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.
Azimut Yachts has once again solidified its status as the most desirable brand among high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) in China, earning recognition as the "Best Innovative Yacht Brand." The groundbreaking Seadeck 7 was also honored with the "Luxury Hybrid Yacht Best New Arrival" award. These accolades were announced during the prestigious Best of the Best Awards 2025, organized by the esteemed Hurun Research Institute, reflecting the results of the Hurun Chinese Luxury Consumer Survey.Azimut Seadeck 7 Hybrid ProjectEach year, the Hurun Research Institute conducts extensive research analyzing the preferences of HNWIs in China via a survey involving 750 participants. These individuals possess an average wealth of 47.5 million CNY (approximately 6.5 million USD), with an investable wealth of 12 million CNY (about 1.6 million USD). Among these respondents, 32 are classified as ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), boasting assets exceeding 100 million CNY (14 million USD).From left to right: Mr. Rupert Hoogewerf, the founder of Hurun Report; Sharon Xu, business development manager of Azimut Asia Pacific; Mr. Xu, Founder of Private Equity ( Hurun’s VIP guest).During the award ceremony in Shanghai, Azimut Yachts received the coveted "Best Innovative Yacht Brand" title, celebrating the company's relentless pursuit of cutting-edge solutions aimed at enhancing the ownership experience. Additionally, the Seadeck 7 garnered the "Luxury Hybrid Yacht Best New Arrival" award, highlighting its transformative impact on the market. As the first production yacht integrating a hybrid-electric system powered by Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, the Seadeck 7 reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 40% annually, presenting a viable option for eco-conscious owners without compromising comfort or performance.These dual achievements affirm Azimut's standing as a trailblazer in the luxury yachting industry and reinforce its prominent position in China, where it has delivered approximately 200 vessels to local clients since 2006. This recognition underscores the brand's ability to anticipate market demands while advancing towards a more sustainable and innovative future.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
March 26, 2025
The Italian Sea Group announces another triumph with the official debut of the Perini Navi Katana, a 60-meter ketch representing a groundbreaking chapter in maritime excellence following the integration of a retractable keel. This innovative feature grants the yacht exceptional versatility, handling, and performance, enabling seamless adaptation to diverse sailing environments, including non-sailing conditions and shallow waters. The retractable keel improves stability and efficiency, delivering unmatched navigational freedom to its owners.Perfectly blending tradition, innovation, and opulence, the S/Y Katana showcases an aluminum hull for robustness and lightness, complemented by state-of-the-art sailing systems and a retractable keel that elevate its performance. The interiors, artfully crafted by esteemed French designer Rémi Tessier, exemplify luxury and comfort through premium materials and avant-garde solutions, fostering an unrivaled onboard ambiance.Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, Giovanni Costantino, states, “The Katana is a testament to our dedication to innovation and marks a pivotal moment in Perini Navi’s evolution. Combining cutting-edge technology with exquisite design, she underscores Perini Navi’s preeminent role in the ultra-luxury yachting market.”This milestone bolsters the brand’s global stature and underlines its unwavering pursuit of advancement, propelling it towards fresh frontiers of sophistication and ingenuity. This accomplishment aligns with the strategic overhaul initiated post The Italian Sea Group’s acquisition of Perini Navi in 2022, which yielded a revitalized fleet merging time-honored charm with pioneering innovations. Highlights include the iconic Art Explorer, winner of the 2025 Superyacht Design Awards, heralding a novel epoch in luxury yachting, alongside upcoming deliveries of two Perini Navi motor yachts, upholding the brand’s legacy of peerless refinement and craftsmanship.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. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
March 26, 2025
Italian shipyard Tankoa Yachts has once again raised the bar with the launch of its latest model, the S520. Building on the resounding success of its 50-meter predecessor, the S501, the new vessel showcases an evolved design courtesy of acclaimed naval architect Francesco Paszkowski. The S520 not only maintains the timeless appeal of its earlier iteration but introduces several innovative features that set it apart.At first glance, the S520 commands attention with its bold, gunmetal-grey hull and streamlined silhouette. While retaining the balanced proportions of the S501, the new model expands its footprint to 52 metres, offering increased volume without sacrificing agility or aesthetic integrity. This extended length allows for a host of improvements, including significantly enhanced outdoor living spaces.In response to growing demand for expansive outdoor areas, the S520 features a reimagined sundeck equipped with an infinity pool – a luxurious addition sure to delight guests. The upper deck skylounge has also been enlarged, providing additional space for entertaining and relaxation. Meanwhile, the flybridge has been extended, offering even greater flexibility for hosting events or simply enjoying panoramic views.One of the standout features of the S520 is its meticulously redesigned stern. Drawing inspiration from modern beach clubs, Paszkowski has seamlessly integrated the main deck, aft platform, and beach club into a single cohesive space. This transformation enhances connectivity with the surrounding environment, making it ideal for social gatherings or leisurely afternoons spent basking in the sun.Practicality meets elegance in the S520's thoughtful incorporation of functional components. The tender crane, typically viewed as utilitarian, has been ingeniously blended into the vessel's design, preserving its clean lines. Similarly, the gangway has been discreetly integrated into the aft platform, maximizing usable space while ensuring smooth boarding and disembarking.Inside, the collaboration between Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini shines through in the contemporary, airy interiors. Higher ceilings and larger windows flood the spaces with natural light, creating a sense of openness. Architectural choices such as overlapping panels and partitions introduce a layered, fragmented effect, adding depth and interest to each area. In the owner's suite, independent zones – including a bedroom, lounge, study, walk-in wardrobe, and vanity area – flow harmoniously together, united by curvilinear forms and neutral tones.According to Tankoa Yachts CEO Vincenzo Poerio, the S520 represents the culmination of Tankoa's commitment to excellence. He describes the vessel as "the epitome of Tankoa," emphasizing its ability to anticipate the evolving needs of discerning owners. Combining cutting-edge design with refined craftsmanship, the S520 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience on the water.Tankoa was founded in 2007 and began production in 2008. A true “boutique shipyard”, focused on building semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up.Credits: Tankoa
March 26, 2025
Heesen Yachts has announced the sale of its latest innovation, YN 20750 Project Orion, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable luxury yachting. The 50-meter Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) aluminium superyacht represents a groundbreaking fusion of advanced engineering, and eco-conscious design.Project Orion showcases Heesen’s pioneering hybrid propulsion system, delivering silent cruising capabilities up to 10 knots. The vessel’s ultra-efficient hull design and lightweight aluminium construction achieve a remarkable 30% reduction in fuel consumption. Powered by twin MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines, each producing 600kW, the yacht boasts a top speed of 16.3 knots and a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles.With a shallow draft of 2.15 meters, Project Orion offers unparalleled versatility, seamlessly navigating both the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas and the expansive Mediterranean. This dual-season capability is a testament to Heesen’s precision engineering and the yacht’s meticulously optimised design by van Oossanen.The yacht’s striking exterior, penned by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, features a dramatic vertical bow and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an elegant silhouette and offering panoramic views. Interior designer Cristiano Gatto has curated a contemporary, light-filled interior, utilising over 37 different materials, including high-gloss wood veneers, woven leather, and bespoke Italian marble.The 499 GT internal volume is configured with a six-stateroom layout, including a full-beam owner’s stateroom on the main deck and a VIP suite. All fixed furniture and finishes are crafted by skilled artisans, with Cadorin’s artisan dark wood flooring and luxurious leather selections enhancing the onboard experience.“Project Orion is a testament to our commitment to advancing superyacht technology while seamlessly blending sustainability with luxury,” said Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s CCO. “With our innovative hybrid solutions, we are setting new standards in energy efficiency and delivering an unparalleled cruising experience.”The sale, facilitated by Anton Foord of Ocean Independence, marks a significant achievement for Heesen, demonstrating the growing demand for eco-friendly luxury yachts that do not compromise on performance or comfort. Project Orion is scheduled for delivery in mid-May.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.Credit: RubenGriffioen/Heesen Yachts
March 25, 2025
IYC welcomed the 15 meter Sunreef Yachts Lucy to its sales fleet, listing her for sale with consultants Jamie Swaine and Andrea Gallazzi. Lucy is a rare, one-owner Sunreef 50 from 2021, offering an opportunity to acquire one of the finest sailing catamarans on the market.The yacht, which has been maintained by a single discerning owner since new, features a range of upgrades that enhance her performance, comfort, and style. Accommodating eight guests in four spacious cabins, Lucy seamlessly blends performance and comfort, making her ideal for bluewater cruising and luxury charters. Her galley-up layout ensures complete self-sufficiency, catering to both sailing aficionados and those who appreciate a luxurious entertainment experience.Offering significant savings for European buyers by virtue of VAT already being paid, Lucy represents an exceptional opportunity in a competitive market. IYC, one of the world's largest international yachting companies, operates with over 130 professionals across 15 strategically located offices worldwide.Credits: IYC
March 25, 2025