burgess yacht management london

Superyacht broker

Founded in 1975 by Nigel Burgess, renowned sailor and worldwide single-handed ocean racer, he created a company with an obsessive eye for detail that put clients first every time. Today, Burgess is a leading authority in the sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational management of the world’s finest yachts over 30 metres.

From their original office in London in 1975, Burgess now spans the globe, with branches catering to clients in 14 major locations. The company has been involved with some of the most significant yachts ever built and Chief Executive Jonathan Beckett has led Burgess to its position as the world’s number one full-service superyacht company. In recognition of this, Burgess became the first yacht brokerage firm ever to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2001.

“’Luxury’ is often a term carelessly thrown around – it covers a whole host of things! However, ‘luxury’, when used in conjunction with the superyacht industry, can conjure up quite negative connotations. It doesn’t accurately portray an industry that supports the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people, world over. The end result of a new build is a masterpiece – a beautiful piece of engineering which expertly blends art with science and industry – meaning ‘luxury’ is simply the icing on the cake. I have been fortunate enough to work at the coalface of this industry for over 40 years, and I have seen the changes that have been made and I know we can make the ones being called for in the future. The Superyacht Life Foundation is a great platform encouraging collaboration, innovation, and evolution – only as a team can we work towards our collective goals of a fun, challenging work environment, correcting any misconceptions and, most importantly, a sustainable future. At Burgess, we are fully committed to raising the bar and working hard with industry colleagues to help educate society on our niche but exceptional world.” – Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess

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Burgess Yachts: A Gold Standard in Luxury Maritime Services

When one thinks of luxury yachting, the name “ Burgess Yacht ” often sails into mind. Renowned for its unparalleled expertise, Burgess Yacht has charted a course as a leading figure in the maritime realm. From the breathtaking elegance of the vessels they manage to the impeccable experiences they curate, Burgess Yacht is synonymous with the very essence of maritime luxury. Their reputation isn’t just limited to the shores of one continent; it echoes across the globe, setting a gold standard in yacht management, charter, and sales.

The History of Burgess Yacht:

The story of Burgess Yacht is as riveting as the blue waters their vessels navigate. Founded by Nigel Burgess , a notable yachtsman and aviation entrepreneur, Burgess Yacht started its voyage in the heart of London during the late 1970s. It wasn’t just another yacht company; it was a vision to redefine luxury yachting.

As the years unfurled, so did the company’s achievements. Each decade brought its set of challenges, but with a firm hand on the tiller, Burgess Yacht skillfully maneuvered through, always finding the wind to fill its sails. Whether it was introducing innovative yacht designs, launching tailor-made charter experiences, or securing record-breaking sales, the milestones achieved were not just markers of success but testaments to the company’s dedication and passion.

Their trajectory wasn’t merely horizontal. As the demand for luxury yachting surged, Burgess expanded its horizons, laying anchor in strategic ports worldwide. From Monaco to Miami and Hong Kong to Hamptons, their global footprint began to imprint a mark of luxury, trust, and expertise. Today, they don’t just stand as a business; they are the frontrunners, the trailblazers of the luxury yachting industry, turning the dreams of maritime enthusiasts into reality.

Yacht Management: Ensuring Seamless Operations

A luxury yacht requires meticulous management to ensure its grace remains untarnished by the complexities of operations. At the heart of this is yacht management , a multifaceted role encompassing everything from routine maintenance and legal compliance to crew well-being and financial administration.

This is where Burgess Yacht’s begins. Recognized for their exceptional managerial skills, they seamlessly integrate all aspects of yacht management. The process begins with crew recruitment, where Burgess not only identifies but also mentors the best in the industry, ensuring a harmonious balance between skill and service. Their operational administration further exemplifies their dedication, covering every minutiae, be it safety drills or itinerary planning.

However, what truly makes Burgess Yacht’s approach commendable is their emphasis on tailored solutions. Understanding that every yacht owner has unique visions and requirements, Burgess crafts bespoke management plans, harmonizing the owner’s dreams with the reality of operations.

Yacht Charter: Luxury Voyages Tailored to Desire

The allure of the open seas, the promise of untouched horizons, and the luxury of time—yacht charters offer an unparalleled experience. And with Burgess Yacht at the helm, this experience transcends expectations.

First, there’s their diverse fleet, a testament to their commitment to choice and quality. From the magnificence of superyachts that seem to kiss the skies to rugged explorer vessels built to unveil the secrets of the deep, Burgess offers a vessel for every dream.

But a yacht charter isn’t merely about the vessel—it’s about the voyage. And this is where Burgess’s penchant for personalized experiences shines. Every charter itinerary is crafted with precision, reflecting the client’s desires, be it a tranquil sojourn through the Mediterranean’s azure bays or an adrenaline-filled adventure along the Antarctic’s icy realms.

This bespoke approach, combined with their unwavering commitment to service, forms the “Burgess difference.” They don’t just offer yacht charters; they provide immersive experiences, sculpted by their profound understanding of luxury demands and an unyielding drive to exceed them.

Yacht Sales: Bridging Buyers and Sellers

The world of luxury yachting is one of dreams and desires. For many, owning a yacht is the culmination of a vision, while for others, it’s about embarking on new adventures by acquiring a different vessel. In this intricate dance of aspirations, Burgess Yacht plays the crucial role of matchmaker.

Their expertise stretches across both ends of the spectrum—purchase and sale. Understanding that a yacht isn’t just a transaction but a deeply personal endeavor, Burgess approaches each deal with the utmost care and precision. The journey often starts with a comprehensive valuation, ensuring sellers receive the true worth of their prized possession. For potential buyers, Burgess opens a world of possibilities, arranging viewings of some of the most magnificent vessels on the seas.

Yet, it’s not just the process that stands out—it’s the experiences that burgeon from it. Numerous client testimonials echo tales of success, of dreams realized and transitions made smooth. They speak of Burgess Yacht’s dedication, their unerring eye for detail, and their commitment to ensuring every party sails away satisfied.

Sustainability at the Helm: Eco-Friendly Practices

In the vast expanse of blue, luxury yachts are a sight to behold. However, these symbols of opulence have, at times, cast shadows on the very waters they travel. The environmental impact of yachting, from fuel consumption to waste discharge, cannot be overlooked. It is a concern that the modern yachting industry, including stalwarts like Burgess Yacht, are keenly addressing.

Burgess Yacht recognizes the delicate balance between luxury and responsibility. As leaders in the industry, their initiatives in promoting sustainability are both commendable and crucial. This includes championing eco-friendly yacht designs that minimize fuel consumption and maximize the use of sustainable materials. But it doesn’t stop at design. Their operational practices are woven with threads of green, ensuring waste management, energy consumption, and even the amenities onboard tread lightly on our planet.

Yet, sustainability is not a journey one undertakes alone. Burgess Yacht has fostered collaborations and partnerships with environmental organizations, marine researchers, and conservationists. Together, they not only aim to reduce the carbon footprint of yachts but also to contribute positively to marine ecosystems and foster a future where luxury and conservation sail hand in hand.

Comprehensive Services Beyond Management, Charter, and Sales

Burgess Yacht’s legacy is not just rooted in its proficiency in management, charter, and sales. It thrives on a mosaic of comprehensive services, each tailored to ensure the luxury yachting experience remains unparalleled.

Crew Services: At the heart of any luxury yacht is its crew—a team that transforms voyages into unforgettable experiences. Burgess’s role extends beyond mere recruitment. They nurture talent, ensuring crew members are trained to meet the highest standards of the industry. From captains with unrivaled navigational expertise to chefs crafting culinary masterpieces, Burgess is instrumental in shaping the very soul of a yacht.

Technical Services: The beauty of a yacht lies not just in its appearance, but in its performance. Burgess offers a suite of technical services ensuring every vessel runs at its optimal best. Whether it’s routine maintenance checks, elaborate refits, or state-of-the-art technological upgrades, they are committed to ensuring that every yacht remains in pristine condition, both inside and out.

Consultancy: The world of luxury yachting is ever-evolving. As new design trends emerge and technological advancements reshape the industry, Burgess stands as a beacon of knowledge. Offering consultancy services, they guide yacht owners through new builds or renovations, ensuring their vessels are both contemporary and timeless.

The Burgess Experience: What Sets Them Apart

In a world where luxury yachting has become synonymous with opulence, what truly makes Burgess Yacht a name to reckon with? It’s the ‘Burgess Experience’—a unique blend of luxury, expertise, and dedication.

Emphasis on Luxury: Burgess isn’t just about offering services; it’s about curating experiences. Whether it’s the yachts they sell, the journeys they charter, or the crews they train, the underpinning thread is luxury. They maintain an unwavering standard across all services, ensuring that clients always experience the pinnacle of maritime grandeur.

A Global Network: Burgess’s prowess isn’t confined to a particular shore or port. With offices and contacts spanning the globe, they offer a truly international service. Whether you’re docking in the Mediterranean or exploring the Pacific, Burgess’s vast network ensures that luxury and assistance are just a call away.

Dedication to Clients: At its core, Burgess Yacht is about its clients. Their approach is client-centric, always prioritizing the needs, desires, and preferences of those they serve. It’s not just about fulfilling a request; it’s about exceeding expectations, anticipating needs, and ensuring that every interaction, every voyage, and every purchase becomes a cherished memory.

Future Prospects and Direction

As the horizons expand and technology propels us into uncharted waters, the yachting industry finds itself at the cusp of a revolution. New challenges beckon, and so do unprecedented opportunities. In this evolving narrative, where does Burgess Yacht set its compass?

Innovations and Adaptations: As with any industry anchored in luxury and service, the yachting sector is no stranger to change. Hybrid propulsion systems, AI-driven navigational aids, and sustainable design principles are just a few facets of the new-age maritime world. Burgess Yacht, ever the pioneer, is actively engaging with these advancements, weaving them into their fabric of offerings.

Burgess Yacht’s Roadmap: While specific details of upcoming ventures or expansions are proprietary, one can anticipate that Burgess’s future endeavors will be as grand as their legacy. Whether it’s exploring new maritime territories, incorporating cutting-edge technology into their fleet, or launching novel luxury experiences for clients, the horizon looks promising and thrilling.

Continued Commitment: What remains unaltered, though, is Burgess Yacht’s undying commitment to excellence and sustainability. As they sail into the future, their dedication to crafting unparalleled luxury experiences—while ensuring the well-being of our oceans—remains their guiding star.

Charting a journey from its inception to its current global acclaim, Burgess Yacht stands testament to what vision, dedication, and expertise can achieve. Their legacy is not just etched in the waves they’ve traversed but in the myriad memories they’ve crafted for their clientele.

For those seeking the zenith of luxury yachting—whether it’s management, charter, purchase, or a dive into the world of maritime marvels—Burgess Yacht beckons. With a promise of excellence, a commitment to sustainability, and a passion that’s unparalleled, their name isn’t just a brand; it’s a benchmark.

Do you have any feedback or additional insights? Please send an email to editor @ yachtsurf.com

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Chartering, or renting, a yacht could change the way you holiday forever. Our team finds out what you most love to do and builds an incredible experience around that. From which yacht to choose, as each is unique with different amenities, where to go and what to do on a carefully planned itinerary, right through to transfers and what to pack, your personal broker will deliver your unforgettable. This is a place where family and friends can genuinely leave the world behind and spend some quality time together. If that sounds good to you, talk to us today and let’s start dreaming.

Why choose a yacht charter?

Think of a yacht as a finely designed private island that moves to a new, beautiful location everyday so there’s always more to explore. There’s an infinity pool like no other and staff (crew) whose only aim is to make your day special.

Whether you want to be at the heart of the action, in the back of beyond or somewhere in between, there’s a captain who knows all the best places to go, even the secret ones only locals know, and how to get you there. There’s also an exceptionally talented and versatile chef who will always bring delight whatever you want to eat, from snacks and smoothies to full-scale banquets.

Children of all ages love the watertoys and there are always deck crew on hand to help you get the best out of them. From aquaparks with slides to jetskis and tows, eFoils, flyboards and underwater scooters to paddleboards, wakeboards and waterskis, there are thrills and chills to suit every taste, right on your doorstep.

With seven-star service, air conditioning, gyms, spas, cinema rooms, Wi-Fi that lets you work or stream as you wish and active stabilisers that stop any rolling, a yacht charter is the best holiday you’ve never had. Don’t you wish you could do something very special?

Some post-charter feedback

‘My clients appreciated all the attention that went into planning some really special experiences for them, such as the live band on board for 1920s night while anchored in a beautiful and seemingly remote place. The experience exceeded their expectations and they are hoping to organise another two-week charter next summer.’

‘We had a fantastic time. This boat had everything at a top level – food, people, activities, services… It was the best couple of weeks of vacation we have ever had. Having a masseuse, hairdresser, photographer and trainer really brought it to the next level.’

‘The crew went above and beyond... Trip of a lifetime!'

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Discover the Burgess difference

Whether you are looking for an island-hopping motor yacht charter to cruise the Caribbean with family or have your heart set on an adrenaline-fuelled sailing experience with friends, we are on hand to guide you every step of the way.

A private luxury experience tailored to you

Discovering new horizons surrounded by friends and family, a superyacht charter is the height of escapism. Experience a level of service and comfort that is unsurpassed, in settings beyond the reach of most. Step on board a Burgess yacht and you will never look back.

Access to remote locations around the globe

Embrace the urge to explore. Drop anchor in secluded bays, dive into pristine waters and discover an underwater world of marine activity. Yachting offers captivating, thought-provoking and stimulating experiences that are simply inaccessible by any other means.

Experienced brokers with your best interests in mind

Our worldwide team consists of brokers who have been instrumental in shaping the luxury yacht industry as it is today. With first-hand experience of the world’s largest and most impressive yachts, Burgess charter brokers are passionate about creating unforgettable experiences.

Yacht charter destinations

• Mediterranean

A yacht charter to the Mediterranean is anything you want it to be. From the Michelin stared restaurants of Naples, to the chic beach clubs, and luxury brands of Monaco and the French Riviera to the laid-back lifestyle, ancient ruins and deserted beaches of Mykonos and Santorini in the Greek islands, you can do it all.

An idyllic yacht charter to Greece offers an escape from busy modern life. From the Cyclades to the Ionian Islands, spend lazy days exploring wild landscapes and deserted sandy coves, pretty harbours and white-washed fishing villages.

The Caribbean has an intoxicating allure for the superyachting crowd. A luxury Caribbean yacht charter offers big blue skies and cooling trade winds for magnificent sailing and island-hopping.

• French Riviera

From Monaco to Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) has long captured the hearts and souls of the yachting crowd.

• Croatia & Montenegro

The coastlines and islands of Croatia and Montenegro offer world-class cruising with historic towns, stunning scenery and pulsating nightlife.

The star of the Balearics, the island of Mallorca is the perfect yacht rental destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and lively local scene.

More than any other country, Italy encapsulates the variety the Mediterranean has to offer – and there is no better way to experience it than on a luxury Italian yacht charter with Burgess.

From fashionable resorts and modern marinas to heavenly white-sand beaches, secret sailing coves and ancient ruins, many only accessible by sea, the ‘Turquoise Coast’ of Turkey is the Mediterranean at its most exotic.

With shimmering white beaches fringed with sapphire seas and colourful coral reefs, the 700 or so islands and cays of the Bahamas are perfect for exploring by sea.

• Corsica & Sardinia

A luxury yacht charter to Corsica is an excellent opportunity to explore this lush, mountainous island. Fringed by plunging cliffs and beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Mediterranean, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of the best snorkelling and diving in the area.

Thailand is diverse and exotic, from the isolated beaches and lush forests to cultural shrines and the nine pristine Similan Islands. You'll find jaw-dropping scenery, unforgettable diving and some of the finest beaches in Asia.

Embark on a luxury superyacht charter in Fiji to explore this tropical haven of 333 islands and discover secluded bays and uninhabited islands.

Located at the northern end of the Ionian chain, Corfu is full of charming towns with thriving shops, restaurants and an exuberant nightlife. All of this happily complements the abundance of secluded coves and anchorages enjoyed only by sea.

• British Virgin Islands

A yacht charter to the British Virgin Islands gives you the chance to explore 60 unspoilt volcanic islands. From the main island of Tortola to the smooth granite rocks of Virgin Gorda, or to tiny sandy islets that can be yours alone, with Burgess you’ll have the chance to explore at your leisure.

Enjoy outdoor experiences unlike any other on a yacht charter along this majestic coastline of North America. On a luxury yacht charter in Alaska you will cruise through sheltered waterways, passing national parks, shimmering glaciers and mountain peaks.

• US Virgin Islands

With 500 fish species, 40 corals, abundant wildlife in verdant interiors and stunning beaches, the US Virgin Islands have it all.

It's 99 percent water and one percent land! The Maldives is a magical water kingdom in the Indian Ocean. You will be greeted by white beaches, coral reefs, relaxed bars with sunset views, beach BBQs on uninhabited islands, and gourmet dining.

Lying 1,000km (600 miles) off the Ecuadorean coast, the Galapagos is a modern garden of Eden and a living laboratory of evolution.

• South East Asia

On a South East Asia yacht charter you can set sail from Thailand’s island of Phuket and cruise out to Phang Nga Bay for sea kayaking or rappelling on limestone cliffs.

Mykonos is the glamorous epicentre of the Cyclades Islands, and an essential part of any Greek island charter. From beach bars that rival Ibiza to 16th Century windmills, to sophisticated restaurants in the hinterland and tavernas that take no reservations at all – this is the juxtaposition and charm of Mykonos.

From dynamic cities and breathtaking unspoilt landscapes to sweeping beaches and stunning coastlines brimming with natural wonders, Australia offers extraordinary experiences.

Indonesia is the world's last unspoilt paradise, with 17,000 islands across 5,000km between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

• Caribbean - Leeward Islands

Scattered over 150 miles from Anguilla to Dominica, this group of Caribbean islands is fascinatingly diverse. Sailing the Leeward Islands is the perfect way to discover some of the Caribbean’s most notable beaches and adventures.

• New England

New England combines old-world charm and a proud maritime history with the pretty shorelines, picturesque harbours and historic towns and islands of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine.

You could spend weeks getting lost in this breath-taking part of the world. Cruising on a yacht in Tahiti allows you to dive vibrant coral reefs with all manner of marine life, snorkel the clearest waters you’ve ever encountered or visit islets with not a soul in sight.

The east coast of the Red Sea is a pristine wilderness, largely untouched and unexplored. It is a place where you can genuinely escape and make discoveries every day as you cruise your yacht from one secluded turquoise bay to the next, one sandy shored island to another.

• Indian Ocean

With easy sailing distances between the jungle-covered, mountainous main islands and an abundance of opportunities to explore the more remote Outer Islands, an Indian Ocean yacht charter around the Seychelles can be tailor-made for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Famous as the party playground of the Med, Ibiza is today prized for its impressively varied offering. Any yacht charter in Ibiza will blend the sounds of international DJs in locations like Ibiza town with the tranquillity, bohemian vibe, stylish marinas and wellness scene in the north.

Phuket provides a heady combination of palm-lined white-sand beaches, superb hospitality, land-based fun, exciting activities, cultural wonders and delicious cuisine. With year-round good weather, its rising popularity as a charter destination is no surprise.

• French Polynesia

Explore the islands of French Polynesia on a luxury French Polynesia yacht charter. The islands which are a string of tropical jewels set in the South Pacific, have an abundance of secluded anchorages and some of the most spectacular diving in the world.

• The Balearics

Although famous – or is that infamous? – as the party playground of the Mediterranean, this Spanish archipelago offers so much more.

Imagine cruising amid the wild, romantic beauty of the Western Isles, some of the most stunning, unspoilt scenery Britain has to offer. Dramatic steep scree-sided lochs give way to rolling acres of Scots pine and sunlit golden sand beaches, deserted and inaccessible except by yacht.

• Caribbean - Windward Islands

Explore the bejewelled chain of Caribbean islands that sweeps south from Martinique to Grenada on a luxury Caribbean Windward Islands yacht charter.

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Founded in 1975 and now with ten offices worldwide, Burgess is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specialising in yachts of over 40 metres (130 feet). Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational yacht management. More information on Burgess can be found at www.burgessyachts.com.

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UPDATED 17:51 EDT / AUGUST 22 2024

Divers recover body of Autonomy co-founder Mike Lynch from superyacht wreckage

by Maria Deutscher

Divers have recovered the bodies of Mike Lynch and four of his guests from the wreckage of the superyacht Bayesian, the Italian Coast Guard announced today.

The vessel sank near the coast of Sicily early Monday morning amid an intense storm. Fifteen passengers were rescued by the crew of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, a Dutch ship that was anchored nearby. Lynch’s daughter is still missing.

Lynch was one of the U.K.’s most prominent technology entrepreneurs and investors. In 1996, he co-founded Autonomy Corp., a major provider of unstructured data management and search software. The company was acquired by HP Inc. in 2011 at a $11.7 billion valuation, one of the largest sums paid up to that point for an enterprise software company.

Lynch was also an investor in several British tech firms including Darktrace plc, a major cybersecurity provider. The company was acquired by a private equity firm earlier this year in a deal worth about $5 billion. 

Shortly after closing the Autonomy acquisition, HP took a $8.8 billion write-down that it blamed on “serious accounting improprieties” at the data management specialist. The accusation set off a protracted legal battle between the company and Lynch, who was Autonomy’s chief executive at the time of the deal. This past July, a San Francisco jury acquitted the entrepreneur of all charges.

It’s believed that Lynch and his guests were aboard the Bayesian on Monday to celebrate his acquittal. Around 5 a.m. local time, the 540-ton superyacht was hit by a waterspout, a rotating column of air over water. The vessel sank within minutes.

The Bayesian reportedly sank after the storm broke its mast. The 246-foot aluminum structure was described as the tallest of its kind in the world. According to the BBC , the captain of a ship that was anchored nearby saw the mast “bend and then snap” before the superyacht sank.

A team of divers retrieved five bodies from the 160-foot-deep wreckage site on Wednesday and Thursday morning. Local authorities have not yet made formal identification.

Lynch was aboard the Bayesian with four guests who were reported missing after the vessel sank. The guests were identified as attorney Christopher Morvillo of the law firm Clifford Chance, Morgan Stanley International chair Jonathan Bloomer and their wives. Morvillo represented Lynch in the Autonomy trial and Bloomer was a witness for the defense.

Numerous business leaders, technologists and investors paid tribute to Lynch this week. “His ability to understand how tech can solve big challenges, and then successfully commercialize it was truly unique” Russ Shaw, the founder of U.K. technology industry groups Tech London Advocates and Global Tech Advocates, told CNBC . “Mike will rightly be remembered for his work in nurturing some of Britain’s great tech companies.”

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• Length: 126.2m (413.9ft)
• 31 guests in 15 cabins
• Built: 2024 (rebuilt 2019, refitted 2019, refurbished 2019), Leendert Philippus Van Oostenbrugge/Frenty Kusumo, Gambia

• Length: 120m (393.6ft)
• 22 guests in 9 cabins
• Built: 2025, Amels, The Netherlands

USD 185,000,000 (US duty paid)

• Length: 96.6m (316.8ft)
• 14 guests in 7 cabins
• Built: 2017 (refitted 2022), Feadship, De Vries Makkum, The Netherlands

EUR 124,950,000† (EU VAT paid)

• Length: 90.1m (295.5ft)
• Built: 2010 (refitted 2024), Lurssen-Werft, Germany

O'PTASIA

EUR 88,999,000 (Tax paid)

• Length: 85m (278.8ft)
• 23 guests in 10 cabins
• Built: Golden Yachts, Greece

EUR 76,000,000†

• Length: 80m (262.5ft)
• 18 guests in 9 cabins
• Built: 2007, Oceanco, The Netherlands

PROJECT 825

Price on application

• Length: 75.8m (248.6ft)
• 12 guests in 6 cabins
• Built: 2025, Feadship, Royal Van Lent, The Netherlands

USD 61,500,000†

• Length: 71.7m (235.3ft)
• Built: 2006, Alstom Leroux Naval Shipyard, France

EUR 55,000,000† (EU VAT paid)

• Length: 70.6m (231.6ft)
• 14 guests in 6 cabins
• Built: 2011, Proteksan Turquoise, Turkey

EUR 28,500,000

• Length: 70.6m (231.4ft)
• Built: 2002 (refitted 2022), Royal Denship, Denmark

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WEATHER ALERT

3 advisories in effect for 3 regions in the area

Divers recover 5 bodies from wrecked superyacht off sicily; 1 still missing.

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Italian Firefighters scuba divers bring ashore in a green bag the body of one of the victims of the UK flag vessel Bayesian, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. The sail yacht was hit by a violent sudden storm and sunk early Monday, while at anchor off the Sicilian village of Porticello near Palermo, in southern Italy. (AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli)

PORTICELLO – Divers searching the wreck of a superyacht that sank off Sicily found the bodies of five passengers Wednesday, leaving one still missing as questions intensified about why the vessel sank so quickly when a nearby sailboat remained largely unscathed.

Rescue crews brought four body bags ashore at Porticello. Salvatore Cocina, head of the Sicily civil protection agency, said a fifth body had been located. Divers on-scene said they would try to recover it on Thursday while continuing the search for the sixth.

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The discovery made clear the operation to search the hull on the seabed 50 meters (164 feet) underwater had quickly turned into a recovery one, not a rescue, given the amount of time that had passed and with no signs of life over three days of searching.

The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged yacht, went down in a storm early Monday as it was moored about a kilometer (a half-mile) offshore. Civil protection officials said they believed the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout.

Fifteen people escaped in a lifeboat and were rescued by a nearby sailboat. The body of the ship's chef, Recaldo Thomas of Antigua, was recovered Monday.

Thomas was born in Canada, according to his cousin David Isaac, but visited his parents’ homeland of Antigua as a child, and moved permanently to the tiny eastern Caribbean island in his early 20s. Italian officials previously listed Antigua and Canada as the nationality of people on board.

The fate of six missing passengers had driven the search effort, including British tech magnate Mike Lynch , his 18-year-old daughter and associates who had successfully defended him in a recent U.S. federal fraud trial.

Lynch’s spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Termini Imerese Public Prosecutor’s Office investigators were acquiring evidence for their criminal investigation, which they opened immediately after the tragedy despite no formal suspects having been publicly identified.

Questions have abounded about what caused the superyacht, built in 2008 by Italian shipyard Perini Navi, to rapidly sink, when the nearby Sir Robert Baden Powell sailboat was largely spared and managed to rescue the survivors.

Giovanni Costantino, head of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the ship maker, blamed human error for the disaster, which he said took 16 minutes. “The ship sank because it took on water. From where, the investigators will say,” he told RAI state television after he met with prosecutors.

Costantino cited AIS ship tracking data which he said showed the Bayesian had taken on water for four minutes when a sudden gust of wind flipped it and it continued taking on water. The ship straightened up slightly and then went down, he said.

But was it merely the case of a freak waterspout that knocked the ship to its side and allowed water to pour in through open hatches? What was the position of the keel, which on a large sailboat like the Bayesian might have been retractable to allow it to enter shallower ports?

“There’s a lot of uncertainty as to whether it had a lifting keel and whether it might have been up,” said Jean-Baptiste Souppez, a fellow of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects and the editor of the Journal of Sailing Technology. “But if it had, then that would reduce the amount of stability that the vessel had, and therefore made it easier for it to roll over on its side,” he said in an interview.

The captain of the sailboat that rescued survivors said his craft sustained minimal damage — the frame of a sun awning broke — even with winds that he estimated reached 12 on the Beaufort wind scale, which is the highest hurricane-strength force on the scale.

He said he had remained anchored with his engines running to try to maintain the ship’s position as the forecast storm rolled in.

“Another possibility is to heave anchor before the storm and to run downwind at open sea,” Karsten Borner said in a text message. But he said that might not have been possible for the Bayesian, given its trademark 75-meter (246-foot) tall mast.

“If there was a stability problem, caused by the extremely tall mast, it would not have been better at open sea,” he said.

Yachts like the Bayesian are required to have watertight, sub-compartments that are specifically designed to prevent a rapid, catastrophic sinking even when some parts fill with water.

The underwater search continued in dangerous and time-consuming conditions. Because of the wreck’s depth, which requires special precautions, divers working in pairs could only spend about 12 minutes at a time searching, though reinforcements outfitted with special equipment to enable longer dives were on the wreck Wednesday.

In all, some 27 divers took rotations, including four who helped with recovery after the 2012 Costa Concordia disaster off Tuscany. They called the Porticello wreck a “little Concordia,” fire crews said in a statement.

The limited dive time was aimed in part at avoiding decompression sickness, also known as the “bends,” which can occur when divers stay underwater for long periods and ascend too quickly, allowing nitrogen gas dissolved in the blood to form bubbles.

“The longer you stay, the slower your ascent has to be,” said Simon Rogerson, the editor of SCUBA magazine. He said the tight turnaround time suggested the operation's managers were trying to limit the risks and recovery time after each dive.

“It sounds like they’re operating essentially on no decompression or very tight decompression, or they’re being extremely conservative,” he said.

Divers were also working with debris floating around them, limited visibility and air tanks on their backs.

“We are trying to advance in tight spaces, but any single thing slows us down,” said Luca Cari, spokesman for the fire rescue service. “An electric panel could set us back for five hours. These aren’t normal conditions. We’re at the limit of possibility.”

Winfield reported from Rome and Kirka from London. Associated Press journalists Trisha Thomas in Rome; Andrea Rosa in Porticello; and Anika Kentish in St. John’s, Antigua, contributed to this report.

This story has been corrected to reflect that Thomas was born in Canada, not Antigua.

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

TOSUN For Sale

• Length: 40.8m (133.8ft)
• 11 guests in 5 cabins
• Built: 2022, Benetti, Italy

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