octopus yacht new owner

126m Octopus Yacht Sold, Asking Price, and New Owners Plans

The renowned Octopus yacht sold earlier this week, an iconic Lürssen explorer yacht measuring 126.2 meters. Camper & Nicholsons recently added her to its charter fleet after she was listed by Fraser & Burgess. She will be chartered for the first time since her launch in January 2022, following winter at the yard. Her owner will offer guests the chance to travel the world with her for two years.

According to the last known information, Octopus had an asking price of €235,000,000.

The German shipyard Lürssen built the superyacht Octopus in 2003. Having been designed by Espen Øino , she was hailed as the first superyacht of its kind, a true ocean explorer with a 12,500 nautical mile range when she was launched. Even today, she remains the world’s largest explorer superyacht.

As one might expect, Octopus has it all, including two helicopters, which have a dedicated hangar on deck, a float-in tender bag at her stern accomodating a 1.9-mile range ROV, and a Hinckley tender called Man of War II.

In addition, she carries a Pagoo submarine that can accommodate up to eight guests and two crew members for up to eight hours. Scuba diving enthusiasts can also use the hyperbaric chamber at Octopus’ dive center. In addition to the large pool, there is an endless number of dining, lounging, and sunbathing spots on the deck, a place to enjoy every aspect of life onboard. 

The 26 guests onboard this yacht enjoy unparalleled privacy as they enjoy the luxury spread across her eight decks. Over the years, the details of the superyacht’s interior have remained extremely private, though a glimpse of them was captured in a video about the vessel released in 2019, shortly after she went on the market.

She has been extremely well cared for over the years, undergoing extensive maintenance every five years to ensure she is always in pristine condition. Blohm+Voss completed the most recent refurbishment in 2019.

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Inside Octopus: Origin story of the 126m superyacht finally revealed

The barest of details have been revealed about the mysterious  Octopus  over the past 19 years. But with a new owner and on the charter market for the first time, the 126-metre  Lürssen  superyacht is finally ready to reveal her secrets past and present…

One of the best things about flying into the South of France is the view. The brilliant blue coastline is peppered with hundreds of yachts. On this flight, however, just one of the boats below us demands our attention: the 126-metre explorer  Octopus .

The following day, in the port of Marseille where her new owner’s team is wrapping up a refit before  Octopus  departs for the Galápagos, I finally see her up close. Her navy-blue hull and skyscraper decks are incredibly impressive, while on the inside she is welcoming and warm. Although she has been refitted, her history is palpable. There’s much to learn about  Octopus , and everyone involved in her story is finally ready to talk, after decades of silence.

Why was  Octopus  such a secret? In 1998, strict non-disclosure agreements were issued all around to protect the privacy of her original owner, the late American entrepreneur and philanthropist Paul Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft. “It was the first time I was faced with an NDA,” says  Espen Øino , who has gone on to sign hundreds over the years. “NDAs are strict and long lasting and don’t necessarily pass when the client does,” notes  Jonathan Quinn Barnett , who created  Octopus ’s original interior. “I had deep respect and admiration for Mr Allen, so to be able to say even a few words about  Octopus  now is marvellous.”

For builder Lürssen, the story started with a bit of detective work. The German shipyard’s sales director, Michael Breman, heard about a mysterious box that was loaded onto Allen’s 60.6-metre Feadship  Méduse , which supposedly contained a scale model of a new vessel.

“I figured out that something was going on and we ought to be involved,” he says. “So I contacted Paul Allen’s broker, [ Fraser’s ] Stuart Larsen, to ask some questions.”

Some time after, during a trip to the South of France, Breman received the go-ahead to submit a bid and arranged for a fax containing the brief to be sent to Øino’s office in Monaco. “Put that into context, this is 1998!” Øino says with a laugh. “Michael was in our office as the fax came in and going through it, we just couldn’t believe the brief, we thought it was totally crazy.”

The brief called for an industrial-style yacht with the appearance and capability of the Finnish multipurpose icebreaker  Fennica , built in 1993. Luckily, Øino knew the vessel. “I had a photo of  Fennica  from a few years earlier when I visited her while cruising with another client in the fjords,” says the designer. What he went on to sketch in pencil and model for the presentation was a sturdy explorer with two interchangeable options for the bow and the wheelhouse. “What is remarkable is that the original sketches and ideas are so close to what it actually became,” Breman says.

Another key part of the brief was for all toys and tenders, including a helicopter, a submarine and a floatplane, to be carried in a concealed way. So Øino drew a methodical general arrangement that included a two-level 36-metre-long floodable garage opening at the stern. “Launching so many toys over the side of the boat wasn’t the optimum idea and would affect the stability; a lot of heeling would occur,” the designer says.

Instead, working with the rules that oversee subdivisions inside a ship’s hull – and deal with damage stability calculations – he created one very long and tall compartment on the yacht’s centreline with a floodable dock flanked by rows of smaller garages to store the entire toy inventory of what became known as Project Octopus.

“At Lürssen, we give everything a project name, and my daughter came up with  Octopus ,” says Breman. “Along with Paul’s love for diving, plus the fact that his previous yacht was  Méduse  [“jellyfish” in French], we thought  Octopus  was a perfect project name. Little did we know then that  Octopus  would be her name once completed and delivered.” Øino says. “She was our 15th project enquiry in 1998, and so in my office, she was known as 9815.”

The proposal Lürssen created with Øino was successful, but the German shipyard soon had to resolve its first quandary – it didn’t have a shed available. “We ended up having to build her with a partner in Kiel,” Breman says. It also had to solve the matter of the explorer’s floodable garage, which had to be approved by class. “After researching multiple alternatives, the first idea that Espen drew was the one that worked the best,” he adds. “Our in-house model department then built a scale model of the garage to demonstrate how it could work. We even tested it by driving a tender in and out.”

Octopus’ s interior, meanwhile, came from a young American designer who had recently relocated from London where he’d worked with  Jon Bannenberg , to Seattle. The owner’s team chose Barnett from a small pool of interior designers to embellish the complex GA of the largest and most advanced explorer yacht ever built at the time.

“Paul Allen’s team told me the safest route would be to follow the creative direction of the owner’s two previous  Feadship  designs,” the designer says. “I did the opposite!” And the result was what Barnett describes as a “floating laboratory”, a timeless design perfectly suited to a creative genius. Included in the layout were out-of-the-box features such as a fully equipped medical centre, a storm cabin made to keep those who needed it comfortable in bad weather and a professional recording studio. “Back then, no yacht was capable of non-stop circumnavigation, while cutting an album for U2,” he says. Mick Jagger, Usher and Joss Stone are also said to have spent time in the studio – a claim no other superyacht is ever likely to make.

Barnett took a simple approach to the interior decor. While some walls are painted a neutral colour, others are covered in bee’s wing-figured eucalyptus, and it’s this vast amount of wood panelling that gives the hardy explorer the warm, comfortable feeling of a home. For Allen and Barnett, the walls were just another fun puzzle to solve. “The geometry of the panels is elegant mathematics, something Mr Allen really appreciated,” Barnett says. “The handmade veneer arrived on custom-made grids, which fitted within the yacht’s own uniquely built steel frame spacing.” The walls do not just provide insulation and conceal cableways, but originally held the ever-changing art gallery on each deck. What’s on the walls today are snapshots of  Octopus ’s adventures over the years: panoramas of Patagonian icebergs, portraits of local tribe members in Tahiti and landscapes of Asia’s ancient golden temples.

An original feature that remains on the yacht to this day is an unusual timekeeping device. Braided stainless-steel shrouds from a sailing vessel are strung on either side of the grand staircase from lower to upper deck, and they function as a clock. “I combined the old tradition of having a central clock on board a ship with my client’s unique passions for modern sculpture, mathematics, art and music,” Barnett explains. “I subcontracted a 102-year-old German specialist clock company to make it, and – I’ll tell you a secret – I used digital audio software from Apple for the tunes. Sorry, Microsoft!” he says with a laugh. “I thought the clock might become a helpful visual cue to help guests find some critical orientation. Every 15 minutes, the strings could play anything from  The Bells of St Mary’s  to Jimi Hendrix!”

Octopus  was also fitted with an huge amount of onboard electronics. “Of course, the co-founder of Microsoft required more than 54 tonnes of AV and IT equipment on board,” Øino says with a smile. While the bulk of the wiring went to the studio, each cabin was assigned 60 cables for computers, entertainment systems and more, including touchscreens – which in 1998, was an exciting innovation. “They were amazing,” says Øino, “so far ahead of their time.” The touchscreens are still used today by the crew, who also use iPads as infotainment control panels for elements such as lighting and music in guest areas.

When  Octopus  launched in 2003, it was clear she had broken new ground. With diesel-electric propulsion consisting of two ABB electric motors and eight MTU 16V 4000 M50 diesel engines, she was perfectly equipped to travel anywhere in the world. “ Octopus  was always on the go,” Øino says. “Diesel-electric wasn’t commonplace in the early millennium,” he observes, and “ Octopus  was the first yacht with dynamic positioning.”

The project propelled Lürssen into the large-yacht segment and her designers had a huge career boost. “ Octopus  blew everyone away,” Breman says. “The idea and the design are something unprecedented.” What the first aerial photographs of the yacht could make out were her winged wheelhouse, long swimming pool, two helidecks and hangars and a basketball court. Whereas on the inside, areas such as the dive centre with hyperbaric chamber, 12 cabins and private owner’s deck with its own lift, terrace and spa pool were out of sight.

After a decade of extensive travelling,  Octopus ’s engines had to be overhauled. However, her interior had worn well. “There was nothing that required a major redesign or change,” Barnett says. “All the original architecture, spaces, surfaces and design details still performed exceptionally well. Seeing it made me immensely proud.”

Although she was well-maintained and in full working order, in 2019 she was sent for a refit at the Lürssen-owned  Blohm+Voss  shipyard to prepare her for the market several months after Allen passed in 2018. She had spent two decades playing host to many parties, concerts, discoveries and expeditions, and the legacy needed to continue.

In 2021, a new owner came along with plans to make her available for select charters. Transforming  Octopus  into the remarkable charter yacht that he envisioned required a few more changes. The owner’s team enlisted Adriana Monk of  Monk Design  to retouch several spaces. Top of the list was replacing the recording studio.

“Unless you’re really into music, a studio is a niche thing to have,” says Alan Pike, one of two rotational captains. Now in the studio’s prime position – aft on the bridge deck – is a modern bar/ lounge. On either side of the new bar, new guitars hang from the original wall mounts and the grand piano has stayed put. In keeping with the beach bar look Monk created, new bleached oak flooring matches the original weathered teak deck outside.

“The vocal booth is now a DJ booth,” says the captain. “We’ve kept the soundproofing, so this place is perfect for a party, or any kind of dining.” With a new sound system and outdoor lighting, “we can really go for it”. Outdoors, there’s a glass- bottom pool that, at the touch of a button, can be made into an on-water dance floor. There’s also a wood-fired pizza oven, a service bar with a beer tap and three barbecue cooking stations.

On the entertainment deck, the former formal dining room became a wine bar. On the ceiling are scenes from Allen’s 2015 shipwreck dive to the Second World War battleship  Musashi  in the Philippines. “I was granted exclusive access to the ROV footage of the  Musashi  expedition to select shipwreck stills for the backlit ceiling,” Monk says.

Nearby, the guest observation lounge was, and still is, a firm favourite. “To dine here while cruising is a joy that’s hard to describe,” says Barnett. “I like to think of this area’s design as a mid-century sunken living room.” The feeling is created by two large sofas that snake around the room looking out over the bow. The seats look low, but the view is perfect. The rest of the deck is fun and social, as there’s also a 12-seat 4D cinema, the owner’s chef ’s galley, a table-tennis table, gym, smoothie bar, hair and massage salons and a grand library, complete with an ethanol fireplace.

Soft beige and cream carpets with wave patterns have replaced patterned blue and green rugs, and in addition to the new custom-designed pieces, free-standing items of furniture selected by Monk have helped give the interior a feel that suits  Octopus ’s new charter lifestyle. But it’s nothing dramatic. “We have kept as much as possible true to the original,” the captain says. “I strove to respect the spirit of  Octopus  while capturing the new owner’s lifestyle and vision,” Monk adds. “It was an intense and challenging project.”

The yacht’s charter schedule was entrusted to  Camper & Nicholsons .  Octopus ’s range of 12,500 nautical miles and true explorer credentials offer a huge scope for charter, and as the ripples prove on the hull’s strong plating, she is more than capable of going the distance. “She can do anything!” says charter marketing manager Gayle Patterson, who has already booked the superyacht on two excursions to Antarctica. The demand has been equal to the yacht’s renown. “We’ve grown our yacht management team to give her the care she deserves,” she adds.

Since  Octopus  was delivered, many more superyachts have adopted technologically forward designs and groundbreaking engineering and have undertaken impressive expeditions. But none have achieved what  Octopus  has. As she continues to move around the world, more people will get the opportunity to step on board. And when they do, perhaps they will feel the undeniable magic that seems to linger. One thing is for sure: wherever  Octopus  carries her guests, it is a journey they will remember for the rest of their lives.

The Toy Chest

Built to explore,  Octopus  has an incredible fleet that revolves around the cavernous 36-metre internal wet dock where the two main tenders are stored and launched through a giant transom door. Today the main tender is an 18-metre Delta 54, built in carbon with an impressive range of 450nm at 30 knots; the original was  Man-of-War , an 18-metre custom Vikal, later replaced by a 13-metre Hinckley. Sharing that space was a yellow 10-person custom submarine, named  Pagoo . A new Triton 3300/6 will take that spot when it is delivered in early 2023. Most of the other tenders have dedicated garages on either side of the wet dock. They are a 9.3-metre custom Vikal limousine and two 8.7-metre custom Zodiacs, one for diving, the other for guests. Two 5.8-metre Zodiac Milpro MK-V are also available for watersports, as is an array of WaveRunners, jet skis, kayaks, surfboards, wakeboards, kitesurfers, windsurfers and electric foil Fliteboards, plus plenty of diving equipment, The icing on the cake is a remotely controlled submarine (ROV) able to dive to 2,700 metres. To conclude this impressive list,  Octopus  has two helipads and a helicopter hangar for two. Moving forward, helicopters will be chartered as needed.

The Voyages

Octopus  is one of the most active superyachts ever built. Multiple circumnavigations, the  Northwest Passage , the High Arctic,  Antarctica , Papua New Guinea and Challenger Deep were all on the menu. One of Paul Allen’s passions was naval history. A few missions that offered the opportunity for great discoveries were well publicised, like the discovery of the Japanese warship  Musashi  in the Sibuyan Sea in March 2015 after eight years of intense work. The largest battleship ever built (aside from her sistership) sank in October 1944, but the exact location was unknown.  OctoROV  took the first photos of this lost wreck in a depth of 1,000 metres. Later that year, in August, after two attempts, another expedition recovered the bell of HMS  Hood , sunk by the Germans off Greenland in 1941.

And it looks like the story will continue.  Octopus , according to BOAT Pro data, has already cruised 9,047 nautical miles since leaving Marseille after her refit in December. In less than three months, she had already crossed the Atlantic and visited Panama including Coiba, Costa Rica and Cocos Island and the Galápagos. This winter, Camper & Nicholsons has announced that she will be heading south to test her ice-class capabilities in the frozen landscapes of Antarctica once again.

For more information please visit: www.boatinternational.com

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Mega yacht Octopus of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for sale

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Written by Rachael Steele

Lürssen mega yacht OCTOPUS , which belonged to the late Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, has been put up for sale at an estimated €295,000,000 (approximately $332,000,000 USD).

Paul Allen’s yacht OCTOPUS listed for sale

Allen, who passed away from cancer in 2018, owned a number of vessels but at a length of 126m/413ft M/Y OCTOPUS was his flagship and remains one of the world’s largest motor yachts, currently sitting at no. 22 in the overall rankings.

M/Y OCTOPUS was built in 2003 and from November 2018 to July 2019 she underwent an eight-month refurbishment at the Blohm + Voss facilities, including her 15-year surveys, to prepare her for sale. Her exteriors come from renowned designer Espen Oeino and the interiors from Seattle-based Jonathan Quinn Barnett , who had an impressive interior volume of 9,932 GT to furnish.

Although Paul Allen used the vessel as a recording studio and for private parties with the likes of U2, Sharon Stone and Mick Jagger, he is most well-known for his philanthropic endeavours and M/Y OCTOPUS was used as a research vessel along with several other motor yachts in his fleet, and was critical to the retrieval of the bell from HMS HOOD, which was sunk by the German battleship BISMARCK, as well as discovering the wrecks of the WWII Japanese warship MUSASHI.

Superyacht Octopus

The accommodation is designed for up to 26 guests over 13 spacious en-suite cabins, and in addition to the Master suite there is a VIP stateroom and a children’s cabin. The experienced crew of 63 is ready to pull off a glamorous party or to navigate to the farthest corners of the world for research purposes.

The private Owner’s deck (also the bridge deck) comes with the aforementioned recording studio with a floor designed with sound dampening properties, a Master suite with a walk-in-wardrobe and an alfresco dining area that has its own bar and whirlpool tub. The other guests are not left wanting as M/Y OCTOPUS is replete with entertainment options such as a cinema, spa with hammam and sauna, gym, basketball court, an observation lounge and a heated freshwater swimming pool with a glass retractable floor to become a flush entertaining space. The selection of water toys is also impressive and created as much for family fun as exploration of the environment, and among the collection is a 10-pax submarine.

Superyacht Octopus with helicopter

In terms of her technical specifications, there are eight MTU 16V 4000 M70 engines that provide a top speed of 19 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, however most notable is her impressive cruising range of 14,250 nautical miles.

She is built to ICE-Class 1A standards and is equipped with a helipad forward and aft, both of which have access to a hangar for storage.

Luxury yacht OCTOPUS can currently be seen moored at the Antibes marina as she awaits a buyer.

MORE INFO AND IMAGES OF OCTOPUS

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Mega yacht Octopus of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for sale".

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World's largest explorer yacht 126m OCTOPUS joins charter fleet

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By Nina Done   3 August 2021

Following her recent sale, the spectacular 126m/414ft Lurssen  explorer yacht OCTOPUS marks her debut onto the charter market for the very first time since her celebrated launch in 2003. She is expected to be made available for charter from January 2022 following a winter yard period, where the new Owner will undoubtedly want to put his own stamp on the yacht ensuring she is in turnkey condition for luxury yacht charters for her up-coming two-year world tour.  

This extraordinary yacht has been shrouded in secrecy for years, but now we are able to share some of the world-class features and amenities OCTOPUS has to offer. 

Showcasing an understated elegance, her stunning interiors are an artful blend of classic styling combined with state-of-the-art technology, which all come together to create a delightful and welcoming ambience, with large flanking windows acting to emphasize the space and usher in plenty of natural light.

She can accommodate up to 26 guests in 13 exceptional suites, including a vast dedicated Owner's deck replete with a bar, Jacuzzi, alfresco dining area and private elevator. 

Vast array of standout amenities

Onboard highlights include a spectacular aft swimming pool surrounded by loungers and seating areas and overlooked by her bridge deck. She also boasts a spa, library, sound studio, cinema, basketball court and glass-bottomed observation lounge, to name a few of her impressive features.

On top of this, she also houses several tenders, including a superlative 13-meter Hinckley tender and luxurious custom limo tender, as well as 2 helicopters with their own private hangar, a dive centre complete with its own hyperbaric chamber and a submarine which can accommodate 8 people, plus 2 crew for up to 8 hours of astonishing underwater exploration. 

This impressive ocean explorer also boasts a whopping 12,500nm range, perfect for navigating the far-flung corners of the globe. Make no mistake, this is one truly outstanding yacht.

Interested in booking a luxury expedition charter?

To find out more about chartering popular destinations across the globe, check out our in-depth yacht charter guides for more information.

If you’d like to learn more about chartering explorer yacht OCTOPUS, please contact your yacht charter broker .

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1,200 boat orders and counting. Multi-million dollar superyacht orders are at a record high as the world’s billionaires show off their post-pandemic riches.

WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, who once survived on food stamps, threw a party so lavish that all of Dubrovnik will remember it. Guests were ferried by helicopter to magnificent superyachts worth $600 million and later entertained by Sam Smith and Monolink.

Not just for sipping cocktails and cruising the Mediterranean, this brilliant scientist researched and developed an FDA-approved Coronavirus testing kit on his aptly named superyacht ‘The Gene Machine.’

Inspite of having all the luxuries onboard, the acting captain of the abandoned Alfa Nero superyacht likened living aboard the motionless $120 million palatial vessel to residing in a monastery. The crew, scared of the KGB, never wears the yacht’s uniform when they venture out.

Watch – Only in Monaco – A restaurant valet carelessly crashes a $3.5 million LaFerrari in front of his owner.

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“octopus: the world’s most spectacular megayacht in skagen harbor”.

Published on

When the name Octopus is mentioned, one might not immediately think of luxury, but one should. This impressive yacht, currently moored in Skagen, is one of the world’s most spectacular megayachts. Built in 2003 for Microsoft’s co-founder Paul Allen, Octopus is a floating oasis of luxury and technology, now owned by the Swedish billionaire Roger Samuelsson. Octopus is equipped with everything one could desire in terms of amenities. The yacht measures 126.2 meters in length and 21 meters in width, with eight decks, including a private owner’s deck. There is room for 26 guests in 13 luxurious cabins and a crew of 63 people. Among the facilities, you can find a jacuzzi, swimming pool, sauna, cinema, gym, bars, a basketball court, and several lounges, including an observation area with a view.

For those who love water sports, Octopus offers a wealth of possibilities. There are jet skis, a hangar for a helicopter, as well as two submarines – one of them remote-controlled and capable of reaching great depths. The yacht also features a professional music studio and an advanced dive center. Octopus was designed by Espen Øino and built by the German shipbuilders Lürssen and Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. The technological finesse on this yacht is impressive, making it ideal for both luxury stays and scientific expeditions. The yacht has a range of 12,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 12.5 knots, allowing it to undertake long journeys without the need for frequent stops.

Experiencing this luxury is not cheap. Renting Octopus for a week costs around 15 million Danish kroner. The original construction cost of the yacht was approximately 2 billion Danish kroner, reflecting the advanced technology and exclusive materials used in its construction. Octopus is currently moored at Skagen’s newest harbor extension, quay 41. It is uncertain how long the yacht will stay there, but it has already attracted great attention and admiration from both locals and tourists. Seeing this majestic yacht in person is a unique experience that shows how the other half lives and travels.

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EXPEDITION SUPERYACHT M/Y OCTOPUS

SIMPLY ICONIC

The M/Y Octopus superyacht is a trailblazer, redefining what an expedition yacht could be.

Now available for the first time for exclusive charter, she is the perfect luxury launchpad for extraordinary adventures.

FULL SPECIFICATION

Description

The Northwest Passage, the High Arctic, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea and Challenger Deep -EYOS and the yacht Octopus have a rich history. The EYOS team is proud to have contributed expertise, logistical support, or guidance in these challenging regions during her tenure as a groundbreaking expedition yacht. Now we’re here to help intrepid explorers take Octopus in interesting new directions. Where do you dream of going? What experiences do you imagine? EYOS has the expedition credentials to bring your ‘mission’ to life.

Commissioned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, M/Y Octopus was the largest private yacht ever when it launched in 2003. Today, she remains one of the largest private yachts in the world. Her size, however, is surpassed by the scale of her ambitions. Allen himself famously described her as “less a Bentley than a Range Rover,” because of the state-of-the-art equipment on board.

Now, her 2021 refit preserves her expedition bona fides. She boasts an ice class for polar exploring; two helipads and two helicopter garages. In her garage are 7 tenders including her powerful 54’ Delta ‘tender.’ Discover a fleet of boards, from wake and surfboards, to wind and kite surfers, even electric foil flight boards, for personal forays. And with a glass-bottom observation lounge, and a fully equipped dive center, including an ROV, make the undersea part of every expedition. Her beautiful interiors and superb amenities, with accommodations for up to 12 guests, dial up the quality of life aboard. A stylish new Beach Club opens to the sea. The bridge deck features a heated freshwater swimming pool with a retractable glass floor that raises to deck level for entertaining. Adjacent is a bar, spa pool and an open-air pizza oven.

The Octopus yacht has ranged widely. And now under private charter, she will explore the four corners of the world again.

Key Features of the Octopus Yacht

• Arguably the most iconic & versatile megayacht in the world
• Flexible accommodation for 12 guests in 13 cabins
• Two helipads for remote exploration
• Entertainment deck with gym, spa, cinema, library and observation lounge
• Spectacular pool area with multiple bars and dining options
• Eight decks with dedicated owner’s deck with private elevator
• Dive centre and hyperbaric chamber
• Unbeatable toy list including seven tenders, two helipads, a large SUV, electric foils and much more

Gross Tonnage

EXPEDITION EQUIPPED

• 4 x 2 seat Yamaha FX140 Waverunners
• 1 x Stand-up Yamaha Superjet Jet-Ski
• 2 x 2 Person Hobie Pursuit Kayaks
• 1 x 1 Person Hobie Pursuit Kayak
• 1 x 1 Person Epic V5 Kayak
• 3 x Surf Boards
• 3 x Beginner to intermediate Windsurfers
• Fishing Equipment
• Kite Surfers
• Towable Toys
• Inflatable water toys
• Scuba Diving Equipment
• Snorkelling Equipment

THE VAST WILDERNESS IS WAITING, WHERE

COULD SHE TAKE YOU?

A land of vast ice landscapes, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Antarctica stands as a testament to the raw power and breathtaking serenity of nature.

South Georgia and The Falklands

Nestled in the southern Atlantic, these remote islands boast an extraordinary variety of wildlife, creating a haven for diverse marine and terrestrial species. Penguin colonies, soaring albatrosses, and an abundance of unique animals define the rich biodiversity of this pristine environment.

Chilean Patagonia

A haven for nature lovers, offering immersive experiences amidst ancient forests, pristine rivers, and secluded national parks.

SIMILAR YACHTS

Hanse Explorer

CONTACT EYOS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR YACHT CHARTER

+1 801 390 7025 | [email protected]

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The New York lawyer who died in the Bayesian yacht sinking wrote a LinkedIn post months before the tragedy that ended with 'they all lived happily ever after'

• Mike Lynch's lawyer wrote a chilling LinkedIn post two months before the superyacht tragedy.
• Celebrating his client's acquittal, Christopher Morvillo wrote: "They all lived happily ever after."
• Morvillo was one of the seven people who died when the yacht sank off the coast of Sicily.

Late British tech billionaire Mike Lynch 's top lawyer wrote a chilling LinkedIn post just two months before the superyacht tragedy — a note that ended with the phrase, "They all lived happily ever after."

Attorney Christopher Morvillo 's post spoke about his recent legal win in June, when Lynch, charged with fraud over the sale of his company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, was acquitted of all charges .

His LinkedIn post discussed the "thrilling verdict" after "years of painstaking work."

He thanked members of his law firm, Clifford Chance and Steptoe LLP, with whom he worked on the case. His post also included a June 14 article from ALM, a law publication, which called him one of its "Litigators of the Week."

Then came the last two paragraphs, which touched on how happy Morvillo was to be back home with his family.

"And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo," he wrote. "None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home."

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"And they all lived happily ever after," he added.

Morvillo was one of the seven passengers killed out of the 22 people aboard Lynch's 183-foot superyacht called "Bayesian." The yacht sank during stormy weather near Palermo, Italy, on August 19.

Fifteen people, including Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, and the ship's captain, James Cutfield of New Zealand, were rescued from the sunken ship.

Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, Morvillo's wife Neda, and Morgan Stanley International Chair Jonathan Bloomer died in the tragedy.

Lynch's co-defendant in the fraud trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died after being struck by a car just two days before Lynch's yacht sank.

Representatives for Morvillo at Clifford Chance did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.

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The 11 largest Burgess yachts in 2021.

Published 08 February 2021

If your approach to enjoyment is the bigger the better, take a look at some of the largest yachts in our fleet that will take you to the next level of celebration on board.

11. secret - 82.5m (270.6ft).

Bring a taste of classic glamour to your life on SECRET. Designed by Sam Sorgiovanni with outdoor enjoyment in mind, she offers deck after deck of social spaces to take you from relaxation and indulgence by day to sparkling celebrations by night.

Morning mimosas are served in the expansive plush sofas of the main deck aft while you plan the day’s activities. The bridge deck aft features a swimming pool surrounded by sun pads and sunloungers for spectacular views of your anchorage. A jacuzzi on the sun deck is more intimate, with a nearby bar and sun pads for company. Or take in a romantic sunset from the upper deck aft’s bank of seating, with a flute of champagne in hand.

Refreshed in 2018, SECRET’s glamorous interior design by Jim Harris radiates elegance and style, where Art Deco meets glistening metallic tones, textural walls and rich pops of colour. She sleeps up to 12 guests in six opulently styled cabins, and has an abundance of amenities including a gym, large cinema, massage and beauty room and fantastic sky lounge bar. 

10. ACE – 85m (278.9ft)

Currently for sale, ACE born from a prestigious collaboration between Lürssen shipyard and Winch Design.

Her immaculately presented interior is refined and sumptuous, with an abundance of lifestyle amenities including a cinema, beauty salon, gym and nightclub room. For ultimate indulgence, the extensive spa on the lower deck has a hammam, Russian banya, massage room, plunge pool, large Roman styled jacuzzi and fold-down swim platform with beach lounge.

ACE presents a vast variety of dining and lounging spaces, both inside and al fresco, ranging from casual to formal. The dedicated master deck features a capacious suite, office and private lounge as well as two balconies. The top deck has an air conditioned central tea room, shaded seating and lounging areas, and a jacuzzi, while a large swimming pool is discreetly located on the on upper deck forward.

ACE is equipped with a full complement of tenders and watertoys, including a comfortable and elegant 8.9m Hinckley Talaria tender. She accommodates up to 10 guests in five double cabins, two of which are convertible to twins, and has 30 attentive crew to anticipate your every need. 

9. C2 – 85.6m (280.8ft)

C2 (now B2 ) is a unique opportunity on the sales market. Accommodating up to 31 guests in 15 cabins, this impeccably maintained yacht has had just one owner since she was built in 2009, and she was extensively refitted in 2019. Reymond Langton Design created B2’s exterior, collaborating with Brian Callahan on her interior, which has the light, bright ambiance of a contemporary beach house.

The spectacular owner’s suite benefits from panoramic views across the bow, with two nearby children’s cabins featuring pullman berths for flexible sleeping arrangements. A elevator services all guest decks, and there are multiple lounges to provide plenty of variety for your gatherings. Choose between the expansive upper and bridge decks aft for al fresco dining, or head to the upper deck’s interior dining room for sheltered views across the stern. Movie fans will enjoy the retractable cinema screens located inside and outside, while the sun deck’s massage room is perfect for a little pampering.

Water lovers will be delighted to learn that B2 has a jacuzzi surrounded by sun pads on the sun deck, as well as a glass bottomed infinity pool on the main deck aft, illuminating a brand new beach club lounge below that has fold-out balconies on each side. B2 is available for purchase with Burgess.

8. AQUILA – 85.6m (280.9ft)

AQUILA is the charter yacht for those who want to have it all: indulge in some pampering, celebrate in style or simply relax in the calming surroundings.

This palatial, award winning yacht underwent a major refit in 2016, making her like new. The updated interior from RWD and Susan Young is a haven of understated elegance, the stunning centrepiece being a 11.2m ‘waterfall’ chandelier cascading down four decks of the stairwell. There is flexible accommodation for up to 12 guests in five double cabins and two twin cabins with pullman berths, while a guest elevator and zero speed stabilisers add another dimension of comfort.

Her dedicated master deck features a massage room, hair salon, his and hers bathroom, private office and a 60sqm (646sqft) private exterior deck looking over the bow. The sun deck is a haven for relaxation, with a large jacuzzi, day bar and treatment room, while a cinema room, gym and spa offer luxury amenities aplenty.

Head to the ‘London Bar’ to enjoy the ambiance of an elegant private members club, day or night. And for a little more action, AQUILA’s vast beach club is home to a large selection of tenders and watertoys to keep all the family entertained throughout a charter. AQUILA is available for charter with Burgess.

• Superyacht AQUILA 1 of 11 photos
• The stairwell's 11.2m waterfall chandelier by Preciosa 2 of 11 photos
• The owner's suite on its own private deck 3 of 11 photos
• The beauty salon on the owner's deck 4 of 11 photos
• Glass backed jacuzzi on the sun deck 5 of 11 photos
• Main deck cinema 6 of 11 photos
• Lower deck gym at sea level 7 of 11 photos
• The London Bar on the owner's deck 8 of 11 photos
• Firepit on the bridge deck aft 9 of 11 photos
• Tenders and toys aplenty 10 of 11 photos
• The sun deck doubles as a nightclub with lights, decks and a sound system 11 of 11 photos

7. BARBARA – 88.5m (290.4ft)

Say hello to elevated living with a charter on board BARBARA, a head turning yacht with all the luxury trappings you could wish for.

Sorgiovanni Designs created her exterior with no sharp edges, giving BARBARA a curvaceous look that is timeless yet fresh, while her interior blends clean, contemporary décor with elaborate and intriguing details. For example, her astonishingly intricate main stair column with glass elevator is wrapped in a gnarled silver root system, which took a year to build.

But beyond her beauty, it is BARBARA’s multitude of amenities that will make your stay on board so special. Her sun deck features a convivial 10-person hot tub, while there is also a fully equipped gym, an eight-person indoor-outdoor cinema, a beach club with a vast selection of watertoys, a wellness area for massage and treatments, a unique aquarium bar, multiple fold-out balconies, and a 360-degree observation area.

BARBARA sleeps up to 12 guests in seven cabins, including an expansive full-beam, split-level owner’s suite with its own private balconies, while the main deck’s two forward guest cabins convert into a VIP suite or second master cabin to bring appealing versatility for charter groups. For added comfort, she has an elevator serving all levels from the lower deck to the bridge deck, zero speed stabilisers and a hydraulic swim platform that lowers into the water. 

6. MOONLIGHT II – 91.4m (299.9ft)

The fun never stops with a unique charter on board  MOONLIGHT II . This voluminous yacht is large enough to welcome up to 36 guests in her 18 luxurious and adaptable cabins, including a master private deck with its own jacuzzi and sunbathing area.

Her sun deck is always a popular centre of activity, thanks to its bar and jacuzzi surrounded by inviting sun pads, while the three exterior decks below offer ample space to dine and celebrate together al fresco, day or night. MOONLIGHT II’s interior is sumptuous and relaxing, with rich textures and an aquatically themed decor, complemented by a host of entertaining and indulgent amenities.

Relax with an afternoon at the extensive spa with massage, steam room and sauna facilities, followed by hairdressing and beauty treatments in the salon. Let your playful side take over with a morning of action on the yacht’s selection of watertoys, including scuba diving equipment and the thrilling flyboard. Be amazed by the 3D cinema or take in the watery scenery from the beach club’s bar and private balcony.

For added reassurance, there is a dedicated medical facility on board, as well as an elevator serving all guest decks and stabilisers to provide at anchor comfort. MOONLIGHT II is available for charter with Burgess.

• Superyacht MOONLIGHT II 1 of 10 photos
• Private jacuzzi on the owner's deck and a second, larger one on the sun deck 2 of 10 photos
• Huge relaxation and entertainment spaces on the aft decks 3 of 10 photos
• The master suite's ocean themed design 4 of 10 photos
• The jacuzzi at the heart of the wellness centre 5 of 10 photos
• Inviting sauna 6 of 10 photos
• Dedicated massage suite 7 of 10 photos
• The yacht has a 3D cinema 8 of 10 photos
• The casino will delight those of a sporting persuasion 9 of 10 photos
• An intimate beach club with bar and sea terrace 10 of 10 photos

5. TRANQUILITY – 91.5m (300.1ft)

Find TRANQUILITY where adventure meets luxury. This ice classed exploration yacht is dedicated to the art of living well, with a host of top end amenities catering to large groups.

Her stunning exterior design is the work of yacht builder Oceanco, with an expansive upper deck aft that is perfect for large gatherings by day or night. Inside, her Asia inspired interior by Winch Design is a blend of intricate textures and soft creams with richly coloured accents.

Constructed to PYC, TRANQUILITY accommodates up to 22 guests in 11 cabins; her owner's suite has a stunning his and hers bathroom with a feature bathtub, while the VIP suites offer private balconies as a special touch. Complementing her 20sqm (215sqft) swimming pool with jets on the upper deck aft, the impressive spa includes a hammam, sauna, plunge pool and experiential shower alongside a beauty salon and fully equipped gym with fold-down balcony at sea level.

Setting the bar high before you have even boarded, there is a pair of luxurious custom tenders to transfer you to and from the shoreline in total comfort or you may prefer to arrive by air on the fully certified helipad. 

4. TATOOSH – 92.4m (303.2ft)

Few yachts merit the epithet legendary but TATOOSH is certainly one. This distinguished yacht is imbued with an adventurous and entertaining spirit and has an impressive archive of intrepid voyages logged.

This remarkable yacht was delivered by Nobiskrug in 2000 and underwent a USD 32,000,000 refit in Germany in 2021 as part of her 20 year Lloyd's class survey. Her welcoming and relaxing Terence Disdale interiors welcome 19 guests in 11 cabins and they can arrive and depart using two helipads, one with refuelling capabilities, and five tenders including a 12m Hinckley Talaria and a 12.4m Frers designed sailing yacht.

There's a spa, gym, beach club with jacuzzi, bar, sauna, dive centre with sea terrace, main saloon with bar and limestone fireplace, bulletproof glass and an elevator. Lovers of entertainment will appreciate the contraflow pool that becomes a dancefloor, options for inside or outside dining or the main deck cinema. The list of features goes on and on. 

3. FAITH – 96.6m (316.8ft)

As one of the most sought after yachts on the water, a charter on  FAITH is sure to be heavenly. At the heart of any charter experience is the crew, and FAITH’s are renowned for their superlative level of service and dedication to guest enjoyment.

With a striking exterior by RWD, her main deck aft features a large glass-bottomed swimming pool that illuminates a vast beach club beneath. This beach club has to be one of the most impressive in existence, with a sumptuous lounge and bar that opens directly onto the water on three sides, including two fold-down sea terraces and the large swim platform.

FAITH is particularly appealing to those who enjoy an active lifestyle, with a unique games deck forward that caters to football, tennis, volleyball, basketball and padel tennis, while the top of the range indoor-outdoor sun deck gym is spacious and bright. Two custom 10m Feadship tenders will ensure you always travel in style, while there is a particularly large selection of watertoys to keep guests of all ages and skill levels entertained.

To unwind, there is a wellness centre featuring a massage room, a large hammam and a remarkable snow room, as well as a secluded jacuzzi pool on the sun deck forward. And for movie nights or sports games, there is a dedicated comfortable cinema and an outdoor TV screen on the sun deck. FAITH’s decor from RWD and Chahan Interior Design is a masterpiece of understated luxe.

Accommodating up to 12 guests in seven cabins, her private master deck has its own lounge with a home cinema, skylight and fireplace, as well as a fire pit outside, while two VIP suites and four double cabins are located on the main deck. FAITH is available for charter with Burgess.

2. LUMINOSITY – 107.6m (352.9ft)

When cutting edge technology is complemented by a deep connection to nature, you get LUMINOSITY, delivered by Benetti in 2020. This is a yacht for someone with bold and adventurous cruising plans, thanks to her range of up to 8,000nm and a fully certified helipad with fuelling system.

Not only light in name, she is light by nature too, thanks to over 800sqm (8611sqft) of windows inviting you to share in the wonder of the ever changing surroundings, without distraction thanks to the ultra-quiet diesel electric propulsion system and silent batteries. Interactive art on video walls will stimulate your mind and awaken your senses.

Head to the lower deck to immerse yourself in the relaxing surroundings of LUMINOSITY’s beautiful beach club, with a steam room, a refreshing 4C cold pool, a fully kitted out gym and a 30sqm (323sqft) swimming pool that converts to a dancefloor at the push of a button. The entire space is opened up to the seascape via the fold-down balconies, creating a dramatic and inspiring backdrop for a romantic dinner at the nearby dining table.

The owner’s deck is outstanding, with a stunning suite, a large walk-in wardrobe, a panoramic office forward with a linked PA’s office, large terraces with varied seating forward and aft, and three additional convertible twin cabins amidships. In total, LUMINOSITY accommodates up to 27 guests in 12 cabins, with an elevator serving all guest levels and an on board hospital for peace of mind while cruising remotely. 

1. OCTOPUS – 126.2ft (414ft)

Some yachts are simply iconic and OCTOPUS is surely deserving of this epithet. As a renowned pioneer of global yachting at a luxury level, OCTOPUS is one of the most well-travelled yachts in the world. With a colossal 12,500nm range and diesel-electric propulsion system, she has cruised in Antarctica, travelled the Northwest Passage and played a part in history by recovering the ship’s bell from the WWII wreck of HMS Hood and discovering the remains of WWI battleship IJN Musashi in the Pacific.

Originally delivered by Lürssen in 2003, OCTOPUS has been impeccably maintained, with her latest refit completed in 2019, so she is ready to take a new owner on the adventures of a lifetime. Designed by Espen Øino International with interiors by Jonathan Quinn Barnett, there is accommodation for up to 26 guests in 13 cabins, served by 63 crew. The owner’s deck has its own private bar, jacuzzi and dining area, while there is also a second elevator exclusively for the owner’s use.

Enjoy long, lazy days on the bridge deck aft with its swimming pool, dining area, bar and pizza oven. Or make use of the entertainment deck on longer passages, including the spa, library, bar, cinema, gym, observation area and various cosy lounges. There is even a glass-bottomed underwater observation lounge, and a basketball court for those who enjoy shooting a few hoops.

Of course, such an adventurous superyacht comes kitted out with a superb range of tenders and toys; beyond the submersible with capacity for up to eight guests and two crew, there are seven tenders and an ROV, alongside space for an SUV and two helicopters to be stowed in the protection of the garage. 

See a yacht you like? Get in touch with your Burgess broker today for more information.

To find out more about Burgess’  yachts for charter and  yachts for sale , please  contact a Burgess broker . Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly:  London ,  Monaco ,  New York ,  Miami ,  Singapore or  all other locations .

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Former tender to Lürssen's 126m Octopus gets new life after refit

Very few boats have enjoyed the kind of following this former tender to Octopus has. Raphaël Montigneaux gets an early look at her recent refit...

As the world’s superyacht fleet ages, so refit activity increases – a trend that has also started to impact the boats that serve the mothership. Tenders, especially custom ones, are now being refitted in record numbers – and MARSS is a prime example. Previously known as Man-of-War and the main tender for 126 metre Octopus , this 18.8 metre Vikal , often photographed in the dry dock of its former mothership, is quasi-legendary. As a result, I was all ears when Cyril Le Sourd, co-founder of SPARK Marine Projects, told me that he was in the process of refitting her for one of his clients.

Le Sourd and his business partner Charles Dence recently opened shop in Monaco. “SPARK Marine Projects is a design office that carries out specialised projects in the superyacht sector, and more particularly for the design and development of custom tenders and chase boats and related products,” Dence says. MARSS , just delivered to her owner, is one of its biggest refit projects to date. Built by Vikal in the early 2000s, it is a one-off design by superyacht designer Sam Sorgiovanni , and the construction quality of this Australian yard offered the perfect basis for a refit.

SPARK Marine Projects saw it as an ideal candidate, neither too big nor too small, to fulfil the wishes of a client who wanted to have a multifunctional craft. “The objective for the owners was to find a boat that allows them to carry out several missions at once,” explains Le Sourd. “It had to be able to serve as a superyacht chase boat, security boat and also as a test and client demonstration platform for new onboard sensors and software.”

That’s because the client is Johannes Pinl, CEO and founder of MARSS, a Monaco-based software and technology company active in the defence and security sectors. MARSS has a division that provides long-range drone detection, tender tracking, surface monitoring and diver detection systems.

“The pedigree and superyacht thinking that went into the engineering and build of MARSS in her previous life as a tender for a much larger mothership appealed to us,” says Pinl. “Furthermore, we were looking for a practical and capable platform with which to demonstrate our long-range vessel security systems to clients.”

One of the refit’s biggest tasks was to remodel the outdoor spaces. The aft deck was scraped clean and Le Sourd designed a new 20-square-metre modular seating area. “The aft deck has been completely redesigned by integrating a new teak deck and by removing the aft bulwark and replacing it with two removable lockers,” he says. Made of carbon fibre, these lockers provide the base for a new bench that separates the bathing platform and the cockpit. Its reversible backrest allows guests to enjoy it from both sides. The refit also added a deck shower, bathing ladder, mooring points and a gangway to the aft sections.

In the cockpit, a second bench seat has replaced a bulky storage unit, which enclosed the access to the engine room. To remove this visual and physical barrier, the designers had the idea to lower the entire deck, which had the added benefit of giving the interior living room a direct sea view. A discreet hatch now provides access to the engine space. To complete the aft deck, two new custom tables were installed. It’s now a truly multifunctional space, which can be set up for dining, lounging or sunbathing.

The foredeck has also been fitted out with a sunpad. MARSS ’s full-beam design does not allow for easy access down side decks from front to back and vice versa. To address this, the refit team decided to enlarge the deck hatch over the owner’s cabin. With a sturdy ladder that unfolds immediately below, this modification has created a second emergency exit to meet current requirements and allow secure access for guests who wish to take advantage of the new sunbed without doing a balancing act.

Already punchy, the boat’s performance has been further optimised, with tweaks at the transom. “We removed an ineffective hull extension and replaced it with three Humphree interceptors,” Le Sourd says. “And in order to increase course stability and thus reduce the lateral movement of the waterjets, we have also added two vertical fins under the hull.” As a result, the boat now offers a better planing response, improved handling and a 10 to 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, he notes.

All the electronics on board have been upgraded, including the electrical panels and battery management systems. Additionally,  a more efficient and compact Fusion system has replaced the original audiovisual system.

MARSS engineers have taken advantage of these upgrades to fit the boat with their latest security technology, transforming it into a floating showroom. The equipment on board includes cameras, radar, drone detection and a deployable sonar.

Comfort inside wasn’t forgotten in the extensive changes. From upholstery to carpets, the interior has been transformed, with the icing on the cake an adjustable coffee table in the saloon that turns into a giant touchscreen to take full advantage of and manage the NiDAR perimeter security system offered by MARSS.

This quasi-legendary, one-time tender to Octopus is now one of the most sophisticated boats on the water and a blueprint for the growing numbers of tenders getting life-extending refits.

First published in the November 2022 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

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Bodies of Mike Lynch and four yacht guests pulled from Bayesian wreck

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Marianna Giusti and Giuliana Ricozzi in Porticello and Tim Bradshaw in London

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

The bodies of UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and four of his guests on the superyacht Bayesian have been recovered, three days after it sank off the coast of Sicily, according to Italian officials.

The officials said the bodies of Christopher Morvillo of the law firm Clifford Chance and Jonathan Bloomer , chair of insurance group Hiscox and Morgan Stanley International, alongside their wives, Neda Morvillo and Judy Bloomer, have been retrieved.

Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah is still missing, after Bayesian went down in an intense storm near Palermo on Monday.

The five bodies were pulled from the sunken yacht on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. The body of Recaldo Thomas, the boat’s chef, had been retrieved earlier in the week.

The officials asked not to be named as they were not authorised to speak publicly.

No formal identification of the bodies has been announced by the local authorities. The Italian public prosecutor is charged with making the official determination of the deaths.

A representative for the Morvillo family spoke of their “tremendous loss”.

“We are completely devastated by the passing of Chris and Neda, and our collective hearts go out to all the families who have also been affected by this senseless tragedy,” they said.

A Bloomer family spokesperson described their “unimaginable grief”.

“Our parents were incredible people and an inspiration to many, but first and foremost they were focused on and loved their family,” they said. “Together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now.”

A spokesperson for the Lynch family declined to comment.

David Tabizel, who helped Lynch set up Autonomy, paid tribute to his “exhausting, exhilarating and incisive” friend, describing him as a “witty, loyal polymath with a mind like a razor blade”.

Brent Hoberman, the investor and entrepreneur who co-founded Lastminute.com and Founders Forum, said Lynch was a “pioneering titan of UK technology”. “He was an outlier and an original thinker,” he said.

Lord John Browne, former chief executive of BP, said Lynch “should be remembered as the person who catalysed a breed of deep tech entrepreneurs in the UK”.

Suranga Chandratillake, former US chief technology officer at Autonomy and now investor at Balderton Capital, called Lynch’s death an “incalculable loss to UK tech”, as well as a “hugely inspirational friend who would always have time to help you find a solution [with] a sense of humour [and] a cup of builder’s tea”.

The trip on Bayesian had been planned as a celebration of Lynch’s recent acquittal on US fraud charges, after a 12-year legal battle over the $11bn sale of his software group Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard.

Morvillo represented Lynch in his recent US case, and Bloomer appeared at the trial as a witness for the defence.

Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, was one of 15 survivors rescued in the early hours of Monday morning.

Italian and UK authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the shipwreck after some eyewitnesses claimed the yacht sank in just a matter of minutes.

Giovanni Costantino, chief executive of Italian Sea Group, which owns Bayesian’s manufacturers Perini Navi, told the Financial Times that the 56-metre, British-registered yacht was “absolutely safe”. ISG’s tracking data shows it took 16 minutes from the time Bayesian started dragging its anchor until it sank.

A team of divers has struggled for days to access the interior cabins of the 540-tonne yacht, due to the volume of debris inside a wreck that lies 50 metres below the surface.

Additional reporting by Caroline Binham

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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.