Superyacht Row, Port Vell, Barcelona, October 30, 2021. R to L: Dynasty (mining and natural gas money), Kaos (Walmart money), Viva, (Vegas money?… unconfirmed owner) undergoing maintenance.
There are yachts, then there are superyachts
Whilst walking along “yacht row” (as opposed to “skid row“) near the Barceloneta neighborhood of Barcelona one day, I was struck by the extreme juxtaposition of the line of polished and gleaming, giant luxury machines on one side of the fence (away from us… with their asses pointed our way, naturally), and the line of mostly Black, recent immigrants (on our, poorer, side of the fence) showing their wares and trying desperately to make a Euro or two selling shoes, purses, sunglasses, beach blankets, running shoes, sports jerseys, and so on.
It made me think, at what point do we collectively say that enough is enough in this race toward extreme inequality? Yes, a certain amount of inequality serves as a motivating motor both for the economy and for our individual ambitions… but what is the limit? How much inequality is too much? When does it start affecting political stability, i.e., when do the pitchforks come out?
And… what do people start to believe about themselves if their net worth happens to be 18 billion dollars? Or, contrarily, if their net worth is nothing more than the clothes on their back? What makes one human “worth” more than another?
But, back to the yacht parade… Just for grins, I thought I’d Google some of these floating marvels to find out how much they cost to build, what they look like inside, who owns them, what it takes to maintain them, and so on.
So, what did I discover…?
Superyacht Row, #3, Port Vell, Barcelona, 2021
Some General Info and Stats About Barcelona’s Super Yachts
The yachts I list here, range from roughly 40 meters (130 feet) to 162 meters (533 feet) in length and they all are quite obviously “super-pleasure” and “super-luxury vessels”, so that makes them what is commonly known as “superyachts“.
–Yachts in the 40-70m range tend to have a capacity of 8-12 guests and a crew of about the same number (typically a near 1:1 ratio guest to crew). However, take a look at the three 100-meter plus megayachts at the end of my list to see some real eye-popping numbers.
–Upon purchase, expect to pay roughly $1-2 million per meter of length for your yacht–plus or minus, depending on the design and amenities you choose.
–You’ll need a qualified crew to keep things safe and ship-shape, so to speak–an experienced sea captain, a qualified engineer, maybe a navigator, usually a talented chef, stewards, deck hands, et al. All of that costs money, so once you buy your new toy you’ll have some hefty annual costs to consider–typically nearly 10% of the original price of the boat. That is, a $35 million yacht is going to run you close to $3.5 million each year in maintenance, fuel, port fees, taxes, salaries, and so on… and be sure to tuck away a few more millions for that major refit every ten years or so.
–Given the last two points, it should be clear that you really should be a Billionaire to comfortably own one of these things–not just a common and mere Millionaire.
–It should go without saying that the accomodations inside these things are beyond luxurious. (This is a global penis-measuring contest, after all, with the odd set of large ovaries showing up only rarely.) Most yachts have opulent bedroom suites, spacious bars/lounges, large and multiple dining areas, jacuzzi/spa/sauna, a “beach club” down by the water at the stern, cinema rooms, tenders (the little boats to take you ashore to dine, to visit penguins, or to dive coral reefs), Jet Skis, water skis, boards of every kind (paddle, surf, wind), scuba gear, etc. The bigger boats will often have a swimming pool (or pools), helipad(s)–helicopter sometimes included–discoteque, even a small submarine, anti-paparazzi lasers, and bullet proof glass around the bridge!
–Many of these ships are registered in the Cayman Islands, Malta, or Panama for tax [evasion] and regulation [evasion] reasons.
–Operating range is typically 3,000 to 5,000 nautical miles (NM) at cruise speeds ranging from 8-15 knots, although one on my list can travel up to 7,000NM and another can hit 30 knots at full throttle.
–To see what vessels are in the port of Barcelona, or on their way there on any given day, check out this website: Marine Traffic.
–For details about specific superyachts the world over, their owners, designers, builders, characteristics, interior shots, etc., see Superyachtfan.com.
Random Yachts in Barcelona’s Port On This Random Day (October 30, 2021)
This list is not in any particular order, except that I left the four, longer-than-a-football-field, monsters for last. Nor is the list complete for this day–there were a few more yachts scattered about the port, but I was getting tired and a bit nauseous locating and listing them all… and I didn’t even touch the hundreds of high-end sailboats bobbing about at the various docks.
In parenthesis is the length of the ship and the date of construction/delivery, and the refurbishment/refit date if applicable. After that, I’ve included a few curiosities including the owner’s identity (if known) and his/her wealth background, price of the boat and estimated annual operating cost, and a few other odds and ends. Pics are mostly iPhone “butt shots” of the boats–no intention to make “art” here, just documentary thumbnail photos.
Arrow (75m, 2020)
–Owner: Michael Platt, a British hedge fund manager worth $10 billion or so.
–Cost: Estimated $100 million; yearly operating cost around $10 million.
–Curiosities: 12 guests in 6 suites, 19 crew, movie theater, sauna/spa/gym, jacuzzi, three tenders; rent it for a mere 850,000 Euros a week!
Artefact (80m, 2020)
–Owner: Mihal Lazaridis, a Greek-Canadian, best known as the BlackBerry guy, with investments in quantum computing. At a net worth of $800 million, he is one of the “poorest” on this list.
–Cost: $150 million; yearly operating cost around $10-15 million.
–Curiosities: Amazing, futuristic “winged” fiberglass and glass work throughout (60 total tons of glass!), solar panels, can run for short stints on electric power, wastewater recycling–at least this is an attempt to be “eco-friendly”…maybe?
Unfurled (46m, 2016)
–Owner: Harry Macklowe, a New York City real estate developer worth around $2 billion; recent divorce from his wife of 50 years, so his wealth may be well below this amount now.
–Cost: $25 million; yearly operating cost around $2.5 million.
–Curiosities: This is the only yacht sailboat on this list; 6 guests in 3 suites, crew of 8; won “sailing Yacht of the Year” in 2016.
Galene (55m, 2020)
–Owner: Unknown.
–Cost: Estimated $50-60 million; yearly operating cost around $3-6 million.
–Curiosities: Gym, jacuzzi, three tenders, Jet Skis, all kinds of boards (surf, paddle); rent it for 285,000 Euros a week.
Volpini 2 (58m, 2018)
–Owner: Lindsay Fox, an Australian now in his mid-80s, big into logistics and shipping in Australia and Asia; married 60 years (rarity among the super rich???); worth around $3 billion.
–Cost: $60 million; yearly operating cost around $3-6 million.
–Curiosities: 12 guests, 13 crew, all the usual luxury stuff; “volpini” is Italian for “fox”.
Albula (64m, 2006)
–Owner: Robert Brockman, an American, CEO of Reynolds and Reynolds software company; accused of hiding money off-shore to avoid taxes (and, no, he´s not the only one on this list to be so accused!). Net worth of around $5 billion.
–Cost: $50 million; yearly operating cost around $5 million.
–Curiosities: 12 guests, 13 crew, helo deck, three tenders, usual luxury stuff.
Siren (Siren, 73m)
–Owner: David (and Simon?) Rueben, British, second-wealthiest family in the UK, wealth earned from carpet, metals and real estate; worth around $18 billion.
–Cost: $70 million; yearly operating cost around $5-7 million.
–Curiosities: 12 guests, 18 crew, gym, jacuzzi, three tenders, etc., etc. (you know the list by now).
Ace (85m, 2012/2018)
–Owner: Yuriy Kosiuk, a Ukranian businessman into ag products (grain, poultry), metals, and gas; worth around $1 billion.
–Cost: $160 million; yearly operating cost around $10-15 million.
–Curiosities: 10 guests, 28 crew, a spa which includes a hammam/massage room, plunge pool and a Jacuzzi, a beach club, gym, movie theater, toys & tenders and helicopter landing capabilities.
Galactica Super Nova (70m, 2016)
–Owner: Vagit Alekperov, Azerbaijani-Russian, President of Russia’s #1 oil company (LUKOIL), 5th wealthiest person in Russia with a net worth of about $20 billion.
–Cost: $75 million; yearly operating cost around $2.5 million.
–Curiosities: It is for sale at that listed price, folks, so step right up! 14 guests in 7 cabins, 16 crew, glass bottom pool with waterfall, helo pad; ship can hit 30 knots at flank speed.
Hampshire II (78m, 2012)
–Owner: Jim Ratcliffe, a Monaco-based (taxes!) Brit worth somewhere between $18-28 billion; Chairman and CEO of INEOS Chemical Group. Owns five jets and a second yacht as well.
–Cost: $120 million; yearly operating cost around $10-15 million.
–Curiosities: 14 guests in 7 cabins, crew of 23, usual luxury accomodations and toys, plus a zip line from crow’s nest to sea and an underwater sea viewing area.
Cocoa Bean (74m, 2014/2018)
–Owner: Ali Ghandour, a Lebanese-Jordanian businessman, started Jordan’s first airline. President of ARAM Trading and Technology and worth around $1 billion.
–Cost: $90 million; yearly operating cost around $4-9 million.
–Curiosities: 12 guests, 19 crew, and a mere 550,000 Euros a week to charter!
My Loyalty (50m, 2016)
–Owner: Robert van der Wallen, from The Netherlands, founder of BrandLoyalty (consumer behavior/marketing/media); worth around $1 billion
–Cost: $35 million; yearly operating cost around $3.5 million.
–Curiosities: 12 guests, 6 cabins… and the usual superyacht stuff…
Stormborn (47m, 2007)
–Owner: Unknown
–Cost: Estimated $40 million; yearly operating cost around $2-4 million.
–Curiosities: 10 guests, 9 crew; available for charter at 195,000 Euros a week.
Philosophy (44m, 1991/2010/2015)
–Owner: Unknown
–Cost: Estimated $40 million; yearly operating cost around $2-4 million.
–Curiosities: 8 guests, 9 crew, swimming pool, chef… and all the other usual bells, whistles, pillows and toys…
Istros Valetta (42m, 1954/2020)
–Owner: Unknown
–Cost: Estimated $50 million; yearly operating cost around $2-5 million.
–Curiosities: First launched in 1954, this classic “African Queen-style” yacht was recently completely dismantled and rebuilt with all the latest modern bells and whistles; 10 guests, crew of 8; a steal at a 95,000 Euros per week charter fee!
With these last four, (and I’ll repeat the photo that opened the blog post to set the scene) we launch into the stratosphere of the yachting world… the air is quite rarified here, so adjust your oxygen mask!
Megayacht Row, Port Vell, Barcelona, 2021 (R to L: Dynasty, Kaos, and Viva. The Al Raya (Ona/Dilbar) and the Eclipse are out beyond that old clock tower.)
Dynasty (101m, 2015)
–Owner: Alijan Ibragimov, from Kazakhstan, who made his fortune in mining and natural gas (Eurasian Natural Resources Co.) and is worth about $2 billion (was worth, I should say… he just passed away).
–Cost: $200 million; yearly operating cost around $15-20 million.
–Curiosities: a real super-super yacht… teak decks, 34 guests in 11 suites, crew of 36, range of 7,000 nautical miles.
Kaos (110m, 2015)
–Owner: Nancy Walton, of Walmart fame, worth somewhere around $9 billion.
–Cost: $300 million; yearly operating cost around $20-30 million.
–Curiosities: the only yacht on the list with a female owner; 34 guests in 17 cabins, crew of 41.
Viva (94m, 2021)
–Owner: An unknown American billionaire worth about $2 billion. Some speculate the owner could be Frank Fertitta III, the CEO of Station Casinos (“Viva” Las Vegas!?) and also founder of Zuffa LLC, the parent entity of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
–Cost: $175 million; yearly operating cost around $17.5 million.
–Curiosities: Brand new ship–delivered in June of this year; environmental features include a hybrid propulsion system which will allow Viva to travel at 12 knots on diesel-electric power and 20 knots under traditional diesel power, a waste treatment plant, and a heat recovering system; design includes “great edifices” of glass (floor-to-ceiling windows), pool, cinema room, and all the usual luxurious rest. It looks to be undergoing some sort of maintenance in port as the upper deck was shrouded in protective construction sheeting and the radar/comm masts had been removed and were sitting dockside (see the B&W image at the end of this blog post).
Dilbar, then renamed Ona, currently christened Al Raya (110m, 2008)
–Owner: Originally built for Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov and named Dilbar, after Usmanov’s mother. After another, larger yacht also named Dilbar had been built for Usmanov in 2016, the original Dilbar was renamed to Ona and put up for sale. In 2018, it had reportedly been sold and has been renamed Al Raya. The new owner is believed to be the King of Bahrain, worth around $5 billion.
–Cost: $250 million; yearly operating cost around $15-25 million.
–Curiosities: 16 guests in 8 suites, crew of up to 41, ice-class hull, pool, beauty salon, underwater lights, elevator, beach club, gym and air conditioning, along with the usual luxury amenities.
As a bonus, and just for grits and shins, I’ll throw in one last amazing piece of floating real estate although I didn’t actually get eyes on it on this day–I suspect it was hidden from my view in the more secure and private maintenance area, and I just missed it. I did confirm its presence just five days later.
Eclipse (162m, 2010)
–Owner: Roman Abramovich, a Russian oligarch worth $12-18 billion and close friend of Vladimir Putin.
–Cost: $400-$700 million dollars; yearly operating cost $40-$70 million.
–Curiosities: 36 guests in 18 cabins, crew of 70, two swimming pools, two helipads, missile detection system, armored bridge with bullet-proof windows, an anti-paparazzi laser system to shine at the mirrors in digital cameras (or so I understand), a mini-submarine capable of depths of 50 meters, three landing craft, and, of course, the usual–spa, jacuzzis, gym, etc. Currently the fourth longest private yacht afloat.
$$$ Summary
Total estimated value of the boats: Just on this very incomplete list, on this random day, there was $2 billion+ worth of private naval construction in port.
Total estimated wealth of the superyacht owners: A rough total of their combined net worth comes out to at least $100 billion. That doesn’t inlude the four “Unknown” owners. Sure, that’s a whole lot of dinero… BUT, consider this when you ponder the state of global inequality: Elon Musk, the Tesla/SpaceX guy, could buy it all three times over.
Thoroughly Modern Masts, Port Vell, Barcelona, 2021
You might also like
Leave a reply