THE last boat to be built at Southampton's Vosper Thornycroft site was unveiled to the public this morning.

Mirabella V, the world's largest sailing yacht, is nearing completion at the Woolston site.

Two years in construction, the multi-million-pound super yacht is set to break the sailing mould.

Longer than nine double-decker buses and with a mast to dwarf the Itchen Bridge, the vessel is the brainchild of American millionaire Joseph Vittoria.

The former Avis car rental chairman was in Southampton for the unveiling.

Asked why he chose VT, Mr Vittoria said: "This is a large well-financed and well-backed facility.

"I've always believed things have to be pushed forward and the idea was to see how far we could push sailing.

"I decided if I'm going to go beyond the conventional measurements then I'll go well beyond them.

"It's been a great project I'm very thankful I picked VT to do it."

Due to be launched on November 26, the 740-tonne ship-sized vessel will be the last boat to be launched at VT before it closes at the Woolston site at the end of the year.

At 75 metres (245ft) in length), Mirabella V will feature a 95m mast.

Twelve crew will entertain 12 guests who will have to pay $250,000 for one week's charter.

The boat features an outdoor cinema, two pools and a garage for up to four penders. Mr Vittoria's wife, Luciana, has been responsible for its interior design.

Designed by Ron Holland, the massive vessel will be skippered by Australian born Neil Batt.

Mr Batt, 45, said: "I'm looking forward to a challenge.

"The hardest part will be learning how to sail it with a few crew."