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• Lurssen Yachts

On the 5th April 2013 Lürssen, the leading shipyard for large luxury yacht building, launched the 180m yacht AZZAM - the largest motor yacht in the world. The sleek and elegant superyacht features exterior design by Nauta Design.

Fulk Al Salamah

• Mariotti Yachts

This 164-metre (538ft) superyacht was built in Italy by Mariotti Yachts and now sits in the Omani capital as part of the royal fleet. The Italian built superyacht is currently the second largest privately owned yacht in the world, after Lurssen's Azzam.

• Blohm + Voss

Roman Abramovich's yacht Eclipse has received a huge amount of industry attention, not just for its size but for the celebrity of its owner. Eclipse is the largest and most expensive superyacht ever built. When initially ordered she was estimated to cost approximately £330million, by the time she was delivered however, her overall costs were closer to the £1billion mark due to the extra luxury fittings and security measures required by her owner. With a crew of up to 60, Eclipse is a giant of the sea. She was the fourth superyacht comissioned by Abramovich.

• Platinum Yachts

This magnificent yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. Construction was suspended in 1998 and the vessel left unfinished until HH Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum secured the rumoured $300 million project. Platinum Yachts took the mega yacht to completion and in 2006 launched Dubai to become the world’s largest private yacht. Today however, Dubai is the second largest privately owned yacht in the world.

Launched in February 2022, Project Blue is Lurssen's latest secretive yacht project. With little revealed about her specifications and designers, her expansive size was confirmed by the German shipyard following her launch: an incredible 160m. Project Blue will be Lurssen's second-largest superyacht, and is due to be delivered in 2023. She was recently spotted in Bremerhaven, Germany, making her way out to sea for her maiden sea trial. She is expected to have a beam of 21m, and a gross tonnage of 15,320 GT. Her other specifications are currently unknown.

Originally known as Project Omar, the 156 metre superyacht Dilbar was launched in 2016 after over 4 years of construction. A favourite with yachtspotters worldwide, Dilbar is considered the largest superyacht in the world by volume.

Like most royal superyachts, little is known about Al Said, a giant mega yacht formerly codenamed "Project Sunflower". She was delivered to the Sultan of Oman in 2008 as a replacement for a smaller mega yacht of the same name. At a stunning 155m, Al Said consists of six large decks and features striking exterior and interior design by Espen Oeino International, the same company that designed the stunning 127m mega yacht Octopus. According to reports, Al Said is said to accommodate as many as 70 guests and 154 professional crew, as well as featuring a concert room capable of accommodating a 50 piece orchestra.

When construction of A+ (formerly named Topaz) first began she was forecast to be the 4th largest yacht in the world and to measure approximately 147m (482’3’’ft). Having left her floating shed at the Lürssen shipyard located in Bremen, Germany, she is now ready to claim that mantle and undergo the final phases of construction.

Prince Abdulaziz

• Helsingor Vaerft

As one of the yachts of the Saudi Royal Family, Prince Abdulaziz is used to conduct official business as well as for pleasure. The largest yacht built in the 20th century, the interior alone took 15 months to complete. Originally built for the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia who named the yacht after his son, it is now owned by his brother Abddullah.

Very little is known about Lurssen's mysterious superyacht OPERA. At 146m, the superyacht will be the sixth largest yacht Lurssen has built at the time of her launch in September 2022. OPERA was first spotted in May 2021 when she transported to the yard's Bremen outfitting facilities in Germany.

El Mahrousa

• Samuda Bros.

This Egyptian presidential yacht is not only one of the world’s largest but also one of the oldest. Built in 1865 in London, the yacht was intended for the King of Egypt. Originally named Mahroussa, El Horriya was extended in 1872 and again in 1905.  Nowadays she is berthed in Alexandria and is listed as a training ship by the Egyptian Navy.

Developed by German shipyard Lürssen, construction of Project Luminance is underway at their facilities near Lemwerder. Due to enter the esteemed list of the Top 10 largest superyachts in the world, information about the 145m superyacht is limited at this moment in time. Lürssen are world-famous for their incredible innovations and their capacity to build extremely large mega yachts filled with numerous features. Photos that have been captured of the boat indicate that she will have considerable deck space with plenty of room left over indoors to be packed out with luxury.

SAILING YACHT A

Sailing Yacht A is a highly unique vessel, with an LOA of 142.81m. She is one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts with a number of unique features, including an underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and premium navigation systems. Her three masts are the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world. Her futuristic design was created by Philippe Starck, her smooth silver-metallic surfaces challenging the expectations of conventional aesthetics.

As one of the most well-known builders of Top 100 yachts, Lurssen's NORD (formerly Opus and Redwood) has been highly anticipated as one of the largest ever to launch from the German yard. Also the largest project set to launch in 2020, at 142m, she will accommodate up to 36 guests in 20 cabins and was designed by Nuvolari Lenard.

• ADMShipyards

The 141m superyacht Swift141, now christened 'Yas', was successfully launched by ADMShipyards in November 2011; entering the record books as both the largest launch of 2011 and most significant superyacht in recent history. ADMShipyards, members of Privinvest, has proudly announced the launch of their first superyacht. At 141 meters, this stunning private yacht ranks as the sixth largest superyacht in the world.

• Lloyd Werft

Project Solaris is the revolutionary explorer yacht built by German masters of engineering Lloyd Werft. Topping off the yard's record for ultra large luxury yacht build, Project Solaris is an estimated 139m+ explorer yacht at the German giant's shed.

Scheherezade

As with most yachts in construction at Lurssen, little is known about this 140m project. We do not yet know the designer or architect, but she has been spotted moving around the build-hall. Her sightings have lead yacht spotters on the docks of the yard to aptly name her 'Project Lightning.' We hope to see her launch towards the end of 2019.

Ocean Victory

• Fincantieri Yachts

The largest yacht ever built in Italy and one of the ten largest in the world, Fincantieri has announced the successful delivery of Project Victory - a 140 metre superyacht launched in 2014 - under the official name of Ocean Victory.

Code named as Mipos (short for Mission Possible) during her construction, Al Salamah belongs to Saudi Arabian Defence Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Kept a great secret, rumours tell that she has over 80 rooms, a helipad, and an indoor swimming pool complete with glass roof. A real working wonder, this yacht was completed in 1999 after only two years.

Owned by media bigwig David Geffen, Rising Sun is rumoured to have been commissioned by Ellison specifically to be larger than Paul Allen’s Octopus. This 2004 yacht is spread over five decks and is equipped with everything from Jacuzzi bathrooms and wine cellars to a top deck basketball court.

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Mega & Superyachts for Sale

983 Superyachts for Sale Worldwide

Northrop & Johnson is proud to offer an extensive, global and all-encompassing selection of superyachts for sale. The superyacht sector comprises the world’s most luxurious, well-designed, top-performing yachts with a wide range of amenities and styles. We hope you find your dream yacht below. When you do, please contact a Northrop & Johnson sales broker to begin the buying process.

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Which Superyacht is Right for You?

The type of superyachts best suited for you depends on the on-water experience you want. You may want power and speed, ensuring a motor-powered superyacht is right for you. Alternatively, you may want to feel the wind pushing you across the water, so a sailing yacht is best suited for your needs. In either respect, the most popular superyachts feature incredible amenities, top performance and exceptional design that allows them to retain their value for resale or charter.

When choosing the ideal superyacht, you – with the help of your broker – will weigh various options and features, including style, type of yacht, build pedigree, crew layout, facilities, décor and more. Whether you are looking for a large, modern motor yacht or a classically styled gentlemen’s yacht, Northrop & Johnson has a wide selection of superyacht types available for sale.

When buying or building a yacht, remember: first and foremost, your yacht is for you and your family or friends to use. What type of experience and use are you looking for in your ownership? Are you interested in a new or used yacht? Custom built or semi-custom? How are you planning to use your yacht? If you are planning to charter your yacht to help offset some of the running costs, then factor in the charterer, but remember, a yacht is very personal and you must consider your own needs as a priority.

Types of Superyachts

What type of boat best suits your needs

The type of yacht will shape the experience for the owner. The most popular superyachts (be they sail or motor) have a combination of elements that make them strong across the board both during ownership and in resale value and charter success. From the style and type of yacht and the build pedigree to the crew layout, the facilities and even the décor, there are many factors that, when combined, influence the enjoyment of yacht ownership. Whether you are looking for a large, modern motor yacht or a classically styled gentlemen’s yacht, Northrop & Johnson has a wide selection of superyacht types available for sale. When buying or building a yacht, remember that first and foremost your yacht is for you and your family or friends to use. What type of experience and use are you looking for in your ownership? Are you interested in a new or used yacht? Custom built or semi-custom? How are you planning to use your yacht? If you are planning to charter your yacht to help offset some of the running costs then factor in the charterer, but remember, a yacht is very personal and it is important that you think of your own needs as a priority.

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• Exploring Mega Yachts: All You Need to Know
• Luxury yachts and boats

Do you dream of sailing in the lap of luxury? Of cruising the world's most beautiful waters aboard a luxurious mega yacht? If so, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll explore all the ins and outs of mega yachts – from how they're constructed to how you can get your hands on one. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure on the high seas! Mega Yachts are some of the most impressive vessels in the world. They range in size from 125 feet to over 600 feet long, and come with a variety of amenities and features.

When it comes to the size of a mega yacht, it can range from 125 feet to over 600 feet. The larger the vessel, the more amenities and features it can accommodate, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, cinema rooms, and even helipads. These vessels are typically designed for luxury cruising and feature state-of-the-art technology and amenities. When it comes to the cost of owning a mega yacht, there are several factors to consider.

The size of the yacht is a major factor, as is the type of amenities included. Other factors such as age and condition of the yacht will also affect the cost. On average, mega yachts can cost anywhere from $50 million to $200 million. For those looking to charter a mega yacht for a special occasion, there are several charter companies that specialize in these vessels.

Chartering a mega yacht can be an expensive endeavor, but it can be well worth it for those looking for a luxurious and unique experience. In addition to purchasing or chartering a mega yacht, there are also other options available. Many marinas offer slips for mega yachts, allowing owners to dock their vessels and enjoy easy access to amenities such as restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. There are also companies that specialize in renting out mega yachts for special occasions such as weddings and corporate events.

The Size of Mega Yachts

The larger the yacht, the more expensive it is to purchase and maintain. The size of the yacht will also determine the number of features and amenities it can accommodate. Smaller yachts may have limited amenities, while larger ones may be equipped with private pools, spas, bars, or even helicopters. The size of the yacht also has an impact on its performance and fuel efficiency.

Chartering a Mega Yacht

The most common way to charter a mega yacht is through a charter company. These companies own or manage a variety of yachts, and offer services such as crew, food, and other amenities. When you book a charter through a company, you will typically have access to a wide range of yachts, from small luxury vessels to large mega yachts. Another option for chartering a mega yacht is to hire an individual captain and crew.

Safety Considerations

As these vessels are large and expensive, they require a great deal of care to ensure that they remain safe and secure. To ensure the safety of passengers, crew and the vessel itself, many mega yacht owners and operators will invest in a variety of measures. The first thing to consider is the size and weight of the vessel. Mega yachts are typically very large and heavy, which means they require a great deal of skill and expertise to manoeuvre. As such, it is important to ensure that the crew members operating the vessel have the necessary experience and qualifications.

Additionally, the crew should be kept up-to-date on any changes in safety regulations or procedures. Additionally, any equipment used on a mega yacht should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it is in good working order. This includes navigation systems, engines, moorings and other important components. Any repairs or maintenance should be carried out by qualified professionals. Finally, there should be an emergency plan in place in case of an accident or incident. This should include contact details of relevant authorities such as the coastguard, as well as details of any medical facilities nearby.

Renting a Mega Yacht

The longer the charter, the more cost-effective it will be. You'll also need to decide where you'd like to go on your charter. Depending on the destination, you may have access to different amenities and services. Some of the most popular charter destinations include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, and Alaska. Finally, you'll need to select the type of crew and service you'd like. Professional crewmembers can be hired to take care of everything from navigation and docking to meal preparation and maintenance.

Mega yacht rental

Costs associated with owning a mega yacht.

Additionally, larger yachts require more fuel to operate and maintain, further increasing their cost. The amenities and features on board also play a role in determining the cost of a mega yacht. Many owners opt to include luxury amenities such as Jacuzzis, spas, and multiple decks. These features can add significantly to the cost of a mega yacht.

The age and condition of the yacht also determine its cost. An older yacht may need to be refurbished or upgraded in order to remain seaworthy. This can add to the overall cost of the vessel. Similarly, a newer yacht may come with more features and amenities, which can also increase its cost. Finally, the location where a mega yacht is purchased can also have an impact on its cost.

Yachts purchased in certain locations may require additional taxes or fees, which can add to the overall cost of ownership. Mega yachts are some of the most impressive vessels in the world, offering a luxurious experience on the water. From their size and features to the costs associated with owning one, there is a lot to consider when deciding whether to charter or buy a mega yacht. Costs can be high, and it is important to have proper training and certification before operating one safely. With the right planning and research, owning or chartering a mega yacht can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

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Mega Yachts for Sale Worldwide

A mega yacht is generally understood to be a large superyacht that represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury yachting. View all mega yachts for sale worldwide here , including images and full specifications.

Exact definitions of mega yachts vary tremendously, although some believe that around 200 feet to be the starting size for a mega yacht for sale. Here in the United States however, the words ‘mega yacht’ is often used interchangeably with the words ‘super yacht’, which is used to refer to any privately owned-yacht over 80 feet in length.

Cinemas, helipads, spas, gyms and private owner’s decks with balconies are often standard fixtures on the larger mega yachts for sale – like the photos here show of yacht for sale NATITA – due to their luxury of size.

The biggest mega yachts will extend to basketball courts, large swimming pools, magnificent beach clubs and float-in tender garages to house sailboats, high-speed chase boats and even submarines.

One of the most famous features of a mega yacht was the (reported) missile shield on Roman Abramovich’s yacht Eclipse, which held the title of the largest private yacht on earth at 522 feet until it was ‘eclipsed’ by Azzam, a Lurssen mega yacht measuring in at a staggering 590 feet.

The palatial accommodations on board a mega yacht are superb for entertaining groups and hosting extended families. Mega yachts generally carry large crews to offer a simply spectacular level of service, with guest-to-crew ratios only dreamt of in elite hotels.

Because mega yachts over 200 foot are such extraordinary machines, there are a limited number of them afloat, although as the race for the biggest boat continues between the oligarchs we can expect this number to grow.

As of October 2015, there were only 200 yachts in the world larger than 213 foot. Given their rarity and ultimate exclusivity, the opportunity of purchasing a large mega yacht for sale does not appear often.

It’s useful, however, to know that the term ‘mega yacht’ is not a universally- recognized term and its exact meaning is debated, although it has gained common currency in the United States and in mainstream media around the world.

As mentioned, in the United States you will often find the words ‘mega yacht for sale’ being used interchangeably with the words ‘super yacht for sale’, yet in European yachting circles, the word super yacht is generally still preferred.  ‘Giga yacht’, meanwhile, is a relatively new word on the scene, often used to describe yachts over 100 meters, or 328 feet – but let’s not muddy the waters any further!

Regardless of what you call it, a mega yacht for sale is an investment offering an almost unbelievable level of luxury, performance and glamorous fun.

For further information about any of the mega yachts we have for sale, contact the team by email , by this sales inquiry form or by calling one of our yacht brokerage offices worldwide.

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Icon’s Largest Superyacht Is a 276-Foot Stunner With More Wine Storage Than Your Cellar

Icon's largest project to date has more than 10,000 square feet of indoor space crafted by rockstar designer tim heywood., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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One yacht, six decks, 6,000 miles of range and more than 10,000 square feet of indoor space that accommodates 19 guests in seven staterooms. Enough said. Well, it’s too impressive a boat to leave it at that, actually. Best known for its refit and conversion projects, Icon Yachts ’s latest design—the Icon 280 —sees the innovative Dutch yard move into two new segments of the superyacht industry: both a new-construction project and a yacht built on spec. The Icon 280 is a show of strength for the relatively young company. At 276 feet, it is also Icon’s largest project to date.

Sporting an exterior envisioned by rockstar designer Tim Heywood and selling through Burgess for more than $100 million, the Icon 280 offers a customizable interior that has the largest internal space of any 276-foot yacht. The trick is the addition of a full-length engine-room deck, which sits below the waterline and houses, well, the engine room, along with vast storage areas and a crew gym, an unusual but considerate feature. Generous crew quarters are located on the lower deck, adjacent to five spacious guest cabins. A central corridor directly connects the latter to an aft beach club—handy for an early morning dip or a swim before supper—which features a layout that also allows for a spa and theater.

Immense wine storage on the bridge deck  Courtesy of Icon Yachts

In addition to two 33-foot tenders, the main deck houses a range of water toys as well as an infinity pool. The more than 1,350-square-foot master suite overlooks the helipad on the upper deck and provides the option for multiple sea terraces. Five flights up, the bridge deck presents more outside sunbathing space—in addition to inside wine storage—and is topped by an expansive sundeck with a hot tub—the ideal spot to catch sunrises or sunsets.

A hammam off the beach club  Courtesy of Icon Yachts

“The Icon 280 has a 6,000-nautical-mile range, it’s highly fuel efficient, it’s clean in design, seaworthy and high up on the water,” says Jen Wartena, CEO of Icon. “In short, it’s capable of cruising the oceans of the world in style.” That’s to be expected. What’s surprising, however, is the yacht’s rapid delivery time, available in as little as 26 months from the point of signing.

The humongous master suite  Courtesy of Icon Yachts

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Top 10 Superyacht Marinas in the United States

Best marinas to dock your boat..

Marine, marina, harbor, yacht club, port — not exactly synonyms, but close. A marina provides safe dockage for vessels of all sizes, often offering supplies, repair, and other facilities to those who rent a slip. A quick (but unreliable) Google search told us that there at about 12,000 marinas in the United States.

Whether that’s true or not, that’s a lot to sift through. But we did it — we found the top 10 superyacht marinas in the U.S.

1. Yacht Haven Grande | Miami, Florida

“Welcome to Miami” is the vibe when you step off the yacht and into Yacht Haven Grande by Island Gardens. This marina is nothing short of flash and accommodates some of the largest superyachts in the world. 

This Miami marina was specifically designed to host mega yachts reaching 500+ feet in length, plus accommodation for smaller tenders. Onsite amenities include a luxury lounge, conference room, mail and package delivery, concierge service, BBQ area for crew, and water taxi to select Miami waterfronts. Yacht Haven Grande is a true marina destination, and one of the finest in the world.

Bonus: Denison’s Miami office is nearby to help you with your new yacht search.

Max boat length: 500+ feet

2. Gurney’s Star Island Marina | Montauk, New York

All the way at the End of the World (as Montauk, NY is so often referred to), is Gurney’s Star Island Marina . It’s part of a larger resort and therefore offers plenty of amenities for boat owners who book a slip. Despite a sense of exclusivity, Gurney’s Star Island Marina does not require a membership. 

The marina can accommodate yachts up to 220 feet with a maximum draft of 12 feet. Boat guests have full access to Gurney’s Star Island facilities and amenities, including laundry services, a private beach, a fitness center, heated pools, tennis courts, and waterfront dining options. It’s a welcome land excursion for yacht charters in New England . 

Max boat length: 220 feet

3. Bahia Mar Yachting Center | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Smack dab in the heart of Fort Lauderdale is the Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center (also home to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show ). It’s all about the amenities when you dock at Bahia Mar, which includes access to a swimming pool, fitness center, entertainment concierge, diving and sailing tours, and dining options. Oh, and the beach is right across the street. 

The marina is separated into the South Basin and the North Basin, with the resort, parking, shops, and restaurants conveniently in the middle. Bahia Mar holds 250 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet in length. Facilities include fueling, free WiFi, cable television, and pump out. Best to book ahead of time — about 90% of the slips are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stop by Denison’s Fort Lauderdale office to speak with a superyacht specialist. 

Max boat length: 300 feet

4. Safe Harbor Charleston City | Charleston, South Carolina

Safe Harbor has locations all over the west and east coasts, but its marina in Charleston , South Carolina is one of the best superyacht marinas in the United States. It’s home to the Mega Dock (dun, dun duunn), which hosts some of the most prestigious yachts in the world.

Charleston is a premier boating destination , and the marina’s state-of-the-art facilities and southern hospitality are a welcome respite after a big day on the water. Yachts that book a slip at Safe Harbor receive complimentary wifi, shore power hookups, freshwater hookups, and cable TV hookups. They also have a full marine service, fuel dock, and waterfront restaurant. While membership is not required to dock at this marina, you can become a member of Safe Harbor to gain access to an entire network of premium locations, amenities, and events.

Stop by Denison’s Charleston office to learn more about yachts for sale. 

Max boat length: 455 feet

5. Marina del Rey Marina | Los Angeles, California

Marina del Rey hosts one of the largest marinas in the U.S. It can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length and up to 5,000 yachts year-round. Californians do things big — the marina has hotel rooms, restaurants, a Denison office , a movie theater, paddleboard rentals, and a shopping center (among other amenities ). It’s a short drive to/from Santa Monica for the beach or LAX to catch a flight. When you book a slip at Marina del Rey Marina, you’ll get security, fresh water, power, ice delivery, wash and fold delivery, and dockside shuttle service.

Max boat length: 150 feet

6. Farley State Marina | Atlantic City, New Jersey

Dock the yacht and head for the slots. Farley State Marina is part of the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City. This protected marina offers 630 floating slips and dockage for vessels up to 300 feet in length. When you rent a boat slip at Farley State, you get exclusive resort amenities including access to the H20 Rooftop Pool and Bar. Spend a day on the water then enjoy the award-winning restaurants, shows, casino games, and nightlife at the Golden Nugget.

7. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | San Diego, California

The Marriott Marquis and Marina in San Deigo offers a prime waterfront location for your yacht or boat. The Marina District is ideally located downtown with easy access to catch a Padres game, tour the USS Midway Museum, or bar hop in the Gaslamp Quarter.

This 450-slip marina accommodates vessels from 25 to 125 feet. Because this marina is part of the Marriott, guests can order room service to their boat, gain access to the pool, or use the fitness center. Say hello to the Denison San Diego team while you’re there. 

Max boat length: 125 feet

8. DiMillo’s Marina | Portland, Maine

In the heart of Portland’s Old Port is DiMillo’s Marina , an iconic neighborhood staple. It’s a two-minute walk to Portland’s historic downtown area with plenty of bars and restaurants, plus provision and marine services. DiMillos offers summer, winter, year-round, and transient dockage with amenities such as a gated facility, wifi, electricity, sewer, and fuel. 

Max boat length: 250 feet

9. Stock Island Yacht Club And Marina | Key West, Florida

Stock Island Marina is one of the best marinas in the Florida Keys. It provides guests with excellent amenities including a waterfront pool, waterfront restaurant, event space, and fitness center; the unrivaled location is an ideal haven for boating, sailing, scuba diving, and sportfishing. Stock Island Marina can accommodate vessels up to 101 feet, with a max draft of 7 feet. By land, it’s about four miles from Key West International Airport and 10 minutes from the bars and restaurants on Duval Street.

Max boat length: 101 feet

10. Tidewater Yacht Marina | Portsmouth, Virginia

At mile marker zero on the Intercoastal Waterway is Tidewater Yacht Marina in Portsmouth, Virginia. It’s the halfway point between Florida and New York, a perfect pit stop for yachts traveling up and down the east coast. Tidewater Yacht Marina offers 300 slips — transient slips can accommodate boats as small as 20′ to yachts over 150’ in length. The marina offers restrooms, showers, laundry, and free wifi for guests. 

Speak With A Superyacht Specialist:

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Cocktails & Canapés at 37th America’s Cup [S/Y SEAQUELL] Thursday, August 29th | 19:00-21:00 Denison Yachting cordially invites you to an evening of cocktails and canapés aboard the Sailing Yacht SEAQUELL during the 37th America’s Cup Round Robins at Port Forum. Enjoy a relaxed gathering on board, set against

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85′ Azimut 2006 Sold by Florent Moranzoni [EVA] EVA, an 85′ (26.82m) Azimut built in 2006, was sold by Florent Moranzoni, who represented the Seller. Special thanks to James von Eiberg of Bluebnc, who represented the Buyer. EVA can accommodate ten guests in four comfortable cabins, including a

Matthew’s Substack

Bayesian, the mega sailing yacht that sank last week by Sicily, was a disaster waiting to happen. Here's why.

Modern high-tech composite materials and rigging allow super-high single-masted sloops that were impossible to build in the old schooner era. An advantage of the old schooners was that with their sails down, there was much less windage far aloft. For a modern giant super-sloop, the windage aloft, even at anchor, is tremendous. All of those spreaders plus the mast surface area present a massive amount of windage when subjected to a blast of wind. The enormous height causes vastly more leverage than the same wind striking a "low aspect ratio" sailing rig. At anchor, deck hatches would be open. If the boat is heeled over far enough to put open side deck hatches underwater, down-flooding and sinking would happen in a matter of a minute or two.

To have a safe righting moment even after being knocked down with her mast horizontal and in the water, Bayesian would have needed a ballast keel 40 or so feet deep. This is not practical, so mega sailboats rely on inertia and mass to not get knocked all the way down. If they are knocked down, they are basically doomed if any hatches are open. There is no ballast keel sufficient to lever them back upright.

Bayesian had HUGE windage, and very high up. Even with her sails down and roller jibs furled, the 237' tall mast is (estimating from photos) almost five feet front to back, and she had 6 sets of "spreaders" that are almost the size of a Cessna's wings. Once she's heeled 45* by the sudden wind blast catching her on her beam, she didn't shed the wind, she caught even more on her spreaders. Her roller furling jibs are also massive, about a yard in diameter even when furled.

A sloop is the most efficient sailing rig in terms of potential lift to drag. 2 sails, one mast. But that enormous mast is always way, way up there. An old gaff schooner at anchor would present much less windage. But any giant sailing ship relying on mass and inertia to avoid being knocked down was and is always at risk. Another "safety factor" present in older sailing ships was that their organic-fiber sails and ropes would tend to "blow out" when struck by a wind blast, instead of taking the ship all the way over. Even being dismasted was preferable to being knocked down and sunk. With today's modern sails and rigging, the sails won't fail, and the sailing ship will be driven over on her beam end.

White Squall 1996 Trailer | Jeff Bridges This is a movie recounting when a sailing ship was knocked down by a "white squall" and sank in minutes with the loss of life.

This also happened to the 90' Pride of Baltimore #1, in 1986 under full sail on the Atlantic.

A schooner being knocked down in a storm also occurs in my new novel, Doomsday Reef. https://www.amazon.com/Doomsday-Reef-Matthew-Bracken/dp/0

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Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic

As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly.

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By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced

Emma Bubola reported from Porticello, Italy, and Michael J. de la Merced from London.

Two months after being cleared in a bruising legal battle over fraud charges, the British tech mogul Mike Lynch celebrated his freedom with a cruise. He invited his family, friends and part of his legal team on board his luxury sailing yacht, a majestic 180-foot vessel named Bayesian after the mathematical theorem around which he had built his empire.

On Sunday night, after a tour of the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and volcanic islands in the Eolian archipelago, the boat anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy. It chose a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago for its protection from the mistral wind and, in more recent times, by the yachts of tech billionaires. The boat was lit “like a Christmas tree,” local residents said, standing out against the full moon.

But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.

Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.

In all, 22 people were on board, 15 of whom were rescued. Six bodies — five passengers and the ship’s cook — had been recovered by Thursday afternoon, including that of Mr. Lynch, an Italian government official said, adding that the search was continuing for his daughter.

It was a tragic and mystifying turn of events for Mr. Lynch, 59, who had spent years seeking to clear his name and was finally inaugurating a new chapter in his life. Experts wondered how a $40 million yacht, so robust and stable could have been sunk by a storm near a port within minutes.

“It drives me insane,” said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company, Perini, that made the Bayesian. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, 52, a former vice president of finance for Mr. Lynch’s former company and a co-defendant in the fraud case, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.

Since June, the two men had been in a jubilant mood. A jury in San Francisco had acquitted both on fraud charges that could have sent them to prison for two decades. There were hugs and tears, and they and their legal teams went for a celebratory dinner party at a restaurant in the city, said Gary S. Lincenberg, a lawyer for Mr. Chamberlain.

The sea excursion was meant as a thank-you by Mr. Lynch to those who had helped him in his legal travails. Among the guests was Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a scion of a prominent New York family of lawyers who had represented Mr. Lynch for 12 years. He and his wife, Neda, 57, were among the missing.

So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox.

The body of the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered. All the other crew members survived. Among them was Leo Eppel, 19, of South Africa, who was on his first yacht voyage working as a deck steward, said a friend, who asked not to be identified.

Since the sinking, the recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a movie.

Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.

On Wednesday afternoon, a church bell tolled after the first body bag was loaded into an ambulance, a crowd watching in silence.

The survivors were sheltering in a sprawling resort near Porticello, with a view of the shipwreck spot, and had so far declined to comment.

Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said that the yacht had most likely been hit by a fierce “down burst” — when air generated within a thunderstorm descends rapidly — or by a waterspout , similar to a tornado over water.

He added that his agency had put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about storms and strong winds. Locals said the winds “felt like an earthquake.”

Mr. Costantino, the boat executive, said the yacht had been specifically designed for having a tall mast — the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world. He said the Bayesian was an extremely safe and secure boat that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing.

But he said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, is to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

The New York Times attempted to reach the captain, James Cutfield, who had survived, for comment through social media, his brother and the management company of the yacht (which did not hire the crew), but did not make contact.

So far none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened that night.

Fabio Genco, the director of Palermo’s emergency services, who treated some of the survivors, said that the victims had recounted feeling as if the boat was being lifted, then suddenly dropped, with objects from the cabins falling on them.

The Italian Coast Guard said it had deployed a remotely operated vehicle that can prowl underwater for up to seven hours at a depth of more than 980 feet and record videos and images that they hoped would help them reconstruct the dynamics of the sinking. Such devices were used during the search and rescue operations of the Titan vessel that is believed to have imploded last summer near the wreckage of the Titanic.

After rescuers broke inside the yacht, they struggled to navigate the ropes and many pieces of furniture cluttering the vessel, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for Italy’s national firefighter corps.

Finally, as of Thursday morning, they had managed to retrieve all but one of the missing bodies, and hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin. “Can a human being be underwater for two days?” Mr. Cari asked.

What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s death was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name.

He earned a fortune in technology and was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates. But for more than a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.

He was accused by Hewlett-Packard, the American technological pioneer that had bought his software company, Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his company’s worth. (Hewlett-Packard wrote down the value of the transaction by about $8.8 billion, and critics called it one of the worst deals of all time .) He had been increasingly shunned by the British establishment that he sought to break into after growing up working-class outside London.

He was extradited to San Francisco to face criminal charges, and confined to house arrest and 24-hour surveillance on his dime. In a townhouse in the Pacific Heights neighborhood — with security people he jokingly told associates were his “roommates” — he spent his mornings talking with researchers whom he funded personally on new applications for artificial intelligence. Afterward, he devoted hours to discussing legal strategy with his team.

Despite his persistent claims of innocence, even those close to Mr. Lynch had believed his odds of victory were slim. Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted in 2018 of similar fraud charges and spent five years in prison.

During Mr. Lynch’s house arrest, his brother and mother died. His wife, Angela Bacares, frequently flew over from England, and she became a constant presence in the San Francisco courtroom during the trial.

After he was finally acquitted, Mr. Lynch had his eye on the future. “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said.

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Pallanza, Italy.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

Five bodies found inside superyacht that sank off Sicily

PORTICELLO, Sicily — Divers recovered four bodies Wednesday from inside a superyacht that sank in a sudden storm off Sicily , Salvatore Cocina, director of the island's Civil Protection Agency, confirmed to NBC News.

Cocina later confirmed to Sky News that a fifth body had been found and was being brought to shore. One passenger remains missing.

The identities of the bodies were not immediately released. Their recovery follows a dayslong search in the deep waters off Italy where British tech tycoon Mike Lynch  and several others were believed to be trapped in the hull. Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived.

The rest had been missing since early Monday, when the Bayesian was caught in the storm anchored off the coast of Porticello, a village near the Sicilian capital city, Palermo.

The body of the ship’s cook, identified as Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian Antiguan national, was recovered Monday. 

On Wednesday, NBC News witnessed what appeared to be at least three body bags being lifted from fire department boats after they pulled into port at Porticello. It was unclear whose bodies they were. Some were later transferred to ambulances and driven away from the dock.

Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda, are also missing. 

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the survivors rescued by a nearby vessel after they got into a lifeboat.

Built by the Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered yacht could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist boating sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters.  

Regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” Lynch was  acquitted of fraud by a San Francisco jury this year, stemming from the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011.

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who brought Bloomer, who testified in his defense, and Morvillo, one of his U.S. lawyers, on the trip.

Lynch's co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain was not aboard the Bayesian, but in what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a  car struck and killed  him Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

Claudio Lavanga and Claudia Rizzo reported from Porticello. Henry Austin reported from London.

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.

Claudia Rizzo is an Italy based journalist.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

Inside the shocking Sicily yacht tragedy that left 7 people dead

There was a violent storm, but even then, luxury yachts are built to weather such events. so why did this boat sink off the coast of sicily, leaving seven people dead, by natalie finn | e news • published august 24, 2024 • updated on august 24, 2024 at 10:34 am.

Originally appeared on E! Online

Nobody was trying to reach the lowest depths of the ocean or otherwise test the boundaries of human endurance .

But what was supposed to be a routine pleasure cruise aboard a superyacht turned deadly all the same on the morning of Aug. 19 when the 184-foot Bayesian got caught in a storm and sank off the coast of Sicily .

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

"I can't remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that," Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting told NBC News . "You know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size."

Of the 22 people onboard, including crew, seven people died. The last of the bodies was recovered Aug. 23, an expectedly sad coda to what had already been a tragic week as the search for answers as to how this happened got underway.

And to be sure, every minute of the Bayesian's ill-fated outing is being fiercely scrutinized, starting with the general seaworthiness of the vessel itself.

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Because, frankly, this was a freak occurrence.

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"Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday," Richter explained. "They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed."

But in this case, a $40 million yacht sank, seven people are dead—including a billionaire tech mogul and his 18-year-old daughter—and morbid fascination doesn't need a second wind.

Here is how the story of the Sicily yacht tragedy has unfolded so far:

What happened to the yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily?

The Bayesian had set off from the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 at capacity with 12 guests and 10 crewmembers aboard.

The aluminum-hulled vessel was built in 2008 by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi and registered in the U.K. Cruise sites listed it as available for charter at $215,000 per week, per the Associated Press.

On the morning of Aug. 19, the superyacht was anchored off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village in the Sicilian province of Palermo (also the name of Sicily's capital city), when a violent storm hit.

The vessel "suddenly sank" at around 5 a.m. local time, seemingly due to "the terrible weather conditions," the City Council of Bagheria announced shortly afterward, per NBC News .

At the time, only one person was confirmed dead—the ship's chef—but six others were said to be missing. The 15 survivors—who managed to make it onto an inflatable life boat, according to emergency officials—were rescued that morning by the crew of another yacht that had been nearby when the storm hit.

"Fifteen people inside," Karsten Borner, the Dutch captain of the ship that was able to help (the Sir Robert Baden Powell), told reporters afterward, per Reuters. "Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people."

When the storm hit, his boat ran into "a strong hurricane gust," Borner said, "and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position."

They "managed to keep the ship in position," he continued, but once the storm died down, they realized the other boat that had been behind them—the Bayesian—was gone.

The wreck ended up settling 165 feet below the surface, according to Italy's national fire department.

Fire officials said that divers, a motorboat and a helicopter were deployed to search for the missing.

Meanwhile, footage was captured of the ship capsizing on closed-circuit TV about a half-mile away from where it was anchored.

In the video obtained by NBC News, the illuminated 250-foot aluminum mast of the ship appears to list severely to one side before disappearing completely. Survivors recalled having just a few minutes to literally abandon ship.

Who were the seven people who died when the yacht Bayesian sank?

The tragedy initially became headline news because billionaire tech mogul Mike Lynch—"Britain's Bill Gates," some U.K. media called him—was among the missing. His body was ultimately recovered Aug. 22 .

"They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there," Dr. Fabio Genco, head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News Aug. 22. "And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes."

Genco said he got to Porticello about an hour after the Bayesian capsized.

Survivors "told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down," he said. "All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries."

Why did the yacht sink?

Italian prosecutors are investigating to determine what transpired before the boat went down, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, the CEO of shipbuilder Perini's parent company The Italian Sea Group defended the vessel itself as "unsinkable."

Perini boats "are the safest in the most absolute sense," Giovanni Costantino told Sky News Aug. 22 . What happened to the Bayesian "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other," he continued. "This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact."

Costantino said it had to have been human error that led to the boat sinking, declaring, "Mistakes were made."

"Everything that was done reveals a very long summation of errors," he told newspaper Corriere della Sera Aug. 21, in an interview translated from Italian. "The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor."

The weather was "all predictable," he continued, adding that the storm "was fully legible in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored."

The yacht's captain, identified as James Cutfield of New Zealand, was taken to Termini Imerese hospital for treatment. From there, he told La Repubblica, per Sky News , that he didn't see the storm coming.

Borner, the captain of the ship that rescued the 15 Bayesian survivors, told NBC News that he noticed the storm come in at 4 a.m. local time, and saw what looked to him like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms above water.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research posted on X Aug. 19 that it had "confirmed 18 waterspouts today off the coasts of Italy. Some were powerful waterspouts, one of which may have been responsible for the sinking of a large yacht off of Sicily."

Borner said he didn't know why the Bayesian sank so quickly, guessing "it may have something to do with the mast, which was incredibly long." (A tall mast, even with its sails down, means there's more surface area exposed to wind, which can result in tipping.)

Confirming that one person was dead and six unaccounted for immediately following the wreck on Aug. 19, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency told reporters that a waterspout had struck the area overnight.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

The 59-year-old founder of software firm Autonomy had been on the trip with his wife Angela Bacares and their 18-year-old, Oxford-bound daughter Hannah to celebrate his recent acquittal in the U.S. on fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from the $11.7 billion purchase of his company by Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

In a bizarre turn of events, Lynch's co-defendant at trial, Stephen Chamberlain, the former vice president of finance at Autonomy, died after being taken off life support following a road accident on Aug. 17. Chamberlain's attorney told Reuters Aug. 20 that his friend and client had been out for a run when he was "fatally struck" by a car.

Meanwhile, multiple people who contributed to Lynch's defense were on the cruise with him and his family.

The bodies of Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer—who testified on Lynch's behalf—and his wife Judy Bloomer, as well as lawyer Chris Morvillo, a partner at the U.S. firm Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda Morvillo, a jewelry designer, were recovered on Aug. 21 .

In a LinkedIn post thanking the team that successfully defended Lynch, Morvillo wrote, per Sky News , "And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo. None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. And they all lived happily ever after…"

The first casualty confirmed Aug. 19 was the ship's Canadian-Antiguan chef, later identified as Recaldo Thomas.

"He was a one-of-a-kind special human being," a friend of Thomas told The Independent . "Incredibly talented, contagious smile and laugh, an incredible voice with a deep love of the ocean and the moon. I spoke to him nearly every day. He loved his life his friends and his job."

Hannah's body was the last of the missing six to be found , with divers bringing her remains ashore on Aug. 23.

Lynch and Bacares, who was rescued, also shared a 21-year-old daughter, according to The Times.

While awaiting trial, Lynch—who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings—had spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco. Back home in London afterward, he admitted to The Times in July that he'd been afraid of dying in prison if he'd been found guilty. (He faced a possible 25-year sentence.)

"It's bizarre, but now you have a second life," he reflected. "The question is, what do you want to do with it?"

(E!, NBC News and Sky News are all members of the Comcast family.)

Gallery: 50-foot yacht catches fire in Florida harbor

by SOPHIE PENDRILL, WPEC staff

A 50-foot yacht caught fire on Saturday in Clearwater Harbor, Fla. (USCG)

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WPEC) — A 50-foot yacht caught fire on Saturday in Florida's Clearwater Harbor.

The U.S. Coast Guard stated that a good Samaritan brought two boaters from the yacht to the Clearwater Harbor Marina to report the fire and meet emergency medical services.

After the fire was reported, the USCG and partners began to put the fire out.

No injuries have been reported at this time.

A tornado sank a luxury sailing boat off the coast of Sicily. Here’s what we know

E mergency workers in southern Italy are still hunting for at least one person who remains missing after a tornado sank a luxury yacht early Monday – prompting an air and naval operation off the coast of Sicily .

Twenty-two people are thought to have been on the yacht when the tragedy struck. Fifteen people were rescued from the wreckage, according to Italy’s Coast Guard. One body was recovered on Monday and five more were found on Wednesday, after divers struggled to reach deep inside the yacht around 50 meters underwater (approximately 150 feet).

Two Americans and four Britons were among the six initially reported missing – including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Chris Morvillo, a prominent lawyer. The five bodies found Wednesday have not been identified, while the body recovered Monday is thought to be that of the onboard chef Ricardo Thomas.

Here’s what we know.

What happened?

A small waterspout – a type of tornado – spun over the Mediterranean island early Monday, likely capsizing the sailing boat amid lashings of rain and strong thunderstorms.

The British-flagged yacht, called the “Bayesian,” was anchored about a half a mile from the port of Porticello, on Sicily’s northern coast. The vessel sank after its mast broke in half in the storm, Salvatore Cocina, head of Sicily’s Civil Protection, told CNN on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses described furious gales and hurricane-like winds that left an avalanche of debris near the pier.

More than a dozen survivors were spotted in the area hanging onto life rafts, according to the captain of a nearby boat, who steadied his ship to avoid colliding with the Bayesian.

“We got this strong hurricane gust and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position,” Karsten Bower told reporters in Palermo on Monday. “After the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone.”

Bower and his crew rescued four injured people, he said, before calling Italy’s Coast Guard – who later rescued the remaining survivors.

One of those rescued – a child – was airlifted to the children’s hospital in Palermo. Eight people were hospitalized in total, according to the mayor’s office.

The girl’s mother, Charlotte, described how she battled to hold onto Sofia, her 1-year-old daughter, as reported by Italian news agency ANSA.

“In two seconds I lost the baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amidst the fury of the waves. I held her tightly, close to me, while the sea was stormy,” she told journalists. “Many were screaming.”

The mother and daughter were later reunited with the father, James, according to a doctor at the local children’s hospital in Palermo.

“The survivors are very tired and are constantly asking about the missing people,” the doctor, Domenico Cipolla, said Monday. “They are talking and crying all the time because they have realized that there is little hope of finding their friends alive.”

Italy’s fire brigade dispatched helicopters to aid in the search, officials said Monday. After an unsuccessful attempt on Monday, the brigade sent divers to try and enter the sunken ship Tuesday, recommencing the operation on Wednesday.

The depth of the wreck means divers can only work there for limited periods of time, according to Marco Tilotta, an inspector for the diving unit of Palermo’s local fire brigade. The Italian fire brigade said Monday its divers had reached the yacht’s hull 49 meters (160 feet) below sea level.

The United Kingdom’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said it has deployed a team of four inspectors to Palermo which is conducting a preliminary assessment of the scene.

Who was on board?

Twenty-two people were on board the Bayesian, which was flying under a British flag and had mostly British passengers and crew, in addition to two Anglo-French, one Irish and one Sri Lankan person, a spokesperson for Italy’s Coast Guard told CNN.

A troupe of high-profile guests are among those missing, including Lynch, the 59-year-old British tech investor who fought a fraud case earlier this year in the United States – which spiraled from the disastrous $11 billion sale of his company to tech firm Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.

His 18-year-old daughter was also named missing. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, survived the accident. Bacares told Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica that she woke up at 4 a.m. local time, as the boat tilted. She and her husband were not initially concerned, she said, but became worried when the windows of the yacht shattered and chaos erupted.

Bacares spoke to the newspaper while sitting in a wheelchair, at a hospital in the Sicilian town of Termini Imerese. She had abrasions on her feet and bandages on other parts of her body, it reported.

Bloomer, the finance tycoon, and Morvillo, a prominent lawyer – and both their wives – are also among the missing, according to Salvatore Cocina, head of Sicily’s Civil Protection.

Morvillo, an American partner at Clifford Chance, was involved in successfully defeating the US fraud case against Lynch in June. Another employee of the firm, Ayla Ronald, and her partner, survived the incident, according to a spokesperson for Clifford Chance.

The body that was recovered from the vessel on Monday was identified as the onboard chef Ricardo Thomas, an Antiguan citizen, Reuters reported.

What do we know about the boat?

Built in 2008, the 56-meter (184-foot) yacht was manufactured by Italian company Perini Navi, Reuters reported. According to the Associated Press, the boat has been available for charter for $215,000 (€195,000) per week.

Lynch’s wife is linked to the yacht. The Bayesian is held by the company Revtom Limited, according to records from the maritime information service Equasis. The company’s latest annual return from April lists Bacares as the proprietor.

“Bayesian,” the name given to the vessel, is linked to the statistical theory on which Lynch built his fortune, according to Reuters.

The yacht’s mast stood 72.27 meters (237 feet) high above the designated water line, just short of the world’s tallest mast which is 75.2 meters, according to Guinness World Records. It was the tallest aluminium mast in the world, the Perini Navi website said.

Perini Navi is known for making “good quality boats,” according to Caroline White, deputy editor of BOAT International, a media group serving the superyacht industry.

White told CNN that if the Bayesian dismasted, “it should theoretically become more stable.” “But it might be a different story if you are in the middle of a violent storm with incredibly strong winds pinning you to the water,” she added.

Dangerous weather conditions

Strong storms across Sicily brought torrential rainfall late Sunday. Initial reports suggest a small  waterspout , which developed over the area Monday morning, could have been behind the yacht’s sinking.

Waterspouts – one of several types of tornadoes – are spinning columns of air that form over water, or move from land out to water. They are often accompanied by  high winds, high seas, hail and dangerous lightning . While they are most common over tropical oceans, they can form almost anywhere.

Matthew Schanck, chair of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, told CNN that while waterspouts in Sicily are rare, “there is a risk” they can happen – just not every day.

Waterspouts rely on warm waters to gain energy and the Mediterranean Sea has been very hot, reaching a record  daily median of 28.9 degrees Celsius  (84 Fahrenheit) last week, according to preliminary data from researchers at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Spain.

Local temperatures have been even higher, with waters around Sicily reaching almost 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), almost 3 degrees more than normal, Italian climatologist Luca Mercalli told CNN.

“Warmer oceans have more energy and more humidity to transfer to the atmosphere, the most important fuels for storms,” he said.

CNN’s Laura Paddison, Louis Mian, Benjamin Brown, Catherine Nicholls, Sabrina Souza, Niamh Kennedy and Eve Brennan contributed reporting.

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After yacht sinks, experts say Mediterranean growing more dangerous

By Antonella Cinelli and Gavin Jones

ROME (Reuters) - The shipwreck of a luxury yacht moored off the coast of Sicily is the latest sign that the Mediterranean is becoming a more dangerous sea to sail in, climate experts and skippers say.

One man died and six people are still missing, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, after the Bayesian, a 56-metre-long (184-ft) sailboat, was hit by a ferocious storm on Monday, sinking in a matter of minutes.

Climatologists say global warming is making such violent and unexpected tempests more frequent in a sea used as a summer playground for millions of tourists, including a wealthy few sailing its waters on superyachts.

Luca Mercalli, president of Italy's meteorological society, said the sea surface temperature around Sicily in the days leading up to the shipwreck was about 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), almost three degrees more than normal.

"This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms," he told Reuters.

The changes in "Mare Nostrum" (Our Sea), as the ancient Romans called the Mediterranean, are also being noticed by experienced skippers such as Massimo Aramu, who runs the Akua sailing school on the coast near the Italian capital.

Currently sailing around Greece, Aramu said he did not like navigating Italy's Tyrrhenian coast around Sicily or the Spanish Balearic islands because there are "often critical situations with little warning".

Last week, a storm similar to the one that sank the Bayesian hit the Balearic archipelago, which includes the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, leaving several yachts washed up ashore.

Giuliano Gallo, a former skipper who crossed the Atlantic and has written several books on sailing, said the Mediterranean was becoming more like the Caribbean, which has areas that many boats steer clear of at certain times of the year.

"But things are less predictable in the Mediterranean," he said.

Another sign of the more erratic weather in the Mediterranean was seen a year ago when thousands of people were killed in Libya by flash floods triggered by a so-called medicane - a supercharged Mediterranean storm fuelled by warmer seas.

Karsten Borner, the captain of a boat that was moored alongside the Bayesian but escaped harm, said Monday's storm had been "very violent, very intense, a lot of water and I think a turning system like a tornado".

He also blamed more frequent episodes of intense heat during the summer months for playing a role in causing such storms.

"The water is ... way too hot for the Mediterranean and this causes for sure heavy storms, like we had one week ago on the Balearics, like we had two years ago in Corsica and so on," he said.

(Additional reporting by Gavin Jones and Giselda Vagnoni; Writing by Gavin Jones; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Helen Popper)