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SKAT Yacht – Masterful $60M Superyacht

The Hungary native worked at Microsoft for over two decades, leaving in 2002 to start his own company.

The yacht was designed as a home away from home for Simonyi, with minimalist features penned by design house Espen Øino International.

The design house also contributed to the interior design and Marco Zanini. Lurssen built the ship in their Bremen shipyard, delivering her in 2002.

SKAT yacht interior

Marco Zanini and Espen Øino International penned the interior of the luxurious SKAT yacht.

Minimalism defines the interior, and although she forgoes the lavish luxury of the average superyacht, she has many beautiful features that make her a comfortable home away from home for the owner.

The impressive interior of SKAT features an elevator that serves all four decks, a leisure platform with a Jacuzzi, and a gymnasium that is located centrally on the yacht. A helipad serves a McDonnell Douglas 500N Helicopter on the upper aft deck.

The 70m yacht can accommodate 12 guests across one master suite, four doubles, and two twins.

There is accommodation for 18 crew members on board. She was built as a home and not as a charter yacht for the software engineer owner.

The interior design is focused on a clean and uncluttered look. The ship has a near-frameless bridge deck that is enclosed and offers panoramic views of the water.

The ‘capsule’ is protected as the boat spends a lot of time in Scandinavia and has to let in as much light as possible.

The beach club opens to allow guests to enjoy a swim platform and houses several water toys in the full-beam garage. The crew areas were designed with crew satisfaction in mind.

The owner uses SKAT as a home away from home, so crew satisfaction was influential in the design process.

Lurssen shipbuilders built the SKAT yacht at their Bremen shipyard in Germany. Espen Øino International executed the exterior design for the vessel.

The SKAT yacht was delivered in 2002, and she was last refitted in 2021.

Her exterior is undoubtedly striking with its grey color, imposing lines, and multiple windows. The owner is a software engineer, and the yacht was designed to reflect his vocation.

Specifications

The 70.7m yacht has a beam of 14.02m and a draft of 3.76m. The SKAT’s volume measures 1998 gross tons and is powered by 2 MTU engines.

SKAT has a cruising speed of 14.3 knots and a top speed of 18.1 knots. She has a range of 4600 nautical miles. SKAT has an annual running cost of $3 – $6 million.

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Skat: The Most Famous Yacht That You’ve Never Heard Of

Constructed by Lurssen Werft out of Bremen, Germany as project 9906 (prominently displayed on the hull of the ship), and Skat, is a luxury yacht that boasts many geometric features which have found their way unto mainstream superyacht designs. Skat was the precursor to the continually-growing linear design language. During the design of the yacht, the designers extensively utilized a variety of computer programs which allowed structures to be optimized and more glass used during the construction. These design programs played a significant role in developing the daring features of the ship.

The Owner’s Vision

The owner, Charles Simonyi, approached Lurssen Werft with an idea that this superyacht should be visually dramatic. As a result, the chief designer and stylist on the project, Espen Oeino, determined that the best method of achieving this vision is to utilize linear design which allows for more daring activities. The designers succeeded by breaking the boundaries and showing the yacht industry that no ship needs to conform to a specific stereotype. The interior was designed by Marco Zanini to create a home away from home environment with all modern fixtures.

At the moment, the yacht is in private use, last seen in the Caribbean during winter 2015. The yacht is expected to return to Europe in summer 2016. The project began in November 1999 and finally launched in 2001. In Simonyi’s past, he had a Danish girlfriend who referred to him as Skat (Danish for treasure), which is a common term of endearment within the language, similar to honey in English. Simonyi purchased the yacht for $75 million.

The onboard helicopter is painted in the same grey color as the yacht, which also matches Simonyi’s private jet and home. These four assets all follow the basic military styling. The grey paint appears to be menacing but the number on the hall really makes it look more institutional and military. Despite its large size, Simonyi wanted it to operate quietly which has been achieved through double-resilient mounted machinery.

General Specifications

The hull of this beautiful ship is constructed from steel while the entire ship is made from aluminum. The fuel tank boasts a capacity of 55,000 U.S. gallons and the water tank can hold 15,000 U.S. gallons. The dimensions of the ship are 233-feet x 44-feet with a 12-foot draft. Under the hood is 2,700 horsepower with a cruising speed of 15-knots and a maximum speed of 17-knots. The ship holds 10 guests and 16 crew members.

In addition to its ground-breaking design attributes, the Skat has an elevator that serves all four decks, a leisure platform with a Jacuzzi and a gymnasium located under the mast at the center of the ship. On the upper aft deck is a helipad that services a helicopter painted in the same colors as the ship to blend in. Also, halfway up the central mast is an observation platform with helm control. On-board there are two tenders, two jet skis and even motorcycles with an accompanying lift for easy exit from the ship when on land.

13-knots is achievable with only a single engine. There is an integrated cooling pump within the gearboxes which ensures safe operation when using only a single engine. This is accomplished by pumping oil through the unused gearbox. When the shaft of the idle engine is disengaged, the idle propeller and shaft can freewheel.

The overall exterior look of the yacht is one of military styling. When viewing photos of this yacht, there are many angles and sharp edges. The interior was designed in a minimalist style to match the exterior and maximize the amount of space on the yacht. The interior boasts original artworks by Vasarely and Lichtenstein which significantly increases the value even more. All spaces, including guest cabins, are free from unessential lines and decoration. The surfaces of the ship are simple, clean, uncluttered and painted with lots of light shining on the ship. This allows for the focus to be on guests and other people on the yacht.

With so much glass around the perimeter, not only is there a significant amount of light shining in on the ship, there are spectacular views of the surrounding environment. The overhanging conservatory provides a unique look from within the yacht and out. Oeino designed a smooth transition between the interior and exterior areas which focuses on a logical yet contemporary creation.

Zanini specified several materials and colors but was still able to achieve the correct richness in every space onboard with minimum tolerances of modern detailing. However, there are splashes of color, mostly reds and blues, which can be found on the furniture. As previously mentioned, there is a McDonnell Douglas MD-520N helicopter permanently onboard with sign N486CS (with the CS standing for Charles Simonyi).

About Charles Simonyi

Charles Simonyi began working at Microsoft in 1981 as the head of the application software group. He was the developer behind Microsoft’s Office Suite and the chief architect of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and other highly-used applications. As the company grew, Simonyi became one of the highest-ranking developers and gained stock worth more than $1 billion. As of June 2016, his net worth is around $1.6 billion. In 2002, Simonyi left Microsoft to co-founded a new computer company called, Intentional Software which had a goal of making the knowledge around the world more accessible and useful.

Additionally, Simonyi is an active philanthropist and a two-time space tourist aboard the Soyuz spacecraft. He also owns a military-style house in Medina Washington which was resembles the styling of the Skat. The house boasts a variety of modern art and is known as Villa Simonyi. Furthermore, his Dassault Falcon 7X jet is also styled to the yacht and house featuring a large cabin and valued at over $50 million.

The Skat yacht designer created much more dramatic styling in yachts to come while showing designers that they do not need to maintain a presence within the boundaries of design. As a result, many yacht designers have made daring choices on ships that have resulted in aesthetically-pleasing yacht designs across the globe.

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

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SKAT Lurssen

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If you have any questions about the SKAT information page below please contact us .

A Summary of Motor Yacht SKAT

The motor yacht SKAT is a 71 metre 232 (foot) volumous steel vessel which was made at Lurssen Yachts and designed in the office of Lurssen and Espen Oeino. The naval architect that made the drawings in respect of the yacht was Lurssen and Espen Oeino. Also, the interior designing is sucessful creation of Marco Zanini / Flavia Alves De Sousa.

With an assured military style SKAT with angular grey styling and the large numbers 9906 painted on her superstructure turn head s on the water. Interestingly, on just one engine she can reach a speed of up to 13 knots. In the situation, the idle engines shaft can be disengaged, so the idle propeller freewheels.

The Build & Naval Architecture with respect to Luxury Yacht SKAT

Lurssen was the naval architecture company involved in the professional superyacht plans for SKAT. Her interior design was realised by Marco Zanini / Flavia Alves De Sousa. Lurssen and Espen Oeino is also associated with the yacht wider design collaboration for this boat. In 2002 she was formally launched to triumph in Bremen and following sea trials and detailing was thereafter handed over to the owner who commissioned her. Lurssen Yachts completed their new build motor yacht in Germany. A impressive feeling is manifested with a maximum beam (width) of 13.5 m / 44.3 feet. With a 3.72m (12.2ft) draught (maximum depth) she is fairly deep. The material steel was used in the building of the hull of the motor yacht. Her superstructure above deck is fashioned out of aluminium. In 2005 extra refit work and updating was additionally performed.

The Propulsion Type - Main Engines On M/Y SKAT:

Installed with two MTU diesel engines, SKAT can attain a high speed of 17 knots. Coupled to the SKAT engines are twin screw propellers. Her total HP is 5340 HP and her total Kilowatts are 3929. With respect to bow thruster maneuverability she was fitted with Brunvoll. As for the yacht’s stabalisers she was built with Koopnautic.

The Accommodation Capacity Offered On Superyacht SKAT:

The prominent luxury yacht motor yacht SKAT can accommodate a total of 10 people and has 20 crew.

A List of the Specifications of the SKAT:

Further Information On The Yacht

As the yacht was designed to have her own helicopter helideck onboard, SKAT is able to transport guests and/or equipment over to a different landing site. Heinen & Hopman is the company which installed the air-con . She has a teak deck.

SKAT Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht SKAT displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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"I once had a client who told me, “I will put your name on the side of my boat if it’s good, but if the boat is not good, your name will appear three times as big.” We were brought up with the sense that it is a very personal obligation for the family when we sign a contract to deliver a yacht that the client expects. I cannot go to a client and say “One of my guys made a mistake.” He would say “Is he Mr. Lürssen, or are you Mr. Lürssen?” But a successful delivery is also a great reward. I take the relationships of my clients very personally." - Peter Lürssen of Lürssen Yachts (courtesy SuperYachtTimes)

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The superyacht which looks like a warship in Mallorca waters

Skat can accomodate 10 guests.

Photo: Michael Stadler.

The superyacht , Skat , is cruising Mallorcan waters at the moment but she could easily be mistaken for a warship. Apart from being painted grey she also has her "pennant" number displayed on the stern in military fashion. The build project started in November 1999 and the yacht launched in 2002. The owner was Charles Simonyi, a former Software Engineer from Microsoft and the fifth space tourist. She was sold to a company called LoGenio owned by Swiss entrepreneur Eugenio Losa in October 2021. The yacht is 71 metres (233 ft) long.

Simonyi once had a Danish girlfriend who called him S kat , literally "treasure", a common term of endearment similar to "honey" in English.

• Elevator serving all four decks
• Leisure platform with Jacuzzi
• A gymnasium located centrally under the mast
• Helipad on the upper aft deck servicing a McDonnell Douglas 500N Helicopter .
• Observation platform with helm control halfway up the central mast.
• Two tenders
• Two jet skis
• Superyachts
• Superyachts in Mallorca

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Skat class Assault Landing Hovercraft '634'

This is a project 1205 'skat' assault-landing hovercraft. in service they were given the nato codename 'gus'. this example is no d-357, coded '634'. it was built at feodosia in 1976 with a yard number of '217', it was originally in the black sea fleet before moving to the caspian flotilla, making it a suitable companion the the caspian sea monster it now lives alongside. it was finally retired in june 2005 and went on permanent display here in 2007. severnoye park, tushino, moscow. russia. 14-8-2012.

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71m Lürssen superyacht Skat arrives at Oceanco for extensive refit

The iconic 70.7-metre Lürssen superyacht Skat has arrived at Oceanco 's facilities in Rotterdam, the Netherlands for an extensive refit.

Work will include several "major aesthetic improvements" to both the interior and exterior. This includes the installation of 35 new windows, adding to the superyacht's already impressive use of glass . Skat will also receive technical enhancements such as the installation of three new generators with a complete exhaust gas treatment system.

Skat was delivered in 2002 to a faceted, militaristic design courtesy of Espen Øino . Design highlights include a clean, colourful interior by Marco Zanini , a gym, a library and a spacious beach club and dive store. She is best known for her bridge deck which features 270-degree views for an unusual "conservatory effect". 

The superyacht was most recently sold in 2021 at a last known asking price of €49,500,000. 

According to BOATPro , Skat completed an extensive, phased refit with STP Shipyard Palma in January 2024, where her sundeck area and Jacuzzi were updated.

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8 of the largest yachts owned by American tech billionaires ranked: From Mark Zuckerberg’s Launchpad, where he celebrated his 40th birthday, to the WhatsApp founder who owns a $220 million yacht. It’s not Jeff Bezos, but a video game developer who has the most expensive vessel.

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Investigation found that Clarence Thomas took free yacht, helicopter trips in Russia: Democrats

A Senate Judiciary Committee investigation found that conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose at least 35 luxury gifts, including a free yacht trip to Russia and a private helicopter to a palace in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin's hometown, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Ron Wyden, D-Or., said  in a letter  to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The letter raised the "serious possibility of tax fraud" and accused Thomas of having "secretly accepted gifts and income potentially worth millions of dollars," mostly from billionaire real estate developer Harlan Crow, who Thomas once described as being among his "dearest friends." Buried in appendix list on page 14 are the references to the Russia trips, which took place in 2003. Other gifts from Crow include "multiple instances of free private jet travel, yacht travel, and lodging," "gifts of tuition for Justice Thomas's grandnephew," "real estate transactions," "home renovations," and "free rent for Justice Thomas's mother."

“The Senate is not a prosecutorial body, and the Supreme Court has no fact-finding function of its own, making the executive role all the more important if there is ever to be any complete determination of the facts,” the letter reads.

After a bombshell ProPublica report last year that revealed the extent of Thomas' financial ties with Crow and attempts to hide it, Thomas admitted to taking three trips on a private plane owned by Crow, but did not disclose any of the other gifts.

The senators are asking Garland to launch a special counsel investigation into Thomas, with the evidence collected so far "plainly suggest[ing] that Justice Thomas has committed numerous willful violations of federal ethics and false-statement laws and raises significant questions about whether he and his wealthy benefactors have complied with their federal tax obligations."

In a separate move on Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and a group of fellow progressives filed articles of impeachment against Thomas and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for failing to disclose "millions of dollars in gifts from individuals with business before the court."

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