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• Superyachts

SAILING YACHT A – World’s Biggest Sailing Yacht – $600 Million

SAILING YACHT A measures 143 meters making her the world’s biggest sailing yacht.

SAILING YACHT A is far more than a luxury vessel. She is a masterpiece of design and innovation combining sleek metal surfaces with futuristic naval architecture that took over two years to complete.

Launched in 2017, both the interior and exterior of this mega sailing yacht were designed by Phillippe Starck, who calls SAILING YACHT A one of his most high-profile projects.

The superyacht has taken on voyages all around the world and was most recently spotted sailing off the coasts of Gibraltar and Cyprus.

SAILING YACHT A interior

Both the interior and exterior of SAILING YACHT A were designed by Philippe Starck , a French architect known for his wide range of design projects.

He famously worked on the impressive MOTOR YACHT A, and the two iconic vessels share a lot of similarities in their layout and specifications.

Both yachts look incredibly futuristic and are sure to attract attention wherever they go.

While no exact details are known about the interior of SAILING YACHT A, it is rumored that she has an underwater observation pod with 30 cm (1 ft) thick glass located in the keel of the vessel.

This is one of the few parts where design mockups are publicly available, and the style of the interior can be examined.

The observation pod appears to have cream upholstery that stretches across the floor and ceiling of the cabin.

Two large symmetrical glass windows allow guests to view the breathtaking underwater world without even having to leave the yacht.

A third window is located at the bottom of the pod, which lets it feel like a true 360-degree experience and is almost comparable to a submarine.

A small floating side table provides guests with a space to place drinks or snacks in the pod and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience in this unusual location.

Since the pod is located at the keel of the yacht, the large propellers are most likely visible from the windows suggesting it is most commonly used at anchor.

The superyacht has ten cabins that can accommodate 20 guests as well as a further 54 crew member.

Paparazzi photos and the work of yacht spotters provide a rare glimpse into the interior of SAILING YACHT A.

No official footage of cabins or salons has been released, although Starck’s past work suggests that the yacht would be furnished with opulent elements that perfectly combine luxury with style.

Silver and metal decorations play a large role and tie the interior design of the yacht together. 

However, SAILING YACHT A was launched much later than her motorized companion suggesting her interior might be more modern with minimalistic elements rather than lavish furnishings.

Occasional photographs shot through open doors, and portholes show expensive art pieces decorating the interior of the yacht and rather absurd design choices like a set of chairs shaped like large human heads.

The yacht appears to feature a large, open salon with an elevated seating area and symmetrical arches on either side.

While details aren’t known to the public, it is rumored that SAILING YACHT A features a luxurious spa area, a sizable gym as well as an owner’s suite with several rooms that is only accessible via fingerprint.

The massive private area is said to feature a 60-inch television that disappears into the floor as well as a rotating bed. 

Considering she is the largest sailing yacht in the world, it is surprising that SAILING YACHT A can only host 20 guests.

This suggests that there are spacious entertainment areas located on board, including several saloons and ample below-deck space for crew members.

Due to her large size and a small number of cabins, it is assumed that SAILING YACHT A can welcome a large number of day guests onboard for special events and celebrations.

Biggest sailing yacht controversy

It has been the topic of debate that SAILING YACHT A is not the largest yacht in the world but instead the ‘largest sail-assisted motor yacht.

Depending on the definition used, that would make BLACK PEARL the biggest sailing yacht in the world.

The most expensive sailing yacht

SAILING YACHT A is the most expensive sailing yacht in the world and cost an estimated price of US $600 million – a relatively “affordable” price considering her large size and tonnage.

A calculated US $48,000 per ton is considered low in the yachting industry, where European yachts are usually priced at US $60,000 per ton and over.

This average price would bring the value of SAILING YACHT A up to nearly US $800 million. However, due to the fact that the official sales price has not been released to the public, these numbers are mere estimates and cannot be validated officially.

Since the yacht is a custom project and one of a kind, it can be assumed that the total value of SAILING YACHT A lies far higher than her initial price.

In addition to any cost for the crew, supplies, and docking fees, she has annual running costs of US $50-75 million.

SAILING YACHT A is currently not available for sale or charter.

Specifications

SAILING YACHT A is incredibly large for a sailing yacht, and even compared to the longest motor yachts in the world, she would rank in the top ten.

Paired with her unusual futuristic design, this mega sailing yacht has a length of 143 meters (469 ft), a beam of 25 meters (82 ft), and a draft of 8 meters (26 ft) making her a more than an impressive vessel.

SAILING YACHT A was built by Nobiskrug , a German superyacht builder at their Kiel shipyard, and launched in 2017 after more than two years of construction.

To date, SAILING YACHT A is the largest yacht ever built by Nobiskrug and remains their flagship.

It is considered the most complicated project to ever be completed in the sailing industry and gained international media attention on its launch date. It has a total volume of 12.558 tons and is powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines. 

SAILING YACHT A is considered the longest sailing yacht in the world and is more than 36 meters (118 ft) longer than BLACK PEARL, which ranks in second place on the list.

Coincidentally her project name was WHITE PEARL which is a reference to her brilliant white exterior, although it couldn’t have referred to BLACK PEARL since she was only launched in 2018, a year after Melnichenko’s masterpiece.  

Her three-carbon masts stand at an impressive 100 meters (328 ft), making them some of the largest in the world and taller than Big Ben in London.

However, her large size is sometimes also limiting as she struggles to fit underneath most bridges and is therefore constrained to certain routes.

She once passed under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with only 20 feet to spare between her masts and the bottom of the famous bridge.

She is rumored to have an electric gimbal crow’s nest, which allows for remote operation and advanced wind measurements. Her sails are all white, and her masts have nearly sickle-like shapes, which add to her striking futuristic appearance.

It is noteworthy that she is commonly photographed with her sails down, which suggests she might be using her support engines more frequently than true wind power.

With a sail area of more than 3.700m^2 (40.000 square ft), she can reach top speeds of up to 21 knots which is supported by her twin 4895 Horsepower MTU engines .

Her average cruise speed lies at 16 knots, and her total range is estimated to lie at 5320 nautical miles. She features a state-of-the-art sail system that is able to raise and lower the sails and anchors at the touch of a button. 

SAILING YACHT A has a steel hull and composite steel superstructure, which is unusual in the superyacht industry as most shipyards choose aluminum to reduce weight and keep the vessel light.

She currently sails under the flag of Bermuda, which is common for prominent sailing yachts.

During construction, SAILING YACHT A was called project WHITE PEARL, a fitting name for this sizable vessel.

Like her interior, the exterior of SAILING YACHT A was designed by Philippe Starck, although the Dutch studio Dykstra Naval Architects played a role in the naval architecture of the vessel.

They specialize in sailing yachts of all sizes and have been involved in many prominent projects in the industry over the years.

She features eight teak decks with a large swimming pool located in the center and several elevators spread across the yacht.

She is even said to carry a submarine. The main pool is lowered into the deck allowing for additional privacy for the owners.

Her hull has 24 shell doors, which are used to access equipment and provide additional deck space if needed. She is accompanied by four tenders also designed by Philippe Starck and built by Lloyd Stevenson in New Zealand.

Their sleek and elegant design matches that of the main vessel, and they are used for transporting guests and taking them on excursions.

One of the tenders of SAILING YACHT A is a carbon fiber speedboat especially reserved for the owner who can operate the vessel autonomously whenever required without the aid of crew members.

This allows Melnichenko, who is a fan of driving high-speed cars to be independent when staying aboard his luxury yacht. The tender is small but powerful, reaching speeds of up to 53 knots.

The larger tenders can seat up to eight passengers and feature panoramic windows ideal for sightseeing and exploring but are much slower at only 30 knots. 

The aft features a large garage used for storing jet skis, tenders, and other equipment.

High-profile artists such as Snoop Dogg are rumored to have performed here, although detailed evidence of such concerts remains unknown.

Whenever the aft isn’t used for performances or parties, it can be transformed into a swimming platform designed in the yacht’s iconic futuristic style. 

However, despite her cutting-edge design features, SAILING YACHT A surprisingly also includes classic nautical elements. She has a wooden steering wheel that is reminiscent of a pirate ship, although it is not operational.

The captain of the vessel can instead use modern technologies to operate the massive yacht via a small joystick and touchscreen.

There are symmetric extendable balconies that protrude from the bridge of the yacht and allow the crew to have a better view to be able to gauge the dimensions of the immense vessel.

Of course, SAILING YACHT A has a modern underwater lighting system that illuminates the vessel perfectly at night.

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10 of the most impressive superyachts owned by billionaires

From a sailing yacht owned by a russian billionaire industrialist to the luxury launch of the patek philippe ceo, here are the best billionaire-owned boats on the water….

Words: Jonathan Wells

There’s something about billionaires and big boats . Whether they’re superyachts or megayachts, men with money love to splash out on these sizeable sea-going giants. And that all began in 1954 — with the big dreams of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Onassis, keen to keep his luxury lifestyle afloat when at sea, bought Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormont after World War II. He spent millions turning it into an opulent super yacht, named it after his daughter — and the Christina O kicked off a trend among tycoons. To this day, the world’s richest men remain locked in an arms race to build the biggest, fastest, most impressive superyacht of all. Here are 10 of our favourites…

Eclipse, owned by Roman Abramovich

Built by: Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, with interiors and exteriors designed by Terence Disdale. Launched in 2009, it cost $500 million (the equivalent of £623 million today).

Owned by: Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the owner of private investment company Millhouse LLC and owner of Chelsea Football Club. His current net worth is $17.4 billion.

Key features: 162.5 metres in length / 9 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / Two swimming pools / Disco hall / Mini submarine / 2 helicopter pads / 24 guest cabins

Sailing Yacht A, owned by Andrey Melnichenko

Built by: Nobiskrug, a shipyard on the Eider River in Germany. The original idea came from Jacques Garcia, with interiors designed by Philippe Starck and a reported price tag of over $400 million.

Owned by: Russian billionaire industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the main beneficiary of both the fertiliser producing EuroChem Group and the coal energy company SUEK. Though his current net worth is $18.7 billion, Sailing Yacht A was seized in Trieste on 12 March 2022 due to the EU’s sanctions on Russian businessmen.

Key features: 119 metres in length / 8 decks / Top speed of 21 knots / Freestanding carbon-fibre rotating masts / Underwater observation pod / 14 guests

Symphony, owned by Bernard Arnault

Built by: Feadship, the fabled shipyard headquartered in Haarlem in The Netherlands. With an exterior designed by Tim Heywood, it reportedly cost around $150 million to construct.

Owned by: French billionaire businessman and art collector Bernard Arnault. Chairman and chief executive of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, his current net worth is $145.8 billion.

Key features: 101.5 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / 6-metre glass-bottom swimming pool / Outdoor cinema / Sundeck Jacuzzi / 8 guest cabins

Faith, owned by Michael Latifi

Built by: Similarly to Symphony above, also Feadship. With exteriors designed by Beaulieu-based RWD, and interiors by Chahan Design, it cost a reported $200 million to construct in 2017.

Owned by: Until recently, Canadian billionaire and part-owner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team , Lawrence Stroll. Recently sold to Michael Latifi, father of F1 star Nicholas , a fellow Canadian businessman with a net worth of just under $2 billion.

Key features: 97 metres in length / 9 guest cabins / Glass-bottom swimming pool — with bar / Bell 429 helicopter

Amevi, owned by Lakshmi Mittal

Built by: The Oceanco shipyard, also in The Netherlands. With exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard and interior design by Alberto Pinto, it launched in 2007 (and cost around $125 million to construct).

Owned by: Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, chairman and CEO of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company. He owns 20% of Queen Park Rangers, and has a net worth of $18 billion.

Key features: 80 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 18.5 knots / On-deck Jacuzzi / Helipad / Swimming Pool / Tender Garage / 8 guest cabins

Odessa II, owned by Len Blavatnik

Built by: Nobiskrug, the same German shipyard that built Sailing Yacht A . Both interior and exterior were created by Focus Yacht Design, and the yacht was launched in 2013 with a cost of $80 million.

Owned by: British businessman Sir Leonard Blavatnik. Founder of Access Industries — a multinational industrial group with current holdings in Warner Music Group, Spotify and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat — he is worth $39.9 billion.

Key features: 74 metres in length / 6 guest cabins / Top speed of 18 knots / Intimate beach club / Baby grand piano / Private master cabhin terrace / Outdoor cinema

Nautilus, owned by Thierry Stern

Built by: Italian shipyard Perini Navi in 2014. With interiors by Rémi Tessier and exterior design by Philippe Briand, Nautilus was estimated to cost around $90 million to construct.

Owned by: Patek Philippe CEO Thierry Stern. Alongside his Gulstream G650 private jet, Nautilus — named for the famous sports watch — is his most costly mode of transport. His current net worth is $3 billion.

Key features: 73 metres in length / 7 guest cabins / Top speed of 16.5 knots / Dedicated wellness deck / 3.5 metre resistance pool / Underfloor heating / Jet Skis

Silver Angel, owned by Richard Caring

Built by: Luxury Italian boatbuilder Benetti. Launched in 2009, the yacht’s interior has been designed by Argent Design and her exterior styling is by Stefano Natucci.

Owned by: Richard Caring, British businessman and multi-millionaire (his wealth peaked at £1.05 billion, so he still makes the cut). Chairman of Caprice Holdings, he owns The Ivy restaurants.

Key features: 64.5 metres in length / Cruising speed of 15 knots / 7 guest cabins / Lalique decor / 5 decks / Oval Jacuzzi pool / Sun deck bar / Aft deck dining table

Lady Beatrice, owned by Frederick Barclay

Built by: Feadship and Royal Van Lent in 1993. Exteriors were created by De Voogt Naval Architects, with interiors by Bannenberg Designs. She cost the equivalent of £63 million to build.

Owned by: Sir David Barclay and his late brother Sir Frederick. The ‘Barclay Brothers’ had joint business pursuits including The Spectator , The Telegraph and delivery company Yodel. Current net worth: £7 billion.

Key features: 60 metres in length / 18 knots maximum speed / Monaco home port / Named for the brothers’ mother, Beatrice Cecelia Taylor / 8 guest cabins

Space, owned by Laurence Graff

Built by: Space was the first in Feadship’s F45 Vantage series , styled by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and launched in 2007. She cost a reported $25 million to construct.

Owned by: Laurence Graff, English jeweller and billionaire businessman. As the founder of Graff Diamonds, he has a global business presence and a current net worth of $6.26 billion.

Key features: 45 metres in length / Top speed of 16 knots / Al fresco dining area / Sun deck Jacuzzi / Breakfast bar / Swimming platform / Steam room

Want more yachts? Here’s the handcradfted, homegrown history of Princess…

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Who Owns Superyacht Stardust? (Uncovering the Mystery)

From the glimmering waters off the coast of Monaco to the Mediterranean Sea, Superyacht Stardust captivates onlookers with its breathtaking beauty.

But who owns this luxurious vessel? Uncovering the mystery of Stardusts ownership takes us on an incredible journey deep into the world of the super-rich, and the fascinating life of its owner, Andrey Melnichenko.

In this article, we’ll explore Melnichenkos extraordinary fleet of yachts, the incredible features and amenities of Stardust, and the popular destinations the vessel has been known to frequent.

Read on to find out who owns Superyacht Stardust!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The owner of the superyacht Stardust is unknown.

However, it is rumored to be owned by a Russian billionaire, with speculation that it was purchased by a member of the Alisher Usmanov family.

The yacht is reportedly worth over $200 million and measures over 132 meters in length.

It is considered to be one of the most luxurious yachts in the world.

Who is Andrey Melnichenko?

Andrey Melnichenko is a Russian billionaire who is the owner of the luxury superyacht Stardust.

He is an extremely successful entrepreneur and investor who has made his fortune in the energy, banking, and fertilizer industries.

He is the founder and chairman of EuroChem, one of the world’s largest fertilizer companies, and is the co-founder and chairman of MDM Bank, one of Russia’s largest banks.

Melnichenko is also the founder of the A-Group, a business empire which includes the A-Line, a clothing line; the A-Realty, a real estate company; the A-Club, a charity club; and the A-Technology, a technology firm.

Melnichenko has a long history of luxury yacht ownership.

His first yacht was the A, a 377-foot vessel which was built in 2008.

He then commissioned the Sailing Yacht A, a sail-assisted motor yacht which was launched in 2015.

His latest yacht is the Stardust, a 394-foot vessel which was built in 2019 by German shipyard Nobiskrug.

The Stardust is reported to have cost $450 million to construct and features eight decks, an infinity pool, and its own nightclub.

It is the latest addition to the Melnichenko’s fleet of luxury yachts, which also includes the A, the Sailing Yacht A, and the Motor Yacht A.

Melnichenko is known for his opulent lifestyle and is often seen enjoying his yachts with his glamorous wife, Russian model Aleksandra Melnichenko.

He is also known for his charitable works and is a major donor to the United Nations and other organizations.

What are the Features of Superyacht Stardust?

The luxurious Superyacht Stardust, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, is 394-foot vessel that was built in 2019 by German shipyard Nobiskrug.

The cost of building the yacht is estimated to be around $450 million.

It features eight decks, an infinity pool, and its own nightclub, making it the perfect place to relax and entertain guests.

The Stardust is equipped with a range of state-of-the-art amenities, from a helipad to a gym, spa, and even a submarine.

Its exterior is made of steel and the interior is designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring marble floors, white leather furniture, and a grand staircase.

The yacht has one master suite and seven guest cabins, all of which are luxurious and comfortable.

The yacht also features a large sun deck, complete with a Jacuzzi and day beds, as well as a swimming pool with a slide.

The Stardust is also equipped with two tenders, two Jet Skis, and a wide range of water toys.

For entertainment, the yacht has a movie theater, a DJ booth, and a nightclub.

To make sure the guests are safe and secure, the yacht is also equipped with an advanced security system.

The Stardust is the latest in a series of luxurious yachts owned by Melnichenko, who also owns the A, the Sailing Yacht A, and the Motor Yacht A.

These yachts feature a range of amenities that make them the perfect vessels for cruising in style and comfort.

How Much Did the Stardust Cost to Construct?

The luxury superyacht Stardust is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, and it was built by the German shipyard Nobiskrug in 2019.

Reports suggest that the Stardust cost an astonishing $450 million to construct, making it one of the most expensive yachts ever built.

The 394-foot vessel is truly a sight to behold, featuring eight decks, an infinity pool, and its own nightclub.

All of these luxurious amenities come with a hefty price tag, and the Stardust is no exception.

Melnichenko spared no expense when it came to the construction of the Stardust, and it shows.

The Stardust is the latest in a series of luxurious yachts owned by Melnichenko.

He also owns the A, the Sailing Yacht A, and the Motor Yacht A, all of which are equally as impressive as the Stardust.

Melnichenko is known for his extravagant lifestyle and his taste for the finer things in life, and the Stardust is an example of this.

The Stardust is a testament to Melnichenko’s wealth and power, and it’s easy to see why it cost so much to construct.

From its intricate design to its luxurious amenities, the Stardust is a statement of Melnichenko’s success and a symbol of his power.

For those of us who can’t afford to build a yacht of this caliber, we can only dream of the kind of luxury that comes with owning a superyacht like the Stardust. It’s a mystery why Melnichenko chose to build such an extravagant vessel, but one thing is for sure: it cost a pretty penny to construct.

The Other Yachts in Melnichenko’s Fleet

When it comes to luxury superyachts, Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko is no stranger.

The latest addition to his portfolio is the 394-foot Stardust, which was built in 2019 by German shipyard Nobiskrug and reportedly cost $450 million to construct.

But this isn’t the first luxury vessel Melnichenko has owned.

Before the Stardust, Melnichenko owned the A, a luxury motor yacht designed by Philippe Starck.

It was constructed in 2008 by Blohm + Voss in Hamburg and featured a 300-foot main deck, seven guest suites, and a helipad.

It was reported to have cost $323 million.

Following the A was the Sailing Yacht A, a majestic 436-foot vessel built in 2017 by Nobiskrug.

This luxurious yacht features an unprecedented eight decks and a breathtaking infinity pool.

It also has its own nightclub, an underwater observation deck, and a helipad.

The Sailing Yacht A was reported to have cost a whopping $400 million.

Finally, Melnichenko owns the Motor Yacht A, which was also built by Nobiskrug in 2016.

This vessel is said to be the largest and most expensive yacht in the world, measuring in at a whopping 468 feet in length.

The Motor Yacht A features a helipad, a spa, a gym, and an outdoor cinema.

It reportedly cost $500 million to build.

So, while the Stardust is the latest in Melnichenko’s series of luxurious yachts, it is far from the first.

The Russian billionaire has been collecting luxurious vessels for years, and each one is more stunning than the next.

It’s clear that Melnichenko has a passion for luxury yachts, and his collection is certainly impressive.

The Luxury Amenities of the Stardust

When it comes to luxury amenities, the Stardust is in a class of its own.

From its eight decks to its infinity pool and nightclub, the Stardust offers luxury features and amenities that are unparalleled.

At 394 feet long, the Stardust is the largest and most opulent yacht in the fleet of superyachts owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.

The Stardust was built in 2019 by the German shipyard Nobiskrug and is reported to have cost $450 million to construct.

It features eight decks, each designed to provide a unique experience.

The main deck is the grandest of them all, featuring an infinity pool, a jacuzzi, an outdoor bar, and an outdoor cinema.

The pool is lined with a special glass and can be filled with either fresh or salt water.

It is also illuminated with LED lights, allowing for a unique nighttime experience.

In addition to the main deck, the Stardust also features a sundeck, a beach club, a spa, and a gym.

The beach club features a pool, lounge chairs, and a private beach area.

The spa is complete with a sauna and steam room, while the gym offers state-of-the-art equipment.

The Stardust also has a nightclub, which features an LED dance floor and a fully stocked bar.

The club is designed to host events and parties, with a live DJ spinning tunes into the wee hours of the night.

The Stardust is a testament to Melnichenkos dedication to luxury.

From its eight decks to its infinity pool and nightclub, the Stardust is a stunning example of luxury and opulence.

The Mystery Surrounding Stardust’s Ownership

The mystery surrounding the ownership of Stardust, the 394-foot luxury superyacht, has been a topic of intrigue since its construction in 2019.

Built by the German shipyard Nobiskrug, the vessel is estimated to have cost $450 million to construct.

Its eight decks, infinity pool, and nighclub have made it a topic of envy amongst the wealthy elite.

Although the superyacht is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, the exact details of its ownership remain shrouded in mystery.

This is because Melnichenko is known for his penchant for privacy, and it is believed that he may have employed a variety of techniques to keep the ownership of Stardust a closely guarded secret.

One possible explanation is that the yacht is registered under a third-party trust or company.

This would mean that the vessel’s true ownership is not publicly available, making it difficult to ascertain who exactly owns the Stardust.

It is also possible that Melnichenko has employed a variety of other methods to veil the ownership of the yacht, such as transferring ownership to a family member or close associate.

Whatever the case, the mystery surrounding Stardust’s ownership is an intriguing one.

This is amplified by the fact that Melnichenko also owns the A, the Sailing Yacht A, and the Motor Yacht A – all of which are equally luxurious and expensive vessels.

It is clear that the Russian billionaire has a penchant for luxury, and it is no surprise that he has chosen to keep the ownership of Stardust a closely guarded secret.

Popular Yacht Destinations Visited by the Stardust

When it comes to luxury yachts, the Stardust is one of the most impressive vessels on the high seas.

Owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, the 394-foot superyacht was built by German shipyard Nobiskrug in 2019 and is said to have cost an estimated $450 million to construct.

Boasting eight decks, an infinity pool, and its own nightclub, its no surprise that the Stardust attracts plenty of attention.

The Stardust has been a fixture of the luxury yachting scene since it was launched, and it has already visited some of the most exclusive and sought-after yacht destinations around the world.

In 2020, the Stardust was spotted in the Mediterranean, where it visited the French Riviera, the Balearic Islands, and the Italian coast.

The yacht was also seen in the Caribbean, where it moored in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba.

The Stardust has also been spotted in some of the worlds most remote and exotic locations.

In 2021, the yacht was seen in French Polynesia, where it sailed past the picturesque islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora.

The Stardust also traveled to the Seychelles, a group of islands located off the east coast of Africa.

From there, the yacht made its way up the Red Sea, where it visited some of the Middle Easts most luxurious marinas.

The Stardust is a true global traveler, and its no wonder why it has become such a popular sight in some of the worlds most exclusive yacht destinations.

No matter where it goes, the Stardust is sure to turn heads and capture imaginations.

Final Thoughts

It’s no secret that the Stardust is a magnificent piece of engineering, boasting luxurious amenities and features that cost Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko a whopping $450 million to construct.

Now, we can finally put the mystery surrounding its ownership to rest.

The Stardust is just one of four yachts owned by Melnichenko, each of them luxurious in their own right.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation experience, why not consider visiting some of the popular yacht destinations visited by the Stardust? With this newfound knowledge, you’ll be sure to have the trip of a lifetime!

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison (Musashi), Charles Simonyi (SKAT), Sergey Brin (Dragonfly), and Larry Page (Senses) are just some of the tech billionaires known to own a superyacht. Mark Zuckerberg, meanwhile, is rumoured to own Andromeda.

While we can only speculate on how these exact individuals use their yachts or what they are like onboard, some general traits might set the tech billionaire yacht owner out as using their yachts differently than generations of yacht owners before them.

Overall, tech billionaires are often younger, more adventurous and less hidebound regarding old rules and service styles. Here are a few general trends we can assume.

They want to eat well, but less fussily, and with a greater premium on health.

Where silver service, ultra-decadent meals, and mountains of wasted food were — and often still are— preferred by old-money yacht owners and charterers, the modern tech billionaire is more likely to be health-conscious and eat food that is plated rather than buffet style or silver service. Yacht chefs now need to be more skilled in special diets, such as plant-based or keto, and offer a broader range of cuisines.

They want to WORK.

Superyachts used to be for holidays only. This was partly by necessity —the lack of connectivity meant that work went on the back burner for summer months as guests swanned around the Mediterranean. Now, the extraordinary technological strides on board allow yacht owners to have offices where they can work anywhere in the world.

They want to go far beyond the milk run.

While anchoring off St Tropez or Cap Ferrat for weeks in August will always be in style, there has been an explosion in remote cruising, often fuelled by this younger, more adventurous set of yacht owners who can work from anywhere- Antarctica to Alaska and beyond.

This has fed into the next point…

A desire for adventure and exploration has changed yacht design.

As younger, more adventurous owners like tech billionaires have joined the superyacht market, the design of yachts and the toys they carry have changed markedly. New types of vessels have been created to meet this desire for off-the-beaten-track cruising, from support yachts to water toys to the massive growth in explorer yachts. Gone are the days when one yacht layout was almost identical to another. Now, we have winter gardens, submarines, ice rooms, ski rooms, large onboard offices, and helicopter hangars.

Not all of these changes have been driven by tech billionaires, granted. Still, their vision of what is possible has dramatically changed what yachts look like and how they operate as machines, with new types of propulsion, greater ranges, and a considerable amount more tech onboard.

Some things never change.

One thing hasn’t changed, though—a wealthy person’s desire for privacy. Discretion remains perhaps the most essential trait in any crew member, which you must keep in mind when working on yachts —even in the day of constant social media and shows like Below Deck.

A wealthy person’s desire for privacy and discretion is a constant that crew forget at their peril. Are you ensuring that you are a trusted asset? You may have signed that NDA, but do you let stories slip now and then at the bar? Are you careful about not taking photos onboard that give away anything about the boat or the owners? Do you make sure you don’t share the yacht’s cruising plans?

In a world where stories about tech billionaires will fly around the globe at light speed, you must be the gatekeeper. Stories cannot leave the passerelle.

Contact information

Sharon Rose

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The largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, from Mark Zuckerberg to Jeff Bezos

• Megayachts have become a status symbol for the richest of the rich.
• In recent years, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg have splurged on enormous boats.
• These are the biggest yachts owned by tech billionaires.

The average Joe celebrating a personal renaissance after, say, the end of a long-term relationship or when approaching a fresh decade might commemorate it with an ankle tattoo or a sports car. But if you're a billionaire, you may instead spend hundreds of millions on a yacht .

A few years after he and his wife divorced, Jeff Bezos shelled out on a megayacht. Last year, Bezos debuted the 127-meter vessel "Koru," a Māori symbol that signifies a fresh start — perhaps referring to that with his fiancée Lauren Sanchez.

Earlier this year, just before his 40th birthday, Mark Zuckerberg became the rumored owner of a yacht originally built for a Russian oligarch.

Superyachts have increasingly become ultrawealthy status symbols , providing highly secluded leisure and networking sites. They are — even more so than real estate — the single most expensive asset you can own.

"It's a bit of a celebration of your success in life, of wealth," Giovanna Vitelli, the chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, the world's biggest producer of superyachts, told Business Insider.

While many tech billionaires have bought yachts, the richest of the rich, like Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, have gone bigger. Their boats are virtual palaces at sea, decked with amenities like gyms, spas, pools, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

A look at these megayachts — broadly defined as over 70 meters long, mostly custom-built, and often costing nine figures — offers a glimpse into how the .00001% lives. It's something few others will ever get to experience. Even chartering a yacht of this size for a week typically costs upwards of $1 million.

One major thing that hundreds of millions of dollars can buy is privacy. There are likely yachts that have not been publicly recorded or registered — for example, Evan Spiegel is rumored to own the 94-meter megayacht Bliss. In an industry ruled by discretion , deciphering who owns what is typically an exercise in stringing together many clues.

Here are the largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, listed in order of length.

Jeff Bezos: Koru and Abeona

Amazon founder Bezos' $500 million megayacht, the 127-meter Koru, made a splash last year as she crisscrossed the Mediterranean in her first summer at sea, with her 75-meter support vessel Abeona in tow.

The sailing yacht, which is hard to miss thanks to her massive size and unique design, was host to Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez's famous friends . The couple held an engagement party on board, which reportedly drew guests including Bill Gates, Ari Emanuel, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Just a week later, they were seen on the streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, and Usher.

Even before her completion, Koru made headlines. She drew the ire of some Dutch people, who vowed to hurl eggs after she was announced a historic bridge in Rotterdam might be taken apart to allow the Oceanco boat through. Luckily, the shipyard made alternative plans, and an egg crisis was averted.

Among yacht world insiders , Koru is widely praised for her craftsmanship.

"I heard back in 2018 or something that somebody had ordered a classic sailing yacht," one superyacht expert told BI. "You order 125 meters, that's not really going to be classic. But it is. I think it's pretty cool."

Mark Zuckerberg: Launchpad

Earlier this year, the yacht world was rife with rumors that Zuckerberg purchased Launchpad, a 118-meter superyacht originally designed for a sanctioned Russian businessman.

The ship made her maiden voyage in March, going from Gibraltar to St. Maarten and mooring in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Little is known about her interior, but photos show a large swimming pool and helipad. Her price, too, has been kept under wraps but is said to be nine figures.

Eric Schmidt: Whisper

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt made waves last year when he agreed to buy the Alfa Nero , the yacht of a sanctioned Russian oligarch, for $67 million in an auction conducted by Antigua and Barbuda. But he backed out of the deal following legal issues over her true owner. He quietly purchased Kismet instead. The 95-meter-long Lürssen-built boat was formerly owned by the Jacksonville Jaguar's billionaire owner Shahid Khan . Schmidt renamed her Whisper.

The ship can fit 12 guests and a crew of 28, according to Moran Yacht & Ship, which oversaw her construction. She features a master deck with a private jacuzzi, full-service spa, lap pool, movie theater, and outdoor fireplace.

While her final sale price was not public, she was listed for 149 million euros (about $161 million at current exchange rates), and at a charity auction in January, one week aboard the ship went for $2.4 million, according to industry outlet Yacht Charter Fleet.

Barry Diller: Eos

Barry Diller , the chairman of digital media company IAC, co-owns the megayacht Eos with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg , who is immortalized by a figurehead sculpture by Anh Duong.

One of the largest private sailing yachts in the world, the three-masted Lürssen schooner measures 93 meters long. She took three years to be built before being delivered to Diller in 2009, and since then, little has come to light about her interior and features.

The power couple has hosted many celebrities on the Eos, which spends her summers crisscrossing the Mediterranean and New Year ' s Eve in St. Barts . Over the years, guests have included Oprah Winfrey, Emma Thompson, Anderson Cooper, and Bezos, leading some to believe she provided inspiration for his Koru.

Jim Clark: Athena

Netscape founder Jim Clark purchased the 90-meter sailing yacht Athena in 2004.

"I could easily have built a 50- or 60-meter motor yacht that would have had the same space as Athena, but I was never really interested in building a motor yacht," he told Boat International in 2016. "To my eye, she's one of the most gorgeous large sailing yachts, maybe the most gorgeous large sailing yacht in the world."

Athena has room for 10 guests and 21 crewmembers, and the only change Clark says he'd make in her design is adding more space for his kids.

"If I was forced to change something, I would convert the office on the lower deck into a children's room," he said.

The former Stanford professor tried to sell her at various points — listing her for $95 million in 2012 , $69 million in 2016, and $59 million in 2017 — but she has yet to change hands.

Larry Ellison: Musashi

Oracle founder Larry Ellison has owned several superyachts over the years, including the Katana, the Ronin, and the Rising Sun — which he sold to fellow billionaire David Geffen .

He purchased his current boat, Musashi, in 2011 for a reported $160 million from custom-yacht giant Feadship.

Named after a famous samurai warrior, the 88-meter-long yacht has both Japanese and Art Deco-inspired design elements. She also boasts amenities including an elevator, swimming pool, beauty salon, gym, and basketball court.

Ellison is known for his extravagant spending — private islands, jets, a tennis tournament — and yachting is among his favorite and most expensive hobbies. He took up racing them in the 1990s and financed the America's Cup-winning BMW Oracle Racing team .

Laurene Powell Jobs: Venus

Steve Jobs' wife, investor and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, inherited a nearly finished 78-meter yacht named Venus when the Apple cofounder died in 2011.

After spending years vacationing on Ellison's yachts, Jobs wanted one for himself. He designed Venus with French starchitect and decorator Philippe Starck , and she was worth $130 million at completion.

"Venus comes from the philosophy of minimum," Starck said of her design. "The elegance of the minimum, approaching dematerialization."

Jobs and Starck began working together in 2007, the designer told Vanity Fair , and held monthly meetings over four years. Venus was delivered in 2012 to Jobs' specification: six identical cabins, a design to ensure spaces of absolute silence, and the most up-to-date technology.

"There will never again be a boat of that quality again. Because never again will two madmen come together to accomplish such a task," Starck told the magazine. "It was not a yacht that Steve and I were constructing, we were embarked on a philosophical action, implemented according to a quasi-religious process. We formed a single brain with four lobes."

Charles Simonyi: Norn

Early Microsoft employee Charles Simonyi has purchased two megayachts from the German shipyard Lürssen: the 90-meter Norn and 71-meter Skat.

Delivered in 2023, Norn is full of luxe features, including an outdoor cinema and a pool floor that lifts to become a light-up dancefloor. She shares a militaristic style with Skat , which Simonyi sold in 2021.

Skats's name is derived from the Danish word for treasure, and she had a listing price of 56.5 million euros and was launched in 2002.

"The yacht is to be home away from my home in Seattle, and its style should match the style of the house, adapted for the practicalities of the sea," Simonyi once said .

Sergey Brin: Dragonfly

Google cofounder Sergey Brin has built a flotilla of yachts, boats, and toys known as the "Fly Fleet."

Named after a once-secret Google product , the largest of Brin's armada is the sleek Dragonfly , which boasts a movie theater and a helipad. The 73-meter-long vessel was built by the Australian shipyard Silver Yachts and can fit up to 18 guests and 16 crew members, according to SuperYacht Times.

Also in his fleet is the superyacht Butterfly, a mere 38 meters long. Often moored in the Bay Area, her crewmembers spend their downtime kitesurfing and giving swimming lessons to local kids.

The rest of his marine lineup includes a smaller boat called Firefly, as well as Jet Skis, foilboards, dinghies, and kiteboards. She takes a team of 50 full-time employees to manage, steer, and maintain the entire operation.

Sindhu Sundar contributed to an earlier version of this story.

Correction: May 6, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated Giovanna Vitelli's title. She is the chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, not a vice president.

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Autopsies reveal the cause of death for two married couples onboard Mike Lynch’s superyacht

Four of the victims of last month’s Bayesian yacht disaster died after oxygen ran out in an air bubble on the sunken vessel, it has been reported.

Autopsies over the past few days on four of those who died have revealed an absence of water in their lungs, suggesting they suffocated as the air became saturated with carbon dioxide, Italian publication La Repubblica said.

The outlet reported post-mortems showed four people died from “atypical drowning”, with “no water in their lungs, trachea and stomach”. There were no signs of external injuries.

The results appear to back up investigators’ opinions that the victims sought out air pockets inside the yacht before they died.

The incident on 19 August, which claimed the lives of seven people including British tech magnate Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, unfolded last month after a violent storm hit the Bayesian off the coast of Sicily .

The yacht sank quickly , trapping the victims below deck as it settled on its right side. Divers who retrieved the victims’ bodies on board found five of them, including Mr Lynch, in one cabin on the left side of the yacht. Hannah Lynch’s body was the last to be found, in a separate cabin.

The body of the yacht’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, was also recovered floating near the wreckage, which lies 50 metres below the surface.

Investigators believe the victims sought out remaining air pockets as the vessel moved sharply to the right while sinking.

However, it is unlikely to have lasted long as it would have been “small and quickly filled with rising levels of toxic carbon dioxide”.

The findings of the autopsies, detailed in La Repubblica on Wednesday, appeared to support this theory.

Among the victims examined so far were Jonathan Bloomer, the international chairman of Morgan Stanley Bank; his wife Judith, a psychotherapist; Christopher Morvillo, a US lawyer; and his wife Neda, a jewellery designer.

Previous reports suggested Mr and Ms Morvillo, whose autopsies were carried out first, both died by drowning .

But post-mortems have found the lungs of the four people were “not fully of water”, which is otherwise known as “dry drowning”.

La Repubblica reported Ms Barcares, who is also the CEO of the company that owns the superyacht, made it to the deck barefoot but only thought about saving her daughter and her husband trapped below.

As the boat reared up, she cut herself on broken glass and was unable to reach the cabins and help Mr Lynch and their daughter Hannah before the electrical blackout on the Bayesian .

For a week after the sinking, she said she could not walk because of the lacerations to her feet.

The remaining autopsies, on Mr Lynch, his daughter and Mr Thomas, are scheduled for Friday, the newspaper added.

Nine crew members and six passengers, including Mr Lynch’s wife, survived by escaping on an inflatable life raft.

Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the yacht’s captain, New Zealander James Cutfield, along with two Britons – engineer Tim Parker Eaton and crew member Matthew Griffiths – over allegations of possible manslaughter and culpable shipwreck.

Mr Parker Eaton denied claims that external doors were left open during the storm, which reportedly allowed water to flood the engine room.

According to Italian news agency Ansa, Mr Griffiths – who was on watch duty at the time – told investigators: “I woke up the captain when the wind was at 20 knots [23mph/37kph]. He gave orders to wake everyone else.

“The ship tilted and we were thrown into the water. Then we managed to get back up and tried to rescue those we could.

“We were walking on the walls [of the boat]. We saved who we could, Cutfield also saved the little girl and her mother.”

The men have been permitted to leave Sicily as investigators work to piece together the crucial events that unfolded in the 16-minute window between the yacht being hit by a suspected “downburst” storm at 3.50am and its rapid sinking at 4.06am, just 400 metres from its anchorage near the Sicilian port of Porticello.

Being investigated does not imply guilt and does not mean formal charges will follow.

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Italy luxury yacht victims died of 'dry drowning,' first autopsies show.

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Initial autopsies of four of the seven victims who died when a superyacht sank in a storm in Italy last month show they died of “dry drowning,” according to authorities.

The phenomenon, also known as “atypical drowning,” means they had no water in their lungs, tracheas or stomachs, said a spokesperson for the lawyer of the captain of the Bayesian, which went down off the coast of the Sicilian port of Porticello on Aug. 19.

The cause of death of the first four victims suggests that they had found an air bubble in the cabin in which five of the victims’ bodies were discovered, and had consumed all the oxygen before the air pocket turned toxic due to carbon dioxide, according to local media reports.

The autopsies of American lawyer Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda Morvillo, Morgan Stanley banker Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Anne Elizabeth Judith Bloomer were carried out on Wednesday at the Forensic Medicine Institute of the Palermo Polyclinic hospital, officials said.

Autopsies on British tech titan Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are expected to be carried out on Friday.

No date has been set yet for the autopsy of Recaldo Thomas, the ship’s onboard chef – due to the difficulty reaching his family in Antigua.

All seven victims were scanned for injuries last Saturday, which found none had suffered broken bones or other physical injuries that might have contributed to their deaths.

The prosecutor investigating the case first suggested earlier in August the idea that the victims had been searching for an air pocket.

The autopsies are part of the criminal investigation into the ship’s captain James Cutfield, the ship’s machine engineer Tim Parker Eaton and sailor Matthew Griffith, who was on watch the night of the accident. None of the men is in Italy.

They are being investigated for “multiple manslaughter” and for causing a shipwreck, but authorities say this doesn’t mean they will be charged with any crimes. They were allowed to leave the country by the prosecutor in charge of the investigation.

The 184-foot yacht sank within 16 minutes of being struck by a downburst or tornado on the early morning of Aug. 19. The ship will have to be raised for the investigation and to ensure that the 18,000 liters of fuel onboard do not leak into the sea around the port of Porticello near Palermo.

Bids have been sent out for the salvage, which will be paid for by the company of Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares, which owns the yacht.

Toxicology results on the seven victims are expected in the coming days. No alcohol or drug tests were carried out on any of the crew members, the prosecutor said in a press conference after all the victims’ bodies had been recovered.

Lynch and his business partner Sushovan Hussain, who died after being struck by a car in London the day the Bayesian sank, had been acquitted of fraud charges in a U.S. court in June 2024. The charges were related to the sale of their company Autonomy to Hewlett Packard, which has said it will not drop its civil lawsuit for $4 billion in damages now being heard in a U.K. court.

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She's a 10: Inside the superyacht owned by hair and beauty entrepreneur Carolyn Aronson

Carolyn Aronson, the owner of superyacht She’s A 10 , entered yachting as a total novice. Now, she’s looking to swap her speedy 50-metre Oceanfast for something even larger, she tells Charlotte Hogarth-Jones

“I think I definitely surprised a lot of people,” says Carolyn Aronson, owner of the 50-metre Jon Bannenberg designed Oceanfast She’s A 10 (formerly known as Mystique ), and founder of It’s A 10 Haircare. Having never chartered, or “even been around anyone that had yachts on this level before”, Aronson “dove head first” into yacht ownership six years ago.

“I probably broke all the rules along the way,” she laughs. “When I moved to Harbor Beach [in Fort Lauderdale] I really wanted to own a yacht, and I wanted something that would fit in the back of my yard that was 80ft, 100ft long... I never expected to end up with a 50 metre, but it was a case of go big or go home. My friends and family couldn’t wait to get on board, but I’m sure what they really thought was, ‘What the hell is she getting herself into?’”

No stranger to grabbing life by the horns, Aronson has forged an enormous haircare empire that sells more than $500 million (£354m) worth of products and supplies to salons across the US each year – from chains such as Ulta Beauty and those at JCPenney, to over 25,000 independents. Television adverts for her company have featured during the Super Bowl, she’s recently launched her own makeup line, Be A 10 Cosmetics, hair extensions brand, Ex10sions, and even a record label, It’s A 10 Records, while working to launch other ventures and supporting various philanthropic causes. Her husband Jeff, meanwhile, is the CEO of Kansas-based mixed martial arts promoter Titan Fighting Championships.

Despite never having owned a boat before, Aronson knew she wanted a yacht that she could make her own mark on. It was the end of a two-year search when she “stumbled upon” She’s A 10 , after a friend of her friend let her know she was up for sale. “I knew I needed a fixer-upper, and by then I kind of had a feel for what I wanted,” she says. “I walked on it and made a cash offer straight away. I just knew it had great bones.”

It wasn’t just the yacht’s elegant silhouette that helped seal the deal. Aronson is a self-confessed speed junkie, who owns a three-wheel motorcycle and a 1967 Corvette with a 650-horsepower engine, along with other toys. She’s A 10 , which can reach 30 knots and has 3,400-horsepower engines, hasn’t disappointed. “When I get on it and we really hit it full throttle, I literally jones,” she enthuses with eyes wide open. “How she cuts through the ocean is just incredible.”

Though she might have begun yacht ownership on the back foot, Aronson has taken great pains to educate herself on “what the inner-workings of owning a boat like this means”, she says. “I probably didn’t investigate it enough at the start, but I got it at a decent enough price. I’ve learned a lot from it, just like I do in business.”

Aronson was born in New Jersey and adopted by parents who were New Yorkers. She grew up in Michigan, and the family would often rent a house on the shore for a month over the summer and whizz around the lakes on smaller boats and jet skis, but they rarely visited the ocean.

“I was a pretty shy child,” she reflects. “Because I was adopted I think my first few years I was probably a little scared, but from there I blossomed as I got older.” Being raised alongside three older brothers “definitely rubbed off” on her, she explains – hence her love of all things fast and furious – although it has to be said, there’s little of the tomboy under her well-groomed and glamorous image. The fact that her father was also a Ford executive probably has something to do with her passion for machines.

“He really worked his way up through the ranks over the years,” she says, and has counselled her throughout her own career. Her mother, meanwhile, was “a very brilliant woman” who graduated from Columbia University, and became a stay-at-home mother to raise the family. Often, says Aronson, she’d study oceanography and educate the children on various sea and marine life; something she’s keen to continue with her own brood.

Aronson and her husband have a large family themselves. At 54 years old, she is currently expecting her fifth child, with four others ranging from age 13 to 20 – although she’s keen to stress that she hasn’t birthed them all herself. “We do have a blended family, and we’re super excited for our fifth to arrive,” she says. She’s A 10 is reserved for precious family time, and Aronson faces the challenges of many parents, trying to combine a hectic business schedule with a full life at home.

“There were times in the beginning where I was working more like 24/7,” she admits, “but making sure they get what they need is my number-one priority, and I’m learning to balance it more. I’m a very high-energy person, so when the kids are in bed I really do get down to it. Sometimes I can be emailing at two or three in the morning, but that’s OK. I take advantage of all my 24 hours.”

Her company and product ranges, she explains, were born out of 20 years’ frustration with what was available on the market while she was working behind the chair as a hairdresser. “My first company [also selling hair products] completely failed, and I learned a lot from that,” she says candidly. “I’ve learned that you have to crawl, then walk, then run, because you can easily over extend yourself if you try and do everything too quickly.”

It’s A 10 began as a self-funded venture, she explains, “without all the big bucks” for marketing and press. Nevertheless, once the first few products found their way into hairdressers hands, “it just snowballed”.

That’s not to say it’s all been plain sailing. “It isn’t easy, or everyone would do it,” she says frankly. “The beauty industry is mainly run by men, and I’m proud to be a female working within it.” She has, she says, felt a sense of the infamous glass ceiling within the industry at times, but adds that “you certainly can’t go into [business] with the perspective of fear”.

“I am seeing more and more female CEOs around the world every year,” she continues, “and I think that’s great. Hopefully sharing how I got here and got over the humps will inspire others to go for it, no matter what they think they can be successful at.”

She’s experienced a similar sense of resistance within the yachting world. “I think there were moments when I was tested, to say the least. I don’t know whether it was because I was a female owner, or because I came in breaking the rules, but I don’t think I really was [accepted].” But, she explains, “I never let it deter me,” adding, “I’m at my happiest when I’m floating.”

After buying the yacht, the first thing Aronson did was change the name to She’s A 10 (“a bit of a no-no”, she admits), as well as upgrade the navy hull to “more of an It’s A 10 blue”. Then, there were some other tell-tale signs that meant “people see me coming”, she laughs – a neon sign, lights on deck that change colour as music is played, a Puerto Rican owners’ flag and other tweaks that “gave it a bit of pop”.

Inside, Aronson harked back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, around the time when the yacht was built, and brought in trinkets by designer Jonathan Adler and “lucites, golds, some of the coolest things that were around right then” to update the look.

“It’s a very expensive venture,” she says, “and there’s a reason why there’s a TV show called Below Deck – I’ve definitely lived a bit of that reality, that drama on board with the crew. I wouldn’t trade it for anything though, because those memories you make, the experiences you have when you’re yachting – there’s just nothing quite like it.”

Some of her fondest memories, she recalls, are from her early days of ownership, when she was single and would often take groups of girlfriends on island-hopping trips in the Exumas. “It’s kind of like Vegas: what happens in the Bahamas stays in the Bahamas!” she laughs. “We just really let loose... jumping off decks, swimming with pigs, swimming with sharks. Just having the time of our lives.”

These days, life on She’s A 10 is a somewhat more sedate affair, and Aronson enjoys listening to music up on the sundeck and eating in the yacht’s formal dining room, which has floor-to-ceiling windows. “As you’re being served the most amazing meal you just stare at the ocean,” she explains. “I don’t think there’s anything better than that.”

Now, She’s A 10 is up for sale with Worth Avenue . “I’ve poured a tonne of money into her, I’ve taken immaculate care of her, and now it’s time for me to pass the torch,” says Aronson. Not that her yachting adventures are coming to an end, of course. “The problem is, once you have one, you always want to go a little bigger,” she laughs, “I absolutely would like another one.” And she’s already on the hunt.

A deeper draught is on her hit list, as is something that can really withstand big seas to allow longer passages on board, where the family can live and work for a month or so at a time.

“It’s hard, because like I said, I’m spoiled,” she says. “I’ll definitely miss the speed – granted, I don’t look at the fuel bill – but soon I’m going to have to putt along like everyone else.” The separate his-and-hers heads in the master suite and her walk-in closet are also things she loves about her current boat, and Aronson says she’s learned that in yachting, “something bigger or newer doesn’t necessarily mean better”.

“It’ll probably take me a while to find because I have a list a mile long of things I want on it, but when I walk in, I’ll know,” she says. “It’s definitely going to be bitter sweet selling She’s A 10 though. There are a lot of touches to this particular boat that are going to be really hard to replace.”

This feature is taken from the July 2021 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

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Four Yacht Victims Likely Died After Depleting Air Pocket In Sunken Italian Ship: Reports

Breaking News Reporter, HuffPost

Four of the seven people killed when a luxury yacht sank off Italy’s coast last month likely died after depleting a pocket of air they had found while trapped inside the submerged ship, according to several reports.

Autopsies found that the victims — Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith, lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda — likely died from suffocation following the Aug. 19 sinking, Reuters reported Thursday citing judicial sources.

None of these four victims, who were found in the same cabin, had water in their lungs, suggesting they didn’t drown, the BBC also reported citing Italian news agency Ansa.

This type of death was described as “dry drowning,” which is when all of the available oxygen is consumed, leaving only carbon dioxide, CNN similarly reported citing local media.

The autopsies of two of the other victims, British tech star Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, are expected to take place on Friday. The autopsy of the ship’s onboard chef, Recaldo Thomas, has been delayed pending contact with his family in Antigua, CNN reported.

The 184-foot British-flagged ship was carrying 22 people when it was hit by a violent storm while anchored off the coast of Sicily in the early morning hours, causing it to capsize and sink within minutes, authorities previously said.

Of those on board, 15 were rescued by the Italian Coast Guard. The survivors included Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who Reuters previously reported owns the firm that the yacht is listed under.

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The group had been celebrating Lynch’s recent acquittal of fraud and conspiracy charges related to the $11 billion acquisition of his software maker Autonomy to Hewlett Packard in 2011, survivors have said.

An investigation remains underway into the cause of the ship’s sinking, including whether it was caused by human error.

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A billionaire NFL owner's superyacht is now available for charter. It'll cost you.

NFL owner Shahid Khan's superyacht Kismet is available for charter at $3 million a week.

Kismet, which will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, features luxury amenities and can host 12 guests.

Added costs for provisions, gratuities, and taxes can raise the weekly charter cost to $5.4 million.

Want to vacation like a billionaire? You can — for $3 million a week.

The superyacht belonging to Shahid Khan, the owner of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars who is worth $13.3 billion, according to Forbes, is officially available for charter.

Kismet, Khan's new yacht, will make her debut at the Monaco Yacht Show later this month.

The 122-meter yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests — and a crew of 36 available to serve them — and, like any superyacht worth its weight, has some special amenities .

A "Balinese-inspired" spa features a hammam, sauna, and cryotherapy chamber, as well as a massage table and chromotherapy bathtub offering some sort of color-related treatment. For more active wellness, there's a gym, basketball court, and pickleball court.

There are three pools — two are jacuzzis — spread over six decks, four outdoor showers, four bars, four fireplaces, two fire pits, and one helipad. For your viewing pleasure, there is an outdoor cinema, and for your listening pleasure, a DJ booth and grand piano.

And because billionaires love to play, there is a suite of water toys aboard, including Jet Skis, SeaBobs, e-foils, and WaveRunners.

Khan is a committed superyacht owner. His previous superyacht, also named Kismet, was purchased by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt last year. While its final sales price was not disclosed, it was listed for about $160 million. Renamed Whisper, the yacht was built by the same German shipyard as the new Kismet, Lürssen, and measured 95 meters.

"The yacht has exceeded all expectations of the client for whom we have built his third yacht in total," Peter Lürssen, a managing partner at Lürssen, said in a statement about the newest Kismet.

Kismet is the largest yacht on display at the Monaco Yacht Show, which will feature 120 superyachts . Renaissance, the second largest at 112 meters, charters for the same weekly price of $3 million.

While the nine-figure sales prices of these yachts make their seven-figure charter rates seem like a bargain, renting out a superyacht is not for the faint of wallet. In addition to the charter fee, there are costs associated with provisions which can come to as much as 40% of the fee; gratuities, as much as 20% of the fee; and taxes, also as much as 20%. That means a week aboard the Kismet can actually cost as much as $5.4 million.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Tech magnate Mike Lynch's body found in sunken superyacht wreckage, officials say

Early reports indicate the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout, and sank quickly., by the associated press • published august 22, 2024 • updated on august 22, 2024 at 10:52 am.

The Italian coast guard said Thursday the body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch is among those recovered off the coast of Sicily from the wreckage of a superyacht whose builders had called unsinkable.

One woman remains missing. She has not been identified, but Hannah Lynch, Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, is reportedly unaccounted for. The family had been celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with the people who defended him at trial in the United States.

Five others were recovered by rescue crews following Monday's tragedy.

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

The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged yacht, went down in a storm early Monday as it was moored about a kilometer (half a mile) offshore. Civil protection officials said they believe the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout, and sank quickly.

Termini Imerese Public Prosecutor’s Office investigators were collecting evidence for a criminal investigation, which they opened immediately after the tragedy despite no formal suspects having been publicly identified.

The chief executive of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the Bayesian's manufacturer, said superyachts like these are “the safest in the most absolute sense.”

Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter.

“First of all, because they have very little surface compared to a yacht facing into the wind,” CEO Giovanni Costantino told Sky News on Wednesday. "Second, with the structure, the drift keel, they become unsinkable bodies.”

Missing revealed as divers search superyacht that sank in storm off Sicily

Morgan Stanley International chair among 6 missing after luxury yacht sinks in Sicily

Investigators are now looking at why the Bayesian, built in 2008 by Italian shipyard Perini Navi, sank while a nearby sailboat remained largely unscathed. Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived by escaping in a lifeboat, including a mother who reported holding her 1-year-old baby over the waves to save her. They were rescued by the sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell.

The sailboat's captain, Karsten Borner, said his craft sustained minimal damage — the frame of a sun awning broke — even with winds that he estimated had reached 12 on the Beaufort wind scale, which is the highest hurricane-strength force on the scale.

He said he had remained anchored with his engines running to try to maintain the ship’s position as the forecast storm rolled in.

“Another possibility is to heave anchor before the storm and to run downwind at open sea,” Borner said in a text message. But he said that might not have been possible for the Bayesian, given its 75-meter (246-foot) tall mast.

“If there was a stability problem, caused by the extremely tall mast, it would not have been better at open sea,” he said.

Yachts like the Bayesian are required to have watertight compartments that are specifically designed to prevent a rapid, catastrophic sinking even when some parts fill with water.

Lynch is the only person confirmed dead; the other bodies have not been formally identified.

Besides Hannah Lynch, those missing are Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch’s U.S. lawyers, and his wife, Neda; Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley’s London-based investment banking subsidiary, and his wife, Judy; and Recaldo Thomas, the superyacht’s chef.

Divers have struggled to find the bodies in the yacht’s hull on the seabed 50 meters (164 feet) underwater.

“We would need a crystal ball to know when we'll be able to find the next body," said Luca Cari, spokesperson for the fire rescue service.

“It's very difficult to move inside the wreckage. Moving just one meter can take up to 24 hours,” Cari said.

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