Asia's largest mega yacht Illusion Plus, recently built in Yantai, Shandong province, will make its maiden voyage to the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show, taking place Sept 26 to 29.

The annual event in the city-state of Monaco is a big gathering for world-class luxury superyachts, designers and yacht builders. It serves as a vital platform for boosting economy and cultural communication with the international market.

Covering a floor area of 9,200 square meters, the show attracted more than 500 exhibitors and 27,400 visitors last year.

The 88.5-meter-long and 15.4-meter-wide Illusion Plus is one highlight of this year's event. It was manufactured and designed by Yantai CIMC Ra0 es Offshore in China's Shandong province. There are fewer than 100 yachts in the world more than 80 meters in length.

"We've participated in the process from Illusion Plus's design to after-sale services, which has included the whole process of the super yacht's manufacturing.

"The yacht can be operated by a single person thanks to the advanced automated system," according to a designer of the yacht. Some two million working hours were put into building the Illusion Plus.

"Our dream is to fulfill people's expectations for living a beautiful life," the designer added.

Its exterior lines created by British studio Rainsford Saunders Design were inspired by Rolls-Royce motor cars, with a vertical bow and gently sloping transom. Built from a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the six-deck yacht was listed for sale in February with an asking price of $145 million.

A spacious interior by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, and installed by Greenline Yacht Interiors of Dubai, it can accommodate 12 guests in eight cabins.

This comprises an owner's suite, two VIP suites, two doubles, one twin and two double cabins that convert to lounges.

All guest cabins will have television screens and bathroom facilities while a further 15 cabins will sleep a maximum of 25 crew members. The main deck saloon will have a mezzanine feature that allows the interior to be opened up, creating a double-height atrium, comfortable seating and a cinema screen while an elevator will connect four of the six decks.

Other key features include four guest lounges and two interior dining areas, a dedicated spa with a sauna, steam room and massage room and a vast tender garage.

There will also be a lower deck ocean lounge with a bar. Illusion Plus is also kitted out with her own helicopter landing pad.

Outdoor spaces are extensive and include two hot tubs, one with a waterfall feature.

Boat International contributed to this story

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(China Daily 09/07/2018 page12)