Project 1010, initially intended for a Russian buyer, faced setbacks amid sanctions related to the Ukraine invasion, leading to an aborted sale.
Feadship found themselves with a fully prepared superyacht, named KATYUSHA at the time, and no buyer. Despite an American billionaire expressing interest, bureaucratic hurdles from the US government complicated the transaction.
Now, the 118m (387ft) superyacht has left the Netherlands en route to St Maarten under the new name, LAUNCHPAD, to be delivered. This name change, one would think, is due to the yacht being sold.
Irrespective of the reason, optimism surrounds the vessel’s future as it becomes the largest vessel ever launched from the renowned Dutch shipyard. This title will be short-lived, however, with the imminent arrival of a new flagship, the 118.8m (390ft) Feadship 821.
Last spotted in October 2022 conducting trials in the North Sea, LAUNCHPAD is distinguished by a dark blue hull with a striking red line along the waterline. With an exterior design crafted by Espen Øino International, the Feadship 1010 boasts a sleek profile, characterized by natural lines, and a captivating glass observational lounge atop the vessel, complemented by naval architecture from De Voogt Naval Architects.
French studio Zuretti Interior Design has been tasked with the Feadship 1010's interior design, with specific configuration and design details kept very much a secret.
Due to this high level of secrecy, information on LAUNCHPAD remains scarce, but it is believed that the superyacht benefits from an interior volume of approximately 5,000 GT. If true, this would position the Feadship 1010 as the largest superyacht ever launched in the Netherlands in terms of volume.
