azzam yacht staff

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The world´s longest yacht, at 180.65 meters, with a top speed of over 30 knots, Azzam is a truly extraordinary luxury gigayacht. Her outstanding characteristics even include her exceptionally short building time of less than three years from keel laying to delivery, in 2013. Engineer and principal designer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi set out to build a large yacht with an innovative and timeless design that would be able to travel at high speed in warm and shallow waters. The bold and elegant exterior by Nauta Yachts incorporates many elements of visionary modern design. Renowned French designer Christophe Leoni conceived a sophisticated interior with luxurious décor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.

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Inside Azzam: The Incredible Superyacht

A yacht is arguably one of man’s most beautiful creations to grace the ocean and seas. They are not only gigantic but luxurious, durable, timeless, and innovative in design. One yacht stands out and embodies both luxury and class; Azzam Superyacht. 

Not only do superyachts provide individuals with an ability to experience the world’s oceans unlike any other vessel, they are also a reflection of what’s possible when innovation meets design. From engineering to construction, it’s no wonder superyachts are revered for their beauty and immense capabilities. Yachts which are as long as 78 feet are said to be superyachts, and Azzam fits perfectly in such a class. 

Azzam Superyacht is currently the largest yacht in the world . Its size is gigantic to the point that the paint used to cover its exterior can be used on 38,000 cars. It was launched in April 2013 by Lürssen Yachts, thereby displacing the previous record-holder Eclipse (which is owned by the Russian billionaire and Chelsea football club owner, Roman Abramovich) as the largest yacht in the world. 

Specifications of Azzam Superyacht

This phenomenal Superyacht took a whopping four years to build , involving the efforts and professionalism of the world’s most experienced. Azzam’s yacht design is considered a massive achievement as it was both complex and challenging to execute, with such finesse and excellence. 

The strenuous construction and humongous human resources needed to build this 590-feet-long superyacht has resulted in the creation of one of the world’s finest superyacht. 

However, the goal wasn’t to build the biggest yacht in the world but rather to combine luxury, comfort, balance, elegance, and functionality in one masterpiece.

Luxury & Interior

While the exterior of a yacht may appeal to some, the most elegant features lie in its interior. Christophe Leoni designed Azzam’s interior and modelled it after a relaxed French Empire style. With this masterpiece, Azzam “eclipsed the Eclipse” in style, luxury, and prowess.

This incredible Superyacht boasts approximately 50 suites, can accommodate 36 guests, and needs a crew of 60 people. Its exquisite complexity and class are unique and astonishing. Each cabin is laden with a certain feel of royalty, style, and comfort.

Engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbadi supervised Azzam’s technical engineering. What’s more, the superyacht was developed by Lürssen and had its exterior completed by Nauta Yacht. What’s more, Azzam boasts a top speed of 31.5knots, which is achieved thanks to her innovative water-jet propulsion system. This yacht also has a missile defense system! 

In conclusion

The Azzam sits at an estimated US $600M in value, which is about $100million more than Eclipse. This isn’t surprising when you consider its ground breaking technology and the immense value it offers. Indeed, three years of building and one year of engineering didn’t go to waste. Azzam is unparalleled, and its elegance is unlike anything else!

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Luxury Yachting World: A Glimpse into the Azzam Superyacht

Who owns azzam yacht.

Luxury Yachting World explained: The super yacht Azzam is owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Abu Dhabi.

How many rooms does the Azzam yacht have?

Azzam features a lavish interior with multiple decks. While the exact number of rooms may vary, it is reported to have around 8 to 10 luxurious staterooms, including a master suite, VIP suites, and guest cabins.

How many people can fit on Azzam?

Azzam can accommodate a significant number of guests on board. With its spacious layout, it can comfortably host around 30 to 36 guests, offering them an opulent and luxurious experience.

How many crew members work on yacht Azzam?

To ensure seamless operations and top-notch service, the super yacht Azzam employs a large and dedicated crew. It is estimated that approximately 50 to 60 highly trained crew members, including captains, engineers, chefs, deckhands, and hospitality staff, work on board Azzam.

What activities are available onboard yacht Azzam?

Azzam offers an array of activities to cater to the diverse preferences of its guests. Onboard, you can indulge in luxurious amenities, such as a swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, cinema, and various entertainment areas. Additionally, Luxury Yachting provides opportunities for water sports enthusiasts, including jet skiing, diving, snorkeling, and more. The yacht is equipped with tenders and water toys to enhance the overall experience.

Discover the Extravagance of Luxury Yachting: The Epitome of Luxury Super Yachts

Introduction.

In the realm of Luxury Yachting, the super yacht Azzam reigns supreme. This magnificent vessel, owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stands as a symbol of unrivaled luxury and grandeur. In this blog post, we embark on a captivating journey to explore the allure of Azzam, delving into its ownership, remarkable features, and the extraordinary experiences it offers.

Luxury Yachting – Azzam Ownership and Exclusivity

Azzam finds its home under the ownership of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the esteemed President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi. As a testament to his refined taste and appreciation for the finer things in life, Azzam showcases the pinnacle of yachting excellence, embodying an unrivaled sense of exclusivity.

Luxurious Accommodations

Stepping aboard Azzam unveils a world of lavish indulgence. The yacht boasts an opulent interior, replete with a selection of sumptuous staterooms. From the master suite exuding elegance and sophistication to the VIP suites and guest cabins designed with meticulous attention to detail, Azzam offers a haven of comfort and tranquility to its esteemed guests.

Unparalleled Capacity

With its expansive layout, Azzam has the capacity to welcome a substantial number of guests. Hosting approximately 30 to 36 individuals, this floating paradise provides an intimate and personalized experience. Each guest is treated to the utmost luxury, ensuring that every moment spent on board is unforgettable.

Luxury Yachting – Azzam Impeccable Crew

Behind the scenes, a dedicated and highly skilled crew ensures that Azzam operates seamlessly. The yacht employs an estimated 50 to 60 crew members, comprising experienced captains, engineers, talented chefs, proficient deckhands, and attentive hospitality staff. Their expertise and commitment to excellence elevate the overall experience, pampering guests with unparalleled service.

Exquisite Activities and Amenities of Luxury Yachting

Azzam leaves no stone unturned when it comes to providing an extraordinary range of activities and amenities. Onboard, a world of entertainment awaits, with a swimming pool for refreshing dips and lounging areas for relaxation. The yacht boasts a spa for indulgent pampering, a state-of-the-art gymnasium for fitness enthusiasts, and a cinema for enjoying movies in the lap of luxury.

Thrilling Water Sports

For those seeking adventure, Azzam offers an exciting array of water sports activities. Imagine jet skiing along the azure waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs through exhilarating dives, or snorkeling to discover the mesmerizing underwater world. The yacht is equipped with tenders and water toys, ensuring that each guest finds their perfect aquatic pursuit.

Azzam stands as a beacon of magnificence among the world’s super yachts. From its prestigious ownership to its impeccable accommodations, unparalleled capacity, and a myriad of activities, Azzam embodies the epitome of luxury and refinement. Embark on an unforgettable voyage aboard this extraordinary vessel, and prepare to be captivated by its grandeur and unparalleled experiences.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan: The Visionary Behind Azzam and a Luxury Yachting Enthusiast

In the realm of luxury yachts, one name stands out for its remarkable vessels and unparalleled opulence: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With an unwavering vision and a track record of success, Sheikh Khalifa has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of yachting, epitomizing prestige and grandeur. In this biography, we delve into the life and achievements of Sheikh Khalifa, the man behind the awe-inspiring super yacht Azzam.

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, into a family deeply rooted in leadership and legacy. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in business and a drive for success. It was through his entrepreneurial ventures that Sheikh Khalifa first tasted financial prosperity.

The Breakthrough Venture

With an astute understanding of market dynamics and a keen eye for opportunities, he navigated the business landscape with finesse, ultimately building a lucrative enterprise that laid the foundation for his future successes

Path to Acquiring Azzam

With his entrepreneurial acumen firmly established, Sheikh Khalifa ventured into diverse sectors, making strategic investments and overseeing the growth of numerous companies. Through these endeavors, he amassed the resources necessary to fulfill his ultimate maritime vision—the acquisition of the magnificent super yacht Azzam.

Business Empire and Holdings

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is associated with a myriad of companies, each representing his unwavering commitment to excellence and success. His extensive business empire spans industries such as [mention industries or sectors], showcasing his diverse interests and ability to excel in various domains.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a visionary entrepreneur and astute businessman, has etched his name in the annals of maritime opulence through the acquisition of Azzam. From his early successes in entrepreneurship to the formation of a vast business empire, his journey symbolizes determination, leadership, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Sheikh Khalifa’s influence extends beyond the super yacht Azzam, exemplifying his indomitable spirit and leaving an indelible mark on the world of luxury yachts.

Previous Yachts

Previous yacht ownership of sheikh khalifa bin zayed al nahyan.

Prior to Azzam, Sheikh Khalifa owned several other prestigious yachts, each a testament to his affinity for maritime splendor. While details about his previous yacht ownership may not be readily available, it is evident that Azzam holds a special place among his collection, capturing the essence of unrivaled luxury.

One notable yacht in Sheikh Khalifa’s collection was the majestic Yas. This stunning vessel, named after the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, showcased a remarkable blend of luxury and engineering prowess. With a length of approximately 141 meters (462 feet), Yas boasted an impressive price tag of [insert price]. This sleek superyacht left admirers awe-inspired with its striking design and opulent amenities.

Another extraordinary yacht owned by Sheikh Khalifa was the breathtaking Topaz. Standing tall at around 147 meters (482 feet) in length, this iconic vessel exuded elegance and sophistication. Designed by renowned naval architect Tim Heywood, Topaz epitomized luxury at its finest. With a reported price of [insert price], it became a true gem in Sheikh Khalifa’s fleet.

Among the notable yachts that graced the waters under Sheikh Khalifa’s ownership was the exquisite Amevi. This remarkable vessel, spanning approximately 80 meters (262 feet) in length, showcased unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail. Amevi provided a haven of tranquility with its lavish interior and world-class amenities. Its estimated price of [insert price] reflected the epitome of luxury that defined Sheikh Khalifa’s taste.

Moonlight II

Moonlight II held a special place in Sheikh Khalifa’s collection of yachts. This magnificent vessel, measuring approximately 85 meters (279 feet) in length, captivated onlookers with its timeless beauty and lavish offerings. Boasting a price of [insert price], Moonlight II provided an unrivaled experience for guests, from its spacious staterooms to its breathtaking outdoor areas.

A notable yacht that once graced Sheikh Khalifa’s fleet was the iconic Dubai. This symbol of maritime splendor spanned an astonishing length of approximately 162 meters (531 feet) and held the distinction of being one of the largest yachts in the world. With its opulent interior, lavish amenities, and an estimated price of [insert price], Dubai represented the epitome of luxury and grandeur.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s passion for yachting extended beyond Azzam, as evidenced by his ownership of remarkable vessels. From the sleek lines of Yas to the elegance of Topaz and the timeless beauty of Amevi, each yacht in his collection showcased his unwavering commitment to luxury and excellence. With these extraordinary vessels, Sheikh Khalifa’s name became synonymous with the world of superyachts, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of maritime opulence.

Luxury yachting Azzam (Image gallery)

Here’s the information about the routes, fuel consumption, and range of the yacht Azzam

Routes and travel destinations.

The super yacht Azzam, with its impressive capabilities, embarks on remarkable voyages to various destinations around the globe. While the specific routes may vary depending on the owner’s preferences and current plans, Azzam has been known to frequent popular yachting destinations such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. From the azure waters of the French Riviera to the idyllic islands of the Caribbean, Azzam offers its guests the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most enchanting and picturesque locations.

Luxury Yachting Fuel Consumption and Range

As a large and powerful vessel, Azzam requires substantial fuel to operate efficiently during its journeys. While exact figures may vary depending on factors such as speed, weather conditions, and overall load, it is estimated that Azzam has a fuel consumption rate of approximately 13 tons of fuel per hour at top speed .

In terms of range, Azzam can cover impressive distances on a single tank of fuel. With its fuel capacity of around [insert fuel capacity] gallons, the yacht has a remarkable range that allows it to undertake extended cruises without the need for frequent refueling. Depending on various factors, including cruising speed and sea conditions, Azzam can travel an estimated range of [insert range in nautical miles] nautical miles.

These fuel consumption and range figures highlight Azzam’s ability to undertake long-haul journeys, making it well-equipped for extended exploration and providing its guests with the opportunity to embark on unforgettable yachting experiences.

Please note that the provided fuel consumption and range figures are approximations based on general knowledge and may vary depending on specific conditions and configurations of the yacht. It’s always advisable to refer to the latest specifications and information from the manufacturer or owner for precise and up-to-date details regarding Azzam’s routes, fuel consumption, and range.

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AZZAM Yacht – The World’s Biggest Superyacht is 180m Long

AZZAM yacht is the largest superyacht in the world, with an impressive length of 179.7 metres (590 ft), making her more than 15 metres longer than FULK AL SALAMAH, which is in second place on the list.

AZZAM yacht interior

The interior design of the AZZAM yacht is attributed to the French designer Christophe Leoni who is surprisingly not incredibly experienced in designing superyachts.

While exact details on the interior layout of the massive yacht have not been released to the public, it is known that Sheikh Khalifa requested a lot of wood furniture as well as intricate mother-of-pearl elements to be incorporated into all parts of the yacht.

More than a year’s worth of production of pearls was used in the interior design of AZZAM.

The interior has been described as being inspired by the Empire style reminiscent of the 19th century and incorporates numerous valuable artworks which are on display onboard AZZAM.

She can welcome an estimated 36 guests and over 80 crew members, which is one of the highest numbers in her size category.

The AZZAM yacht reportedly has 18 guest cabins with a massive owner’s suite that spans across several rooms.

According to rumors, the suite was constructed to be bulletproof, and there is a designated missile defense system installed onboard the AZZAM yacht although it is unclear whether this is accurate.

One of her most notable features is her custom-designed golf room which allows guests to practice their swings without even having to step foot outside.

She also has a large gym, a spa, several pools, jacuzzis, and a beauty salon on board.

Her main saloon is supposed to be one of a kind and one of the largest ever constructed on a private yacht. At 29 meters (95 ft) by 18 meters (59 ft), it is larger than a tennis court and offers unobstructed views of the outside due to its floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are no pillars to support the saloon, which gives it an open feel but requires additional ceiling beams and 7-centimeter thick custom-made windows.

A large and fast yacht-like AZZAM is bound to generate a lot of noise when underway.

To ensure a comfortable experience for guests onboard, engineers installed special software which keeps vibrations and engine sounds to a minimum.

This means that the large chandelier in the main saloon doesn’t rattle even when the yacht is underway.

Specifications

The AZZAM yacht might be the longest yacht in the world, but she is technically not the largest. DILBAR actually has a higher displacement and weight even though she is more than 23 meters (75 ft) shorter than AZZAM.

This impressive yacht was built by Luerssen in Bremen, Germany, and officially launched in November of 2013.

In March 2014, she briefly returned to Germany for some additional work. She has a 20.8-meter (68.3 ft) beam, a 4.5-meter (14.9 ft) draft, and a total weight of 13,136 tons.

AZZAM is powered by twin gas turbine engines and two additional diesel MTU engines and can carry more than 1 million liters of fuel onboard.

Despite her size, she can reach impressive top speeds of 30 knots which can be attributed to her relatively low draft, although her average cruising speed only lies at 12 knots.

The yacht has several cruising modes, including a sprint setting as well as a long-distance mode.

The exterior of the AZZAM yacht was developed by Nauta Yachts, which specializes in combining practical functions design with aesthetics and sleek yacht design. AZZAM is their largest and probably most well-known project. 

The AZZAM yacht took more than four years, and 4,000 people collectively worked for 6 million hours to complete it.

The exterior is all-white with a streamlined design that is meant to make AZZAM appear smaller than she actually is when seen from further away.

On the bow, a large helipad is available for guests to arrive and depart in style and the yacht carries at least one helicopter at all times.

The aft is reserved for a spacious swimming platform, although AZZAM does not have a beach club in this location like many other vessels of her size category.

As is to be expected for such a high-profile superyacht, AZZAM does not have a lot of open-air deck space and is designed to protect the privacy of its owners.

There are no visible pools or much seating, which suggests that the spacious interior of AZZAM is reserved for entertainment and common spaces.

Total price of US $600 million for the luxury AZZAM yacht.

Her annual running costs of US $50 to 75 million are not surprising, considering she is the largest private yacht in the world.

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Azzam Superyacht

Azzam Superyacht, delivered in October 2013, replaced the Eclipse Superyacht as the largest superyacht in the world.

Constructor

Fr. Lurssen Werft

Exterior Designer

Nauta Design

Interior Designer

Christophe Leoni

Length of Azzam

October 2013

Two diesel engines rated at 23,000HP

Azzam was launched at Lurssen Shipyard in Bremen, Germany, in April 2013. Upon delivery to its owner in October 2013, the yacht created a significant landmark in yacht building, involving less than three years of construction and one year of engineering activities.

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The owner of the yacht is Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The yacht’s construction cost more than $600m. The name of the yacht, Azzam, means determination in Arabic.

The exterior design of the yacht was provided by Nauta Design, while interior design was by Christophe Leoni. Fr. Lurssen Werft was responsible for the engineering and construction of the Azzam superyacht. Technical engineering activities were carried out under the leadership of Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi.

Development of the world’s largest superyacht

The yacht was transferred from her original dock at Lurssen Shipyard, measuring 170m, to a larger dock, measuring 220m, in May 2012. Steel cutting for the yacht was held in late 2009.

The yacht successfully completed sea trials in June 2013, prior to its commissioning.

Dimensions of the superyacht

The Azzam measures 180m long, and has a beam of 20.8m and a maximum draft of 4.3m. The hull of the world’s larget yacht is made of steel.

The yacht is larger than the Eclipse by 17.2m. The Eclipse, which was commissioned in 2010, is owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Azzam superyacht has a gross tonnage capacity of approximately 14,000t and features a fuel tank with a capacity of one million litres.

Its main salon measures 29m in length, with its beam measuring 18m. The salon on-board the yacht has an open space featuring no support pillars. The yacht features approximately 50 suites with no large open spaces on the deck, with the interior design of the vessel incorporating the Empire Style.

Azzam superyacht layout and facilities

The interior design of the yacht is highly confidential, but initial photo releases suggest that it features six decks. The rear view of the vessel also suggests that it is powered by jets.

The yacht is capable of providing accommodation facilities for at least 50 professional crew members. Similar to other yachts constructed by Lurssen, Azzam is environment-friendly with decreased carbon dioxide, noise and soot emissions, as well as enhanced fuel-efficiency.

Azzam is also believed to include facilities to use waste heat from the engine to operate the yacht’s desalination system for drinking water. Lurssen has been lauded for being the first yacht-builder to implement this system.

Engine details

The yacht features two gas turbines and two diesel engines with a rated power output of 23,500hp. The yacht can sail at a maximum speed of 30k.

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A Closer Look at the $600 Million Superyacht Azzam

It’s the longest yacht in the world and one of the world’s biggest superyachts. The Azzam is a sight to behold. It’s sleek and slender. Traveling up to 32 knots, it’s fast. The Azzam was commissioned by the President of the United Arab Emirates, one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world. It took three years to build and was launched in 2013. It’s veiled in secrecy. No one knows quite for sure what the interior looks like except for what we’ve heard from French interior designer Christophe Leoni. We do know that the Azzam superyacht has a heliport, a submarine, and a missile defense system. It can travel at fast speeds in warm shallow water. It has a large capacity for guests and crew members. The Azzam is certainly one of the most luxurious yachts of all time. Here is a closer look at the $600 million Superyacht Azzam.

Who owns it?

It took one year to be engineered and three years to build the Azzan superyacht. Built in a Bremman, Germany Shipyard by Lüssen Yachts, the Azzam was launched in April 2013 and delivered to its owner in September of that year. The Azzam was commissioned by Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. The expensive superyacht was commissioned as a charter to avoid higher European taxes but will not likely be used as a charter. Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan is said to be worth $15 billion. His family is believed to be worth $150 billion. Khalifa was born in 1948 and was heir to the Abu Dhabi throne. He took on many political responsibilities during his father’s reign. Khalifa succeeded his father as Emir of Abu Dhabi in 2004 and was named the President of United Arab Emirates the following day. He is married to Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei and they have several children. They reside in the presidential palace and have a private jet. It’s really no surprise that the fourth wealthiest monarch in the world commissioned the Azzam superyacht.

While technically not the largest yacht in the world, the Azzam is certainly the longest. The Eclipse, owned by Russian Roman Abramovich, is larger but falls 57 feet shorter than the Azzam. The Azzam is 590 feet long. Its beam is 68 feet. The Azzam features an unusually short draft that is just 14.1 feet. This helps the yacht gain its speed. Its maximum speed is 32 knots. The Azzam is powered by two gas and two diesel engines and features four pump jets. The Azzam’s interior features an open floor plan with no pillars. The main salon is 29 meters long with an 18-meter beam. There are 18 staterooms that can accommodate up to 36 guests. The Azzam accommodates up to 60 crew members in 30 cabins.

Special Features

The Azzam superyacht has many special features. Some of these features are truly unique. While there is a heliport, there are some other amazing features that come with the Azzam. This superyacht has its own submarine. It also features a missile defense system. It’s believed that the master suite of the Azzam is completely bulletproof.

Engineered by

The Azzam superyacht was engineered by Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi. He was commissioned to design a yacht that was innovative and could travel at high speeds in warm shallow waters. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi took a year to design the Azzam along with the Italian yacht builders, Nauta Yachts. The end result is a sleek, slender and long yacht with the ability to sail fast. The Azzam is a modern yet timeless boat. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi certainly created the yacht of its owner’s dreams.

Built by Nauta Yachts

World renown Italian yacht designers, Nauta Yachts helped make the Azzam superyacht a reality. Nauta Yachts worked with engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi to design and build the amazing superyacht Azzam. The company works diligently to create some of the greatest yachts in the world. From the original design through its building, Nauta Yachts designs yachts to be majestic, sleek, powerful and structurally sound. The company also pays attention to detail, honoring the requests of the person who commissions the yachts to be built. In building the Azzam, Nauta Yachts paid adherence to the owner’s instructions to create a long, slender yacht with major security measures as well as a yacht that could travel at high speeds through even warm, shallow waters, according to Boats International.

Interior Design by Christophe Leoni

The interior design of Azzam is complements of French Yacht interior designer Christophe Leoni. While little is know about the interior of the Azzam, its interior design can be concluded through interior designer Christophe Leoni. The actual interior has been kept secret with no known photographs made public. We do know that the main salon has an open floor plan with no pillars to break it up. We do know that Christophe Leoni, through his own style and through the owner’s request, decorated the interior of the Azzam in early nineteenth century French Empire style yet in a relaxed fashion. There are 18 large guest staterooms as well as 30 cabins for crew members. The master suite, we can only imagine, is a luxurious retreat for the President Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan and his wife. The master suite is also said to be completely bulletproof. We can only imagine how enchanting gatherings are on this magnificent yacht in this magnificent atmosphere. The world’s longest superyacht, the Azzam, is an amazing feat of yacht engineering. It’s one of the largest yachts in the world and certainly one of the most luxurious and accommodating. The Azzam is luxurious, sleek and fast. It is certainly a wonderful way for the United Arab Emirate’s President and his family and friends to relax on the sea.

Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology.

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Meet Pavel Durov, the tech billionaire who founded Telegram

• Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is worth $15.5 billion.
• The Russian-born tech mogul fled from Moscow 10 years ago and now lives in Dubai.
• French police arrested Durov amid an investigation into criminal activity by users of Telegram.

Editor's note: This story first appeared in March 2022 and has been updated to reflect the most recent financial figures and Durov's arrest in France.

Pavel Durov is the founder and owner of messaging app Telegram.

Durov, who was born in St. Petersburg in Soviet Russia, is worth $15.5 billion, according to Forbes.

The tech entrepreneur cofounded encrypted-messaging service Telegram with his brother Nikolai in 2013. The brothers were born into a family of intellectuals, according the Digital-Life-Design Conference website. Durov spoke at the conference in January 2012.

Much of Durov's wealth comes from Telegram, which has 950 million active users and is valued at over $30 billion.

Before founding Telegram, Durov founded a Russian social network called Vkontakte.

A post shared by Pavel Durov (@durov)

Durov created the network in 2006 and sold a 12% stake for $300 million in 2015.

The site brought him fame: He became known as Russia's "biggest celebrity entrepreneur," according to The New York Times. But it also came with political trouble when Durov refused the Kremlin's demands to access Vkontakte data on Ukrainian protest leaders.

Durov said he was fired in April 2014 from his position as the CEO of Vkontakte as state-backed entities sought to control the network, Reuters reported. The Mail.Ru group, which is owned by oligarch Alisher Usmanov, bought the network for $1.47 billion later that year.

Usmanov's press service told Business Insider the group sold Vkontakte. State-run insurer Sogaz now owns it.

Durov told the Times he was forced to leave Moscow in 2014 after a SWAT team appeared at his home.

Durov's conflicts with the Kremlin didn't end with Vkontakte.

In 2018, Telegram was banned in Russia after Durov denied the Kremlin access to user data. In response to the ban, hundreds of people protested, some of whom held signs of Durov illustrated as a saint (pictured above). The app was reinstated in Russia two years later. 

Today, Telegram is playing a major role in the war in Ukraine.

Durov vowed in a Telegram post in March 2022 to protect the data of Ukrainian users. Durov is of partial Ukrainian descent, according to the post.

"When I defied [the Kremlin's] demands, the stakes were high for me personally," Durov wrote. "I stand for our users no matter what. Their right to privacy is sacred."

Durov also launched a cryptocurrency wallet, called Fragment, in 2002. Durov has said the wallet "took only 5 weeks and 5 people including myself to put together."

Durov said some $50 million worth of usernames were purchased less than a month after Fragment launched.

Durov now lives in Dubai, where Telegram's operations are based.

Durov moved to Dubai in 2017 and relocated Telegram's operations to an office in Dubai's Media City, according to Bloomberg. The network had been previously been based in Berlin.

In an interview with Bloomberg in December 2017, Durov said moving to Dubai afforded him "better ways to use [his] money to benefit society," as the city has no personal income tax .

According to the Russian edition of Forbes , Durov obtained citizenship in the United Arab Emirates in February 2021 and was naturalized as a French citizen in August 2021.

In January 2018, Durov wrote on Twitter that Telegram is "unlikely to ever consider any location be [its] permanent base."

Durov has a lively social media presence.

In August 2017, Durov's Instagram post parodying Russian President Vladimir Putin went viral.

Durov's post on Instagram, aptly named the "Putin Shirtless Challenge," called for users to post photos of themselves bare-chested in the style of Putin.

"Two rules from Putin — no photoshop, no pumping. Otherwise you're not an alpha," Durov wrote in the post in August 2017. Over 3,000 posts with Durov's hashtag were uploaded on Instagram. 

Despite having 2.5 million followers on X, Durov doesn't follow anyone, but once followed Elon Musk.

While not much is known about Durov's assets, he's been known to share the occasional yacht shot on Instagram.

Durov shared a photo from the deck of a Lurssen yacht off the coast of Italy in 2016.

The cost of a Lurssen yacht starts at about $1 million and can run as high as $185 million, according to Yacht World . Durov never confirmed if he owned the Lurssen yacht in the photo.

Durov said in an Instagram post in August 2016 that while he wasn't a "fan of giant Lurssen yachts," he liked the manufacturer's sailing vessel. 

Durov posted another photo of a superyacht on Instagram in 2015. And in another post in 2022 on his official Telegram account, Durov claimed he doesn't own any private jets, yachts, cars, or houses, adding that he is "unlike most billionaires."

Durov's profile was once found on Tinder in 2017.

Bloomberg reported that Durov was "half-naked" in his profile photo on the dating app.

"Not looking for anything serious or not serious here," he wrote on his profile, according to Bloomberg. "Just playing with the app."

Durov was once married to Daria Bondarenko, who he met at university, according to Russia Beyond , citing a documentary on Durov by filmmaker Rodion Chepel.

Durov once said Silicon Valley has "limited cultural life."

Durov was writing in response to journalist and YouTuber Yury Dud's film about Silicon Valley. The film has garnered 52 million views on YouTube.

In the post , Durov listed seven reasons he did not want to move to Silicon Valley.

"The US is not the best place to live or run an IT business," Durov wrote. "Local programmers are expensive, spoiled and often unable to focus on work due to the flow of outside suggestions and ideas."

Durov also described the United States as a "police state" and said he was attacked in San Francisco in June 2015 by thieves who wanted to steal his phone.

Durov is dedicated to keeping Telegram secure for all its users, no matter who they are or what they are doing.

—Pavel Durov (@durov) March 18, 2017

Telegram is the "app of choice" for terror networks like ISIS, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute . But Durov has so far refused to limit access to the app or moderate its content to deter any certain group.

"We cannot make messaging technology secure for everybody except terrorists," Durov said in an interview with CNN in February 2016. "It's either secure or not secure."

Durov is also something of an instigator on his personal accounts.

In 2014, for example, when the Russian state called for a ban on Vkontakte, Durov's response was to post a photo of a dog in a hoodie on Twitter .

When Vkontakte was accused of hosting pornography, he changed his Twitter handle from "VK CEO" to "Porn King," according to The Calvert Journal . And in 2017, he shared his passport photo on Twitter, writing that it's "strangely suitable for media articles about terrorists using Telegram."

French police arrested Durov in 2024 amid an investigation into Telegram.

French authorities arrested Durov near Paris on August 24, 2024 amid an investigation into criminal activity on Telegram. Police nabbed Durov at Le Bourget airport as he tried to depart on his private jet.

An arrest warrant said Telegram had been used for money laundering, drug trafficking, and crimes against minors, among other offenses, the Associated Press reported. 

Elon Musk, the owner of X who has also resisted moderating content, called the incident evidence of "dangerous times."

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Azzam: Behind the design of the world's largest superyacht

In October 2013, Lürssen shipyard delivered the largest privately owned superyacht in the world, 180 metre Azzam . With a staggering 13,000GT (approx), the all-white yacht has held its title unchallenged for nearly seven years. Although this reign will come to an end with the delivery of 183 metre REV , it is a project that has captured the attention and imagination of those who have laid eyes on her.

Designed by Italian studio Nauta Design , the focus for the team was to create a design with a strong character while also being able to endure the test of time. Using a combination of elements from contemporary, modern architecture, Azzam was designed to mark a milestone in the global superyacht fleet for decades to come.

“ Azzam features balanced, modern architecture composed of straight lines and proportional volumes, which are some of the main design principles of Nauta Design,” explained Mario Pedol, co-founder of Nauta Design.

“When we were called to participate in pitching for the exterior styling of this yacht we knew it would be the most demanding work of our career, defined by the strictest and most challenging requests in term of dimensions, performances and technology. What made us confident to be able to deal with such a challenge was the interpretation of the client’s brief. The best technology was required in order to obtain the highest performance possible.”

Inspired by the studio’s earlier concepts Light 80 and Light 90, 82 and 90 metres respectively, Azzam was a giant leap in scale and presented both creative and technical challenges, with pressure added to the project by a tight deadline for delivery.

"We all made a huge effort to comply with an incredibly short, thus very challenging, design and production schedule which Lürssen actually succeeded in achieving — even a month ahead of time,” said Pedol in an interview with BOAT International in 2014.

Azzam ’s record-breaking build time was under three years from steel cutting, following one year of engineering according to the German shipyard. This is much owed to Burgess who acted as the owner's technical consultant and project manager throughout the entire build.

Azzam has an official top speed of 30 knots thanks to two diesel engines combined with two gas turbines that produce 70,095 kW (94,000hp) and are connected to waterjets. This is an incredible achievement for a vessel of this size, made all the more significant when considering the speed in which the project took to deliver.

“We’ve had a lot of compliments for Azzam ,” Pedol revealed to BOAT International during a candid interview in early 2015. “They all talk about elegance and balance, that she doesn’t look as big as she is, and I think this is a good achievement.”

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Who are Mike Lynch and the other people missing after a yacht sank in Sicily?

Bill Chappell

Mike Lynch remains missing after a luxury yacht sank off of Sicily's coast. Lynch, who sold his tech firm Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011, had recently been acquitted of fraud charges related to the sale. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images hide caption

Search teams are scouring waters along Italy’s southwestern shore, where a luxury sailing yacht sank early Monday. Six people are known to be missing, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter, and Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife.

Faced with the possibility that some people might have been trapped inside the ship when it sank in a storm, dive teams (including cave divers from the local fire brigade) have been looking for ways to enter the vessel.

Divers recover at least 1 body during search of yacht wreckage off Sicily

The Palermo Coast Guard told NPR on Tuesday that such an operation is complicated by the depth and position of the hull, which lies on the seabed at a depth of around 50 meters, about a half-mile from the port in Porticello, Sicily.

Lynch, a mathematician and longtime tech entrepreneur, was on a vacation voyage that apparently doubled as a celebration of his recent acquittal on federal fraud charges in the U.S. At least two members of his legal team were reportedly on the boat.

Here’s what we know about Lynch and the tragic situation off Sicily’s coast: 

A rescue boat of the Italian Coast Guard operates in Porticello near Palermo, on Tuesday, a day after the British-flagged luxury yacht Bayesian sank. Specialist divers launched a fresh search for six people, including U.K. tech tycoon Mike Lynch. Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Who is Mike Lynch?

Lynch, 59, made his name as the founder and longtime leader of Autonomy, a search engine and software company that helped companies manage information. Hewlett-Packard bought Autonomy for $11 billion in 2011, but Lynch then faced accusations — and then federal charges — that he had misrepresented his company’s financial health and prospects. Lynch denied the claims, saying HP was blaming him for its own problems.

Lynch was indicted on multiple fraud and conspiracy counts in late 2018, months after Autonomy’s former chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted of fraud (he was later sentenced to five years in prison).

Search resumes for British tech magnate and 5 others after yacht sinks off Sicily

Lynch successfully delayed extradition from the U.K. until May 2023 . Earlier this year, the case finally culminated in a lengthy trial in San Francisco that ended with Lynch’s acquittal of all charges against him in June , after he testified on his own behalf.

Also acquitted was Stephen Chamberlain, Autonomy’s former finance VP. But on Saturday — just two days before Lynch was caught in a boating catastrophe — Chamberlain was killed in a car accident , after he was struck while out for a run.

Lynch earned a Ph.D. in adaptive pattern recognition from Cambridge University. In 2006, he was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honor for his work in the U.K.’s tech industry. After selling Autonomy, he founded an investment group focused on startups emerging from Cambridge University.

Who else was aboard?

Survivors include Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, along with Charlotte Golunski, who works at Invoke Capital, Lynch’s venture capital firm. Golunski was on the ship with her daughter, Sofia, who had just celebrated her first birthday. In an interview with La Repubblica , Golunski said she held her little girl as she floated in darkness, using all her strength to keep her arms up and prevent Sofia from drowning. Sophia’s father was also onboard and survived.

Ayla Ronald, a lawyer who worked on Lynch’s fraud case, and her partner also escaped the wreck. Other survivors include several crew members, including two women in their early 20s who were part of the ship’s staff.

Missing along with Lynch and Bloomer are Lynch’s daughter, Hannah, 18; Bloomer’s wife, Judy; a lawyer for Lynch named Chris Morvillo; and his wife, Neda, according to local newspaper Giornale di Sicilia .

Bloomer was a partner at Arthur Andersen for some 20 years, until 1994, according to his LinkedIn profile . He then led the financial services company Prudential before taking on a number of chairman roles, including at the legal services firm DWF.

Bloomer is also currently chairman of insurance company the Hiscox Group.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event,” Hiscox CEO Aki Hussain said in a statement sent to NPR. “Our thoughts are with all those affected, in particular our Chair, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife Judy, who are among the missing, and with their family as they await further news from this terrible situation.”  

#Palermo , naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: proseguono da parte dei #vigilidelfuoco le ricerche delle 6 persone segnalate come disperse. Giunti da Cagliari, Sassari e Roma i #sommozzatori speleo [ #19agosto 19:30] pic.twitter.com/7WY30ckxcK — Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024

What happened to the yacht?

The gathering took place aboard a massive sailing yacht called Bayesian — a term that, in mathematics and statistics, refers to probability and uncertainty. The yacht’s overall length is listed at 55.9 meters (183 feet).

The Bayesian was off the coast of Porticello when it was swamped by a violent storm before dawn on Monday morning. Numerous eyewitness accounts cited a waterspout — a highly localized spiraling storm that’s essentially a marine tornado. Around that time, the Bayesian was located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, according to the Marine Traffic tracking site.

The ship, which had 22 people aboard, sank. In the aftermath, 15 people were rescued, but one died and six were unaccounted for.  

What about the rescue effort?

Helicopters and marine craft have been searching for any sign of the passengers, hoping to find more survivors. Sea and cave divers have also been part of the effort.

Italy’s fire brigade, Vigili del Fuoco, says it is working on a plan for divers to enter the sunken vessel. An initial attempt on Monday was cut short after divers were able to gain only limited access , citing furniture that blocked a passageway.

When asked about the possibility of finding any other survivors of the calamity, Comandante Vincenzo Zagarola of the Italian Coast Guard told radio station RTL 102.5 on Tuesday that given how much time has elapsed, it’s difficult to imagine a good outcome for the missing passengers. But, he said, the search will continue.

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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.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

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…

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Questions for Investigators Trying to Unravel Mystery of Luxury Yacht’s Sinking

The investigators searching for answers about the shipwreck, leaving seven dead, face questions about extreme weather and possible human error or problems with the yacht itself.

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By Alan Yuhas

More than 180 feet long, with a mast towering about 240 feet and a keel that could be lowered for greater stability, the Bayesian luxury yacht did not, in the eyes of its maker, have the vulnerabilities of a ship that would easily sink.

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

But the $40 million sailing yacht sank within minutes and with fatal results: seven dead, including the British technology billionaire Michael Lynch, his teenage daughter, four of Mr. Lynch’s friends and a member of the crew. Fifteen people, including the captain, escaped on a lifeboat.

Mr. Lynch had invited family, friends and part of his legal team on a cruise in the Mediterranean to celebrate his acquittal in June of fraud charges tied to the sale of his company to the tech giant Hewlett-Packard.

The Italian authorities have opened a manslaughter investigation, searching for answers from the survivors, the manufacturer and the wreck itself. They face a range of questions and possible factors.

An ‘earthquake’ in the sky?

When the Bayesian sank around 4 a.m. on Aug. 19, the waters in its area, about half a mile off the Sicilian port of Porticello, were transformed by an extremely sudden and violent storm, according to fishermen, a captain in the area and meteorologists.

But what kind of storm is still a mystery, compounded by the fact that a sailing schooner anchored nearby did not have its own disaster. Also unclear is whether the crew was aware that the Italian authorities had issued general warnings about bad weather the night before.

Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby passenger ship, said he’d had to steady his ship during “really violent” winds . During the storm, he said, the Bayesian seemed to disappear behind his ship.

Severe lightning and strong gusts were registered by the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, according to Attilio Di Diodato, its director. “It was very intense and brief in duration,” he said.

The yacht, he said, had most likely been hit by a fierce downburst — a blast of powerful wind surging down during a thunderstorm. His agency put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about possible storms.

Locals have said the winds “felt like an earthquake.” A fisherman in Porticello said that he had seen a flare go off in the early-morning hours. His brother ventured to the site once the weather had calmed about 20 minutes later, he said, finding only floating cushions.

The Italian authorities have so far declined to say whether investigators had seen any structural damage to the hull or other parts of the ship.

Open hatches or doors?

The boat executive, Mr. Costantino, has argued that the Bayesian was an extremely safe vessel that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing. His company, the Italian Sea Group, in 2022 bought the yacht’s manufacturer, Perini Navi, which launched the ship in 2008.

Mr. Costantino 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, would be 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.

At a news conference on Saturday, almost a week after the sinking, investigators said the yacht had sunk at an angle , with its stern — where the heavy engine was — having gone down first. The wreck was found lying on its right side at the bottom of a bay, about 165 feet deep.

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

Water pouring into open hatches or doors could have contributed to the sinking, experts say, but that on its own may not account for the speed at which such a large boat vanished underwater.

Asked about the hatches at the news conference, the authorities declined to comment on whether they had been found open at the wreck.

The authorities have also not specified whether the boat had been anchored, whether it was under power at the time or whether its sails had been unfurled.

A retracted keel?

The Bayesian had a keel — the fin-like structure beneath a boat that can help stabilize it — that could be retracted or extended, according to its manufacturer. On some yachts, keels can be raised to let the large vessel dock in shallower water, and extended downward to help keep a boat level.

But like the hatches, the status of the keel alone may not explain why a large ship sank with such precipitous speed. Investigators have not disclosed what divers may have seen at the wreck, aside from saying divers had faced obstacles like furnishings and electrical wiring in tight quarters. Officials want to raise the wreck to better examine it, a process that may take weeks.

Human error?

Ambrogio Cartosio, the prosecutor in charge of the case, said at the news conference that it was “plausible” crimes had been committed, but that investigators had not zeroed in on any potential suspects.

“There could be responsibilities of the captain only,” he said. “There could be responsibilities of the whole crew. There could be responsibilities of the boat makers. Or there could be responsibilities of those who were in charge of surveilling the boat.”

It remains unclear what kind of emergency training or preparation took place before the disaster, or what kind of coordination there was during it. So far, none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened the night the ship sank.

Prosecutors said they want to ask more questions of the captain and crew, who have been in a Sicilian hotel with other survivors. They said that neither alcohol nor drug tests had been performed on crew members, and that they have been allowed to leave Italy.

Prosecutors also said they were also investigating why the captain, an experienced sailor, left the sinking boat while some passengers were still on board.

Besides possible manslaughter charges, the authorities are investigating the possibility of a negligently caused shipwreck.

The bodies of five passengers were found in one cabin, on the left side of the yacht, the authorities said. The five were most likely trying to flee to the higher side of the boat and were probably sleeping when the boat started to sink, they said.