Announced to great fanfare in 2010, the visionary 141-metre Dream Symphony was introduced as a record-breaking, genre-defining sailing superyacht. With a dramatic four-masted schooner rig and a bold all-wood construction, the yacht promised to become not only the largest sailing yacht in the world, but also one of the most technically and environmentally unique.
Now, more than a decade later, the unfinished project is back in the spotlight—this time with Burgess leading the search for a new owner to carry the yacht to completion.
🌍 A Yacht Like No Other
Currently under construction at Dream Ship Victory’s yard in Bozburun, Turkey, Dream Symphony is unlike any other sailing yacht ever built. At 141 metres, she would eclipse both the 106m Black Pearl and the 88m Maltese Falcon, two of the most renowned sailing yachts of the modern era. What sets her apart, however, is her full wooden construction—specifically epoxy laminated iroko, a sustainable and recyclable material not typically used at this scale.
So radical was the design that classification society RINA had never certified a wooden structure of this magnitude before. This prompted an extensive research initiative led by Dykstra Naval Architects, involving composite experts, Italian universities, and Dutch testing laboratories. The result was a breakthrough: RINA agreed to certify construction, and Dream Symphony’s keel was laid in 2011.
🛠️ A Vision from Dykstra and Ken Freivokh
Behind the Dream Symphony project are two major design forces: Dykstra Naval Architects and Ken Freivokh Design—both veterans of iconic projects like Black Pearl and Maltese Falcon. But Dream Symphony departs from those steel-and-aluminium builds in a very deliberate way.
According to Freivokh, while the rig would remain traditional—a classic schooner—the interiors were envisioned as deeply personal, contemporary, and private.
“The original concept called for a very traditional schooner in terms of the rig, but the interior was almost completely developed around a very private owner’s quarters,” says Freivokh.
🛏️ The Ultimate Private Owner’s Deck
Dream Symphony’s standout interior feature is its private, split-level owner’s apartment, designed to deliver privacy without compromise. Located at the aft, the apartment includes a bedroom, bathroom, and private lounge on the lower deck, with an adjoining saloon and office on the main deck. A spiral staircase and central atrium connect the two levels.
Beyond the owner’s suite, Dream Symphony offers accommodation for 16 guests across eight staterooms, including two VIP cabins, three doubles, a twin, and two convertible rooms.
💎 Features Designed to Amaze
Among the yacht’s more futuristic touches is a convertible conservatory that seamlessly connects the main lobby to the owner’s quarters. With the touch of a button, the space can be enclosed or opened up to give the sensation of being outside while indoors—a key element of the original brief.
Then there’s the double-height aft deck swimming pool—an architectural marvel with a rising floor that transforms into either a dance floor or helipad.
Additional onboard amenities include:
- A private cinema
- Full spa and wellness centre, with massage room, hair and nail salon
- Multiple meeting rooms
- State-of-the-art gym
“The sheer scale of Project Dream Symphony is jaw-dropping,” says Burgess.
⚓ What Comes Next?
While construction has stalled over the past few years, Freivokh confirms that the hull is “pretty much complete”, and a skeleton crew remains in place to maintain the vessel in prime condition. Now, the project awaits a visionary new owner to breathe life back into this extraordinary build.
When she is finally launched, Dream Symphony will not only claim the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world, but will also stand as a testament to engineering ambition and sustainable superyacht design—a build that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
“She will redefine superyacht sailing for the modern age in a way that honours the past and acknowledges the future,” adds Burgess.
