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. The billionaire's effect on politics has become the subject of many debates, yet his influence on yachting is often overlooked. Having owned one of the largest yachts of her time, Trump once commissioned the world's largest superyacht and also briefly owned a leading Dutch shipyard.
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.
Currently valued by Forbes at $3.1 billion, Trump serves as the United States' 45th president since January 20th 2017. Having sparked controversies throughout the world due to his polarising views on a number of domestic and foreign issues, he has recently led a series of reforms to have US conglomerates bring back a large portion of their cash back to the United States.
After getting a start at his father's real estate development company, Trump started his Manhattan real estate crusade, acquiring part of the Commodore Hotel in 1978. Following this, Trump embarked on building Trump Tower, which was completed in 1983. Five years later, Trump bought the Plaza Hotel for $407 million and invested $50 million into its refurbishment. At the same time, Trump started branching out of Manhattan, building in Palm Beach, Atlantic City and ventured int golf.
Trump's net worth is still predominantly tied to his New York-assets though, with $1,6 billion in real estate. The billionaire has another $500 million in real estate in another cities, in addition to $570 million worth of golf clubs and resorts according to Forbes. His branding business, which includes hotel management and product licensing is currently valued at $200 million. "Money was never a big motivation for me, except as a way to keep score. The real excitement is playing the game." Trump said in his book, The Art of the Deal.
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Camper & Nicholsons proudly announces the successful in-house sale of the 37.14m Corto Maltese, originally crafted in 2006 by Dutch Yacht Builders. Led by Mael Fiolet and Rodrigo Nicholson, the seller's representatives, and with Fernando Nicholson introducing the buyer, this transaction marks a seamless collaboration within the Camper & Nicholsons family.Initially configured as a ketch-rigged yacht, Corto Maltese underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving into a sloop-rigged vessel with a reimagined keel configuration. Boasting VAT-paid status, completion of her 15-year RINA survey, and LY2 compliance, Corto Maltese stood as an irresistible offering.Accommodating eight guests in four cabins, Corto Maltese exudes timeless elegance. The full-beam master suite, granting direct access to the stern, features an ensuite adorned with his-and-hers sinks. Throughout the interior, a classic aesthetic prevails, with teak and mahogany adorning the spaces, Botticino and spring rose marble gracing the bathrooms, and granite countertops enhancing the galley.Fernando Nicholson expresses gratitude, saying, "Thanks to our brilliant junior brokers, we have been able to achieve this sale. I would also like to thank the new buyer for having trusted Camper & Nicholsons every step of the way in the purchase of this gem." Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
December 7, 2023
In a remarkable stride toward sustainable luxury yachting, Sunreef Yachts secures a pair of orders for the Sunreef 100 Eco, manifesting a rising enthusiasm for eco-conscious superyachts. The dual commitment from steadfast patrons cements Sunreef Yachts' trailblazing role in the eco-revolution within the superyacht domain.Crafted for environmentally benign voyages enveloped in opulence, the Sunreef 100 Eco champions a design geared for silent, pollution-free journeys. A defining attribute of these catamarans lies in the integration of composite solar panels, leveraging cutting-edge solutions developed by Sunreef Yachts to harness solar energy to its maximum potential.The propulsion system of the Sunreef 100 Eco boasts purpose-designed batteries and cutting-edge electric motors, delivering extended hours of smokeless, vibration-free electric-powered navigation. This catamaran ensures a serene sailing experience, with hydro generators ensuring a continuous supply of clean energy during sailing.The discreetly positioned stern garage, capable of housing a jet ski and an array of water toys, stands out as a distinctive feature of this catamaran. The expansive Ocean Lounge takes center stage on the Sunreef 100 Eco, seamlessly blending the stern platform and tailgates. Designed for sun-soaked respites, leisure, and aquatic activities, the lounge also offers direct access to ample storage for accessories and diving gear. With two new eco-chic additions to its fleet, Sunreef Yachts elevates the essence of sustainable yachting to unprecedented heights.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
December 7, 2023
The inaugural Superyacht Summit Türkiye, which took place in Istanbul on November 30th, 2023, brought together 250 elite figures from the superyacht industry worldwide. Held in the Ciragan Palace, the summit attracted industry leaders not only from Türkiye but also from Europe, the US, and the Middle East, establishing it as a global gathering of significance.Ciragan PalaceAgainst the opulent backdrop, the one-day summit featured a stellar line-up of speakers and industry experts. “I was privileged to speak at the SST 2023 and be amongst such an illustrious panel of speakers. It was a real pleasure for me to see people of significant seniority and depth of expertise within the superyacht market gather in Istanbul. The overwhelming feeling is that we can't wait for the next edition, I highly recommend you make the journey in 2024,” says James Jaffa, CEO Jaffa & Co and one of the speakers at Superyacht Summit Türkiye. James JaffaThe diverse range of topics covered included the current state of the Turkish market, regulatory issues, charter, law, sustainability, branding, marketing, luxury tourism, and submersible technology. The presentations, conversations, and keynotes comprised a full day's program, providing valuable insights and fostering collaborative discussions among attendees.Co-Founder of event organizers WeAreSuperyachts Oguz Bilgin added “The Superyacht Summit Türkiye stands as a catalyst for the ongoing expansion of the thriving Turkish market. Beyond being a meeting of minds, the summit represents a strategic intersection where expertise, innovation, and collaborative spirit meet. It's the dynamic that keeps the magic happening in the world of yachting.” David SealThe summit boasted C-suite attendance from all major Turkish shipyards, brokerages, lawyers, designers, and subcontractors. Approximately 20 superyacht captains and some yacht owners were also present, alongside the active participation of major Turkish associations, including YATED, TYBA, and YBA. The summit spanned a full day, running from 9 am to 8 pm, ensuring ample time for networking, learning, and collaboration. Commenting on the resounding success of the summit, Bogdan Gusarev expressed, "Our mission was to bring industry leaders together to connect, learn, and explore better business practices in Turkey while also fostering stronger ties with the global market. With over 30% of attendees joining from outside the country, I believe we've successfully achieved our goals.”TYBA members at the SSTBuilding on the resounding success of the 2023 event, event organizers WeAreSuperyachts announce the date and expansion of the Superyacht Summit Türkiye 2024 #SST2024, which will span two days on November 26th & 27th, 2024. The 2024 edition will feature a larger EXPO area, additional masterclasses, and even more networking opportunities. They are also proud to announce the first Superyacht Summit Adriatic, scheduled to take place in April 2024. Founded in 2023, WeAreSuperyachts is a young, dynamic superyacht events company founded by Bogdan Gusarev and Oguz Bilgin, who met at the YPY Turkey. Their mission is to facilitate connection and collaboration between global and local companies in Turkey and beyond. In 2024, they will host two further summits—the first Superyacht Summit Adriatic in Croatia in April 2024 and the 2nd annual Superyacht Summit Turkiye Istanbul in November. Credits: WeAreSuperyachts
December 7, 2023
Germany-based Dörries Yachts has unveiled their latest concept, the 70-meter Rise. The superyacht concept, designed by the visionary Olesinski Design, redefines elegance, innovation, and unrivaled luxury.From bow to aft, Rise showcases sweeping lines and curved decks, creating a seamless and sophisticated silhouette. The result is a vessel where every curve and detail has been meticulously crafted to elevate the essence of a superyacht experience.Featuring a near vertical bow, Rise emanates a distinctive appearance, harmoniously blending strength and elegance. The aft main deck hosts an infinity pool embedded within the surrounding deck, complemented by a glass viewing platform at sea level, visible from the extended swim platform.With an impressive 13.78-meter beam, Rise accommodates up to 12 guests in a six-stateroom configuration. The master suite, located forward on the upper deck, boasts a private office and VIP dressing room, along with an ensuite bathroom featuring a bathtub.The bridge deck of Rise is a luxurious retreat with a lounge bar area, sumptuous sofas, and an outdoor seating section for sun-soaked relaxation. This deck also houses the captain’s cabin and the wheelhouse for convenient access.Credits: Olesinski Design
December 6, 2023
Sanlorenzo Yachts UK presents the Sanlorenzo SX88 Hard 8, now available for sale. Launched in 2021, this 26.7-meter vessel showcases the epitome of the popular fast displacement crossover SX88 model from the renowned Italian shipyard.Immaculately designed, Hard 8 boasts an expansive saloon adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, seamlessly merging the yacht's interior and exterior. The flybridge offers elegance with an enclosed and air-conditioned helm position, providing unobstructed views across the vast main deck.Inside, a luxurious neutral décor, enriched with opulent materials, creates a striking ambiance. The versatile transom design facilitates storage for water toys and a tender, transforming into a spacious beach club with a hydraulic swim platform upon launch.With a family-friendly layout featuring four cabins, each with its bathroom, and a powerful performance driven by three Volvo IPS1050-800HP engines, the SX88 ensures an exhilarating seafaring experience.Hard 8 is listed for sale at EUR5,750,000.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo Yachts UK
December 6, 2023