Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko has EIGHT STOREY £360 million Sailing Yacht A tested just weeks before ‘one of the largest superyachts on Earth’ hits the high seas

A MASSIVE yacht is undergoing testing in Gibraltar just days before it is handed over to its wealthy owner.

Andrey Melnichenko’s Sailing Yacht A is among the largest in the world – measuring an epic 330ft high and 470ft long.

The huge luxury yacht is manned by Merchant Navy trained sailors and is as big as a medium sized cargo ship.

It has eight decks, a helicopter pad, an underwater observation room and a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system.

Pictures taken today show the super-yacht in Gibraltan waters.

Workers and seamen have been on the decks carrying out tests and inspections today.

The new luxury boat is due to be handed over to Mr Melnichenko in late Spring.

The futuristic boat was pictured in the waters off Gibraltar in February.

It has already undergone successful sea trials on the Baltic Sea.

The state-of-the-art yacht is one of the largest sailing yachts in the world after work was finished in Kiel, northern Germany.

Mr Melnichenko hit the headlines in September when he moored his other £240 million masterpiece, “Motor Yacht A”, on London’s River Thames near Tower Bridge.

Boat project director Dirk Kloosterman said: “This has been the most challenging assignment of my career.

Mr Kloosterman added: “I am confident Sailing Yacht A will be the world’s greatest yacht in terms of design and technology for the years ahead.

“Her beauty is breathtaking, and Philippe Starck's astonishing design and ultimate vision will be the subject of many conversations wherever she travels around the globe.

“We look forward to the final delivery to the owner.'

The unconventional yacht was built by German Naval Yards, in Nobiskrug.

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