With the recent boom in the realm of superyachts delivered to or ordered by the richest people of sports, Yacht Harbour recalls some of the largest yachts, ever owned by sports teams owners.
#1. DreAMBoat
Length: 90m
Builder: Oceanco (2019)
Team: Atlanta Falcons
According to the information from social media, DreAMBoat was built for US billionaire and owner of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team Arthur Blank, who is valued at $4.7 billion by Forbes. Meanwhile, Forbes values the team at $2,6 billion as of September, 2018.
DreAMBoat is trademarked with generous overhangs from the superstructure and cut outs in the bulwarks lending her classic and strong appearance. The vessel’s exterior features numerous large windows offering panoramic views. Swimming pool aft at the main deck, a partially closed sundeck with Jacuzzi and plenty of seating and entertainment zones and a private Jacuzzi at the Owner’s deck
Her impressive interior volume of 2,950 GT allows accommodation for 23 guests on-board, along with up to 33 crew members. DreAMBoat’ delivery is scheduled to summer 2019.
#2. Eclipse
Length: 162,5
Builder: Blohm+Voss (2010)
Team: Chelsea FC
Famously built for Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich and the owner of Chelsea football club as the flagship of his fleet, Eclipse was delivered in 2010 by German shipyard, Blohm+Voss (now part of Lurssen), as the largest yacht in the world, a title that she held until the delivery of the 180-meter Azzam in 2013.
Although not on the open charter market, Eclipse is available for rent according to several sources at a rate of €3 million per week with the owner's team dealing with the management of the superyacht's operations themselves, without the involvement of any brokerage firm.
Refitted in 2015, Eclipse boasts a 56-meter private owner's deck, a 16-meter swimming pool that can transform into open deck and can carry up to three helicopters at a time.
#3. Lady S
Length: 93m
Builder: Feadship (2018)
Team: Washington Redskins
According to credible media sources such as The Guardian, the yacht belongs to Dan Snyder, the owner of Washington Redskins football club who is valued at $2.2 billion by Forbes, but no official confirmation though. The football team is meanwhile valued at $3,1 billion as of September, 2018 (Forbes).
Lady S is currently Feadship’ fifth largest yacht, scheduled for delivery this spring. At the moment, she is receiving final touches in Amsterdam. Her exteriors and interiors were developed by UK designers Michael Leach and Reymond Langton accordingly.
This superyacht features a generous beam of 14,1 metres. She is trademarked with such highlights as a commercial helicopter landing pad, facilities to play golf, basketball, volleyball and football on-board, four VIP suites each with 8k TVs, a large swimming pool and impressive two-deck IMAX cinema.
The latter is an extraordinary hallmark even for a superyacht. It has been an exclusive feature ordered by the owners, and according to the designers it is so immense, that the vessel “had to be built around it”.
#4. Bravo Eugenia
Length: 109m
Builder: Oceanco (2018)
Brand: Dallas Cowboys
Bravo Eugenia had been technically launched in 2017 and delivered in 2018 to her reported owner, US billionaire and owner of the Dallas Cowboys NFL franchise, Jerry Jones. The latter is estimated at $6,9 billion. Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys acquired by Jones for $150,000,000 in 1989, currently worth $5 billion.
Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with naval architecture by Lateral Naval Architects, the yacht claims to be the first to feature a LIFE (Lengthened, Innovative, Fuel Efficient, Eco Friendly) design.
The 109-meter's interior was created by Reymond Langton, with an expected over 4,000GT of volume stretching across a 16,3-meter beam. Powered by a hybrid propulsion system, the yacht is capable of reaching a top speed of 17,5 knots.
#5. Kismet
Length: 95,2m
Builder: Lurssen (2014)
Team: Fulham FC, Jacksonville Jaguars
This superyacht is owned by Shadid Khan, Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon, who is also the owner of the Fulham FC and Jacksonville Jaguars. Kismet also boasts a symbolic jaguar on the bow, representing the team acquired by Khan in November, 2011 for $760,000,000 according to the New York Times.
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.
A large swimming pool and Jacuzzi area, spa zone, movie theatre, an outdoor fireplace and winter garden can be found among the yacht’s luxury amenities.
The yacht’s entertainment and design characteristics have been attracting top artists and events on-board. For example, Jay-Z and Beyonce were spotted on-board last year, while Netflix filmed Kismet in party scene from its biggest production so far, "Six Underground".
#6. Topaz
Length: 147m
Builder: Lurssen (2012)
Team: Manchester City F.C.
The seventh largest yacht in the world, this giga vessel belongs to Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to media. With an estimated personal net worth of $4.9 billion, Sheikh Mansour also owns ADUG investment company that owns Manchester City F.C.
Topaz features sleek exteriors by Tim Heywood and the interiors conceived by UK-based studio Terence Disdale Design.
The eight-deck vessel has been built up by steel displacement hull and aluminium superstructure. All the decks are connected with a lift, giving access provides access to two helipads and swimming platforms.
Topaz is also highlighted with a fully equipped gym, two Jacuzzi, movie theatre and a conference room. Heк large tender garage offers space for a wide choice of water toys, including jet skis, inflatable boats, catamaran and a mini-submarine. The yacht can accommodate up to 62 guests within 26 cabins on-board, along with 79 crew members.
Powered by specially designed Pielstick diesel engines of 7,990 HP each, Topaz achieves her maximum speed at 25.5 knots and cruises at 22.9 knots. When at anchor, particularly in rough water, stabilisers ensure comfort on board.
#7. Octopus
Length: 126,2m
Builder: Lurssen (2003)
Team: Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle Seahawks
At the time of writing, Octopus remains the largest explorer yacht in the world, not surpassed in 16 years from her launch. She belonged to the late Paul Allen, one of Microsoft founders, who owned NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and NFL’s Seattle Seahawks teams till he passed away in late 2018. His fortune was estimated at $20,3 billion as of March, 2018 (Forbes).
Allen once described his yacht: "Octopus is less a Bentley than a Range Rover". As part of this, the yacht is fitted with two submarines, one of which can dive for up to 8 hours with 10 people on it; the second submarine can be remotely controlled.
Octopus is capable of accommodating 26 guests in total, with up to 57 crew members. Other amenities found on-board include a second helipad, a swimming pool and a music studio as well as a courtyard-like set up on the third deck of Octopus occupied by guest space.
Despite her expedition nature, the yacht has been much favoured by the world’s top-rate celebrities, with Mick Jagger recording an album in on-board studio in 2011 and Usher, U2 and Johnny Cash listed among other performers.
Introducing Naseem (2008) - a classically elegant 47m motor yacht by Heesen Yachts, which combines award-winning design by the acknowledged Bannenberg & Rowell Design Studio and unmistakable Dutch prestige. Delivered in 2008 and beautifully maintained by her present owner, the superyacht was fully refurbished in 2018 with a major focus on outdoor activities. NASEEM is equipped with 5 cabins and can accommodate on board up to 12 guests in utmost comfort, as well as a 10-person crew. Among her key features there are a Deck Jacuzzi and a convertible tender garage which can be used as a beach club for swimming and sunbathing or as a launchpad when using water toys. The yacht is powered by twin MTU 8V4000M70 heavy-duty engines and has a comfortable 14-knot cruising speed. With an impressive range of 4,000 nautical miles, she is suitable for Transatlantic cruising. The interior of the yacht is open-planned and is finished with bleached Wenge wood and polished marble flooring. The sense of space and light is enhanced by large windows.A vast salon on the main deck offers an open-plan lounge with an elegant bar for pre-dinner cocktails. It is also equipped with a 60” plasma TV with a full entertainment system and can be transformed into a private cinema for after-hours movie sessions. The spacious formal dining area can comfortably fit up to 10 guests. Naseem’s full-beam master suite is located forward on the main deck and is beautifully finished in cream with a nice contrast of wood veneer shades. The suite offers guests a private lounge and vanity area overlooking the ocean and a bathroom finished in marble.Exterior-wise the yacht offers multiple lounges, dining spaces and a forward-facing spa pool - perfect for onboard socialising, enjoying panoramic ocean views and relaxing in the sunshine.
September 21, 2020
The classic Benetti yacht Hidalgo got seriously damaged by the fire on September 15 in morning. The yacht fire was spotted at the Muggiano shipyard close to La Spezia in the region of Liguria where Hidalgo was hauled out for refit works.
“A dense column of smoke” was created by the fire and was “visible from a considerable distance”, as the local news portal "Liguria Nautica" reported. Main and upper deck of the vessel got severely damaged, however the fireguards were on time to prevent the fire from spreading elsewhere, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire still remains unclear. Designed for long-distance cruising, the yacht was delivered in Viareggio in 1968 and got last refitted in 2012. The vessel was previously known as Mirabella. (Photos: Giusppe Orru)
September 19, 2020
The new Ferretti Yachts 500 are the winners in the “Best Interior Design” category, whilst the Pershing
7X and CRN M/Y 62m Voice won in their “Best Exterior Design” categoriesCannes, September 16, 2020 – The harmonious number three is the number of major prizes taken by Ferretti Group at the World Yachts Trophies 2020, the prestigious seasonal event in yachting organised by SG Publications, for undeniably perfect style and design.The ceremony took place last Saturday, on September 12, in Cannes - on the beach of the luxurious InterContinental Carlton, - and was attended by guests and business insiders.Ferretti Group's boats that feature innovative technology and design, along with inimitable Italian style in all aspects, deservedly won three
awards.These are the Awards assigned to the boats: - Ferretti Yachts 500: Best Interior Design Trophy, 45 to 64-foot category (13.70-19.50 meters); - Pershing 7X: Best Exterior Design Trophy, 64 to 80-foot category (19.50-24 meters);- CRN M/Y 62m Voice: Best Exterior Design Trophy, 164 to 270-foot category (50-82 meters)
Ferretti Group continues to grow and will be announcing many important novelties in the coming months.Ferretti Group shows sustainable growth and is going to announce a lot of interesting novelties in the near future.(Press release and photos provided by Ferretti Group Web News)
September 18, 2020
Sunreef Yachts has revealed a 40 metre catamaran explorer concept. The yard adds an unstoppable explorer concept to the shipyard’s range of luxury catamarans. The 40M Sunreef Power is a versatile multihull craft dedicated to discovering new horizons. Her propulsion options allow for transoceanic range and solid performance in rough seas.Blending elegance and modern technology, the 40M Sunreef Power can be heavily customized to match ambitious navigation plans. The extended aft deck houses a launching crane, a 7m tender, two jet skis and storage for a variety of water toys. With the hydraulic aft platform lowered, guests can enjoy a full-beam private beach.The superyacht’s 13,34m beam provides for immense living areas totaling 654m² with accommodation spread across three decks. Custom features available for this concept include a playroom with a self-leveling pool table, a steam room or a master suite with a private fold-out balcony.⠀Alfresco relaxation areas include a large sun lounge with a spa pool surrounded by oversized sunpads and a bar as well as a vast bow terrace.
September 10, 2020
If you could combine rock star level partying with down-to-earth innovative design, what kind of superyacht would you end up with? Meet Project FG (Freddy Gump), a Feadship design created for the fictional combination of Freddy Mercury and Forrest Gump. It is the latest design to be revealed from the “Carte Blanch Exclusives” archives.⠀The 109-metre Project FG came to life during the Feadship Brokers Course in 2019. Together with the Feadship design team from Studio De Voogt, the invited brokers created a design for a wild – but down to earth – Freddy Gump. In a few days’ time, Project FG was born as a technically feasible design that allows for wild partying at night and peaceful relaxation during daytime.More than 200 people can party in the outdoor beach club. Hidden from the outside world, FG includes a mysterious hidden club in the bow of the yacht for exclusive private gatherings.Marsha Van Buitenen and Jan Schaffers in conversation. Credit: FeadshipFeadship sales director Marsha Van Buitenen says:“The group wanted a character that embodied extremes. They thought about a client that one hand has a party attitude but on the other is very down to earth as well. They combined a fictional character and a real character to dream up the client – for the down to earth side, it was Forest Gump, and for the wilder side, it was Freddie Mercury. With that, Freddie Gump as born.”On the aft deck there is a huge outdoor beach club, which is four times larger than Feadship designed “Savannah”. This beach club accommodates parties of up to 300 people while a panoramic piano lounge on the upper deck acts as the heart of the superyacht and the meeting point of the two personalities – a place that both Freddie Mercury and Forrest Gump could retire to as dusk falls and from where the rest of the yacht design branches out into the individual elements of each character.Other unique design elements of Project FG include a pop-up table tennis court on the tip of the bow that features a glass tube that “pops up” at the push of a button and encloses the table-tennis table so that the players are protected from the effects of the wind.One particular design feature that certainly caters to the rockstar inspirations of Freddie Mercury is the hidden club for where the really crazy parties happen – even crazier than those happening on the aft deck. Guests are not given directions on how to get there but instead have to find a hidden door past an engine in the superyacht’s belly.While Project FG Freddie Gump has yet to find an owner, the technically feasible Feadship design is still open for the kind of owner with an appreciation for wild nights of partying like Mercury and peaceful days of relaxation.Farouk Nefzi, Feadship marketing and brand director, says:There are so many future concepts coming out, but they are simply designed for 50 years from now. That too easy. Everybody can dream but to create something using technology that's applicable today, if you just have the will to do it, that's what we're showcasing. We feel like we can bring some joy to people's life by showcasing the possibilities that we are able to do right now. If you look at these designs, they trigger people to move forward and leverage on the existing technology. We want to showcase what is possible and not be dominated by the generics of this industry. It's very easy to make baby steps into what the next stage of yachting should be. We think we could really speed up the process if we find clients ready and wanting to invest in this.
September 9, 2020