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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Riva has expanded its Destinations collection with a new lounge at Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá in Mallorca, officially opened on May 15. The venue combines Riva’s signature yacht styling with the hotel’s Mediterranean hospitality, featuring mahogany, ribbed maple, and steel finishes alongside iconic Aquariva lamps and Aquarama chairs.The lounge includes an indoor dining area and a sea-view terrace, complemented by a private Riva Privée area. Guests can charter a Rivamare yacht for coastal exploration, sunset aperitifs, or private dining.Located on Mallorca’s Illetas coastline, Hotel de Mar – designed by architect José Antonio Coderch – joins Riva Destinations’ existing lounges in Venice, Monte Carlo, Paris, and Jeddah. The opening event was attended by local celebrities, officials, and high-profile guests.No further expansion plans for additional Riva Destinations were disclosed. The lounge is now operational for hotel guests and external visitors.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
May 16, 2025
Feadship has completed its first two transactions through its recently launched Feadship Resale service. The sales include the 75.75-meter ONE (2025), co-listed with Edmiston and sold via Burgess as buying broker, and the 83.50-meter Savannah (2015), also co-listed with Edmiston.SavannahThe Dutch shipyard established Feadship Resale in late 2024 to leverage its technical expertise and historical build data in the brokerage market. The division currently represents six Feadship-built yachts, including the newly added 57.60-meter W."For years, owners have asked us to help sell their yachts," said Arjen van Elk of Feadship Resale. "We always directed them to brokers, but now we can offer something far more comprehensive. We know the yachts inside out – we built them."ONEThe service operates exclusively upon owner request and maintains collaborative relationships with established brokerage firms. Feadship emphasizes its role as a technical consultant rather than a direct competitor to traditional brokers, offering build specifications, maintenance records, and engineering insights to facilitate transactions.SavannahMarket response has been immediate, with multiple owners approaching Feadship directly to list their vessels. The shipyard attributes this to client confidence in its institutional knowledge of Feadship-built yachts.ONEThe Resale team now focuses on expanding its portfolio while assisting prospective buyers and sellers. No financial details were disclosed regarding the completed transactions. Feadship confirms the service will remain exclusive to yachts built by the consortium, with no plans to represent third-party vessels.The division's launch reflects growing demand for technical transparency in the superyacht secondary market, particularly for complex vessels exceeding 50 meters. Feadship's move follows similar manufacturer-backed resale programs emerging in the luxury marine sector.SavannahWith ONE and Savannah sales finalized, Feadship Resale prepares to handle additional transactions through 2025. The shipyard reports strong interest from both repeat clients and new buyers seeking verified build quality and maintenance history.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
May 16, 2025
CL Yachts has revealed its new CLB65 SUV model, a 19.7-meter sport yacht set to make its global premiere at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Australia. The announcement comes as the brand's existing CLB65 model completes its tour of major boat shows across Asia-Pacific and North America.The SUV variant maintains the B-Series' functional elegance while introducing enhanced versatility for owner-operators. Power options include twin Caterpillar C18 or Volvo Penta D13 diesel engines, both capable of reaching 30 knots. The yacht features a ZF JMS boat control system for simplified docking and offers certification options between RINA Hull Construction and CE Category B Class standards.Designed by Hong Kong-based Supertomato Studio, the interior presents two décor schemes in walnut or white oak. The full-beam master stateroom incorporates dual hull-side windows and walnut finishes, while the VIP cabin includes a skylight. A convertible guest cabin adapts between twin and single bed configurations.Social areas emphasize fluid indoor-outdoor connectivity, with a flip-up window linking the galley to the aft deck's electric grill and bar seating. The salon features expansive glazing, a pop-up rotatable TV, and optional sunroof ventilation. A multifunctional stern area serves as either a beach club or fishing platform, with stabilization available via fins or gyro systems."Coming at the very peak of the yachting season, we are so excited to unveil our CLB65 SUV to the industry," stated CL Yachts. CL Yachts’ goal is to offer unparalleled experiences to the modern explorer. The luxury performance brand stands apart from its competitors thanks to its unique approach to design – driven by CL Yacht’s core value of innovation. Fusing progressive design with engineering prowess and state-of-the-art technology, every element of CL Yachts’ vessels are meticulously geared to steer luxury into uncharted territories.Credits: CL Yachts
May 16, 2025
Royal Huisman has commenced work on Project 412, an 80-meter-plus sailing yacht for a repeat client. The full-aluminum vessel will rank among the largest sailing yachts built by the Dutch shipyard when completed.The yacht features a carbon rig supplied by Rondal, designed for performance sailing and global circumnavigation. While exterior details remain confidential, the project continues Royal Huisman's specialization in large-scale sailing superyachts.Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman, stated: "We are honored to embark on this new super-sized sailing yacht project for a returning owner. Project 412 promises a true sailing experience while offering a distinctive and sustainable alternative to large powerboats."The construction reinforces Royal Huisman's position in the XXL sailing yacht segment. No delivery date or additional specifications were disclosed. The yard currently has multiple large sailing projects in progress at its Netherlands facilities.Project 412 will join Royal Huisman's portfolio of custom sailing superyachts, which includes several of the world's largest sailing vessels. The commission demonstrates continued demand for performance-oriented sailing yachts in the 80-meter-plus range.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: Royal Huisman
May 15, 2025
Sanlorenzo S.p.A. announced its Q1 2025 financial results, reporting €213.5 million in net revenues from new yacht sales, a 9.6% year-over-year increase. The company's EBITDA rose to €37.0 million (+8.5% YoY), while net profit reached €21.2 million (+8.0% YoY).The Superyacht Division grew by 10.4%, and Nautor Swan contributed €23.8 million in revenues. Geographically, the Americas saw a 40.6% increase, while Europe grew by 8.6%. The company’s backlog stands at €1.2 billion, with 89% of orders sold to final clients and deliveries scheduled through 2028.EBITDA margin slightly decreased to 17.3% (from 17.5% in Q1 2024), attributed to the Nautor Swan acquisition. Excluding this effect, profitability would have improved. EBIT increased by 4.2% to €26.8 million, maintaining a 12.6% margin.Net financial position shifted to -€28.1 million due to seasonal working capital needs ahead of the Mediterranean delivery season (May-July). The company also repurchased €3.7 million in treasury shares and acquired 60% of AF Arturo Foresti S.r.l. for €0.7 million.Order intake in Q1 2025 reached €178.1 million (+5.9% YoY), reinforcing confidence in the Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, and Nautor Swan brands. The company confirmed its 2025 guidance, citing strong demand with waiting lists extending to 2028.Massimo Perotti, Chairman and CEO, stated: *"Our business model – unique in the international yachting landscape – continues to deliver excellent profitability and long-term visibility. We are reinforcing leadership in the 30 to 50-metre segment, supported by a sophisticated client base and semi-custom production."*Perotti noted that only 5% of revenues come from yachts under 30 meters, minimizing exposure to potential U.S. tariff risks. The company remains optimistic about sustainable growth and value creation.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
May 15, 2025