | 2021.

Owner & Guests

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Swimming pool
• ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ✠A1, Commercial Yachting Service, Ⓔ, (✠)AMS classification
• Sleeps 12 overnight
• Able to access shallow bays and coves

The 58.5m/191'11" motor yacht 'Phi' was built by Royal Huisman in the Netherlands at their Vollenhove shipyard and she was delivered to her owner in December 2021. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Cor D. Rover Design.

Guest Accommodation

Phi has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 11 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include beauty salon and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Phi is built with a aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by twin diesel MTU (12V 2000 M96L) 12-cylinder 1,947hp engines running at 2450rpm, she comfortably cruises at 17 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 22 knots. Her low draft of 2.15m/7'1" makes her primed for accessing shallow areas and cruising close to the shorelines. Phi features at-anchor stabilizers providing exceptional comfort levels. She was built to ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ✠A1, Commercial Yachting Service, Ⓔ, (✠)AMS classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant.

*Charter Phi Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Phi is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Phi Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Phi

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Russian tycoon suing UK government for return of £38m superyacht

Sergei Georgievich Naumenko, who is not on sanctions list, is also seeking damages in high court claim

A Russian tycoon is suing the UK government over the seizure of his £38m superyacht in London shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year.

Sergei Georgievich Naumenko, a property developer who is not on the UK’s Russia sanctions list, has filed a high court claim against the Department for Transport (DfT) demanding it free his 58.5-metre (192ft) superyacht Phi and pay damages.

The seizure of the vessel in March 2022 was announced by the then transport secretary, Grant Shapps, who said impounding it had “turned an icon of Russia’s power and wealth into a clear and stark warning to [Vladimir] Putin and his cronies”.

“Detaining the Phi proves, yet again, that we can and will take the strongest possible action against those seeking to benefit from connections to Putin’s regime,” Shapps added.

Officers from the National Crime Agency boarded the vessel in March 2022 in Canary Wharf, where it has remained detained ever since.

At the time, the government said the law used to detain the vessel did not require proof or suspicion that the owner was closely tied to the Putin regime, merely that they were a Russian national.

The vessel had been in London for a World Superyacht awards judging panel event , which was held at the five-star Bulgari hotel in Knightsbridge.

A judge has overseen a preliminary high court hearing and heard arguments from lawyers representing Naumenko and the transport secretary, Mark Harper.

In a preliminary hearing, Mr Justice Chamberlain said: “Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the National Crime Agency and Border Force maritime intelligence bureau investigated vessels with connections to Russia. The Phi was identified as a vessel of interest.

“On 28 March 2022, the then secretary of state, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, exercised powers … to detain the Phi, on the grounds that it was owned, controlled or operated by a person connected with Russia.”

Chamberlain said a “substantive hearing” to decide the fate of the yacht would take place in July.

A spokesperson for the DfT said the department would not comment on active legal proceedings.

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The seizure of the yacht came as the UK government was under pressure to take more definitive action against wealthy Russians. The US and European governments have detained dozens of superyachts owned by high-profile Russian oligarchs who are under sanctions. The total value of seized superyachts is thought to now exceed $4bn (£3.2bn).

The Phi is the third biggest yacht built by the shipbuilders Royal Huisman and includes what the builders call an “infinite wine cellar” and patented fresh-water swimming pool.

Guy Booth, a New Zealander based in Brighton, is the captain of Phi and has posted several pictures of the vessel on his Instagram feed.

Booth, an experienced superyacht mariner, was appointed as “owner’s representative” and “build captain” to oversee the construction of the yacht in 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile. He did not respond to requests for comment on the identity of the owner.

Booth has previously said the owner proposed “thousands of crazy ideas” for what he wanted from the yacht, including a “penthouse” apartment on the upper deck.

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