Trump's election as president of the United States marked a number of firsts, including the institution of what has historically become the wealthiest cabinet ever in existence in America. The billionaire's effect on politics and policy has become the subject of many international debates, yet his interests in yachting tend to be less talked about but remain no less fascinating when coupled with his administration.
In his former life as a billionaire businessman, Trump not only owned an 86m superyacht as well as a shipyard for a brief period of time, but he also ordered the world's largest yacht, although it was never completed. Meanwhile, US Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, with a net worth estimated at $1,5 billion, and her family have been linked to no less than 13 yachts over the years.
In 1980, the late Saudi businessman and arms dealer, Adnan Khashoggi took delivery of the 86 meter (282 ft) Nabila. Built by Benetti in Italy, she became the 8th largest yacht in the world and appeared in the 1983 James Bond movie, Never Say Never Again.
When Khashoggi, however, ran into financial problems, the Sultan of Brunei took possession of the yacht to cover one of his loans. The Sultan quickly flipped the yacht to Donald Trump for a reported $29 million in 1987. In an interview in 1988, Trump said he received a $1 million discount for agreeing to change the name from Nabila, Khashoggi's daughter.
Khashoggi probably spent $200 million building this yacht, probably the best yacht ever built. I purchased it for a business. I use it for my hotels. I use it for a lot of different charities.
After acquiring Nabila, Trump renamed the yacht to Trump Princess and had it refitted by Holland-based, Amels for a near $10 million according to the LA Times. The H on the helipad was also changed to a T to stand for Trump.
Spread into over 100 separate areas over five decks, Nabila was without a doubt one of the most complex yachts of her time. With luxurious materials including onyx used for her interior, the yacht was also ahead of her time from a technological standpoint. Remote controls were installs next to the bed for shades, room service, and the entertainment center.
Amongst the yacht's main feature was a hair salon with 3 separate chairs, a sauna, a private elevator for the owner, one for guests and one for the crew, a 2.4-meter in diameter spa pool with a waterjet behind bulletproof glass. Whilst still owned by Khashoggi, many arms deals were signed onboard the yacht.
In June 1989, Donald Trump announced that he would build a larger yacht, "something in excess of 400 feet long, closer to 500 feet" as he told Newsday and that he was accepting bids from yacht builders for this project. Amels, then owned by a group of 4 British investors, secured the deal to develop the 128-meter Trump Princess II according to NRC.
In May 1990, it was announced that Trump bought Amels altogether. At a press conference in Makkum in 1990, Jeff Walker, VP of Trump's investment empire, denied that the shipyard was sold due to the previous owner's financial difficulties, which some have said, resulted from Trump canceling the construction of the Trump Princess II.
In September 1990, two months after the acquisition, Trump sold Amels to American businessman, Peter Kutell according to Deseret News due to financial problems. At the same time, the Trump Princess was put up for sale and all work on the Trump Princess II stopped. In 1991, Trump Princess was sold to Prince Al-Waleed for $19 million who renamed the yacht to Kingdom 5KR.
The superstructure for Trump Princess II allegedly remained at the Amels Makkum facility until summer 2001 when it was eventually removed. According to sources familiar with the matter, the superstructure is still parked at the Makkum facility, now owned by Feadship De Vries and reportedly sometimes used as a bike parking space.
Although Trump never came back to yacht ownership, other members of his cabinet remained involved in the space to this day. Betsy DeVos, US Secretary of Education, and her husband have a combined net worth valued at $5,1 billion. Amongst their long list of assets are no less than 10 yachts and reportedly an interest in the shipyard that built them.
Delivered in 2008 by US shipyard, Westport, Seaquest measures 50 meters (162 ft) and was designed by Donald Starkey. Reaching a top speed of 24 knots, she is part of the Westport 164 series. Interestingly, she's also not the only Westport 164 linked to the DeVos family as the 50-meter Legacy is also reportedly owned by the family.
Whereas the actual construction price of this particular Westport is unknown, as is typical with the vast majority of new build yachts, a similar 50-meter Westport sold at an asking price of $29,950,000 in November 2016. It is standard for the final, actual price to be 30-40% lower to the asking price in yachting.
Delivered in 2011, Legacy is a slightly updated version of the Seaquest. According to the media, the DeVos family has a solid preference for Westport yachts, having reportedly owned several of them in the past years. In fact, the family may even have acquired a stake in the US yacht manufacturer according to SYF.
Amongst the Westports linked to the DeVos is a Westport 112 from 2003 and a Westport 130 from 2005. Their fleet also includes an 85ft Pacific Mariner ( a brand owned by Westport) called Sun Quest. Additionally, an 80ft Hatteras called Kitsune can also be found in their fleet according to the media.
Although the DeVos fleet may already sound expansive as it is now, the family hasn't always been buying Westports and went through a number of other yacht shipyards as well. One of these superyachts was the 53-meter sailing yacht Independence, delivered by Italian shipyard, Perini Navi in 1998.
The yacht has since been sold, renamed to Jasali II and made available for charter from €138,600 per week. Accommodating up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, she stretches over a beam of 11.4m and can cruise at up to 12 knots.
Prior to their long run with Westport, the DeVos have reportedly owned no less than five Feadships according to SYF, all of which have been named Enterprise. The first to qualify as a superyacht would become Enterprise II, a 116ft Feadship delivered in 1970 now known as Utopia II.
Although from a different era and with different standards, in the 1970s, Utopia II was a true superyacht for its time. Amongst her classical feature are a round aft with an open top deck, partly used to store its tenders. 10 years following her delivery, a new Enterprise was built by Feadship, this time measuring 131ft.
Now known as Seagull of Cayman following changes of ownership, she features several enhancements over the previous Enterprise. The most noticeable of these is a dedicated sundeck, an upper deck skylounge and a larger main salon aft of the main deck. Several weeks ago she was put again on the market at an asking price of €5,900,000.
Yet another improvement on Enterprise III, the 149ft Enterprise IV was also built by Feadship in 1985. Through the Enterprise line can be seen the growth of a niche industry into the superyacht sector it is today. Now known as Explora, the yacht features larger windows, a sleeker line and a swimming platform aft of the yacht, all of which weren't found on classical yachts.
The last Enterprise to be built was delivered by Feadship in 1993 and is today known as Chantal Ma Vie. Measuring 55-meters (179 ft) in length, she already was a good representation of the modern superyacht, featuring a sleek line, large sundeck, expansive lounges, spacious cabins, a swimming platform and purpose-built tenders. In 2010, she was sold at an asking price of $15,9 million to her current owner.
Although their effect on US policy can be polarising and debated throughout the world, the effect that Trump and member of his administration have had on yachting throughout the past decades has undoubtedly played an important role in growing the market to the point where it is today.
Alia Yachts stated that the owner asked for a "modern and fresh design" providing "comfort, space, luxury, privacy and stability at sea." The simplicity of the layout and amount of outdoor space was specifically asked by the owner. Key features of Project Al Waab II include a sub-500GT interior, focus on exterior spaces and semi-transparent sides, creating a wind protected area.This yacht can accommodate a total of 12 guests in six suits, including a two-tier master suite. The cabin of the master sits on the upper deck, provides wide-reaching ocean views, while the dressing room and bathroom sits on the main deck below.Glass plays a leading role in the design of Project Al Waab II, as the yacht features floor-to-ceiling windows and glass bulwarks.Çelik described the yacht as an "exciting project.""As it will be rated below the 500GT threshold, which is quite a challenge for a 55 metre yacht. We're also working hard to maintain an aggressive build schedule of just 24 months."The owner added: "I am very much looking forward to the yacht being completed and keenly await the day when I can experience life on board and travel the world with my family and friends."“I am very pleased to be part of this 55 metre yacht project and look forward to building it alongside Vripack and Alia Yachts shipyard,” Chief executive of SF Yachts Francesco Pitea previously said.
December 4, 2020
EXTRA Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, is pleased to announce the sale to an American customer of a new model: Extra X99. Innovation and uniqueness are the key factors for the success of this line, which is now enriched with a new 30-meter project. Extra X99 stems from the know-how of Palumbo Superyachts technical team and Guida Design who developed both exterior design and engineering. The interior is by Luca Dini Design & Architecture.Chief executive of Extra’s parent company Palumbo Superyachts, Giuseppe Palumbo, described the new model as "an evolution of the Extra X76 and Extra X86 models, the big sister Extra X99 is a combination of modernity, large volumes and comfort in the name of fun and sociability. All spaces have been optimized with smart and functional solutions. The technical team has studied every detail and the market has immediately given us a positive feedback also on this new project."The cockpit, with its 65 square metres, together with a transformer on the deck, provides also a large sundeck, a living area with two large C-shaped sofas, a dual-mode dining table and bar counter to make the most of conviviality at the astern galley (which has always been a distinctive feature of the EXTRA layout on the Extra X76 and Extra X86 models). In addition, two opening balconies have been integrated into this area.Other distinctive attributes of Extra X99 are the generously sized Jacuzzi located at the bow and the large fly bridge with a sizeable living area served by a table operated by an up-down mechanism and the sundeck.The integrated solar panels covering the ceiling of the hall generate green energy for utilities and lighting.The lower deck includes 1 VIP cabin forward and 2 large double cabins with twin beds, all with private bathrooms. Amidships, the full beam master cabin with bathroom, walk-in closet and sofa.Planing hull and superstructure in GRP with carbon reinforcements are combined with 2 MTU 2600hp and hydrojet propulsion pushing this model to a maximum speed of 34 knots.The 4-meter tender is housed in the garage positioned laterally on the starboard side.Delivery is due in 2022.More about EXTRA YachtsCreated to guarantee the owner a close contact with sea and nature, the EXTRA Yachts line is specialized in the development of yachts with a strong personality and distinctive luxury lines from 76' to 130' characterized by maximum liveability interior and exterior, reduced consumption and long range. Exploiting the advanced technical experience and world-class Italian craftsmanship typical of Palumbo Superyachts, EXTRA Yachts offers customers all the advantages of being part of a network that also includes: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY dedicated to refit.
December 4, 2020
Italian shipyard Benetti announced that they are working on its 67-metre 1,200 GT Benetti project FB284. Benetti’s own engineers, architects and designers have worked together with exterior designer Giorgio M. Cassetta to achieve a functional and stylish superyacht. FB284 can accommodate up to 14 guests and 19 crew across six decks.Benetti FB284 was inspired by the platform used for yachts such as Metis, the 65-metre FB270 and FB274 as well as Project Fenestra. Superyacht's exterior styling has been planned to emphasise her length with continuous lines. The curve with the superstructure is broken by the bridge wings.The decor was chosen to be timeless with high-end materials such as Curly Maple woods, black Macassar Ebony with orange veining, Carrara White and black Saint Laurent marbles. The interior layout will have luxury areas such as an elegant main-deck saloon, an upper-deck owner’s suite with a private study and two bathrooms as well as beach club in the stern with a hammam and gym. The bridge deck will play role as a ‘party deck’ and have multiple outdoor lounge areas served by a large bar. The deck will be connected to the 90-square-metre sun deck and a Jacuzzi. Benetti Chief Commercial Officer Sebastiano Fanizza says: “If it’s true that buying a superyacht is an all-engrossing emotional experience, it’s impossible not to take account of the shipyard’s key role in supporting the owner in areas where rationality plays a more important role. It’s here that we make the difference, offering the design flexibility and construction standards that come from proven, long-term experience. This is the result achieved together with Giorgio M. Cassetta’s design for FB284, a ship that’s different and makes her owner feel “at home” by expressing strength in the form of extreme onboard liveability, becoming the perfect setting for memorable moments.” Credits: Benetti
December 3, 2020
Rush Yachts introduced its first ultra-green 11.9 metre superyacht day boat. This superyacht utilises latest green material, processes and technologies. The yacht is designed by Rodriguez Yacht Design and described as the greenest superyacht day/tender boat that's available in the 12 meter range.Rush 39 features a hull that's constructed using bio resins and green materials. Moreover, this project will have foil technology to reduce fuel consumption.This yacht will feature diesel propulsion, which comprises a pair of Volvo Penta Twin D6-340D IPS-450 engines with integrated generators to save up to 25% in fuel efficiency.The high-performance version of this boat will have a top speed of 40 knots, cruising speed of 30 knots and silent sailing mode of 10 hours. The batteries of Rush 39 can be charged in two hours at 1,100 rpm. Rush 39 has a number of customisation options, for example, hybrid/electric engines and heated seats. Owners also can choose from a range of different hull colours, including gun metal grey, spice brown and Tuscan yellow.This superyacht has spacious exterior areas with two coffee, dining tables, a sun lounging area and helm station.Rush Yachts says: "The exterior timber is sustainably sourced, while all the hardware, fixtures and fittings will be of the highest quality."The 11 square metre interior offers a convertible bed/seating area, fully equipped galley and head with a walk-in shower with seating. The interior, which will be fitted with light grey and dark grey oak, is lit thanks to skylights and side windows.
December 3, 2020
Italian yard Benetti showed a new displacement yacht design that is inspired by the lifestyle and traditions of the 1960s known as the Motopanfilo. To give you a quick insight, Motopanfilo translates to motor yacht. It was the 1960s term for the large yachts that quickly became the playthings of the world's elite. Benetti teamed up with exterior designer Francesco Struglia to recreate the design and style of past Benetti yachts and make “design for today”.The interior has been made by Italian studio Lazzarini Pickering Architetti with a focus on a “contemporary makeover” to the nautical traditions of the past.The saloon has warm, light wood on the floors and curved ceilings while touches of white and blue can be seen all around. The cabin walls also follow the gentle curve of the hull.This new concept can accommodate a total of 10 guests in an owner’s suite at the bow of the main deck as well as contains four additional guest cabins on the lower deck. Moreover, if the owners do not choose to have four additional guest cabins they can install a small sauna.The studio also focused on maximising the impression of space and light inside the interior, by combining the vast windows with the use of mirrored surfaces to increase the perception of interior space and emphasis ocean views.The exterior can be described as “clean-cut”, with “tapering forms” and plenty of exterior volume. The stern features a spacious beach club and large bathing platform, while the tender garage has been tucked away to the side.An observation deck has been placed above the hard top and is described as an “intimate fourth deck” for sea or star gazing.Benetti's yacht will have a number of engine options available for owners, providing a maximum speed between 16 and 18 knots and a range of 3,800 nautical miles at 10 knots.Unfortunately, the shipyard hasn't released renderings of the interior yet, but we are impatient to see the result.
December 3, 2020