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100m Yachts for Charter

100m yacht charter, number of guests.

95m | Lurssen | 2019

O’PARI

95m | Golden Yachts | 2020

95.2m | Lurssen | 2014

96.6m | Feadship | 2017

CHRISTINA O

99m | Canadian Vickers | 1943

106.5m | Olympic Yacht Services | 1997

122m | Lürssen | 2024

126m | Lurssen | 2006

ENQUIRE ON ​100m YACHT CHARTER

Contact our charter brokers about chartering a superyacht

37m | Sanlorenzo | 2007

70m | Feadship | 2016

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100m Yacht Charter

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Set sail in unmatched elegance with our 100m gigayacht charters, where expansive design meets exquisite detail. Discover the ultimate in luxury yachting for an unforgettable high-seas adventure.

100m Gigayacht Charters at Worth Avenue Yachts

Defining luxury at sea.

100-meter gigayachts are the crown jewels of the maritime world, embodying opulence on a grand scale. With their vast lengths, these vessels offer extensive amenities and spaces that surpass even the most luxurious expectations. Charter one of these magnificent gigayachts and explore the world’s most exotic destinations in unparalleled comfort and style.

Supreme Craftsmanship and Exclusive Design

Each 100m gigayacht in our fleet represents the pinnacle of naval engineering and aesthetic design. Built by esteemed shipyards like Lürssen , Oceanco , and Feadship , these yachts boast advanced engineering, bespoke interiors, and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring every journey is as smooth as it is luxurious.

Customizable Luxury for Every Guest

Our 100m gigayachts are floating resorts that can cater to the most specific preferences. Whether hosting glamorous gatherings, corporate events, or intimate family vacations, the versatility of these yachts allows for fully personalized experiences. From gourmet dining prepared by top chefs to custom entertainment and relaxation spaces, every detail is curated to your satisfaction.

Amenities Beyond Compare

These gigayachts feature amenities that rival those of five-star hotels, including:

• Multiple swimming pools and Jacuzzis
• On-board cinemas and concert spaces
• Full-service spas and gym facilities
• Helipads and submarines for exploration
• Vast array of water sports equipment

Expert Crew and Unmatched Service

A dedicated and highly skilled crew ensures every aspect of your gigayacht charter is flawless. From navigating the best routes to providing world-class service and security, the crew’s expertise and attention to detail make every voyage exceptional.

Globe-Trotting Itineraries

100m gigayachts are built for transoceanic voyaging, offering the opportunity to explore distant shores in the lap of luxury. Whether cruising through the Mediterranean’s azure waters, exploring the secluded islands of the Caribbean, or embarking on a scenic tour of the Norwegian fjords, these yachts offer unparalleled access to the world’s most coveted destinations.

Plan Your 100m Gigayacht Charter Today

Ready to embark on the ultimate luxury adventure? Browse our selection of 100m gigayachts to find the perfect match for your opulent sea voyage. Each yacht’s profile includes comprehensive details about its facilities, accommodations, and unique features.

For personalized assistance or to customize your gigayacht charter experience, contact the experts at Worth Avenue Yachts. We are dedicated to ensuring your luxury yacht charter is nothing short of majestic. The webpage features a stunning display of available 100m gigayachts, each linking to detailed profiles to help prospective charterers make an informed choice for their grand voyage.

100m yachtS available for charter

View yacht FLYING FOX, available for charter

FLYING FOX , yacht for charter

View yacht MADSUMMER, available for charter

MADSUMMER , yacht for charter

View yacht OPARI, available for charter

OPARI , yacht for charter

View yacht CHRISTINA O, available for charter

CHRISTINA O , yacht for charter

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Gulf Craft Majesty 100 MIA yacht charter

Overall information

PDF brochure

Yachts by Gulf Craft

Yachts charter Gulf Craft

€98,000 per week

Mia is one of the best Gulf Craft Majesty 100 built in 2017, she was sold in July 2018 and she immediately had a successful charter season. Gaining world-wide attention since it was launched, the Majesty 100 is characterized by her unique enclosed sky-lounge and a powerful but efficient propulsion system. With her lavish interiors and ample lounging areas. Timeless exterior styling and uncompromised naval engineering are finished with exquisite interior workmanship in this model. 6 crew in full season and 5 crew in low season

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SCORPION YACHT CHARTER

29.84m  /  97'11   sunseeker   2022.

• Previous Yacht

Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Built in 2022
• Interior design from Sunseeker
• Intimate beach club
• Sleeps 10 guests
• Williams Jet Tenders RIB

Luxury yacht Scorpion is the perfect charter platform for yachting vacations spent entertaining in style

The 29.85m/97'11" motor yacht 'Scorpion' is an excellent new superyacht for the luxury charter market. Delivered by the British shipyard Sunseeker and featuring interior styling by British designer Sunseeker she can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 cabins.

For outdoor living nonpareil, Scorpion is the number one choice, offering a variety of spacious living areas and fabulous amenities, vacations aboard this yacht are sure to be nothing short of spectacular. She has sensational features such as underwater lights and beach club.

Guest Accommodation

Built in 2022, Scorpion offers guest accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 suites comprising a master suite located on the main deck, one VIP cabin and three twin cabins. She is also capable of carrying up to 5 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht charter experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

On your charter, you'll find plenty to keep you busy and entertained, particularly a beach club for you to relax on the edge of the water. Retreat to the deck jacuzzi and soak up the scenery.

Whatever your activities on your charter, you'll find some impressive features are seamlessly integrated to help you, particularly the underwater lights, adding spectacle and style after dark. With Wi-Fi connectivity you don't have to lose contact with the outside world, unless you want to or you can stay comfortable on board whatever the weather, with air conditioning during your charter.

Performance & Range

Built with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure, she has impressive speed and great efficiency thanks to her planing hull. Scorpion comfortably cruises at 12 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 23 knots.

Onboard Scorpion has a range of toys and accessories to keep you and your guests entertained on the water throughout your stay. Take to the sea on the Jet Skis offering you power and control on the water. Also there are towable toys offering fun and adventure. Additionally, there is a waterski that are hugely entertaining whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. If that isn't enough Scorpion also features a seabob, fishing equipment, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment. When it's time to travel from land to see, it couldn't be easier with a Williams Jet Tenders RIB.

Based in the magical waters of the Mediterranean all year round Scorpion is ready for your next luxury yacht charter. Let Scorpion Discover the magical places, food and experiences of the the Mediterranean.

As you can see, luxury motor yacht Scorpion offers guests the very best onboard experience, from its sun-kissed top deck down to its standout waterside beach club promising truly memorable vacations that you"ll want to repeat again and again.

TESTIMONIALS

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Scorpion Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Scorpion has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Scorpion is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x Williams Jet Tenders 445 RIB

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Scorpion' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€99,000 p/week + expenses Approx $110,000

High Season

€105,000 p/week + expenses Approx $116,500

Cruising Regions

Mediterranean Croatia, France, Italy, Monaco, Montenegro

HOT SPOTS:   Amalfi Coast, Corsica, French Riviera, Sardinia

Winter Season

October - April

$99,000 p/week + expenses

$105,000 p/week + expenses

Charter Scorpion

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker or

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NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

SEASONAL CHARTER RATES

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SUNREEF 100

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ASK ABOUT THIS YACHT

The Sunreef 100 Eco was designed to provide an emissions-free cruising experience in complete silence and luxury. Using green hi-tech solutions developed in-house by Sunreef Yachts, this all-electric yacht features composite integrated solar panels, maximizing renewable power generation onboard.

A CONFIDENT CRUISER

With custom-engineered batteries and state-of-the-art electric engines, the Sunreef 100 Eco offers prolonged hours of e-motoring with no fumes or vibrations. Alongside, the luxury catamaran offers a smooth sailing experience and while under sail, its hydro-generators provide a steady supply of green energy.

A PRIVATE OCEAN LOUNGE

One of the sailing catamaran ’s standout features is her invisible aft garage that can stow a jet ski and a collection of water toys. Another key feature of the Sunreef 100 Eco is her vast ocean lounge combining the aft platform and fold-down balconies. Dedicated to sunning, lounging and watersports, the lounge provides direct access to voluminous toy storage and diving gear.

Reach out to the Sunreef Yachts’ team for more information on Sunreef 100 Eco.

SPECIFICATION

• ECO VERSION
• CLASSIC VERSION

Construction

28.65 m / 94 Ft

Length overall

12.80 m / 42 Ft

Beam overall

1600 l (422.68 US gal)

Water capacity

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up to 45,1kWp

Solar panels

Main engines

READ MORE ABOUT MODEL

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The Gentleman Arabia | 2024-02

MULTIHULLS WORLD | 2021-12

YACHT STYLE | 2021-07

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How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

There are many things to consider and first time charterers can be left confused, that's why we've created a comprehensive guide to yacht charter prices (with a checklist).

The good news: It’s easy to grasp the basics of yacht charter pricing. And with one of our experts in your corner, we can help you more accurately estimate the cost of your next once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

The cost of a yacht charter is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of yacht, the charter destination, local taxes, and the base cost. (If the yacht has a celebrity owner, well that too, can add to the cost.)

Therefore, yacht charters have a wide range of base prices. That’s why charters can cost from $10,000 per week on smaller sailing yachts and catamarans, up to $150,000+ per week on the most luxurious motor superyachts.

What else can you expect to pay? This overview – a part of our planning resource, the Charter Advice Guide – offers an in-depth look at charter yacht costs.

Yacht Charter Price Structure: “All-Inclusive” vs “Plus Expenses”

In the world of yachting, two types of crewed yacht charters are available to you – “All-Inclusive” and “Plus Expenses” charter experiences. What do these terms mean exactly? Here’s a quick look:

• All-Inclusive Yacht Charters – Some charters (mainly catamaran and monohull charters in the Virgin Islands) offer all-inclusive rates. That means rates are based on the number of guests, and they include all food and drink, water sports, and fuel costs. Dockage and taxes, though, are usually charged separately.
• Plus Expenses Charters – Rates for larger motor yachts do not include running expenses, which must be paid separately. For these luxury charters, the base price is for the yacht only. Additional expenses, i.e. food, bar, fuel, dockage, port taxes, and other expenses, are charged separately. Most frequently, the running expenses are paid by an Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, which is typically 35% of the base price; this is an amount that’s paid prior to the charter.

Our chart below offers a quick overview of what’s included in both of these types of charters.

Average Yacht Charter Cost: Base Prices

What can you expect to pay for a catamaran, a sailing vessel, or motored yacht? Here’s a quick overview of the average cost to rent a yacht (not including extra expenses) for the most common types available:

Factors that Affect Yacht Charter Prices

Since charter yachts are privately owned, prices are set by the owner. This can explain, in part, the wide range of differences in price between boats of similar lengths. Yet, several other factors can significantly impact price, including:

• The Yacht – The year the boat was built, the builder, previous owners, and the boat’s selection of water toys can also increase the cost of a yacht. Boats can also develop a reputation, i.e. the largest or most luxurious, or having a famous builder or previous owner. Reputation can also affect pricing.
• Season – Prices typically increase in the high season – i.e. high summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean – and decrease in low seasons.
• Destination – Your charter destination also plays a role in charter cost. For example, prices increase in areas without large charter fleets (i.e. the Galapagos), whereas Bahamas yacht charters,   BVI charters , or Mediterranean yacht charter are priced more competitively.

Additional Costs Considerations on Yacht Charter

In addition to the cost associated with running the yacht and provisioning, there are a number of other costs that must be considered. These are the most significant:

Advanced Provisioning Allowance

The APA on Plus Expenses charters equals roughly 35% of the yacht’s base price. This is a fee that’s collected prior to charter, and it’s similar to an expense account the captain can access during the charter. At the end of the charter, you will receive a detailed accounting of your APA account, plus any unused APA funds in cash.

In the case of overages, you may be required to replenish the APA account during the charter. This can be done with cash, although many choose to set up accounts with their charter brokers , which can be accessed if requested by the captain.

Taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Most boats – whether all-inclusive or Plus Expenses – will not include local taxes or a Value Added Tax into their charter rate. The charterer will be responsible for paying those taxes. Taxes range significantly by destination; here’s a look at some of yachting’s most popular destinations:

• The Bahamas – Tax: 4% plus 10% VAT
• BVI – Tax: between $6 and $16 per person per day, depending on the flag of the boat
• Croatia – VAT: 13%
• Florida – Tax: 6% for Broward County, 7% for Miami-Dade County
• France – VAT: 20%, however, 10% can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Greece – VAT: 12%
• Italy – VAT: 22%, however 6.6% (over 24m) and 8.8% (under 24m) can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Montenegro – NO VAT
• New England – NO TAX
• Spain – VAT: 21%
• Turkey – NO VAT

Charterers can purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance – which is similar to traveler’s insurance. This insurance can help cover costs if a charterer must cancel or shorten the charter. Charter brokers can help you weigh insurance options, and often offer several different options.

Crew Gratuity

While crew gratuity is certainly not mandatory, it is recommended, particularly if you were truly impressed with your charter experience. In general, crew gratuity is roughly 15-20% of the base charter rate, which is handed to the captain at the conclusion of your charter.

Delivery Fees

While these fees do not apply on most charters, you may be asked to pay delivery costs if you are not chartering in the yacht’s normal cruising ground. In most cases, you will only be required to cover the fuel for the trip.

Call Worldwide Boat today to learn more. Our Charter Specialists are here to assist you with every detail and explain all charter costs. Or read our Charter Advice guide for more information and tips for planning your charter vacation.

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282.2ft / 84m

278.1ft / 83m

239.6ft / 71m

Serenity 236

236.3ft / 70m

Additional Charter Cost FAQs

What are standard private charter yacht prices?

There are a number of factors that affect charter yacht pricing. However, on average, a week-long private yacht charter costs anywhere from $10,000 on luxurious sailing yachts and catamarans, and up to $150,000 for superyachts.

What affects charter yacht prices?

There are several things that influence how much your yacht charter will cost. The type of vessel, charter destination, length of trip, base cost, time of year, and local taxes all make a difference.

How much does it cost for a crewed vessel?

Charter yacht prices do increase when hiring a crew along with the boat. At Worldwide Boat, we offer two types of crewed charter experiences: all-inclusive and plus expenses. An all-inclusive charter yacht includes accommodation for all guests, food and drink, water sport activities, and fuel costs – dockage fees and taxes are charged separately. A plus expenses experience accounts for just the yacht’s base price. Things like food, drinks, fuel, dockages, taxes, and other expenses are charged separately and are usually estimated to be about 35% of the base price.

What’s included in all-inclusive boat charters?

At Worldwide Boat, your all-inclusive charter experience includes a diligent and friendly crew, water toys, food, drinks, fuel, water and electric services, and occasionally diving experiences.

What are some additional charter boat costs to consider?

After finding a base price you’re comfortable with and evaluating your package, you’ll also want to consider delivery fees, crew gratuity, insurance fees, taxes, and Advanced Provisioning Allowance rates. If you are responsible for these fees, your crew will handle the necessary transactions on your behalf.

What does it cost to rent a 100- foot yacht charter?

This depends on what type of vessel you’re looking at and how long you’ll need it for. The average weekly cost of a 100-foot sailing yacht is between $50,000-100,000. A weekly 80-foot catamaran charter runs around $40,000-100,000, and a week-long 100-foot motor yacht rental is anywhere between $50,000-80,000.

Does the price to rent a yacht change depending on what type of boat it is?

Yes. Worldwide Boat offers sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. All of these vessels have different capabilities, but there are other factors that determine the price beyond what type of boat you choose. The year the boat was built, owner, availability of water toys, onboard amenities, and the ship’s reputation can all change how much the ship is priced at.

When is the high season for yacht charters?

The price of a yacht fluctuates depending on the season. A Mediterranean yacht charter cost rises in the summer and drops in the winter, whereas Caribbean boat charter prices are high during the winter and lower in the summer months.

How does my destination affect charter yacht cost?

The more remote an area is, the more expensive it will be to charter a yacht there. That’s because prices go up in areas that have fewer boats. If you were to travel somewhere like the Galapagos, which isn’t a typical yacht destination, you’d pay more than you would if you were traveling to the Caribbean.

How much do I tip the crew when reviewing my yacht charter expenses?

It’s not required that you tip your crew, but it is recommended and appreciated. If you had an enjoyable experience it’s considered polite to tip your crew anywhere from 15-20% at the end of your charter.

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WING 100: 100m supersized sailing yacht concept unveiled by Royal Huisman

Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman has revealed a 100 metre "supersized sailing yacht" concept named the WING 100 that takes its name from its advanced wing mast rig.

Its creators, Royal Huisman, Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design , said the concept marks the arrival of a new megayacht category as a true 100m+ sailing yacht that doesn't need to rely on the power of a motor.

The WING 100's innovative rig by Rondal is comprised of two freestanding masts that rotate at the touch of a button with airfoils integrated with the sails. The shape of the airfoil can be remotely adjusted to maximise or reduce power, while the wing masts require no standing rigging which keeps the decks clutter-free and available for guest use.

The concept is billed as the world's most innovative sailing yacht concept and has been conceived with a visionary owner in mind. Its design appeals to both sailing yacht owners and motor yacht owners looking for a crossover that minimises their environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort and amenities associated with a large motor yacht. As well as her rig, breakthrough technologies continue throughout to create a fully sustainable and energy-efficient vessel that is able to explore the further corners of the planet.

“The emergence of sailing yachts on this scale, with the level of energy efficiency and eco-responsibility offered by WING 100, would have been unthinkable just a decade ago,” said Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman. “The team is incredibly excited to be at the forefront of this conceptual revolution. We look forward to applying our renowned innovation and engineering skills to the realisation of this highly ambitious project – creating the fourth and largest Royal Huisman build yet in the global top 10 of supersized sailing yachts.”

While the WING 100 remains a conceptual design, if built it would rank among the world's largest sailing yachts alongside other Royal Huisman builds including Athena and Sea Eagle II . Currently underway at the shipyard is an 85 metre sloop, which is set to be the world's largest single-masted sailing yacht .

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Giant masts, moon pools and pole explorer pods: How the world of yachts got supersized

The sinking of mike lynch’s ‘unsinkable’ sailing vessel was not only a heartbreaking tragedy, but also gave us a rare glimpse into the superyachting fraternity. here, boat international’s lucy dunn looks at a group that is both secretive and innovative, and asks how such a high-spec sailing yacht could have sunk at all..., article bookmarked.

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L ast week’s sinking of the 56-metre yacht Bayesian and the tragic deaths of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his guests and boat staff have given the public a glimpse into the rarefied world of superyachts.

From the sheer size of the mast (74 metres, roughly the size of seven two-storey houses stacked on top of each other) to the expense ( Bayesian was put up for sale in 2014 with an asking price of $30m, which is around £23m), to the sheer luxury (the interiors were by Remi Tessier, the designer behind Claridge’s new penthouse), it’s a world few people normally get to see. 

There are currently 12,626 superyachts on the water around the world with 1,166 superyachts in build or on order. If you have been to a Greek island this year, or maybe the Amalfi coast, you may have glimpsed them coming in and out of harbours and wondered who owns a yacht like that. Or who can afford to charter a yacht like that – which have an average price of around £180,000 a week.

While you may think of glossy influencers and A-listers, the superyachting fraternity is where millionaires are sorted from the billionaires from the centi-billionaires; the 0.001 per centers. Rarely will you find a celebrity with the financial clout to afford a yacht owned by Lynch, these are generally under-the-radar industry titans who don’t have household names. 

So, what exactly makes a superyacht super? According to Boat International , where I work, it can be applied to any boat, motor or sailing yacht which is over 24 metres in length. Size, in the superyacht world, is everything – and yachts are getting bigger all the time. Indeed, our data arm BoatPro shows that the average length of a new-build yacht is now 39.2 metres, up from 38.5 metres last year.

Currently, the largest yacht in the world is the motor yacht Azzam – at 180.6 metres, almost two football fields in length and triple the size of Lynch’s Bayesian . For owners, yachts can be bought “semi-custom” (a bit like a new-build house off-plan but on a much grander scale), or “fully-custom” – meaning they’re built from scratch to the owner’s exact specifications.

And it is not a quick process either: it can take up to four years from design stage to completion, with 300 people or more working on each project. All of which might go some way to explaining the mind-boggling price of them.

While this changes according to market fluctuations and demand, a fully custom 100-metre with all the bells and whistles is around £200m. And that’s just for starters. Depending on the size and age of the yacht you’ll need to spend at least 5-10 per cent of the purchase price every year on the cost of maintaining and operating it (so, in this case, £20m on crew, fuel, tax, insurance, harbour fees). 

Some owners like to recoup some of their running costs by turning their yacht into a mini hotel business and chartering it out. A commercially successful boat (neutral interiors, jacuzzi, lots of executive toys) will pick up several charters a year, covering the traditional charter beats of the Med in summer and the Caribbean in winter.

The 85-metre yacht Bold , for example, is equipped with an outdoor cinema, helipad, teppanyaki grill, inflatables, water skis – a snip at £665,000 a week. 

While many prefer to keep a low profile, other yacht owners like fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger aren't so shy, and love to use their yacht to entertain (in Hilfiger's case, Kris Jenner of Kardashian fame). But more often than not, owners are super-private. (Lynch was one of these owners who liked to keep things low-key.) Often even the building of the yacht can be wrapped in a cloak of secrecy, and the engineers and craftspeople working on them won’t know who the owner is. 

Unlike a car, yachts don’t depreciate in value quite as sharply. The caveat to this is that you need to keep it in pristine condition. This takes work: one thing that is true on Netflix hit Below Deck – crew really do clean cracks between floor tiles with toothpicks.

Keep on top of maintenance and your yacht will last 70 years or more. Christina O , the iconic superyacht once owned by shipping giant Aristotle Onassis and wife Jackie O, is still going strong at 81 years old. She was recently listed for sale for €90m (£68m).

You will need at least a crew of 20 for your 100-metre yacht. Not made-for-TV crews, but ones with professional qualifications, who you would trust to handle your multimillion-pound bit of kit.

Good captains are very sought after and can name their price. Sailing guests to exotic parts of the world is just a tiny part of the job: you have to plan safe routes, book berths in marinas (you’re looking north of €117,000 – around £99,000 – for the Monaco Grand Prix week), manage crew, handle copious paperwork and organise repairs and yard visits.

It’s not just a case of popping it into a local garage for a service – which explains why guests must take off their shoes before stepping on board to protect the precious teak decking. 

And unlike other status symbols like supercars or precious watch collections, you can’t just moor a superyacht and forget about it until your next fancy holiday. They need constant attention – as the US government found to their cost when they seized Amadea , a 106-metre superyacht owned by a Russian oligarch and discovered they needed to pay out $7m (£5m) a year in maintenance. 

This is why superyachts become such passion projects, beyond whether they are worth it or not. Owners don’t just own them, they put their hearts and souls into them. And this is where the fun happens.

Because despite the tacky “gold taps and bling” reputation that blights the industry, many owners are, on the contrary, super-creative with their superyachts: cue underwater “Nemo” lounges, indoor gardens, waterfalls, snow rooms, padel courts, IMAX cinemas… imaginations have no limits. 

Innovation is at the heart of the industry and is very bespoke according to need. Some owners prefer the cut and thrust of sail over motor and a closer experience of the sea.

Some want a vessel that can circumnavigate the globe so they can really see the world. Bayesian , for example, was built to go places and her sistership Rosehearty (an almost identical yacht built by the same yard) has been taken around the globe multiple times in all weathers without a hitch. 

Some owners get their yachts built with sturdy “ice class” hulls so they can visit the Poles. These are called “explorer yachts” and they have laboratories for visiting scientists, personal submersibles, James Bondesque “moon pools”, openings in the hull for subs to dock, and so on.

Sometimes an explorer yacht is not big enough to handle everything an adventurous owner wants to do – which is where support vessels (secondary yachts used to store kit such as seaplanes and snowmobiles) come in. 

Why have one yacht when you can have two?

Some forward-thinking owners put their cash behind investigating greener alternatives to traditional diesel engines. The world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht, Project 821 , which is 119-metres long, reportedly hit the water this June. Project Zero , a “zero fossil fuel” sailing yacht with the ability to harvest wind, thermal and solar energy launches in 2025. 

There has been a lot of speculation about what caused the tragedy with Bayesian . Superyachts have been known to have accidents, but rather than sink in storms, they run aground or catch fire (lithium batteries have been cited as a culprit in some cases). Often, due to the length of time passed and complex technical reports released by investigators, we never find out the cause.

It’s now over to investigators to discover how an “unsinkable” yacht sank last week. The facts are: Bayesian was built by Perini Navi, a respected shipyard specialising in sailing yachts based in Italy, which is the world epicentre of shipbuilding. Day in and day out an army of 30,000 engineers, architects and designers that work in these yards pride themselves on unparalleled craftsmanship, using sophisticated naval architecture technology to push boundaries and produce incredible feats of engineering. 

The world of superyachts may be a world you and I will never be part of, but as this week’s tragic news has shown, there is so much more to it than you think…

Boat International Media is a luxury lifestyle publishing company. Find out more here

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How A Waterspout May Have Sunk UK Tech Tycoon Mike Lynch's Yacht

One body has been found and lynch, his daughter, and jonathan bloomer, chairman of morgan stanley international, are among the six people missing..

The 56-metre "Bayesian" was being used by Mike Lynch to celebrate a court victory (File)

The marine weather phenomenon blamed for sinking a British tech tycoon's yacht off Sicily, known as a waterspout, may have been strengthened by unusually warm waters in the Mediterranean, experts said.

The 56-metre (183-foot) "Bayesian", being used by Mike Lynch and his wealthy guests to celebrate a court victory, disappeared into the sea within minutes of being hit by the tornado-like storm off the Sicilian town of Porticello.

One body has been found and Lynch, his daughter, and Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, are among six people missing since the disaster at 4:00 am on Monday.

The British-flagged vessel was anchored some 700 metres from the port with 10 crew and 12 passengers on board when the waterspout struck, according to witnesses.

Karsten Borner, the skipper of a yacht anchored nearby, described a "very strong hurricane gust" that hit. He was battling to keep his vessel steady when suddenly "we noticed that the ship behind us was gone".

"First came the wind, then the water -- it was a tornado," said local fisherman Giovanni Lococco, describing the waterspout.

Tornado power

Investigators and experts have been poring over the weather conditions and the design of the "Bayesian", whose 75-metre mast was the world's tallest made from aluminium, according to the Charter World website.

"A waterspout is a narrow column of rotating air below a thunderstorm that occurs over water" and is "part of the same weather 'family' as tornadoes", said Peter Inness, a meteorologist at the University of Reading in Britain, in comments released by the UK's Science Media Centre.

Like tornadoes, they suck up air in a rotating motion, usually causing less damage than tornadoes over land, however.

"Changes in wind direction with height are also needed to set up the rotation of air within the waterspout," said Inness.

While many waterspouts are "fairly inconsequential", lasting just a few seconds, some can pack winds of more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour, said Inness.

"Winds of this strength coinciding with the location of a boat are capable of causing damage or capsize, especially because the wind direction varies very rapidly," he said.

The Mediterranean could be the world's most likely place for waterspouts, due to a warm water surface and a vulnerability to thunderstorms in the summer and autumn, he said.

The Mediterranean this year reached its highest temperature on record, with a daily median of 28.90 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit), according to Spain's leading institute of marine sciences.

Experts say the temperature has often hit 30 degrees Celsius or more, about three degrees above average.

"We could have had a superposition of air and water suction with shearing winds that ultimately created something that lifted up," said Jean-Marie Dumon, a former naval officer now with the GICAN, the French maritime industry association.

The conditions with winds of 100kph or more can "create completely anarchic sea conditions which can cause capsizing," said Dumon.

The tall mast may have had an "amplifier effect" in taking the yacht to its "tipping point", he explained.

Dumon said the "Bayesian" was certainly designed by naval architects to cope with extreme winds and heavy seas.

"Here we have wind shear which can cause instability."

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"The fact that the vessel itself was not damaged... suggests that it was laid on its side", said the expert.

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Search continues for British tech magnate and 5 others after luxury superyacht sinks off Sicily

Italy Boaters Missing Emergency services at the scene of the search for a missing boat, in Porticello Santa Flavia, Italy, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. British tech giant Mike Lynch, his lawyer and four other people are among those missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily, Italy’s civil protection and authorities said. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived. (Alberto Lo Bianco /LaPresse via AP) (Alberto Lo Bianco //AP)

PORTICELLO, Sicily — (AP) — British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people were missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italy's civil protection and authorities said. Lynch's wife and 14 other people survived.

Lynch, who was acquitted in June in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, near Palermo, sometime after 4 a.m. A tornado over the water known as a waterspout had struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency.

One body was recovered, and police divers spent the day trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello where it had been anchored, rescue authorities said. They returned to the site after 10 p.m. to see if it would be possible to search through the night, when weather conditions were expected to worsen, said Luca Cari, spokesman of the fire rescue service.

The ship had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, the Italian coast guard said. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and a waterspout struck precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored.

“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Cocina, noting that another big ship nearby, the Sir Robert Baden Powell, wasn't as badly damaged and helped rescue the 15 survivors — including Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares.

The Bayesian was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast — one of the world’s tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week.

One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Golunski, said she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported. The father, identified by ANSA as James Emslie, also survived, said Cocina.

Karsten Borner, the captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, said he had noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realized the ship had simply disappeared, ANSA and the Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported. Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Eight of those rescued were hospitalized while the others were taken to a hotel. One body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, said Cari, the fire rescue spokesperson. The rescue operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service.

Fisherman Fabio Cefalù said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water.

“But for the rest, we didn’t find anyone,” he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on-site for three hours, but didn't find any survivors. “I think they are inside, all the missing people.”

He said he had been up early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht.

“It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I don’t know,” he said.

Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries: In addition to Britain and the United States, passengers and crew were from Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain, he said.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was “providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families.”

Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson Casper Soetekouw said the lone Dutch citizen on board, a man, had been rescued and was not in life-threatening condition.

Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp.

The not guilty verdicts followed an 11-week criminal trial in San Francisco that delved into the history of HP's 2011 acquisition of Autonomy, a business software firm founded by Lynch.

The fraud accusations represented a dramatic turn in the fortunes of an entrepreneur once described as the Bill Gates of Britain — a title he seemed to live up to when he netted an $800 million from the Autonomy sale.

The acquittal vindicated Lynch, who had vehemently denied wrong doing and portrayed HP as a technological train wreck.

“I’m looking forward to returning the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” Lynch said in a statement released after the verdict.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters.

The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites.

Winfield reported from Rome. AP writers Danica Kirka and Sylvia Hui contributed from London.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the fisherman's name is Fabio Cefalù, not Francesco Cefalu’.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Canadian among 6 missing after superyacht sinks in storm off Sicily; 1 dead

British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people were missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italy’s civil protection and authorities said. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived.

Lynch, who was acquitted in June in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, when a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency.

The vessel had overturned around 5 a.m. off the port of Porticello. The Italian coast guard said that the superyacht had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers. They included British, American and Canadian nationalities.

One body had been recovered, and police divers were trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello, near Palermo, where it had been anchored, rescue authorities said.

Global Affairs Canada says it's aware of reports that a Canadian has died after the luxury superyacht sank off Sicily during a violent storm.

The agency says consular officials are in contact with local authorities, but says it can provide no further information due to privacy concerns.

Authorities in Sicily say one body has been recovered and police divers are trying to reach the hull of the ship as six people remain unaccounted for.

They say 15 others survived. The Italian coast guard says the yacht had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers.

Salvo Cocina, of Sicily’s civil protection agency, says the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries, including Britain, the United States, France, Germany and Myanmar.

Rescue authorities say the yacht — the 56-metre British-flagged Bayesian — was anchored off Porticello, near Palermo, when a tornado over the water struck the area overnight.

A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck the place precisely where the 56-metre (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored.

“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Cocina, noting that another superyacht nearby wasn't as badly damaged and helped rescue some of the 15 survivors, who included Lynch's wife Angela Bacares.

The Bayesian was notable for its single 75-metre (246-feet) mast — one of the world’s tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about US$215,000) a week.

One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Emsley, said she momentarily lost hold of her one-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoting the mother. The father, James Emsley, also survived, said Cocina.

Eight of the 15 people rescued and taken ashore at Porticello were hospitalized while the others were taken to a hotel. One body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, said Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service.

Rescue crews located the vessel and deep-water police divers were trying to access the hull, Cari said. The operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service.

Fisherman Francesco Cefalu’ said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water.

“But for the rest, we didn’t find anyone,” he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for three hours, but didn't find any survivors. “I think they are inside, all the missing people.”

He said he had been up early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht.

“It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I don’t know,” he said.

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Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries: In addition to Britain and the United States, passengers and crew were from Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain, he said.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was “providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families.”

Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson Casper Soetekouw said the lone Dutch citizen on board, a man, had been rescued and was not in a life-threatening condition.

Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett Packard’s US$11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp.

The not-guilty verdicts followed an 11-week criminal trial in San Francisco that delved into the history of HP’s 2011 acquisition of Autonomy, a business software firm founded by Lynch.

The fraud accusations represented a dramatic turn in the fortunes of an entrepreneur once described as the Bill Gates of Britain — a title he seemed to live up to when he netted an US$800 million from the Autonomy sale.

The acquittal vindicated Lynch, who had vehemently denied wrong doing and portrayed HP as a technological train wreck.

“I’m looking forward to returning the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” Lynch said in a statement released after the verdict.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters.

The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites.

AP writers Danica Kirka and Sylvia Hui contributed from London.

With files from The Canadian Press

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A tornado sank a luxury sailing boat off the coast of Sicily. Here’s what we know

Emergency workers in southern Italy are still hunting for at least one person who remains missing after a tornado sank a luxury yacht early Monday – prompting an air and naval operation off the coast of Sicily .

Twenty-two people are thought to have been on the yacht when the tragedy struck. Fifteen people were rescued from the wreckage, according to Italy’s Coast Guard. One body was recovered on Monday and five more were found on Wednesday, after divers struggled to reach deep inside the yacht around 50 meters underwater (approximately 150 feet).

Two Americans and four Britons were among the six initially reported missing – including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Chris Morvillo, a prominent lawyer. The five bodies found Wednesday have not been identified, while the body recovered Monday is thought to be that of the onboard chef Ricardo Thomas.

Here’s what we know.

What happened?

A small waterspout – a type of tornado – spun over the Mediterranean island early Monday, likely capsizing the sailing boat amid lashings of rain and strong thunderstorms.

The British-flagged yacht, called the “Bayesian,” was anchored about a half a mile from the port of Porticello, on Sicily’s northern coast. The vessel sank after its mast broke in half in the storm, Salvatore Cocina, head of Sicily’s Civil Protection, told CNN on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses described furious gales and hurricane-like winds that left an avalanche of debris near the pier.

More than a dozen survivors were spotted in the area hanging onto life rafts, according to the captain of a nearby boat, who steadied his ship to avoid colliding with the Bayesian.

“We got this strong hurricane gust and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position,” Karsten Bower told reporters in Palermo on Monday. “After the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone.”

Bower and his crew rescued four injured people, he said, before calling Italy’s Coast Guard – who later rescued the remaining survivors.

One of those rescued – a child – was airlifted to the children’s hospital in Palermo. Eight people were hospitalized in total, according to the mayor’s office.

The girl’s mother, Charlotte, described how she battled to hold onto Sofia, her 1-year-old daughter, as reported by Italian news agency ANSA.

“In two seconds I lost the baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amidst the fury of the waves. I held her tightly, close to me, while the sea was stormy,” she told journalists. “Many were screaming.”

The mother and daughter were later reunited with the father, James, according to a doctor at the local children’s hospital in Palermo.

“The survivors are very tired and are constantly asking about the missing people,” the doctor, Domenico Cipolla, said Monday. “They are talking and crying all the time because they have realized that there is little hope of finding their friends alive.”

Italy’s fire brigade dispatched helicopters to aid in the search, officials said Monday. After an unsuccessful attempt on Monday, the brigade sent divers to try and enter the sunken ship Tuesday, recommencing the operation on Wednesday.

The depth of the wreck means divers can only work there for limited periods of time, according to Marco Tilotta, an inspector for the diving unit of Palermo’s local fire brigade. The Italian fire brigade said Monday its divers had reached the yacht’s hull 49 meters (160 feet) below sea level.

The United Kingdom’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said it has deployed a team of four inspectors to Palermo which is conducting a preliminary assessment of the scene.

Who was on board?

Twenty-two people were on board the Bayesian, which was flying under a British flag and had mostly British passengers and crew, in addition to two Anglo-French, one Irish and one Sri Lankan person, a spokesperson for Italy’s Coast Guard told CNN.

A troupe of high-profile guests are among those missing, including Lynch, the 59-year-old British tech investor who fought a fraud case earlier this year in the United States – which spiraled from the disastrous $11 billion sale of his company to tech firm Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.

His 18-year-old daughter was also named missing. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, survived the accident. Bacares told Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica that she woke up at 4 a.m. local time, as the boat tilted. She and her husband were not initially concerned, she said, but became worried when the windows of the yacht shattered and chaos erupted.

Bacares spoke to the newspaper while sitting in a wheelchair, at a hospital in the Sicilian town of Termini Imerese. She had abrasions on her feet and bandages on other parts of her body, it reported.

Bloomer, the finance tycoon, and Morvillo, a prominent lawyer – and both their wives – are also among the missing, according to Salvatore Cocina, head of Sicily’s Civil Protection.

Morvillo, an American partner at Clifford Chance, was involved in successfully defeating the US fraud case against Lynch in June. Another employee of the firm, Ayla Ronald, and her partner, survived the incident, according to a spokesperson for Clifford Chance.

The body that was recovered from the vessel on Monday was identified as the onboard chef Ricardo Thomas, an Antiguan citizen, Reuters reported.

What do we know about the boat?

Built in 2008, the 56-meter (184-foot) yacht was manufactured by Italian company Perini Navi, Reuters reported. According to the Associated Press, the boat has been available for charter for $215,000 (€195,000) per week.

Lynch’s wife is linked to the yacht. The Bayesian is held by the company Revtom Limited, according to records from the maritime information service Equasis. The company’s latest annual return from April lists Bacares as the proprietor.

“Bayesian,” the name given to the vessel, is linked to the statistical theory on which Lynch built his fortune, according to Reuters.

The yacht’s mast stood 72.27 meters (237 feet) high above the designated water line, just short of the world’s tallest mast which is 75.2 meters, according to Guinness World Records. It was the tallest aluminium mast in the world, the Perini Navi website said.

Perini Navi is known for making “good quality boats,” according to Caroline White, deputy editor of BOAT International, a media group serving the superyacht industry.

White told CNN that if the Bayesian dismasted, “it should theoretically become more stable.” “But it might be a different story if you are in the middle of a violent storm with incredibly strong winds pinning you to the water,” she added.

Dangerous weather conditions

Strong storms across Sicily brought torrential rainfall late Sunday. Initial reports suggest a small  waterspout , which developed over the area Monday morning, could have been behind the yacht’s sinking.

Waterspouts – one of several types of tornadoes – are spinning columns of air that form over water, or move from land out to water. They are often accompanied by  high winds, high seas, hail and dangerous lightning . While they are most common over tropical oceans, they can form almost anywhere.

Matthew Schanck, chair of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, told CNN that while waterspouts in Sicily are rare, “there is a risk” they can happen – just not every day.

Waterspouts rely on warm waters to gain energy and the Mediterranean Sea has been very hot, reaching a record  daily median of 28.9 degrees Celsius  (84 Fahrenheit) last week, according to preliminary data from researchers at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Spain.

Local temperatures have been even higher, with waters around Sicily reaching almost 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), almost 3 degrees more than normal, Italian climatologist Luca Mercalli told CNN.

“Warmer oceans have more energy and more humidity to transfer to the atmosphere, the most important fuels for storms,” he said.

CNN’s Laura Paddison, Louis Mian, Benjamin Brown, Catherine Nicholls, Sabrina Souza, Niamh Kennedy and Eve Brennan contributed reporting.

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