Being an undeniable attribute of well-of lifestyle, yachts and superyachts are often deployed by movie directors to act as a part of their stage set. Yacht Harbour lists some of the most memorable superyacht appearances in movies and TV series.
#1. M3 (ex. Lady M)
Builder: Intermarine (2002)
LOA: 44.8 m
Movie: ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)
The superyacht was built by US yard Intermarine in 2002 with in-house exteriors and interiors designed by Daniella Speicht. With a beam of 8.53 metres and a draft of 2.4 metres, M3 can accommodate 10 guests across 5 cabins, including a master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 2 doubles and 1 twin.
She is powered by Caterpillar engines of 2,250 hp each for a top speed of 18 knots and cruising speed of 15 knots.
The vessel got a crucial role in one of the most successful movies of 2013, ’The Wolf of Wall Street’ by Martin Scorsese, where Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed a stockbroker Jordon Belfort.
According to the plot, Jordan Belfort splashes out on the luxury yacht he names Naomi after his second wife, followed by a famous scene with raining ‘fun coupons’. What is more, later the film takes a disastrous shift when the superyacht sinks in a storm between Porto Cervo and Capri. The scene closely mirrored Belfort’s real-life yachting disaster in 1997.
Meanwhile, the vessel is currently listed for sale asking $12,495,000. What is more, she is available for charter from €112,500 per week, all via Ocean Independence.
#2. Kismet
Builder: Lurssen (2014)
LOA: 95.2m
Movie: ‘Six Underground’ (2019)
Kismet has been filmed in the forthcoming Michael Bay’s movie ‘Six Underground,’ which has already won the record of the biggest Netflix production. Shooting in Taranto (Italy), the streaming company invested USD 150 million on the realisation of the action film, that starred Ryan Reynolds, Melanie Laurent, Dave Franco, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Adria Arjona and Corey Hawkins.
A party scene with around eighty guests and some other scenes were shot on-board. Meanwhile, the city has already been the protagonist of several action scenes and an explosion right next to the yacht.
95-metre superyacht, Kismet was built in 2014 by Lurssen and is owned by Shadid Khan, Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon, who is also the owner of the Fulham FC and Jacksonville Jaguars. The yacht's interior has been designed by Reymond Langton Design and her exterior styling is by Espen Oeino.
Kismet is stretching over five decks, designed with corporate entertainment and charter in mind, thus suitable for parties of up to 270 guests. As an innovative feature, Kismet boasts video walls, extending up to two decks high, able to show regular television but programmed to display high-definition moving artwork.
Kismet is available for charter from € 1,200,000 per week via Moran Yacht & Ship.
#3. Sarastar
Builder: Mondomarine (2017)
LOA: 60.2m
Movie: ‘Murder Mystery’ (2019)
Photo by Raphael Belly
60-metre superyacht Sarastar came to small screens this year, as she has one of the leading roles in a movie, alongside with Hollywood superstars - Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Luke Evans. All together, they have appeared in a mystery-comedy for Netflix called ‘Murder Mystery’. The plot develops over a married couple who are caught up in a murder investigation on a billionaire's yacht.
Built in 2017 by Italian yard Mondomarine and designed by Luca Dini inside out, Sarastar represents a sportive and elegant vessel capable of reaching a maximum speed of 19.5 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots.
One of the main characteristics of the yacht is her completely closed forward area in which the garage is located. The tenders are hidden under a flush bridge that can be used as helipad, sunbathing area for guests or dance floor. Another key feature is represented by the stairs that lead one from the sundeck directly to the side of the wheelhouse. Sarastar can sleep up to 12 guests in a master suite and 5 double staterooms.
The vessel is currently on sale asking € 50,000,000, and available for charter from € 327,600 per week via Burgess.
The 40-metre Sunseeker superyacht made a star appearance in the ‘Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie,’ where Edina (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley) are seen sipping Champagne on Thumper’ sundeck cruising the coast of Cannes.
One of the largest Sunseeker deliveries, Thumper features exterior design by Sunseeker and bespoke interiors by HPM. With a single master cabin, two doubles and a twin, Thumper can house up to ten guests, with an attendant crew of 9.
One of the key rooms on-board is the yacht’s main salon decorated with bespoke furniture and especially commissioned artwork, complemented by a bar. The yacht’s interiors are highlighted through the use of leather, pale timbers, and semi-precious stone.
The vessel is currently on sale asking €11,970,000, and available for charter from €155,000 per week via Camper and Nicholsons.
#5. Usher
Builder: Delta Marine (2007)
LOA: 46.94m
Movie: ‘Entourage’ (2015)
The 47-metre superyacht by US builder Delta Marine was featured in the opening scene of the movie ‘Entourage’, which was a continuation of the HBO TV series of the same name. In the scene, a movie star Vincent Chase, together with other leading characters appear surrounded by a crowd of models when a huge party on-board Usher finishes.
Usher was built by Delta Marine in 2007. She is designed from the outside by Delta Design Group, who also worked on her engineering, complemented by Polynesian interior styling by Juan-Carlos Espinosa.
Offering accommodation for 12 guests across 5 cabins, Usher is trademarked with a sundeck Jacuzzi and wet bar, underwater camera on the stern, a fishing cockpit and a beach platform with a hydraulically-operated swim ladder. With a beam of 8.94 metres and a draft of 2.29 metres, she has a GRP hull and superstructure. Her top speed makes 22 knots, with a cruising speed of 20 knots.
Movie fans hoping to recreate the opening scene could charter Usher from $200,000 per week, as of 2015.
Helios 2, formerly known as Anson Bell, was built by a renowned US yard Palmer Johnson in 2002. The superyacht appeared in the Oscar-winning geopolitical thriller ‘Syriana’ with George Clooney and Matt Damon. This vessel was deployed for depiction of wealthy lifestyle of Middle Eastern Princes.
Helios 2 features interior design by Ramsey Engler and exterior styling by Sparkman & Stephens. She has aluminium hull and superstructure, along with a state of the art stabilisation system. With a cruising speed of 12 knots, she reaches her maximum speed at 14.8 knots and boasts a range of 4,000 nautical miles.
Extensively refitted in 2006, the superyacht can sleep up to 12 guests across a master suite, two double staterooms and two twins. Additional amenities include a wide assortment of water toys, exercise equipment, large tender, shade for alfresco dining, multiple areas for sunbathing and a Jacuzzi.
Helios 2 is available for charter from $ 175,000.
#7. S/Y Aria I (ex. Regina)
Builder: Med Yachts (2011)
LOA: 56m
Movie: ‘Skyfall’ (2012)
Naturally, no list of the best superyachts seen in films can be complete without mentioning Britain’s most famous spy, James Bond. The franchise has featured numerous yachts over the years, with priority given to UK builder Sunseeker, which yachts hold the record on number of their appearances in the series.
Still, many viewers would definitely remember the impressive debut of the sailing superyacht Aria I in ‘Skyfall’ episode. In the movie, Aria I acted as a setting when James Bond was sailing to villian Raoul Silva's hideaway, Hashima Island, about 9 miles off the Japanese Coast in the East China Sea.
The steel schooner features exterior design by Ayberk Apaydin and interiors by Aylin Ors. She is powered by MAN engines of 440 hp each for a top speed of 12 knots. Aria I can accommodate 12 guests across 6 cabins.
The yacht is available for charter through IYC from €65,000, flying the Greek flag with full permits to cruise to the Greek islands from her home port in Piraeus.
The superyacht appeared in espionage thriller ‘The Bourne Identity’, the very first film of the Bourne trilogy. During a few flashbacks of Jason Bourne aboard White Knight, there are a few shots of her interiors to be witnessed, right before Bourne jumps off the yacht and floats away in the ocean after being shot.
Built in 1985 by Astillero Jorge R Chediek and fully refitted in 2000, White Knight is a classic displacement yacht that can accommodate up to 12 guests. Her exteriors were developed by Jorge R. Chediek and Aldo Viani, complemented with interiors by Katia Corfini. The superyacht is featured with exceptionally spacious deck areas with al fresco dining, alongside a variety of water sports equipment, like the Taipan III.
White Knight is powered by General Motors engines of 1325 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
Very eye catching and one of the fastest vessels in the world, Galeocerdo made an appearance in American science fiction thriller ‘The Island’. Onboard the superyacht, the main characters Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor) and Jordan Two Delta (Scarlett Johansson) sailing away in the sunset after finally being freed.
The vessel was built by Wally in 2003. Her most impressive highlight is her capability of a maximum speed of 65 knots, along with cruising speed of 45 knots, thanks to by engines of 5600 hp and a composite hull and superstructure. At the same time, her maximum range is estimated at 1500 nautical miles.
Galeocerdo offers accommodation for up to 6 guests across 3 cabins, with interiors by Lazzarini Pickering and exteriors by Wally in-house team.
Last but definitely not the least, the 86-metre superyacht Kingdom 5KR starred in another James Bond movie, ‘Never say never again’. In the movie, the vessel was seen as Flying Saucer, the floating base of arch-villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
Kingdom 5KR was launched by Benetti in 1980 and as the yard’s flagship and the world's 8th largest superyacht. She was designed by Luigi Sturchio and originally named Nabila, remaining Benetti’s largest vessel until the 2016 launch of the 90-metre Lionheart.
Initially constructed for a Saudi billionaire who shortly ran into financial problems afterwards, the yacht is particularly famous for once being owned by the current President of the USA, Donald Trump. Back in 1987, the politician acquired the vessel for reported $29 million. Trump had Sultan renamed Trump Princess. In 1991, Trump Princess was sold to Prince Al-Waleed for $19 million who renamed the yacht to Kingdom 5KR.
The superyacht features five decks, a disco, a cinema with seats for 12 and 2 double beds, 11 opulent suites, a helipad on top (its funnels are sloped outward to avoid interference with the helicopters), a pool with a water jet on top in front of the heliport, 2 Riva tenders, a crew of 48, a top speed of 20 knots, and cruising speed of 17.5 knots.
Cantieri di Pisa's CdP Custom Division has announced the sale of a 37.50-meter explorer yacht, featuring a steel hull and composite superstructure. Designed and engineered by Marcelo Penna, this vessel offers accommodation for six guests and four crew members, with interiors designed for comfort and ample light-filled outdoor spaces. Key features include a well-equipped galley, a hot tub, an owner’s terrace, a spacious beach club, a massage room, and two side terraces. Parallel to launching three new yacht lines, Cantieri di Pisa is advancing its CdP Custom Division. “This sale marks a significant milestone for our CdP Custom Division,” said Marco Massabò, CEO of the shipyard under the ownership of Enrico Gennasio. “We are pleased with the swift completion of this sale, thanks to the collaboration of our sales and engineering teams. The yacht is set to launch by summer 2026.”At 37.50 meters in length and 8.15 meters in beam, the explorer sold to a French owner features a steel hull and a composite superstructure crafted using advanced vacuum technology. This reduces tonnage and lowers the center of gravity, enhancing propulsion efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. It also has a spacious garage midships with a side-launching system for a 6.5-meter tender and wave runners. The well-appointed galley, pantries, fridge and freezer areas, and a high-capacity laundry ensure comfort for long cruises, supported by generous storage compartments on all four decks.Designed for cruising in various latitudes and suitable for chartering, the yacht is equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems. The owner’s suite on the main deck includes a private terrace, while a full-beam VIP cabin and four guest cabins are on the lower deck. The captain’s cabin, situated on the bridge deck, is adjacent to the wheelhouse. Additionally, a massage room on the upper deck can serve as an extra single cabin.Marcelo Penna, the project's designer, noted, “This explorer is tailored for an expert owner, offering sustainability through a hybrid battery pack and generators that power hotel services at anchor. This ensures compliance with stringent environmental regulations.”Powered by two 1,000 HP MAN V8 engines, the yacht achieves a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots, with a range of 2,600 nautical miles. The engines meet the highest environmental standards (IMO III Epa Tier IV), and the hybrid battery pack provides additional power and silent operation during nighttime anchorage.The yacht will carry Bureau Veritas Charter class certification. Yachts Invest represented the shipyard in the sale, while AB Yacht represented the owner. AB Yacht commented, “The buyer chose Cantieri di Pisa for their uncompromising quality. This modern hybrid vessel, suitable for chartering, will set a new benchmark in the motor yacht market.”Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
July 26, 2024
Espen Øino, renowned for designing some of the world's most notable superyachts, has turned his attention to a smaller scale with Hodgdon's latest limousine tenders.The new limousine models, designed by Øino, measure between 9 and 11 meters and feature sleek, contemporary profiles. Both models share a streamlined hull design and can be configured with either a forward or aft helm. The helm's position affects the layout: a forward helm allows for a spacious aft deck, while an aft helm creates space in the bow for a plush lounge and a boarding ramp for beach access.The cabin boasts a retracting glass roof and large integrated windows, ensuring ample natural light and 360-degree views. The interior includes upholstered seating for up to eight passengers, with four additional seats in the bow lounge on one model and two captain’s chairs at the helm on both.In terms of propulsion, the tenders can be equipped with single or twin engines. Although Hodgdon has not disclosed specific details about propulsion options, speed, or range, the company’s existing lineup indicates robust performance. For instance, Hodgdon’s Mini Venetian Limousine, powered by a Volvo D3-220 diesel engine, can cruise 250 kilometers at 32.5 knots and reach a top speed of 35 knots.With these new limousine tenders, Espen Øino and Hodgdon combine luxury and performance in a sleek, modern package, offering a stylish and efficient option for superyacht owners seeking high-quality tenders for their maritime adventures.Hodgdon Yachts founded in Boothbay, Maine, in 1816, has a legacy of delivering over 440 vessels across two centuries. Known for high-quality, advanced composite construction, the family-owned company offers a variety of tenders, including limousine, beachlander, and open styles, along with fully custom runabouts tailored to specific owner requirements.Credits: Hodgdon Yachts
July 26, 2024
Heesen has unveiled Project Agnetha, a 55-meter steel class motor yacht with a profile designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. The yacht's exterior features a modern, assertive design with horizontal lines that enhance its visual length, broad expanses of tinted glass on the main and upper decks, and a distinctive 'shark tooth' motif on the wheelhouse overhang. The design eliminates the need for fashion plates, resulting in a pillar-free superstructure aft, which enhances the yacht's indoor/outdoor flow and offers unobstructed sea views from nearly every vantage point on board, including the sky lounge.Mark Cavendish, Heesen CCO, comments: "The Heesen 55-meter Steel Class is constantly evolving, and Project Agnetha is the result. The beauty of buying this kind of superyacht is that the shipyard has taken care of all the technical aspects and has perfected the platform, incorporating in-depth feedback from our constant dialogue with brokers, owners, and captains. So when clients join the project, they can enjoy the fun part of building a superyacht, focusing on all those details that will make the yacht truly theirs."Project Agnetha accommodates twelve guests across six opulent staterooms, including a spacious owners' stateroom on the main deck forward, with separate his and hers dressing rooms and bathrooms, and a veranda on the starboard side, four guest cabins on the lower deck, and a VIP suite on the bridge deck. This layout makes the Heesen 55-meter class perfect for charters and clients who prefer multiple cabins.The interior, designed by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, focuses on creating a cosy and traditional atmosphere that radiates warmth and hospitality. Using a palette of warm tones, the design wraps guests in a feeling of comfort and familiarity, making Project Agnetha an ideal sanctuary for those who like to spend extended periods on their yachts.Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, comments: "The Heesen 55-meter Steel Class represents the best example of intelligent superyacht construction. Over the past decade, we have focused on excellence and have achieved it, developing and refining the platform while optimising our supply chain and creating strategic collaborations with suppliers. This approach means we can deliver unparalleled benefits to our clients, including shortened delivery timelines, extensive personalisation, and – of course – Dutch craftsmanship of the highest standard."Vaessen elaborates, "Heesen has always been at the forefront of innovation in superyacht construction. We were pioneers in speculative build projects, beginning this transformative journey in the early 2000s with the highly successful 37-meter series and subsequently expanded the portfolio to include the 44, 47, and 50-meter yachts. Today, we are global leaders in the 50 to 57-meter segment. It's a testament to our bold and strategic commercial vision."Photo by Ruben GriffioenThe engineering of Project Agnetha is equally impressive, with an ultra-efficient Fast Displacement hull and two MTU8V4000 M63 (IMO Tier III) engines, enabling a top speed of 15.5 knots. The yacht is designed for safe navigation in all sea conditions, making it a quintessential go-anywhere blue-water motor yacht.Project Agnetha, where modern elegance meets superior performance, is available for delivery in Q2 2025.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
July 26, 2024
U-Boat Worx, a leading manufacturer of personal and commercial submarines, has announced a significant milestone for its Cruise Sub series, achieving 5,000 dives since its launch in 2019.The Cruise Sub series has become a prominent choice for underwater exploration, particularly within the cruise industry. With units delivered to private clients and ten units supplied to cruise operators, these submarines have established a reputation for safety, reliability, and performance.Since their introduction five years ago, U-Boat Worx’s Cruise Subs have been integral to the cruise industry, providing unique underwater experiences for passengers. The submarines’ capability to perform 5,000 dives underscores their durability and operational excellence.Roy Heijdra, Marketing Manager of U-Boat Worx, commented, "Reaching this milestone of nearly 25,000 people diving inside a Cruise Sub is a testament to our mission of making the oceans accessible. Our network of nearly 300 trained professionals reflects our commitment to advancing underwater technology and ensuring the highest operational standards."U-Boat Worx has positioned itself as a primary supplier to the cruise industry, driven by the growing demand for immersive underwater adventures. The Cruise Sub series allows cruise companies to offer guests unparalleled experiences while prioritizing safety and comfort.The submarines’ success is attributed to their adherence to stringent safety standards. U-Boat Worx collaborates with DNV, a leading classification society, ensuring their vessels meet advanced maritime standards. Andreas Fischer from DNV Maritime in Hamburg highlighted their decade-long partnership: "Our cooperation with U-Boat Worx has resulted in over 50 submersibles achieving compliance with international regulations. We congratulate them on this milestone and look forward to continued collaboration."The reliability of the Cruise Sub series has earned the trust of cruise operators worldwide. U-Boat Worx's comprehensive training program has been instrumental, with nearly 300 chief pilots trained to operate these submersibles, ensuring skilled handling in various conditions.Bryn Spencer, Chief Submersible Pilot, shared his experience, "Diving with the Cruise Sub and discovering new marine life in Chile's fjords was remarkable. Witnessing a bright orange anemone and a symphony of bioluminescence on our return was unforgettable."U-Boat Worx remains focused on advancing underwater exploration technology, with an unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and reliability. This dedication drives the ongoing success and confidence placed in their submarines by the cruise industry.The Cruise Sub series continues to set the standard for underwater exploration. As U-Boat Worx celebrates five years of achievements and 5,000 dives, the company is poised to lead the industry with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to making underwater exploration accessible and safe.Founded in the 1980s by Bert Houtman, U-Boat Worx leads the global submersible market, continuing The Netherlands' maritime tradition with innovative, safe, and high-quality designs for both private and commercial use.Credits: U-Boat Worx
July 25, 2024
Royal Huisman, celebrating its 140th anniversary, has reached a significant milestone with the hull turning of Project 410, the world's largest sloop. This 85-meter marvel, also known as the "85m New World Sloop," represents the pinnacle of modern yacht design and engineering.Project 410, cloaked in secrecy, is a collaborative effort involving the yacht owner, Frers Design for the overall concept and naval architecture, and Wetzels Brown for the interior design. The engineering is handled by Royal Huisman's in-house team alongside expert co-makers. The project was initially unveiled at the St. Barths Bucket Regatta in 2022, but details have been sparse since then.The aluminum hull, constructed at Royal Huisman's expanded Hall 2 in Vollenhove, showcases the shipyard's commitment to pushing boundaries in superyacht construction. This latest milestone sees the main 61-meter section of the hull turned upright, a critical step in the vessel's development.The hull turning is a testament to Royal Huisman's engineering prowess and marks a pivotal point in the creation of the world's largest single-mast yacht. CEO Jan Timmerman highlighted the significance of this event, noting, "Four of the world's ten largest sailing yachts are either built by or under construction at Royal Huisman. This includes Athena, Sea Eagle, Project 410, and another large sailing yacht currently underway. These projects exemplify the advantages of large sailing yachts, such as the thrill of hoisting sails and cutting through waves, combined with advanced technologies for comfort and efficiency."Timmerman also emphasized the green credentials of these yachts, noting their ability to utilize wind propulsion and operate in an energy-neutral mode, a feature that allows for silent anchoring and efficient power generation. This approach continues Royal Huisman's legacy of innovation, initiated nearly two decades ago with the world’s first hybrid superyacht.The hull turning of Project 410 involved a meticulously planned maneuver using four cranes to lift and rotate the 200-foot aluminum structure over a canal adjacent to the shipyard. Once turned, the hull was placed on a cradle and moved back into the construction hall for further outfitting.With this phase complete, the focus now shifts to the installation of onboard systems and the completion of the bow section, which is being constructed separately. Concurrently, Rondal, a sister company, is progressing on the carbon boom, mast, and integrated sailing system.The completion of the hull turning marks a significant step forward in the journey of Project 410. As the yacht continues to take shape, it embodies the shipyard’s ethos of combining tradition with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. The Royal Huisman team, along with their partners, will continue to work towards delivering a yacht that is not only the largest of its kind but also a symbol of personal freedom and innovation.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman
July 25, 2024