Yachting, sailing and celebrities seem to go hand in hand. For those in the public eye, the allure of retreating to the open sea, where they can be enveloped by the wind, waves, and vast blue horizon, offers a rare opportunity for privacy and respite from the constant scrutiny of photographers. So, which celebrities are avid sailors or have even gone as far as to get their captain's licence?
For famous stars, superyachts serve as an extravagant "accessory" alongside private jets, opulent villas, and other luxuries made possible by their success and substantial earnings. The yachts owned by these famous individuals may vary in design and magnitude, but they share a more profound connection – their owner's deep-rooted passion for the sea.
In our roundup, you'll find the famous faces of British footballer David Beckham, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor and fashion designer Giorgio Armani, as well as numerous actors, influencers and other well-known faces.
Zlatan Ibrahimović and his "Unknown"
While the superyacht may be named Unknown, its owner is anything but. Swedish professional footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović acquired the vessel in 2022, making it his second boat alongside the 34-meter Oasis yacht, crafted by Benetti. The world-renowned athlete renamed the superyacht Unknown and took it for a spin around Sardinia. Ibrahimović proudly documented the journey on social media, sharing an array of photos and videos showcasing the fun he and his friends enjoyed aboard the yacht.
Photo source: https://yachtharbour.com/news/zlatan-ibrahimovic-s-%E2%82%AC8-million-superyacht-2527
Experienced yachtsman Giorgio Armani making fashionable waves
Many fashion designers have also entered the world of yachting. Giorgio Armani, for example, boasts 40 years of sailing experience. Even his yacht Codecasa Main, which can accommodate up to 12 guests, exudes fashionable flair. Co-designed by Armani himself, the elegant 65-meter yacht features a distinct dark green exterior and angular lines inspired by military aesthetics. Inside, the yacht is all about subtle muted colours and striking accessories such as a spiral staircase, gym or cinema.
Photo source: https://www.codecasayachts.com/yachts/main/
David Beckham and his lucky "Seven"
Naturally, a yacht is also part of David Beckham's star-studded family's collection. Aptly named Seven, after the number the football icon donned on his jersey, David's 28-metre Riva Argo 90 is a sight to behold. Launched in October 2021, the iconic 'Seven' is propelled by two MTU diesel engines, reaching a top speed of 30 knots. The yacht's standout design elements include a sunbathing area on the bow, as well as an array of amenities and water toys for endless enjoyment.
Photo source: https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/david-beckham-buys-5m-yacht/
What about the superyacht "Cyan"?
Rumors have circulated in the tabloids about this superyacht, initially attributing its ownership to U2's frontman, Bono. However, it is actually owned by U2's guitarist, the Edge. The yacht's crew dons rock-inspired uniforms, and the vessel boasts one of the finest outdoor cinemas found on a superyacht. Measuring an impressive 48.71 metres, the yacht remains in impeccable condition despite being launched in 1997, thanks to meticulous maintenance. It is currently available for charter through Burgess.
Information source: https://www.burgessyachts.com/en/charter-a-yacht/yachts-for-charter/cyan-00006482
YACHTING.COM TIP: Ownership of certain yachts may change over time, but the yachts themselves continue to grace the seas, with their list of celebrity owners evolving through the years. To stay updated on which celebrity owns which yacht, keep an eye on our posts across social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Twitter.
Guitarist David Gilmour's concert at "Astoria"
Astoria, a 27-metre maritime legend, may appear more demure and vintage compared to contemporary superyachts. However, she boasts a rich history that sets her apart. Constructed in 1911 for British theatre manager Fred Karno, Astoria was designed with grand ambitions in mind — to accommodate on-board performances by up to a 90-piece orchestra!
In 1986 the yacht was purchased by the guitarist of Pink Floyd, who converted it into a recording studio with three cabins, a kitchen, bathroom and a large main salon. Parts of the last three Pink Floyd albums were recorded on board. Astoria is permanently moored on the River Thames in Greater London.
Check out our other articles about famous people or sailing activities
"Great White" owned by Rafael Nadal
Tennis ace Rafael Nadal shares a passion for yachts and sailing as well. Three years ago, he treated himself to a Sunreef 80 Power superyacht for his 34th birthday. Naming it Great White, this luxury vessel set him back $6.2 million.
Before acquiring Great White, Nadal owned a Monte Carlo Yachts 76 named Beethoven. He only decided to purchase the catamaran after having chartered it for several years. As an avid sailor, Nadal views sailing as a means to escape from stress and find tranquility.
Sunreef 80 Power boat, CAPTAIN RAJU - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=122503463
New golden yacht in the hands of Conor McGregor
UFC fighter Conor McGregor owns a cutting-edge 19.2-metre Tecnomar For Lamborghini 63 yacht. As the name implies, it represents a fusion of the two prominent brands, catered to aficionados of both superyachts and supercars. The yacht features a dazzling gold paint job, ensuring it shines on the water, and is equipped with features reminiscent of a Lamborghini supercar. Its aerodynamic profile and unique "carbon skin" further enhance its distinct appeal.
Photo source: https://www.motor1.com/features/522543/lamborghini-63-yacht-special-video/
The "Freedom" of fashion designer Roberto Cavalli in the style of Batman
Fashion designer Roberto Cavalli commissioned the construction of his yacht, Freedom, back in 2018, and it was surrounded by intrigue. The 27-metre vessel hails from the Cerri Cantieri Navali shipyard in Italy, with its design inspired by the Batman superhero and his Batmobile. The yacht boasts sharp lines, a black exterior, and tinted windows. The deck, cabins, and saloons are adorned with characteristic animal-print furnishings. Featuring two dining rooms, Freedom can accommodate six guests and three crew members. Its top speed reaches an impressive 40 knots.
Photo source: https://www.superyachttimes.com/photos/62770
More tidbits and gossip from the world of celebrity sailing
The most expensive and largest yacht among all global celebrities is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. In addition to Eclipse, he also possesses the superyachts Solaris and Sussurro. Abramovich is often described as the person to have owned the most megayachts in their lifetime. Jeff Bezos, too, has been known to buy and sell impressive yachts.
The yacht Amphitrite was previously owned by both J.K. Rowling and Johnny Depp. The Harry Potter author purchased the classic superyacht Amphitrite when it was previously owned by actor Johnny Depp, another yachting enthusiast, under the name Vajoliroja. At the time, the yacht's name was an amalgamation of his name and the names of his ex-wife Vanessa Paradis and their two children, Lily-Rose and Jack.
Superyacht Solaris, author Julien Hubert, photo source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9852721/Roman-Abramovichs-430million-Solaris-spotted-time-sea-Antibes.html
Even the renowned American pianist Billy Joel owns a modern classic yacht called Vendetta. It is just one of the many yachts he has possessed, as Joel considers himself an avid yachting enthusiast. He even designs yachts for fellow celebrities. Legend has it that Billy Joel would use the yacht to travel from his Long Island home to the city where he was performing concerts. At one stage, he even owned five yachts.
Former American footballer Tom Brady also loves yachting and had a custom-built 16-metre cruiser made for him before ordering an even larger yacht towards the end of 2020. The Wajer 55S, christened Viva and Vida, boasts a baby blue hull and can reach speeds of up to 40 knots. Alongside an host of water toys, the boat features the convenience of push-button fenders and a retractable swim platform.
For renowned businessman Richard Branson, his yacht and a Caribbean island serve as sanctuaries where he can unwind from the pressures of his professional life. The 32-metre catamaran Necker Belle is named after Branson's island retreat, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands, which is among the most exclusive private islands owned by celebrities.
Although his superyacht Va Bene is currently for sale, Clapton also owns a yacht called Blue Guitar, named after his famous guitar.
Superyacht Necker Belle, photo source: https://bvipropertyyacht.com/yachting/necker-belle/
Steven Slielberg, Tiger Woods, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Leonardo Dicaprio, Selena Gomez, all the divas of the Kardashian clan and many others have fallen in love with yachting.
Celebrities and yachts undoubtedly go hand in hand. Not only are celebrities accustomed to the opulent lifestyle of the world's wealthiest individuals, but they also possess the financial means to charter or even purchase a luxury yacht. Furthermore, images of them enjoying themselves on a superyacht bolster their "superstar image," which their fans adore. To conclude our list, one might say that a celebrity who doesn't sail, in Hollywood and beyond, is practically unheard of...
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