🚤 M/Y AV (Ex-Palladium) 95m Private Yacht by Blohm & Voss 🇩🇪

Discover everything about M/Y AV (ex-Palladium, Attessa V), the iconic 95.15m (312 ft 1 in) superyacht built by Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, Germany 🇩🇪 – a masterpiece of luxury engineering launched in 2010 under Project 971 (codename Orca, inspired by its mast resembling a killer whale’s dorsal fin 🐋). Ranked 101st among the world’s largest yachts and 5th largest from her builder, this 4,447 GT private motor yacht (IMO 1010167, MMSI 319030100) sails under the Cayman Islands flag 🇰🇾, exclusively for private use (not for charter). Valued at ~$200 million (build cost ~$230 million, 2023 sale €140M / ~$150M), with annual running costs of $10–20 million (insurance ~$2–3M/year), AV features a displacement steel hull, aluminum superstructure, teak decks, and ultra-modern Naiad zero-speed stabilizers for 90% roll reduction 😌.

Efficient IMO Tier III-compliant MTU engines minimize wake and emissions (no hybrid upgrades confirmed as of November 2025) 🌿. With 41 public photos and 34 news features, AV blends organic design, natural light, and high-performance toys – a timeless “floating resort” since delivery in September 2010, now helmed by billionaire Dennis Washington. Explore full AV yacht specifications, owner bios, deck plans, awards, and sightings below – your complete resource for this superyacht legend! 💎✨

👑 Ownership History: From Russian Mining Mogul to Montana’s Reclusive Titan

AV’s storied provenance spans continents, reflecting the elite’s passion for bespoke sea escapes 💼. Originally commissioned as Palladium, she embodies her owners’ visions of privacy, performance, and philanthropy.

• Original Owner: Mikhail Dmitrievich Prokhorov (born May 3, 1965, Moscow, Russia; 6’8″ tall), a $11.3B net worth oligarch (Forbes 2023) and Russia’s 7th richest. Founder/chairman of Onexim Group (1990s privatization powerhouse in mining – Norilsk Nickel, world’s top palladium/nickel producer, tying to yacht’s name 🏭 – finance via Renaissance Capital, media RBC Group, energy). U.S. ventures: Acquired Brooklyn Nets NBA team/Barclays Center (2010, $500M; sold 2019 to Joseph Tsai for $2.35B). Politics: Founded Civic Platform party; 2012 presidential run (13.2% votes, Kremlin-linked spoiler). Philanthropy: Mikhail Prokhorov Foundation for arts/environment, despite Norilsk pollution critiques. A self-admitted seasick “playboy oligarch” (2010 CBS 60 Minutes), he upgraded from 63m Solemar (Amels 2003, Michael Leach design, twin Caterpillars, 16 knots, sold 2016 ~$45M) to AV (~$230M build). Hosted Stephen Colbert July 2017 aboard (or Russian dacha) for Late Show on oligarch excess, bear hunts, and yacht life 🎤😂. Partied at 2019 King’s Cup regatta, Palma de Mallorca, with models/entourage 🥂. 2022 Forbes flagged her among 63 sanction-risk Russian yachts (evaded as Prokhorov anti-Putin); total yacht spend >$275M.
• Sale and Renaming: Privately transacted late 2022 for €140M (~$150M) via Merle Wood & Associates (Merle A. Wood for buyer) and Northrop & Johnson (Richard Higgins for seller). Renamed AV (Attessa V) January 2023, post-refit, joining Washington’s fleet (no design changes requested).
• Current Owner: Dennis R. Washington (born September 27, 1934, Spokane, WA, USA; $7B net worth, Forbes 2025; Montana’s richest). Orphaned young (parents divorced, father absent), he hustled from age 12 shining shoes/delivering papers in Spokane/Bremerton, WA, then Missoula, MT. Borrowed $30K (1964) for first bulldozer; founded Washington Construction (1964), Montana’s largest by 1969 via civil engineering. Milestones: Acquired Morrison-Knudsen (1996, formed Washington Group International, sold 2007 $3.1B); revived Butte copper/molybdenum mine (1986); diversified to railroads (Montana Rail Link), shipping (Seaspan Marine, 150+ vessels, BC-based), aviation (Sun Valley Express), real estate (Flathead Lake resorts), timber. The Washington Companies: $10B+ empire, 12K employees in mining/transport/hospitality. Married Phyllis (1958); four children (son Dustin’s 2010s legal issues noted). Yacht restorer (9 vessels, owns 4; e.g., 100-year-old 65m Olympian to St. James, $50M 2012 refit; ex-Cisco to Attessa IV, 100m 1989). Fleet value ~$500–600M; AV flagship for Pacific convoys. 2022: Two days aboard with Leach, zero mods – “rare owner.” Philanthropy: Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation (> $100M for education scholarships/1K+ students, Missoula Symphony arts, Alzheimer’s health, Native American/youth sports; $10M+ to Montana State University). Avid pilot/fisherman, views yachts as “passion projects” (Forbes 2016); low-key, Filipino/Indonesian crew 👨‍✈️.

Captain Info: Identity private for security – superyacht discretion 🔒.

🏗️ Builder and Design: 147 Years of German Maritime Mastery Meets British Organic Innovation

• Shipyard: Blohm + Voss GmbH (founded August 10, 1877, Hamburg 🇩🇪 by Hermann Blohm/Ernst Voss as steamship repair yard). Maritime titan: 1,200+ vessels, WWI/II U-boats (submarine pioneers), SMS Emden cruiser (1908), Titanic sister Olympic repair (post-1911 HMS Hawke collision). Post-WWII: Luxury yachts (180m A+, world’s largest), naval frigates. ThyssenKrupp (2000s), Star Capital (2013), Lürssen Group (2016) – 1,200 employees in eco-refits/sustainable steel/aluminum. AV (hull 971): Late 2007 start, Lloyd’s Register/MCA LY2 compliant; launched March 2010, trials/delivered September 2010. Precision welding, corrosion coatings for 15+ year lifespan.
• Construction: Displacement mono-hull steel (durability), aluminum superstructure (agility), Burmese teak decks (non-slip). 4 decks; hull white, superstructure white. Bow thrusters: Brunvol FU-37-LRC-1000. Stabilizers: 90% motion cut; elevator spans decks ♿; fire suppression (CO2/flooding); medical suite (defibrillator/telemedicine); desalinate 10K L/day; consistent 2.45m headroom (owner insistence, via foam models/laser scans).
• Design Team: Exterior/interior: Michael Leach Design Ltd. (London, UK; 1990s, ex-Terence Conran). 5-year collab; Steve Curtis MBE (powerboat champ) on tenders. Organic inspiration: Sea creatures (Orca mast, dolphin superstructure, moon jelly awnings). Custom: Silverlining Furniture joinery; Metrica walls/ceilings; Based Upon metallic surfaces. Natural light via atrium roof, glass floors/skylights. 2023 beige repaint 🎨; Leach (2022): “Modern as day one – new-build vibes!” Naval architecture: Blohm + Voss.
• Awards: Multi-honored 2011 sweep 🏆:
  • Best Power 65m+ (International Superyacht Society Awards).
  • Interior Design: Displacement Motor Yachts 200′+ (ShowBoats Design Awards).
  • Exterior Design & Styling: Displacement Motor Yachts 200′+ (ShowBoats).
  • Tender Design (ShowBoats).
  • Bespoke Furniture (ShowBoats).
  • Special Commendation Best Displacement Motor Yacht 3,000GT+ (~85m+) (World Superyacht Awards).
  • Finalist Best Custom Built Yacht (Asia Boating Award).
  • Finalist Interior Layout: Motor Yachts (ShowBoats). Plus: Robb Report Best of the Best shortlist (2011); Haute Living “exquisite” (2013) for palladium-metal nod.

📊 Specifications: Precision Engineering in Exhaustive Detail

🌟 Amenities and Features: Wellness, Whimsy, and World-Class Indulgence

Leach’s interiors: Minimalist organic fusion – furniture flows from walls/floors; reds/pewter woods/fabrics; carbon fiber 20-seat dining table (F1-vibration tested); leather-stitched helical beds; backlit rare crystal onyx basins 🏝️.

• Deck Areas: Aft main: 6m pool (wave/counter-current, recessed, convertible beach club via folding bulwarks) 🏊‍♂️; 2.5m Jacuzzi spa; Forward multi-room spa (sauna, hammam, massage/treatment); Touch-and-go helipad 🚁; Sundeck gym/bar; Garage: Toys/tenders (seabobs, jet skis, paddleboards, dive gear, 20+ performance water bikes w/ mechanics/coaches); Bathing platform lowers/tilts for launches; Bulwark doors protect from waves.
• Entertainment: 105″ plasma cinema (Dolby Atmos) 🍿; Pool nightclub: DJ booth, lasers, smoke, mirrored disco ball (100+ bashes) 🎉; Main lounge: Floor-to-ceiling glass, low bulwarks (360° views) 👀; Library/office (Starlink WiFi); Atrium gym glass floor (sky-open); No water-level beach club – “F1 pitstop avoidance” (Mark Smith).
• Interior Highlights: Glass-ceiling atrium (UV-filtered light) 🌟; 11m master corridor (nanny cabin, 12-pane skylight over 5.3 m² bed, 2 dressers, large ensuite, bow sun access); Guest: Vast windows, 3 m² showers (no tubs); Gucci armchairs; Bronze/mirrored lattice (Art Deco echo); Elevator; Wine cellar (500+ bottles); Commercial galley (Michelin dining); Hidden crew passage to garage.
• Tenders and Toys: Twin 12m custom limos; 40-knot Cougar (Ribcraft, 50hp outboards, Curtis-tuned); Windsurfers stacks; E-foils, submersibles, fishing (Washington’s angling).

🏰 Deck Plans Summary: Seamless Flow from Sky to Sea

4-deck layout maximizes light/social vibes, minimizing sun-to-water distances:

• Main Deck: 6 guest suites (stacked horizontal windows); 6m pool/spa (cantilever over platform); Lounge as aft extension; Atrium to suites.
• Owner’s Deck: Master (teak views, seating/sun deck/helipad); Nanny ensuite.
• Forward Working: Enclosed teak (low bulwarks, seating under brow).
• Sky Deck: Curved atrium windows; Gym/spa.
• Crew: Port hidden passage; Elevator accessibility.

🛥️ Recent Sightings and Movements (2023–2025): West Coast Wanderer

Washington’s Pacific focus, often fleet-convoyed 🚢:

• Jan 2023: Renamed; Europe refit/Caribbean transit.
• Jul 2023: North Vancouver 🇨🇦 (False Creek/North Van Shipyards; “$200M humongous”).
• Apr 2024: Puerto Vallarta 🇲🇽 w/ Attessa IV.
• May 14, 2025: San Diego Bay 🇺🇸 (USS Theodore Roosevelt backdrop; X photos show crew/scale; “floating hotel” awe).
• Jul–Aug 2025: Vancouver 🇨🇦 returns (Reddit billionaire buzz).
• Sep 2025: San Francisco 🇺🇸 waterfront (beige hull; Reddit “obscene luxury”; Supercar Blondie coverage; dwarfs ferries).
• Nov 2025: Cabo San Lucas 🇲🇽 early; Puerto Vallarta arrival 19th (AIS); As of Nov 30: North America West Coast (~19.4°N, 105°W, 0.1 knots; Vallarta holidays). Drone vids: San Diego/Cabo turquoise slices 📹.

Pre-sale: Valencia Nov 2023 (as Palladium); Ibiza parties (2022 vids: Search “Palladium yacht Ibiza”).

📚 Additional Facts: Trivia, Legacy, and Superyacht Supremacy

• Prokhorov Legacy: Solemar pre-AV; Post-sale: Real estate/media focus.
• Washington Fleet: $500–600M armada (Attessa IV $150M 100m; Attessa 77m; St. James 65m historic); “Restoration passion.”
• Ranks: YB100 #60 (GT, 5+ years); Top 100 Longest #78 (14+ years, entered 2011 #28).
• Unique Trivia: Master skylight gale-proof (50 knots); Owner brief: 8 years Solemar insights; “Challenge orthodoxy” for light/toys; No formal lounge (unused on prior); Leach: “Wellness, workouts, wine” 🥂. Build: Foam models for curves; Laser-scanned aesthetics.
• Media: 34 articles, 41 photos; X envy (San Diego 2025: “Envy-inducing”); No YachtEye confirmed.
• Eco/Safety: 25% fuel efficiency vs. peers; Advanced water treatment.