The rich and the famous are distinctive
in their choice of transport on land, in the air and especially at sea.
The ocean—nature’s great untamed expanse – holds many treasures, not the
least of which are the many gorgeous yachts that belong to some of the
most talked-about celebrities today. This countdown of the five most
luxurious celebrity yachts includes vessels belonging to a globetrotting
media magnate, two world-renowned musicians, America’s wealthiest
record executive and
one of the world’s richest businessmen.
Rich and powerful men from around the
world express their power and affluence with the fastest and most
impressive leisure craft to ever sail the seven seas. Starting at about
$18 million, this list traces a maritime display of wealth that is worth
over $1.8 billion. Whether docked in the Cayman Islands or in New York,
these sleek vessels are weekend getaways for their owners and in some
cases, an additional source of wealth because of their high-status
charter prices. Needless to say, the title of “most expensive yacht in
the world” is greatly coveted with some of the world’s richest men—oil
magnates, royalty, businessmen, stars of track and the silver
screen—pushing the limits of shipbuilders and designers to create the
largest, fastest and most decadently luxurious yachts ever built.
These vessels represent the new age of
the ‘super yacht,’ vessels that exceed 175 feet in length and offer the
smoothest cruising experience through the use of anti-rolling
stabilizers and satellite navigation. The last couple of years have seen
a great demand for convertible deck features such as swimming pools
that can transform into basketball courts and sun decks being turned
into lounge extensions. Designers from around the world create
super-vessels that show off the glamour and opulence of their owners
while competing to create iconic works of art that are instantly
recognizable anywhere on the water. Let us start counting down the list
of the most expensive celebrity yachts.
1. Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse: $1.5 Billion
The owner of the most expensive
celebrity yacht in the world, Roman Abramovich gains his celebrity
status from being the owner of the Chelsea football club and one of the
richest men in the world. While the rest of the world was reeling under
the global financial crisis of 2008, Abramovich was able to maintain his
lifestyle and flaunt his wealth and apparent immunity to the slowdown
by spending over $1.1 billion on the Eclipse, the final word in sea travel. At 536 feet, the Eclipse is the second largest privately owned yacht in the world and is rumored to be the most expensive yacht ever built.
Abramovich is believed to have spent an
additional $400,000 on the vessel, placing its final cost at $1.5
billion dollars, making it the most expensive yacht afloat. The vessel
is second only to a military ship in its defensive capabilities
including an anti-paparazzi laser net that automatically prevents
photography, bulletproof windows, three launches and a submarine with a
diving depth of 50 meters. The boat is believed to have a top speed of
over 20 knots and is equipped with the comforts that only Abramovich’s
billions can buy: 15 ultra-luxury cabins, two helipads, a 16-meter
swimming pool and interior design by award-winning designer Terrence
Disdale.
With some of the world’s best chefs,
wines, entertainment and every creature comfort that the mind can
conjure up, these vessels are closer to the idea of a floating palace in
their grandeur and opulence. Each one of them is a fitting tribute to
what money and power can create and both work and play equally
enjoyable.
2. David Geffen’s Rising Sun: $250 Million
David Geffen's yacht reflects the multi-billionaire’s taste for opulence and fine things. The Rising Sun’sprice
tag of a cool $250 million includes over 85,000 square feet of floor
space, 82 stylish cabins with personal Jacuzzis, a deck swimming pool
and a 36,000-square foot burnished teak deck as well as a convertible
helipad. Geffen’s transcontinental travel itinerary keeps the
Lürssen-built yacht docked in its home port of Georgetown, Guyana for a
large part of the year. When you’re the most sought-after executive in
the recording industry, 453 feet of sheer elegance moving at a blinding
28 knots may be just enough to keep up with the pace of life Geffen is
famous for. His other acquisitions include the 377-foot Pelorus from
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
3. Sean Combs’ Maraya: $65 Million
Coming in at a pricey third spot on our list, the $65-million Maraya is
a study in stately and tasteful elegance. This comes as no surprise,
considering that designer Claude Misser is responsible for the clean,
elegant minimalism that makes P-Diddy's yacht an eye-catcher out on the open sea. When it was built in Ancona, Italy back in 2008, Maraya was
one of the larger yachts in existence at the time, at over 175 feet in
length and a 33-foot beam. P-Diddy’s lavish parties aboard the Maraya regularly
feature as magazine headlines. The rapper’s legendary ‘yacht party’ is a
regular feature at the Cannes Film Festival. The vessel does not scrimp
on cabin room with four double cabins and two twin suites as well as a
retractable state room balcony terrace. The Maraya is
available for charter with a full staff of 10. The vessel is capable of
a comfortable 14 knots and is ideal for the calm, summer waters of the
Caribbean.
4. Bono’s The Cyan: $50 Million
Owned by Bono, the iconic frontman of rock band U2, The Cyan is
147 feet of pristine cruising pleasure that the vocalist vacationed on
in 2007. He then bought the Codecasa-built 1997 superyacht for $25
million. The philanthropist rocker and his family have spent another $25
million refitting The Cyan as a stylish seaborne
paradise, even restoring the yacht’s deep blue exterior to its original
pearly white. Bono’s penchant for cruises and his hectic international
schedule make The Cyan a perfect offshore getaway
when the singer is on work or on holiday. Six double cabins feature
limed oak paneling and mahogany furniture. Each room has its own media
center with High Definition plasma screens and satellite television. The Cyan is
also equipped with a good selection of deck toys including a deck
Jacuzzi and wave riders and cuts through the open ocean at a brisk 19
knots. The vessel is available as a charter yacht for $250,000.
5. Richard Branson’s Necker Belle: $18 Million
Richard Branson may say that
“Ridiculous yachts and private planes and big limousines won’t make
people enjoy life more,” but the multi-billionaire magnate’s super
catamaran makes 20 knots in fair weather and has four staterooms and
convertible double cabins. At a price of $8.8 million, the Necker Belle didn’t
cost Branson much, but speculations about the refitting and interiors
on the yacht has been in the region of $10 million. The Necker Belle is
a refit of a 2003 Azzura Marine classic catamaran and is believed to be
one of the fastest boats in its class, outpacing most other vessels
when engine-powered or with its sails. The boat is also home to the Necker Nymph—
a hydrodynamic open-top submarine that seats a pilot and two
passengers. The submersible craft allows for brief underwater
expeditions up to 30 meters and may be chartered as part of an exotic
vacation in the Virgin Islands—also owned by Branson. The Necker Belle is the adventurer’s vessel, built to experience the open water, just like Richard Branson would like it. what is your say about it.
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