Basrah Breeze was built in 1981 by Danish shipyard Helsingor Vaerft for then president of Iraq Saddam Hussein and was launched as Qadissiyat Saddam (the name is a reference to a 7th century battle in which Arabs triumphed over Persia). The yacht's current captain - Hussein Ghazi Khalifa said the cost of yacht at that time was $25 million, but now it would cost approximately $100 million to build such a superyacht.
Saddam Hussein’s 82-metre superyacht Basrah Breeze was recently used by Iraqi marine researchers from the University of Basrah’s Marine Science Center to explore the changing Persian Gulf. The Basrah Breeze came to Basra in 2010 with the government ownership, but she was rarely used since then. In the year 2014 professors at the university asked the government to allow them to use the yacht as part of their research fleet.
The Basrah Breeze was fitted with marble-tiled bathrooms, numerous guest cabins and a large presidential suite. The superyacht’s indulgent interior then has been modified to accommodate Iraqi scientists but much of the original decor still remains. Saddam Hussein was never able to enjoy the yacht because of the war with Iran and she was left moored in Oman for many years. In the middle 1980's Hussein gave her as a gift to King Fahd bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. The yacht then changed hands several more times before ending up under the ownership of a Cayman Islands company. Following the execution of Saddam Hussein the Cayman Islands company tried to sell the yacht in 2007, but documents were discovered that legally confirmed it to still be an Iraqi vessel. Following a difficult legal battle the Iraqi government was able to claim ownership.
The king size bed in Saddam Hussein's superyacht is made, the silk curtains around it have been drawn back and, in the gold-rimmed bathroom next door, a barber's chair awaits its occupant. But then Iraqi president never boarded the 82-metre "Basrah Breeze" built for him and now its amenities will be enjoyed by the pilots who guide shipping in and out of the port of Basra, the main southern city.
Equipped with a presidential suite comprising Saddam's private quarters, dining rooms and bedrooms, as well as 17 smaller guest rooms, 18 cabins for crew and a clinic, the opulently equipped and decorated vessel was put on the market for $30 million. The government failed to find a buyer, and for the past two years the Basrah Breeze has served Basra University, hosting researchers on trips to study marine life. "The presidential yacht is in a very good condition. Its two engines and generators are functioning," said Abdul-Zahra Abdul-Mahdi Saleh, its captain. "It only needs periodic maintenance."
But authorities have now decided to moor it permanently as a hotel and recreation facility for the southern port's pilots, many of whom live in distant cities. "The port needs the boat to be a station where sea pilots can rest," said Basra port spokesman Anmar al-Safi.
While the Basrah Breeze survived the turmoil of Saddam's decline and demise, its sister ship "al-Mansur" - which he also never boarded - suffered a different fate, sinking in the Shatt al-Arab waterway that passes through Basra after it was hit by U.S. planes and then stripped bare in the chaotic aftermath of his overthrow. As regards Basrah Breeze, Basra museum has not given up hope of persuading the port to allow it to dock the vessel next to its exhibition halls in one of Saddam's former palaces overlooking the Shatt al-Arab.
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August 27, 2025
The 82-meter Oceanco motor yacht Alfa Nero has been listed for sale at €88.5 million through Northrop & Johnson. Broker Richard Higgins holds the exclusive listing for the vessel, which was delivered in 2007 and underwent comprehensive refitting in 2024.Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with interiors by Alberto Pinto, the yacht features Art Deco elements combined with contemporary aesthetics. Notable features include an aft infinity pool with glass waterfall sides and a convertible floor that rises to form a flush entertainment area. The pool system was among the first of its kind in yacht design.Accommodations include six staterooms for 12 guests connected by glass elevators. The master suite occupies the upper deck forward section with private office, marble bathroom, and hot tub-equipped terrace. Additional amenities comprise a spa, sauna, steam room, cinema, and beauty salon.Technical specifications include twin MTU engines providing 18-knot cruising speed and 20-knot maximum speed. The yacht carries a Vanquish VQ45 chase boat and extensive water toys including jet skis, seabobs, and a jellyfish-protected sea pool.The steel-hulled vessel offers 1,250 square meters of living space across multiple decks. Alfa Nero remains one of the most recognizable superyachts in global waters following its 2024 refit, which updated systems while maintaining its original design integrity.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 26, 2025
The 2021 Feadship motor yacht Somnium, constructed by De Vries shipyard with exterior design by Studio De Voogt and interior architecture by FM Architettura, is currently offered for sale. The aluminum-hulled vessel presents an opportunity for ownership without new-build waiting periods.Somnium accommodates 10 guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite featuring a private balcony and dedicated office space. The interior design emphasizes functional luxury for extended global cruising.Key features include a 2.55-meter draft enabling access to shallow anchorages, an aft deck plunge pool with adjustable depth and counter-current system, and an expansive foredeck lounge area. The sun deck incorporates a hot tub and panoramic viewing areas.Technical specifications include an enclosed tender garage with dedicated dive storage and a fold-down transom platform creating sea-level access from the gymnasium. The yacht's design prioritizes family-oriented cruising with multiple outdoor social areas.The 2021 delivery date places Somnium among contemporary Feadship offerings with updated navigation systems and propulsion technology. The vessel's availability provides immediate access to Dutch-built superyacht ownership without construction lead times.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
August 26, 2025
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August 26, 2025
Finnish boat manufacturer Saxdor Yachts will present the global premiere of its new Saxdor 400 GTS model at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The open-deck vessel expands the existing 400 series, joining the 400 GTO and 400 GTC models.The 400 GTS features a T-top roof, semi-walkaround layout, and fold-down terraces characteristic of the brand. The design emphasizes open-air cruising with overnight capability through two cabins below deck. Forward seating converts to a sunbed, while aft sofas surround a convertible dining table.Built on the same twin-stepped hull as other 400 series models, the GTS is powered by Mercury V10 425hp engines. The helm station accommodates three seats under shelter with optional sliding glass side doors.Saxdor's new model targets boaters seeking open-deck configurations without sacrificing the weather protection and functionality found in the company's other designs. The 400 GTS will be displayed alongside other Saxdor models at the festival, with production following the unveiling.The Finnish brand continues to expand its product range amid reported growth in European powerboat sales. Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
August 26, 2025