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.
The 70-meter sailing superyacht SY Zero, the world’s first designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels, is approaching the final stages of construction, with an expected launch by the end of 2025. The project, a collaboration between Vripack Yacht Design, Vitters Shipyard, and Dykstra Naval Architects, represents a significant step in sustainable yacht development, backed by over 60,000 hours of research and innovation.SY Zero is engineered to rely solely on wind, solar, and thermal energy while maintaining the performance and luxury standards of a traditional superyacht. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of eliminating fossil fuel dependency in high-end yachting. All technical data, system designs, and research findings will be made publicly available through FoundationZero.org, providing open access to sustainable maritime innovations for designers, engineers, and researchers.The yacht’s energy system is entirely electric, powered by a five-megawatt-hour battery storage system—equivalent to the capacity of 88 Tesla vehicles. Renewable energy is harvested through multiple methods: hydro-generating thrusters capture energy from water flow while under sail, a 100-square-meter hybrid solar panel array converts both light and heat at 60% efficiency, and a wind turbine supplements power generation using offshore airflow.Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack, stated: “This project has always been about showing what’s possible. We wanted to demonstrate that comfort, design, and performance can coexist with fossil-free operation. The project has been driven by data, testing, and a long-term commitment to sustainable naval design. Our goal wasn’t just to prove that a fossil-free superyacht is viable—it was to create a real-world model others can learn from.”Vitters Shipyard, known for high-performance sailing yachts, led the construction. Louis Hamming from Vitters commented: “From the outset, this has been about building a yacht that reflects a future we all recognize is coming. It’s a privilege to help bring that future into reality.”The interior accommodates up to 12 guests, featuring sustainable materials such as pine-based leather and leathered marble, which retains natural imperfections. Each cabin draws inspiration from a global destination, with bespoke artworks crafted by local artisans.Following its technical launch, SY Zero will undergo extensive sea trials to test its advanced systems, including proprietary software managing onboard operations. Delivery is expected in 2026, seven years after the project’s inception.Eduard van Benthem, Executive Director at Foundation Zero, emphasized the broader mission: “The project isn’t about showing how good we are, nor even specifically about the yacht itself. We are really trying to showcase how we can do things better and inspire others to join us on the journey, to learn together and to share the knowledge, which is the fundamental aim of Foundation Zero in all its projects.”Beyond private use and limited charter opportunities, SY Zero will serve as a research platform for marine renewable energy and ocean sustainability studies, furthering its role in advancing eco-conscious yachting.Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners.Credits: Vripack
July 17, 2025
GX Superyachts has provided a progress update on its 42-meter flagship model, the GX42, currently under construction at SES Yachts' facility in Istanbul. The project remains on schedule for delivery in summer 2026, with several major construction phases now completed.The aluminum hull and superstructure are fully assembled, marking the transition to the outfitting stage. Thermal insulation and main piping systems are 80% installed, while electrical work has reached 25% completion. Approximately half of the paintwork has been applied.The hybrid propulsion system, combining diesel-electric drive with solar power generation, has passed factory testing and is ready for installation. Interior furniture, designed by Marco Casali, is 50% complete in workshop production.Vladimir Zinchenko, founder and CEO of GX Superyachts, stated: "It's inspiring to witness the GX42 taking shape so smoothly. Each milestone reinforces our belief that the GX42 will set a new benchmark in responsible yachting — a vessel that delivers both elegant design and low-impact cruising. Thanks to our partners at SES Yachts, Andrea Armas, Marco Casali and Francesco Rogantin, the project is running smoothly and exceeding expectations."The interior design emphasizes family-friendly spaces with a raised pilothouse layout that includes a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP cabin. Natural materials and subdued color schemes reflect the yacht's focus on sustainable luxury.Upcoming work includes finalizing insulation and piping systems, progressing electrical installations, and integrating the hybrid propulsion package. Sea trials are planned for early 2026.Andrea Armas, consultant to GX Superyachts' Board of Directors, noted: "We are pushing the boundary of responsible yachting navigating through a new era of technological advancement, tailoring the dream of Yacht owners into a sustainable reality."Credits: GX Superyachts
July 17, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has confirmed the sale of the 50.58m schooner Borkumriff IV, built by Royal Huisman in 2002. The sale was managed by Senior Sales Broker Arne Ploch. The yacht accommodates six guests in three cabins and has space for nine crew members.Inspired by traditional Newfoundland schooners, Borkumriff IV has a total length of 50.58 meters, including the bowsprit, and a sail area of 1,164 sq. m. The exterior was designed by John G. Alden’s office, with naval architecture by Dykstra. The interior, crafted by John Munford, features mahogany wood paneling and custom furniture, contrasting with lighter ceilings and floors.The yacht includes a main deck saloon and dining area, with accommodation on the lower deck. The full-beam master suite has a separate study, while two twin guest cabins are located midship. All cabins are en suite. Crew quarters are spacious, with a large galley.Borkumriff IV carries two tenders on its teak decks and features two cannons, used for ceremonial flag-lowering at sunset.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: Yacht Harbour archive
July 17, 2025
Turkish builder ART Shipyard, part of Besiktas Group, will unveil its first superyacht – the 35-meter Bee Explorer – at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructure was designed by Hydro Tec to stay under 300GT while offering a 4,000-nautical-mile range at 10 knots. Ocean Independence serves as worldwide central agent for the €15.25 million vessel, which is available for immediate delivery.Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec explained the design rationale: "The 7.7-meter beam provides additional fuel capacity without significant efficiency loss, allowing owners to take advantage of regional fuel price variations." The naval architecture prioritizes seakeeping and fuel economy, with computational fluid dynamics used to optimize the hull form.Michele Dragoni's interior design blends explorer yacht robustness with contemporary styling. Horizontal dark lacquer frames contrast with bleached oak paneling in the main saloon, while curved bulkheads and strategic window placement maximize natural light. The upper lounge features a ceiling-mounted TV lift and lowered cabinetry to create a more relaxed atmosphere.Measuring 35 meters LOA with 2.2-meter draft, the Bee Explorer will be displayed in Port Canto during the festival. The yacht represents ART Shipyard's entry into the competitive sub-40-meter explorer market, leveraging Besiktas Group's commercial shipbuilding experience. The Cannes presentation follows successful sea trials in Turkish waters. Prospective owners can inspect the yacht throughout the six-day show before its scheduled autumn handover to its first owner. Credits: Ocean Independence
July 16, 2025
Italian shipyard Tankoa Yachts has strengthened its leadership team with two strategic appointments as part of its expansion strategy. Isabella Picco joins as Head of Marketing & Communication, bringing extensive experience in the luxury yachting sector. "I look forward to helping guide the shipyard while maintaining its core values," Picco stated.Isabella PiccoGuido Orsi, a long-standing executive at Tankoa since its founding, has been promoted to Vice President. In his new role, Orsi will oversee sustainability initiatives, technological development, and international growth. "Tankoa combines tradition, innovation and family values," Orsi commented regarding his appointment.Guido OrsiThe Genoa-based shipyard, specializing in custom superyacht construction between 50-80 meters, continues to expand its production facilities and workforce. These leadership changes follow Tankoa's recent delivery of the 50-meter Bintador and ongoing construction of multiple projects at its Genoa shipyard.No specific details were provided regarding new projects or production site expansions mentioned in the broader growth plan. Tankoa currently has three superyachts under construction, with deliveries scheduled through 2026. The shipyard maintains its focus on semi-custom and full-custom builds, competing in the 500-1,500GT market segment.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
July 16, 2025