Most Expensive

The 20 most expensive yachts in the world.

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What are the most expensive yachts in the world?

If you have a passion for sailing or can appreciate the engineering masterpieces mentioned below, then this is an article for you. 

To be able to afford even afford the cheapest superyacht on our list, your net worth will need to be in the hundreds of millions, if not, billions range!

Here’s a list of the 20 most expensive yachts in the world…  

Table of Contents

The list of yachts and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Luxhabitat , List25 and Unilad . 

These are the 20 most expensive yachts in the world:  

20. Lionheart – $150 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Lionheart

Sir Philip Green kicks off the list with his 207-foot behemoth, Lionheart.

The British retail billionaire commissioned Italian shipbuilding company, Benetti, to build his superyacht.

The boat has six VIP rooms, several private balconies and was finished in 2016.

Lionheart has had many famous faces walking its decks, including Kate Moss , Simon Cowell and Cristiano Ronaldo .

19. Aviva – $150 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Aviva

British billionaire Joe Lewis’s superyacht comes in at number nineteen at a cool $150 million.

His boat has a full-size tennis court and is thought to house some of his most precious and expensive art pieces, including Picasso.

When he’s not spending time in his Bahamas residence, Joe spends several months a year aboard Aviva and his other three superyachts.

18. Solandge – $180 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Solandge

Next up, we have the $180 million dollar superyacht built by Lurssen. 

In 2017, the Solandge was the highest brokerage and is available to rent for around $1.1 million a week.

The 280-foot yacht has eight VIP suites, a grand piano and a glass art installation by Murano.

17. Ecstasea – $200 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Ectasea

Built by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2004, Ecstasea was the largest Feadship ever built.

The yacht is made of steel and is approximately 85.95 metres long and has a beam of 11.50 metres. This means it has a deadweight of 585 metric tons!

Ecstasea comfortably sleeps 14 passengers and has won multiple design awards for its stunning interior.

16. The Rising Sun – $200 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - The Rising Sun

The Rising Sun was designed by Jon Bannenberg and built by Lürssen in 2004 for Larry Ellison .

It has 82 rooms over five floors, a basketball court, wine cellar and a movie theatre.

From 2010 it has been owned by David Geffen and is the 12th largest superyacht in the world, measuring 138 metres.

The Rising Sun cost $200 million to build and has since had even more money spent on luxury fixtures and fittings.

15. Octopus – $200 Million 

Most Expensive Yachts - Octopus

Designed and built in 2003 for Microsoft Co-founder, Paul Allen, Octopus has one hell of a lavish interior.

It has a large study, basketball court, recording studio, an outside bar with a whirlpool and a glass bottom swimming pool.

Octopus sleeps up to 26 guests and 56 crew members at any one time and comes equipped with two submarines and two helipads. 

14. Lady Moura – $210 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Lady Moura

The next most expensive superyacht in the world is Lady Moura.

Lady Moura is owned by Saudi Arabian businessman Nasser Al-Rashid, who’s also an advisor to the Saudi Royal family.

The yacht comes with some very impressive features, such as a pool with a retractable roof, a helicopter and 24 karat gold lettering and embellishments throughout.

If that wasn’t enough, Lady Moura also features a unique sand-covered hydraulic platform that comes out of one side, to give guests a beach-like experience in the middle of the ocean.

13. Al Mirqab – $250 Million 

Most Expensive Yachts - Al Mirqab

Al Mirqab is owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, the former Prime Minister of Qatar.

The yacht has 10 bedrooms, a helipad, a swimming pool, a selection of VIP suites, an onboard cinema, jacuzzi and a variety of watersports equipment.

After it was completed in 2008, it was dubbed the second most beautiful yacht in the world.

It can accommodate up to 24 guests and comfortably house crew members in its 55 crew cabins.

12. Dilbar – $256 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Dilbar

Number twelve is Russian owned superyacht, Dilbar.

It belongs to Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, and he’s often seen using Dilbar to cruise around his private islands.

As well as being one of the most expensive yachts in the world, it’s also one of the largest – measuring a colossal 360ft in length and just over 50ft high.

It was built in 2008 by Lürssen Yachts and was named after Alisher’s mother.

Dilbar has one helipad, several swimming pools and accommodates 20 guests and 48 cabin crew.

11. Pelorus – $300 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Pelorus

Pelorus was built by Lürssen in 2003 and bought by Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich in 2004.

Since then, Pelorus has changed hands a few times and is now owned by HongKong based billionaire, Samuel Tak Lee.

Pelorus is 115 meters long and weighs a staggering 5517 tonnes.

As well as all the normal luxuries you’d expect to find onboard a superyacht of this calibre, she also comes equipped with two helipads, landing boats and jet skis.

She accommodates a full-time crew of 46, year round.

10. Serene – $300 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Serene

The tenth most expensive yacht in the world is the 439-foot, Serene.

Built-in 2011 by Fincantieri, for Russian billionaire Yuri Scheffler, Serene is has been one of the favourite rental yachts for the mega-rich, reportedly costing celebrities like Bill Gates around million a week!

It was purchased in 2015 by Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and sleeps around 24 guests and 52 crew members.

It comes with multiple swimming pools, two helipads, a submarine, and an amazing underwater viewing room!

9. Al Said – $300 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Al Said

The next mega yacht on the list is owned by and named after the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos Bin Said Al Said.

Built between 2007-2008, little else is known about the Al Said, other than it has a large concert hall that’s big enough to house a 50-piece orchestra.

Also, it can host up to 70 guests, sleep a crew of 154 and reach around 22 knots!

8. Radiant – $320 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Radiant

Built by Lürssen in 2009, Radiant is owned by Emirate Billionaire Abdulla Al Futtaim.

The superyacht is roughly 110 meters long, weighs approximately 5027 gross tons and sleeps up to 20 guests and 44 crew members.

She comes with multiple swimming pools, a helipad, a massage room, a swimming platform, a movie theatre, a gym and a jacuzzi.

The Radiant is also equipped with a highly powerful water cannon to defend herself from pirate attacks!

7. Dubai – $400 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Dubai

Dubai is owned by the Sheik of Dubai, Mohammed Rashid al-Maktoum.

Some of its features include jacuzzis, a swimming pool with handmade tiles, a helipad and a striking circular glass staircase which changes colour when lit from above.

Dubai also houses a split-level owner’s deck, several VIP and social areas, guest suites and a crew of up to 115 people.

6. Motor Yacht A – $440 Million 

Most Expensive Yachts - Motor Yacht A

This very impressive looking 390-foot superyacht was built by Blohm + Voss shipyard and launched in 2008.

It’s thought to be owned by Andrey Melnichenko, a Russian billionaire businessman and philanthropist.

Motor Yacht A can accommodate 14 guests and 42 crew members and is around 400 feet long.

It features a 2,500 sqft master bedroom, a disco, a helicopter hanger, a separate 30-foot speedboat and a glass-bottomed swimming pool.

Awesome! 

5. Topaz – $527 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Topaz

Coming in at number five is this stunning Lürssen built superyacht, Topaz.

She was built for Abu Dhabi tycoon, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Germany and launched in 2012.

The exterior was designed by Tim Heywood and Terrance Disdale Design did the interior.

It has a large jacuzzi on the main deck, a swimming pool, double helicopter landing pads and a state-of-the-art gym, cinema and conference room.

4. Azzam – $600 Million

Most Expensive Yachts - Azzam

This 590-foot megayacht is the world’s largest yacht to date.

Its owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi.

Lürssen Yachts are the ones behind this mega build. Azzam has its very own missile defence system, a bullet-proof master suite and can reach speeds of more than 30 knots, or 35mph, making it one of the fastest yachts on the planet!

3. Streets of Monaco – $1 Billion

Most Expensive Yachts - Streets of Monaco

The first billion-dollar yacht on our list is the “Streets of Monaco”.

By far one of the most impressive and expensive yachts in the world, once finished, the Streets of Monaco is going to be a 509-foot mega yacht, designed to feature miniature versions of some of Monaco’s and Monte Carlos most renowned landmarks.

The finished superyacht will include a go-kart circuit, three swimming pools, a mini-submarine a helipad, seven guest suites, a mini waterfall and a restaurant that with a fabulous underwater view.

2. Eclipse – $1.5 Billion 

Most Expensive Yachts - Eclipse

The second most expensive yacht in the world, Eclipse, is owned by Roman Abramovich.

The Russian billionaire has spared no expense when it comes to his superyacht.

He’s installed a private defence system, including missile detection sensors, intruder alarms and armour plating and bulletproof windows in his master bedroom. 

On top of that, Eclipse has two helipads, two swimming pools, 24 guest bedrooms, a disco hall and a mini-submarine.

It’s unclear how much Eclipse actually cost, but it is believed to be in the region of $1.5 billion!

1. History Supreme – $4.8 Billion

Most Expensive Yachts - History Supreme

Topping the list of the most expensive superyachts in the world at an eye-watering $4.8 billion is History Supreme.

This magnificent accomplishment is built from 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum and is 100-foot long.

It was designed by Stuart Huges, a world-renowned luxury designer, for Malaysia’s richest man, Robert Knok. The History Supreme took roughly three years to build and features an array of luxury items.

The master bedroom includes a genuine Tyrannosaurus Rex bone statue and a wall made entirely of meteorite rocks!

If that wasn’t enough, the master suite also has a 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium.

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 20 most expensive yachts in the world.

How cool would it be to spend a few months a year cruising the world on one of these bad boys!

Here’s a quick recap of the 20 most expensive yachts in the world!

  • History Supreme – $4.8 Billion
  • Eclipse – $1.5 Billion
  • Streets of Monaco – $1 Billion
  • Azzam – $600 Million
  • Topaz – $527 Million
  • Motor Yacht A – $440 Million 
  • Dubai – $400 Million
  • Radiant – $320 Million
  • Al Said – $300 Million
  • Serene – $300 Million
  • Pelorus – $300 Million
  • Dilbar – $256 Million
  • Al Mirqab – $250 Million
  • Lady Moura – $210 Million
  • Octopus – $200 Million 
  • The Rising Sun – $200 Million
  • Exstasea – $200 Million
  • Solandge – $180 Million
  • Aviva – $150 Million
  • Lionheart – $150 Million

What’s your favourite most expensive yacht? Leave a comment below.

The 10 Most Expensive Precious Metals in the World

The 10 Most Expensive Guitars in the World

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Matt McIntyre is a digital marketing consultant and certified marketing strategist. When he's not talking about business or marketing, you'll find him in the gym.

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The 20 Most Expensive Tequilas in the World

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What are the most expensive tequilas in the world?

Tequila is one of the most popular liquors in the world and, in the United States alone, nearly 20 million 9-liter cases are consumed every year!

Whether you’re drinking it neat or mixing it into a margarita, you probably have a favorite brand that you know tastes great.

However, some brands can get incredibly expensive, and it is these tequilas that we are counting down today.

How did we select this list of tequilas?

We’ve put over 10 hours of research into re-writing and updating this list for 2024.

The tequilas on this list were selected by taking the current average sale price, at the time of writing.

Prices for rare tequila can vary depending on where they’re listed for sale; so for each tequila on this list, we checked the price across multiple websites and settled on the average.

Next comes the question, when does tequila stop being tequila, and start being artwork?

If you’re a fan of tequila you can probably think of at least one brand that treats their bottles as artwork.

These bottles can often be worth thousands, but is it all just similar tequila in a fancy and unique bottle?

We’ve decided we’re not going to be the judge of what’s tequila and what’s artwork, so what you see on this list reflects a true order, based on price per bottle.

The 2 Most Expensive Tequilas in the World

Tequila is a very versatile liquor and there is no shortage of varieties you can find at your local store.

That said, some of these tequilas are reserved for only the most wealthy buyers, and you certainly won’t want to drink them on a casual night out.

Without further ado, here’s our list of the 20 most expensive tequilas money can buy:

20. 1800 Coleccion Tequila

Most Expensive Tequilas - 1800 Coleccion Tequila

Price/Bottle: $2,000

This unique expensive tequila gets its name from the year that distillers started using oak barrels for aging, and it is owned by the insanely wealthy Beckmann family.

Distilled twice during its 10-year aging process, this tequila has a flavor reminiscent of Amaretto, but with a bolder kick that reminds you that it’s tequila.

For $2,000, this tequila comes in its own crystal decanter trimmed with pewter and securely placed in a lavish case lined with suede to protect its precious contents.

It doesn’t get much more high-end than that!

19. Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio

Most Expensive Tequilas - Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio

Price/Bottle: $2,200

Made from 100% agave, Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio is a luxury tequila that has been aged for 10 years in French oak barrels and it is limited to special batches of only 2,000 bottles per year.

While its purity does impact this tequila’s price, the bottle that it comes in also makes it more expensive.

Each bottle comes with lettering and images engraved with one of the most expensive precious metals in the world, 21-karat gold.

It definitely looks and tastes every bit worth its hefty price tag.

18. Clase Azul Extra Añejo Ultra

Most Expensive Tequilas - Clase Azul Ultra

Price/Bottle: $2,500

The first Clase Azul product to appear on this list is the only one in regular production and not a limited edition.

Clase Azul’s extra anejo ultra is aged for 5 years in American whiskey and sherry casks.

The bottle is decorated in platinum, silver, and 24-karat gold.

You can expect to pay around $2,500 a bottle for this tequila.

17. AsomBroso Reserva del Porto Extra Anejo

Most Expensive Tequilas - AsomBroso Reserva del Porto

Price/Bottle: $2800

This brandy-like tequila is the type of drink that you break out during life’s greatest milestones.

Aged for 10 years in port wine barrels from Portugal, it is mixed with a small portion of white oak-aged tequila before being bottled.

Stored in a bottle shaped like a historical decanter found in an eighteenth-century Portuguese castle, it even comes secured in its own cedar humidor.

Although this tequila usually costs $2,800, you can sometimes get lucky and find it on sale for $1,499, which is honestly a great price, all things considered.

16. AsomBroso The Collaboration 12 Year Extra Anejo

Most Expensive Tequilas - AsomBroso The 12 Year Collaboration

Price/Bottle: $3,000

AsomBroso’s The Collaboration is an extra anejo tequila, aged 12 years in Silver Oak Cellar’s American casks.

The tequila is bottled inside a crystal decanter hand-made by Luciano Gambaro, a famous Italian artist.

The decanter is then packaged in a custom-polished humidor with laser engraving.

A single bottle might set you back $3,000, but there are places where you might be able to get your hands on one for cheaper.

15. Tesla Tequila Limited Edition Anejo

Most Expensive Tequilas - Tesla Limited Edition Tequila

Price/Bottle: $4,000

It does seem that Elon Musk can do no wrong. 

Tesla Tequila started as an April Fool’s joke but quickly became a physical product that sold out immediately.

For the limited edition variant, only 420 bottles were produced, a number that jokingly references a time when Musk said he was going to take Tesla private at $420 a share.

The numbered limited edition variant with matching shot glass is currently selling for around $4,000, whilst the regular variant can fetch up to $1,500.

14. Codigo 1530 14 Year Extra Anejo

Most Expensive Tequilas - Codigo 1530 14 Year Extra Anejo

Price/Bottle: $4,500

Codigo’s 1530 extra Añejo has been aged inside French White Oak Napa Valley Cabernet wine barrels for 14 years and then finished in French Cognac casks.

This is Codigo’s most expensive tequila they’ve ever produced.

A single bottle is now worth $4,500.

13. Clase Azul Pink Limited Edition Reposado

Most Expensive Tequilas - Clase Azul Pink Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $6,000

This isn’t the first Clase Azul tequila featured on this list, and it definitely won’t be the last.

The ‘Pink’ limited edition reposado was originally released in 2016 for breast cancer awareness, with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to charity.

Just 3000 bottles of the original 2016 version were produced, featuring a white bottle hand-painted with pink artwork.

There have since been one or two other ‘Pink’ breast cancer awareness releases from Clase Azul.

12. Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 3

Most Expensive Tequilas - Patron En Lalique Serie 3 Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $7,500

Patron’s En Lalique Serie line the creme de la creme of their tequila. 

Whatever we have here is the Serie 3, their latest release, but it’s the least expensive of the three.

The Serie 3 contains a blend of 14 different extra anejo tequilas, aged in 6 different barrel types.

Held in a crystal hand-carved decanter, with decoration inspired by the Weber Blue Agave.

The decanter is stored inside a luxurious wooden box.

Each decanter is numbered, and given the fact that this is Patron’s latest release, you can expect the Serie 3’s price to rise over the next few years.

11. Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 1 Extra Anejo

Most Expensive Tequilas - Patron En Lalique Serie 1 Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $8000

Patron’s En Lalique Serie 1 uses some of their oldest tequila, presented in a hand-made decanter inspired by Mexico’s Weber Blue Agave plant, topped off with an amber stopper.

Although this bottle cost $8,000, it’s not their most expensive tequila. 

Patron went one step further for their next tequila, but more on that shortly.

10. Dos Armadillos Extra Anejo Sterling Silver

Most Expensive Tequilas - Dos Armadillos Sterling Silver Extra Anejo

Price/Bottle: $10,000

The Dos Armadillos Extra Anejo uses only an 8-year mature Blue Weber Agave.

The tequila is bottled in their signature armadillo-armored bottle, however, the armor for this edition is made entirely out of sterling silver.

$10,000 is the current price to pick up one of these bottles, a number that’s far more expensive than any other product in their range.

9. Clase Azul Puebla Limited Edition

Most Expensive Tequilas - Clase Azul Puebla Limited Edition

The Clase Azul Puebla limited edition tequila was released on the 5th of May 2021, to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, or the Battle of Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on the 5th of May to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire in 1862.

Just 300 bottles were produced and sold with a price tag of $400.

If you wished to purchase a bottle of Puebla Limited Edition today, the price would be more along the lines of $10,000.

8. Clase Azul Dia de Muertos Limited Edition

Most Expensive Tequilas - Clase Azul Dia De Los Muertos

The Dia de Los Muertos collection from Clase Azul features several individual releases, but with most of them fetching similar prices, we’ve decided to include them in one single entry.

Dia de Muertos, or ‘The Day of the Dead’ as it’s otherwise known, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated during November. 

Clase Azul has released a new edition within the Dia de Muertos line annually for the past several years.

Some of the bottle designs for the Dia de Muertos range are spectacular and tend to rise in value once they are no longer produced.

7. Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 2 Extra Anejo

Most Expensive Tequilas - Patron En Lalique Serie 2 Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $10,500

Patron’s En Lalique Serie 2 is aged and made slowly in small batches to ensure perfect quality.

The bottle is carved crystal, featuring a crystal bee stopper with hand-painted gold accents.

It’s then placed inside a wooden box that spins to open, creating a rather luxurious effect.

We’ve seen prices ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 for this bottle, so if you’re patient you might be able to get it at a good price.

6. Clase Azul Master Artisans

Most Expensive Tequilas - Clase Azul Master Artisans Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $20,000

Clase Azul’s most popular and iconic tequila is their resposado tequila, housed in a blue and white bottle.

In 2021, the brand collaborated with the award-winning artist, Ángel Santos to create a hand-crafted, limited edition resposado.

The ‘Master Artisans’ line aims to highlight the work of Mexico’s most talented artists.

The Ángel Santos edition, which at launch sold for $5,000 a bottle , can now reach up to $20,000.

5. Clase Azul Jalisco 200 Limited Edition

Most Expensive Tequilas - Clase Azul Jalisco 200 Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $25,000

The Clase Azul Jalisco is an extra anejo tequila, named after Jalisco, a state in Mexico.

As the name might also suggest, only 200 bottles of this limited-edition tequila were distilled.

The tequila comes packaged inside a custom-built wooden box, which opens to reveal a drinking glass on either side.

With just 200 bottles released, getting your hands on one of these bottles isn’t cheap.

4. Clase Azul 15th Anniversary Edition

Price/bottle: $30,000.

The Clase Azul celebrated its 15th anniversary by releasing 15 limited edition bottles priced at $30,000 each.

Each of the unique bottles was handcrafted to convey the story of Mexico and all proceeds from the sale of these bottles were donated to the Fundacion con Causa Azul A.C, which supports the work of craftsmen and artisans in Mexico.

Although this tequila is no longer available for sale, we imagine that Clase Azul will release another special edition for a future anniversary, so if you want to grab a bottle, be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

3. Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario The Rolling Stones Special Edition

Most Expensive Tequilas - Jose Cuervo 250 Anniversario Rolling Stones

Price/Bottle: $75,000

Jose Cuervo was the very first legal tequila company to be established, with the company’s history dating back to 1795 .

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Case Cuervo, Jose Cuervo released the 250 Anniversario tequila.

They also released a limited edition of the tequila, in collaboration with the Rolling Stones rock band.

The Jose Cuervo brand played a leading role in the Rolling Stones’ 1972 North American tour, ‘Tequila Sunrise’.

For the Rolling Stones special edition, the tequila bottle is embossed with the famous ‘Hot Lips’ logo in 14-carat gold, and spikes along the sides.

It also comes packaged in a leather guitar-shaped case, including seven shot glasses.

The tequila was initially released with a price tag of just $4,000, but prices have skyrocketed to almost $75,000 since then.

2. Tequila Ley .925 Ultra-Premium

Most Expensive Tequilas - Tequila Ley .925 Ultra-Premium

Price/Bottle: $225,000

In 2006, the artists at Tequila Ley designed three unique bottles to contain the tequila designed by Mexican artist Alejandro Gomez.

Each bottle was only created 33 times, for a total of 99 bottles, each more expensive than the last.

While this tequila in a glass bottle retails for $3,500, the gold and silver bottle goes for $25,000, and the gold and platinum for $150,000.

The most expensive of all was the white gold and platinum, which carried the insane price tag of $225,000!

Although the tequila itself is delectable, the real stars are the bottles that collectors and tequila enthusiasts scrambled to try and grab while they lasted.

1. Tequila Ley .925 Diamante

Most Expensive Tequilas - Tequila Ley .925 Diamante

Price/Bottle: $3.5 Million

Recorded as the most expensive tequila ever sold by a mile, the .925 Diamante is a true work of art.

The Ley .925 Diamante tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber agave, which is grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.

The tequila is then aged for 7 years inside French Oak barrels before being poured into a platinum and white gold version of Tequila Ley’s signature-shaped bottle.

However, none of these things truly account for the Diamante’s insane price tag.

As the name might suggest, the bottle is encrusted with 4000 diamonds, amounting to a total of 18.5 carats.

Now that we’ve come to the end of the list, you might have noticed a common theme.

Clase Azul had the most entries on this list, holding seven positions in the top 20.

This is largely due to the fact they treat their bottles as artwork, often showcasing hand-painted art in limited edition releases.

That’s not to take away from their tequila, but to say that their unique approach is very popular among collectors and tequila enthusiasts alike.

Here’s a quick recap of the 20 most expensive tequilas in the world:

  • Tequila Ley .925 Diamante
  • Tequila Ley .925 Ultra-Premium
  • Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario The Rolling Stones Special Edition
  • Clase Azul 15th Anniversary Edition
  • Clase Azul Jalisco 200 Limited Edition
  • Clase Azul Tequila Master Artisans
  • Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 2 Extra Anejo
  • Clase Azul Dia de Los Muertos Limited Edition
  • Clase Azul Puebla Limited Edition Tequila
  • Dos Armadillos Sterling Silver Extra Anejo
  • Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 1 Extra Anejo
  • Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 3
  • Clase Azul Pink Limited Edition Reposado
  • Codigo 1530 Fourteen Years Extra Anejo
  • Tesla Tequila Anejo
  • Asombroso The Collaboration 12 Year Extra Anejo
  • AsomBroso Reserva del Porto Extra Anejo
  • Clase Azul Extra Añejo Ultra
  • Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio
  • 1800 Coleccion Tequila

Are there any tequilas we missed out from the list? Leave a comment below.

The 25 most expensive cigars in the world.

is there a billion dollar yacht

What are the most expensive cigars in the world?

Cigars have risen in price rapidly over the past two decades.

They’re associated with luxury and wealth more than ever before, and cigar aficionados are constantly looking for rare and exclusive cigars to add to their collections.

This begs the question: how expensive can cigars be, and how difficult could it be to get your hands on the rarest of the rare?

Today we’re bringing you our updated list of the most expensive cigars in the world.

How did we select this list of cigars?

One of the issues with many expensive cigar lists on the internet, including the original version of our own, is how the cigar values are calculated.

For instance, there was once an auction for a very rare box of cigars that sold for more than half a million dollars, but the box consisted of almost 800 cigars. More details on that are below.

We’ve decided to thoroughly calculate the price/stick for each of the entries on this list, so you can have a clearer understanding of exactly which cigars are the most expensive in the world.

Whilst it may be difficult to obtain some of these cigars individually, assuming you’d want to obtain them of course, we think this is the best way of ranking the list.

Another thing we decided to take into account is limited edition releases which are packaged in custom humidors instead of regular boxes.

These humidors can often cost thousands of dollars alone, and end up distorting the price of the cigar.

Can people still buy these cigars?

Most of the cigars featured on this list can still be bought and smoked to this day. 

Many of them are limited edition lines and are likely harder to find than most cigars.

What exactly makes some cigars more expensive than others?

Typically, there are a few things that can factor into cigar price:

  • Limited edition productions
  • Aged tobacco
  • Brand recognition

Limited edition productions can often limit the total number of cigars produced, and as time passes the number of those remaining drops.

A lot of rare cigar releases also use aged tobacco leaves, and you’ll see several brands on this list that age their tobacco for at least 10 years before the cigar is rolled.

Brand recognition also plays a part as particular brands such as Cohiba are always sought after.

Finally, if none of the above results in a cigar being expensive, there are a select few who will cover cigars in gold leaf, and diamonds, and infuse them with expensive cognac.

But more on that later.

The 25 Most Expensive Cigars

We’ve done countless hours of research to ensure that our updated version of this list is the best resource available.

Without further ado, let’s get into this list of the 25 most expensive cigars in the world:

25. El Septimo The Zaya Collection (Mirifico Sapphire)

Most Expensive Cigars - El Septimo The Zaya Collection

Price/Stick: $100

The Zaya Collection, produced by El Septimo, contains 8 different varieties of cigars.

Each variety contains five different filler tobaccos, with the tobacco leaves aged up to 15 years.

Typically, each cigar features are larger ring gauge of around 60, due to the variety of filler leaves used.

Whilst the cigars within this collection have very different flavor profiles from one another, the prices/stick are relatively similar.

At the time of researching this article, we’ve included the variety selling for the most, which is Mirifico Sapphire, at $100/stick.

Other varieties within the collection include:

  • Bomba Orange
  • Short Dream Topaz
  • Kolosso Amethyst
  • Fabuloso Dark Ruby
  • Excepcion Esmerelda
  • Double Shot White
  • Bullet Black

24. Arturo Fuente Opus X 20th Anniversary

Most Expensive Cigars - Arturo Fuente Opus X 20th Anniversary

Price/Stick: $115

Arturo Fuente has long been known for their high-quality cigars, and their Opus X range contains some of the most sought-after cigars in the brand’s history.

The Opus X line was created in 1995 and in 2016 Fuente released the ‘Opus X 20th Anniversary’ edition to commemorate 20 years of the Opus X.

The ’20th Anniversary’ line contained four cigars:

  • Father & Son
  • God’s Whisper
  • Power of A Dream

The prices do vary between each variety, however, because the ‘God’s Whisper’ variety comes in a ‘Perfecto’ size it tends to be sold for higher prices than the rest of the line.

23. Cohiba Spectre 2023

Most Expensive Cigars - Cohiba Spectre 2023

Price/Stick: $130

The Spectre line from Cohiba was initially introduced in 2018 and cost $90 per stick.

Separate versions of the Cohiba Spectre have since been released annually, with the most expensive being the Spectre 2023.

The 2023 Spectre is limited to 600 boxes of 10 cigars, featuring a 52 ring gauge and 6 1/2 inches in length.

What’s most interesting about the release is the packaging, which differs somewhat from most cigars, including that of Cohiba.

The cigars are stored in a box that opens vertically, featuring a hydraulic system that elevates the tubed cigars when you press the ‘O’ button inside the Cohiba logo.

22. Davidoff Royal Release Salamones

Most Expensive Cigars - Davidoff Royal Release Salamones

Price/Stick: $150

To be qualified enough to roll the Royal Release Salamones, Davidoff makes sure you have more than 15 years of experience rolling cigars.

This cigar is only rolled by 8 different people who together have rolled over 7 million cigars.

The Royal Release Salmones takes 10 years to grow from tobacco seed to finished product and is sold in boxes of 10 for $1,500.

21. Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012

Most Expensive Cigars - Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012

Price/Stick: $181

The Epicure No. 2 is one of Hoyo de Monterrey’s signature cigars.

In 2016, Habanos SA announced the release of the No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012.

This blend only uses tobacco leaves from 2012, aged for a minimum of three years.

With just 5000 boxes of 20 cigars produced, this cigar is bound to increase in value with time.

20. Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013

Most Expensive Cigars - Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013

Price/Stick: $200

Here we have another Hoyo de Monterrey ‘Reserva’ release, the Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013.

Typically, Gran Reserva lines are more sought after than regular Reserva series, due to the difference in tobacco aging.

Reserva cigar blends use tobacco leaves that are aged for a minimum of three years.

Whereas Gran Reserva blends use tobacco leaves aged for a minimum of 5 years.

Gran Reservas are also produced with only 15 sticks per box, instead of the usual 20.

19. Cohiba Siglo De Oro (Year of the Rabbit)

Most Expensive Cigars - Cohiba Siglo De Oro

Price/Stick: $250

In 2023, Cohiba announced the release of the Siglo De Oro, to commemorate both the Chinese ‘Year of the Rabbit’, and also the 30th anniversary of the Siglo series.

Naturally, people across China, Hong Kong, and various other countries in Asia were the first to see these cigars unveiled.

Only 18,888 boxes of the Siglo De Oro will be produced.

That number might sound oddly specific, and it is indeed no coincidence, as the number 8 is lucky in Chinese culture.

The Siglo De Oro is a 54 ring gauge, 4 1/2 inch long cigar, sold in boxes of 18.

  18. H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011

Most Expensive Cigars - H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011

Price/Stick: $260

H. Upmann is one of the oldest cigar brands in the world, with history going all the way back to 1843.

The Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha is of course named after the legendary Sir Winston Churchill , who was known not only for being one of the most important prime ministers in British history; but also for his love of cigars.

The Gran Reserve line was launched by H. Upmann in 2009, and in 2011 the Sir Winston edition was released.

Just 5000 boxes of 15 cigars were produced, for a total of 75,000 cigars.

17. Partagas Serie E No.1 Colección Habanos 2013

Price/stick: $280.

The Serie E No. 1 Colección Habanos 2013 from Partagas appears 18th on our list of the most expensive cigars.

With this particular cigar now being over 10 years old, its price has risen heavily.

You can still find this cigar for sale in the USA for roughly $280 per stick, however, prices do vary.

16. Hoyo De Monterrey Maravillas Collection 2015

Price/stick: $290.

The most expensive Hoyo de Monterrey cigar is the Maravillas Collection 2015.

There were just 2000 boxes of 20 cigars produced, amounting to a total of 40,000 cigars.

Given the smaller production number in comparison to the other Hoyo de Monterrey’s featured on this list, you can expect to pay $290/stick for this cigar.

15. Cohiba Behike Series

Most Expensive Cigars - Cohiba Behike

Price/Stick $300

Cohiba Behikes are one of the most popular and sought-after cigars in the world.

Behike cigars are known for their full-strength flavor and quality, provided you can get your hands on the authentic product.

They’re sold in three different ring gauges: 52, 54, and 56.

These sizes are represented in their names respectively: Behike 52, Behike 54, and Behike 56.

The Cohiba Behike cigars are sold in 10-count boxes and increase in price depending on their size.

14. Oliva Serie V Roaring Twenties Super Limited Edition

Most Expensive Cigars - Oliva Serie V Roaring Twenties Super Limited Edition

Oliva Cigar Co. are well known for producing cigars that provide a great smoking experience for a great value.

However, in 2023 they decided to do something a little different.

The most popular line of Oliva cigars is the ‘Series V’, and last year they announced a new Series V Roaring Twenties Super Limited Edition.

When we take a look at the average price of an Oliva cigar, we can see a price of around $10, so what’s different?

The packaging is the most notable difference, with the Roaring Twenties SLE cigars being placed in boxes produced by Daniel Marshall.

Half of the cigars (the top layer) are also covered in gold foil.

In addition, there will only ever be 300 boxes created, for a total of 3000 cigars.

13. Trinidad Casilda Coleccion Habanos 2019

Price/stick: $370.

As you may have already noticed, Habanos limited edition collections can become incredibly expensive.

The Trinidad Casilda 2019 is another edition within the Coleccion Habanos with only 3000 boxes being produced.

This cigar once again features the traditional book-shaped box packaging as with any ‘Coleccion Habanos’ release.

Getting your hands on a single stick could cost up to $370.

12. Daniel Marshall 24KT Golden Gigante

Most Expensive Cigars - Daniel Marshall 24KT Gold Cigar

Price/Stick: $395

Continuing both the obsession with gold and also the story of Daniel Marshall brings us to the next cigar on our list.

For those who are unaware of Daniel Marshall ; he’s a well-known figure within the cigar industry for his work with manufacturing custom humidors.

In 2011, Marshall decided to create a 24KT gold cigar for his friend’s 64th birthday. 

Marshall then produced a limited run of the cigar which would be packaged in a custom-signed travel humidor.

The 24kt cigar comes in two sizes, Torpedo and Gigante, with the Gigante size being the more expensive of the two.

Its base is that of the DM2 cigar, also sold by Daniel Marshall, which is rolled and sold to him by the Plasencia factory.

Daniel then covers the cigar with a thin layer of gold leaf from Italy.

  11. Montecristo Gran Piramides Limited Edition 2017

Most Expensive Cigars - Montecristo Gran Piramides 2017

Price/Stick: $400 

Montecristo is one of the most popular cigar brands in the world, and one of their most expensive cigars is the Gran Piramides Limited Edition from 2017.

The Gran Piramides are part of the ‘Coleccion Habanos’, which come packaged in a box that’s shaped to look like a book.

At its core, the Gran Piramides are a Montecristo No. 2 that has been increased in size for this limited collection.

This cigar has a length of 6.25 inches and a ring gauge of 57, while Montecristo No. 2’s are a 52 ring gauge, and slightly shorter in length.

Only 2000 boxes of the Gran Piramides 2017 were produced by Habanos SA.

10. Partagas Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007

Most Expensive Cigars - Partagas Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007

Price/Stick: $430

Continuing with another Habanos SA-produced cigar, the 2007 Gran Reserva Lusitanias from Partagas is our 11th most expensive cigar.

Just 5000 boxes of 15 cigars were produced, resulting in a total count of 75,000 cigars.

The Gran Reserve Cosecha 2007 can still be found for sale, but given its age, you might have to shell out more than you wish to.

9. Cohiba Talisman Edicion Limitada 2017

Most Expensive Cigars - Cohiba Talisman Edicion Limitada 2017

Price/Stick: $450

When it was originally released, the Cohiba Talisman EL 2017 cost just $547 for a box of 10.

Since their release, the price has risen rapidly year over year.

The cigars were produced at the world-famous El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba.

At the time of writing this article, you’d be lucky to find a single stick for under $450.

8. Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edicion Limitada 2021

Most Expensive Cigars - Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edicion Limitada 2021

Price/Stick: $500

While not the most expensive release from Cohiba in the year 2021, the next entry on this list was certainly an important one.

The 55 Anniversario Edicion Limitada 2021 marked the 55th anniversary of Cohiba.

As the name suggests, the cigar was indeed a limited edition, and difficult to get a hold of.

The cigar was released in 10-count boxes, costing roughly $5000/box.

7. Davidoff Oro Blanco

Most Expensive Cigars - Davidoff Oro Blanco

Price/Stick: $600

Davidoff claims that the Oro Blanco is the most exceptional cigar they’ve ever created.

The Oro Blanco is a 6-inch, 54 ring gauge, toro-shaped cigar, with an all-Dominican wrapper, binder, and filler

So why does it cost $600 per cigar?

One of the main reasons for its high cost is due to Davidoff’s aging process.

The Oro Blanco, which translates to “White Gold”, is made with tobacco leaves grown in areas with some of the richest soil across the entire Dominican Republic.

The leaves are then aged for 12 years before the cigar is rolled; a task completed only by Davidoff’s most experienced rollers (15+ years of experience).

After one additional year of aging, the single cigar is then reviewed, approved, and placed into a custom box.

6. Mayan Sicars

Price/stick: $633.

At the beginning of this article, we mentioned a specific auction involving a box of 800 cigars.

In 2012, a large crate of Mayan cigars, expected to be more than 600 years old, was discovered in Guatemala.

It’s important to mention that the most reliable source of this information mentions the sale of all 800 cigars for a total of $507,000, which would put the price/stick at $633.

The cigars were buried deep below the surface in sealed clay pots, and discovered by an archeologist team from Tampa University.

Who paid the $507,000? A man named Gary Liotta, owner of the Santiago Cigar Factory in New York.

5. Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve

Most Expensive Cigars - Gurkha His Majesties Reserve

Price/Stick: $750

On the sixth spot, we have Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve cigar.

It’s made each year, and if you’re a cigar enthusiast, you will need to preorder them a few years beforehand. 

The total size of each cigar is 7-5 x 52 inches. The Connecticut Maduro wrapper comes with a Dominican binder and filler that is aged for 12 years.

The filler is infused with Louis XIII cognac, which gives it an amazing aroma.

This cigar is very rare and special, and the cognac has been known for selling only to dignitaries worldwide. 

A total of 75 boxes are being made every year. The incredible aroma, as well as the taste of the cigar, will be something that you will be so impressed with that you will never forget. 

4. Cohiba Ideales Coleccion 2021

Most Expensive Cigars - Cohiba Ideales Limited Edition 2021

Price/Stick: $1100

As the name suggests, this Cohiba cigar was released in 2021, measuring almost 7 inches in length, with a 56 ring gauge.

The Ideales Coleccion 2021 is limited to just 3000 boxes of 20 cigars, totaling 60,000 sticks.

The box is manufactured to look like a book.

Cohiba’s Ideales Coleccion 2021 is the last cigar to feature on this list that isn’t either covered in gold leaf and crystals or nearly 20 years old.

Which makes it the most expensive plain cigar that can still be purchased today.

3. Gurkha Black Dragon (2006 Edition)

Price/stick: $1,150.

The Gurkha Black Dragon is a cigar that you can still buy and smoke newer versions of to this day, but the original 2006 edition is a rare find.

The OG boxes were handmade using camel bone and were limited to just 5 boxes of 100 cigars.

Those who have smoked the original Black Dragon from 2006, and the newer editions seem to conclude that the taste is more or less the same.

Although the 2006 first edition of the Gurkha Black Dragon cost around $1,150, given how limited it was at the time; the current version of this cigar can be added to your collection for just $40/stick.

2. King of Denmark Cigar

Price/stick: $4,500.

The King of Denmark cigar is produced by Royal Danish and only 30 sticks are rolled per day.

Buyers can customize the cigar with both 24KT gold leaf and Swarovski crystals. 

They’re also able to have their name inscribed on the cigar.

Whilst this cigar doesn’t have to cost you thousands, it can reach up to $4,500/stick depending on the customization.

1. Gurkha Royal Courtesan

Most Expensive Cigars - Gurkha Royal Courtesan

Price/Stick: $1.36 Million

The most expensive cigar in the world is the Gurkha Royal Courtesan cigar.

The Royal Courtesan is worth a ridiculous $1.36 million per stick.

One of the most interesting things here is that Gurkha are not known for their quality. 

In fact, Gurkha’s quality control is often a common problem reported by fellow cigar aficionados.

This begs the question: why does this cigar cost so much more money than anything else on the list before it?

Let’s get into the details of the Royal Courtesan:

  • The cigar’s filler is infused with Remy Martin’s Louis XIII cognac.
  • It’s hand-rolled by a select few skilled rollers, who are blindfolded.
  • The band of the cigar is covered in 5-carat diamonds.
  • Rare Himalayan tobacco leaves are used for the wrapper.
  • The wrapper is also covered in a layer of 24KT gold leaf.
  • Personal delivery to the owner by a messenger

Notable Mentions

That concludes our main list of the 25 most expensive cigars in the world.

There are, however, a few entries we’d like to mention.

Although these weren’t included in the main list, they’re worth mentioning to any fellow cigar aficionado.

Regius Double Corona Cigar

Price: $52,000.

We decided to leave out the Regius Double Corona from our main list as the cigar itself is not the main reason for the high price.

In 2013, Regius Cigars developed their Double Corona cigar, which is produced in Nicaragua.

However, the main attraction was not actually the cigar itself, but what was included with the purchase.

The buyer of the cigar would be flown first class out to Regius headquarters in Nicaragua, where they would be given a private tour of the factory.

They would also be allowed to create their own cigar blend, and be given 1000 sticks of said blend to take home with them.

Gran Habano #5 El Gigante

Price: $185,000.

Technically this cigar does have a clear price/stick, selling for $185,000 in 2013.

However, it’s probably worth mentioning that the cigar is 19 feet long, 3 feet thick, and weighs over 600 pounds.

Here are some interesting facts about the Gran Habano #5 El Gigante:

  • Despite its size, it can be smoked by multiple people at the same time.
  • Made with 1,600 pounds of tobacco.
  • Equivalent to smoking 25,000 cigars
  • Contains 15,000 wrapper leaves
  • Has a ring gauge of 1920
  • Weighs 2,500 pounds with the wooden case

We decided to separate the El Gigante from our main list of expensive cigars, but the story itself is worth mentioning.

If you enjoyed this list, don’t forget to check out our other most expensive lists:

  • The Most Expensive Vodkas
  • The Most Expensive Alcoholic Drinks
  • The Most Expensive Cigarettes
  • The Most Expensive Bourbons
  • The Most Expensive Tequila

Here’s a quick recap of the 25 most expensive cigars in the world, per stick:

  • Gurkha Royal Courtesan
  • King of Denmark
  • Gurkha Black Dragon (2006 Edition)
  • Cohiba Ideales Coleccion 2021
  • Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve
  • Mayan Sicars
  • Davidoff Oro Blanco
  • Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edicion Limitada 2021
  • Cohiba Talisman Edicion Limitada 2017
  • Partagas Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007
  • Montecristo Gran Piramides Limited Edition 2017
  • Daniel Marshall 24KT Golden Gigante
  • Trinidad Casilda Coleccion Habanos 2019
  • Oliva Serie V Roaring Twenties Super Limited Edition
  • Cohiba Behike Series
  • Hoyo De Monterrey Maravillas Collection 2015
  • Partagas Serie E No.1 Colección Habanos 2013
  • H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011
  • Cohiba Siglo De Oro (Year of the Rabbit)
  • Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013
  • Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012
  • Davidoff Royal Release Salamones
  • Cohiba Spectre 2023
  • Arturo Fuente Opus X 20th Anniversary
  • El Septimo The Zaya Collection (Mirifico Sapphire)

Are there any cigars we’ve missed from this list? Leave a comment below.

The 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide.

The Most Expensive Countries to Live in

Which are the most expensive countries to live in worldwide? Hold tight, as you’re about to find out.

If you’ve dreamed about moving abroad and starting life afresh in a new country, then read through this list before you do, as you might be shocked to find out just how expensive some of these lesser-known countries are. 

We’ve put together this list based on accommodation and living expenses for a single person living in the capital city of each country, and according to population. 

Here’s a list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide…

The list of countries and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as World Population Review & Nomad List .

These are the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide:

10. Barbados – $2,061

Most Expensive Countries - Barbados

Kicking off our list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide, is Barbados. 

Barbados is a sovereign island nation in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, which is the Caribbean region of North America. 

It covers approximately 349km² and is 23 kilometres wide and 34 kilometres long, with a total population of 285,719 people. 

Barbados is the fourth-most densely populated country in the Americas and, it’s capital city, Bridgetown, has approximately 110,000 people living in it. 

To rent a one-bedroom studio apartment in Bridgetown, you’re looking at spending around $500 a month, or $100 a night in an Airbnb. 

A basic meal out will cost you no less than $13. A beer is around $6.50 and coffee is approximately $5.00 depending on where you go. 

9. Japan – $2,612

Most Expensive Countries - Japan

The ninth most expensive country to live in worldwide is Japan. 

Japan is an archipelago island nation in South-East Asia, made up of 6,852 islands, with a current total population of 126.8 million people. 

Of the 6,582 islands, the four largest islands account for the majority of inhabitants, as roughly 97% Japans population live on the four islands. 

Japan has many major cities, like Osaka, Yokohoma, Nagoya and Sapporo, which are all populated by more than 2 million people. 

However, Tokyo, Japans Capital City and the largest city in Japan, has an approximate population of 37 million people. 

To rent a one-bedroom studio apartment in Tokyo, you’re looking at spending in the region of $1,370 a month, or $111 a night in an Airbnb. 

Eating out varies in price, but as an average for one person, you should be looking at spending around $15.00 for a basic meal and around $6.00 for a beer.

Coffee is also pretty reasonable, considering how expensive Tokyo is, at $2.81 a cup. 

8. Norway – $2,659

Most Expensive Countries - Norway

Located in Northern Europe, Norway is a Scandinavian country with a total population of 5.3 million people. 

Norway shares its borders with Sweden, Russia and Finland, and has a total landmass of 385,203 km².

It’s only the 171st most densely populated country on earth, with roughly 14 people for every square kilometre. 

Rent is expensive in Norway’s capital, so renting a one-bedroom studio apartment in Oslo, will set you back around $1,193 a month, or $85 a night in an Airbnb. 

You won’t have much change left from $15 when buying a meal out, and a beer will set you back around $9.11.

7. The Bahamas – $2,704

Most Expensive Countries - The Bahamas

The next most expensive country in the world to live in is The Bahamas. 

Made up of over 700 islands, the Bahamas has an approximate population of 389,482 million people living across its 13,943km² landmass. 

The largest city in the Bahamas is Nassau, with a total population of 255,000. 

If you’re thinking about visiting the Bahamas, then you should budget approximately $950 a month for a one-bedroom studio apartment in the city, or $149 a night for an Airbnb. 

You’ll need to take at least $50-$100 with you when you go out for a meal and some drinks, as a basic meal costs around $15-$20 and a beer will cost you around $2.50. 

Coffee is a little on the expensive side, at around $5 each. 

6. Luxembourg – $2,751

Most Expensive Countries - Luxembourg

One of the smallest countries on our list, Luxembourg, is also one of the smallest sovereign nations on the planet, and it won’t leave you with a lot of wiggle room when it comes to your monthly expenses. 

Luxembourg is a landlocked country, located in western Europe, and has an estimated population of 620,319 people. 

Its population is small compared to other countries on the list, however, it has roughly 207 people per square kilometre, making it the 67th most densely populated country on earth. 

When you arrive in Luxembourg City, you can expect to pay around $1,322 per month for a one-bedroom studio apartment, or $80 a night in an Airbnb. 

Luxembourg seems like it’s slightly more expensive than the Bahamas when it comes to luxuries like beer and coffee, as one beer will cost you around $9 and coffee will set you back $6. 

Eating a basic meal out will cost between $17-$25 for one person depending on what you order. 

5. Iceland – $2,802

Most Expensive Countries - Iceland

Coming in at number five on our list of the most expensive countries in the world is Iceland. 

Iceland is located between the North and Atlantic Oceans and has a total surface area of 103,001 square kilometres. 

However, Iceland’s population of 339,949 people, remains relatively low in comparison to others on our list as its harsh geographical landscape proves difficult to live in for many, at times. 

As a result, Iceland has the lowest population density of any European country, at just 3 people per kilometre. 

Staying in Iceland will cost you approximately $1,236 a month for a one-bedroom studio apartment in the capital city of Reykjavik, or $128 a night in an Airbnb.  

Whilst you’re there, eating out will cost you around $12 for a basic meal, $8 for a beer and $2.15 for a cup of coffee. 

4. Denmark – $3,312

Most Expensive Countries - Denmark

The southernmost Nordic country in Northern Europe, Denmark, is the fourth most expensive country to live in worldwide. 

Denmark, bordered by Germany, Sweden and Norway has a total current population of 5.7 million people. 

The Scandinavian countries capital city is Copenhagen, which has an urban population of 1.2 million people, and a metropolitan population of 1.99 million.  

Known as one of the happiest places to live on earth, Copenhagen is also a very expensive city to live in.

For a one-bedroom studio apartment, you’re looking at $1,917 a month, or $96 a night in an Airbnb. 

Eating out will cost you approximately $18 per person and beers and coffee are anyway between $5.50-$6.50 a pop!

3. Switzerland – $3,162

Most Expensive Countries - Switzerland

Switzerland is the third most expensive country to live in worldwide. 

With more than 8.6 million people living across, 41,285 square kilometres, Switzerland is the 95th most populated country in the world, and the 135th largest country in terms of the total landmass. 

Switzerland has a number of beautiful cities to live in, like it’s capital, Bern, and it’s the largest city, Zurich. 

Bern has approximately 133,000 people living there and accommodation for a month in Bern, for one person, will cost in the region of $1,366, or $86 a night in an Airbnb. 

A meal out will cost you approximately $15-$20, with an additional beer costing around $6.00 and coffee costing around $5.00 a cup. 

2. Cayman Islands – $3,387

Most Expensive Countries - Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is the second most populated British overseas territory in the world, just behind Bermuda.

It is located in the western end of the Caribbean sea and has a total current population of approximately 63,000 people. 

It’s made up of a number of islands like Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. 

The Cayman Islands are well known for housing offshore companies, and it’s believed that there are over 100,000 companies registered in the Cayman Islands. 

If you’re considering doing business in George Town, the capital city of the Cayman Islands, then a one-bedroom studio apartment will cost you around $1,924 a month or $83 a night in an Airbnb. 

Food and drink on the island are where you might spend a lot of your money.

A basic meal out will cost you at least $20-$30, with beer costing around $8.00 and coffee costing around $7 a cup. 

1. Bermuda – $5,011  

Most Expensive Countries - Bermuda

At over $5,000 a month for accommodation and living expenses, Bermuda is the most expensive place to live in worldwide.

Similar to the Cayman Islands, Bermuda is another British territory located in the North Atlantic. 

Bermuda has a total population of approximately 65,000 people living across a total landmass of 20.5 square miles. 

Its capital city, Hamilton, is also Bermudas only incorporated city and has a current population of just over 1,000 people. 

When looking for accommodation in the city, you’re going to need some deep pockets, as a one-bedroom studio apartment will cost you around $2,675 a month, or $212 a night in an Airbnb. 

If you’re a drinker, then get prepared to spend some cash, as one glass of beer will cost you a minimum of $10, and dinner will be around $20-$30 per person. 

Bermuda is the most expensive country to live in worldwide. 

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide.

Well, there you have it, those were some super expensive countries to live in.

Living in those countries might make you think twice about drinking alcohol , on a regular occasion, and make you sharpen the purse strings a bit more.

However, it’s all relative and depends on your disposable income and expenses.

So, if you’re still planning on moving to, or even visiting one of these countries long term, then at least you know what to expect. 

Here’s a quick recap of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide:

  • Bermuda – $5,011
  • Cayman Islands – $3,387
  • Switzerland – $3,162
  • Denmark – $3,312
  • Iceland – $2,802
  • Luxembourg – $2,751
  • The Bahamas – $2,704
  • Japan – $2,612
  • Norway – $2,291
  • Barbados – $2,061

What’s your favourite most expensive country? Leave a comment below.

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The 15 Most Expensive Yachts in the World

These dream machines show what's possible when money is no object., rachel cormack.

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Al Saïd Lürssen

As superyachts continue to get bigger and more extravagant than ever before, so too do the accompanying price tags. According to the Boats Group’s market index, the average cost of a yacht above 80 feet in the US last year was $5.3 million. As you’ll see below, though, there are a handful of high-end vessels that blow that figure out of the water.

Although it’s difficult to get exact prices in what is a fiercely secretive industry, sales of luxury yachts have surged amid the pandemic and the ultra-wealthy are more willing than ever to fork out for ostentatious ocean goers. Case in point: Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos reportedly parted with $485 million for his Oceanco megayacht that’s currently in build.

Believe it or not, that’s quite a modest price compared to at least half of the entries on this list. Lürssen’s Dilbar , for instance, is rumored to have cost in the ballpark of $800 million. As alluded to, the shipyards behind these lavish, nine-figure designs seldom share details regarding ownership or price. Therefore, the amounts cited here are estimates pulled together from Wikipedia and other reliable sources. Still, the 15 vessels here give you a good idea of what’s possible when money is no object and the best builders in the business are at your whim.

Lürssen: ‘Dilbar’ — $800 Million

EU authorities began to seize Russian Oligarch's superyachts

Delivered in 2016, Lürssen’s Dilbar is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. It’s also the most expensive with an original price tag in the ballpark of $800 million. Weighing in at 15,917 tons, the monolithic 512-footer is one of the most complex and challenging vessels the German yard has ever built. Penned by Espen Øino, Dilbar features a classic profile and a light ivory hull with bronze accents. Onboard, meanwhile, the elegant interiors were brought to life by Winch Design and outfitted with only the best luxury materials. The pièce de résistance is, of course, the 82-foot swimming pool. Lürssen says it is the largest pool ever to have been installed on a yacht. Seafarers also have access to 41,000 square feet of saloons, staterooms, spas and cinemas to explore. German authorities impounded Dilbar earlier this year after establishing it was linked to a Russian billionaire. According to the US Treasury Department, the yacht is now worth between $600 million and $700 million, with annual maintenance costs of about $60 million.

Blohm+Voss: ‘Eclipse’ — $600 Million

Blohm & Voss "Eclipse" Superyacht

The epic 533-foot Blohm+Voss superyacht Eclipse took half a decade to come to fruition before it was finally delivered to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2010. At that time, it was the largest yacht in the world and certainly one of the most expensive. It has now been 20-odd years and Eclipse still sits at the top of both lists and is estimated to be worth over $600 million. Designed inside and out by Terence Disdale, the vessel is equipped with 17 staterooms, a 185-foot-long owner’s deck with a palatial owner’s suite, a giant swimming pool that doubles as a dance floor, a gym, a beach club and a spa. Other highlights include a helicopter hangar with space for three choppers and a garage that can hold six tenders. On top of that, Eclipse has a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Lürssen: ‘Azzam’ — $600 Million

is there a billion dollar yacht

Lürssen has proven itself adept at delivering sizable (and expensive) vessels. In fact, the German yard is behind the world’s longest superyacht, which reportedly set one private owner back more than $600 million. Delivered in 2013, Azzam measures just shy of 593 feet and offers a volume of 13,136 GT. Penned by Nauta Yacht, the yacht’s exterior is characterized by a long, sleek forward area and a series of tiers ascending to the skydeck. The interior, meanwhile, was brought to life by Christophe Leoni and showcases luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century. Azzam is no slouch on the high seas, either, with a top speed of more than 30 knots. Astonishingly, the behemoth only took three years to build after one year of engineering. Azzam also underwent a refit in 2020 that likely resulted in a few more dollars being spent on her.

Lürssen: ‘Al Said’ — $600 Million

is there a billion dollar yacht

Another nine-figure Lürssen megayacht on the list is Al Saïd . Delivered in 2008, the 508-footer reportedly set the Sultan of Oman roughly $600 million and, well, you can tell. Designed by Espen Øino, Al Saïd ’s exterior is reminiscent of a classic cruise liner with the twin-exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Sporting a steel hull and lightweight aluminum superstructure, the yacht is capable of 25 knots flat out, with a cruising speed of 22 knots. Inside, meanwhile, the contemporary interior was penned by Redman Whiteley Dixon. Highlights include a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra.

Lürssen: ‘A+’ (Topaz) — $527 Million

Lürssen Topaz largest yachts in the world

Lürssen megayacht A+ , previously known as Topaz , reportedly cost approximately $527 million (€400 million) to come to fruition. It is the fourth-largest yacht ever built by the German shipyard and was launched back in 2012. It’s rumored that Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, the deputy prime minister of the UAE and owner of Manchester City Football Club, took delivery of the vessel and is the current owner. A+ ’s exterior was penned by Tim Heywood Designs, while her interior was brought to life by Terence Disdale. She is equipped with cabins for 62 guests and 72 crew, as well as two helipads, a pool and a large swim platform. What more do you need?

Fincantieri: ‘Serene’ — $444 Million

A float plane flies over the super yacht Serene during take off in Ketchikan, Alaska Friday morning. Work began on the 493-foot 3-inch yacht in 2007 by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The ship has a crew of 52 and room for 24 guests. The seven deck vessel has landing capabilities for two helicopters and for a submarine and a sea water pool. (AP Photo/Ketchikan Daily News, Hall Anderson)

Fincantieri’s first superyacht turned out to be big in terms of both proportions and price. The 439-footer was the largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it hit the water in 2011 and cost approximately $444 million (€450 million) to complete. Designed by Espen Øino, the seven-deck vessel is characterized by a sleek blue hull, a contrasting white superstructure and a ton of racy curves. She’s brimming with amenities, too, including an enclosed winter garden for dining in any season, a tender garage large enough to house a submarine and a supersized swimming pool for soaking. She also has two helipads and a hangar to facilitate comings and goings. Although the details of Serene ’s interior remain tightly under wraps, we do know Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design penned the 43,056-square-foot living quarters.

Platinum Yachts: ‘Dubai’ — $400 Million

DUBAI UAE - DEC 16: Dubai - yacht of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. December 16 2014 in Dubai UAE

Dubai was, quite literally, built for royalty at a princely fee of roughly $400 million. The superyacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen. The duo only got to finish the bare hull and skeletal superstructure before construction was halted in 1998. The incomplete design was then sold to the government of Dubai and turned into a royal yacht for the country’s ruler. The 532-footer, which was finished off by Platinum Yachts, was delivered to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2006. Penned by Winch Design, Dubai spans seven decks and can sleep 24 guests and 88 crew. Befitting a sheikh, she is also equipped with a landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, a submarine garage, a disco and a cinema.

Blohm+Voss : ‘Motor Yacht A’ — $300 Million

Motor Yacht A 2008

Legend has it that architect Philippe Starck sketched the design for Motor Yacht A on a napkin in a matter of minutes. Blohm + Voss then sold the superyacht for approximately $300 million. Commissioned by Russian industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the 390-footer is characterized by a minimalist exterior and a highly distinctive pelican bow that cuts a striking silhouette. With a beam of 62 feet, the vessel offers a generous interior volume of 5,500 GT. She offers accommodation for 14 guests and 42 crew. She also has no less than three swimming pools, one of which has a glass bottom that creates a wow factor on the deck below. Melnichenko kept  Motor Yacht A for nearly a decade before replacing it with Nobiskrug’s Sailing Yacht A . The 468-footer is not only the largest sailing yacht in the world, but also the most expensive with an estimated value of $578 million .

Lürssen: ‘Radiant’ — $300 Million

is there a billion dollar yacht

The tale behind Radiant ’s price tag is almost as long as the 360-footer itself. Rumor has it, the superyacht was built for Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky at a cost of roughly $149 million (€148.5 million). After Berezovsky ran into financial difficulties, he asked Edmiston to list the vessel for $352 million (€350 million) and it eventually sold for a hair under that. Delivered in 2010, Radiant sports a steel hull, an aluminum superstructure and gorgeous teak decking. She can comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests in 10 suites, as well as up to 44 crew. Her top-tier amenities include a movie theatre, a beauty salon, a beach club, a gym, a pool, a Jacuzzi, a helipad and a fully stocked tender garage. Certainly sounds worthy of $300 million to us.

Lürssen: ‘Pelorus’ — $300 Million

is there a billion dollar yacht

In the late ‘90s, Saudi Arabian businessman Abdulmohsen Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh commissioned Lürssen to create Pelorus . The 377-footer hit the seas in 2003 and was the 11th-largest yacht in the world at the time. During her maiden voyage, Pelorus was sold to Roman Abramovich. The Russian entrepreneur had it altered by Blohm & Voss, adding a second helipad and other lavish amenities. Fast forward to 2009, Irina Abramovich received the yacht as part of her divorce settlement from Roman. She sold it to David Geffen in 2011 via broker Merle Wood for $300 million. Pelorus features a sleek exterior designed by Tim Heywood and a beachy chic interior penned by Terence Disdale. She has several terraces with doors that open out to the sea to create a true indoor/outdoor feel.

Peters Werft: ‘Al Mirqab’ — $300 Million

is there a billion dollar yacht

The 436-foot Al Mirqab is one of the largest yachts in the world and has a price tag to match. Launched in 2008, the $300 million vessel was built for Qatar’s former prime minister under the supervision of Kusch Yachts in the Peters Werft shipyard in Germany. Penned by Tim Heywood, the elegant exterior pairs a long, navy-blue hull with a contrasting white superstructure. The interior, meanwhile, was brought to life by Andrew Winch and has won several awards. Arguably, the most striking feature is the Arabic-influenced motifs on the marble floors. Another highlight is the swimming pool on the lower deck, which can be opened up to the sea via side hatches in the hull. Al Mirqab has staterooms for 36, and crew quarters for 45. She was also treated to a refit in 2014 and thus looks fresher than your average 14-year-old vessel.

Abeking & Rasmussen: ‘Aviva’ — $250 Million

is there a billion dollar yacht

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Aviva shows what kind of lavish amenities you can get with $250 million. The 323-footer, which was delivered in 2017, features the largest gym on any yacht. It’s so big, in fact, that it houses a full-size paddle tennis court that pulls double duty as a soccer field when the nets are down. Penned by Toby Silverton and Reymond Langton Design, Aviva pairs a curvacious blue exterior with a chic modern interior. She is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that enables her to reach up to 11 knots using only electric motors or 20 knots with the addition of diesel power. The yacht is reportedly the sequel to another smaller Aviva that was delivered to British billionaire Joe Lewis in 2007. The yacht was launched just 33 months after the signing of the contract, which is quite an impressive feat given the complexity and scope of the project.

Lürssen: ‘Octopus’ — $200 Million 

Octopus Superyacht Exterior

Launched in 2003 at a cost of approximately $200 million, Octopus was built by Lürssen for late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The 414-footer is regularly loaned out for expeditions and scientific research initiatives. A true explorer, it features a dive center with a hyperbaric chamber, a yellow submarine named Pagoo and a remotely operated vehicle that can dive thousands of feet below the surface. Of course, this is complemented by state-of-the-art research technology. In addition, Octopus features two helipads, a hangar and seven tenders to facilitate comings and goings. She is also equipped with 13 staterooms, several bars, a recording studio, a cinema, a spa, a gym, a library and a basketball court. (You might remember Allen once owned the Portland Trail Blazers.) What’s more, Octopus appears to be climbing in price as time goes on. In 2019, the vessel was listed for sale for a cool $325 million .

Lürssen: ‘Rising Sun’ — $200 Million

Lürssen Rising Sun superyacht

Rising Sun was designed by one of the brightest minds in the industry: the late, legendary Jon Bannenberg. In fact, it was the last yacht the Australian designer penned before he died in 2002. The $200 million vessel was built by Lürssen and delivered to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison two years later in 2004. The 138-footer is characterized by large expanses of glass that let in plenty of the sun’s rays. In addition, it offers 86,000 square feet of living space brought to life by Seccombe Design. There are nine cabins for up to 18 guests and generous crew quarters for up to 46 crew. Elsewhere, you’ll find a gym, a cinema, a wine cellar and a basketball court. As for grunt, Rising Sun promises a maximum speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots. She was last refitted in 2011 and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen.

Lürssen: ‘Solandge’ — $150 Million

Lürssen’s Solandge

Lürssen’s Solandge is rumored to have cost $150 million to come to fruition, and you can tell. Delivered in 2013, the 279-footer is replete with the finest materials. The floor, for example, sports no less than 50 types of exotic wood. There are also around 50 samples of natural stone in the bathrooms. Designed by Espen Øino, Solandge has a sleek exterior with elegant, clean lines. Aileen Rodriguez’s interior, meanwhile, is full to the brim with extravagant amenities. The spa comprises multiple pools on different decks, along with a hammam and a sauna. In addition, the yacht features a beauty salon is equipped with a sink and crane that together creates “snow” à la a snow room, as well as a gym and a massage room. As Lürssen puts it, Solandge was built with pure yachting pleasure in mind.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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The 5 Most Expensive Superyachts in the World

Eclipse the private luxury yacht of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich anchors in Fethiye district of Mugla

Though superyachts are already among the most costly consumer items available for purchase, the prices of the most expensive superyachts in the world are still astounding. In recent decades, those with money to burn have settled on these floating palaces as an ideal locus for demonstrating their prosperity, and as such, the global superyacht industry is undergoing a golden age. The world’s über-wealthy think of their superyachts as toys, and they’re constantly trying to outdo each other in scale, design, amenities, materials, and sheer profligacy.

Knowing this, what features does it take to own one of the most expensive superyachts in existence? And how much do these opulent vessels actually cost? To that end, AD has compiled a list of the five priciest superyachts currently out on the water. As with many things connected to the very wealthy, details are shrouded in secrecy—often intentionally—to protect privacy or to shield the assets from taxation or seizure. Below, dive into the five reportedly most expensive superyachts in the world.

Super yacht Dubai is moored at the Doha Sailin

5. Dubai ($400 million)

This 531-foot yacht is reportedly owned by United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Though it was originally planned for another Middle Eastern potentate, Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei, he suddenly voided the contract in 2001. With exteriors designed by Andrew Winch and interiors by Platinum Yachts, this German-built Blohm + Voss vessel features several Jacuzzis, a pool inlaid with handmade mosaic tiles that is reportedly large enough to hold 115 people, a circular staircase, a discotheque, squash courts, a movie theater, a dining room for 90 guests (the other 25 presumably have to eat in the pool?), a helipad, and a submarine.

The 147 meter mega luxury yacht of Manchester City soccer club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan from UAE

4. Topaz ($527 million)

Resembling a stealth bomber, this 483-foot ship is reportedly owned by Russian fertilizer and coal oligarch, Andrey Melnichenko. With exteriors by Tim Heywood Design Ltd. and interior designs by Terence Disdale Design, this German-built Lürssen Yacht features a 2,500-square-foot primary bedroom, six guest suites (with moveable walls so they can be transformed into four grand staterooms), glassware and tableware fashioned from French crystal, a helicopter hangar, a 30-foot speedboat tender, and three swimming pools, including one with a glass-bottom dangling menacingly above a disco.

The longest luxury yacht in the world the 180m long 'Azzam' is visible at the Luerssen shipyard

3. Azzam ($600 million)

This 590-foot ship is currently thought to be the largest private yacht in the world and one of the fastest, with a top speed of 35 miles per hour. To achieve this immense scale and speed, it required a pair of gas turbines and two stratospherically potent diesel engines, rendering it very difficult to build. It is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With exteriors by Nauta Yacht and interiors by French decorator Cristophe Leoni, this yacht was also built by Lürssen in Germany. The vessel is set apart by its early 19th-century empire-style veneered furniture, as well as its state-of-the-art security systems including a fully bulletproof primary suite and a high-tech missile deterrence capabilities.

Eclipse the private luxury yacht of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich anchors in Fethiye district of Mugla

2. Eclipse ($1.5 billion)

In addition to being the second-costliest, this 533-footer is thought to be the world’s second-largest private yacht. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the ship was claimed to be located in Turkey and may be impounded as part of the United Kingdom’s sanctions against Russia. Designed by Terry Disdale and built by Blohm + Voss, it features two-dozen guest cabins, two swimming pools, two helipads, and multiple hot tubs. For privacy and security reasons, it hosts a missile detection system, bulletproof windows in the primary bedroom and on the bridge, an anti-paparazzi shield and, when all of that fails, a mini-submarine that can take a few VIPs 164 feet under the ocean’s surface.

Yachts and tourist boats are anchored in the Monaco harbour

1. History Supreme ($4.8 billion)

History Supreme has never actually been seen in a major port, and rumors suggest that the yacht may not be real, and instead just a publicity stunt. Reportedly owned by Malaysia’s richest man, Robert Kuok, and designed by Stuart Hughes in the UK, the yacht is only a paltry 100 feet long. Its worth is said to be derived from its lavish finishes, including a statue constructed from genuine Tyrannosaurus rex bones, a liquor bottle embedded with an 18.5-carat diamond, and a primary bedroom with one wall made from meteorite and another from a 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium. If you see it somewhere, let us know.

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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….

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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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The luxury yachts of the world's royal families

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22 Most Expensive Yachts in the World and Who Owns Them

Yachts are luxury items that only the wealthy can afford. But how expensive are the most expensive yachts in the world? $500,000? A million? Well, think hundreds of millions to a whopping $4 billion! And, to match the jaw-dropping price tag, these superyachts have extravagant features and amenities like a helipad and even a submarine.

This guide will explore the most lavish and expensive yachts, their worth, and who currently owns them.

22. Ecstasea 

Yacht Ecstasea 01

Owner:  Alshair Fiyaz, Pakistani investor and billionaire Price:  $120 million

 Do you feel the need for speed? The Ecstasea is one of the fastest superyachts in existence. Despite its massive 282-foot length, it can blast through the water with 43,000 horsepower or 35 knots. Inside, however, it’s designed for maximum relaxation, offering amenities like massage rooms and cocktail bars with a beach house theme.

21. Lady Moura

Barcelona Spain April 30 2022: Lady Moura Yacht One Of

Owner:  Ricardo Salinas Pliego, Mexican business mogul Price:  $125 million

One look at the 24-karat gold-plated name sign, and you’ll know that Lady Moura is special. It boasts a pool, helipad, fitness center, movie theater, and business suite. There’s even a disco floor with a DJ room when the passengers are feeling funky! It was commissioned for a Saudi business mogul but wound up in the hands of a Mexican business leader in later years.

20. Solandge

Marbella Malaga Spain September 1 2019. Mega Yacht Solandge Build

Owner:  Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, former Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Price:  $150 million

It’s hard to get more luxurious than the Solandge, one of the most expensive yachts in the world. Between the sauna, gym, bar, movie theater, and steam room, passengers can live like royalty… which is right on brand considering its owner, former Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Muqrin bin Abdulaziz. Even its pool is designed to the nines with a glass bottom for ocean viewing.

19. Lionheart

Ibiza Spain June 10 2017: The 90 Meter Luxury

Owner:  Sir Philip Green, British retail mogul Price:  $150 million

The sleek and stylish Lionhart is a yacht that sits among Sir Philip’s many other yachts in Monaco – he’s made a collection of them! However, the Lionheart stands out as a crown jewel for its opulent luxury and sophisticated technology. You might not expect a huge superyacht to be fast, but the Lionheart can reach a top cruising speed of 15 knots!

18. ARTEFACT

Ai Artefact

Owner:  Mike Lazaridis, founder of Blackberry Price:  $150 million

The ARTEFACT is owned by Blackberry founder Mike Lazaridis, and fittingly, it’s decked out with all the latest in superyacht tech. Not only does it boast amenities like surround-sound movie theaters, but it’s also very environmentally conscious. It’s equipped with solar panels, a wastewater recycling unit, and a battery storage system that lessens the strain on its internal combustion engines. Folks in the industry consider the ARTEFACT one of the world’s most innovative and groundbreaking yacht designs.

17. Octopus

Malaga,,spain, ,january,08,,2020:,world,largest,yacht,octopus

Owner: Unnamed buyer Price: $200 million

We’re starting off our list of the most expensive yachts in the world with the 126.2m or 414-foot motor yacht known as Octopus. And, as expected from a vessel this size, it boasts out-of-this-world amenities and luxuries, including not one but two helipads!

Jonathan Quinn Barnett, a famous architect, penned the interiors, while Espen Oeino International designed the exteriors. German shipbuilding conglomerate Lürssen built the yacht. In 2019, Blohm+Voss  refitted the superyacht and tweaked the original 2003 design in preparation for the charter market. And, yes, that means you can rent the Octopus for $2,200,000 per week.

The late Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Paul Allen commissioned and owned the Octopus. A year after Allen’s death, the Octopus went on sale. The new owners are, unfortunately, unknown.

Related: The Top 14 Tourist Places in the World

16. Rising Sun

Big,white,super,ship,in,the,dark,ocean,aerial,view.

Owner: David Geffen, a media mogul Price: $200 million

The Rising Sun is also a Lürssen-built yacht. The 138.01m yacht has 82 rooms, over five floors, a wine cellar, a basketball court, and a movie theater. In addition to being one of the most expensive yachts, it is also one of the  largest superyachts in the world .

Fun fact: David Geffen and Larry Ellison, a co-founder of Oracle, previously co-owned the Rising Sun. In 2010, Ellison sold his half to Geffen.

Super Mega Yacht Aviva Owned By British Billionaire Businessman Joe

Owner:  Joe Lewis, billionaire investor Price:  $250 million

With a steel hull design and hybrid engine system, the Aviva is a marvel among those who know a thing or two about yachts. It’s renowned for its functionality on the water. It’s also a place of fun: There are game rooms, art rooms, bistros, VIP suites, and a full-size padel tennis court. Joe Lewis actually built the yacht around the padel court, making it the heart of the entire vessel.

14. Al Mirqab

Latest,technology,modern,mega,yacht,called,"al,mirqab",owned,by

Owner: Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, Qatar’s former prime minister Price: $250 million

Peterswerft – Kusch built the Al Mirqab in 2008. This superyacht has a 133m length overall (LOA), and as expected from its size, it can accommodate 60 guests and 60 crews. It is famous for its impressively large wellness spa, underwater viewing room, and more.

Aerial,photograph,of,dilbar ,biggest,yacht,in,the,world,,taken

Owner: Alisher Usmanov, a Russian oligarch Price: $256 million

The Russian-owned superyacht is a design by Lürssen Yachts. Apart from being one of the most expensive yachts in the world, it is one of the largest, with a height of over 50 feet and 360 feet in length. Dilbar can accommodate 48 cabin crew members and 20 guests. It also has several swimming pools and one helipad.

Miami, ,march,25:,photo,of,superyacht,serene,at,downtown

Owner: Mohammed Bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Price: $330 million

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri built the Serene in 2011. This superyacht boasts eight diesel-electric MTU 2,828hp engines, which propels the vessel to a maximum speed of 25 knots. In terms of amenities, the Serene doesn’t disappoint.

It has an underwater viewing room, two helipads, a submarine, and multiple swimming pools. However, the helipad can be converted into a pool or a dance floor. It can accommodate up to 24 guests and 52 cabin crew. Additionally, it features an outdoor movie hall, a steam room, a Hamman beauty center, a pool with seawater, and a showroom, among many other luxurious facilities.

11. Pelorus 

The Mega Yacht Pelorus Is Moored In The Port Of

Owner:  Samuel Tak Lee, Hong Kong property billionaire Price:  $350 million

Pelorus means “vast” in Greek, which is fitting for a 377-foot superyacht decked out with everything from grand pianos to helicopter pads. It’s so large that it requires a full-time, year-round crew of almost 50 people! It also has an impressive pedigree, with many billionaire owners buying and selling it over the years. It’s lived in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United States, and more. Today, it’s owned by Chinese real estate mogul Samuel Tak Lee. 

10. Al Said

Muttrah,,oman, ,nov,28,,2015:,al,said, ,yacht

Owner: A member of the royal family of Oman Price: $300 million

This is the world’s highest displacement superyacht featuring a displacement of 15,850 tonnes. While Espen Oeino credits the vessel’s exterior design, RWD designed its interior. It was built in 2008 by Lürssen. Though named after Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the late Sultan of Oman, it is owned by an unnamed Omani royal.

With a colossal 505 feet in length, the luxurious vessel sleeps up to 70 guests and 154 cabin crew. Details of its elegant fixtures and fittings are not known. However, one of its most known and comfortable features is a concert hall big enough to accommodate a 50-piece Orchestra.

Additionally, it has a maximum speed of 25 knots since it is fitted with twin diesel 11,149hp MTU engines.

Monaco,,monte Carlo,,4,sept,2015:,megayacht,most,expensive,radiant,,the

Owner: Abdulla Al Futtaim, an Emirati businessman Price: $320 million

Radiant is another Lürssen-built superyacht. Aside from the standard amenities like spa and helipad, the Radiant is particularly famous for its security features. It has an escape launch, a turbo-powered speedboat, and even sonic guns and military-military grade water cannon!

Dubai,,uae, ,dec,16:,dubai, ,yacht,of,the

Owner: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Price: $400 million

Dubai is one of the most extravagant yachts globally, featuring sunbathing areas, Jacuzzis, a helipad, and mosaic swimming with elaborate handmade tiling. It also has an exquisite VIP lounge, a large social area, and a split-level owner’s deck. Its glass-made circular staircase also changes color when lit from above. Dubai can accommodate up to 115 crew and guests.

7. Motor Yacht A

Bequia,,st.vincent,and,grenadines,,12 15 2017,,motor,yacht,a,,owner,roman

Owner: Andrey Melnichenko, Russian billionaire and Philanthropist Price: $440 million

At first glance, Motor Yacht A looks like a stealth warship or military submarine, but this Blohm + Voss-built vessel is a superyacht, believe it or not. As impressive as its exterior, the Motor Yacht A boasts extravagant amenities like its three swimming pools that can change currents.

Palma De Mallorca Spain April 23 2023:sailing Mega Yacht

Owner: Jeff Bezos, ex-Amazon CEO Price: $500 million

Billed as the world’s largest sailing yacht, Koru is 417 feet long and features three masts that provide plenty of wind power when the wind is blowing as opposed to the typical diesel-powered yachts owned by other billionaires. It’s no secret that Bezos wants to slow climate change, already having advocated for naming the new hockey arena in Seattle the Climate Pledge Arena while at Amazon.

Koru features an on-deck pool and a voluptuous mermaid on the bow, that bears a resemblance to Lauren Sánchez, his current girlfriend. Koru will be trailed by Abeona, a 246-foot support vessel, that will house all of the toys, including ATVs, supercars, seaplanes, motorcycles, smaller boats, scuba gear, personal submarines, and even helicopters (that Ms. Sánchez could fly).

Jeddah,/,saudi,arabia, ,october,06,,2014.,photo,of

Owner: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of UAE Price: $527 million

Lürssen built the Topaz or A+ in 2012. It is also one of the largest luxury yachts, with a colossal length of 482 feet. It has a maximum speed of 23 knots thanks to the 7,990 HP engine.

Topaz features underwater lighting, a conference room, air conditioning, and a large Jacuzzi. It also has an aluminum superstructure with eight viewing decks, double helicopter landing pads, a movie theatre, and a modern gymnasium.

Cadiz,,spain, ,16,january,,2021:,the,united,arab,emirates

Owner: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, Emir of Abu Dhabi Price: $600 million

The Azzam is the world’s largest megayacht, with a whopping 180.61m LOA. Despite its large size, this 2013 Lürssen-built superyacht manages to be one of the fastest as well. Its four-engine system puts out 35,048 kW of power, propelling the extravagant vessel to a maximum of 30 knots! Other impressive feature of the Azzam is its bulletproof master suite.

Fun fact: The original plan for the Azzam is 145 meters. However, the design grew to optimize the structure and accommodate the yacht’s complex engines.

3. Streets of Monaco

Concept photo of Streets of Monaco

Owner: No owner yet Price: $1 billion

Streets of Monaco is the first billion-dollar yacht on our list, and it’s impressive. This 508 feet yacht manages to feature miniature versions of some of Monaco and Monte Carlos’s most renowned landmarks.

In addition to its Monaco-inspired exteriors, the Street of Monaco also has an extravagant list of amenities and facilities, including a casino, go-kart, a three-floor bedroom, and submarines.

Private,white,luxury,superyacht,eclipse,anchored,off,the,beach.,ibiza,

Owner: Roman Abramovich, a former Chelsea boss, and a billionaire Russian oligarch. Price: $1.5 billion

This is the world’s most expensive private yacht, designed by Terence Disdale and built by Blohm+Voss. With a length of 533 feet, it is the second-largest yacht in the world. Its unique features are the bulletproof windows in the main bedroom, intruder alarms, missile detection system, and armor plating. Aside from its security features, the Eclipse features multiple hot tubs, a disco hall, a mini-submarine, two helipads, 24 guest bedrooms, and two swimming pools.

1. History Supreme

A,huge,super,mega,yacht,of,gold,color,on,blue

Owner: Robert Knok, the richest man in Malaysia Price: $4.8 billion

The most expensive yacht in the world is no other than the History Supreme. This superyacht screams luxury with its 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum! If that wasn’t enough, this Stuart Hughes-designed yacht has a meteorite rock wall in the main suite and a 68 kg 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium.

The extravagant vessel also features a statue made of Tyrannosaurus Rex bones and a liquor bottle adorned with a rare 18.5-carat diamond. Other areas plated with gold are the deck, anchor, dining area, railings, and staircases.

Final Thoughts

Judging from this list, owning a luxurious yacht is not just about having money; you need big, solid money before even thinking of it. Most of the owners of these yachts are billionaires and multi-millionaires. Cruising around one of these most expensive yachts is a slice of heaven experience on earth. We hope you enjoyed it!

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is there a billion dollar yacht

The Midas Touch: $4.8 Billion History Supreme Most Expensive Yacht Ever Sold

We’ve seen some opulent yachts, but the 100-foot History Supreme takes the gold-encrusted cake. Stuart Hughes, a British purveyor of luxury gadgets, took a break from his role as an iPad alchemist to create the $4.8 billion superyacht, covered in platinum and gold from bow to stern.

Purchased by an anonymous Malaysian businessman, History Supreme is the most expensive yacht ever sold, according to Luxury Launches. The Daily Mail reports that the impressive vessel took three years to complete and used over a staggering 220,462 pounds of precious metals. Everything – from the base of the boat, to the deck, dining area, rails and anchor – were decked out in gold and platinum.

is there a billion dollar yacht

The exorbitant price tag is also the result of the lavish master bedroom, adorned in platinum with a wall feature that is made from meteoric stone and a genuine T-Rex dinosaur bone. It is rumored that Robert Kuok purchased the superyacht, worth 10 times the amount Roman Abramovitch (previous title holder for world’s most expensive yacht) paid for the Eclipse megayacht. Kuok is one of only three Malaysians with a net worth of $5 billion or more, according to Forbes billionaire’s list . If the purchase price is accurate, “the most likely buyer is Robert Kuok , the richest man in Malaysia, with a net worth of $12.5 billion,” reports Business Insider .

is there a billion dollar yacht

We may not have any gold-fringed yachts for sale , but Atlantic Yacht & Ship features a wide variety of yachts and boats for sale that will suit even the most distinguishing tastes. Check our listings and contact a sales rep today to tour any vessel at 1-888-230-0439.

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The 20 Most Expensive Yachts

Written By: Rob Bowman

With big money comes big boats. The most expensive yachts in the world are not only massive, they have amenities and embellishments that put many mansions to shame. For example, the most expensive yacht in the world, the History Supreme, has a genuine T-rex bone! This infographic by Staten Island Yacht Sales explores the most lavish, incredible yachts and the people who own them:

Click the image to expand

The 20 Most Expensive Yachts in the World and Who Owns Them - Staten Island Yachts - Infographic

What is the most expensive yacht in the world?

The world's most expensive yacht is the History Supreme, which is worth $4.8 billion. The History Supreme is a 100-foot superyacht that took three years to build using 22,000 pounds (10,000 kilograms) of solid gold and platinum. The dining area, rails, and anchor of the most expensive yacht are adorned with priceless metals and the base of the vessel is enveloped in pure gold. The master suite boasts a meteorite rock wall, a statue crafted from authentic Tyrannosaurus Rex bones, a 150-pound, 24-karat gold panoramic wall aquarium.

Who designed the History Supreme? The History Supreme was designed by Stuart Hughes , who is a renowned creator of luxury goods such as phones, Apple Watch cases, and model cars. He transforms electronics into extravagant treasures by wrapping them in gold, leather, and diamonds. In 2011, he created a $9.4 million dollar iPhone 4S that featured 500 impeccable diamonds and a gold navigation button with an interchangeable 8.6-karat diamond or 7.4-karat pink diamond.

Who owns the History Supreme? The History Supreme is owned by Robert Kuok, the richest man in Malaysia. According to Forbes, he has a net worth of an estimated $11.1 billion , which makes him the 104th richest man in the world. He owns Kuok group, which is involved in hotels, real estate, and commodities. He founded the internationally esteemed Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts chain in Singapore in 1971.

Is the History Supreme a Hoax?

Some sources believe this yacht never existed and is nothing more than an elaborate hoax fabricated by the supposed designer: Stuart Hughes.

Here are the 20 most expensive yachts in the world and who currently owns them:

  • History Supreme ($4.8 billion) - Robert Kuok, business magnate and wealthiest man in Malaysia
  • Eclipse ($1.5 billion) - Roman Abramovich, Russian-Israeli businessman and politician
  • Streets of Monaco ($1.1 billion) - No owner yet, concept yacht currently in development
  • Azzam ($600 million) - Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, president of the United Arab Emirates
  • A+ ($527 million) - Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates
  • Motor Yacht A ($440 million) - Andrey Melnichenko, Russian billionaire and philanthropist
  • Dubai ($400 million) - Sheik Mohammed Rashid al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai
  • Serene ($330 million) - Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia
  • Radiant ($320 million) - Abdulla Al Futtaim, Emirati billionaire and owner of Al-Futtaim Group
  • Al Said ($300 million) - Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman
  • Pelorus ($300 million) - Samuel Tak Lee, Chinese billionaire and property magnate
  • Dilbar ($256 million) - Alisher Usmanov, Russian oligarch who built wealth through metal and mining operations
  • Al Mirqab ($250 million) - Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, former prime minister of Qatar
  • Lady Moura ($210 million) - Alberto Bailleres, Mexican billionaire businessman, chairman of Grupo BAL
  • Octopus ($200 million) - Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder
  • The Rising Sun ($200 million) - David Geffen, American business magnate, founder of Dreamworks
  • Ecstasea ($200 million) - Alshair Fiyaz, Belgian entrepreneur and investor
  • Solandge ($180 million) - No current owner
  • Aviva ($150 million) - Joe Lewis, British businessman and investor
  • Lionhart ($150 million) - Sir Philip Green, British businessman (former owner of Topshop, Topman, and Miss Selfridge)

Update 10/28/2021: It has been a mysterious rumor since 2018, but the world may finally have seen its first collective glimpse of the $500 million dollar mega-yacht commissioned by Jeff Bezos. Fitting for one of the world's richest people, the massive vessel called Y721 breaks numerous records including being the largest sailing yacht in the world. Designed by Dutch builder Oceanco, this elusive mega-yacht was seen for the first time last week where it is being built in a shipyard in Zwijndrecht, Netherlands. The 417ft sailing yacht features a completely black hull, multiple decks, and three massive sails. It is expected to be finished and on its maiden voyage sometime in 2022.

This infographic is brought to you by SI Yachts viking yachts for sale and azimut yachts for sale.

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The 50 most expensive yachts for sale now

How much does a superyacht cost? The answer is not so simple. Much like a luxury watch or car, the asking price depends on a variety of factors such as age, pedigree and finish, with the largest and newest vessels peaking into the hundreds of millions. To give you a better idea, BOAT International rounds up the 50 most expensive yachts currently listed for sale, starting with the 105.3-metre H3 ...

Builder : Oceanco Length : 105.3m Designers : Reymond Langton Design , Lateral Naval Architects

The most expensive superyacht for sale is H3 . What began as a refit project escalated into a three-year rebuild that completely transformed the 95-metre Indian Empress. Twenty two years after her initial delivery, she was relaunched as the 105.3-metre H3, with virtually nothing left from her original design except the hull (which had also been extended a further 10 metres). This "rebirth" won her international acclaim and a World Superyacht Award . Her amenities are too numerous to mention but some standouts include a large pool with a waterfall feature, a huge spa and wellness area with a hairdresser and nail salon, a gymnasium and a climate-controlled winter garden in the owner's suite.

More about this yacht

Builder : Lürssen Length : 91m Designers : Reymond Langton Design

Lady Lara joined the market in September 2023, marking the first time she had been available for sale since her delivery in 2015. She boasts a range of entertainment amenities, including two swimming pools – the largest of which can be transformed into a dancefloor – and a custom surround sound set-up. The second pool is found on the sundeck with a swim-up bar, with a large daybed and sunlounger also on this level. Accommodation is for a total of 16 guests across eight cabins and the master suite is positioned on a dedicated owner's deck. It includes a private exterior terrace accessible from the cabin, a library, his and hers bathrooms and dressing rooms.

Yachts for sale

Here comes the sun.

Builder : Amels Length : 89m Designers : Tim Heywood , Azure Yacht Design and Naval Architecture , Winch Design

Here Comes the Sun was delivered in 2017 as the flagship of the Amels fleet, a title that she has held for the past six years. She was commissioned by a repeat client with a penchant for The Beatles and has an exterior and interior from the boards of design royalty: Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch . Her outdoor spaces are certain to impress, housing a two-metre-deep swimming pool with contraflow jets and a beach club and bar that leads into a wellness centre with its own sauna, massage room and beauty salon. A full rebuild in 2021 won her a Neptune at the World Superyacht Awards .

Builder : Oceanco Length : 90m Designers : Luiz De Basto , Azure Yacht Design and Naval Architecture , Nuvolari Lenard

DAR was delivered in 2018 and won Motor Yacht of the Year "by a good margin" at the World Superyacht Awards the following year. Standout features include an owner's deck – complete with private saloon and Jacuzzi – as well as a wellness area, with Hammam, sauna and massage and beauty room. The upper deck sports a fresh water pool with counter current and the yacht also has a gymnasium with floor-to-ceiling windows. A six-person elevator serves all guest decks, with an owner's party of up to 14.

Yachts for charter

Builder : Lürssen Length : 114.5m Designers : Tim Heywood , Terence Disdale

Pelorus was delivered in 2003 as the 11th largest superyacht in the world and easily the largest yacht to be built by Lürssen at the time. She was commissioned by a Saudi businessman who enjoyed a single cruise aboard his new vessel before a new buyer made an offer too good to refuse. Exterior designer Tim Heywood stocked the yacht with a top deck lido featuring two swimming pools, two helicopter pads and a vast sea-level platform that is revealed by opening the transom. The immense task of designing the interior was carried out by Terence Disdale, who opted to use natural materials wherever possible to maintain a "casual" atmosphere to offset the yacht’s imposing frame. Pelorus can welcome 18 guests with room for an additional 46 crew members.

Builder : Feadship Length : 83.5m Designers : Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects , Cristina Gherardi Design

Savannah 's boundary-pushing design landed her the Motor Yacht of the Year Award at the World Superyacht Awards in 2016. She was the first superyacht to receive a completely metallic paint job and was equipped with a first-of-its-kind hybrid power plant, making Savannah one of the first truly "eco-conscious" members of the international fleet – though she's more popularly known for her Nemo Lounge. Another first, the lounge is designed with a semi-submerged sheet of glazing that provides an incredible view beneath the waterline. The glass wall is also fitted with a drop-down screen for impromptu cinema nights. 

Builder : Benetti Length : 107.6m Designers : Reymond Langton Design , Giorgio M. Cassetta , Zaniz

With rotating seating areas, an interactive, 18-metre-high forest wall and 800 square metres of windows, Luminosity set a new standard for yacht design when she was delivered in 2022. Accommodation is across an impressive 11 cabins, not including the dedicated owner's deck with its own helicopter pad.  Meanwhile, her counter-flow swimming pool is the exterior centrepiece, kitted out with underwater speakers, an adjustable bottom and a custom chandelier inspired by a diamond. An accompanying four-degree plunge pool is decorated with on-theme visual cues such as mirror-backed acrylic "ice-cubes".

Builder : Lürssen Length : 74m Designers : Winch Design

Constructed to Lloyd’s classification, Aurora ' s key figures include an impressive volume of 2,113GT (split across four decks) and a beam of 13.2 metres, while a crew of 22 waits on an owner’s every need. 1920s Art Deco-inspired interiors house up to 16 guests in eight stately cabins. Among these is the private owner’s suite which features wraparound views and access to a private lounge foredeck. She also features an intimate top deck observation lounge with a daybed and a lounge with three bar stools forward, while a gym and Jacuzzi are found aft.

Builder : Lürssen Length : 90m Designers : Winch Design

Phoenix 2  takes a page (or two) from Art Deco styling with her cherry velvet flooring and gilded details. The owner commissioned Winch Design to create her intricate cityscape-inspired design concept, including a 5.7-metre phoenix figurehead modelled after the Chrysler building's mounted eagles. Roaring highlights include a sommelier room, multiple swimming pools, a plush cinema room and a custom Steinway for some musical accompaniment at mealtimes. Accommodation is for up to 14 guests in seven cabins, including a full-beam owner's cabin accessible via a glass spiral staircase.

Builder : AKYACHT Length : 85m Designers : Michael Leach Design , Marco Yachts , H2 Yacht Design

After beginning life as a 77-metre explorer 14 years ago, the completion of Victorious was long-awaited. Key features include an indoor pool in the beach club, cocktail lounge, observation saloon and a wine and cigar “clubroom” which features its own fireplace. Accommodation is for 24 guests in 12 cabins, with further quarters for a crew of 22. The owner's suite is located up on the bridge deck and benefits from direct access to the Jacuzzi and sunpads aft. On the foredeck is a "touch-and-go" helipad that can also be used as an entertainment space.

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is there a billion dollar yacht

What the US$600M 'world's biggest yacht' will look like inside

is there a billion dollar yacht

It's set to be one of the largest private residence yachts in the world when it launches in 2024, but what does a luxury apartment on board the 728 foot (221 metres) Somnio actually look like?

Interior renderings of the US$600 million vessel have just been unveiled, offering a glimpse inside what's being described as the world's first "yacht liner."

While all 39 of the floating apartments, which come with a private balcony or terrace, are said to be "fully customizable," some of the options showcased include huge shell-shaped beds, expansive living areas with ocean views, and wall-length mirrors.

FLOATING HOMES

Prices start from around $11 million, with sizes ranging from 1,600 to 6,500 square feet -- the largest condo takes up most of the top deck.

Somnio, which means "to dream '' in Latin, was designed by Winch Design and Tillberg Design of Sweden, and will be built by Norwegian ship designer and builder VARD.

The interior renderings were devised by Winch Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden along with Luttenberger Design.

Those who snap up a condo on "the most exclusive address in the world" will get to work with one of the design teams for up to three months in order to "decide the room configurations and select the materials, furniture, lighting and artwork."

EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS

A gym, a library, inside and outside dining spaces, "distinct" dressing areas and a "vast living room space with 270-degree forward views" are among the options available, although the layout is to be based on the buyer's preferences.

The identity of the owners will be kept secret, but all residents will have access to full concierge services "for both onboard and land-based needs."

"As the only residential superyacht in the world, we are delighted to work with designers that complement our exacting standards," Captain Erik Bredhe, co-founder of Somnio, said in a statement.

"Our owners will experience only the best, as is befitting of a yacht of this nature."

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS

According to its designers, sustainability will be a key focus for Somnio, which is to be constructed with the "latest clean engine technology" along with materials and products to "create environmentally responsible interior design with a reduced impact" where possible.

Among the shared on board amenities onboard available include a 10,000-bottle capacity wine cellar and tasting room along with a lounge located in the ship's bow, a spa, a movie theater, restaurants and a beach club.

Residents will be charged an annual fee to cover expenses like maintenance and repairs, along with fuel and food.

A spokesperson for the project tells CNN Travel that Somnio has attracted exceptional interest since it was unveiled earlier this year, with some apartments already sold.

At present, The World, which measures 643 feet, is the largest private residential yacht on the globe, with a combination of studios as well as one to three-bedroom apartments on board.

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is there a billion dollar yacht

Luxatic

The World’s Largest Luxury Yacht is priced at $1 Billion

By Adrian Prisca

Updated on August 31, 2017

Eclipse Superyacht

The world’s largest luxury yacht is Eclipse , owned by Russian billionaire and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, an amazing 536 ft-long yacht which is 5 ft longer than Dubai, the previous yacht which hold the record for the world’s largest boat. Eclipse features eleven luxurious guest cabins with 6 ft home cinema screens each and breathtaking amenities, two swimming pools, a disco hall and even two helicopter pads.

The larger swimming pool can be even turned into a dance floor when the water is drained out. Guests of the Eclipse can enjoy partying here without worrying about paparazzi because this luxury yacht has a special electronic shield which protects the yacht from unwanted attention. A maximum security system which includes a missile detector and a bullet proof glass for the master suite makes it one of the most protected yachts out there as well.

The Eclipse superyacht also features three launch boats and even a mini submarine if guests want to explore the waters around. It’s price? The largest luxury yacht in the world is probably the most expensive as well and it’s priced at $1.2 Billion.

Eclipse Superyacht

About Adrian Prisca

Founder of Luxatic and countless other projects, Adrian has shaped this website into a go-to source for discerning readers looking for the latest in luxury products and experiences. He has over 15 years of experience in creating, managing and publishing lifestyle content across numerous platforms and he’s considered a leading voice in the luxury industry. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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Inside the superyacht for history buffs with nearly $1 billion to burn.

It’s for the ultimate seafaring sports fan — and history buff.

A lavish superyacht designed to resemble a centuries-old galleon — and featuring full-sized basketball, tennis and handball courts — is being pitched by a California ship designer.

Steve Kozloff’s The Galleon involves eight decks boasting hoards of extravagant goodies that can be custom-arranged for buyers — who are wealthy enough to foot its roughly $750 million price tag.

The striking nearly 525-foot luxury ship, complete with four massive sails, could hold up to 200 guests and 150 crewmembers, Kozloff said.

“I liked the style of the Old World galleons, especially the glass work at the stern,’’ the ship designer told The Post on Tuesday. “I wanted to imitate that feature.

Illustration of The Galleon.

“Plus, I want to encourage the cruise industry to be more green,’’ he said of the yacht, which would have a hybrid diesel-electric engine in addition to its sails.

is there a billion dollar yacht

The ship’s planned features include the sports facilities, plus a pair of swimming pools and two “lazy rivers.”

It also includes a helipad and 4,500-square-foot hanger for high-flying guests, not to mention room for six speedboats, four submarines and other smaller watercraft.

Illustration of The Galleon.

Additional onboard entertainment could be found at the ship’s cafe, bar and restaurant.

Kozloff said the price depends on how far buyers want to plunk down on the yacht’s interior furnishings, adding that it would take about $750 million for it to be “properly outfitted.” He said the masts alone cost around $140 million.

The Galleon is considered an “explorer’’ yacht, meaning it could cruise the world at more than 20 mph with a steel hull able to cut through ice floes.

Illustration of The Galleon.

Its length is 70 feet less than the world’s longest yacht, the Azzam, which is reportedly owned by royals from the United Arab Emirates.

Illustration of The Galleon.

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The World's Most Expensive Yachts Available for Charter in 2024

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The World's Most Expensive Yachts Available for Charter in 2024

is there a billion dollar yacht

By Katia Damborsky |   Last Updated 20 December 2022

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Thinking about renting a multi-millior dollar superyacht in 2024? Discover what you can expect on board the world’s most expensive luxury yachts available for superyacht charters   for more than $1 million per week. 

Most expensive charter yachts in the world in 2024:

Need more information?

There’s no doubt that the latest superyachts of the charter fleet offer the finest in luxury living, with a selection of cutting-edge amenities and state-of-the-art on-board facilities. From spacious swimming pools and plush cinemas to impressive basketball courts and underwater observation lounges, take a look at the world’s most expensive yachts which you can privately rent in 2023. 

Best for: an action-packed vacation with all the family

Coming in at 446ft (136m) superyacht FLYING FOX  is the world’s largest superyacht for charter. She features accommodation for 22 guests in 11 suites. Across her five colossal decks, she houses a pair of helipads that are large enough to accommodate some of the biggest choppers on the market.

Superyacht Flying Fox underway in the North Sea

FLYING FOX is the world's largest superyacht for rental

Aft decks of luxury yacht Flying Fox, with large pool visible

The superyacht’s aft deck is home to a 12m swimming pool, where you can slide in and soak up spectacular views from a prime vantage point. The beach club of Flying Fox is particularly noteworthy, as it boasts a split-level spa with a hammam, steam room, Cryosauna and treatment room. 

This majestic vessel also features a large indoor jacuzzi, with access to the sea lounge and a scuba-diving room. Take a look at pictures inside superyacht Flying Fox for a closer look.

is there a billion dollar yacht

Best for: jaw-dropping interiors and luxury amenities

Marking her debut on to the charter fleet in 2022, the 115m (387ft) Lurssen megayacht AHPO has been turning heads with her supercar-inspired exterior and vast deck spaces.

Her chic interiors come from the boards of Nuvolari Lenard, showcasing elegant refinement that borrows influences from the natural world, with plenty of calm colors, soft lines and organic patterns that help create a warm and convivial atmosphere that can be felt as soon as you step onboard.

Charter yacht AHPO

Highlights on board include a beach club spa, 12-seater cinema with sound-proofing for the very best acoustic experience and vast 8-meter heated swimming pool via an innovative heat recovery system from its generators, as well as large well-equipped gymnasium up on her sky deck affording glorious views.

She provides accommodation for 12 guests across 8 cabins, including a sprawling full-beam owner’s duplex.

is there a billion dollar yacht

Best for: epic exploration in opulent surrounds

Legendary Lürssen superyacht OCTOPUS made serious waves when it was announced she was going to be available for charter for the very first time from January 2022.

superyacht octopus

A pioneering 126m vessel that was the largest explorer yacht ever built at the time of her launch in 2003, she's been mostly shrouded in secrecy until now. Up to 26 charterers in 13 elegantly appointed suites will have the joy of chartering OCTOPUS, with the primary guests being able to luxuriate in their own private bar, Jacuzzi, alfresco dining area and elevator in the Owner's suite.

superyacht octopus swimming pool

Superyacht OCTOPUS is an iconic explorer yacht, available for charter in 2022 for the very first time

Packed bow to stern with seriously impressive charter-focused amenities, guests can quench their thirst for adventure in the utmost style and luxury. She boasts a showstopping aft swimming pool encircled by loungers, as well as a gorgeous glass-bottomed observation lounge, spa, library, basketball court, cinema and even a sound studio.

is there a billion dollar yacht

Best for: corporate yacht charters

Superyacht DREAM is a mammoth vessel that offers expansive and intimate areas for dining, sunning and relaxing, making her the ideal choice for a corporate yacht charter. A true declaration of superyacht style, this luxury yacht was built in 1997  by Olympic Yacht Services before being carefully refitted in 2018 to keep her in flawless condition. Her exteriors are crafted by Studio Vafiadis and interiors are helmed by CQStudio.

Superyacht Dream cruising open waters

Sleeping up to 36 yacht charter guests across 22 plush rooms (one master suite, 2 VIP staterooms, 6 double cabins, and 9 double/twin cabins) she truly is a yacht of epic proportions. And with such colossal size comes an extraordinary number of amenities: including a sundeck swimming pool, helipad and swim-up bar, plus a multitude of wellness and beauty facilities. Whenever the open water beckons, peruse her veritable flotilla of toys and tenders for a rip-roaring ride.

is there a billion dollar yacht

Best for: vast interior and exterior spaces

Representing Benetti’s longest yacht built to date, the 108-meter superyacht IJE is a sleek charter platform offering endless possibilities for her guests. Whether that’s lounging in her chic interiors or taking advantage of more than 1,000 square-meters of outdoor space; from her bridge deck fire pit to her vast full-beam beach club the guests will be spoiled for choice. 

Charter yacht IJE

The yacht’s 3,367 GT of interior volume also ensures there’s plenty of sleeping space, with accommodation for 12 charter guests in no less than 11 cabins, along with 28 dedicated crew members on hand to offer exceptional 5-star service at all hours of the day and night.

is there a billion dollar yacht

Guests will particularly delight in her beautiful light-infused interiors, equipped with a wellness suite where guests can enjoy a wide range of treatments, as well as a gymnasium that overlooks the water thanks to a hydraulic fold-out platform on the yacht’s starboard side. There is also a dedicated movie theater with an array of wide plush sofas – perfect for lounging with a bucket of popcorn in front of your favorite film.

is there a billion dollar yacht

Best for: cruising in comfort

Luxury yacht LANA provides accommodation for up to 12 guests in eight cabins. She is replete with exciting onboard amenities, including a beach club with spa facilities and a continuous connection to the ocean, thanks to a swim platform and twin fold-out sections on both sides of the beam.

Superyacht Lana cruising open waters

The yacht enjoys tasteful and minimal interiors from Benetti ’s in-house team, who have made full use of the tall windows and subsequent infusions of light. The owner’s suite onboard LANA is particularly lavish, with fold-out balconies flanking the space, large private dressing rooms and an interconnecting bathroom.

Best for: Award-winning interiors and layout

Boasting a wealth of amenities, highly-trained crew and unmistakable Feadship pedigree, the 97m (317ft) superyacht FAITH is one of the finest yachts in the fleet and supremely worthy of her charter price tag.

Charter yacht FAITH

Delivered in 2017, and refitted in 2022, this award-winning yacht is brimming with crowd-pleasing features. Nowhere is this more evident than on her main deck aft, where you’ll find an impressive 9 meter by 3.5 meter glass-bottomed swimming pool, which floods light into her vast beach club below replete with a large bar and fold-out sea terraces for unparalleled waterside living.

FAITH is one of the most sophisticated superyachts ever to grace the world’s oceans

is there a billion dollar yacht

Additional highlights include a mammoth games deck with facilities for football, tennis, volleyball, paddle tennis, basketball and golf, as well as a dedicated wellness center with a beauty treatment room, spacious Hammam and snow room – ideal for muscle therapy, plus a sundeck gymnasium with indoor/outdoor layout. There’s also two movie theaters for cozy nights in, either inside or under the stars. 

She provides accommodation for 12 charter guests across 7 suites, including a dedicated owner’s deck with skylight and fireplace, plus a crew of 32 are on hand to offer the highest level of service. The yacht also comes with three on-board chefs trained in different disciplines, offering a dining experience unmatched by other yachts in the charter fleet.

is there a billion dollar yacht

Best for: a lavish superyacht vacation

Since 95m superyacht MADSUMMER made her charter debut in 2019 she has been met with critical acclaim, awarded with a continous string of accolades for her cutting edge exterior and interior design. Showcasing a riot of color, she sleeps up to 12 guests in 10 cabins all fitted with Calcutta-marbled ensuites, with her bridge deck master suite featuring its own private terrace. To ensure every possible guest whim is met, she also accommodates up to 28 members of crew.

superyacht madsummer forward

Showcasing cutting-edge design and spectacular amenities decked in a kaleidoscope of colour, superyacht MADSUMMER is a one-of-a-kind vessel.

cabins onboard superyacht madsummer

Upon boarding charter yacht MADSUMMER, the only words guests will be uttering is an endless murmur of wow — she's nothing short of extraordinary. Her standout amenities (of which there are many) include a 12m swimming pool with Jacuzzi, cinema, sprawling beach club, extensive spa facilities, and even a room completely dedicated to diving.

And when you are keen to jump off-board, superyacht MADSUMMER's glorious selection of water toys and tenders (which includes an uber-sleek 11m limo tender and Husky seaplane) will keep you occupied.

is there a billion dollar yacht

Best for: entertaining in style

Luxury yacht LADY S   comes from one of the most revered shipyards in the world: Feadship. She is also one of the most sought-after yachts on the charter market.  Her interiors are by the esteemed Reymond Langton Design, who has styled the yacht to reflect a contemporary jewelry box with plenty of crystals and shimmering surfaces. 

Superyacht Lady S at anchor in the Mediterranean

Offering accommodation for 12 guests in seven suites, superyacht LADY S's most impressive onboard highlights include her duplex IMAX cinema, an amenity that had never previously before featured on a yacht. She also volunteers two helipads, and the one positioned aft doubles as a basketball court.

Hard to miss on her main deck aft is an enticing swimming pool that offers separate shaded and sunning areas. Below it, the beach club is suffused with light, featuring generously sized large side-opening balconies.

Want to see her sheer size in perspective? Take a look at this video of superyacht Lady S in Portofino .

is there a billion dollar yacht

Best for: Endless entertaining in a supremely opulent setting

Luxury yacht AQUARIUS artfully fuses iconic Feadship design with contemporary flair throughout her indoor and outdoor spaces. With her exterior craftsmanship styled by De Voogt, and her deluxe interior by Sinot Yacht Design, she is a superyacht that has a lot up her sleeve, waiting to be discovered. 

Charter yacht AQUARIUS

She comfortably accommodates 12 guests in 7 gracefully designed staterooms, comprising a master suite and 6 VIP staterooms, all kitted out with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the best possible charter experience.

Her splendid spaces are copious, but highlights worth mentoring are absolutely her capacious owner's penthouse, featuring its own private aft balcony, cinema suite, impressive 6.5m swimming pool cum dancefloor, as well as her extensive array of water toys and tenders. This includes a custom glass-roofed Venetian taxi and Riva tender.

Aquarius Yacht

Best for: extravagant interiors and premium exterior living

Joining the fleet of luxury yacht rentals in 2024, 400.3ft (122m) superyacht KISMET offers an opulent luxury yacht charter experience with highly indulgent interiors and exteriors that blend seamlessly to create a unique and inviting environment.

Featuring a plethora of key highlights including a state-of-the-art cinema, a deck Jacuzzi and swimming pool, a grand piano, and a spa-quality health and wellness center, this striking Lurssen charter yacht is the perfect match for charter guests wanting the utmost luxury and indulgence.

Charter yacht KISMET underway on a river

KISMET is spacious and packed with things to do making her fully primed for guests seeking a luxury charter at sea

Boasting collaborative design input from well-known designers Nuvolari Lenard and Reymond Langton Design, she can comfortably accommodate up to 12 charter guests in a well-appointed eight-cabin layout.

Superyacht KISMET offers the ultimate yacht charter experience with an ongoing list of amenities to be enjoyed across the decks and beyond.

is there a billion dollar yacht

If you would like more information about any of these superyachts, please reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker .

Are you considering renting a luxury yacht for a crewed yacht charter vacation? You can view and compare the complete fleet of superyachts for charter  to find the best one to suit the needs of you and your charter party. 

Be sure to check out our yacht charter destination features for inspiration to plan to help you plan your dream superyacht charter vacation. 

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SUPERYACHTS WHICH COST OVER $1 MILLION PER WEEK TO RENT:

Flying Fox yacht charter

136m Lurssen 2019

Octopus yacht charter

126m Lurssen 2003 / 2024

Kismet yacht charter

122m Lurssen 2024

Ahpo yacht charter

115m Lurssen 2021

IJE yacht charter

108m Benetti 2019

Dream yacht charter

107m Olympic Yacht Services 1997 / 2022

Faith yacht charter

97m Feadship 2017 / 2022

CC-Summer yacht charter

95m Lurssen 2019

O'Pari yacht charter

95m Golden Yachts 2020

Lady S yacht charter

93m Feadship 2019

Aquarius yacht charter

92m Feadship 2016

Queen Miri yacht charter

92m Neorion 2004 / 2023

Tranquility yacht charter

92m Oceanco 2014 / 2023

Phoenix 2 yacht charter

90m Lurssen 2010 / 2024

Dar yacht charter

90m Oceanco 2018 / 2024

Barbara yacht charter

89m Oceanco 2017

Samsara yacht charter

89m Oceanco 2015 / 2023

Sunrays yacht charter

86m Oceanco 2010 / 2018

Meridian A yacht charter

85m Lurssen 2011 / 2019

Solandge yacht charter

85m Lurssen 2013 / 2022

Savannah yacht charter

84m Feadship 2015 / 2020

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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.

Insider Today

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

is there a billion dollar yacht

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.

is there a billion dollar yacht

  • Main content

Inside The Most Expensive Yacht Ever Sold

superyacht upper deck corridor

Billionaires are seemingly always seeking to top one another and themselves when it comes to buying jaw-droppingly expensive and ridiculous objects. In 2011, an anonymous Malaysian man, rumored to be business tycoon Robert Kuok, may have moved to the head of the pack when he allegedly bought the hilariously named History Supreme, a yacht made of such materials as solid gold, platinum, meteoric stone, and the bone of a tyrannosaurus rex. According to Business Insider , Kuok is a notoriously private self-made billionaire who heads the Kuok Group, a multinational conglomerate that owns assorted businesses around the world. When he bought the History Supreme for $4.8 billion, he reportedly spent a third of his $12.8 billion fortune. According to Forbes , in 2021 the 97-year-old is the 171st richest person in the world with a net worth of $12.6 billion.

As reported by the Daily Mail , the History Supreme is made up of over 100,000 kg (that's over 220,000 pounds) of platinum and gold; the entire base of the boat is wrapped in solid gold and the precious metals are used throughout, while the aforementioned meteoric stone and dinosaur bone make up a "wall feature" in the master bedroom. Additional features, per Jetset Magazine , include a luxury liquor bottle adorned with a rare 18.5 carat diamond, a custom iPhone encrusted in 500 diamonds, including two special interchangable home button diamonds, and a panoramic Aquavista wall aquarium made from 24-carat gold, presumably setting a new standard when it comes to panoramic yacht aquariums.

Is the History Supreme a hoax?

Robert Kuok

The History Supreme yacht is the handiwork of British designer Stuart Hughes who per his website has also made such collectibles for the ultrarich as the world's most expensive suit, the world's most expensive iPhone, the world's most expensive model car, and a solid gold Rolls Royce Phantom. According to Jetset Magazine , the "anonymous Malaysian business man" (probably Robert Kuok, shown above) commissioned Hughes via a friend in his yachting circle; Hughes never met the person for whom the yacht was intended, but was given completely  free reign in terms of the ship's design and construction. The project took three years to complete. 

To add to the History Supreme's mystique, some people don't believe it exists at all. Autoevolution says it "was never real, it was never made and no, it does not exist," noting that Italian company Baia Yachts issued a statement claiming the pictures of History Supreme's interior on Hughes' website were stolen from their site and used without permission. MoneyInc and YachtHarbor also lay out the case for the entire story being a hoax, with MoneyInc noting that at one point Kuok deconstructed his Hong Kong mansion into several smaller homes to avoid an ostentatious display of wealth, which makes his commission of the world's most luxurious yacht seem unlikely. Furthermore, as Kuok is known for staying out of the public eye, perhaps Hughes chose him as the supposed customer because he is hard to reach and therefore will not confirm or deny the yacht's existence. The History Supreme section of Hugh's website remains intact. 

Did the Eclipse get eclipsed?

Eclipse yacht on water

Before the possible existence of the History Supreme, the title of world's most luxurious yacht belonged to the Eclipse (shown above). Per the Sydney Morning Herald , it was purchased in 2009 by Russian business tycoon Roman Abramovich for $590 million and includes two helipads, a movie theater, a sports complex, its own mini-submarine, and a missile defense system. Created by German shipbuilding company Blohm + Voss, an anonymous Russian yachting expert described it as a "big mansion on water ." When asked why it looked like a military frigate, the expert replied "It's a trend. Private yachts look like military boats these days. The yacht is a statement for many people. It's a statement about power." For those who wanted to try out that sort of morally dubious power without committing, the Eclipse was at one point available for commission for up to 30 guests and 75 crew members via SuperYachtsMonaco at $2 million per week, as reported by Business Insider . It's no longer listed on the site.

Per Robb Report , the world's largest yacht since its construction finished in 2013 has been the Azzam, which comes in at 592 feet and six inches long and can travel at a speed up to 30 knots. Built by yacht company Lürssen , it was commissioned by United Arab Emirates president Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (per Super Yacht Fan ) and has an interior described as sophisticated and luxe. 

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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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A diver in an orange jumpsuit suit and crews in gray shirts and red trousers hoist remains in a blue body bag onto a boat, as others in reflector uniforms stand nearby.

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.

is there a billion dollar yacht

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.

is there a billion dollar yacht

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

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Just weeks before Sicily yacht disaster Mike Lynch was finally acquitted in a years-long multi-billion dollar fraud case

Mike Lynch, a British tech tycoon embroiled in legal battles for over a decade until just months ago, is presumed dead after boarding a superyacht that capsized off the Sicilian coast.

The 184-foot vessel sank early Monday morning due to a violent storm off the coast of Palermo . Crews rescued 15 people in the immediate aftermath, but Lynch was nowhere to be found. The Italian Coast Guard said several people, including Lynch have been presumed dead as of Tuesday afternoon, the Wall Street Journal reports.

This includes Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and lawyer Chris Morvillo. Lynch’s daughter, Bloomer’s wife and Morvillo’s wife were also missing and now presumed dead, according to the Journal .

The tragedy struck just two months after Lynch was acquitted in a major US fraud trial over his tech company Autonomy . One of his fellow executives, Stephen Chamberlain, died on Saturday morning after being struck by a car while jogging.

Here’s everything we know about Lynch’s legal troubles leading up to Monday’s tragic accident:

Early investigation

The Lynch saga goes back to 1996 when the Cambridge graduate founded the technology company Autonomy. Lynch built out the company for over a decade before selling it to Hewlett-Packard in 2011 for $11 billion.

A year later, HP claimed they discovered “serious accounting improprieties” by Autonomy and took an $8.8 billion write-down, wiping out their profits for that quarter, The Guardian reported at the time.

Lynch denied any wrongdoing at the time, instead blaming HP for the error, Reuters reports.

HP, claiming to have been misled about the company’s value, asked the UK’s Serious Fraud Office to investigate the case in early 2013. After two years, the office determined there wasn’t enough evidence for Lynch to be convicted.

“As we have always said, HP’s allegations are false, and we are pleased that after a two-year review of the material presented by HP, the SFO has concluded that there is not a case to pursue,” Lynch said at the time, according to the BBC .

“Let’s remember, HP made allegations of a $5bn fraud, and presented the case in public as a slam dunk,” he continued. “HP now faces serious questions of its own about its conduct in this case and the false statements it has made.”

The office then handed over the investigation to US authorities.

US indictment, executive convicted

In 2018, Autonomy Chief Financial Officer Sushovan Hussain was found guilty of several fraud charges. A federal judge later sentenced him to five years in prison.

Prosecutors said he “falsely inflated Autonomy’s revenues to make it appear Autonomy was growing when it really was not” between 2009 and 2011.

That same year, US prosecutors criminally charged Lynch and Chamberlain, former vice president of finance for Autonomy, with fraud.

Officials claimed Lynch fraudulently earned $815 million. They also accused Lynch and Chamberlain of inflating Autonomy’s revenues while lying to regulators and analysts, the BBC reported.

Lynch’s attorney disputed the charges, calling them a “travesty of justice” and accusing HP of scapegoating his client, according to the BBC.

The next step for US authorities was to seek Lynch’s extradition from the UK.

London civil case

As US officials sought extradition, HP brought a civil case against Lynch and other Autonomy executives in London’s High Court, seeking $5 billion in damages. The 2019 case was considered the UK’s biggest civil fraud trial, the BBC reported.

In the case, HP claimed Lynch and Hussain “artificially inflated Autonomy’s reported revenues, revenue growth and gross margins.”

HP won the case, but the judge said their damages would likely be far less than the $5 billion requested. Lynch’s attorneys called the ruling “disappointing” and vowed to appeal at the time, the BBC reported.

The company still has not received any damages, even after reducing its claim to $4 billion in February of this year.

Lynch extradited, acquitted in US case

After several years of back-and-forth and appeals from Lynch, he was extradited to the US in May 2023. There, he was placed under house arrest in San Francisco, California.

As he had previously argued, Lynch told the court that the dip in Autonomy’s worth was due to HP’s mismanagement of the company after buying it.

Lynch’s attorney, Reid Weingarten, said prosecutors were approaching the case as if it’s black and white.

“And you know what? You’re going to see in this trial that ain’t the way the world works,” Weingarten told the court. “The world works in grey. The world is complicated.”

Meanwhile, prosecutors argued that HP’s management of Autonomy was irrelevant and that Lynch had orchestrated a major fraud scheme over several years, according to The Guardian . Lynch faced two decades in prison if found guilty

Ultimately, a jury acquitted Lynch of all charges in June of this year.

“I am looking forward to returning to the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said at the time.

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Tributes paid to Mike Lynch and daughter Hannah after deaths in yacht sinking

Mr lynch and his daughter were among seven people who died after the bayesian sank off the coast of sicily early on monday morning., article bookmarked.

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Mr Lynch and his daughter were among seven people who died after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily (Family Handout/PA)

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Friends have paid tribute to the “brilliant” Mike Lynch and his “fiercely intelligent” 18-year-old daughter after the pair were confirmed to have died in a luxury yacht sinking.

Mr Lynch and his daughter Hannah were among seven people who died after the Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily early on Monday morning.

The tech mogul, 59, was the creator of software giant Autonomy and had been cleared in June of carrying out a massive fraud related to its 11 billion dollar (£8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard.

Close friend and colleague Andrew Kanter described Mr Lynch as “instantly inspiring” and said “he will be sorely missed”.

In the tribute, one of six released on Friday through PR firm Tancredi, Mr Kanter said: “Mike was the most brilliant mind and caring person I have ever known.

His passion for life, knowledge and all those around him was instantly inspiring to everyone he met, and he will be sorely missed

“Over nearly a quarter century I had the privilege of working beside someone unrivalled in their understanding of technology and business.

“There is simply no other UK technology entrepreneur of our generation who has had such an impact on so many people.

“His passion for life, knowledge and all those around him was instantly inspiring to everyone he met, and he will be sorely missed.”

Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo were also confirmed to have died after the sinking.

Sushovan Hussain, a close friend of Mr Lynch and former chief financial officer of Autonomy, said he was “utterly devastated” over the “tragic” incident.

“My wife and I are utterly devastated by the deaths of so many of our dear friends. No words can express our sorrow,” he said.

“I have known Mike for over 40 years, since our school days, and for most of that time our lives have been inextricably linked.

“I was thrilled when he was acquitted and now his departure leaves an unfillable hole in my life.

“We have known Hannah since her birth, and for her to be taken on the precipice of her life is cruel beyond belief. Our hearts bleed for Angela & her remaining daughter.

It is truly impossible to fathom how they can all be gone over such a short period. It is tragic beyond words

Mr Hussain also paid tribute to Stephen Chamberlain, Mr Lynch’s co-defendant in the US fraud trial, who died after he was hit by a car on Saturday.

He said: “Steve was by my side for many years, and I had the honour of calling him, Jonathan, Judy and Chris my good friends.

“It is truly impossible to fathom how they can all be gone over such a short period. It is tragic beyond words.”

Mr Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, had recently finished her A-levels and was due to study at Oxford University.

Jon Mitropoulos-Monk, head of English at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, said of his former pupil: “I’ve never taught someone who combined sky-high intellectual ability with warmth and enthusiasm in the way Hannah did.

“She lit up the classroom with her energy, passion for learning and sheer intelligence (though never with a hint of arrogance).”

“I will remember her for what she taught me: kindness, compassion and commitment,” he added.

Her friend Katya Lewis also paid tribute to Hannah, saying: “Being with Hannah made me feel whole and happy.

“She had a warm and beautiful soul.

“She is the most special friend anyone could ask for and I will always love Hannah.”

Patrick Jacob, a family friend, said the teenager was “charming and ferociously intelligent with an insatiable thirst for life and knowledge”.

“We have lost one of our brightest stars whose future held so much promise,” he added.

“Her loss is unbearable.”

Gracie Lea, a school classmate, added that the 18-year-old was “sincere, dedicated, fiercely intelligent and genuinely kind”.

The Bayesian was moored around half a mile off the coast of Porticello when it sank as the area was hit by a storm.

The wreckage of the Bayesian is resting on the seabed off the coast at a depth of 50 metres (164ft).

A helicopter, remotely controlled underwater vehicles, naval units and cave divers have been used in the search.

The final body, believed to be that of Mr Lynch’s daughter, was recovered on Friday.

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is there a billion dollar yacht

Mike Lynch yacht latest: Divers smash through window into hull with crucial hours ahead in Bayesian search

LIVE – Updated at 04:00

Rescue teams have managed to smash through a glass window and enter the hull of the Bayesian as crucial hours are ahead in the search for survivors inside the superyacht.

The firefighter divers were able to reach the common areas of the vessel through the gap, Giornale Di Sicilia reported on Tuesday – however, they are yet to make it to the cabins, which is still set to take a while as entrances may be blocked.

It comes as an engineer warned the next 24 hours are “critical” in the search for the six people who went missing after the boat sank in a severe storm in the early hours of Monday . One man has so far been confirmed dead, Recaldo Thomas, while a further 15 people survived the incident.

Nick Sloane, who worked on the Costa Concordia salvage operation in 2012, told Sky News : “They’ve got a very small window of time to try to find people stuck inside with hopefully an air pocket, and they could be rescued. You’ve got a maximum of two to three days to try to get someone out.”

The missing tourists are billionaire Mike Lynch, who owns the yacht; his daughter, Hannah Lynch; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Mr Lynch had reportedly invited his lawyers and friends to celebrate a recent legal victory that cleared him of fraud accusations in the US.

Have you been affected by this story? Email [email protected]

  • Rescue teams enter Bayesian’s hull by smashing through glass window, local media report
  • Pictured: Chef Ricardo Thomas with ‘smile that lit up the room’ who died in yacht tragedy
  • Two more survivors named and pictured
  • Mother of survivor says she is ‘beyond relieved’ her daughter is safe
  • Another name of surviving crew member confirmed by Italian coastguard
  • Captain speaks for first time from hospital bed with just five words

Watch: Captain details Bayesian sinking ‘within two minutes’ after rescuing survivors

Who are the victims of the Bayesian yacht sinking?

The bodies of those found in the search for six people missing after the sinking of a luxury yacht during a storm off the coast of Sicily are being recovered from the wreckage.

Five bodies have now been brought to shore in the small fishing village of Porticello, around 11 miles from the Sicilian capital of Palermo.

On Thursday, the Italian Coastguard confirmed to the PA news agency that the sixth and final person yet to be found is a woman.

These are the details of each of the victims on board:

British mother held baby above waves after yacht sank, says doctor

An Italian doctor at the hospital where British tourist Charlotte Emsley and her one-year-old daughter were taken said the mother held her baby above the waves after the yacht sank.

Dr Domenico Cipolla, of Di Cristina Children's Hospital in Palermo, told PA: "Obviously the mother and the husband were so shaken by what has happened, it was a tragedy for them.

"She told me that two minutes after falling asleep with her baby they were in the water, she did not understand how this happened, it went dark.

"She held the child high in her arms above the waves, for a few seconds the baby was in the water, but she saved her.

"She sometimes cried for her friends in the hospital."

Who is Hannah Lynch?

The daughter of British entrepreneur Mike Lynch is the final person left to be found after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily , with emergency workers saying that she remains their “priority”.

Hannah Lynch, 18, had been onboard her tech tycoon father’s luxury boat alongside 20 others, when the Bayesian capsized during stormy weather .

The bodies of Mr Lynch, Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo, have all been recovered from the wreckage and identified.

My colleague Holly Evans reports:

Who is Hannah Lynch? British tech tycoon’s teenage daughter still missing

Yacht’s captain reportedly questioned by authorities for two hours

The luxury yacht's captain, James Cutfield, was reportedly questioned by authorities for two hours as they began speaking to all crew members on Thursday.

Survivors have been recuperating at a hotel complex in Porticello, where authorities are gathering witness statements.

Italian Coastguard’s working theory is still that Hannah Lynch is inside the boat

The Italian Coastguard’s working theory is still that the missing woman is inside the boat, spokesman Vincenzo Zagarola has said.

Mike Lynch’s daughter Hannah is the only person yet to be found after six people went missing when the Bayesian superyacht sank.

Christopher Morvillo’s law firm ‘heartbroken’ at death of US lawyer and wife Neda

Christopher Morvillo’s law firm has said it is “heartbroken” at the tragic death of the US lawyer and his wife Neda.

In a statement issued to The Independent on Thursday, a Clifford Chance spokesperson said: “We are heartbroken at the tragic passing of our partner, Christopher Morvillo and his wife, Neda. We are deeply saddened and still coming to terms with this terrible loss. Our utmost priority is to continue to support Chris's family at this very distressing time. Our thoughts extend to the families and loved ones of all those affected.

“We wish to express our deepest condolences and our love and support to Chris’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We also want to thank the Italian authorities and rescue teams for everything they have done.”

Decision on raising yacht from seabed ‘not on agenda’, says coastguard

A decision on whether to raise the sunken yacht from the seabed is "not on the agenda", but will be in the future, a spokesman from the Italian Coastguard has said.

Vincenzo Zagarola told PA: "This is not a topic on the agenda. It will be, but not now."

Search for Mike Lynch’s daughter Hannah called off until Friday morning

The search for Mike Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah was called off at around 8pm in Sicily on Thursday.

Divers are expected to begin scouring the wreck of the Bayesian superyacht again at 6.30am on Friday.

'Indescribable' crew errors led to Sicily shipwreck, yacht maker says

A series of "indescribable, unreasonable errors" by the crew led to the shipwreck in which British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and six others died earlier this week, the yacht manufacturer's CEO told Reuters on Thursday.

The British-flagged Bayesian, a 56-metre-long (184-foot) superyacht with 22 people aboard - 12 passengers and 10 crew - capsized and sank on Monday within minutes of being hit by a pre-dawn storm while anchored off the coast of northern Sicily.

"The boat suffered a series of indescribable, unreasonable errors, the impossible happened on that boat ... but it went down because it took on water. From where, the investigators will tell," Giovanni Costantino said in an interview.

Costantino helms The Italian Sea Group, which includes Perini Navi, the Italian high-end yacht maker that built the Bayesian in 2008. The vessel has been refitted twice, last in 2020, but not by Perini.

The CEO ruled out any design or construction errors, which he called unlikely after 16 years of trouble-free navigation, including in more severe weather than on Monday.

He blamed the Bayesian's crew for the "incredible mistake" of not being prepared for the storm, which had been announced in shipping forecasts. "This is the mistake that cries out for vengeance," he said.

Costantino said passengers should have been summoned out of their cabins and assembled at a point of safety while the boat was being prepared for the storm by pulling up the anchor, closing doors and hatches, lowering the keel to increase stability and other measures.

Six out of 12 passengers died in the shipwreck, and five bodies were found inside the wreck. Emergency services are still trying to locate the body of the last missing person, Lynch's daughter Hannah.

Had correct procedures been followed, all passengers would have gone back to sleep after one hour "and the next morning they would have happily resumed their wonderful cruise," Costantino said.

Another yacht anchored near the Bayesian escaped unharmed. The captain of the sunken yacht and other crew members have not commented publicly on the disaster, while Italian prosecutors investigating it are due to hold a press conference on Saturday.

Watch: Mike Lynch’s friend mourns ‘unbelievably tragic’ death after fraud trial acquittal

Mike Lynch’s friend mourns ‘unbelievably tragic’ death after fraud trial acquittal

Mike Lynch described as ‘extraordinary, intellectual, inventive, humorous and generous'

Mike Lynch has been described as a “truly extraordinary, intellectual, inventive, humorous and generous man” by a colleague.

Martina King, chief executive of Featurespace, a fraud prevention company, said: “It is a high statistical probability that Featurespace wouldn’t be a thriving technology company without Mike.

“Our co-founders, Professor Bill Fitzgerald and Dave Excell, were inspired by Mike’s combination of intellect and commercial acumen. They benefited from his friendship and guidance.

“Mike’s personal investment in Featurespace supported the development of an invention that has proved fundamental in the progress of AI and he served as a Non-Executive Director for over 10 years from 2008 – 2019.

“Mike was a true champion of the UK technology sector, including the need for greater diversity and advocated for many female leaders, including me.

“Cambridge, the technology sector, colleagues and friends will be unable to calculate the loss of this truly extraordinary, intellectual, inventive, humorous and generous man. He will be sorely and deeply missed.”

Christopher and Neda Morvillo’s family pay tribute to ‘devoted, loving’ parents

The family of Christopher and Neda Morvillo have paid tribute to the “devoted, loving” parents after their deaths in the Bayesian superyacht tragedy were confirmed.

In a statement issued to Sky News , they said: “We are completely devastated by the passing of Chris and Neda, and our collective hearts go out to all the families who have also been affected by this senseless tragedy.

"Chris and Neda were each widely respected for their professional successes, Chris as a distinguished attorney and Neda as a skilled jewellery designer, but their true talents were that of mother and father, son and daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt and dear friends to so many.

"Neda and Chris lived their lives as devoted, loving parents who always put their daughters and families first. Their passing is a tremendous loss for our family and for the countless people who knew and loved them both.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to the Italian rescue services for their unwavering dedication and to Clifford Chance for all the support they have provided.

"As we grieve this enormous loss, our primary focus remains on Chris and Neda's daughters and other loved ones, and we respectfully request privacy."

Friend and mentee of Mike Lynch says he was a ‘loving and much-loved’ father and husband

A friend and mentee of Mike Lynch has said he was “unfailingly supportive” and “fiercely loyal”, as well as a “loving and much-loved” father and husband.

Suranga Chandratillake, partner at Balderton, a venture capital firm in London, said: “Mike Lynch’s PhD at Cambridge put him at the very forefront of modern artificial intelligence.

“More than just technology, however, Mike contributed vastly to its commercialisation. Mike didn’t just invent things, he built products and companies.

“By my count, he founded over 10 technology companies and was instrumental in the building of three that became multi-billion dollar public companies (Autonomy, blinkx and DarkTrace) – a personal track record without equal in the UK’s technology ecosystem.

“I worked for Mike for five years and he then served on my board at blinkx for close to a decade.

“I can share that he was an unfailingly supportive mentor who challenged and supported in equal measure.

“Years before Covid, he mastered hybrid work, splitting his time between Cambridge (where the tech was built), London (where it was sold) and Suffolk (which he loved dearly), and juggled leading his work with being a loving and much-loved dad and husband.

“He was famously fiercely competitive but, to his friends, equally fiercely loyal and always ready for a cup of tea and a chat.

“The loss to the UK’s technology ecosystem is incalculable but I am as sad to lose an old friend and all my thoughts are with his wonderful family who are facing an unthinkable double tragedy at this time.”

Company Darktrace describes founding investor Mike Lynch as ‘champion of tech sector’

The company Darktrace, in which Mike Lynch was a founding investor, has described the British entrepreneur as “an active champion of the UK’s technology sector”.

In a statement issued to The Independent , a spokesperson said: “We are shocked and saddened by the news confirming the death of Mike Lynch and the other victims of this terrible tragedy.

“Mike was a founding investor in Darktrace, an active champion of the UK’s technology sector, and a committed husband and father. His loss will be felt by many.

“Our thoughts are with his family and all the families who have lost loved ones in this awful event.”

Tributes paid to victims of yacht disaster as search continues for Mike Lynch’s daughter

Tributes have been paid to those who have died following the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht owned by tech tycoon Mike Lynch.

The yacht sank with 22 passengers and crew onboard after a freak storm off the coast of Sicily in the early hours of Monday, with six people on board confirmed to have died as the search continues for the final missing passenger.

Tech tycoon Mike Lynch, Morgan Stanley banker Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judith Bloomer, lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo, were all identified this morning after their bodies were recovered.

My colleague Alex Croft reports:

Tributes paid after yacht disaster as search for Mike Lynch’s daughter continues

Mike Lynch was a ‘visionary unlike any other’, says chief at company he founded

The chief executive of legal AI company Luminance has paid tribute to its founder Mike Lynch, saying he was a "visionary unlike any other" following his death in the luxury yacht disaster off the coast of Sicily.

Eleanor Lightbody said in a statement: "I am devastated to hear the news about our founding investor, Mike Lynch, and all of those involved in this tragic accident.

"Mike was a visionary unlike any other. He had a unique ability to spot the next technological revolution and solve tomorrow's challenges before others even knew they were coming.

"Beyond that, it was his connection to people that made him special. He had a steadfast belief in the UK's technology sector, in our incredible academic institutions, and in the talent he took the time to spot and nurture, regardless of background or discipline.

"Above all, Mike was a kind man who had an impact on many and will be sorely missed. I feel honoured to have known him, worked with him and learnt from him over the years.

"The UK has lost someone with the means, authority, knowledge and drive to propel the UK into technological leadership, but his legacy will live on in all of the extraordinary businesses he built and mentored, as well as his family who are in my thoughts."

Family friend says his ‘life was enriched’ by spending time with Mike Lynch

A family friend has said spending time with Mike Lynch left him feeling his “life was enriched by the experience”.

In a statement issued on his behalf to The Independent , Patrick Jacob said: “Mike’s ability to identify and solve complex problems was phenomenal as was his ability to simplify and explain them.

“As a friend, Mike was never dull and always ready for a lively debate on almost any topic conducted with intelligence and convivial vigour.

“He could be challenging and direct, but I never came away from seeing him without feeling my life was enriched by the experience.”

Mr Lynch called the ‘Steve Jobs of Britain’ by co-founder

Mike Lynch’s co-founder has called him a “human supercomputer” and the “Steve Jobs of Britain”.

David Tabizel, who co-founded Autonomy with Mr Lynch, told the BBC the British tech tycoon “loved having his brain lit up”, describing him as a great polymath who had an inquisitive mind.

Praising his loyalty to his friends, Mr Tabizel said Mr Lynch had “an amazing gift to get to the nub of things, to get to the truth ... He was a child. At the same time, he was a moral giant ... He was certainly the brightest person I’ve ever met. To me he’s the Steve Jobs of Britain.

“I miss him. I loved him.”

Mr Tabizel also said Mr Lynch had endured “an unjust legal interruption” and that it was tragic he had died “just when he was about to reclaim his status and his position in society”.

He said: “It feels a bit like the Post Office scandal ... Just because a group of people are being accused, doesn’t mean they are guilty.”

Judith Bloomer described as a ‘champion for women’s health'

Judith Bloomer has been described as a “champion for women’s health” following her tragic death on board the Bayesian superyacht in Sicily.

For more than 20 years, she was a supporter of the gynaecological cancer research charity the Eve Appeal, both as trustee and committee member, the charity said.

Its chief executive Athena Lamnisos called Ms Bloomer "our very dear friend".

The appeal added that she was a "champion for women's health, medical research and all that the Eve Appeal stands for".

Ms Bloomer was educated at Homerton College, Cambridge, where she studied English language and literature, and started her career as a teacher.

She later worked as a psychotherapist for nearly 30 years, specialising in anxiety and stress.

She was also a former director of property developer Change Real Estate, a property firm in Bristol which was founded by Mr Bloomer.

Sally Bailey, a former chairwoman of charity Pilot Light, wrote that Ms Bloomer was a "wonderful friend" to the Eve Appeal, and "a kind and caring person".

In pictures: Fourth day of search of Bayesian wreck as Hannah Lynch still missing

Jonathan bloomer was a ‘giant in financial services’, says hargreaves lansdown.

Investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown paid tribute to Jonathan Bloomer, who was previously a board director at the firm, as a “giant in financial services”.

The group said: “We are all deeply saddened by this tragic event.

“Jonathan was a giant in financial services, and we remember him fondly at Hargreaves Lansdown as someone who made a major impact on the business with his wealth of experience when he served on the board from 2006-2013 including as our senior independent director.

“We in the Hargreaves Lansdown family will miss him and our thoughts go out to his loved ones, as well as those of the others lost in this awful disaster.”

Insurance group Hiscox chief ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ by Bloomers’ deaths

The chief executive of insurance group Hiscox has responded to the deaths of Jonathan and Judy Bloomer.

Aki Hussain said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by Jonathan and Judy’s tragic deaths.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to their family and friends at this devastating time.

“It was a privilege to have known Jonathan and to have benefited from his generosity and wisdom over the last year in his role as chair of Hiscox.

“His deep experience across our industry and in the broader business arena, combined with his personal values, made him both an excellent chair and a person I was proud to know and work with.

“His advice and support were immensely valuable to me, and he will be dearly missed.”

Morgan Stanley chief praises Jonathan Bloomer’s ‘spirit of kindness’

The chief executive of Morgan Stanley has paid tribute to Jonathan Bloomer, the bank’s international chairman, following his death in the sinking of a luxury yacht in Sicily.

Ted Pick said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic news.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Bloomer family and all those affected by this tragedy.

“Jonathan’s leadership and experience helped the firm manage a period of complex change for our international businesses.

“He has been a friend and mentor to many and we will all greatly miss his wise counsel and spirit of kindness.”

Tributes paid to Mike Lynch after tech mogul’s death confirmed

Figures from the business and technology sectors have paid tribute to Mike Lynch after the tech mogul’s death was confirmed on Thursday.

Mr Lynch was confirmed to have died aged 59 after a luxury yacht, Bayesian, sank off the coast of Sicily.

He was the creator of software giant Autonomy , which grew to become one of the most prominent tech firms on the planet.

Alex Daniel reports:

Mike Lynch had ‘most brilliant mind’ and was ‘most caring person', says close friend

Mike Lynch has been described as having “the most brilliant mind” and being “the most caring person” by a close friend and colleague.

Andrew Kanter told the BBC: “Over nearly a quarter century I had the privilege of working beside someone unrivalled in their understanding of technology and business."

He added: “There is simply no other UK technology entrepreneur of our generation who has had such an impact on so many people. His passion for life, knowledge and all those around him was instantly inspiring to everyone he met, and he will be sorely missed."

Mike Lynch ‘considered selling Bayesian’ in months leading up to deadly Sicily trip

British technology entrepreneur Mike Lynch considered selling his superyacht the Bayesian in the months leading up to the deadly trip to Sicily, it has been revealed.

Mr Lynch put the £30 million sailboat up for sale in March but later changed his mind after he was acquitted of fraud, industry sources told The Telegraph . He reportedly withdrew it from the market four months later and was going to review the decision in autumn after enjoying the summer on board.

Family pay tribute to ‘incredible’ Jonathan and Judy Bloomer

The family of Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy have described them as "incredible people and an inspiration to many" following their deaths in the sinking of the luxury yacht in Sicily.

In a statement issued on Thursday, they said: “We are grieving for our loved ones and all of those affected by the tragedy.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the emergency services and everyone who helped tirelessly in this rescue operation.

“Our parents were incredible people and an inspiration to many, but first and foremost they were focused on and loved their family and spending time with their new grandchildren.

“Together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now.

“This is an unimaginable grief to shoulder. Our only ask is that our family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

BBC director-general praises Mr Lynch as ‘wise, generous and insightful'

Tim Davie, BBC director-general, has paid tribute after the death of technology mogul Mike Lynch.

He said: “We are deeply saddened by the awful news about the deaths of those aboard the Bayesian yacht.

“Mike Lynch was an outstanding BBC director who made a major contribution during his time on the board, from 2007 to 2012.

“Wise, generous and insightful, he played a particularly key role in accelerating our transformation as a digital organisation.

“Our thoughts are with his family and all others involved.”

British Library describes Mr Lynch as ‘thoughtful, perceptive and supportive’ in tribute

Responding to the death of Mike Lynch, the chief executive of the British Library said the technology mogul was “thoughtful, perceptive and supportive”.

Mr Lynch previously served on the board of several prominent institutions, including the British Library and the BBC, and was a trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sir Roly Keating said: “Mike’s extraordinary understanding of technology, combined with his passion for the British Library’s mission to share knowledge, made him an invaluable member of our board.

“He was thoughtful, perceptive and supportive, and will be deeply missed by all of us who worked with him in his time here.”

Who is Hannah Lynch? British tech tycoon’s teenage daughter at centre of Bayesian search

Read the full article here:

Hannah Lynch still missing, Italian official says

Mike Lynch’s daughter Hannah remains missing after the Bayesian yacht capsized and sank on Monday morning, an Italian government official has said.

Her tech tycoon father’s body was recovered from the vessel on Thursday morning and brought ashore.

Massimo Mariani, an interior ministry official, added that she may be inside the wreck or could have been tossed into the sea as the boat sank.

Cancer Research pay tribute to Mike Lynch

The chief executive of Cancer Research UK has added to the tributes paid to Mike Lynch after confirmation of his death on Thursday.

Michelle Mitchell said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mike Lynch and all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

“Together with his wife, Angela, Mike was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK and a member of the board for our Create the Change campaign, which funded the building of the Francis Crick Institute.

“His support has helped to bring leading scientists together under one roof to tackle the biggest health challenges faced by humankind, including cancer.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to all the families affected.”

Mike Lynch’s death like a ‘Shakespearean era tragedy'

The timing of Mike Lynch’s death has been likened to a Shakespearean tragedy by his friend.

Brent Hoberman, the lastminute.com founder and friend of Mr Lynch, told BBC: “It’s very tragic and the timing is of a Shakespearean era tragedy.”

Mr Hoberman added: “He had just worked hard to clear his name for the last 12 years and was on a celebratory cruise with the people who supported him so much through that really tough time.”

Mike Lynch’s business co-founder pays tribute

Mike Lynch’s Autonomy co-founder David Tabizel has paid tribute to him, saying “the world has lost a genius”.

In a post on social media site X, he said: “It looks like we’ve lost our dear Dr Mike Lynch. RIP. The world has lost a genius. His family have lost a giant of a man.”

Seven key unanswered questions around the sinking of the Bayesian

With the Bayesian lying on her side 50 metres underneath the now gentle waters of the Mediterranean, mystery still surrounds how the 56-metre superyacht, sank in the typhoon off the port of Porticello.

Remotely controlled underwater vehicles and cave divers are looking to raise the yacht , which experts will examine in the coming days. For now, the focus is on finding the final sixth passenger since the yacht went down in the early hours of Monday 19 August.

Four bodies were recovered from the vessel on Wednesday, with the fifth brought to shore on Thursday morning. They have now been identified as British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo.

Everything we know about the sunk luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily

Mike Lynch was ‘ready to start again’ after decade-long legal battle

The former cabinet minister Lord Deben told Times Radio on Wednesday that his friend Mike Lynch was at the “beginning of a new life” after being acquitted in a major fraud trial.

“He came back to be ready to start again. He made such a contribution to Britain. His companies have put British IT in the forefront, and he was going to do it again, and we pray that he can do it again,” the former Conservative MP said.

Paying tribute to his family, he added: “The daughters did so much for him, and yet, at the same time, achieved so much in their own work. The younger one [Hannah] getting into Oxford; the older one completing studies with very considerable aplomb.

“All that going on while still being there for him and supporting him and understanding that they could give to him what no one else could. So for that family to be torn apart in this way is really terribly sad.”

Everything we know so far about the search for Mike Lynch and the Bayesian superyacht sinking in Sicily

The identities of five bodies found inside the wreck of the luxury superyacht Bayesian have now been confirmed, and include British technology tycoon Mike Lynch.

Also confirmed dead is Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo, all of whom were aboard when the boat sank in a severe storm off the coast of Sicily.

Mr Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah remains missing, with search efforts resuming on Thursday morning and Salvatore Concina, the head of Sicily’s civil protection agency, saying it remained their “priority” to find her.

What is a waterspout?

Social media users posted video of waterspouts off the coast of Italy on the same day the Bayesian sank , and in the days before the tragic incident. Video posted online on Monday also showed the superyacht being engulfed in storm conditions.

“The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), which is almost 3 degrees more than normal. This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms,” climatologist Luca Mercalli, president of the Italian meteorological society, said.

“So we can’t say that this is all due to climate change, but we can say that it has an amplifying effect,” he added.

Mercalli said that a waterspout or a downburst, a more frequent phenomenon that doesn’t involve the rotation of the air, could have been the cause of the sunken yacht.

A waterspout is a column of air and water mist, and there are two types - tornadic and fair weather. Tornadic waterspounds have the ability to form over water, or start on land and then move over water. They have the same qualities as a land tornado -- also taking a ropelike structure -- and can be just as destructive.

Waterspouts are often associated with severe thunderstorms and accompanied by high winds and seas. All thunderstorms have the potential to produce tornadoes.

Rescuers would need a ‘crystal ball’ to predict recovery of sixth person

Emergency workers are unable to predict if and when the sixth person, believed to be Mike Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, would be discovered.

Luca Cari, spokesperson for the fire rescue service, told Sky News : “We would need a crystal ball to know when we’ll be able to find the next body.

“It’s very difficult to move inside the wreckage. Moving just one metre can take up to 24 hours.”

Obtaining witness testimony is key, says maritime investigator

A maritime investigator has said that obtaining witness testimony as quickly as possible will be key for the authorities.

James Wilkes said investigators will want to speak to those who survived or saw the sinking “while the memories are fresh in their mind”.

“A lot of the other information can be collected a bit more slowly,” he told Sky News.

“Fortunately, 15 people survived. I’d like to explore the circumstances in which they were able to survive the storm and the sinking, to look at the anomalies and and work out the difference between those and the people that sadly didn’t survive and combine it all with technical data and simulation,” he said.

Italian fire service share updated on search operation

The Italian fire service has shared an update on social media after the fifth body was recovered from the Bayesian and brought ashore.

Posting on X, Vigili del Fuoco shared a picture of their equipment alongside the caption: “The dives in the sea began in the early hours of the morning and continue for the search and recovery of the last missing person.”

“The body of the fifth victim was recovered and brought ashore by the divers,” they added.

Raising sunken yacht a future possibility says Italian Coastguard

A decision on whether to raise the sunken yacht from the seabed is “not on the agenda” but “will be”, a spokesman from the Italian Coastguard has said.

Vincenzo Zagarola told the PA news agency: “This is not a topic on the agenda.

“It will be, but not now.”

He also said that the Italian Coastguard’s working theory is still that the missing woman is inside the boat.

Lynch made a ‘powerful contribution to science'

The chairman of the Francis Crick Institute has described Mike Lynch as a “human being of great ability”, following confirmation on Thursday of the technology mogul’s death.

Mr Lynch was a member of the Create The Change fundraising board, set up by Cancer Research UK and which helped fund the building of the institute.

Lord John Browne said: “Mike Lynch should be remembered as the person who catalysed a breed of deep tech entrepreneurs in the UK.

“His ideas and his personal vision were a powerful contribution to science and technology in both Britain and globally.

“I send my condolences to those close to him. We have lost a human being of great ability.”

Divers in search operation facing ‘huge amounts of psychological stress’

Divers who have been retrieving the bodies of Mike Lynch and his companions will be under huge mental pressure, a former Royal Navy submarine captain has said.

“It’s been exceptionally stressful for them both mentally and physically,” Ryan Ramsey told Sky News.

“If you take into account the pressures that they’re operating under, those are considerable.

“It’s dark. It’s a platform that they’ve never been inside before, and they’re having to recover bodies. That’s huge amounts of psychological stress for those for those divers.”

Search efforts have been hampered by debris and furniture blocking the narrow spaces in the yacht, as well as divers only having a 10-minute window to search the vessel each time.

Ambulance carrying fifth body leaves Porticello harbour

Tech group pay tribute to ‘pioneering’ mike lynch.

Technology industry group TechUK has paid tribute to Mike Lynch following his death.

A spokesperson said: “Mike Lynch was a hugely significant and pioneering figure in the UK technology sector.

“Our hearts go out to all of the families and friends who have been impacted by these tragic events.”

The 22 people on board the Bayesian and how they were celebrating after years of court battles

British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among the people initially unaccounted for after his superyacht Bayesian sank in a storm off the coast of Sicily in the early hours of Monday.

On Thursday morning, Italian authorities confirmed the identities of five bodies found inside the luxury vessel, after a three-day operation that has seen divers carefully navigating their way into the cabin bedrooms.

After a decade-long legal battle which had seen him extradited to the US to face an $11bn fraud case, Mr Lynch had celebrated by inviting his close friends, colleagues and those who helped him on his legal team aboard his boat as a gesture of gratitude.

The 22 people on board the Bayesian and how they were celebrating after court battles

Royal Academy of Engineering sends ‘profound condolences’ to Lynch family

The Royal Academy of Engineering has paid tribute to its “mentor, donor and former council member” Mike Lynch following his death in the luxury yacht disaster off Sicily.

In a statement, the academy said: “The trustee board, fellows and staff of the Royal Academy of Engineering are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike Lynch, and send our profound condolences to his family.

“Mike became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 and we have fond memories of the active role he played in the past as a mentor, donor and former council member.

“He was also one of the inaugural members on the enterprise committee.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

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Coastguard fears bodies of Mike Lynch and five others are trapped in yacht

The Bayesian was moored around half-a-mile off the coast of Porticello when it sank at around 5am local time on Monday.

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British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and five others are feared to have died, with their bodies trapped inside a luxury yacht which sank in a tornado.

Vincenzo Zagarola of the Italian Coastguard said this was the working theory of officials on Sicily because it is believed the boat sank quickly and search and rescue efforts by sea and air have so far delivered no results.

He told the PA news agency: “We think they are still inside the boat, that is our very hard idea.

“Our search and rescue activity by sea and air has gone on for around 36 hours.

“Of course, we do not exclude that they are not inside the boat, but we know the boat sank quickly.

“We suppose that the six people missing may not have had time to get out of the boat.”

Asked about the likelihood of them being alive, he replied: “Never say never, but reasonably the answer should be not.”

Bayesian was moored around half-a-mile off the coast of Porticello when it sank at around 5am local time on Monday as the area was hit by a storm.

The missing tourists are: Mr Lynch; his daughter, Hannah Lynch; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Italy’s fire brigade Vigili del Fuoco said it is developing a plan to enter the wreckage of Bayesian, which is resting on the seabed off the coast at a depth of 50 metres.

It described the operation as “complex”, with divers limited to 12-minute underwater shifts.

A spokesperson for Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, west London, where Hannah Lynch was a former pupil, said in a statement: “We are all incredibly shocked by the news that Hannah and her father are among those missing in this tragic incident and our thoughts are with their family and everyone involved as we await further updates.”

Fifteen of the 22 passengers and crew onboard – including Mr Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares – were rescued after escaping onto a lifeboat.

On Tuesday, an inflated orange lifeboat was docked at the harbour near where search crews are being dispatched.

One body, reportedly belonging to the ship’s chef, was recovered at the scene of the sinking on Monday.

Mr Lynch, who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was cleared in June of conducting a massive fraud relating to an 11 billion US dollar (£8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard.

The boat trip was a celebration of his acquittal.

The Financial Times reported that Mr Bloomer appeared at trial as a defence witness for Mr Lynch, while media reports suggest the pair are close friends.

A spokesperson for Morgan Stanley said the bank was “shocked and saddened” while Clifford Chance said it was a “tragic incident”.

Ed Llewellyn, British ambassador to Italy, met some of the survivors of the sinking at a hotel.

He said: “I’ve spoken to some of the British survivors both yesterday and today – I want to express my deep sympathy from myself and colleagues at the British embassy for what’s happened.

“We’re doing what we can to support them in this incredibly sad and difficult situation to help them with contacts from the Italian authorities at a practical level.”

Ayla Ronald, a New Zealand national working at Clifford Chance, survived the ordeal.

Her father Lin Ronald confirmed to the Telegraph she had been invited aboard as a thanks for assistance in Mr Lynch’s recent court case.

“I have texted my daughter and she hasn’t given me any updates about missing personnel or saved personnel. She has only said that there are deaths and she and her partner are alive,” he said.

“Ayla is a lawyer who is part of the legal team that were invited to go sailing as a result of the success in the recent United States court case.”

One of the survivors, British tourist Charlotte Emsley, told la Repubblica she held her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, to stop her from drowning.

Charlotte and Sofia were treated in hospital, as was Sofia’s father, James Emsley.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors have been deployed to Palermo.

Mr Lynch’s co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain died after being hit by a car while out running in Cambridgeshire on Saturday.

In a statement released through Cambridgeshire Police, Mr Chamberlain’s family said: “Steve was a much-loved husband, father, son, brother and friend.

“He was an amazing individual whose only goal in life was to help others in any way possible.”

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COMMENTS

  1. The 20 Most Expensive Yachts In the World

    The first billion-dollar yacht on our list is the "Streets of Monaco". By far one of the most impressive and expensive yachts in the world, once finished, the Streets of Monaco is going to be a 509-foot mega yacht, designed to feature miniature versions of some of Monaco's and Monte Carlos most renowned landmarks. ... There have since ...

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    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.

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    Price: $1.5 billion. This is the world's most expensive private yacht, designed by Terence Disdale and built by Blohm+Voss. With a length of 533 feet, it is the second-largest yacht in the world. Its unique features are the bulletproof windows in the main bedroom, intruder alarms, missile detection system, and armor plating.

  9. Most Expensive Yachts In The World: Top Contenders In 2023

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  12. The 20 Most Expensive Yachts

    The world's most expensive yacht is the History Supreme, which is worth $4.8 billion. The History Supreme is a 100-foot superyacht that took three years to build using 22,000 pounds (10,000 kilograms) of solid gold and platinum.

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    The smaller yacht features a helicopter landing pad - Bezos' girlfriend, TV host Lauren Sanchez, is a trained helicopter pilot. The main yacht is unable to support its own helipad due to the three ...

  17. The World's Largest Luxury Yacht is priced at $1 Billion

    The world's largest luxury yacht is Eclipse, owned by Russian billionaire and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, an amazing 536 ft-long yacht which is 5 ft longer than Dubai, the previous yacht which hold the record for the world's largest boat.Eclipse features eleven luxurious guest cabins with 6 ft home cinema screens each and breathtaking amenities, two swimming pools, a disco hall and ...

  18. World's biggest superyacht: The billion dollar limit?

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  21. The World's Most Expensive Yachts Available for Charter in 2024

    Boasting a wealth of amenities, highly-trained crew and unmistakable Feadship pedigree, the 97m (317ft) superyacht FAITH is one of the finest yachts in the fleet and supremely worthy of her charter price tag. Delivered in 2017, and refitted in 2022, this award-winning yacht is brimming with crowd-pleasing features.

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    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 ...

  23. Inside The Most Expensive Yacht Ever Sold

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    12 guests occupied the yacht's six cabins. There were also 10 crew members. Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic ... Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his ...

  25. Just weeks before Sicily yacht disaster Mike Lynch was finally ...

    Just weeks before Sicily yacht disaster Mike Lynch was finally acquitted in a years-long multi-billion dollar fraud case Katie Hawkinson August 20, 2024 at 12:34 PM · 5 min read

  26. Tributes paid to Mike Lynch and daughter Hannah after deaths in yacht

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    Friends have paid tribute to the "brilliant" Mike Lynch and his "fiercely intelligent" 18-year-old daughter after the pair were confirmed to have died in a luxury yacht sinking. Mr Lynch and his daughter Hannah were among seven people who died after the Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily early on Monday morning.

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  30. Coastguard fears bodies of Mike Lynch and five others are trapped in yacht

    Coastguard fears bodies of Mike Lynch and five others are trapped in yacht. ... who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was cleared in June of conducting a massive fraud relating to an 11 billion US dollar (£8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard. ... She has only said that there are deaths and she and her partner are alive ...