Whether as an effort to diversify investments, ego or challenge – many international celebrities have spent millions of dollars for the opportunity to own a superyacht. Unlike athletes who splash their names on a restaurant and cover the walls in memorabilia as a shrine to their athletic glory, celebrity yacht owners rarely view their vessels as a tool for self-promotion. Instead, these yachts serve as a private oasis, a retreat from the constant pressures of the high-profile world of business and entertainment.
When not in use by their owners or families, many of these yachts are available for hire as luxury mega yacht charter vessels.
“We just spent a week on P. Diddy’s private yacht!“
Motor yacht VaJoLiRoJa — the boat’s clever name comes from combining the first few letters of each family member’s name, partner Vanessa Paradis, Johnny, and their kids, Lily-Rose and Jack — is a 156′ Mediterranean yacht charter vessel of distinctive character, inspired by the classic gentleman’s yachts of the 1930’s.
The lavishly-styled interior evokes the romance and glamour of a bygone era (with a few pirate-themed hints throughout). Available for hire in the Mediterranean for € 98,000 per week in July and August, and € 84,000 per week the other months.
According to the story, legendary rock star Eric Clapton (“Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Cocaine“) chartered motor yacht Va Bene in 2005 and loved the yacht so much, he purchased it from then owner, F1 motor racing CEO Bernie Ecclestone. The 157 ft (47.8m) yacht can accommodate 12 guests in six separate sleeping cabins and has a crew complement of 13 when under charter.
The yacht’s interior is best described as calm and informal, with neutral tones in the décor and an Art Deco theme running through the main guest areas. Clapton, a collector of modern art, has filled the yacht with paintings, sculptures, and ceramic vases.
Motor Yacht Va Bene is available for Caribbean yacht charter hire in the winter and spring at a rate of $189,000 per week. In the summer, the yacht is based in the Mediterranean and is priced at $210,000 per week in July and August, and $189,000 per week all other months.
3. SEVEN SEAS
After her launch in 2010, speculation swirled around Steven Spielberg’s motor yacht SEVEN SEAS as to whether or not she would enter the charter market. At first – she did. Recently, however, Spielberg withdrew the yacht from charter for extended personal use. Hopeful that the superyacht will one day return to charter, we have selected her for our list of the best celebrity-owned (charter) yachts.
At 86 meters in length, her size, shape, and style ensure that motor yacht Seven Seas is one of the most impressive yachts in the world. Built by Oceanco, the megayacht features an infinity swimming pool on her aft deck which can conveniently be transformed into a full helipad or used as a screen for viewing movies while on deck or in the pool. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we will soon see the return of Seven Seas to the rental marketplace!
Do you know any other celebrity-owned yachts worthy of mention? Help us expand our list and see if we can come up with the top ten celebrity-owned yacht, even if they are not for hire. Contact us with your nominations HERE.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News and tagged P Diddy, Seven Seas, Simon Cowell, Va Bene, Eric Clapton, Steven Spielberg, celebrities who own yachts, Johnny Depp, ValJoliroja, Puff Daddy
Posted on
When it comes to a keen sense for talent, creativity and style, few can argue with Simon Cowell’s success. The television and music industry mogul has helped launch the careers of dozens of entertainers, while his brutal honesty has made him a household name in America.
Amazingly, his sense of style and panache extends far beyond the entertainment industry, into the realm of the world’s newest and largest luxury yachts, as witnessed by Cowell’s own show-winning vessel, motor yacht SLIPSTREAM.
We first introduced you to American Idol Simon Cowell motor yacht SLIPSTREAM at the 2009 Genoa yacht show. Built by France’s CMN Shipyard, their largest yacht to date, Simon Cowell’s yacht SLIPSTREAM is one of the chicest crafts on the water.
Cowell’s yacht décor is a super-stylish mélange of modern and nautical, taking full advantage of the yacht’s panoramic windows. The vessel’s interiors are finished in a neo-Art Deco style combining dark ebony joinery and red leather paneling. The sun-deck is fitted with a spa, sun-pads, bar with BBQ, and al fresco dining area, and the yacht comes equipped with a cutting-edge home entertainment system including video on demand and a satellite communications center.
Like her owner, most often seen wearing a crisp, black T-shirt, the yacht presents a dramatic appearance with her gleaming black hull.
With room to accommodate up to 14 Guests, and 200 square meters of outdoor decks, expect to see this vessel hosting fellow entertainers and celebrities at events like the upcoming Cannes Film Festival 2011 and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Cowell has a U.K.-based production company, SYCO. They produce BAFTA Award-winning show, The X Factor. Specifically, it has topped the charts in England. He also produces and judges Britain’s Got Talent. Of course, here in the states he is best known for starring in American Idol for 9 seasons, and for serving as executive-producer of America’s Got Talent.
What a strange twist. The man who professionally judges style and talent had an experience. He saw his beloved superyacht placed before a jury of judges. In October 2010, Cowell’s yacht won the prestigious ShowBoats Design Award for Best Exterior Design & Styling.
Prices onboard Simon Cowell’s yacht SLIPSTREAM begin at 315,000 Euros per week.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Yacht of the Week and tagged Cannes Film Festival, Cowell's production company, award-winning, Genoa yacht show, BAFTA, SYCO, American Idol, Simon Cowell, America's Got Talent, ShowBoats Deisgn Awards, CMN, Best Exterior Design and Styling
Posted onSardinia Luxury Tax on Mediterranean Yacht Charter Vessels Abolished
LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […] read morePosted by admin
Ferretti Yacht SEA STREAM brings Luxury Charter to Seychelles
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read morePosted by admin
What to Pack for a Sailboat Vacation
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read morePosted by admin
Recent Comments