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11 of the coolest submarine-carrying superyachts

If you haven't already heard, submarines are officially the coolest piece of kit to keep on board. With room for up to six guests and tailor-made to fit the weight and height restrictions of a superyacht tender garage, exploring the underwater world has never been easier for the superyacht set. Discover 11 of the best sub-carrying superyachts on the water...

Shinkai , meaning deep sea in Japanese, was purpose-built to accommodate a U-Boat Worx C-Researcher 3 submersible which the owner already had in build at the time of signing the contract with Feadship . Finished in racing red, the submarine sits flush with the aft deck and is the first to be fitted with an elevator to lower passengers into their seats. A heavy-duty crane with an eight-metre reach is fitted nearby to launch and recover the sub.

More about this yacht

The ice-classed La Datcha is an intrepid explorer built for adventures in the world’s wildest regions and is equipped with toys for every climate. A pair of helicopters - twin Airbus H125s – can whisk guests off for an afternoon of heli-skiing, while a three-person Triton submersible, made to match the mothership, is suited to cruising in warmer climes where the sea below is bustling with aquatic life. La Datcha is available for charter with Imperial.

Yachts for charter

Legend started life as a Soviet icebreaker and, after receiving the full superyacht treatment in 2016, now cruises as the ultimate luxury explorer. Legend ’s toy box is impressive – to say the least – but her submarine is by far the coolest toy in her collection. The U Boat Worx C Explorer 5 submersible can take up to four guests (plus a pilot) down to a depth of 200 metres. She is also capable of carrying up to 19 crew on board, plus an extra 10 expedition crew including a doctor, ice-pilot, and expedition leaders, for an adventure like no other. Legend is available for charter with Y.CO.

Nicknamed the ‘ world’s largest floating toy box ’, the 66 metre Hodor is the first of a new breed of shadow cats designed to make the storage, launch and recovery of toys and tenders as slick as possible. Her top deck alone carries a 7.3-metre Novurania catamaran RIB, nine-metre Metal Shark landing craft, and an insane 388 Skater race boat. Below, in the belly of the beast, she carries nine jet skis, four Yamaha ATVs, four Yamaha TW200 trail motorcycles, a hobie cat and two laser dinghies and a Seamagine Aurora-3 submersible. The submarine garage is housed in the centre of Hodor , and its launching system uses air casters to locate from the garage to the beam cranes.

Game Changer

The 72 metre Game Changer was built in 2017 based on the same patented Damen Sea Axe hull as Garcçon , but with a 2.04 metre stern extension for a helicopter hangar. Among the many toys and tenders stored on her aft deck is a Wajer 38 dayboat, a 10.5 metre military-style RIB and a three-person U-Boat Worx C Explorer submarine.

Stern (previously Cecilia ) stands out among this list of sub-carrying superyachts. Not only is she the smallest but, unlike most of her much larger counterparts, the submersible isn’t stored on deck. On Cecilia , a three-person U-Boat Worx SYS3 (complete with a Jules Verne-esque manipulator hand – which clutched a bottle of Bollinger during her Monaco Yacht Show debut) is actually stored in the beach club. It simply slides out on a sophisticated crane installed overhead.

Yachts for sale

Serial superyacht owner, adventurer, environmental warrior and treasure hunter, Carl Allen owns a seriously impressive fleet of toys, tenders and yachts, known collectively as the Allen Exploration fleet. His 50 Westport, Gigi , travels with a 55 metre Damen support vessel in tow, named Axis (previously Fast & Furious) , and is key to Allen’s primary mission to study plastic pollution and fish migration and secondary mission to hunt for treasures lost at sea. The fleet also includes an Icon A5 aircraft and a Triton 3300/3 MKII submarine, both stored on Axis ’s deck.

U Boat Navigator

U Boat Navigator is a 24 metre expedition yacht designed to provide the ultimate dive experience to all guests that step aboard. Well-equipped for a subaquatic adventure, U Boat Navigator is home to two Triton submersibles, including a custom three-person Triton 3300/3, the same model used to film the BBC’s award-winning Blue Planet II. Meanwhile, a second, slightly smaller sub acts as a support vessel. The yacht also runs a full dive centre set-up along with tri-mix facilities, a decompression chamber and a tender to whisk guests to the best dive spots. U Boat Navigator is available for charter with Fraser .

The 63.69 metre explorer SuRi has recently undertaken a two-year expedition to map the ocean floor as part of a wider mission, in partnership with Cookson Adventures, to create a complete map of the ocean floor by 2030 . The mission’s submersible of choice is a seven-seater U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7, capable of reaching depths of 300 metres and piloted by Ofer Ketter. Other toys include a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter, SeaRey seaplane, nine metre Stan-Craft Wooden Speedster and two BMW GS650 motorcycles – to name a few.

OceanXplorer

To call OceanXplorer a superyacht might be a stretch. You won’t find any sundeck swimming pools or two-storey master suites with sweeping views out across the foredeck. But that doesn’t mean she’s not “super”. The 87 metre expedition vessel started out life as a commercial surveying ship before she was converted into the ultimate research vessel by filmmaker Mark Dalio in partnership with non-profit organisation OceanX. The vessel is home to two twin Triton submarines that can dive to a depth of 1,000 metres, launched and recovered via an A-frame crane on the stern.

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Tour the World’s Most Luxurious Submarine Superyacht

By Dave Banks

Photography by Migaloo

Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Boat and Submarine

If yacht owners really want to put everyone at port to shame, they should consider sailing on the Migaloo Private Submersible Yacht. A concept yacht created by Migaloo, an Austrian design and engineering firm, the line of luxury superyachts offers a range of bespoke underwater crafts that vary in size. After sailing the new Migaloo submersible yacht on the water, owners can close up the decks and turn the craft into a fully operational submarine.

“What we are attempting to do is to create a living space where exterior and interior interact in harmony,” says Christian Gumpold, managing director and head of design at Migaloo. With rooms that open to the ocean for dining alfresco while above water, and large viewing galleries for taking in the marine life when submersed, the Migaloo creates that harmony. What’s more, the firm reaffirms its focus on luxury with optional amenities that include helipads, swimming pools, movie theaters, elevators, wine cellars, libraries, and private terraces.

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The Migaloo submersible yacht moving underwater.

Of course, safety is a major focal point as well. Each superyacht will be built to U.S. Navy SUBSAFE safety standards, which ensure that the interiors will stay watertight and the vessel can recover from unanticipated flooding. According to Migaloo, solitude is a major point of interest for yacht owners, which is why the ability to dive beneath the surface and out of view might have great appeal. “Privacy is a big issue on superyachts,” says Gumpold, “our answer to this concern is simply submerging the vessel into complete privacy.”

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This Hybrid Superyacht-Submarine Concept Can Stay Underwater for up to 4 Days

U-boat worx's nautilus design is the ultimate two-in-one., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

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U-Boat Worx Nautilus Submarine Superyacht

U-Boat Worx’s latest concept brings a whole new meaning to “multipurpose.”

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U-Boat Worx Nautilus Submarine Superyacht

“People that have decided to buy a yacht will now have to consider if their vessel of choice can also dive down to 200 meters,” U-Boat Worx chairman and founder Bert Houtman said in a statement.

The superyacht submarine will be able to stay underwater for up to four days, but can only cruise underwater for six hours at a time. As an added bonus, the Nautilus can make a quick escape in the face of choppy waters.

“If the sea becomes too rough, you simply dive and continue your voyage in comfort,” Houtman adds. “With the Nautilus, the yachting market will never be the same again.”

U-Boat Worx Nautilus Submarine Superyacht

The luxurious interior offers all the comforts of a superyacht and can be fully customized by the client. As standard, the layout comprises a combined lounge and dining area of 538 square feet, along with a fully equipped galley, one owner’s suite, four staterooms and sleeping quarters for up to six crew. You’ll have some pretty incredible underwater views, too, thanks to the large circular windows throughout.

When above the water, seafarers can make use of the massive sundeck, which is equipped with a freshwater pool, a bar and an alfresco dining table. This area is neatly retracted before the sub slips below sea level, of course. The Nautilus is also fitted with a new, pressure-resistant electric tender called the Aronnax that can transport up to five seafarers to underwater dive spots. The tender is stowed under the aft deck and stays outside while the Nautilus is diving.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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LST - Limo Sub Tender

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Migaloo - the future of yachting

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Extraordinary experiences for extraordinary owner

MIGALOO News

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MIGALOO M5 - 165 M Private Submersible Superyacht

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Length overall: 165.8 m Beam: 23.0 m Draft: 8.6 m Range: approx. 15.000 km Submerged duration: approx. 4 weeks Depth: approx. 250 m

MIGALOO Press Coverage Overview

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Migaloo M5 Private submersible fortress - the future of protection

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MIGALOO Private Submersible Superyachts cooperates with SAFE , offering ultimate and uncompromising protection for the Owners peace of mind.

Beyond Military grade protection for the Owner, the guests and any valuables onboard.

SAFE provides customized security systems using advanced technology for early threat detection, swift client isolation and thorough mitigation.

With 50 years of success, SAFE has safeguarded high-profile clients, governments, residences, and headquarters globally. Its expert team delivers tailored security solutions, staying ahead with the latest technologies to set industry standards and surpass client expectations.

submarine on yacht

A submersible superyacht represents the pinnacle of personal expression. Offering unmatched privacy and security, it caters to those with a passion for exploration and seeking extraordinary experiences. MIGALOO stands as the future of yachting, redefining luxury and adventure for its owner and guests.

submarine on yacht

Statement of Christian Gumpold, CEO and founder of MIGALOO:

" We believe that Submersible Superyachts are the future of yachting.

The needs of Superyacht Owners for their vessels are more complex than ever. These wishes do not just include performance, length or design. Owners are looking for privacy , security and protection for themselves, their guests and their valuables, or for the fulfillment of unique experiences up to scientific desires as well as for the greatest possible exclusivity and limitation ."

THE MIGALOO FLEET

Private Submersible Superyachts

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MIGALOO PRIVATE SUBMARINES

MIGALOO Private Submersible Superyachts offer ultimate experiences, safety & prestige.

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MIGALOO LST - Limo Sub Tender

Travel, explore or transfer  as well as submerged docking - in total privacy.

Private Islands

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MIGALOO KOKOMO AILAND

The Private Floating Habitat based on Semi-Submerisble Platforms acts as a private island.

MIGALOO's vision is to develop the most extraordinary designs above and below the waterline - for visionary and innovative Owner

submarine on yacht

“They did not know it was impossible so they did it”

  • Nach oben scrollen
  • Production Models
  • Specifications & Features

The most compact private submarine

Super yacht sub 3.

Image

Versatile, smart and capable with a design that will satisfy the highest expectations of discerning superyacht owners.

Super Yacht Sub 3 isometric view

The fully acrylic hyper-hemispherical viewport gives you the best panoramic view of the underwater world possible.

Freeboard is the height between the hatch and the waterline. The Freeboard Extender is a sliding barrier that increases the distance between the water and the hatch opening. It simultaneously allows for the submarine to be operated in rough conditions and be stored in low-height garage spaces.

The latest in Lithium-ion battery technology is used to give our submersibles the ultimate performance, lowest weight, smallest footprint, and best endurance possible. The Lithium-ion battery can be quickly recharged and is maintenance-free.

The powerful thrusters and the excellent manoeuvrability of the Super Yacht Sub 3 boost superior surface performance. You will be able to go faster, manoeuvre better and expand your operational window.

This compact ultra-wide (130 degree) field of view instrument has a range of 100 meters acting as a second set of eyes when navigating the subsea terrain.

External equipment comprising a selection of subsea robotic arms together with work platforms and collection baskets can be installed on most of the U-Boat Worx models.

Super Yacht Sub 3 rear isometric view

The red buoy is characteristic for U-Boat Worx submersibles. When released it marks the position of the submarine on the surface. The Dyneema Rope attached measures 1.5 x the operating depth of the submersible, and is strong enough to lift it to the surface.

Super Yacht Sub 3 interior

The U-Boat Worx Information System (UIS) gives the pilot direct access to all relevant information on a clear touch-screen display. The PLC-based network of sensors ensures the right information is provided at the right time. The UIS makes diving effortless.

The acrylic pressure hull accommodates two luxurious leather seats which can be customized to your taste.

super-yacht-sub-3-malta-wreck-diving_04

The best dive experience

This submarine is aimed at the yacht markets where an ever-growing number of seaboard owners are discovering the world below the waterline. This compact and lightweight model delivers both performance and luxury.

super-yacht-sub-3-marlin-controller_01

Clearest View

The ground breaking pressure hull design provides a virtually unimpeded view; everyone on board can easily see the hidden secrets of the deep.

super-yacht-sub-3-unparalleld-comfort_01

Unparalleled comfort

With the U-Boat Worx Super Yacht Sub 3, we have aspired to create the ultimate in luxury interior design. When onboard a Super Yacht Sub 3, guests enjoy exhilarating views from a sumptuous chair in a comfortable air-conditioned environment with variable airflow, adjustable from each seat. You can also enjoy music from a hi-fidelity Bluetooth sound-system and even chill your favourite drinks in a cold-storage box.

super-yacht-sub-3-unrivalled-mission-adaptability_01

Unrivalled mission-adaptability

The Super Yacht Sub 3 outperforms on every level – flexibility, agility, economy and power. This exceptional submersible features the Freeboard Extender and other smart engineering solutions.

super-yacht-sub-3-ever-ready_01

Designed from concept to be dive-ready, U-Boat Worx has kept pre-dive checks to the safest minimum, allowing for quick and easy deployment.

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES

Super Yacht Sub 3 anatomy view white

  • Depth 300 m · 1000 ft
  • Occupancy 2 passengers · 1 pilot
  • Weight 3,800 kg
  • Endurance 12 hours
  • Length 320 cm
  • Width 244 cm
  • Height 174 cm
  • Battery 21.6 kWh
  • Propulsion 2 X 6.4 kW 2 X 5.5 kW
  • Speed 3 knots

Lithium-ion battery technology

Freeboard extender, manta controller, marlin controller, auto-heading, omni-directional operation, container fit, single lifting point.

The MANTA Controller allows for pinpoint precision manoeuvring. The intuitive controls allow for supervised passenger steering, offering passengers an even more exciting experience. The controller allows quick access to intelligent pilot assistance functions such as  Auto-heading  and  Auto-depth.

Developed to make  Launch & Recovery  effortless and efficient, the MARLIN Controller is a wireless remote to navigate the submarine on the surface. Once the submarine is in the water the controller can be used to navigate it away from the support vessel without a pilot inside. It can also be used to bring the submarine into position above a dive site or for easy passenger transfer.

With Auto-depth engaged, the submersible will hold steady at its current depth. When applying vertical thrust, the function will automatically disengage and seamlessly respond to the pilot’s commands. This function is part of the  Intelligent Pilot Assistance   Features.

When Auto-heading is activated, the submersible will automatically hold its current heading, whether following a course or facing an object of interest. This function is part of the  Intelligent Pilot Assistance   Features.

The U-Boat Worx Information System (UIS) gives the pilot direct access to all relevant information on a clear touch-screen display. This PLC-based sensory network ensures the right information is provided at the right time. The UIS makes diving effortless.

Apart from the basic forward, reverse, up and down movements, the submersible can also move laterally. Lateral movement greatly optimises object approach, view, and dive efficiency.

This submersible is designed to fit in a shipping container. Perfect for when the submersible needs to be transported to and deployed in different locations.

The single lifting point makes launch and recovery quick and easy. By only having to attach at one point – to the crane – you create a safer environment. With the rapid-release and efficient-connect lifting gear, you can be quickly in and out of the water.

Maximum depth protection

Deadman's switch, drop weight, safety buoy, dnv certification.

The MDP feature prevents the pilot from diving deeper than the submarine’s maximum operating depth. In case the submersible should ever find itself too deep, this safety feature will automatically raise the sub until it is once again within its ideal depth limits.

This DMS safety system will automatically resurface the submersible in the unlikely event that the pilot becomes incapable of controlling the submarine. The pilot needs to acknowledge the DMS every 10 minutes, otherwise it will initiate the ascent procedure.

This weight can be manually released from within the submersible to increase the buoyancy of the submarine and return to the surface.

A very advanced USBL system is available that relays GPS data to the submersible’s on-board computer via integrated underwater modems. Piloting with real time positioning and supporting text data provides for accurate and efficient navigation. The DVL (Doppler Velocity Log) delivers real-time ground speed and position data linking to the on-board computer system.

Certified by leading classification society, DNV, requires each individual submersible to meet stringent and extensive rules and regulations, as well as pass a range of rigorous test and trials from design to final delivery. Overseen by independent surveyors, this is an independent verification of the safety of every U-Boat Worx submersible.

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C-Researcher series

C-Researcher Series

  • C-Researcher 2 500 M 1,640 Ft 5,750 KG 12,700 Lb 2
  • C-Researcher 2 1,140 M 3,740 Ft 7,200 KG 15,800 Lb 2
  • C-Researcher 2 3,000 M 9,840 Ft 9,960 KG 21,950 Lb 2
  • C-Researcher 3 300 M 1,000 Ft 6,300 KG 13,900 Lb 3
  • C-Researcher 3 1,140 M 3,740 Ft 8,900 KG 19,620 Lb 3
  • C-Researcher 3 2,500 M 8,200 Ft 11,300 KG 24,910 Lb 3
  • C-Researcher 3 LH 500 M 1,640 Ft 4,100 KG 9,040 Lb 3
  • C-Researcher 3 LH 1,700 M 5,570 Ft 10,500 KG 23,150 Lb 3
  • C-Researcher 5 300 M 1,000 Ft 8,600 KG 18,960 Lb 5

NEXUS Series

NEXUS Series

  • NEXUS 7 200 M 650 Ft 11,000 KG 24,000 Lb 7
  • NEXUS 8 200 M 650 Ft 12,000 KG 26,000 Lb 9

Cruise Sub series

Cruise Sub Series

  • Cruise Sub 5 500 M 1,640 Ft 8,500 KG 18,750 Lb 5
  • Cruise Sub 5 1,140 M 3,750 Ft 11,000 KG 24,250 Lb 5
  • Cruise Sub 5 1,700 M 5,570 Ft 16,000 KG 35,260 Lb 5
  • Cruise Sub 7 300 M 1,000 Ft 9,500 KG 20,940 Lb 7
  • Cruise Sub 7 1,140 M 3,740 Ft 14,500 KG 31,970 Lb 7
  • Cruise Sub 9 300 M 1,000 Ft 11,000 KG 24,250 Lb 9
  • Cruise Sub 11 200 M 650 Ft 13,300 KG 29,320 Lb 11

Super Yacht Sub

Super Yacht Sub 3

  • Super Yacht Sub 3 300 M 1,000 Ft 3,800 KG 8,380 Lb 3

C-Explorer series

C-Explorer Series

  • C-Explorer 3 300 M 1,000 Ft 6,010 KG 13,250 Lb 3
  • C-Explorer 5 200 M 650 Ft 7,340 KG 16,180 Lb 5

NEMO series

NEMO

  • NEMO 2 100 M 330 Ft 2,500 KG 5,510 Lb 2

Super Sub

  • Super Sub 300 M 1,000 Ft 9,000 KG 19,800 Lb 3

UWEP

  • 120 OCCUPANTS 150 M 500 Ft 120

Nautilus

  • 17 occupants 150 M 500 Ft 17

Occupants (min.)

Depth (min.), weight (max.), height (max.).

65m Luxury Undersea Yacht Phoenix 1000 by US Submarines

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Written by Zuzana Bednarova

65m undersea superyacht Phoenix 1000 is a personal luxury submarine built by US Submarines. Submarine yacht Phoenix 1000 is the single largest private undersea vehicle ever built, and probably one of the most important personal transportation devices of the century.

Phoenix 1000 by US Submarines

US Submarines Phoenix 1000 submarine

213´ luxury submarine yacht Phoenix 1000 has more than ample space. The total interior area of the submarine is in excess of 460 square meters (5000 square feet). The significant volume, coupled with very large acrylic viewports, and the potential for relatively large open spaces, results in a vehicle as luxurious as the finest of motor yachts.

Clearly, underwater super yacht Phoenix 1000 provides its owner with substantially more capability than a simple yacht – the opportunity to explore the depths of the world’s oceans in perfect comfort and safety. The Phoenix 1000 yacht is capable of making trans-Atlantic crossings at 16 knots yet can dive along the route and explore the continental margins of some of the most fascinating waters on earth.

submarine on yacht

US Submarines Phoenix 1000

And unlike surface yachts, when the water gets rough, the submarine can submerge into a perfectly smooth and quiet environment, continuing on toward its destination, providing a ride unsurpassed in quality-unequaled by the finest motor coach or the most luxurious executive aircraft.

At 65-meters (213 feet) in overall length, and with a beam in excess of 8 meters (26 feet), the Phoenix 1000 is a vehicle of formidable size. Yet despite its 1500-ton displacement, the submarine is quite streamlined. Given the significant waterplane area and ample internal volume, which allows for greater battery storage, the Phoenix 1000 yacht will out-perform smaller counterparts in surface speed, submerged speed and submerged endurance.

Phoenix 1000 luxury submarine

Phoenix 1000 luxury submarine

The large pressure hull diameter allows for very large acrylic viewports, making the undersea viewing capability truly extraordinary. The interior space, with the noted absence of structural bulkheads, provides for tremendous versatility in interior layout and space planning. And finally, the Phoenix 1000’s large size coupled with its integrated roll stabilization system makes surface transit quite comfortable in all but the worst conditions.

Flying Bridge

The uppermost level of the vessel is the flying bridge. This area is similar to its equivalent area on most yachts, with the exception of the fact that the materials selected are subject to immersion in water. Ample space exists for lounging, and cushions may be brought up from the area below. The flying bridge also houses the pressure-compensated radar radome, GPS antennae and satellite communications radome, as well as radio aerials, running lights, etc. A remote steering station is also available.

Luxurious interior of the Phoenix 1000 undersea superyacht

Luxurious interior of the Phoenix 1000 undersea superyacht

Deck Saloon

Immediately below the flying bridge and accessible through a large hydraulically operated hatch and a stairway, is the deck saloon. As proposed, this area would be composed of structural acrylic cylindrical sections 2.1 meters (7′) in diameter and 20 centimeters (8″) in thickness. The overall length of the deck saloon pressure hull would be 12 meters.

The deck saloon would have a comfortably appointed interior and would boast an incredible view for observation, both on the surface and when submerged. By fitting transparent sections into the deck of the flying bridge, a view above can be enjoyed as well.

In the forward portion of the saloon is the surface bridge. This area contains all the necessary control, monitoring and navigation equipment to operate the submarine in the surfaced condition. The captain has a hemispherical sector acrylic viewport immediately in front, with the transparent cylindrical walls to either side.

The aft portion of the saloon has a large acrylic window, providing a view astern that also acts as a large hydraulically operated hatch. A small automobile could be kept in the aft section if desired.

Superstructure

The superstructure itself is composed principally of aluminum (or FRP if the owner prefers), and it houses the deck saloon pressure vessel and also provides the structural base for the flying bridge. There is a large degree of latitude possible with regard to the styling of the structure, with the caveat that its hydrodynamic efficiency will have a significant effect on the submerged speed of the submarine.

Aft of the deck saloon is a covered space that can be either fully or partially enclosed. The greater the degree of closure to the after portion of the structure, the less turbulence and the more hydromdynamic efficiency. Hydraulically actuated after doors could be designed to open, allowing fresh air to circulate. The area would be excellent for covered, informal, deck-level dining.

Docking Minisub

Aft of the superstructure, or optionally, above the control cabin on the bow, is an area for a docking minisub. Utilizing a special docking collar, this vehicle is capable of leaving the Phoenix 1000 superyacht while submerged and making excursions down to 610 meters (2000 feet). With both top and bottom hatches, the minisub could also bring passengers from the surface to the submarine lying at depth. The minisub could be designed to hold between two and eight passengers, depending upon the owner’s preferences. Additionally, in the unlikely event of an emergency at depth, the minisub could be used to take passengers and crew to the surface.

Forward Control Room

The forward control room is entered from the main deck through a watertight, pressure-proof door. The control room has a 2.4 meter (8′) diameter hemispherical sector acrylic viewport forward and three 1.8 meter (6′) diameter viewports on either side, with the foremost pair angled slightly forward.

The control room contains all of the control and navigation equipment necessary to operate the submarine while submerged. The 8 meter x 4 meter (26′ x 13′) area contains sufficient space to fit comfortable lounge chairs for passenger observation while underway.

Main Passenger Areas

The main passenger area consists of two decks, each 31 meters (102′) long and 6 meters (20′) wide. The upper deck is accessed from one of two hatches, either from the deck saloon or from a hatch to the after portion of the superstructure. Two stairways, one in the center of the deck, the other in the after section, lead to the lower deck.

The upper deck is intended to provide space for an engineering workstation, a switch and contactor room, crew cabins and mess, as well as the galley. The forward portion, which ends at a bulkhead, is designed as a room of the owner’s choosing.

The main deck is situated such that the forward portion, with eight 1.8 meter (6′) diameter acrylic windows, contains the living and dining areas, while the section aft of the beam houses the owner’s stateroom and guest cabins. Five viewports, 90 centimeters (35″) in diameter, are situated on both port and starboard sides.

Below the passenger area is the battery compartment and bilge. A narrow manway allows access through the compartment for battery maintenance.

Engine Room

The engine room is accessed through doors at the after portion of both passenger decks. The space contains the majority of the equipment necessary for the submarine’s operation, including the main diesels, motor generators, drive systems, air compressors, hydraulic aggregates and life support systems. The upper level of the engine space provides access to the minisub, and in the stern section, to a diver lock-out chamber. The bottom level allows maintenance of the main engines and related components. Diver Lock-out Chamber

A spherical diver lock-out chamber, 2.4 meters (8′) in diameter is fitted above the shafts and attached to the aftermost section of the pressure hull. The chamber allows a diver to enter or exit the submarine from the area between the shafts at depths of up to 45 meters (150′). The chamber can be fitted with decompression capability if required.

General Specifications of the 65m luxury undersea superyacht Phoenix 1000:

Certification: ABS+A1 Manned Submersible Operating Depth: 305 meters Passengers: varies (470 sq m interior) Crew: 3 Length: 65.0 meters (213′) Beam: 8.0 meters (26.3′) Pressure Hull Diameter: 6.7 meters (22′) center Weight in Air: 1500 tons

Dynamic Characteristics Maximum Surface Speed: 18.0 knots Cruising Surface Speed: 16.0 knots Max. Submerged Speed: 10.0 knots

Propulsion Surface Diesels: 2 x 1100 kW Main Electric Motor/Generators: 2 x 370 kW Vertical Thrusters: 2 x 110 kW Lateral Thrusters: 2 x 410 kW

Endurance (Predicted) Surface Range: 3500 nautical miles Submerged Endurance: 6 hours at 10 knots/50 hours at 5 knots/140 hours at 2.5 knots

Battery and Electrical Systems Main Battery: 360 VDC Communication Battery: 24 VDC Control Battery: 24 VDC Emergency Battery: 24 VDC Total Battery Capacity: 3280 KWH Electric Generator: 2 x 370 kW

Ballast and Trim Systems Main Ballast Capacity: 340,000 KG Variable Ballast: 18,000 KG Trim/Dropweight: 9,000 KG trim/135,000 KG drop

Gas Supply Main Oxygen: 30 days, full load Reserve Oxygen: 10 days Main Air: 275 bar, external Air Compressor: 310 bar, 150 kW Navigation and Communications Compass Main: Gyro compass Compass reserve: Fluxgate Speed Log: Digital Depth Gauge: 400 meter, analog and digital Active Sonar: Color Imaging Surface Communications: Marine VHF Subsurface UWT: 10 and 27 KHZ

Additional Instrumentation Custom Control LCDs: Ballast Indicators Thruster Control Panel: Hydraulic Panel F-16 Style Joystick: Hydraulic Pressure RPM Gauge: Depth Sounder CRT Rudder Indicator: Video Camera System Life Support Panel: Video Monitors Oxygen Gauges: Electrical Panel Oxygen Analyzer: Volt andAmp Meters Carbon Dioxide Monitor: IR andCircuit Protection Alarm Panel: Lighting Panel Interlock Indicators: Clock Flammable Gas Monitor: Barometer/Hygrometer Fire Suppression System: Inclinometers Ballast Panel: Thermometer Air Pressure Gauges

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "65m Luxury Undersea Yacht Phoenix 1000 by US Submarines".

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By SuperyachtNews 03 May 2019

Operating submersibles on board

Two superyacht captains discuss the impact these high-tech pieces of equipment have on operations….

Image for article Operating submersibles on board

For owners and charter guests seeking unique and adventurous experiences, having a submersible on board is very appealing. With some of the latest models on the market able to reach staggering depths, submersibles can dive into remote parts of the ocean and get up close and personal with marine life that was once inaccessible. The idea of having a submersible on board is no doubt also an exciting one for many captains and crew, but it does come with concerns about complex operations and maintenance procedures.

The submersible experience 

On board the 55m Damen yacht support vessel Axis is a Triton 3300/3 submersible that can reach depths of 1,000 metres with two passengers and a pilot. Captain Les Annan says just going underwater in the submersible is an amazing first-time experience for most people. “Once you go below 35 metres [the safe scuba-diving limit], you are the first human to see whatever you see,” he adds. “Taking the sub to dive sites is very interesting as well as you can see so much aquatic life and geological sculptures. Being in the sub is more comfortable than scuba diving as you are dry and have communications [with the surface], with an enhanced peripheral view that you don’t get through a dive mask.” 

submarine on yacht

Captain Jan Rautawaara has worked on superyachts for most of his career and has spent the past couple of years aboard the luxury cruise ship Crystal Esprit , which has a U-Boat Worx C-Explorer 3 submarine on board. He agrees that the submersible experience is unparalleled for guests. “From an experience point of view, it is unique and guests always find it very exciting,” says Rautawaara. “Guests will normally have high expectations about what they are going to see, but you never really know what you will find during a dive. To show them something special, it is best to dive deeper to depths of around 100 metres, where you can see things that can’t be seen [when] scuba diving.” 

With regards to visibility and how much you are going to see, Annan says this can vary a lot, just like scuba diving, and depends to what depth you are diving. “At depths deeper than 250 metres, natural sunlight does not penetrate the water, so it’s pitch-black,” he says. “The submersible has strong lights so that you can see for a distance of about 20 metres depending on the visibility. The lights highlight all the colours so it is very magical and colourful down there. When you go deeper than 500 metres, the sea life is even more interesting and different from what you find in shallow water. It truly is an outer worldly experience.”

Destinations and permission

The main challenge with submersible operations comes down to stringent local laws in certain destinations. “If you want to use the submersible, you have to have a permit from the local authorities to dive and some countries can be very strict due to a lack of awareness of what a submersible actually is,” advises Rautawaara. “Even though scuba-diving companies can go pretty much anywhere, the authorities sometimes only give an assigned area in which the submersible can be used and often these sites don’t show much of interest. For example, we couldn’t get a permit in Greece and only managed to get permits for three sites in Croatia. In the Caribbean, we couldn’t get a permit for the British Virgin Islands; however, we did for Saba, St Barths and St Kitts and Nevis.”

In Annan’s experience, while not all countries will allow yachts to just show up with a submersible and dive, working with a local agent and allowing some preparation time will usually result in permission being granted. One particular aspiration for him is to go with Axis to Truk Lagoon in Micronesia where there are many untouched Japanese wrecks from the Second World War that are too deep for scuba diving.

Set-up and launch considerations

“While not necessary, the ideal set-up would be a hanger or garage for the submersible so that it can be kept inside when not in use, protected from the elements and [where it is] easy to maintain,” says Rautawaara. “A crane capable of lifting the sub into the water by the vessel’s side is also needed. Once the submersible is in the water, the pilot enters from a tender, the submersible is disconnected from the mother ship, guests are brought on board and the dive can begin. We usually operate close to the mother ship, no more than a mile away. Furthermore, the submersible pilot is also in constant communication via an underwater radio transmitter, with our tender acting as the surface safety guard boat. Safety is obviously the highest priority at all times and even the passengers get a thorough safety briefing before going on board the sub.”

On board Axis , submersible launches can be made over a sea wall. “This means when we are in deep water, we can use the Damen dynamic positioning on board to allow us to hold position after the launch of the submarine directly over the desired area of interest with no commute from shallower anchorages, allowing more ‘action time’ on the dive,” explains Annan. While Axis does not have an A-frame and gets along fine without it, Annan recommends it for a boat going around the world because it allows the launch and recovery of the submersible in higher seas.

submarine on yacht

“We are very lucky to have such a capable boat as the Damen yacht-support vessel to work from and great owners [who] give us all the tools we need to make it enjoyable for them and their guests,” continues Annan. “Damen has an amazing worldwide support system for the yacht, so going anywhere in the world is not a worry on Axis . Damen fitted us with a 19,000-kilo crane that easily picks up the 8,000-kilo submersible and all of the other toys on deck. An average dive lasts two to three hours and reaches depths of 200 to 300 metres. Before a dive begins, a short Triton safety video is played, just like on an airplane, and the pilot gives the passengers a short briefing before going down.” 

There is some misunderstanding that submersibles are complex pieces of equipment to set up. For the submersible on board Axis , the sub pilot needs to be certified by Triton Submarines and approved by the insurance company or Triton will supply a sub pilot when needed anywhere in the world. “I went to its school for two weeks and then did over 20 dives with an instructor and [had] a verbal test from a group of instructors,” says Annan. “In my case it was easy to learn as I am a master scuba-diving instructor with over 6,000 dives. I also do all the service on the sub as well as I have a Y1 engineer ticket and the sub is very easy to work on and maintain. I can now train new pilots and when I think they are ready Triton can come out and test them.”

Rautawaara is also trained as a pilot for the U-Boat Worx submersible on board Crystal Esprit . “The pilot licence consists of about three weeks of training and teaches you about all the systems on your specific model of submersible,” he explains. “You then have to pass a theory and practical assessment which goes through all emergency scenarios. With regards to maintenance, there is not much that the yacht’s crew are able to do as the manufacturer has a very good system and logging process to keep on top of the maintenance requirements. For any technical issues, they will send one of their own technicians to the vessel. In addition, our submersible is also inspected annually by a classification society just like any other vessel.”

The crew on board Axis are all well trained in lifting heavy items on deck and in surface operations for the submersible as well. Whenever the submersible is in use, a tender is shadowing it on the surface, supplying a GPS signal and communications with the sub which orally checks in every 15 minutes to ensure communication at all times.

The submersible market has been stigmatised to some extent in the superyacht industry because of unfounded concerns about complex and dangerous operations. However, the industry is coming to realise just how amazing the submersible experience can be, as described by the captains above, as well as just how straightforward the operational aspect actually is.

Images courtesy of Allen Exploration and Triton Submarines

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The embodiment of exploration

Discover what makes Nautilus submarine the ultimate exploration vessel. Both on and under the water, functioning as both a yacht and a submarine

submarine on yacht

General Characteristics

Maximum operating depth.

150 meters – 500 Feet

7 crew – up to 10 guests

Length overall: 42 meter Beam overall: 7,7 meter Gross tonnage: 1,610 Tons

Propulsion: Diesel-Electric Surface speed: 10 knots Submerged speed: 10 knots

submarine on yacht

Above and underwater

The luxury yacht submarine.

The Nautilus is a diesel-electric yacht submarine with a 150-meter depth rating, surface and underwater speed of 10 knots. It features a massive sundeck with a freshwater pool, bar, and large lounge area, which retracts before submersion. The interior boasts a 50 m2 dinner and lounge area with four 4-meter circular windows, a master stateroom, four guest rooms, sleeping quarters for up to seven crew, and a fully equipped galley. The layout is fully customizable with a large variety of configurations.

An experience like no other

The experience of being aboard the Nautilus is truly one of a kind. As you step inside the submarine, you will be struck by its luxurious and cutting-edge design. The Nautilus is not just a mode of transportation, it is a true underwater sanctuary. The special Air filtration system aboard the Nautilus provides both fresh air and temperature control, ensuring that you will always be comfortable during your journey.

As you explore the depths of the ocean, you will have the opportunity to see marine life that few have ever laid eyes on. The submarine’s unique design allows for ample natural light to flood the interior, creating an atmosphere that is both serene and breathtaking.

The Mezzanine Observation Lounge offers panoramic views of the ocean, while the main deck lounge and foredeck lounge provide comfortable spaces to relax and take in the sights. The saloon, the central space in the Nautilus, is the perfect place to gather with your fellow passengers and share stories about the day’s adventures.

submarine on yacht

Ultimate Luxury

Experience unparalleled luxury and comfort in the Nautilus submarine. The interior design is carefully crafted with premium materials and features a spacious lounge area, elegant dining table, and fully equipped galley.

The master stateroom and guest cabins are equipped with large windows, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning underwater scenery. Customizable layouts are available to fit your unique needs and preferences.

submarine on yacht

Stories become reality

The inspiration for the Nautilus submarine is rooted in Jules Verne’s classic novel, “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” The novel, published in 1870, tells the story of Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, as they embark on a journey beneath the seas. The novel’s depiction of a technologically advanced underwater vessel captivated audiences and has continued to inspire engineers, designers and explorers alike. 

The Nautilus is a modern reinterpretation of the fictional Nautilus, with state-of-the-art technology and luxury amenities, it is built to take its passengers on an adventure of a lifetime, just like Captain Nemo and his crew. 

The Nautilus is not just a means of transportation but a true exploration vessel, built to take on the most challenging and remote places of the ocean, just like in the novel.

Best of both worlds

The Nautilus submarine offers the best of both worlds – luxury yacht cruising and deep sea exploration. With state-of-the-art technology, luxurious amenities, and a depth rating of 150 meters, the Nautilus can take you on an adventure of a lifetime. The Nautilus is truly the perfect blend of adventure and luxury.

Yacht functionality

The sundeck aboard the Nautilus is a luxurious outdoor area, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the underwater world. With its bar and jacuzzi, guests can indulge in a drink or soak up the sun while taking in the surroundings. Whether you’re lounging on a chaise or soaking in the jacuzzi, the sundeck offers the perfect escape from the confines of the submarine. It’s an ideal space for unwinding and appreciating the beauty of the sea.

The Nautilus submarine features a retractable beach club and a swim platform, providing passengers with easy access to the water for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The beach club can be equipped with comfortable seating and lounge chairs, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

submarine on yacht

Submarine functionality

The Nautilus submarine is designed for extended underwater exploration with a impressive autonomy. It can operate independently for up to 55 hours, with a range of approximately 110 nautical miles at a speed of 2 knots. Its diesel-electric propulsion system ensures quiet operation, allowing passengers to enjoy the peacefulness of the underwater world without disturbance. With the Nautilus, adventurers can embark on longer and more daring underwater journeys with confidence.

Interior features

See why the Nautilus interior complements this ultimate underwater explorer

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The Latest Trend on Yachts? Submersibles.

Only boats at least 120 feet long can hold a sub, which typically costs between $2 million to $7 million. Manufacturers of the deep-sea vessels say many of their clients are wealthy enthusiasts.

People inside two submarines explore a sunken ship.

By Ephrat Livni ,  Michael J. de la Merced and Sarah Kessler

Charles Kohnen, co-founder of the submersible manufacturer SEAmagine Hydrospace, estimates that there are 200 manned vessels worldwide. Some are used by scientific institutions, others for tourism. But a growing number belong to a select group of yacht owners.

While a ticket aboard a submersible tour, like the one that ended in tragedy this year en route to the Titanic shipwreck, is too pricey for most people, owning a submersible requires another level of wealth and boating infrastructure.

Only sufficiently large yachts — at least 120 feet — can hold a sub, which typically costs between $2 million to $7 million (not including the cost of a crane to lower the sub, the speedboat needed to board, and services like mapmaking and guides that can run about $15,000 per day).

“It’s not like a fancy car,” Kohnen said. “It’s more like a $5 million spacecraft.”

Just as having a helicopter and launchpad on a yacht was hot in the 1980s, Kohnen said, getting a personable submersible is increasingly a thing for the wealthy.

Ofer Ketter, whose company, SubMerge, caters to personal sub owners, sees a similar trend. “You have a mega-yacht, a super yacht — a submersible has become the next thing to have,” he said.

Deep-sea explorations have a growing fan base among the elite. The filmmaker James Cameron and the billionaire investor Ray Dalio have both donated vessels to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and invested in the submersible manufacturer Triton Submarines . Dalio said it was about discovery. “The ocean is the greatest resource we have,” he said. “It’s twice the size of all continents combined — and underexplored.”

Some submersible owners lend out their vessels for documentaries and scientific research, while others are in search of never-before-seen species or want to explore shipwrecks. And there is a kind of mixed-use model that is versatile for everything from an underwater wedding to cocktails on the reef, dinner or a poker game, said Craig Barnett, Triton’s director of sales and marketing.

The personal submersibles industry has grown with the size of yachts. When SEAmagine started in 1995, mostly robots were used for deep-sea scientific work because lowering submersibles into the ocean with people inside was unwieldy, Kohnen said. The company built a model that could be boarded from the water, and this relaunched an era of manned submersibles for science and tourism. Around 2005, SEAmagine got its first yacht commission — and competition. Another submersible manufacturer, U-Boat Worx, started operations in the Netherlands, and Triton soon followed. Yachts were becoming bigger, but, Kohnen said, people were also starting to value experience-seeking over luxury.

Making “the moment.” Where to dive and how long an expedition lasts depends, but an adventure can take months of planning to scout, map and set up. SubMerge has coordinated five expeditions with three different private clients this year, Ketter said, and the company works with about six luxury travel firms, including submersible manufacturers.

A typical day “in a good spot” usually involves a few dives that last about an hour or two, with breaks for meals, Kohnen said. “Even after a thousand dives, it never stops being exciting.”

What about the implosion of the Titan? The fatal OceanGate tour shined a harsh spotlight on deep-sea adventure. But Kohnen said the craft involved was an “outlier” that was not built to specifications and had been a cause of concern in the submersible community for years.

Ketter said that his company had not had any cancellations since the accident. Triton likewise said that it had no cancellations, that it was building five submersibles and experiencing “remarkable demand” from private owners and tourism companies.

Although private submersibles are gaining momentum, Barnett said, the number of scientific institutions using them was “regrettably low.” Dalio said he thought filming the ocean from private craft would spur more investment and exploration. “It’s very underfunded, but it’s picking up,” he said. — Ephrat Livni

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The Fed could pause interest-rate rises next month as inflation cools. Consumer prices rose moderately in July , according to Consumer Price Index data released this week, and consumers expect inflation to slow over the next year , a closely watched University of Michigan survey showed. The wild card is volatile food and fuel prices, which could add to inflationary pressures.

Goldman Sachs’s longtime chief of staff steps aside. DealBook reported that John Rogers , the bank’s longtime chief of staff, would start handing over some of his responsibilities to Russell Horwitz, a former deputy. The shake-up occurs as Goldman’s C.E.O., David Solomon, conducts an overhaul of the bank, which has seen prominent executives leave.

Disney vows to stem streaming losses and doesn’t rule out selling its TV businesses. The entertainment giant’s C.E.O., Bob Iger, said subscription-price increases for Disney+ and Hulu would go into effect in the fall. And, like Netflix, it will crack down on password sharing . Wall Street is getting impatient as Disney’s streaming losses have ballooned to more than $11 billion since 2019.

Zoom’s A.I. data policy sets off a backlash. The popular videoconferencing platform issued a clarification this week that it would seek customers’ consent before using their audio, video or chat data to train artificial intelligence models. Digital rights’ advocates, however, worry that may not be enough to protect unsuspecting Zoom users as privacy concerns multiply alongside the explosion in popularity of A.I. tools like the ChatGPT and Bard chatbots.

A Kennedy bets on start-ups that serve the disabled

The Kennedy family has for decades made advocacy for the disabled one of its signature causes, from Senator Ted Kennedy sponsoring the Americans With Disabilities Act to Eunice Kennedy Shriver founding the Special Olympics.

Now, a scion of the political dynasty, Christopher McKelvy, has teamed up with Judd Olanoff, a former JPMorgan Chase banker, to approach disabilities in a new way: by starting a venture capital firm focused on the community.

Meet K. Ventures. McKelvy — a grandson of Patricia Kennedy Lawford and a former tech executive — and Olanoff initially worked together on public policy advocacy for people with disabilities and their families at the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. (McKelvy is a trustee at the foundation.)

They realized that the start-up sector offered both new services for the disabled and viable business models that could scale because of developments like Medicaid reimbursements. McKelvy and Olanoff left the foundation last year to start their firm. Its backers include Brian Jacobs, a longtime investor who runs Moai Capital, who told DealBook that the founders’ connections “are definitely unique and valuable.”

“My family’s hope,” McKelvy told DealBook, “is that K Ventures will be the next chapter” of our work on behalf of the disabled.

The firm is a bet on the growing market for disability services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 27 percent of the country’s population has some kind of disability. The agency also found in 2020 that one in 36 children has been diagnosed with autism, up from one in 44 in 2018, thanks to better recognition of symptoms.

Olanoff said big companies were also starting to invest in providing disability services and benefits, presenting an opportunity for start-ups.

K. Ventures has made three investments, including Juno, which provides cash benefits to parents if their children become severely injured or disabled; Juniper, which automates billing for behavioral health services providers; and NeuroNav, which helps adults with developmental disabilities in California devise their own customized help services.

Major investment firms have also started to take notice of the opportunity: Andreessen Horowitz and Y Combinator have backed Juniper, while Pear VC has invested in NeuroNav.

McKelvy and Olanoff are using the Kennedy name and resources, including by bringing in advice and networking opportunities from relatives like Tim Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics, and Patrick Kennedy, the former congressman. For the past two years, it has also hosted a forum for disability start-ups at the Kennedy compound in Massachusetts.

Shriver believes disability advocacy needs philanthropy, but also businesses with sustainable and profitable operating models. When his team heard about K Ventures, he said, “we thought, bingo, that’s the missing piece.”

The reporting behind Netflix’s ‘Painkiller’

The Supreme Court temporarily blocked a bankruptcy deal for the Sackler family’s Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, on Thursday. The agreement would have capped the liability of the Sacklers at $6 billion and protected the family from any more civil lawsuits connected to the opioid epidemic. But the ruling will likely delay payments to the thousands of people who sued the Sacklers and Purdue.

In 2003, Barry Meier published “Pain Killer,” a book about the illegal methods and distorted science that Purdue had used to promote OxyContin. This week, Netflix released a fictionalized series based on the book starring Matthew Broderick as Richard Sackler, the former president of the company, who led the push to develop the drug and make it a routine treatment for pain.

DealBook spoke with Meier, a former reporter at The New York Times, about what had changed — and had not — since he first began investigating the role companies played in the crisis. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Why does the story remain so relevant two decades after the book was published?

It’s remarkable, and sad that it took as long as it did for the book to reach this big audience. But there’s hardly a person in this country who hasn’t been affected in some way. It’s 20 years from when it was published, and during that time more than a quarter of a million people died of overdoses from prescription opioids like OxyContin.

You said the book was a “total flop” when it was published. Was there an inflection point when people started paying more attention to the story of Purdue Pharma?

It started about 2017, 2018, when there was this new wave of lawsuits brought against not only Purdue, but individually against members of the Sackler family. That was a real turning point, because we began to see internal documents that were written by Richard Sackler. And, subsequent to that, the photographer Nan Goldin began her campaign for museums to take the Sackler name down from their walls, which turned out to be a remarkably successful political and cultural campaign.

Has anything changed in the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and Washington?

I would hope that the Food and Drug Administration will never again make a decision as catastrophic as it did when it allowed Purdue to claim that this incredibly powerful and potentially addictive drug might be safer than competing drugs without even a shred of evidence.

But you can never be sure. I have seen numerous instances where a medical product that was valuable for a limited pool of patients has run amok because its manufacturer decided that in order to make billions of dollars, it was going to have to promote it to as many patients as possible — patients for whom the benefits of the drug began to be outweighed by its substantial risks. This is not a pattern that’s unique to OxyContin.

Could that pattern be shut down?

Until we start seeing corporate executives marched off to prison for violating the trust that doctors and patients have put into them, nothing is going to change.

We’d like your feedback. Please email thoughts and suggestions to [email protected] .

Ephrat Livni reports from Washington on the intersection of business and policy for DealBook. Previously, she was a senior reporter at Quartz, covering law and politics, and has practiced law in the public and private sectors.   More about Ephrat Livni

Michael de la Merced joined The Times as a reporter in 2006, covering Wall Street and finance. Among his main coverage areas are mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcies and the private equity industry. More about Michael J. de la Merced

Sarah Kessler is a senior staff editor for DealBook and the author of “Gigged,” a book about workers in the gig economy. More about Sarah Kessler

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A Virginia-class submarine during US sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean

US shipyards up to three years behind schedule on submarines as concerns grow for Aukus pact

Greens senator David Shoebridge says review of shipbuilding program ‘adds to the growing list of reasons why Aukus is likely to fall over’

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US shipyards are running up to three years late in building new Virginia-class submarines, despite suggestions from a senior US diplomat that the Aukus pact with Australia will help deter Beijing from seizing Taiwan.

Australia is relying on a US promise to sell it at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines in the 2030s, prior to Australian-made boats starting to enter into service in the 2040s.

But a report ordered by the US navy secretary, Carlos Del Toro, found the Virginia Block IV program was running about three years late, while the Virginia Block V program was about two years late.

The findings, published this week, will only add to existing concerns about the viability of the plan for Australia to buy at least three Virginia-class submarines to fill a “capability gap” in the 2030s.

It follows revelations last month that the US navy planned to build only one Virginia-class submarine next year .

The pace of construction in the US has an impact on Aukus because the transfer of submarines can only occur after the sitting president certifies to Congress that there will be no degradation of the US’s own undersea capabilities.

Under existing Aukus plans, Australia would buy two secondhand Virginia-class submarines and one new one in the 2030s.

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The Congressional Research Service says the boats expected to be sold to Australia in 2032 and 2035 “would be existing boats with 18 to 27 years each of remaining expected service life”.

A third boat, expected to be sold in 2038, “would be a new boat taken directly from the US production line, and thus have a full 33-year expected service life”.

The US navy expects to build additional Virginia-class submarines as replacements for the three sold to Australia.

Officials predict that in order to meet both American and Australian needs, the US has to be building two Virginia-class submarines each year by 2028 and then 2.33 each year after.

The Greens’ defence spokesperson, David Shoebridge, said the latest review of the shipbuilding program “adds to the growing list of reasons why Aukus is likely to fall over”.

“Increasingly the question is when will the Albanese government wave the white flag on Aukus submarines and how many billions more will be lost in the meantime?” he said.

The Australian government has long played down concerns about risks to this part of the Aukus pact, which is also intended to include collaboration on other advanced defence capabilities with the US and the UK.

Ministers have said the strain on US shipyards has been known for some time, and that is why Australia will contribute $US3bn ($A4.5bn) to boost the US industrial base under the plan.

“[Aukus] is entirely factored into how America is now thinking about their own construction of Virginia-class submarines,” the defence minister, Richard Marles, told the ABC’s Insiders program late last month.

“And we knew that the production rate needed to be increased in the US, which is why we’re making the contributions that we’re making.”

Marles said in a speech on Thursday evening that Aukus was progressing “at pace”.

“While many said it would never happen, the US has delivered the legislation to enable the transfer to Australia of both nuclear-powered submarines and importantly knowhow,” he told the Sydney Institute.

Asked whether the deal would survive a potential return to the White House of Donald Trump, Marles confirmed the government was thinking about “whatever contingencies might arise post-November”.

But he said the Aukus legislation had won support from across the US political spectrum, including from Republicans who supported Trump.

“What gives us a sense of real confidence that Aukus will survive the journey, I think, is fundamentally that it’s in the strategic interests of the three countries.”

The comments came after the US deputy secretary of state, Kurt Campbell, made a rare linkage between Aukus and the fate of self-governed Taiwan, which Beijing has not ruled out taking by force.

Campbell told the Center for a New American Security thinktank that the submarine capabilities would “have enormous implications in a variety of scenarios, including in cross-strait circumstances”.

“I would argue that working closely with other nations, not just diplomatically but in defence avenues, has the consequence of strengthening peace and stability more generally,” he added.

China has repeatedly labelled the Aukus pact as a dangerous initiative that would only fuel regional tensions.

Additional reporting by Reuters

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Triton submersibles are designed and built like no other – completely devoid of compromise.

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Designed for super yacht use, the TRITON 1650/3 Low Profile is the world’s lightest and most compact three-passenger submersible in production today.

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Owners of Megayachts, Gigayachts or one of the new breed of Expedition/Explorer yachts may also like to consider the following models. Each has been designed to take advantage of the additional capabilities of the host platform to provide increased diving depth, greater interior comfort and space, or additional capacity for larger families and groups.

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Up to nine adults, or seven adults and four children, can enjoy dives to spectacular reefs and wrecks in the TRITON 660/9 AVA . It dives to depths of 660 feet, has a relatively small footprint for its capacity and has an interior three times larger than any other submersible of its size.

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For those that wish to dive deeper, the TRITON 1650/7 Configurable may be the perfect option. Its interior can be configured with five or seven seats, making it perfect for family adventures.

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A milestone in high-performance luxury craft, Project Hercules offers a completely different user experience for guests.The use of our patent-pending AVA pressure hull allows for multiple seating configurations and the privacy, amenities, comfort and luxury usually experienced in a private jet.

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RI based submarine training program marks major milestone as Navy notes anniversary

M IDDLETOWN – Thursday marked the 124th anniversary of the Navy's acquisition of its first modern submarine, and a submarine-building industry alliance used the day to mark a training program that has trained more than 5,000 people in the building of submarines.

The USS Holland VI was acquired by the Navy on April 11, 1900. Though considered a modern submarine, the Holland barely compares with the Navy submarines of today.

The Navy's first submarine: The USS Holland VI

The Holland was 53 feet, 10 inches long and displaced 74 tons when submerged, with a range of 30 nautical miles while underwater. It was powered by a gasoline engine, which propelled the ship on the surface and charged its batteries for propulsion while submerged. Its maximum diving depth was 75 feet. It carried a crew of six and was armed with three torpedoes.

Today, Navy submarines are in a class of their own

Depending on which version is used, a modern Virginia-class fast-attack submarine can be 377 to 460 feet long and displace 7,900 to 10,200 tons with a range limited only by the amount of food it carries. It is powered by a nuclear reactor that drives two steam turbines. The Navy won't disclose its maximum diving depth, saying only that it is more than 800 feet and less than the bottom of the ocean. It carries a crew of 135, is armed with four torpedo tubes and 12 vertical launch tubes, and can carry several dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles and/or torpedoes, plus other armaments.

What's next for submarine development, and what's Rhode Island's role?

The Navy is also developing the Columbia class of ballistic missile submarines to replace the Ohio class. The "boomers" are larger than the attack submarines and are armed with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles.

But the Holland and modern nuclear submarines have one thing in common: the company now called General Dynamics Electric Boat. The Holland Torpedo Boat Company built and launched the Holland VI in the Crescent Shipyard in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1897. In 1899, the company changed its name to Electric Boat. The Holland was commissioned into the Navy on Oct. 12, 1900, in Newport.

Today, the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership of SENEDIA, an industry headquartered in Middletown, has supported training in 25 programs across six institutions, including community colleges in Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

The program, which launched in 2020, is on track to train 2,800 people a year.

“Our training network sets participants up for successful careers in defense and connects employers with emerging talent that is highly skilled and motivated to grow their careers in the industry,” said SENEDIA's chief executive Molly Donohue Magee.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI based submarine training program marks major milestone as Navy notes anniversary

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The unspoken rules about how to behave on a superyacht

  • The superyachting world is very small, with only 5,800 yachts longer than 30 meters at sea.
  • That insularity has bred a specific etiquette, which is often hard for outsiders to know about.
  • These are the de facto rules of the most expensive billionaire toys, superyachts .

Insider Today

For the owners of superyachts , privacy is often the most valuable thing money can buy. It's one reason centimillionaires and billionaires pay eight or nine figures for a palace at sea, far from the prying eyes of land dwellers.

Even the most gossipy crew members should stay tight-lipped about the name of a former owner or charter guest, and many brokers shy away from answering benign questions.

That means that, aside from basic safety guidelines, most of the rules of superyachting are unwritten. The very few who need to know them — there are only about 5,800 yachts longer than 30 meters at sea, according to SuperYacht Times — already know them.

But if you do happen to be a lucky guest at a party on a billionaire's $500 million ship or find yourself included in a $1 million-a-week vacation, there are a few things you need to know.

After four days of touring superyachts that sell for as much as $75 million and chatting with the people who buy, sell, and work on them at the Palm Beach International Boat Show , Business Insider gleaned a few key edicts. Given the discreet nature of the industry, almost all the people we spoke with requested anonymity to protect their working relationships, but here's what they had to say.

Take off your shoes

While it's a basic rule for anyone in boating, it may come as a surprise to an outsider that no matter how rich you are or how expensive your heels are, in the vast majority of cases, you can't wear shoes on board.

It's partly for safety — you don't want anyone slipping on a wet deck — but partly to keep the yacht clean. So expect to see barefoot billionaires, and if you forgot to get a pedicure, bring a set of special boat shoes.

Don't make any assumptions about money — but know the signs

In the superyacht world, it's safe to assume almost everyone you meet is very, very rich, and many brokers and builders say you can't judge a book by its cover when it comes to prospective clients.

"It has nothing to do with how they're dressed," one broker told BI. "It's the biggest mistake you can make because a complete slobby-looking guy or couple could be a multibillionaire."

There are, however, a few clues. Watches are one; new footwear is another.

"Rich people always have new shoes," a superyacht expert said. But because of the shoe rule mentioned above, this tip probably applies only when they're on land.

Book your massage early

Wellness areas, including spa rooms with a massage bed or two and a professional-grade facial machine, are becoming must-haves on superyachts . Most have a customized spa menu and a crew member who doubles as a trained masseuse or beautician — and they're usually in high demand.

One captain said he'd implemented a booking system to ensure people weren't fighting for the same spots. A broker said sometimes masseuses would be so busy they wouldn't leave the small spa cabin for hours on end.

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So if you want to make the most of your relaxing time on board, reserve your pampering slot as soon as you get your welcome cocktail.

Pirates are more real than you'd think, and many superyachts have hidden safe rooms

While you might dress up as a fake pirate for an onboard theme party, there are very real ones — and other dangers — on the high seas.

In certain areas, including parts of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, pirates are a cause of concern . In the Red Sea, owners are concerned about the Houthis .

Superyachts can come equipped with sonic weaponry, lockdown systems, and anti-drone protection. Builders are even designing safe rooms — which are apparently just as plush as the rest of the ship.

The longer the boat, the closer to $1 billion

While you can't judge a buyer based on appearances, you can judge them on the length of their boat.

One rule of thumb: If someone has a brand-new 50-meter vessel, chances are they have $1 billion to their name. If it's over 100 meters, expect the owner to have at least $2 billion. And for a boat bigger than that — like Jeff Bezos' 127-meter megayacht Koru — it takes many, many billions.

Money can't buy you everything

The world's biggest, most expensive yachts are custom-built by shipyards that produce only a handful of boats a year.

But no matter how many tens of millions of dollars clients are spending, there are things to which builders will refuse to say yes.

"In the end, the boat has our name," an executive from one of the world's biggest shipyards told BI.

They recalled a client who requested a yellow hull to match his Lamborghini . The shipyard declined, steering the client in another direction.

"If I don't like it, I don't build it. I finalize two or three contracts a year," another builder said. "If somebody can say your vessel is ugly, my reputation is bad."

Yacht crews are trained to make the impossible possible. A guest requests fresh caviar flown into the middle of the Caribbean? No problem. Fresh flowers every day while at sea? It'll cost you, but it can be done.

But they can't time travel, and captains and crew members say the thing that causes the most friction is when a client or owner wants to go from point A to point B — right now.

"The hardest request is when they want the boat in a place — yesterday," one captain said.

The best person to know? A friend with a superyacht

Superyachts are expensive to build and expensive to maintain . According to the industry standard, owning a superyacht will cost 10% of its new-build price annually. For a $100 million yacht, that's at least $10 million yearly going to crew, regular maintenance, insurance, fuel, and dockage.

Chartering, too, is costly . Beyond the list price, which can be hundreds of thousands a week, guests must pay for provisions, which are pegged at 35% of the charter fee, and are expected to tip between 10% and 20%.

So the most important unspoken rule of superyachting is actually that the only thing better than owning a superyacht is knowing someone else who does — and invites you along, of course.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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Iran attacks Israel with rockets, drones image

Israel hailed its successful air defenses after Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles

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Cranston school celebrates new maritime pipefitting program with ribbon cutting

by NBC 10 NEWS

Cranston High School East hosted a ribbon cutting Friday morning to celebrate a new maritime pipefitting program. (SENEDIA)

(WJAR) — Cranston High School East hosted a ribbon cutting Friday morning to celebrate a new maritime pipefitting program.

Cranston leaders were joined by SENEDIA and General Dynamics Electric Boat at Cranston High School East for the celebratory event.

According to school officials, the high school received an enhanced lab space and new program offerings that will train students for careers in submarine building.

“The students here gain hands-on, real-world experience. They’re not only preparing for their futures but they’re also giving back to this school and to this community,” Deputy Commissioner of Education Lisa Odom-Villella said. “This is what brings kids to school and keeps them engaged.”

  • ALSO READ: Block Island Ferry cancels all ferries on Friday due to sea conditions

The new program offered to students will be a General Dynamics Electric Boat partner program, which will provide students with training to pipefitting careers in submarine shipbuilding, Cranston Public Schools said. This is an addition to the existing Plumbing Technology program at the school.

“Students leave with the skills they need to be successful, which is why 16 members of the Class of 2024 at Cranston East alone have already been offered jobs at General Dynamics Electric Boat,” Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins said.

School officials said the new lab space was funded by Department of Defense funding from SENEDIA.

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IMAGES

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  3. Tour the World’s Most Luxurious Submarine Superyacht

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  4. New luxury yacht turns into submarine

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  5. The best six superyachts with submarines

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  6. 11 of the coolest submarine-carrying superyachts

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VIDEO

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  4. Boat Comes With A Built-In Submarine

  5. Operation Sunshine

  6. Personal Luxury Submarine for $750,000!

COMMENTS

  1. 11 superyachts with submarines

    Shinkai, meaning deep sea in Japanese, was purpose-built to accommodate a U-Boat Worx C-Researcher 3 submersible which the owner already had in build at the time of signing the contract with Feadship.Finished in racing red, the submarine sits flush with the aft deck and is the first to be fitted with an elevator to lower passengers into their seats.

  2. Tour the World's Most Luxurious Submarine Superyacht

    The Migaloo Private Submersible Yacht can include helipads, movie theaters, and swimming pools, yet adheres to strict safety codes designed by the U.S. Navy

  3. Inside the World's First $3 Billion Luxury Super Submarine

    Blending superyacht luxury with submarine stealth, the Austrian-designed Migaloo M5 promises to redefine maritime living but at a cost that'll burn a hole through your pocket. While the M5 has yet to set sail, Migaloo, the company responsible for the M5, is calling the vessel the world's first luxury super submarine.

  4. The Best Submarines for Superyachts

    Prices for submarines typically range between $1,000,000-$10,000,000. We have cherry-picked the top three best subs most suited for yachts. 1- TRITON 1650/3 LP Superyacht sub. Price starts at $3.3 million +. The TRITON 1650/3 LP will take a pilot and two passengers to 500 meters feet (1,640 feet) in total comfort.

  5. Inside The Opulent Nautilus Superyacht Submarine

    The U-Boat Worx submarine concept is breathtaking, and new photos show off its stunning interiors. The 123-foot Nautilus mixes a private yacht and a fully functional submarine with a 656-foot ...

  6. The luxury yacht that turns into a submarine

    This luxury yacht/submarine concept might signal the superexpensive future of superyachts. Known as the "Carapace," it submerges to a depth of 985 feet for up to 10 days at a time.

  7. U-Boat Worx's Superyacht-Submarine Is Like a Lavish Underwater Hotel

    Published on April 18, 2023. By Rachel Cormack. U-Boat Worx's Nautilus. U-Boat Worx blew us away with a bonkers superyacht-submarine concept late last year. Now it's doubling down on the ...

  8. Cruise Above Or Below Water With A $25 Million Superyacht Submarine

    Nautilus superyacht submarine concept. U-Boat Worx. The concept is inspired by French writer Jules Verne's 1870 novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, in which three men set out on an ocean ...

  9. U-Boat Worx's New Superyacht Submarine Can Dive to More Than 650 Feet

    U-Boat Worx's newest 123-foot vessel, known as the Nautilus, features a diesel-electric propulsion system and can function as either a superyacht or a submarine.

  10. Homeport

    MIGALOO Private Submersible Superyachts cooperates with SAFE, offering ultimate and uncompromising protection for the Owners peace of mind.. Beyond Military grade protection for the Owner, the guests and any valuables onboard. SAFE provides customized security systems using advanced technology for early threat detection, swift client isolation and thorough mitigation.

  11. Super Yacht Sub 3

    With the U-Boat Worx Super Yacht Sub 3, we have aspired to create the ultimate in luxury interior design. When onboard a Super Yacht Sub 3, guests enjoy exhilarating views from a sumptuous chair in a comfortable air-conditioned environment with variable airflow, adjustable from each seat. You can also enjoy music from a hi-fidelity Bluetooth ...

  12. U-Boat Worx floats $25-million submersible superyacht

    It puts its considerable experience in personal submarine design into the impressive 123-ft (37.5-m) vessel, which combines the usual trappings of superyacht life - sundeck, pool, bar and more ...

  13. World's Fastest Personal Submarine Debuts At Monaco Yacht Show

    Um, yes. Super Sub from the top. U-Boat Worx. "The Super Sub's speed of 10 knots is 3-4 knots faster than the top cruising speed of a bottlenose dolphin and 7 knots faster than the average ...

  14. 65m Luxury Undersea Yacht Phoenix 1000 by US Submarines

    213´ luxury submarine yacht Phoenix 1000 has more than ample space. The total interior area of the submarine is in excess of 460 square meters (5000 square feet). The significant volume, coupled with very large acrylic viewports, and the potential for relatively large open spaces, results in a vehicle as luxurious as the finest of motor yachts.

  15. PHOTOS: Submersibles on Superyachts Are a New Fad for the Uber-Wealthy

    Sep 30, 2023, 8:44 PM PDT. SEAmagine's submersible vessel, the Aurora-80. The company offers submersibles to wealthy clients looking to accessorize their yacht. SEAmagine. The world's super rich ...

  16. Inside the World's Most Luxurious Submarine Yacht: Migaloo!

    Dive into luxury with the Migaloo Superyacht, a private submersible yacht that combines opulence and adventure! 💎🌊 Explore its stunning features, models, a...

  17. Operating submersibles on board

    The submersible experience. On board the 55m Damen yacht support vessel Axis is a Triton 3300/3 submersible that can reach depths of 1,000 metres with two passengers and a pilot. Captain Les Annan says just going underwater in the submersible is an amazing first-time experience for most people. "Once you go below 35 metres [the safe scuba ...

  18. Home

    The embodiment of exploration Discover what makes Nautilus submarine the ultimate exploration vessel. Both on and under the water, functioning as both a yacht and a submarine General Characteristics Maximum Operating Depth150 meters - 500 Feet Range3,200 NM Occupancy7 crew - up to 10 guests DimensionsLength overall: 42 meterBeam overall: 7,7 meterGross tonnage: 1,610 Tons

  19. This Luxury Yacht Turns Into A Submarine

    Today we're going to take you on a virtual tour of the futuristic Carapace yacht. It's the brainchild of Naval architect Elena Nappi, and while it doesn't ex...

  20. The Latest Trend on Yachts? Submersibles.

    The Latest Trend on Yachts? Submersibles. Only boats at least 120 feet long can hold a sub, which typically costs between $2 million to $7 million. Manufacturers of the deep-sea vessels say many ...

  21. US shipyards up to three years behind schedule on submarines as

    A Virginia-class submarine during US sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean. Australia is relying on a US promise to sell it at least three Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s. ... A third boat ...

  22. Triton Submarines

    Experience the beauty of Australia's Great Barrier Reef in your own personal submersible, bespoke to your tastes and fully integrated with your yacht. Triton Leisure submersibles are the most comfortable, spacious and luxurious way to explore the fabulous majesty of the deep.

  23. Leisure Submersibles

    TRITON 1650/3 LOW PROFILE. 500 m 3 4,000 kg 12 hrs. Designed for super yacht use, the TRITON 1650/3 Low Profile is the world's lightest and most compact three-passenger submersible in production today. At only 5.9 ft (1.8 m) with a modest crane weight of only 8,800 lb (4,000 kg), this model is ideal for most sueryacht tender garages.

  24. AUKUS Partners Working Through Reality of Submarine Pact, Officials Say

    NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - According to the commander of U.S. submarine forces, the Australian-United Kingdom-United States agreement means "more subs forward" to deter Chinese territorial ...

  25. RI based submarine training program marks major milestone as Navy notes

    Today, Navy submarines are in a class of their own. Depending on which version is used, a modern Virginia-class fast-attack submarine can be 377 to 460 feet long and displace 7,900 to 10,200 tons ...

  26. US Navy Pushes Back First Delivery of New ICBM Submarine by 12-16

    2:54. The US Navy is pushing back the estimated first delivery of its next-generation nuclear-armed submarine by 12-16 months, the most significant schedule slip to date for the service's top ...

  27. Superyacht Etiquette: How to Behave on a Yacht

    Superyachts are expensive to build and expensive to maintain. According to the industry standard, owning a superyacht will cost 10% of its new-build price annually. For a $100 million yacht, that ...

  28. Cranston school celebrates new maritime pipefitting program with ...

    The new program offered to students will be a General Dynamics Electric Boat partner program, which will provide students with training to pipefitting careers in submarine shipbuilding, Cranston ...