What is it: Rising Sun, the groundbreaking 138 metre motor yacht designed by Jon Bannenberg, delivered by Lürssen to Larry Ellison in 2005.
Why we love it: So fresh was the design and so different from anything he’d done before, that a yachting forum even questioned if it was really the work of Jon Bannenberg, according to a biography of the prolific British designer by his son Dickie. The owner agreed succinctly to Bannenberg’s terms in March 2000 (“Jon, I accept. Let the work begin. larry [sic]”) and by May the designer, who died before the yacht was finished, had sketched project LE120.
Design genius: Exposure of structure was a major theme of the design, with the web frames of the superstructure clearly visible — this is distinctive and honest design. In practical terms, the yacht is designed so that her acres of glass don’t reveal all: there are many private areas, including a two-level cinema and (originally, at least) a trophy room for the America’s Cup, embedded deep within.
Perfect for: Entertaining guests dockside and getting time away from it all with a full deck dedicated to the owner.
Photo: Raphael Montigneaux