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Yacht Dilbar: Who Is the Billionaire Owner of the Superyacht?

The 156m Lurssen superyacht  Dilbar  is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage.  Dilbar  is worth a fortune and filled with countless luxuries, but who is the owner of the yacht, and how did they amass their fortune? Read on to find out.

Who is the owner of Yacht Dilbar?

The owner of  Dilbar  is Alisher Usmanov, one of Russia’s richest men. The Uzbek-born billionaire has a staggering net worth of £13.706bn. It’s with this immense fortune that he bought the 156m  Dilbar in 2016 . Based on her gross tonnage of 15,917,  Dilbar  is estimated to have a worth of between $800 and $1bn, making her one of the highest value superyachts in the world.

How did Alisher Usmanov get rich?

Alisher Usmanov is amongst the wealthiest citizens of Russia. He stands alongside billionaires like Roman Abramovich and Vladimir Putin ( who owns a whole fleet of yachts himself ). Over the years, Usmanov has accumulated his wealth through various ventures, ranging from selling plastic bags to being an early investor in Facebook. However, his high net worth is mostly due to his involvement in the mining and investment industries. Usmanov has shown no sign of slowing down, with his worth increasing by a substantial 1.726bn between 2020-2021. Importantly he makes sure to use his money to benefit others – of everyone on the  Sunday Times Rich List  he is by far the most charitable, giving almost £500m in the past year alone.

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Alisher Usmanov’s Yacht Dilbar: Everything You Want To Know

Dilbar can be translated a few ways but, in general, it means “lover” or “one with a blossoming heart” and other things along those lines. It was also the name of the yacht owner’s mother. The yacht bearing the name has become one of the most famous yachts in the world thanks to its size, its price and its stunning amenities. 

She was built by Lürssen, a German shipyard, and designed by English yacht designer Andrew Winch on the interior while Espen Øino International handled the exterior. The designers have gone on record saying it was one of the most challenging yachts they have ever built thanks to the size and all the custom elements including exclusive luxury materials. It took nearly four years for the yacht to be built. Over 680 miles of cable and wiring was used in the construction to ensure power is provided to all corners of the vessel. The yacht’s owner had it registered in the Cayman Islands.

Dilbar features a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. 

Who Owns the Dilbar Yacht

The yacht Dilbar was launched back in 2015 and is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, president of the International Fencing Federation. A Russian oligarch, Usmanov became a billionaire after the fall of the Soviet Union in the metal and mining industries. Since then he’s gotten into communications, publishing and much more. He’s currently one of the 100 richest people in the world.

Usmanov previously owned a much smaller yacht called Dilbar as well but he changed the name of the smaller vessel to Al Raya when he upgraded to this particular one.

In March 2022, Dilbar was seized by German authorities. Numerous international assets owned by Russian oligarchs, most notably yachts, have been taken into custody by international authorities as a part of sanctions against Russia for their aggressions in the Ukraine War. It is unclear if the yacht will be returned once the war has ended or if something else is in store.

There is also some talk that Usmanov himself may not technically be the owner of Dilar and that ownership, on paper, may actually be linked to his sister. This is potentially related to some illegal activity and was being investigated by German authorities. 

How Big is the Dilbar Yacht?

One of the reasons Dilbar is so well known is because it’s one of the largest yachts in the world . It currently ranks as the sixth longest at a staggering 511’10” long. The yacht has a gross tonnage of 15,917 and a beam of just over 77 feet. The draft is nearly 20 feet. This makes her the third largest yacht in the world by volume.

Inside Dilbar Yacht 

There is a total of 3,800 square meters of living space inside the yacht for 24 guests. This can actually be increased by the use of a number of fold out balconies. There is additional room for the 80-person crew as well. The crew can also be increased to 96 if there is need as the space is available to accommodate so many.

The average apartment in New York is 866 square feet. Dilbar’s 3,800 square meters works out to about 40,900 square feet. That means this yacht is equal to roughly 47 average New York apartments in terms of living space.

In terms of luxury amenities, the Dilbar has some unusual ones. Aside from the giant swimming pool, there’s even a full garden. The grass is a variety designed to handle living in salt air and all of the plants are native to the regions of Europe that Dilbar travels between so it can avoid sanctions about bringing foreign plants from one country to another. 

Comfort was the order of the day for interior as exemplified by something as simple as cushions. There are over 1,000 custom made cushions on board, each designed to match the interior of the rooms they were designed for. Accents in many parts are bronze and light ivory. It’s said that many materials were rare or luxury items but the fine details of what went into the overall interior design have been mostly kept under wraps.

While many superyachts have a helipad these days, Dilbar features two of them. Oneis located near the bow while the second is closer to aft on the top deck flybridge.

There is a beach deck on board as well as a floating observation bay for guests to enjoy. As expected you can also enjoy amenities like a gym, a sauna and a spa. There are several tenders including a limo tender available to ferry passengers to and from shore.

Helicopter Tender

Many superyachts have tenders for guests and Dilbar is no different as we’ve seen. However, one major difference is that Dilbar also has an AirBus Tender. That’s a large, $20 million custom helicopter tender with room for 7 passengers. The interior is designed with a lounge seating area. There’s a forward lounge that can hold 4 passengers. It faces a gallery and the sofa-seating area where three more passengers can be seated. 

The windows of the helicopter can be electronically dimmed for privacy and there’s also mood lighting inside. In-flight entertainment system can be accessed with touch screens as well.

How Fast is the Dilbar Yacht

Dilbar can get up to a top speed of 22.5 knots and a cruising speed of about 16 knots. It’s powered by an electric-diesel hybrid power source that provides 30,000 KW of power. According to the builders, this was the largest power plant ever installed on a yacht.  She runs on 4 Wärtsilä engines each producing 8,158 HP.

What’s Special About the Dilbar Yacht Pool?

The pool on the Dilbar is the largest pool ever installed on a yacht. It measures 25 meters in length which is just over 82 feet. It holds 180 m³ of water which is 47,551 gallons. A gallon of water weighs just over 8 lbs so if that pool is filled, it increases the total weight of the yacht by 396,575 pounds or nearly 200 tons.

What Was the Price of the Yacht Dilbar?

It’s not 100% clear what Usmanov paid initially for the Dilbar but its value has been assessed at $600 million to $735 million by the US Treasury department. That makes it one of the most expensive yachts ever. With a crew of about 80, the estimated annual running cost of the yacht is as much as $50 million to $80 million.

Based on some reports the yacht has a capacity for 1,000,049 liters of fuel or about 220,000 gallons. Diesel for a yacht can cost around $3 per gallon so the cost of a full refuel would be around $660,000. Apparently refueling a beast like this requires a firetruck be on hand in case something goes wrong. 

How Much Does it Cost to Charter Superyacht Dilbar?

The yacht is currently in the custody of German authorities and no one at all besides the government has access to it. That said, even before the yacht was seized it was not made available for yacht charter and was only used by its owner as far as anyone knows. 

The Bottom Line

Dilbar hit the seas in 2016 and is owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, though the German government has since seized it. It is the largest motor yacht in the world by volume and the sixth longest in the world overall. The value of the yacht, according to US authorities, could be as much as $735 million. It’s unknown if the Dilbar yacht owner will be getting custody of the yacht again anytime soon.

Many of the features of the yacht are only partially known but what is known is that the yacht has the biggest swimming pool on the sea. It also has a custom made garden with plants designed to handle the salt air. There is a massive living space on board unlike any other yacht on the sea as well. Guests also have access not just to tender boats but a helicopter tender as well. 

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Who Owns The Dilbar Superyacht? All The Details Here

Have you ever wondered who owns the world’s largest superyacht? The Dilbar is an impressive sight to behold, and it’s even more astounding to learn that the ownership of this luxurious vessel is shrouded in mystery.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the details of the Dilbar superyacht, including who owns it and the cost of building this behemoth vessel.

We’ll also explore the features of the Dilbar and what luxurious amenities are onboard.

Finally, we’ll discuss who is onboard the Dilbar and some of the other notable superyachts in the world.

Read on to discover all the details about the Dilbar superyacht!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The Dilbar superyacht is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov.

It is the world’s largest private yacht, measuring an impressive 156 meters in length.

It was built by Lurssen Yachts in Germany and was delivered to Usmanov in 2016.

Who is Alisher Usmanov?

Alisher Usmanov is a Russian billionaire and one of the most influential businessmen in the world.

He is estimated to have a net worth of around $18 billion dollars and is the owner of the Dilbar Superyacht, the world’s largest superyacht.

Usmanov is the founder and majority shareholder of Metalloinvest, the largest mining and metals company in Russia.

He also owns various investments in companies such as Alibaba, Twitter, Apple, and other tech giants.

Usmanov has been called “The King of Metalloinvest” due to his vast wealth and influence.

In addition to his business interests, Usmanov is a philanthropist and has donated to numerous charities and causes over the years.

He is also an avid art collector and owns some of the most valuable works in Russia.

What is The Dilbar Superyacht?

The Dilbar superyacht is a luxurious vessel owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and built by German firm Lurssen in 2018.

At an impressive 154 meters long, it is the worlds largest superyacht and is estimated to have cost around $600 million to build.

Replete with all the features and amenities expected of a superyacht, it boasts the worlds largest indoor swimming pool, a helipad, and a range of luxurious guest suites.

It is also said to have a team of 60 staff on board to cater to the needs of Usmanov and his guests.

The Dilbar is a remarkable feat of engineering and design, incorporating the latest in naval architecture and marine engineering.

Its sleek, modern exterior is complemented by the opulent interior, where guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a dedicated spa, gym and movie theater.

In addition, the yacht is also fitted with a range of state-of-the-art technology, including a helicopter landing pad, a heli-deck, and a range of water toys.

As well as its impressive size and features, the Dilbar is also renowned for its luxurious fittings.

Its interior is filled with exquisite furniture, fabrics, and artwork, all of which have been carefully selected to provide the highest levels of comfort and style.

Inside, guests can relax in the multiple lounges, bars, and dining areas, where they can enjoy some of the finest cuisine the world has to offer.

In addition to its lavish fittings, the Dilbar also has a unique history.

It was originally commissioned by a former Russian president, and the yacht has been used for a number of high-profile events, including the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

The yacht was also recently spotted at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it was used as the backdrop for a number of glamorous parties and events.

It is clear that The Dilbar superyacht is a remarkable vessel and a testament to the engineering and design capabilities of the worlds leading yacht manufacturers.

Owned by the worlds wealthiest individual, it is certainly a symbol of luxury and opulence, and is sure to remain an impressive example of the worlds most luxurious vessels for many years to come.

The Cost of Building The Dilbar

The Dilbar superyacht is a marvel of modern engineering and design, and it comes with a hefty price tag.

Owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, the yacht was reportedly built by German firm Lurssen for an estimated $600 million.

That’s no small sum, but Usmanov’s fortune is estimated to be around $18 billion, so it’s easy to see why he was willing to part with such a hefty sum for his luxurious superyacht.

The yacht was launched in 2018 and is 154 meters long, making it the world’s largest superyacht.

Its impressive size allows for a range of luxurious amenities, including the world’s largest indoor swimming pool, a helipad, and a number of guest suites.

Not only that, but the yacht also comes with a team of 60 staff members to cater to Usmanov and his guests’ every need.

The Dilbar is a testament to the wealth and affluence of its owner, who is no stranger to luxury.

As one of the richest men in Russia, Usmanov is said to have spared no expense in constructing the yacht, and the result is a vessel unlike any other.

The Dilbars Features

The Dilbar superyacht is a sight to behold.

At 154 meters long, it is the worlds largest superyacht and was built by German firm Lurssen in 2018.

Owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, the Dilbar is an impressive sight to see.

The yacht reportedly cost around $600 million to build and features the worlds largest indoor swimming pool, a helipad, and a range of luxurious guest suites and amenities.

The yacht is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for guests to enjoy, including a cinema, a spa, and a gym.

The Dilbar also has a team of 60 staff on board to cater to the needs of Usmanov and his guests.

The interior of the yacht is beautifully designed with luxurious materials and amenities, including a grand staircase, marble floors, and an art collection featuring works from renowned artists.

The exterior of the yacht also features a Jacuzzi, sunbathing decks, and a swimming pool with underwater lighting.

The Dilbar is truly a sight to behold, and Usmanov is sure to enjoy his time onboard.

Luxury Amenities Onboard

The Dilbar superyacht is the epitome of luxury and opulence.

With a staggering 154 meters in length, the yacht features the world’s largest indoor swimming pool, along with a range of other luxurious amenities.

Onboard the yacht, guests can expect to find a helipad, a range of guest suites, and a team of 60 staff to cater to their every need.

Additionally, the yacht features a spa, a fitness center, and a beauty salon, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate in ultimate comfort.

The yacht also has a fully-equipped gym, allowing guests to stay in shape while on board.

For those seeking entertainment, the yacht includes a movie theater, a game room, and other recreation areas.

Finally, the yacht also features a range of water sports activities, as well as a luxurious sundeck area where guests can enjoy sun-filled days.

With all these amenities, it’s no wonder that the Dilbar superyacht is the envy of the seas.

Who is Onboard The Dilbar?

The Dilbar superyacht is the world’s largest and most luxurious of its kind.

Owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, the 154 meter long vessel is the envy of many and a playground for the ultra-wealthy.

With a reported cost of $600 million, this extravagant superyacht features the world’s largest indoor swimming pool, a helipad, and an array of luxurious guest suites and amenities to keep passengers comfortable.

The Dilbar is home to a team of 60 staff, all dedicated to making sure the owner and his guests are taken care of.

Usmanov is said to have employed some of the best chefs in the world to prepare exquisite meals for himself and his guests, and the yacht is said to have its own private cinema, spa, and gym.

Usmanov is known to invite a number of celebrity friends and business associates aboard the yacht, and it is rumored that a number of high-profile events have been held on board the Dilbar.

The Dilbar is a symbol of luxury and extravagance, and it serves as a reminder of the immense wealth of its owner, Alisher Usmanov.

With its opulent features and amenities, the Dilbar is one of the most sought after vessels in the world, and it stands as a testament to the power and influence of its owner.

Other Notable Superyachts

When it comes to superyachts, the Dilbar is certainly a standout.

But it is far from the only impressive vessel to be owned by wealthy individuals.

Some other notable superyachts on the water include the 180-meter Azzam, owned by the President of the United Arab Emirates, and the 180-meter Eclipse, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Both vessels feature stunning amenities and can accommodate a large number of guests.

The Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko owns the Sailing Yacht A, the world’s largest sailing yacht, which measures 142 meters long.

The yacht features an impressive array of amenities and was designed by Philippe Starck.

The Tiger Woods-designed yacht Privacy is another impressive superyacht, measuring 110 meters in length.

The 113-meter Rising Sun, owned by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is also one of the most luxurious superyachts on the water.

The yacht features a large deck, helipad, and pool, and can accommodate up to 18 guests.

The Maltese Falcon, owned by Tom Perkins, is another noteworthy superyacht, measuring 88 meters in length.

This vessel features a unique rotating mast and is equipped with a range of luxurious amenities.

Finally, the 94-meter Al Mirqab, owned by Qatar’s former Prime Minister, is another impressive vessel.

The yacht features a Jacuzzi, beauty salon, cinema, gym, and a selection of luxurious guest suites.

Clearly, the Dilbar is in good company when it comes to impressive superyachts.

While it may be the world’s largest superyacht, it is far from the only luxurious vessel to be owned by wealthy individuals.

These vessels offer a glimpse into the lives of the ultra-rich and provide an opportunity for the rest of us to marvel at their opulent lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

Alisher Usmanov, a Russian billionaire, is the proud owner of a 154-meter-long superyacht called The Dilbar.

Costing an estimated $600 million to build, it is the world’s largest superyacht featuring the world’s largest indoor swimming pool, a helipad, and other luxurious amenities.

It also has a team of 60 staff on board to cater to Usmanov and his guests.

With its impressive features and amenities, it is easy to see why The Dilbar is one of the most impressive superyachts in the world.

To explore other notable superyachts, take a look at our article on the topic.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Ukraine invasion — explained

The roots of Russia's invasion of Ukraine go back decades and run deep. The current conflict is more than one country fighting to take over another; it is — in the words of one U.S. official — a shift in "the world order." Here are some helpful stories to make sense of it all.

Germany seizes the world's largest yacht (at least according to volume)

Rachel Treisman

The luxury superyacht Dilbar sails off the coast of Monaco in 2017. Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

The luxury superyacht Dilbar sails off the coast of Monaco in 2017.

German authorities have seized the world's largest yacht by volume after determining that a Russian oligarch had transferred its ownership to his sister — who is also facing Western sanctions.

Dilbar, the yacht in question, measures some 511 feet and 15,917 tons, which shipbuilder Lurssen says makes it the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. It has two helipads and one of the biggest indoor pools ever installed on a yacht, according to the U.S. Treasury Department , which puts its estimated worth between $600 and $735 million.

Why so many Russian billionaires are called oligarchs

The superyacht is named after the mother of its original owner: Alisher Usmanov, one of Russia's wealthiest billionaires and a known close associate of the Russian president. Usmanov was sanctioned by the U.S., United Kingdom., European Union and Switzerland in March, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Germany's federal police tweeted Wednesday that it found, "through extensive investigations despite offshore concealment," that the yacht currently belongs to Usmanov's sister, Gulbakhor Ismailova. Authorities impounded the yacht, which remains at the port of Hamburg , after confirming with Brussels that its owner is under sanctions.

A Russian billionaire's superyacht has been impounded in Hamburg, Germany. Harsh sanctions in response to the invasion of #Ukraine brought the estimated $600-750 million yacht Dilbar out of 'offshore concealment', and into the hands of authorities. pic.twitter.com/GYkH6SmQk2 — German Embassy (@GermanyinUSA) April 14, 2022

Ismailova was sanctioned by the U.K. on Wednesday and the EU last week. Both entities said Usmanov had indirectly transferred assets to his sister, including leaving her as Dilbar's only beneficial owner.

"The owner of the yacht 'Dilbar' is Navis Marine Ltd. (Cayman Islands), whose shareholder is Almenor Holdings Ltd. (Cyprus). All shares in that holding company are held by PomerolCapital SA (Switzerland) in trust for the benefit of 'The Sisters Trust,' " EU officials explained, adding that Usmanov has not been a shareholder of that trust company since 2017.

National Security

A russian oligarch's $90 million yacht is seized as part of u.s. sanctions.

Ukrainian sailors tried to block a Russian oligarch's yacht from docking in Turkey

Ismailova has also been linked to luxury real estate in Italy and Latvia associated with Usmanov, the EU said, and therefore has "actively supported materially or financially Russian decision-makers responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilisation of Ukraine."

Dilbar made headlines in early March , when Hamburg officials denied conflicting reports that they had seized the superyacht and said any such move would have to come from higher federal customs authorities.

According to Boat International, Dilbar is also the fourth-longest yacht in the world. It can accommodate up to 96 crew members as well as 24 guests in a large living space, which includes fold-out balconies, an onboard garden (with "a specifically developed variety of grass that tolerates salt air") and more than 1,000 custom-made sofa cushions.

This story originally appeared in the Morning Edition live blog .

• Russia sanctions

German Authorities Freeze Dilbar Yacht, Owned By Alisher Usmanov’s Sister

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The Dilbar yacht.

Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov transferred ownership of the megayacht to his sister Gulbakhor Ismailova, who also owns a jet and helicopter attributed to Usmanov, as well as another yacht.

Updated on April 14 with Ismailova’s ownership of the Begham yacht.

German authorities announced on Wednesday that the 512-foot, $588 million yacht Dilbar has been frozen by the country’s Federal Criminal Police Office in the port of Hamburg. Previously owned by Russian oligarch and early Facebook investor Alisher Usmanov , the German police investigation found that the yacht is ultimately owned by Usmanov’s sister, Gulbakhor Ismailova.

Usmanov was sanctioned by the European Union on February 28 and by the U.K. and the U.S. on March 3. The EU sanctioned Ismailova on April 8 and the U.K. followed suit five days later . In its sanctions announcement, the EU cited investigations by the German Federal Criminal Police Office that discovered the owner of Dilbar is Cayman Islands-based Navis Marine Ltd., owned by Cyprus-based Almenor Holdings Limited. Almenor is in turn owned by Switzerland-based Pomerol Capital SA, which holds the shares "in trust for the benefit of" the Sister Trust, which the investigation found is held by Ismailova. The sanctions designation also notes that Usmanov "has no longer been a shareholder" of the Sister Trust since 2017.

Forbes had previously reported that Dilbar was not allowed to leave the port of Hamburg on March 2 and that its entire crew had been fired on March 8 as a result of the sanctions. The investigation and further reporting shows how Usmanov transferred the ownership of several assets, including Dilbar , an Airbus A340-300 jet and a helicopter, to companies owned by the Sister Trust in 2020, two years before he was hit by sanctions.

According to Cyprus corporate records, Almenor was established on January 30, 2018. As recently as 2019, Almenor was owned by Basilan Limited, a firm incorporated in the Isle of Man, which was listed in Almenor's 2019 report as being "trustee of the Sister Trust which is a discretionary trust." Basilan was incorporated in the Isle of Man on July 25, 2016 by financial services firm Bridgewater (IOM) Limited as the trustee of the Jolo Trust, but corporate records do not reveal its current ownership.

The report also shows that in 2020, Almenor received 100% of the shares in six companies, including Navis Marine Limited, the owner of Dilbar . At least two of those firms own other assets attributed to Usmanov and now held by Ismailova: Caymans-based Klaret Aviation Limited owns a $350 million Airbus A340-300 jet with tail number M-IABU, deregistered by the Isle of Man on March 3 and blocked by the U.S. government on the same day ; Caymans-based Crystal Sky Limited owns an Airbus EC-175B helicopter with tail number M-DLBR which was deregistered from the Isle of Man on March 3 and frozen by French authorities on March 22. M-IABU was last recorded in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on February 28 and M-DLBR was last recorded in Le Castellet, France on March 22.

Another company transferred to Almenor in 2020, Caymans-based Highseas Yachting Ltd., owns the 131-foot Begham yacht, which is worth $10.5 million according to VesselsValue. Built in 2014 by British shipyard Sunseeker, Begham features six cabins with room for 12 guests .

Little is known about Ismailova beyond her ownership of several assets previously owned by her brother. She was born on December 22, 1959 in Uzbekistan, and is a dual Russian-Uzbek citizen, like Usmanov. The EU and U.K. sanctions list her address as Apartment 81-83 at 79 Ustabayeva Street in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. Ismailova also owns three villas in Arzachena on the Italian island of Sardinia worth a collective $26.5 million; homes and land in the Croatian coastal town of Drače worth $5.6 million; and a $620,500 apartment in Jūrmala, Latvia , according to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Projects’ Russian Asset Tracker project , which Forbes is participating in.

The information uncovered in the Cyprus corporate records and by German federal police confirms a statement provided to Forbes by a spokesperson for Usmanov, who stated on March 31 that the M-DLBR helicopter was not owned by Usmanov. “Most of the property [mentioned by Forbes] have been transferred into irrevocable trusts. Mr. Usmanov does not own them,” he said. “The process of moving property into family trusts started many years ago and had nothing to do either with evading sanctions or with hiding wealth.”

On March 1, Usmanov commented on the EU sanctions imposed on him in a statement to the International Fencing Federation where he also announced he was stepping down as the organization’s president. “I believe that such decision is unfair, and the reasons employed to justify the sanctions are a set of false and defamatory allegations damaging my honor, dignity, and business reputation," he wrote. "I will use all legal means to protect my honor and reputation."

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Lurssen Reveals Superyacht DILBAR to be 'One of the Most Complex' Builds Yet

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By Rebecca Bradbury   22 June 2016

Lurssen has today reported its latest delivery, the 156m/512ft superyacht DILBAR , was 'one of the most complex and challenging yachts that has ever been built, both in terms of dimension and technology.'

The German shipyard has also confirmed that DILBAR , delivered to her Owner just four weeks ago, is the world’s largest yacht in terms of volume, with a huge gross tonnage of 15,917 tons.

There has been much speculation on whether DILBAR would, in fact, take this title after the shipyard’s CEO Peter Lurssen made the claim before her launch in May.

Now it is clear she has surpassed the former record holder, the 155m/508ft superyacht ‘Al Said’ , which was delivered by Lurssen  in 2008 and has a gross tonnage of 15,850 tons.

Currently on her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean , luxury yacht DILBAR also provides spaces in the interior which have never been seen on a yacht before, according to the shipyard.

Further information on her interior, however, remains shrouded in much secrecy and many are left guessing at what the celebrated British designer, Andrew Winch, has created.

Dilbar has been a big part of my life. She is truly special, culturally unique and incredibly detailed in so many ways. Andrew Winch

Commenting on the yacht, Winch said, “Dilbar has been a big part of my life. She is truly special, culturally unique and incredibly detailed in so many ways. We are sure that her owners will enjoy every space on board.”

Despite her mysterious interior, two other record-breaking features have been unveiled, both of which point to just how much the motor yacht has pushed the boundaries of superyacht design.

She is said to be home to the largest swimming pool to ever be built on a yacht as well as the largest electric diesel-electric power plant ever installed on a yacht, which allows her to cruise at a speed of 22 knots.

What can be observed from recently released photographs is her timeless profile designed by renowned naval architects Espen Oino, her ivory-coloured hull and her bronze finishes.

If you would like to find out more on Lurssen superyachts, get in touch with your preferred charter broker .

Alternatively, compare all yachts similar to DILBAR which are available for charter .  

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From Russian oligarchs to tech CEOs, here's who owns 10 of the most expensive luxury yachts in the world

• Rising Sun superyacht is valued at $200 million and was purchased by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison in 2004.
• Dilbar, seized by German police from a Russian oligarch, is valued at $735 million.
• These are 10 of the most expensive yachts in the world.

Rising Sun, valued at $200 million

Rising Sun superyacht is valued at $200 million and was purchased by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison in 2004, according to Robb Report .

Rising Sun was later purchased again by Geffen Records executive David Geffen in 2010, according to Club Yacht . Geffen also owns another yacht called Pelorus and his yachts have been frequented by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, according to the outlet.

Aviva, valued at $250 million

Aviva, valued at $250 million is 323 feet long and was built in 2017, according to Robb Report . The boat is so large that it has a paddle tennis court that doubles as an indoor soccer field in its interior, according to the outlet.

Andreas Hering, the project manager of the shipyard where the boat was constructed, told Boat International that "in three years" to "build a big yacht around a padel tennis court was the main brief, I guess."

Octopus, valued at $200 million

Octopus, a 414-foot superyacht owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is valued at $200 million, according to Robb Report.

The boat can accommodate 12 guests in 13 different cabins, according to Yacht Charter Fleet . The boat also has a dance floor and a movie theatre, according to the outlet.

Radiant, valued at $300 million

Radiant, a superyacht built for Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky in 2010, is 360 feet long and worth $300 million, according to Robb Report.

The boat can accommodate up to 20 guests and 44 crew and sports a beauty salon, gym, pool, and jacuzzi, according to the outlet.

Dubai, valued at $400 million

The "Dubai" megayacht, owned by United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is 532 feet long and is worth around $400 million, according to Architectural Digest .

Topaz, valued at $527 million

Topaz was built in Germany for the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to Dubai realtor LuxuryProperty.  

The nearly 500-foot yacht has a helicopter pad, gym, pool, and cinema hall, according to the realtor. Mansour owns Abu Dhabi United Group, which acquired Manchester United FC in 2008. 

Eclipse, valued at $600 million

The 533-foot Eclipse superyacht is valued at $600 million, according to the luxury magazine Robb Report .

The Eclipse is owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, one of 16 yachts and vessels that he owns, according to Forbes .

Azzam, valued at $600 million

Azzam is the largest and one of the fastest yachts in the world, according to Architectural Digest.

The boat took around three years to build and sits at 590 feet long and can travel at a speed of 35 miles per hour, according to the outlet.

Azzam is owned by the family of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the Second President of the United Arab Emirates before his death in May 2022.

Al Said, valued at $600 million

The 508-foot Al Said sits in the Lürssen shipyard in Germany and was purchased by the former Sultan of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 2008 for $600 million, according to Robb Report.

The yacht can travel up to 25 miles per hour and has a concert hall that can accommodate a 50-person orchestra, according to the outlet.

Dilbar, valued at $735 million

Dilbar, owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, is the largest superyacht in the world and it's valued at $735 million.

In April 2022, the yacht was impounded in Germany . German federal police said they seized the yacht after an investigation into "offshore concealment" and determined that Usmanov's sister is the owner of the yacht. The boat remains at a shipyard in Hamburg, Germany.

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Who Owns Dilbar Yacht

• 15 May 2023
• Vehicle , Yacht

The Dilbar yacht is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. He is the founder and president of USM Holdings, a private investment firm with holdings in metals, mining, telecommunications, media, technology and other sectors. The yacht was delivered to Usmanov’s ownership in 2016 and has been featured on various television shows such as Top Gear and What Not to Wear. The dilbar boasts an impressive array of amenities including a helipad, swimming pool with built-in Jacuzzi, gymnasiums and multiple decks for entertaining guests. It also features two luxurious VIP suites complete with marble bathrooms and expansive living areas. With its incredible length of 156 meters (512 feet) it holds the title as being one of the largest yachts in the world!

The luxurious yacht Dilbar is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. It was built in Germany at the Lürssen shipyard and was delivered to its owner in 2016. With a length of 156 meters, it is one of the world’s largest private yachts and includes spa facilities, a swimming pool, helipad, cinema room and two large tenders. Its interior design was done by Winch Design studio while exterior styling comes from Espen Oeino International. The yacht also features an onboard submarine which can submerge up to 50 metres deep underwater!

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Inside The $1 Billion Dilbar Yacht

Dilbar yacht seized.

In May of 2019, the stunning 159-meter long superyacht “Dilbar” was seized by authorities in Barcelona, Spain. The vessel is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and has been estimated to be worth over $600 million. Authorities allege that its registration papers have been falsified in order to avoid paying taxes on it while docked in Spanish waters. Its current status is unclear, but it remains impounded as the investigation continues into this high profile case.

How Much Does It Cost to Run Dilbar?

The cost of running Dilbar depends on several factors, such as the size and type of engine, fuel efficiency, and age. The latest models of this luxury yacht come with an 18-cylinder diesel engine that can produce up to 3600 horsepower. A recent estimate puts the annual operating costs for a model like this at around $1 million per year. This does not include any additional repairs or maintenance costs that may arise due to wear and tear over time. Additionally, depending on where you decide to cruise in your yacht, there will be other associated expenses like docking fees and onboard services which could increase the total cost even further. Ultimately, it is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much it would cost you run Dilbar but one thing is certain – owning such a luxurious vessel comes with quite a hefty price tag!

Where is Dilbar Currently?

Dilbar is currently located in the Indian Ocean, off the west coast of India and east of Pakistan. The 6,500 tonne platform was built by a South Korean company at a cost of US$450 million for exploration and production work in the Mumbai High North field. It has been operating since April 2002 to provide services such as well drilling, completion operations and other support activities related to offshore oil & gas production. Dilbar is owned by ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), which is an international arm of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC). OVL holds 80% stake in it while Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) owns 15% stake and remaining 5% stake held by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). This vessel has become one of the biggest assets for India’s energy sector as it provides more than 10 percent of total crude oil produced from Indian fields every day. In addition to this, it also produces natural gas which helps meet additional energy requirements across different parts of our country.

How Much Does It Cost to Fill Up a Dilbar Yacht?

The cost of filling up a Dilbar yacht can vary greatly depending on the size and type of fuel being used, as well as other factors. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,500 and $6,000 to fill up a full tank of diesel fuel for a standard-sized (20m) Dilbar yacht. Additionally, if you are using more expensive fuels such as gasoline or kerosene the cost could be significantly higher. Furthermore, there may be additional charges associated with refuelling in certain ports which should also be taken into consideration when budgeting for your trip. As such, it is important to research your options and plan ahead before setting sail in order to ensure that you have enough money to cover all necessary expenses including fuelling costs!

Who Owns the Largest Privately Owned Yacht?

The world’s largest privately owned yacht is named Azzam, and it belongs to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. This record-breaking superyacht was designed by German designer Lürssen Yachts in 2013 and measures an incredible 180 meters (590 feet) long—longer than the height of some skyscrapers. It has a top speed of 30 knots, or about 34 mph, making it one of the fastest yachts on Earth. Inside Azzam are luxury amenities like six decks with several VIP suites for guests to choose from as well as a pool and helipad. There’s also ample room for staff members who help keep everything running smoothly onboard this immense vessel. The cost to build Azzam was reportedly around $600 million USD, making it one of the most expensive private yachts ever constructed.

Overall, the Dilbar yacht is an impressive vessel that demonstrates a level of luxury and extravagance that few can afford. Owned by Alisher Usmanov, it has been reported to be the largest yacht in the world and stands as a symbol of power on the seas. Although its true value cannot be known due to its private ownership, estimates range from $600 million to over $1 billion dollars. For these reasons, Dilbar is sure to remain one of the most remarkable yachts in modern history for many years to come.

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France seizes yacht linked to Russian oligarch at Mediterranean port

Vessel linked to Igor Sechin taken as Hamburg authorities deny confiscation of Alisher Usmanov’s $600m superyacht

• Russia-Ukraine crisis: live news

France’s finance minister has announced the country has seized a yacht linked to Rosneft boss, Igor Sechin, in the Mediterranean port of La Ciotat, as German local authorities denied reports they had also seized the $600m superyacht belonging to Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov .

French finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, said it had seized a yacht linked to Rosneft boss Igor Sechin in the Mediterranean port of La Ciotat.

The finance ministry said the yacht was owned by an entity of which Sechin had been identified as the main shareholder.

The announcement came as authorities in Hamburg denied reports that Usmanov’s yacht had been seized in a shipyard in the German port city.

“No yachts have been confiscated,” a spokesperson for Hamburg’s economic authority said. “A handover [of the yacht to its owner] is also currently not planned. No yacht is going to leave the port that is not allowed to do so.”

The Hamburg local authority said any order to seize properties subject to sanctions would have to come from higher federal customs authorities.

A Forbes report citing three sources in the yacht industry had reported on Usmanov’s 156-metre (512-foot) yacht Dilbar, valued at $600m and regarded as the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage, was seized by German authorities on Wednesday.

Usmanov was on a list of billionaires to face sanctions from the European Union in response to Russia’s 24 February invasion of Ukraine .

Usmanov’s 156-metre (512-foot) yacht Dilbar, valued at $600m and regarded as the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage, was seized by German authorities on Wednesday, according to a Forbes report based on three sources in the yacht industry.

The Guardian understands that repair works on the Dilbar yet have currently been put on hold, and that the ship is not in a seaworthy state.

The yacht has been in the yards of shipbuilding firm Blohm+Voss since late October. A spokesperson declined to give a statement but said that all projects by shipbuilder Lürssen would be treated “in accordance with the law”.

Forbes reported that representatives for Usmanov did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ukraine’s adviser to the minister of internal affairs, Anton Geraschenko, responded to the report on Telegram by saying the yacht should be sent to Ukraine and refitted as a missile cruiser.

Usmanov bought Dilbar in 2016 for a reported cost of $600m from German shipbuilder Lürssen, which custom-built it for him over 52 months.

The firm describes it as “one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology”.

At the time of its launch, Lürssen CEO, Peter Lürssen, said : “Dilbar has the most advanced security technologies of any superyacht in the world. But the things you read about it containing an anti-aircraft missile defence system are all nonsense.”

At 15,917 tonnes, it’s the world’s largest motor yacht by gross tonnage, and is typically staffed by a crew of 96 people, with space for 24 passengers in 12 suites. It has the largest pool ever installed on a yacht as well as two helicopter pads, a sauna, a beauty salon and a gym.

At least five other superyachts owned by Russian billionaires are now anchored or cruising in Maldives, an Indian Ocean island nation that does not have an extradition treaty with the US, ship tracking data showed.

The vessels’ arrival in the archipelago off the coast of Sri Lanka follows the imposition of severe western sanctions on Russia.

The Clio superyacht, owned by Oleg Deripaska, the founder of aluminium giant Rusal, who was sanctioned by the US in 2018, was anchored off the capital Male on Wednesday, according to shipping database MarineTraffic.

The Titan, owned by Alexander Abramov, a cofounder of steel producer Evraz, arrived on 28 February.

Three more yachts owned by Russian billionaires were seen cruising in Maldives waters on Wednesday, the data showed. They include the 88-metre (288 ft) Nirvana owned by Russia’s richest man, Vladimir Potanin . Most vessels were last seen anchored in Middle Eastern ports earlier in the year.

A spokesperson for Maldives’ government did not respond to a request for comment.

The US has said it will take strict action to seize property of sanctioned Russians.

“This coming week, we will launch a multilateral transatlantic taskforce to identify, hunt down, and freeze the assets of sanctioned Russian companies and oligarchs: their yachts, their mansions, and any other ill-gotten gains that we can find and freeze under the law,” the White House said in a tweet on Sunday.

Washington imposed sanctions on Deripaska and other influential Russians in 2018 because of their ties to president Vladimir Putin after alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US election, which Moscow denies.

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Dilbar Officially Becomes Largest Yacht by Gross Tonnage

156 m superyacht Dilbar has officially become the world’s largest yacht by volume.

The builder Lurssen confirmed the gross tonnage of 15,917 tons. Although it’s only the fourth superyacht by length, Dilbar tops Al Said’s 15,850 tons and Azzam’s 13,135 tons.

Dilbar, formerly known as Project Omar, has a beam of 23 meters and a deep draft of 6 meters. Dilbar can cruise at a speed of 22 knots under diesel electric power. The yacht is so large that it required 1,100 km of electric cables.

The yacht exterior is designed by Espen Oeino, the interior is signed by Andrew Winch Designs. The owner of the superyacht is Russian billionaire Alisher Ustinov, who owns also a 115 m superyach also named Dilbar, now renamed Ona.

Dilbar uses a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. The living quarters have a combined 3,800 square meters of space. The superyacht has a lot of features, including two helipads. The construction of Dilbar took 52 months.

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Delivered in 2016, Dilbar is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. She is one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology. At 15,917 tons, the 156-meter superyacht features entertainment and recreation spaces never before seen on a yacht. These include a 25-meter swimming pool that holds an incredible 180 m³ of water, the largest pool ever to have been installed on a yacht. The exterior design, a classic profile with a light ivory hull and bronze accents, was developed by Espen Øino International. Her spectacular interior, created by the Winch Design team, uses rare and exclusive luxury materials.

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Billionaire fights to dock his boat on water behind his house. His 164-foot boat, that is.

The love of the water, and a mega-yacht to enjoy it, is putting one resident at odds with village of north palm beach leaders..

For some people, the ultimate Florida lifestyle is a waterfront house , a private dock and a boat parked next to it. But what if that boat is a mega-yacht , and the mega-yacht stretches 164 feet?

That's the conundrum facing the Village of North Palm Beach.

This tiny community in northern Palm Beach County, with only 13,000 full-time residents, has an identity so tied to the water that a ship's steering wheel is the village's emblem.

But it's that love of the water that is putting one resident at odds with village leaders.

For the past several years, homeowner Michael Bozutto has been battling the village for the right to park his 164-foot Westport, dubbed Honey, behind a home he owns at 932 Shore Drive.

The house, built in 1961, is a one-story, ranch-style property with three bedrooms on a half-acre lot. Bozzuto paid $840,247 for the house in 2014, according to Palm Beach County property records.

Lawsuit rooted in dispute over where to dock mega-yacht

What makes this plain house special is its location. It's on a rare corner bordered on the north and east by navigable waters that provide access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet. The east-facing dock is large enough to accommodate Bozzuto's motor yacht.

Since Bozutto bought Honey for an undisclosed sum a decade ago, he mostly has parked it at the Old Port Cove Marina, near Tiger Woods' 155-foot showy mega-yacht, ironically dubbed Privacy.

More recently, Bozzuto has wanted to park Honey alongside his Shore Drive house, one of four houses he owns in the village. While Bozzuto keeps some personal property at the Shore Drive house, he lives at a house he owns at Harbour Isles Court.

Village officials warned Bozzuto he can't park Honey at 932 Shore Drive because boats can only be parked on docks behind houses that are occupied by the homeowner.

But village rules do not define the word "occupied." For instance, the rules do not state that occupied means the house is a residence where the owner lives. Village rules also contain no restrictions on the size of boats that can be kept at private docks.

After years of pushing back against what he believes are fuzzy rules, Bozzuto in March filed a lawsuit against the village.

More: Cannonsport Marina sells for $58.5 million in big deal for tiny Palm Beach Shores

He alleged the municipality is illegally depriving him of his property rights because nothing in the village code prevents him from mooring Honey at his house. He is asking a Palm Beach County Circuit Court judge to rule that he has a constitutional right to dock Honey there.

Gregory Coleman, Bozzuto's West Palm Beach attorney, said the village has plenty of waterfront homes with yachts parked behind them. But Coleman said the village is illegally blocking Bozzuto from docking Honey at his house because the village is bending to pressure from a handful of neighbors who think the boat is too big.

The selective enforcement is wrong, said Coleman, a former president of the Florida Bar.

"He's a very under-the-radar guy who doesn't cause anybody any problems," Coleman said of Bozzuto. "He pays his property taxes, and he wants to be left alone by the village of North Palm Beach. Unfortunately, they are singling Mike out."

Neither Leonard Rubin, the village's longtime attorney, nor Village Manager Chuck Huff responded to requests for comment.

Eric Stettin, a Fort Lauderdale-based attorney who is representing the village in the Bozzuto lawsuit, said he could not comment on pending litigation.

What good is a man's castle if he can't have a boat in his moat?

Coleman's lawsuit describes the conflict as a battle over property rights, but real estate and yachting experts say it's also a sign of the times.

As wealthy new residents pour into the county wanting all the perks of the Sunshine State, they want a boat to go along with their waterfront homes and golf club memberships. Some longtime residents fear Palm Beach County is turning into a playground for billionaires, to the detriment of everyday people who also want to live in sunshine and peace.

This conflict between Old Florida and new money is an ever-present tension, but even seasoned yacht brokers say they've never seen interest in luxury yachts quite as strong as it is now.

More: Illegal boat slips are popping near Palm Beach Gardens. Residents want regulators to act

"What we've seen in the marketplace right after COVID in the yachting industry, and especially the superyacht segment, is the most incredible growth ever seen in the history of yachting to date," said Shannon McCoy, a luxury yacht advisor and broker with Worth Avenue Yachts in Palm Beach.

"A lot of people are moving here with serious money," added Pascal Savoy, U.S. managing director of Camper & Nicholsons International yacht brokers in Fort Lauderdale.

While in the past Palm Beach County was not considered lively enough for some buyers, Savoy said the county's growing sophistication is putting it on the map in a way never seen before.

"It's a mini-Monaco for us," Savoy said.

Prices for mega-yachts can range from $18 million to $60 million, or many times that, for the largest and most decked-out mega-yachts, Savoy said.

While some yachts can be glitzy, a 164-foot Westport is considered a more low-profile boat, Savoy added.

Michael Bozzuto's interests: Houses, boats and philanthropy

Bozzuto is no newcomer to North Palm Beach. He's been a resident of the village for 20 years.

He is the billionaire owner of a family-owned supermarket wholesaler in Connecticut, and an investor and philanthropist who likes to collect houses and yachts, Coleman said.

In addition to the four North Palm Beach houses and several yachts he owns, Bozzuto in February paid a whopping $31.1 million for a house in the Town of Palm Beach Shores. The house, which has two docks, sits just north of the Palm Beach/Lake Worth Inlet.

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Coleman said there is plenty of room for other boaters to navigate the waterway when Honey is parked at the Shore Drive house in North Palm Beach. And while other people may not have as large a yacht, there are other sizeable yachts parked on docks behind other North Palm Beach homes, too, he added.

At a 2017 village council meeting, then-Mayor Darryl Aubrey commented on the issue, according to the complaint.

"When I didn't live here full time, I had a boat sitting in my dock, I was gone nine months of the year. I don't see how you can say that someone has to be in a residence year-round, seems to be some interpretation of occupant, there would be an enormous number of violations," Aubrey said.

Another member of the village council asked if the village had a definition now, the complaint said.

Rubin, the village attorney, replied: "No, we don't," according to the lawsuit.

Show me the money? Here it is: West Palm and Palm Beach rank in top 5 as cities with fastest growth in millionaires

Palm Beach County's waterways run deep, and they are popular

The yacht docking dispute is particularly timely, given the scarcity of dock space for boats of all sizes.

The most convenient place to park a boat is on the water behind a house, brokers say. But not every waterway or channel can accommodate the draft, or depth, of a mega-yacht.

However, the dock behind Bozzuto's Shore Drive house can.

Not only is the Westport not known for its deep hulls, but the waterway also is typical of northern Palm Beach County, which boasts deep water and easy access to the ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet, said Coleman, a lifelong boater.

"In Palm Beach County, they have deeper water, and it allows people to have larger yachts," Savoy agreed.

But not every waterway is deep enough for every boat.

McCoy said she specializes in helping advise potential yacht owners about the county's varied water depths before they buy a house, if they plan to dock their yacht behind it.

If yacht owners don't have a private dock, the other option is a marina. But marina space is hard to find, with many dock berths reserved for months in advance, McCoy said.

Despite the challenges of owning a boat and finding a place to dock it, yacht brokers say demand continues.

They see interest continuing from business executives moving here with their families as they relocate their companies to Palm Beach County. There's also a growing demand for yachts among female buyers, McCoy added.

They also see younger mega-yacht buyers, some even in their early 30s. This is in sharp contrast to the mostly older buyers in the past, Savoy said.

Palm Beach County may not be as go-go as Miami-Dade County when it comes to showy ships, but if interest continues, "it's coming," Savoy said. "You're going to attract bigger yachts."

Put another way: "No one needs a boat, but everyone needs a boat," McCoy said. "It's the ultimate lifestyle."

Alexandra Clough is a business writer and columnist at  The Palm Beach Post . You can reach her at  [email protected] . Twitter:  @acloughpbp .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.