Anyone who loves sailing or simply appreciates the beauty of the sea knows how much yachting means to a person. It is beautiful, relaxing and can take you to some exotic places that are just waiting for you. Yachts are also big investments, so they require security as well. Nonetheless, they still have their fair share of high-end features and luxury amenities that can rival even the most extravagant hotels in the world. That being said, here is a list of 5 of the most iconic yachts in history:
The Yacht “Avenue”
If there is one yacht that captures the imagination of people throughout the world, it is the superyacht “Avenue”. Her owner is Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire and owner of a soccer team. He had the yacht built in 2003 and named it after the famous New York street. It is 125 meters long and has a crew of 28 people. The interior design is breathtaking and the listing price of $360 Million is insanely high. The yacht was designed by the renowned Dutch naval architect, Heijmans and also has a helipad. However, the Russian government denied the owner permission to fly in the helicopter when he visited an oil trading event in Abu Dhabi. Despite all the controversies, the owner continues to sail the yacht around the world and we can only hope that he uses it to promote the beauty of the ocean.
The Yacht “Troubadour”
The world’s second-largest private yacht is the “Troubadour”. She was built in Taiwan by the renowned Fujian shipyard, ST Marine and is owned by the Chinese business tycoon Li Ka-shing. The yacht has five decks and a length of 320 metres. It has a crew of 60 people and it is reported that the owner is planning to convert the yacht into a floating hotel. However, no such plans have been confirmed yet. The yacht was built at a cost of $500 Million and the owner bought it from the late Microsoft mogul, Paul Allen. The yacht has been featured in many luxury magazines and has become a legend amongst people all over the world.
Honey Fitz and the Scottish Yacht
This yacht is a perfect example of the British tradition of building large yachts. The Scottish yacht “Honey Fitz” was a gift from the King of the United Kingdom to his grandson, Prince George. It was built by the renowned British shipyard, Swan and is owned by the Fitzalan-Howard family of Britain. It has a length of 95 metres and a crew of 21 people. The owner, Viscount Fitzalan-Howard is the 5th richest man in Britain and his fortune is estimated to be around £2.2 Billion. The yacht sails between Britain and Europe and is often used for royal family visits. The interior design and facilities are top-notch and it is often rented out as a wedding venue.
The Shrewsbury School Ship
This British yacht is another example of one of the best shipyards in the world, the British shipyard, Swan. It was the largest-sized yacht built in Britain until the late 1960s. The yacht has a length of 95 metres and is owned by the Shrewsbury School in Britain. The school and its founder Lord William Shrewsbury were named as the owners of the yacht when it was launched. The school has been using the yacht since 1987. The yacht is currently in dry dock and will be back in operation soon. It is worth noting that the school is not just any school but it is the alma mater of members of the British royalty and many of the world’s richest people. The yacht has a crew of 12 people and sails all around the world. It is reported that the yacht can accommodate up to 20 people at a time. However, the owner has claimed that the yacht is too small for a large group of people.
The Jeanneau Sunseeker Predator 38 MkII
The French yacht “Jeanneau Sunseeker Predator 38 MkII” is the world’s most expensive production boat. She was built in China by the Sunseeker shipyard and has a price tag of $1.5 Billion. It is reported that the owner of the yacht is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The owner bought the boat in 2014 and reportedly spent $1.5 Billion on it. It is built with the latest technology and boasts of some incredible amenities including a swimming pool, a cinema, an art gallery and a helicopter pad. Most interestingly, the owner has installed a bed in the boat which is reported to cost $1 Million. The boat has a length of 120 metres and a crew of 12 people. The owner has claimed that he has never used the boat and it is just a status symbol for him. However, he does plan to use it for some of his private excursions. It is worth noting that the boat is also equipped with a special anti-piracy system which can identify and track other boats in the area.
Wrapping Up
Yachts are one of the most beautiful ways to travel, and many people dream of owning their own yacht one day. While these boats are expensive, they can be worth the cost due to their luxury and striking designs. Many of these yachts have become legendary and have become symbols of wealth and luxury. If you are looking for something even more grandiose than a luxury hotel, consider owning your own yacht. They can be expensive, but they are worth every penny.
