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.
Damen Yachting has confirmed the sale of the third hull of Amels 80. This Amels 80, with exterior design by Espen Oeino, will be customized with a number of spectacular unique features. The owner has appointed a well-known design team for the custom interiors and all details remain confidential.The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions design to be built under the name Project Zurich and is scheduled for delivery to her new owner in 2026. "It is almost a year to the date since we introduced the Amels 80. The fact that we have seen not only positive reactions to the design since the launch but also a strong sales foothold within the first 12 months are a true testament to her modern design and trusted build pedigree. I am very much looking forward to embarking on the build journey with this experienced client," says Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive of Damen Yachting, who worked with the client throughout the sales process.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
March 31, 2023
Royal Huisman has shared the new images of the sailing yacht Sea Eagle II, which was launched in 2020. With over 45,000 nm under her keel, the 81m earned her place alongside the shipyard’s Athena in the elite club of the world’s 10 largest sailing yachts. Sea Eagle II was designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design. Her very long waterline and powerful Panamax rig ensure effortless, mile-eating performance. On her sail trials, she comfortably recorded 21.5 knots in a moderate breeze. Despite her massive sail area (2,580 sqm; 3552 sqm), all three mainsails can easily be hoisted at once – taking no more time than required for a sloop of half this size. The efficiency of this sail management system understates the technical challenges behind it, and a result of cooperation of an ‘A Team’ of Dykstra, Rondal, Carbo-Link and Doyle Sails. The inspiration behind Sea Eagle II was her visionary owner, who began to formulate his ideas while circumnavigating his first yacht, the 43m Sea Eagle I, also built by Royal Huisman (and now exploring the world again as Ravenger, under new ownership). The brief for Sea Eagle II was to create an extremely comfortable and spacious yacht with good sea keeping and exceptional amenities for both guests and crew. She had to offer outstanding passage-making performance so that the owner could take in as much of the world under sail as possible. She had to be a true sailor’s yacht – practical, powerful, safe and easily managed. Finally, she had to be functional, favoring simplicity and reliability over unnecessary frills.“Continual innovation, accumulated expertise and rigorous self-challenge have come together through our highly skilled and dedicated team to produce Athena, Sea Eagle II and, currently in-build, the world’s largest sloop, the 85 m New World Sloop aka Project 410. Other breath-taking concepts, APEX 850 and WING100, are also generating considerable interest worldwide. Each example just awaits a visionary individual who will desire the opportunity to transform a revolutionary, true sailing yacht into reality. The next Royal Huisman supersized sailing yacht would be welcomed into the ranks of the world’s top 10. She will join the existing Royal Huisman-built, thoroughbred ‘supersized sailing yachts’, and – with our continuous increase of expertise – she would be our finest yet,” says Jan Timmerman, Royal Huisman’s CEO. 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: Tim McKenna/Royal Huisman
March 31, 2023
Northrop & Johnson has announced the appointment of Rebecca Cutter as Charter Manager. Rebecca, originally from England, brings over two decades of experience in the yachting industry to her new role. Rebecca will be based out of Northrop & Johnson’s Antibes office.Rebecca CutterRebecca stumbled upon the yachting industry in 1996 while living in Antibes, France. She is now responsible for managing and promoting the booking calendars for the Northrop & Johnson European Charter Fleet. Her primary responsibilities include liaising with fleet owners, captains, and retail charter brokers to provide exceptional yachting experiences to both new and existing clients.Northrop & Johnson’s Antibes officeRebecca spent 22 years with Bluewater, learning everything she knows about the industry, and is excited to embark on a new challenge with Northrop & Johnson's European team. Credits: Northrop & Johnson
March 31, 2023
The Italian Sea Group has delivered the first Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 in Sydney, Australia. The yacht, the first one finished in Acheso Gray, with its unmistakable super sporty silhouette, reached Port Jackson, one of the most renowned attractions in the city and located in the heart of Sydney Bay.The debut of this innovative motor yacht in the Australian continent, is an important milestone for the Group, in line with its business expansion plan in the Asia Pacific, agreed upon and supported by Automobili Lamborghini. TISG's strategy continues along with the growth of the Australian market, which, according to the Guardian, will reach 8% of the global yacht market within the next three years."We are very proud of the success Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is having in the Pacific, an area that offers interesting growth opportunities for all the Group's brands, in line with our international development strategy," comments Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "The commercial success of this project and partnership with Automobili Lamborghini goes on, and the next sales will be delivered in the second half of 2024."Further deliveries of the Tecnomar For Lamborghini motor yacht are also planned in the Australian continent in 2023 and 2024.The Italian Sea Group’s Tecnomar brand produces and commercializes yachts in steel and aluminum up to 50 meters. Founded in 1987 and acquired by the Italian Sea Group in 2009, Tecnomar has launched 289 yachts through the years, also thanks to the Tecnomar Evo line, which has earned a great success in the Asian market. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
March 31, 2023
In the beginning of March Lürssen technically launched the 144-meter Project Cosmos in a construction site in Rendsburg. The construction started in 2020, making the 114-meter vessel one of the largest yachts currently in development. The megayacht features exterior and interior design by Australian designer Marc Newson. She spreads across four decks and has a large aft deck, a swimming pool, an observation lounge and helipad. She will be the first Lürssen yacht to feature fuel cell technology on board. Project Cosmos is scheduled for delivery in 2025.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Video by OneHouseMedia/Lürssen YouTube
March 30, 2023