The superyacht sector is, at its essence, a extremely small niche when one looks at absolute amounts, with barely 10,000 yachts over 24 meters in length. As a result, innovation in the sector requires drive and experience that only a few individuals in the world have been able to develop.
Building innovative yachts takes extensive, intimate knowledge of their use, only acquired at an owner's level, as well as large amounts of capital devoted to creating floating masterpieces. Yacht Harbour looks at some of the most inspiring billionaires from the superyacht space.
Bernard Arnault
Position: Chairman, LVMH
Net worth: $64 billion (2017)
Iconic in many ways, luxury conglomerate LVMH and its CEO, Bernard Arnault have long set a gold standard in the luxury world and yachting was no exception to this rule. In fact, Arnault's 101-meter yacht, Symphony is currently the largest Feadship ever built.
With a net worth currently valued at $64 billion by Forbes, Bernard Arnault's 33-year run shaping the luxury world through his Louis Vuitton Moet Henessy Group, took him to being the 2nd richest person in Europe and in the world's top 10 billionaires.
In yachting however, the 68 year-old Frenchmen is most well known for his involvement in the sector. His first major step into superyachts became the conversion of the 70-meter Amadeus into a luxury yacht from a research vessel in 2007.
Rebuilt at Jade Yachts in Taiwan, the transformation was overseen by Vripack to a design by Redmond Langton with Francois Zuretti creating the yacht's new interior. Accommodating up to 12 guests in a master suite spanning over the entire upper deck, a VIP suite on the main deck, and two guest and two twin cabins on the lower deck, she stretched over a total of five decks.
From a technical standpoint, the yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar engines letting the 70-meter yacht cruise for up to 16,400 nautical miles at a speed of 10.5 knots. In 2015, Arnault sold Amadeus, which was later renamed to Felix by its current owner.
Photo by Julien Hubert
Around the same time, Feadship delivered the 101-meter Symphony, the largest yacht it ever built. According to Marianne, Symphony was delivered to Maltese company, Sonata Yachting, a firm which LVMH disclosed was a fully owned subsidiary in its yearly report.
A common feature found across the two yachts are their golf tee located aft of the upper deck, which allows its guests to shoot specially designed, bio-degradable balls into the sea from the yacht. Designed by Tim Heywood, Symphony has a gross tonnage of near 3,000GT.
Photo by Julien Hubert
Arnault's interests in yachting however are not limited to his personal fleet. In 2008, LVMH led an acquisition of British yacht manufacturer, Princess Yachts from South African investor, Graham Beck in a transaction that amounted to just over €250 million. The deal then saw L Capital, a fund controlled by LVMH, gain a 70% controlling stake in Princess Yachts.
LVMH then continued its efforts to expand into yachting by acquiring Royal Van Lent, a shipyard part of Feadship, later that year in a deal that analysts put at around €400 million. The shipyard later went on to build the 101.5-meter Symphony and remains a part of LVMH's portfolio to this day.
Herb Chambers
Position: Chairman, Herb Chambers Companies
Net worth: $1,38 billion (2017)
Delivered in 2012 by Abeking & Rasmussen, the 60-meter Excellence V, one of the most voluminous yachts in her size, became her American's owner fifth superyacht. His fleet's next flagship, an 80-meter Abeking & Rasmussen is however still under construction.
Herb Chambers' first yacht became a 30ft Trojan fishing boat in 1970, he then upgraded to a 53ft Hatteras before starting his journey into the superyacht space with a 38.7-meter Feadship, Excellence. Launched in 1986, three years after Chambers sold his blooming copier sales business, A Copy, for $80 million, the yacht could reach 13.5 knots.
Later known as Golden Rule and last refitted in 2006, the yacht was sold by her new owners in 2011 at an asking price of $4.9 million. She was then renamed once again to Miss Iloilo in 2013.
Chambers next yachting project became an even larger Feadship, the 47.5-meter Excellence II launched in 1999. With an interior by Sam Sorgiovanni, the yacht had a beam of 8.9m and could reach a speed of 14.5 knots.
Later reportedly sold by Chambers to American businessman, Dennis M. Jones who renamed her to D'Natalin II, the yacht was then sold once again and renamed to Princess K. Now cruising under the name Princess Too, she was sold to her current owner in the summer of 2016 at an asking price of €15 million.
Launched this time by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2001, Excellence III became a 57-meter superyacht with an exterior by Donald Starkey designed with charter in mind. Praised for her comfortable seven cabin layout by guests, the yacht went on to have an inspiring charter record led by Chambers' long-time captain, Ray Shore.
Listed for sale in 2010 Excellence III was later sold in March 2012 asking $45,950,000. The popular charter yacht was then renamed to Dream following her sale and lengthened to 60-meters during her 2014 refit.
Chambers' subsequent project became a 78-meter Abeking & Rasmussen which was planned to take on the name Excellence IV. A few months into the build, Chambers received an offer to buy the yacht from a friend, which he decided to turn down.
Halfway through the build he however realised that such a project would prevent him from mooring in harbour such as Gustavia in St.Barts and Capri. When a Russian oligarch made another offer to buy the project at a profit for Chambers, the American businessman accepted. "I did well on that one." Chambers told Forbes. The yacht went on to become Eminence.
Following the sale, Chambers decided to take on another project at Abeking & Rasmussen building Excellence V, a 60-meter yacht with the interior volume and comfort of a 75-meter superyacht. Launched in 2011, she is now available for charter from €595,000 per week.
"There was a transition where it became a business for me" Chambers told Forbes on his superyacht projects, "I get more enjoyment out of building the boats than I do using them". Chambers's Excellence IV, a 28-meter Pershing launched in 2014, might be the only exception to this rule as he keeps it for his personal use. The yacht was however listed for sale and is now asking $8,400,000.
Chambers, now owner of the Herb Chambers Companies, the largest automotive dealership group in New England, USA with over $2.5 billion in revenue in 2014, might however be on his most ambitious yachting project yet. Indeed, the American billionaire has commissioned an 80-meter project currently under construction at Abeking & Rasmussen, which he says will be a cross between M/Y A and a more traditional yacht.
Dennis Washington
Position: Chairman, Washington Companies
Net worth: $5,9 billion (2017)
Washington became acquainted with boating relatively late, according to one of his recent interviews, he stepped on a boat for the very first time in 1979, when he was 45 years old. His connection with the sea was however immediate, "I just loved the sound of being out on the water and being so relaxed" he told Forbes. Soon after, he purchased his first boat, the 25.9-meter Wanigan III for $150,000. What sets apart Washington from most yacht owners is his interest in refitting yachts up to his high standards. A year and a half after the purchase of the Wanigan III, he began to rebuild it and sold it a couple of years later.
In 1992 he purchased Chieftain, a 105ft tug built in Glasgow in 1929 that had escorted British WW2 ships and had remained under the British flag for nearly 60 years. Washington had the yacht shipped back to Vancouver by his port captain, Fred Larsson, and started a lengthy process to create the most tastefully decorated tug afloat. Washington in fact even announced that the newly named St. Eval would remain in the Washington family for perpetuity. St. Eval can now often be found moored in Washington's private marina in Vancouver.
Also docked in Vancouver is the 36.4-meter Abeking & Rasmussen, Impromptu, which Washington purchased from Boeing. Before serving as Boeing's corporate yacht as Daedalus, Impromptu was owned by beer magnate, August Busch. After learning that Boeing was looking to sell, he purchased and refitted the yacht, which he still owns to this day.
The first yacht to be named Attessa became yet another one of Washington's rebuild projects. After purchasing the 130ft Yecats built by Kong & Halvorsen in 1984, Washington lengthened the yacht to 142ft and renamed it to Attessa. The yacht later appeared in the movie "Indecent Proposal". It was then sold to George Argyros and renamed to Huntress before catching fire and sinking off the coast of Greece in 1998.
Washington's second Attessa became a Feadship launched in 1988 as Impromptu with a length of 43.4-meters. Following Washington buying the yacht in the 1990s, the yacht was extended by over 5 meters and renamed to Attessa II. The yacht was later reportedly sold to American billionaire, Wayne Huizenga who renamed her to Floridian. She then went through several changes of ownership until her current owners renamed the yacht to Mysorah and extensively refitted her once again.
Another vessel that is still part Washington's fleet to this day is Attessa III. Built by Feadship in 1998 as Lady Aviva for Joe Lewis, the 62-meter yacht caught fire in May 2000 in the Red Sea. With the owner and insurance company looking to get rid of it, Washington bought the superyacht and, after a 36-month long refit process at the Feadship De Vries shipyard, she reemerged as the fully rebuilt and extended 68m Attessa III. Completely transformed, Attessa III featured the largest composite extension in yachting history. Washington still owns the yacht to this day and keeps her on America's west coast.
Washington's most ambitious project however began just under two years later after Attessa III's launch. Having become aware that Taiwanese shipping billionaire, Chang Yung Fa was looking to sell his 91-meter Evergreen, Washington flew out to Taiwan to inspect the hull in 2007. "Chairman Chang built the boat like a warship, but it was not attractive structurally. I thought it would be a great project." he told Forbes. The American billionaire bought the yacht and sailed it to his Vancouver facility for a refit.
The refit process involved a new superstructure shape, interior layout, helipad and tender garage, which resulted in a completely new vessel. Lengthened by almost 10 meters, Attessa IV became the 24th largest in the world at the time of her relaunch in 2010. Amongst her standout features are a spa on the lower deck, a private cinema, a helipad and a multi-purpose room on the yacht's sundeck with a Chihuly chandelier under a glass dome.
Moonen Yachts has launched the 36.3m Martinique named Moonshine, during a christening ceremony held last week in The Netherlands. This marks the sixth Martinique model from Moonen's successful fast displacement steel hull series, designated as yard number YN204.Represented by Neal Esterly from Fraser Yachts, the owners chose Moonen Yachts to bring their vision to life due to the yard's reputation for excellence in their size range and yacht type. Customizations were made to suit the owners' preferences, including adjustments to the yacht's length, allowing it to fit within a specific location with a limited length requirement.Set to be delivered before the summer season, Moonshine will embark on a journey through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean before finding her permanent home in San Diego, California.The collaboration between Moonen Yachts and the owners, crew, and construction team was characterized by close cooperation and productive exchanges. John Bechtold, the Project Manager at Moonen Yachts, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to refine Moonshine according to the owners' desires and intended use.Crafted in collaboration with Hollander Yacht Design, Moonshine boasts a rich and characterful interior design. The main saloon features full-height windows and innovative sliding doors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.Designed by René van der Velden, the Martinique's exterior architecture prioritizes natural light, breathtaking views, and harmonious indoor-outdoor connections. With a maximum speed of 17 knots and transatlantic capability, Moonshine promises exceptional comfort, spaciousness, and stability.Moonshine's launch follows the recent introduction of Lumière, the fifth yacht from Moonen's premium semi-custom Martinique series. The shipyard is currently working on the construction of the seventh Martinique model, YN205.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
April 26, 2024
Ocean Alexander announces the successful sale and delivery of the new Ocean Alexander 35-meter Revolution, marking a significant milestone in luxury yacht craftsmanship. Unveiled for the first time at the prestigious 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where it clinched the coveted Best in Show title, the OA 35R stands as a testament to exceptional design and engineering.Crafted by the esteemed Evan Marshall in collaboration with Arrabito Naval Architects, the 35R redefines luxury and performance, offering an unparalleled yachting experience. With an impressive gross tonnage just under 300 GT, this masterpiece challenges the boundaries of a traditional 116-foot yacht, providing expansive living spaces that epitomize opulence and comfort.Bruce Siler, the Ocean Alexander Brand Manager with MarineMax and the selling broker, expressed his delight, stating, "It was a pleasure working with this client. This is his first Ocean Alexander. The 35-meter Ocean Alexander offers the size and volume he loves. He will be traveling to the Bahamas, up and down the east coast of the US, and possibly the Med."Powered by upgraded twin MTU® V16 2600 HP engines, the 35R achieves a top speed of 23 knots, ensuring swift navigation through the seas. At a hull speed of 10 knots, it boasts an extended range of over 1,200 nautical miles, promising unmatched performance and reliability for extended voyages.With robust mechanical features and uncompromising build quality, the OA 35R assures a serene journey across the vast oceans.Ocean Alexander is a family business. Two generations of one family have guided the shipyard for almost four decades. With manufacturing in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander is consistently one of the top selling brands for large yachts in the U.S. and currently produces models ranging from 26 to 36 meters in length. Credits: Ocean Alexander
April 26, 2024
In an elegant ceremony held in Viareggio, the eighth installment of the Mangusta GranSport 33 set sail into the azure waters, marking yet another milestone for the renowned yacht series.Crafted at the intersection of avant-garde design, artisanal expertise, and cutting-edge technology, this vessel is the epitome of nautical excellence. Designed in collaboration between Alberto Mancini and Ovemarine Group's technical department, the Mangusta GranSport 33 offers a seamless blend of sophistication and performance.Measuring 33 meters in length, this yacht effortlessly combines high-speed cruising capabilities of up to 25 knots with spacious and comfortable interiors, ideal for extended voyages across diverse waters.A hallmark of this vessel is its expansive interior spaces, totaling 228 gross tons, meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of the owner and their guests. The on-deck master stateroom, spanning over 40 square meters, sets a new standard of luxury in its class, complemented by two VIP cabins and two guest cabins on the lower deck, all benefiting from the innovative IPS propulsion system.With a keen focus on owner-centric design, every aspect of the Mangusta GranSport 33 reflects a harmonious fusion of functionality and elegance. From the panoramic glazed surfaces to the iconic infinity pool at the stern, every detail has been meticulously curated to enhance the onboard experience.Powered by four Volvo Penta D13 735kW engines paired with IPS pods 1350 drives, the Mangusta GranSport 33 boasts a shallow draught of only 1.9 meters, ensuring versatility in navigation without compromising on performance.Equipped with a spacious aft garage accommodating a large tender, water-skis, and an array of water toys, this vessel promises unparalleled leisure and entertainment options for its guests.Sold in collaboration with brokerage house HMY, this Mangusta GranSport 33, delivered to a U.S. owner, exemplifies the ongoing success and global appeal of the series. Overmarine Group was founded in 1985 by the Balducci family. The shipyard builds open and displacement power superyachts under the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceanco brand names. Credits: Overmarine Group
April 26, 2024
Van der Valk embarked on a monumental endeavor with the construction of Project EVO, a bespoke 40-meter superyacht. This ambitious project, the largest ever undertaken by the yard in terms of length and volume, promises to redefine luxury at sea. The owners were inspired by an exceptionally attractive design from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada, Project EVO boasts a sleek exterior and meticulously detailed interior.Ordered by seasoned clients with a penchant for high-performance vessels, Project EVO symbolizes the culmination of their yachting aspirations. With a vision to craft a tailor-made masterpiece for their family, the owners turned to Van der Valk, drawn by the promise of Dutch precision and excellence. The yacht's design journey, intricately guided by the owners, involved a transformative evolution led by Cristiano Gatto Design.Cristiano Gatto reflects on the project's inception, stating, “Our collaboration began with a shared vision to infuse the interior ambiance into the exterior design, culminating in a harmonious fusion of aesthetics.” The resulting profile, a synthesis of innovative proportions and lines, reflects the collective ingenuity of the design team.Beyond aesthetics, Project EVO is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance, with a round-bilged fast displacement hull and a target top speed of 24 knots. Compliant with ABS class standards and IMO Tier III emissions regulations, the yacht exemplifies Van der Valk's commitment to superior craftsmanship and environmental sustainability.<iframe title=vimeo-player src=https://player.vimeo.com/video/937794356?h=3c621b1611 width=640 height=360 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen></iframe>With accommodations tailored for ten guests across lavish staterooms and crew quarters, Project EVO promises a luxurious retreat at sea. Yoeri Bijker, head of sales at Van der Valk, affirms the yard's capability in delivering bespoke superyachts of exceptional quality, stating, “Project EVO epitomizes our dedication to excellence, offering clients the opportunity to realize their yachting dreams without compromise.” Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
April 26, 2024
Northrop & Johnson has been named the exclusive sales broker by Ares Yachts for the globally anticipated sale of the shipyard’s flagship, Simena. Currently in the outfitting stage in Antalya, the 62-meter superyacht is slated for delivery in March 2025.“We are pleased to collaborate with such a reputable company,” states Kerim Kalafatoğlu, Chairman of Ares Yachts. “We trust Northrop & Johnson to introduce our remarkable flagship to the market and promote her effectively.”“Northrop & Johnson is honored to represent Ares for the sale of the magnificent 62m Simena, set for delivery in March 2025. Ares has established itself as a leading shipyard in Turkey with an exceptional track record of over 230 vessels. Simena presents a rare opportunity to acquire a yacht of exceptional quality at a competitive price,” says Patrick Coote, Europe Managing Director of Northrop & Johnson.Simena, Ares Yachts' 62-meter flagship, entered the outfitting stage in November. The completion of outfitting, including joinery work, will precede the installation of the rigging system.Kerim Kalafatoğlu and Patrick Coote“Exterior paintwork is in progress, and the superstructure and hull connection have been completed,” shares Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts. “Construction of the mahogany planking for the superstructure and doghouse is underway, along with the insulation, wiring, and piping from the aft crew accommodation.”Designed by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited, Simena epitomizes classical and modern design elements. The vessel, designed to RINA Class C standards, boasts traditional teak decks and varnished Sipo Mahogany exterior joinery.Accommodating up to 12 guests and nine crew members, Simena offers luxurious onboard living. Its owner’s suite is strategically located forward on the main deck. Equipped with a sophisticated hybrid drive system, the yacht can operate silently under electric power at speeds up to 6 knots. Additionally, a 882 kW diesel engine complements her 220kW electric motors, allowing for a top speed of 14.5 knots and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.To maintain the yacht’s clean interior aesthetics, modern design elements have been discreetly integrated, including hidden TV lifts in the saloon and master suite. Walnut forms the basis of the interior, complemented by textured leathers, fabrics, and antiqued brass accents. Showers feature a blend of patterned tiles alongside Calacatta Oro and Patagonia White marbles, offering a blend of contemporary comfort and classic elegance.Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 25, 2024