THE construction of the world's largest single-masted sailing yacht, Mirabella V, is now well advanced in Southampton and some of the craft's state-of-the-art equipment has been provided by companies in the south.

Longer than nine double-decker buses, the super- yacht is taking shape at the Woolston yard of the VT Group, formerly better known locally as Vosper Thornycroft.

Measuring 245ft in length, the massive craft weighs 700 tonnes and features the world's tallest carbon mast which, at 295ft high and almost 65ft higher than any built before, is more than one and a half times the height of Nelson's Column in London.

Under sail Mirabella V is expected to be able to reach speeds exceeding 20 knots.

Part of the fitting out includes the installation of galley gear supplied by commercial catering equipment company Carford from Ferndown.

Carford has supplied a combination oven, diswashers, induction hobs, waste compactor and an eye-level grill for the galley which will serve the yacht's 12 guests and similar number of crew.

Mirabella V is being built for American millionaire Joseph Vittoria, who is the former chairman of the Avis car hire operation.

Longer than nine double-decker buses, Mirabella V is stuffed with state-of-the art equipment made by firms in the south.