billionaires with yachts

10 of the most impressive superyachts owned by billionaires

From a sailing yacht owned by a russian billionaire industrialist to the luxury launch of the patek philippe ceo, here are the best billionaire-owned boats on the water….

Words: Jonathan Wells

There’s something about billionaires and big boats . Whether they’re superyachts or megayachts, men with money love to splash out on these sizeable sea-going giants. And that all began in 1954 — with the big dreams of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Onassis, keen to keep his luxury lifestyle afloat when at sea, bought Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormont after World War II. He spent millions turning it into an opulent super yacht, named it after his daughter — and the Christina O kicked off a trend among tycoons. To this day, the world’s richest men remain locked in an arms race to build the biggest, fastest, most impressive superyacht of all. Here are 10 of our favourites…

Eclipse, owned by Roman Abramovich

Built by: Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, with interiors and exteriors designed by Terence Disdale. Launched in 2009, it cost $500 million (the equivalent of £623 million today).

Owned by: Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the owner of private investment company Millhouse LLC and owner of Chelsea Football Club. His current net worth is $17.4 billion.

Key features: 162.5 metres in length / 9 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / Two swimming pools / Disco hall / Mini submarine / 2 helicopter pads / 24 guest cabins

Sailing Yacht A, owned by Andrey Melnichenko

Built by: Nobiskrug, a shipyard on the Eider River in Germany. The original idea came from Jacques Garcia, with interiors designed by Philippe Starck and a reported price tag of over $400 million.

Owned by: Russian billionaire industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the main beneficiary of both the fertiliser producing EuroChem Group and the coal energy company SUEK. Though his current net worth is $18.7 billion, Sailing Yacht A was seized in Trieste on 12 March 2022 due to the EU’s sanctions on Russian businessmen.

Key features: 119 metres in length / 8 decks / Top speed of 21 knots / Freestanding carbon-fibre rotating masts / Underwater observation pod / 14 guests

Symphony, owned by Bernard Arnault

Built by: Feadship, the fabled shipyard headquartered in Haarlem in The Netherlands. With an exterior designed by Tim Heywood, it reportedly cost around $150 million to construct.

Owned by: French billionaire businessman and art collector Bernard Arnault. Chairman and chief executive of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, his current net worth is $145.8 billion.

Key features: 101.5 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / 6-metre glass-bottom swimming pool / Outdoor cinema / Sundeck Jacuzzi / 8 guest cabins

Faith, owned by Michael Latifi

Built by: Similarly to Symphony above, also Feadship. With exteriors designed by Beaulieu-based RWD, and interiors by Chahan Design, it cost a reported $200 million to construct in 2017.

Owned by: Until recently, Canadian billionaire and part-owner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team , Lawrence Stroll. Recently sold to Michael Latifi, father of F1 star Nicholas , a fellow Canadian businessman with a net worth of just under $2 billion.

Key features: 97 metres in length / 9 guest cabins / Glass-bottom swimming pool — with bar / Bell 429 helicopter

Amevi, owned by Lakshmi Mittal

Built by: The Oceanco shipyard, also in The Netherlands. With exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard and interior design by Alberto Pinto, it launched in 2007 (and cost around $125 million to construct).

Owned by: Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, chairman and CEO of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company. He owns 20% of Queen Park Rangers, and has a net worth of $18 billion.

Key features: 80 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 18.5 knots / On-deck Jacuzzi / Helipad / Swimming Pool / Tender Garage / 8 guest cabins

Odessa II, owned by Len Blavatnik

Built by: Nobiskrug, the same German shipyard that built Sailing Yacht A . Both interior and exterior were created by Focus Yacht Design, and the yacht was launched in 2013 with a cost of $80 million.

Owned by: British businessman Sir Leonard Blavatnik. Founder of Access Industries — a multinational industrial group with current holdings in Warner Music Group, Spotify and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat — he is worth $39.9 billion.

Key features: 74 metres in length / 6 guest cabins / Top speed of 18 knots / Intimate beach club / Baby grand piano / Private master cabhin terrace / Outdoor cinema

Nautilus, owned by Thierry Stern

Built by: Italian shipyard Perini Navi in 2014. With interiors by Rémi Tessier and exterior design by Philippe Briand, Nautilus was estimated to cost around $90 million to construct.

Owned by: Patek Philippe CEO Thierry Stern. Alongside his Gulstream G650 private jet, Nautilus — named for the famous sports watch — is his most costly mode of transport. His current net worth is $3 billion.

Key features: 73 metres in length / 7 guest cabins / Top speed of 16.5 knots / Dedicated wellness deck / 3.5 metre resistance pool / Underfloor heating / Jet Skis

Silver Angel, owned by Richard Caring

Built by: Luxury Italian boatbuilder Benetti. Launched in 2009, the yacht’s interior has been designed by Argent Design and her exterior styling is by Stefano Natucci.

Owned by: Richard Caring, British businessman and multi-millionaire (his wealth peaked at £1.05 billion, so he still makes the cut). Chairman of Caprice Holdings, he owns The Ivy restaurants.

Key features: 64.5 metres in length / Cruising speed of 15 knots / 7 guest cabins / Lalique decor / 5 decks / Oval Jacuzzi pool / Sun deck bar / Aft deck dining table

Lady Beatrice, owned by Frederick Barclay

Built by: Feadship and Royal Van Lent in 1993. Exteriors were created by De Voogt Naval Architects, with interiors by Bannenberg Designs. She cost the equivalent of £63 million to build.

Owned by: Sir David Barclay and his late brother Sir Frederick. The ‘Barclay Brothers’ had joint business pursuits including The Spectator , The Telegraph and delivery company Yodel. Current net worth: £7 billion.

Key features: 60 metres in length / 18 knots maximum speed / Monaco home port / Named for the brothers’ mother, Beatrice Cecelia Taylor / 8 guest cabins

Space, owned by Laurence Graff

Built by: Space was the first in Feadship’s F45 Vantage series , styled by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and launched in 2007. She cost a reported $25 million to construct.

Owned by: Laurence Graff, English jeweller and billionaire businessman. As the founder of Graff Diamonds, he has a global business presence and a current net worth of $6.26 billion.

Key features: 45 metres in length / Top speed of 16 knots / Al fresco dining area / Sun deck Jacuzzi / Breakfast bar / Swimming platform / Steam room

Want more yachts? Here’s the handcradfted, homegrown history of Princess…

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Inside the World of Superyachts Owned by Billionaires

Introduction: The Ultimate Status Symbol

In the rarefied world of the ultra-wealthy, few possessions symbolize success and affluence more than a luxurious superyachts owned by billionaires. These floating palaces represent the zenith of luxury, offering unparalleled comfort, cutting-edge technology, and bespoke design. Owned by billionaires who spare no expense in their pursuit of perfection, superyachts are the epitome of opulence on the high seas.

The Top Luxurious Superyachts Owned by Billionaires

Commissioned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the Eclipse is one of the most famous luxurious superyachts in existence. Launched in 2010, this 162.5-meter vessel was the largest yacht in the world at the time. It boasts a range of luxurious features including two helipads, a disco hall, swimming pools, hot tubs, and even a missile detection system. The Eclipse can accommodate up to 36 guests and a crew of 70, ensuring that every whim of its passengers is catered to.

Currently holding the title of the largest private yacht in the world, Azzam measures an astounding 180 meters. Owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Azzam is not just remarkable for its size. It is also one of the fastest superyachts, capable of reaching speeds of over 30 knots. Designed by Nauta Yachts and built by Lürssen Yachts, Azzam features an incredibly sophisticated and elegant interior, inspired by the Empire style.

Owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, Dilbar is another luxurious superyacht that exemplifies luxury. At 156 meters long, Dilbar is known for having the largest gross tonnage of any yacht in the world. Built by Lürssen, this yacht includes a 25-meter swimming pool, a helipad, and lavish accommodations for 40 guests and 80 crew members. Its interior, designed by Andrew Winch, reflects a sophisticated, modern style that provides an exquisite living experience on the water.

Life Aboard a Luxurious Superyacht

Living on a luxurious superyacht owned by a billionaire is akin to residing in a five-star hotel, but with the added benefit of mobility. These vessels come equipped with the finest amenities and technologies to ensure the utmost comfort and entertainment. Gourmet kitchens and luxury dining rooms – private cinemas – state-of-the-art gyms, every detail is designed to provide special experience for the owner.

Superyachts also feature luxurious staterooms and suites, often customized to reflect the owner’s personal taste and style. With expansive decks, private beaches, and Jacuzzis, relaxation and enjoyment are at the forefront of the yachting lifestyle. Additionally, many superyachts have specialized tenders and toys, including jet skis, submarines, and even small sailboats, ensuring endless fun and adventure on the water.

Famous superyachts owned by billionaires

Many of the world’s wealthiest individuals are drawn to the allure of luxurious superyachts. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is reportedly commissioning a 127-meter sailing yacht named Koru. This vessel, designed by Oceanco, is expected to be one of the most advanced and luxurious yachts ever built, featuring a support yacht complete with a helipad.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has also shown interest in the superyacht lifestyle. He was reported to be interested in the hydrogen-powered superyacht Aqua, designed by “Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design”. This 112-meter yacht emphasizes sustainability, with its innovative use of hydrogen fuel cells, representing a step forward in eco-friendly yachting.

A Closer Look: Roman Abramovich and His Yacht, Eclipse

Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire with a net worth of over $14 billion, is perhaps one of the most renowned yacht owners in the world. His luxurious superyacht, Eclipse, reflects his penchant for luxury and innovation. Launched in 2010, Eclipse was the largest yacht in the world until Azzam took the title in 2013. Nevertheless, Eclipse remains one of the most impressive and expensive yachts, with an estimated cost of $500 million.

• Roman Abramovich: Biography and Success Story

Born on October 24, 1966, in Saratov, Russia, Roman Abramovich experienced a challenging early life. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his relatives. Despite these hardships, Abramovich demonstrated a keen business acumen from a young age. He initially made his fortune in the oil industry, co-founding the oil company Sibneft in 1995. His business ventures expanded rapidly, and he became one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals.

Abramovich is perhaps best known in the Western world for his ownership of the Chelsea Football Club, a premier soccer team in the English Premier League. Under his ownership since 2003, Chelsea has experienced significant success, winning numerous domestic and international titles. His involvement in various industries, from steel to telecommunications, further solidified his status as a global business magnate.

Beyond his business endeavors, Abramovich is also a notable philanthropist, contributing to various charitable causes, particularly in education and healthcare. His luxurious superyacht Eclipse serves as both a symbol of his success and a mobile retreat where he can entertain guests and enjoy the pleasures of yachting.

Conclusion – Superyachts owned by billionaires

The world of luxurious superyachts owned by billionaires is a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of luxury. These vessels showcase what happens when limitless resources combine with visionary design. Whether for leisure, status, or both, luxurious superyachts represent the fascinating aspect of modern wealth and lifestyle.

In exploring the stories behind these floating palaces, we not only get a glimpse into the luxurious lives of their owners but also into the incredible craftsmanship and innovation that make these superyachts possible.

For more articles on luxury and opulence, explore our Superyacht collection .

Famous Billionaire Yacht Owners

A Closer Look: Roman Abramovich and His Luxurious Superyacht, Eclipse

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Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Short Answer

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Notable Superyacht Owners

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

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World’s Richest Yacht Owners

The world’s richest yacht owners.

It’s no surprise that owning a yacht is popular among the billionaire class. It’s not uncommon for billionaires around the world to not only own one luxury superyacht, but multiple yachts. Not to mention tenders and other high-tech watercrafts. Some of the richest people in the world own some of the largest, most expensive mega yachts. We take a look at some of the world’s richest yacht owners and the luxury vessels they have bought.

Bernard Arnault

Worth a whopping $156.8 billion in 2021, Bernard Arnault is a French businessman and art collector most known as the chairman and chief executive of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. He is currently the third richest person in the world. 1 LVMH is a French multinational conglomerate and the world’s largest luxury-goods company. Renowned brands such as Dior, Givenchy, Bulgari, and Tiffany & co. are owned by this corporation.

Bernard Arnault Yacht

Bernard Arnault owns the 101.5-meter motor yacht Symphony . Built in the Netherlands by Feadship, this luxury super yacht has four main engines and can carry 20 passengers and 38 crew. A 6-meter glass-bottom swimming pool and outdoor cinema are some of the vessel’s standout features.

Larry Ellison

Worth $90.6 billion in 2021, Larry Ellison is an American business magnate and investor. One of the most famous yacht owners, he is best known for being the co-founder and executive chairman of Oracle Corporation. Oracle Corporation is an American multinational computer technology corporation known as the world’s largest database management company.

Larry Ellison Yacht

Larry Ellison owns the 87.78-meter motor yacht Musashi . Built in the Netherlands by Feadship in 2011, this five-deck super yacht can accommodate 18 guests and 24 crew. Its exterior was inspired by Japanese design and Art Deco style. An outdoor gym and spa are only a few of the vessel’s luxury amenities.

The eighth richest man in the world as of 2021, Larry Page is worth $90.3 billion. He is an American computer scientist and internet entrepreneur best known as one of two co-founders of Google. Google is an American multinational technology company specializing in internet-related services and products which includes the world’s most used search engine, online advertising platforms, and cloud computing.

Larry Page Yacht

Larry Page owns the 58.8-meter motor yacht SENSES . Built and launched by German yacht builder Fr. Schweers Shipyard in 1999, it went under its latest yacht refit in 2015. This luxury yacht sleeps up to 12 guests with accommodations for 14 crew. An expedition yacht, SENSES  features a large helipad, ice-strengthened hull, and three high-speed tenders.

Yacht Management South Florida, Inc. specializes in complete yacht care . As such, we offer premier maintenance services at our South Florida marina including boat bottom cleaning , and hull painting. Our certified yacht technicians can also go to your yacht to provide dockside assistance and emergency yacht repair services .

Contact us today to schedule any technical work or learn more about out our extensive yacht maintenance services and first-class yacht management program!

Additional Reading

• Top 5 Largest Yachts in The World
• List of Famous Yachts in Movies
• Dorothy Neufeld, Visual Capitalist – The Richest People in the World in 2021

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The yachts owned by celebrities

How can someone who is recognised everywhere get away from it all? On a superyacht, of course. Yachts owned by celebrities range in style and size, but one thing that unite these vessels is their owner's love for the sea. Our round-up features the famous faces of British footballer David Beckham, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, martial artist Conor McGregor and fashion designer Giorgio Armani. 

Unknown owned by Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović took delivery of the second hull in Benetti 's 34M Oasis, named Unknown , in 2022.  The 34 metre superyacht has had a busy maiden season, cruising around the emerald coasts of Sardinia showing off her trademarked Oasis deck and RWD -designed exterior. Ibrahimović has posted the yacht on social media extensively, with videos of him and his friends playing with a drone and putting her huge locker of water toys - which includes a floating dock - to good use. The Oasis 34M follows in the footsteps of the highly popular Oasis 40M, the first hull of which, Rebeca , is owned by champion powerboat racer Tim Ciasulli.

More about this yacht

Seven owned by david beckham.

Ex-England football star and Inter Miami owner David Beckham has been revealed as the owner of a 28 metre Riva Argo 90 . Named after Beckham's iconic football shirt number, Seven was launched in October 2021 and constructed in GRP. Studio Officina Italiana Design penned the yacht both inside and out, while Ferretti Engineering Department oversaw her naval architecture. Stand out design features include the sun lounging space on the foredeck, while twin MTU diesel engines power her to a top speed of 30 knots. 

Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 owned by Conor McGregor

UFC fighter Conor McGregor has been revealed as the owner of a recently completed Tecnomar For Lamborghini 63 yacht . The 19.2 metre yacht is a crossover of the two brands and designed to satisfy owners who enjoy superyachts and supercars. McGregor’s yacht features a distinctive gold hull paint and will feature the same materials as a Lamborghini supercar. Inspired by Lamborghini’s Siàn FKP 37 model, Tecnomar For Lamborghini features an aerodynamic profile and special “carbon skin”.

Viva a Vida owned by Tom Brady

NFL superstar Tom Brady took delivery of a 16 metre custom cruiser from Dutch builder Wajer towards the end of 2020 after signing a $50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarterback is clearly a keen fan of the Wajer yachts after he recently announced he had commissioned a larger mode, the Wajer 77. The Wajer 55S, christened Viva a Vida , sports a baby blue hull and is powered by three 435hp Volvo Penta engines guaranteeing a wild ride with speeds in excess of 40 knots. A walkaround centre console allows guests to make the most of the deck space available with stowage for SeaBobs and other toys concealed beneath the aft stairway. Below deck, the Wajer 55S offers accommodation for four. Other cool features include push-button fenders and an extendable swim platform. The 55S is the souped-up version of its older sibling, the Wajer 55 , and comes from the boards of Dutch design studio Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design . 

Great White owned by Rafael Nadal

Tennis ace  Rafael Nadal  is the proud new owner of a Sunreef 80 Power superyacht , which was delivered in June 2020. Nadal commissioned the catamaran after previously chartering a number of Sunreef catamarans and meeting yard founder and president Francis Lapp at the 2018 Cannes Yachting Festival. This is not his first foray into yachting however. Nadal previously owned a  Monte Carlo Yachts  76 named  Beethoven  which he bought in 2016. Nadal has spoken openly about his love of yachting and his decision to invest in a yacht, telling  Boat International , "Because I have a yacht, I am able to forget about everything and get away from that tiring stress. I do have a real passion for [superyachts]. It is rare that I see a superyacht from a distance and I don’t know its name. I know them all!"

Main owned by Giorgio Armani

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani has recently celebrated 40 years of life at sea  and of course the fashion icon has a suitably stylish yacht. Enter the 65 metre Codecasa yacht Main , owned by Giorgio Armani, which has been designed inside and out with input from Armani. The exterior of the yacht is in an unusual dark green colour, which suits the angular, military-inspired exterior lines. Inside, the yacht has a muted palette and features wow factors in a spiral staircase, gym, cinema and guest accommodation for 12.

Vendetta owned by Billy Joel

The modern classic commuter yacht Vendetta is just one of the many yachts that Billy Joel has owned. The "Piano Man" is a yacht fanatic, to the extent that he's even a celebrity yacht designer . Designed by Doug Zurn, the 17 metre Vendetta was created to be a true replica of the classic gentleman's commuter launches that were popularised in the 1920s for their quick speed to run down the Long Island Sound and into New York City. True to the intended form of the vessels, Billy Joel told BOAT International  that he has used the yacht to run from his home in Long Island to the City to perform in a concert. At one point, Billy Joel owned five yachts, including 29 metre Inace explorer yacht Audacious (re-named Miss Sarah J ) ,  which he converted to house a few of his motorcycles. Fresh from a refit, Vendetta has recently joined the brokerage market and is listed for sale with Fraser .

Infinity owned by NBA star Tony Parker

In December 2018, Turkish yard AvA Yachts announced that it had sold the second hull in its 35 metre Kando 110 series to NBA star Tony Parker and the yacht was delivered two years later. Named Infinity , the steel and aluminium full displacement yacht will feature a bulbous bow and has been designed in-house. The 340GT yacht will accommodate 12 guests in six cabins with crew quarters for six including a separate captain’s double cabin. The four-decked yacht will feature a “light, contemporary interior décor” chosen by the basketball star and his wife, who are said to have put the yard through a rigorous selection process before choosing AvA for their new build.

Freedom owned by Roberto Cavalli

Much secrecy surrounded the construction of fashion designer Roberto Cavalli’s yacht until it was delivered in 2018. Built by Italian shipyard Cerri Cantieri Navali , the 27-metre Freedom was designed by Tommaso Spadolini in collaboration with her owner. According to Cavalli, the inspiration for the yacht’s design was the aesthetic of batman’s superhero batmobile. This explains the severe lines, jet black exterior and tinted windows which make up the yacht’s distinctive appearance. on board, Cavalli’s signature animal-print furnishings adorn the cabins and saloons. Freedom can accommodate six guests and three crew members and has two dining areas on board. Powered by three water jet engines, Freedom’s moderate size means that she can reach a top speed of 40 knots.

Eos owned by Diane von Furstenburg

Launched by  Lürssen in 2006, 93 metre sailing yacht Eos was bought by fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg and her husband IAC Chairman Barry Diller in 2009. The schooner features exterior design by Bill Langan and interior design by Francois Catroux with accommodation for 16 guests and 21 crew. Diller and von Furstenburg often use the yacht to host a star-studded group of friends with Bravo host Andy Cohen the latest celebrity spotted on this superyacht .

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Tragedy at sea: Yacht sinks, claiming billionaire's family

T he body of Hannah Lynch, daughter of a British billionaire, was found in the cabin of the sunken yacht Bayesiana. Five other bodies, including her father’s, were discovered in a separate part of the luxury boat. Investigators are determining what caused the yacht's sinking, which was considered "unsinkable."

At the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, 165 feet below the surface, the body of 18-year-old Hannah Lynch , the daughter of well-known tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, was found.

The tragedy occurred after the sinking of the yacht Bayresian , on which the teenager was traveling with her father and others. Fire Chief Bentivoglio Fiandra reported at a press conference that in addition to Hannah, five other people lost their lives, who were found in a separate part of the yacht .

Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio, leading the preliminary investigation, does not rule out that the cause of the tragedy could be involuntary manslaughter , but emphasized that it is still too early to draw final conclusions.

The yacht’s captain, James Cutfield, has already been questioned by investigators . During the storm, the yacht capsized onto one side. The fire department revealed that people tried to seek shelter in the part of the vessel facing the surface.

The Lynch family, in mourning, issued a statement , expressing their gratitude to the Italian coast guard and all services involved in the search operation.

Hannah’s sister, Esme, shared personal memories, describing her as a loving, caring, and passionate person . In her words, she paints a picture of Hannah as an amazing sister and friend.

Tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea: a luxury yacht sank

During the search operation, which involved 27 divers, the bodies of all the missing were found . The tragedy impacted not only the Lynch family but also other significant passengers, including the chairman of Morgan Stanley International, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife, Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo, and his spouse.

The sinking of the yacht Bayresian has become the subject of international interest, especially since it occurred during a trip celebrating Mike Lynch’s acquittal in a fraud case in the United States .

The development of events in this case will be closely monitored, with the main task of investigators being to determine what led to the sinking of the yacht considered "unsinkable" by the manufacturer .

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Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic

As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly.

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By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced

Emma Bubola reported from Porticello, Italy, and Michael J. de la Merced from London.

Two months after being cleared in a bruising legal battle over fraud charges, the British tech mogul Mike Lynch celebrated his freedom with a cruise. He invited his family, friends and part of his legal team on board his luxury sailing yacht, a majestic 180-foot vessel named Bayesian after the mathematical theorem around which he had built his empire.

On Sunday night, after a tour of the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and volcanic islands in the Eolian archipelago, the boat anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy. It chose a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago for its protection from the mistral wind and, in more recent times, by the yachts of tech billionaires. The boat was lit “like a Christmas tree,” local residents said, standing out against the full moon.

But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.

Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.

In all, 22 people were on board, 15 of whom were rescued. Six bodies — five passengers and the ship’s cook — had been recovered by Thursday afternoon, including that of Mr. Lynch, an Italian government official said, adding that the search was continuing for his daughter.

It was a tragic and mystifying turn of events for Mr. Lynch, 59, who had spent years seeking to clear his name and was finally inaugurating a new chapter in his life. Experts wondered how a $40 million yacht, so robust and stable could have been sunk by a storm near a port within minutes.

“It drives me insane,” said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company, Perini, that made the Bayesian. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, 52, a former vice president of finance for Mr. Lynch’s former company and a co-defendant in the fraud case, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.

Since June, the two men had been in a jubilant mood. A jury in San Francisco had acquitted both on fraud charges that could have sent them to prison for two decades. There were hugs and tears, and they and their legal teams went for a celebratory dinner party at a restaurant in the city, said Gary S. Lincenberg, a lawyer for Mr. Chamberlain.

The sea excursion was meant as a thank-you by Mr. Lynch to those who had helped him in his legal travails. Among the guests was Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a scion of a prominent New York family of lawyers who had represented Mr. Lynch for 12 years. He and his wife, Neda, 57, were among the missing.

So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox.

The body of the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered. All the other crew members survived. Among them was Leo Eppel, 19, of South Africa, who was on his first yacht voyage working as a deck steward, said a friend, who asked not to be identified.

Since the sinking, the recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a movie.

Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.

On Wednesday afternoon, a church bell tolled after the first body bag was loaded into an ambulance, a crowd watching in silence.

The survivors were sheltering in a sprawling resort near Porticello, with a view of the shipwreck spot, and had so far declined to comment.

Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said that the yacht had most likely been hit by a fierce “down burst” — when air generated within a thunderstorm descends rapidly — or by a waterspout , similar to a tornado over water.

He added that his agency had put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about storms and strong winds. Locals said the winds “felt like an earthquake.”

Mr. Costantino, the boat executive, said the yacht had been specifically designed for having a tall mast — the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world. He said the Bayesian was an extremely safe and secure boat that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing.

But he said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, is to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

The New York Times attempted to reach the captain, James Cutfield, who had survived, for comment through social media, his brother and the management company of the yacht (which did not hire the crew), but did not make contact.

So far none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened that night.

Fabio Genco, the director of Palermo’s emergency services, who treated some of the survivors, said that the victims had recounted feeling as if the boat was being lifted, then suddenly dropped, with objects from the cabins falling on them.

The Italian Coast Guard said it had deployed a remotely operated vehicle that can prowl underwater for up to seven hours at a depth of more than 980 feet and record videos and images that they hoped would help them reconstruct the dynamics of the sinking. Such devices were used during the search and rescue operations of the Titan vessel that is believed to have imploded last summer near the wreckage of the Titanic.

After rescuers broke inside the yacht, they struggled to navigate the ropes and many pieces of furniture cluttering the vessel, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for Italy’s national firefighter corps.

Finally, as of Thursday morning, they had managed to retrieve all but one of the missing bodies, and hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin. “Can a human being be underwater for two days?” Mr. Cari asked.

What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s death was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name.

He earned a fortune in technology and was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates. But for more than a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.

He was accused by Hewlett-Packard, the American technological pioneer that had bought his software company, Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his company’s worth. (Hewlett-Packard wrote down the value of the transaction by about $8.8 billion, and critics called it one of the worst deals of all time .) He had been increasingly shunned by the British establishment that he sought to break into after growing up working-class outside London.

He was extradited to San Francisco to face criminal charges, and confined to house arrest and 24-hour surveillance on his dime. In a townhouse in the Pacific Heights neighborhood — with security people he jokingly told associates were his “roommates” — he spent his mornings talking with researchers whom he funded personally on new applications for artificial intelligence. Afterward, he devoted hours to discussing legal strategy with his team.

Despite his persistent claims of innocence, even those close to Mr. Lynch had believed his odds of victory were slim. Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted in 2018 of similar fraud charges and spent five years in prison.

During Mr. Lynch’s house arrest, his brother and mother died. His wife, Angela Bacares, frequently flew over from England, and she became a constant presence in the San Francisco courtroom during the trial.

After he was finally acquitted, Mr. Lynch had his eye on the future. “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said.

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Pallanza, Italy.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

Meet Mike Lynch, the British billionaire tycoon who’s gone missing after his yacht sunk in Italy

Tech tycoon Mike Lynch, one of  six people missing  from a sunken yacht off Sicily, had been trying to move past a Silicon Valley debacle that had tarnished his legacy as an icon of British ingenuity.

Lynch, 59, struck gold when he sold Autonomy, a software maker he founded in 1996, to Hewlett-Packard  for $11 billion in 2011 . But the deal quickly turned into an  albatross for him  after he was accused of cooking the books to make the sale and fired by HP’s then-CEO Meg Whitman.

He was  cleared of criminal charges  in the U.S. in June, but still faced a potentially huge bill stemming from a civil case in London.

A decade-long legal battle had resulted in his extradition from the U.K. to face criminal charges of engineering a massive fraud against HP, a company that helped shape Silicon Valley’s zeitgeist after starting in a Palo Alto, California, garage in 1939.

Lynch steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was being made a scapegoat for HP’s own bungling — a position he maintained while testifying before a jury during a 2 1/2 month trial in San Francisco earlier this year. U.S. Justice Department prosecutors called more than 30 witnesses in an attempt to prove allegations that Lynch engaged in accounting duplicity that bilked billions of dollars from HP.

The trial ended up vindicating Lynch and he pledged to return to the U.K. and explore new ways to innovate.

Although he avoided a possible prison sentence, Lynch still faced the civil case in London that HP mostly won during 2022. Damages haven’t been determined in that case, but HP is seeking $4 billion. Lynch made more than $800 million from the Autonomy sale.

Before becoming entangled with HP, Lynch was widely hailed as a visionary who inspired descriptions casting him as the British version of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

Lynch, a Cambridge-educated mathematician, made his mark running Autonomy, which made a search engine that could pore through emails and other internal business documents to help companies find vital information more quickly. Autonomy’s steady growth during its first decade resulted in Lynch being awarded one of the U.K’s highest honors, the Office of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2006.

In the months leading up to the deal that would go awry, HP valued Autonomy at $46 billion, according to evidence presented at Lynch’s trial.

The trial also  presented contrasting portraits  of Lynch. Prosecutors painted him as an iron-fisted boss obsessed with hitting revenue targets, even if it meant resorting to duplicity. But his lawyers cast him as entrepreneur with integrity and a prototypical tech nerd who enjoyed eating cold pizza late at night while pondering new ways to innovate.

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The New York lawyer who died in the Bayesian yacht sinking wrote a LinkedIn post months before the tragedy that ended with 'they all lived happily ever after'

• Mike Lynch's lawyer wrote a chilling LinkedIn post two months before the superyacht tragedy.
• Celebrating his client's acquittal, Christopher Morvillo wrote: "They all lived happily ever after."
• Morvillo was one of the seven people who died when the yacht sank off the coast of Sicily.

Late British tech billionaire Mike Lynch 's top lawyer wrote a chilling LinkedIn post just two months before the superyacht tragedy — a note that ended with the phrase, "They all lived happily ever after."

Attorney Christopher Morvillo 's post spoke about his recent legal win in June, when Lynch, charged with fraud over the sale of his company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, was acquitted of all charges .

His LinkedIn post discussed the "thrilling verdict" after "years of painstaking work."

He thanked members of his law firm, Clifford Chance and Steptoe LLP, with whom he worked on the case. His post also included a June 14 article from ALM, a law publication, which called him one of its "Litigators of the Week."

Then came the last two paragraphs, which touched on how happy Morvillo was to be back home with his family.

"And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo," he wrote. "None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home."

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"And they all lived happily ever after," he added.

Morvillo was one of the seven passengers killed out of the 22 people aboard Lynch's 183-foot superyacht called "Bayesian." The yacht sank during stormy weather near Palermo, Italy, on August 19.

Fifteen people, including Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, and the ship's captain, James Cutfield of New Zealand, were rescued from the sunken ship.

Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, Morvillo's wife Neda, and Morgan Stanley International Chair Jonathan Bloomer died in the tragedy.

Lynch's co-defendant in the fraud trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died after being struck by a car just two days before Lynch's yacht sank.

Representatives for Morvillo at Clifford Chance did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.

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