Following his election as president of the United States, Donald Trump, valued at $3,1 billion by Forbes himself, has appointed what has historically become the wealthiest cabinet ever in existence in the United States. Whilst their effect on politics and policy is the subject of many international debates, their interests in yachting tend to be less talked about but remain no less fascinating.
In his former life as a billionaire businessman, Trump not only owned an 86m superyacht and owned a shipyard for a brief period of time, he also ordered the world's largest yacht, although it was never completed. Meanwhile, US Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, with a net worth estimated at $1,5 billion, and her family have been linked to no less than 13 yachts over the years.
In 1980, the late Saudi businessman and arms dealer, Adnan Khashoggi took delivery of the 86 meter (282 ft) Nabila. Built by Benetti in Italy, she became the 8th largest yacht in the world and appeared in the 1983 James Bond movie, Never Say Never Again.
When Khashoggi, however, ran into financial problems, the Sultan of Brunei took possession of the yacht to cover one of his loans. The Sultan quickly flipped the yacht to Donald Trump for a reported $29 million in 1987. In an interview in 1988, Trump said he received a $1 million discount for agreeing to change the name from Nabila, Khashoggi's daughter.
Khashoggi probably spent $200 million building this yacht, probably the best yacht ever built. I purchased it for a business. I use it for my hotels. I use it for a lot of different charities.
After acquiring Nabila, Trump renamed the yacht to Trump Princess and had it refitted by Holland-based, Amels for a near $10 million according to the LA Times. The H on the helipad was also changed to a T to stand for Trump.
Spread into over 100 separate areas over five decks, Nabila was without a doubt one of the most complex yachts of her time. With luxurious materials including onyx used for her interior, the yacht was also ahead of her time from a technological standpoint. Remote controls were installs next to the bed for shades, room service, and the entertainment center.
Amongst the yacht's main feature was a hair salon with 3 separate chairs, a sauna, a private elevator for the owner, one for guests and one for the crew, a 2.4-meter in diameter spa pool with a waterjet behind bulletproof glass. Whilst still owned by Khashoggi, many arms deals were signed onboard the yacht.
In June 1989, Donald Trump announced that he would build a larger yacht, "something in excess of 400 feet long, closer to 500 feet" as he told Newsday and that he was accepting bids from yacht builders for this project. Amels, then owned by a group of 4 British investors, secured the deal to develop the 128-meter Trump Princess II according to NRC.
In May 1990, it was announced that Trump bought Amels altogether. At a press conference in Makkum in 1990, Jeff Walker, VP of Trump's investment empire, denied that the shipyard was sold due to the previous owner's financial difficulties, which some have said, resulted from Trump canceling the construction of the Trump Princess II.
In September 1990, two months after the acquisition, Trump sold Amels to American businessman, Peter Kutell according to Deseret News due to financial problems. At the same time, the Trump Princess was put up for sale and all work on the Trump Princess II stopped. In 1991, Trump Princess was sold to Prince Al-Waleed for $19 million who renamed the yacht to Kingdom 5KR.
The superstructure for Trump Princess II allegedly remained at the Amels Makkum facility until summer 2001 when it was eventually removed. According to sources familiar with the matter, the superstructure is still parked at the Makkum facility, now owned by Feadship De Vries and reportedly sometimes used as a bike parking space.
Although Trump never came back to yacht ownership, other members of his cabinet remained involved in the space to this day. Betsy DeVos, US Secretary of Education, and her husband have a combined net worth valued at $5,1 billion. Amongst their long list of assets are no less than 10 yachts and reportedly an interest in the shipyard that built them.
Delivered in 2008 by US shipyard, Westport, Seaquest measures 50 meters (162 ft) and was designed by Donald Starkey. Reaching a top speed of 24 knots, she is part of the Westport 164 series. Interestingly, she's also not the only Westport 164 linked to the DeVos family as the 50-meter Legacy is also reportedly owned by the family.
Delivered in 2011, Legacy is a slightly updated version of the Seaquest. According to the media, the DeVos family has a solid preference for Westport yachts, having reportedly owned several of them in the past years. In fact, the family may even have acquired a stake in the US yacht manufacturer according to SYF.
Amongst the Westports linked to the DeVos is a Westport 112 from 2003 and a Westport 130 from 2005. Their fleet also includes an 85ft Pacific Mariner ( a brand owned by Westport) called Sun Quest. Additionally, an 80ft Hatteras called Kitsune can also be found in their fleet according to the media.
Although the DeVos fleet may already sound expansive as it is now, the family hasn't always been buying Westports and went through a number of other yacht shipyards as well. One of these superyachts was the 53-meter sailing yacht Independence, delivered by Italian shipyard, Perini Navi in 1998.
The yacht has since been sold, renamed to Jasali II and made available for charter from €138,600 per week. Accommodating up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, she stretches over a beam of 11.4m and can cruise at up to 12 knots.
Prior to their long run with Westport, the DeVos have reportedly owned no less than five Feadships according to SYF, all of which have been named Enterprise. The first to qualify as a superyacht would become Enterprise II, a 116ft Feadship delivered in 1970 now known as Utopia II.
Although from a different era and with different standards, in the 1970s, Utopia II was a true superyacht for its time. Amongst her classical feature are a round aft with an open top deck, partly used to store its tenders. 10 years following her delivery, a new Enterprise was built by Feadship, this time measuring 131ft.
Now known as Seagull of Cayman following changes of ownership, she features several enhancements over the previous Enterprise. The most noticeable of these is a dedicated sundeck, an upper deck skylounge and a larger main salon aft of the main deck. Several weeks ago she was put again on the market at an asking price of €5,900,000.
Yet another improvement on Enterprise III, the 149ft Enterprise IV was also built by Feadship in 1985. Through the Enterprise line can be seen the growth of a niche industry into the superyacht sector it is today. Now known as Explora, the yacht features larger windows, a sleeker line and a swimming platform aft of the yacht, all of which weren't found on classical yachts.
The last Enterprise to be built was delivered by Feadship in 1993 and is today known as Chantal Ma Vie. Measuring 55-meters (179 ft) in length, she already was a good representation of the modern superyacht, featuring a sleek line, large sundeck, expansive lounges, spacious cabins, a swimming platform and purpose-built tenders. In 2010, she was sold at an asking price of $15,9 million to her current owner.
Although their effect on US policy can be polarising and debated throughout the world, the effect that Trump and member of his administration have had on yachting throughout the past decades has undoubtedly played an important role in growing the market to the point where it is today.
Antonini Navi presented the Sport Utility Yacht – SUY 135, a groundbreaking superyacht conceptualized by Aldo Manna, Partner and Sales Director, in collaboration with designer Fulvio De Simoni. Moravia Yachts has been appointed as the Central Agency for this innovative vessel. The hull number #1 already in construction, the SUY 135 is slated for delivery in 2026.The SUY 135, part of a broader initiative by Antonini Navi, sets the stage for the introduction of the SUY 190 and SUY 108, completing the range of all-around seafaring yachts. These vessels are tailored to meet the burgeoning demand for a new class of superyachts that seamlessly blend comfort and luxury with a deep connection to the ocean and marine life.Under construction at the shipyard's facility in Italy, the SUY 135 spans 44 meters in length and boasts approximately 480GT. This displacement motor yacht represents the maiden offering in Antonini Navi's Sports Utility Yacht line, skillfully crafted from steel to ensure unrivaled performance and durability."The SUY offers the opportunity to experience the vessel with no limits, akin to an SUV in the automotive world," remarks Aldo Manna. "Designed to cater to the diverse recreational activities offered by the sea, the SUY epitomizes versatility, allowing owners and guests to indulge in a 360° yachting experience."Alessandro Diomedi, Sales Broker at Moravia Yachting, expresses excitement about the collaboration with Antonini Navi. "The Antonini SUY series presents an interesting and innovative concept, with ample volumes and the capacity to accommodate large water toys while prioritizing the owner's privacy and lifestyle," he comments.The SUY 135 offers extensive customization options, both internally and externally, allowing clients to tailor the yacht to their preferences. The proposed interior layout features a spacious owner's suite on the main deck, complemented by four en suite cabins on the lower deck. Additionally, the yacht provides separate accommodation for the captain and five crew members, ensuring privacy and comfort for all onboard.Exterior highlights include a veranda with al fresco dining, a beach club with a transom Jacuzzi, and a sun deck boasting panoramic views and luxurious amenities. The yacht's transversal tender garage accommodates a 7-meter RIB and an array of water toys, providing endless opportunities for exploration and leisure.With a range of 4,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 16 knots, the SUY 135 combines performance with efficiency. Zero-speed stabilizers enhance onboard comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable yachting experience for all.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
May 8, 2024
Cantieri di Pisa is pressing forward with its ambitious modernization and expansion project at its headquarters in Pisa. Situated along the Navicelli Canal, the facilities are poised to surpass 50,000 square meters, aligning with the vision of owner Enrico Gennasio and CEO Marco Massabò to restore Cantieri di Pisa to its former glory in collaboration with the Pisa Port Authority.The next phase of development will see the introduction of a fleet comprising ten models crafted from steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, drawing inspiration from the shipyard's storied history. Renowned for their innovative designs, materials, and performance, Cantieri di Pisa's historic yachts serve as a guiding beacon for this expansion.A substantial investment of 6 million euros over the past two years underscores the commitment to revitalizing Cantieri di Pisa. This investment is part of a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate the esteemed brand, spearheaded by Enrico Gennasio, who assumed ownership in 2021, and CEO Marco Massabò. The modernization initiative encompasses various aspects, including the refurbishment and expansion of existing structures.Key elements of the project include the extension and elevation of the main warehouse to a height of 20 meters, alongside the construction of a new shed and connecting covered structures dedicated to yacht passage. Once completed, the production facilities and administrative spaces will cover an area of 17,500 square meters, with an additional 900 square meters allocated for offices.Furthermore, Cantieri di Pisa will enhance its offerings by providing a refitting service within an 18,000-square-meter space, catering to diverse client needs.The restructuring efforts represent a pivotal component of the managerial reorganization plan outlined by Gennasio and CEO Marco Massabò. With a wealth of experience exceeding 20 years in the luxury boating sector, Massabò emphasizes the objective of returning Cantieri di Pisa to its former prominence through the introduction of ten innovative yacht models across different categories."We have dedicated two years to refining the new iconic lines of Cantieri di Pisa," remarks Massabò, underscoring the dedication to excellence and innovation.The renovation of the shipyard marks an essential milestone in the overarching strategy devised by the new ownership to position Cantieri di Pisa as a leading facility in the production of carbon fiber, steel, and aluminum yachts. 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
May 8, 2024
The yacht charter market in 2024 has kicked off with a bang, with clients clamoring for more destinations, excursions, and toys. We caught up with the Denison charter team to uncover the latest trends in yacht vacations. Kristina Gagliardi, Jennifer Saia, Megan Cashmore, and Nadia Martinez from Denison shared their insights.This year, chartering is all about the toys. Guests are requesting a variety of toys, but two stand out: e-foils and slides. "Toy lists are pretty specific sometimes," says Kristina. "Clients want the e-foils or slides, especially those who have spent hours enjoying them in the past."Nadia and Megan echo this sentiment, highlighting the popularity of e-foils and slides. "People love e-foils," Megan enthuses. "Slides are also a big hit. It's all about the toys. Clients choose yachts based on the toys they offer."In addition to toys, clients are seeking unique destinations. "Croatia, with its off-the-beaten-path allure and moderate VAT, has become increasingly popular," shares Kristina. "Greece remains a perennial favorite, with its island-hopping experiences."Jennifer notes a growing interest in extreme destinations like the Faroe Islands and the Galapagos. "Clients are seeking unique experiences, and yacht charters offer the perfect platform to explore these remote locales," she explains.Nadia highlights the surge in last-minute inquiries for destinations like the British Virgin Islands and New England. "Water temperature is a crucial factor," she emphasizes. "Guests want to enjoy water activities, so destinations with warmer waters are preferred."While amenities like hot-tubs remain popular, Nadia advises flexibility. "Focus on the overall experience rather than specific features," she suggests. "Consider alternative amenities like swimming areas."Exciting innovations are also emerging in onboard dining. "Chef provisions, akin to gourmet meal kits, are gaining traction," Nadia reveals. "These solutions streamline meal preparation, enhancing the dining experience."The charter market continues to evolve, offering more options and customizations than ever before. Denison is at the forefront of this evolution, delivering unique vacations tailored to every client's desires.As the summer season unfolds, yacht charter enthusiasts can look forward to unforgettable experiences on the high seas, complete with thrilling toys, breathtaking destinations, and unparalleled luxury. It's time to set sail and embark on the ultimate adventure.Credits: Denison Yachting
May 8, 2024
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) announces the sale of the fifth Admiral 50 meters C.617 from its esteemed "semi-custom" series, destined for the azure waters of the Gulf in the UAE."Following the recent sale of the fourth yacht in the series, the commercial triumph of TISG in the semi-custom projects segment is evident," remarks Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The design ethos of the Admiral 50m emphasizes seamless transitions between internal and external spaces, fostering a harmonious dialogue across expansive volumes and intricate structural details. The interiors, curated by the TISG Style Centre, exude sophistication and warmth through the meticulous selection of luxurious materials such as wood, stone, and refined metals.A standout feature of the project is the strategic layout of the guest and owner cabins, with the owner's area situated on the upper deck, offering panoramic views on three sides and a private deck at the bow, while all guest cabins are located on the main deck with ample windows providing stunning vistas of the surrounding seascape.With a voluminous 499 GT, the Admiral 50m yacht accommodates up to 12 guests, complemented by two additional lounge rooms that can be converted into extra cabins on the lower deck.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
May 7, 2024
Lusben's Viareggio shipyard witnessed the technical launch of M/Y Sofia 3, marking the culmination of extensive refurbishment and modification work on the 42-meter Baglietto vessel. The project, undertaken by Lusben, encompasses a range of enhancements spanning from structural alterations to mechanical updates and aesthetic refinements.Following her unveiling at Lusben's facility, Sofia 3 is poised for the commencement of fitting-out operations. The collaboration between the discerning owners of this magnificent superyacht, crafted by Baglietto, and the Viareggio-based Shipyard, has been a multi-year endeavor. Initially engaging Lusben in 2018, the owners entrusted the yard with significant tasks, including a substantial stern extension and the installation of a pop-out transformer before the yacht's relocation to the United States. In November 2022, additional enhancements were commissioned, reflecting the owners' unwavering confidence in Lusben, leading to a comprehensive seven-month project duration, further extended to encompass a series of upgrades.Notable transformations include the application of an elegant dark grey hue to the hull and superstructure, accentuated by ceilings adorned with wood-like paint, infusing a sense of warmth and originality. The sundeck layout at the bow underwent modifications, featuring a new sofa and teak deck, while outdoor ceilings were revamped with marine ply panelling, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Structural interventions addressed water infiltration and corrosion issues, with significant glazing replacements, including the wheelhouse windows.With these enhancements completed, Sofia 3 stands poised for interior outfitting, guided by designs crafted by Viareggio-based firm La Mandragola, promising an exquisite interior tailored to complement her enhanced exterior allure.Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector. Credits: Lusben
May 7, 2024