The 55.2-metre Nishii Zosen-Sterling motor yacht Lady A has been sold, one year after joining the market, with Simon Goldsworthy at Edmiston representing both seller and buyer.
Lady A was built by Japanese shipyard Nishii Zosen-Sterling in 1986 and flaunts a distinctive design by the legendary Jon Bannenberg. Formerly known as Southern Cross III, she was owned by Australian billionaire Alan Bond before being purchased by British business magnate and TV personality Sir Alan Sugar.
The 879GT vessel was almost entirely rebuilt in 2017 by her "selling" owner with work valued at more than €12 million. This included a comprehensive interior overhaul, an extension of the upper deck and the installation of new Quantum zero-speed stabilisers.
The extended upper aft deck is the main sun lounging space on board with sofas that hug the bulwarks, loose coffee tables and armchairs, and a large al fresco dining area seating up to 14 guests. Awnings can be set up by the crew for those seeking shade.
Unusually, the main interior lounge is also found on this level, accessed through sliding glass doors and complete with a raised reading nook and sit-up bar accompanying a central seating area. The space was reconfigured during the refit to accommodate the owner’s wish to create a less formal atmosphere on board. An alternative social space takes the form of a split-level observation lounge with wraparound windows offering 180-degree panoramas.
This unconventional layout allows for a large main deck conference room that doubles as a formal dining area. Crew quarters, sleeping 10, can also be found on this level, while a central staircase links all three interior decks. There are quarters for up to 15 crew members.
Up top is a split-level sundeck with a sit-up bar, spa pool and a large moon-shaped sunpad, with fixed sun umbrellas providing shade to each area.
Lady A is ABS classed and can sleep up to 12 guests in six cabins. A full-beam owner’s cabin occupies a large space amidships on the lower deck and comes with a private office. Three double guest cabins are also located on the lower deck, with the VIP guest cabin and a twin guest cabin situated on the main deck. The interior refit was completed by Design Unlimited and is finished with walnut cabinetry, solid timber floors and largely neutral tones with mauve accents.
Her two 3516B Caterpillar diesel engines were rebuilt during maintenance works in January 2021, with further upgrades in 2023 including an interior refresh. She has a cruising speed of 13 knots.
Lying in Italy, Lady A was last asking €7,900,000 with VAT paid.