Trump's election as president of the United States marked a number of firsts, including the institution of what has historically become the wealthiest cabinet ever in existence. The billionaire's effect on politics has become the subject of many debates, yet his influence on yachting is often overlooked. Having owned one of the largest yachts of her time, Trump once commissioned the world's largest superyacht and also briefly owned a leading Dutch shipyard.
In his former life as a billionaire businessman, Trump not only owned an 86m superyacht as well as a shipyard for a brief period of time, but 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.
Currently valued by Forbes at $3.1 billion, Trump serves as the United States' 45th president since January 20th 2017. Having sparked controversies throughout the world due to his polarising views on a number of domestic and foreign issues, he has recently led a series of reforms to have US conglomerates bring back a large portion of their cash back to the United States.
After getting a start at his father's real estate development company, Trump started his Manhattan real estate crusade, acquiring part of the Commodore Hotel in 1978. Following this, Trump embarked on building Trump Tower, which was completed in 1983. Five years later, Trump bought the Plaza Hotel for $407 million and invested $50 million into its refurbishment. At the same time, Trump started branching out of Manhattan, building in Palm Beach, Atlantic City and ventured int golf.
Trump's net worth is still predominantly tied to his New York-assets though, with $1,6 billion in real estate. The billionaire has another $500 million in real estate in another cities, in addition to $570 million worth of golf clubs and resorts according to Forbes. His branding business, which includes hotel management and product licensing is currently valued at $200 million. "Money was never a big motivation for me, except as a way to keep score. The real excitement is playing the game." Trump said in his book, The Art of the Deal.
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Ares Shipyard is setting sail into the luxury yachting sector with the launch of its new brand, Ares Yachts, unveiled at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show. Ares Shipyard is recognized for its commitment to quality, holding certifications to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards, along with being the sole Turkish shipyard awarded the Zero Waste Blue Certificate.The newly launched Ares Yachts brand will benefit from the advanced facilities of its parent company, boasting carpentry, composite, metal, and electric workshops equipped with cutting-edge technology. This combination of state-of-the-art production sites and skilled craftsmanship positions the new yachting brand for success.SpitfireChairman Kerim Kalafatoğlu expressed the company's ambition: "We have already been recognized as being both Turkey’s fastest-growing company and its largest exporter of military and commercial vehicles. This makes it the perfect time for us to expand our offering and show the superyacht industry what we are capable of!"SimenaAres Yachts has already embarked on exciting projects, including the construction of the 61.61-meter steel-hulled cruising ketch Simena, designed by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited. Simena, equipped with hybrid propulsion, is set for delivery in December 2024. The 50-meter motor yacht Spitfire, designed with Lateral Naval Architects and Bannenberg & Rowell Design, is another notable project. Ares Yachts also has Project Atlas, a 54-meter fast-displacement explorer motor yacht with Hot Lab, in the pipeline.In addition, Ares Yachts is developing a new range of vessels spanning 65 meters, 75 meters, and 85 meters, characterized by advanced diesel-electric systems integrated with pods. The brand is exploring alternative energy sources such as methanol during the engineering phase in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.SimenaAres Yachts is currently in the tender phase of selecting partners for exterior and interior designs for this innovative range. Going forward, the brand will focus on full custom projects above 500 GT and up to 90 meters in length. As Kalafatoğlu emphasizes, "Whether it’s a sleek and modern superyacht or a majestic ocean explorer, we aim to redefine what is possible on the big blue."Founded in 2006 by the Kalafatoğlu family, Ares Shipyard has established a stellar reputation for producing naval, utility, and support vessels, having delivered over 230 vessels to more than 15 countries. Their extensive facilities in Antalya, Turkey, include a 40,000 sq. m air-conditioned production area, four hangars, and a dedicated furniture factory, with the capability to construct vessels up to 90 meters in length.Credits: Ares Yachts
September 28, 2023
Camper & Nicholsons has introduced two strategic appointments aimed at propelling the company's growth and enhancing its client-centric approach.Callum Peden Joins as Group Marketing DirectorCamper & Nicholsons welcomes Callum Peden as the Group Marketing Director. Callum brings a wealth of experience from the product design and luxury marketing sectors. He embarked on his career in new product ideas and development at Dyson in the UK before making his mark in the yachting industry. Over 15 years, he played a pivotal role in building and leading the marketing team at Y.CO in Monaco.Callum PedenCallum's expertise lies in developing brand culture and designing exceptional client experiences, encompassing content-rich websites, digital platforms, and engaging marketing campaigns. His ability to translate brand values and translate them into real world experiences across a variety of different media will be instrumental to the development of the Camper & Nicholsons brand.“I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to work with a brand as rich in heritage as Camper & Nicholsons. I look forward to sharing a fresh perspective with the team as we work to develop and grow that brand in markets around the world,” says Callum Peden.Julie Bichon as Global Head of charter managementJulie Bichon assumed the role on 11 September 2023 and will be working out of the Camper & Nicholsons Monaco office.Julie spent 11 years as a charter manager with YachtZoo, followed by three years at Hill Robinson, leading her to the role of the head of charter management. Julie has an excellent record for marketing and managing complex charter fleets. These skills will help further strengthen and expand the Camper & Nicholsons fleet. She also excels at building and nurturing industry networks, to maximize the charter experience for clients.Julie Bichon“I am delighted to join a company with such a strong brand and heritage,” says Julie Bichon. “The team is incredibly strong and I look forward to fostering collaboration and generating new ideas to enhance the success of the company's charter fleet.”Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
September 28, 2023
During the Monaco Yacht Show Italian boutique shipyard Tankoa presented its latest project, the T560 Apache, a 56-meter full-custom superyacht. Designed by Alberto Mancini, this vessel draws inspiration from Mancini’s 76-meter T760 Apache design, seamlessly translating its features into a more compact package.Claudio Corvino, Sales and Business Development Manager at Tankoa, explained the challenge: "The task was to replicate a similar design with similar proportions to the 76-meter version, keeping the yacht sleek and elegant but still offering huge volumes inside with features that are more typically found on yachts larger than 1,000 Gross Tons."The T560 Apache combines incredible internal space with minimal compromises, creating a beach-style retreat with expansive external areas. It accommodates American clients' desires for spaciousness and an informal atmosphere.This project began at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2022, with Fraser Yachts USA actively participating in the sale and project development. J.D. Crawford from Fraser Yachts USA noted, "Tankoa's deep understanding led to the successful design of a vessel tailored precisely to the client's requirements."The upper deck stands out, featuring the owner's suite with a forward position that offers panoramic views, an expansive private terrace with a 5.5-meter pool, and an alfresco lounge area. Guest cabins are on the main deck, including a full-beam VIP suite and four twin/double cabins with exceptional sea views.The yacht offers generous crew quarters on the lower deck and midships wellness and gym areas for owner and guests. It also features a tender garage and a remarkable beach club with a 4-meter glass pool and drop-down side balconies.The T560 Apache impresses with its seamless interior-to-exterior flow, brilliantly disguising its impressive 840GT volume. Alberto Mancini, founder of AM Yacht Design, expressed pride in the design: "We are incredibly proud of the overall design of the yacht."The T560 Apache promises to be a marvel of design, offering boundless beauty and exceptional functionality for its owner.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
September 28, 2023
Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts has revealed its latest expedition yacht concept, Mission, at the Monaco Yacht Show. Designed by Bernd Weel Design, this rugged explorer boasts a modular design, capable of accommodating various tenders, RIBs, a three-passenger submersible, and even an Airbus H130 helicopter. Bernd Weel explained the concept's focus on experience-driven design. "The project embodies an 'experience-focused' design, meaning the vessel is designed to facilitate specialized expeditions, exploration, and yacht cruises," he said. The exterior design features strong, defined lines, drawing inspiration from products built for challenging expeditions and cargo-capable SUVs. The result is a robust, versatile design with a contemporary aesthetic.The vessel's innovative design revolves around modular elements that can be adapted and customized to suit different purposes. Icon's representative explained that "the use of containers allows owners or special charters to adapt the vessel to their evolving needs by incorporating modular areas within or onboard the yacht."These containers could serve various functions, from storing scientific research equipment to housing additional water toys and tenders. The vessel seamlessly accommodates both scenarios without compromising its primary purpose. These containers are ingeniously stored in the yacht's hexagonal-styled mid-section.With an impressive 1,800 GT, Mission can accommodate from 12 till 18 guests and can be used as private or commercial vessel.Mission boasts a cruising speed of 12 knots and an impressive range of 6,000 nautical miles, making it well-suited for adventurous voyages to remote and challenging destinations.Icon Yachts was founded in 2005 and is based in Harlingen, Netherlands. The facility can accommodate four 70m vessels simultaneously, or up to six 50m yachts, with a mast clearance height of 28m at NAP. Credits: Icon Yachts
September 27, 2023
Feadship has unveiled its latest concept design, Dunes' at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show. This striking 83-meter superyacht not only boasts an eye-catching design inspired by sand dunes but also sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the luxury yacht industry.Dunes represents a significant step towards Feadship's goal of Net-Zero superyachts. It integrates various energy-saving features and innovative technologies, resulting in up to a 95% reduction in negative environmental impacts compared to superyachts meeting current minimum environmental regulations. These features include shading windows to reduce cooling needs, next-generation storage batteries, fuel cells, and a revolutionary propulsion system.The yacht's layout is a result of meticulous planning, incorporating six guest staterooms, a spa area, a beach club, an owner's private deck, and a pool. Dunes' asymmetrical superstructure ensures a unique design that eliminates large engine room air and exhaust trunks, optimizing the use of space and improving guest comfort.Studio De Voogt designed the yacht's exterior, drawing inspiration from the shifting contours of sand dunes. The design promotes adaptable, multi-purpose spaces, offering both open-plan areas and intimate spots, while shaded walk-around decks protect guests from the elements.To enhance sustainability further, Dunes features teak-free decking systems, relying on alternative materials like glass and stone chips sealed in transparent polyurethane resin. Additionally, the yacht utilizes treated timber for its Pavilion Deck, providing natural insulation without adding weight.Dunes also incorporates innovative features like a wind turbine hidden within its mast and a groundbreaking electric propulsion system known as ABB Dynafin™. This system mimics the thrust of a whale's tail, significantly improving hydrodynamic efficiency and reducing energy consumption.Furthermore, the yacht utilizes green methanol as a reaction agent for its solid oxide fuel cells, offering a more eco-friendly and energy-dense fuel option. Feadship also adopts low-impact steel and aluminum for construction, reducing CO2 emissions during manufacturing.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
September 27, 2023