Super yachts flock to Mallorca for Midsummer
Here are some of the magnificent vessels that have recently made headlines or are commonly seen frequenting the Islands:
M/Y Seven Seas
- Owner: Steven Spielberg (reportedly his recently sold)
- Length: 108.2 meters (355 feet) - Note: Recent reports indicate he acquired a larger, 357-foot (approx. 108.8m) new 'Seven Seas' built by Oceanco, with his previous one being sold.
- Builder: Oceanco (for his new yacht)
- Key Features & Technical Details:
- The new Seven Seas is a true marvel of luxury and engineering.
- Accommodation: Designed to host a substantial number of guests and a large crew. His previous Seven Seascould accommodate 14 guests and 30 crew.
MY Seven Sea - Amenities: Rumoured to include extensive amenities such as multiple pools (one possibly glass-bottomed), a helipad, a cinema, spa, gym, and a beach club. The new yacht is described as a "floating private resort."
- Hull & Superstructure: Typically steel hull with an aluminum superstructure.
- Propulsion: Powered by powerful engines allowing for respectable cruising speeds and ranges for extensive voyages.
- Design: While specific designers for the new Seven Seas are less publicized, Oceanco yachts are known for their sophisticated naval architecture and luxurious interiors.
S/Y Koru
- Owner: Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder)
- Length: 127 meters (417 feet)
- Builder: Oceanco
- Key Features & Technical Details:
- Koru is a colossal three-masted sailing yacht, one of the largest in the world.
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately 3,493 GT.
- Design: Features a striking midnight blue hull, a traditional canoe stern, and an elongated bowsprit. Designed by Dykstra Naval Architects for its elegant exterior, with interiors by Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi.
- Accommodation: Capable of hosting 18 guests in 9 suites, along with a crew of 40.
- Performance: Powered by twin diesel MTU engines, she can reach a top speed of 17 knots and cruises comfortably at 15 knots.
- Unique Features: Supported by a dedicated 75-meter (247 ft) Damen support vessel named Abeona (formerly Wingman), which carries tenders, a submarine (rumored), and other toys, freeing up space on Koru itself. It also reportedly has an innovative kinetic energy recovery system.
M/Y Hampshire II
MY Hampshire II- Owner: Sir Jim Ratcliffe (British billionaire, CEO of INEOS, minority owner of Manchester United)
- Length: 71 meters (233 feet)
- Builder: Feadship
- Key Features & Technical Details:
- Gross Tonnage: Not widely published, but impressive for its length.
- Accommodation: Can host 14 guests and a crew of 23.
- Amenities: Known for its high-end amenities including an infinity pool, a helicopter landing pad, and a state-of-the-art cinema room. It features a unique crow's nest at the top of its mast, accessible by elevator.
- Design: Designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon for both exterior and interior.
- Performance: Powered by twin MTU engines, offering a good balance of speed and range for cruising.
M/Y Kaos (formerly Jubilee)
- Owner: Nancy Walton Laurie (Walmart heiress)
- Length: 110.1 meters (361 feet)
- Builder: Oceanco
- Key Features & Technical Details:
- Gross Tonnage: 4,523 GT.
- Design: Original exterior by Lobanov Design, with a striking and distinctive turquoise hull and sleek lines. Refitted in 2020 with exterior restyling by Sam Sorgiovanni and new interior by Reymond Langton.
- Accommodation: Can accommodate 31 guests in 15 cabins, with a crew of 45.
- Amenities: Features a large swimming pool on the main deck, a helicopter deck with fueling facilities, a gym, spa, hammam, and an onboard hospital.
- Performance: Powered by twin MTU engines, giving her a top speed of 18.5 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, with a range of 5,300 nautical miles.
Why Mallorca Attracts Superyachts
Mallorca's appeal to superyacht owners is multifaceted:
- Strategic Location: Situated in the heart of the Western Mediterranean, it's a convenient hub for cruising the Balearics and accessing other popular destinations like the French Riviera, Italy, and North Africa.
- World-Class Marinas: Palma boasts some of the most prestigious superyacht marinas, including Marina Port de Mallorca, STP Shipyard Palma, and Port Adriano, offering extensive services, refit facilities, and luxurious berths.
- Natural Beauty: The island's stunning coastline, secluded coves, and vibrant turquoise waters provide an idyllic cruising ground.
- Privacy and Exclusivity: While popular, there are still ample opportunities for discreet anchoring and private experiences away from the crowds.
- Infrastructure: Excellent airport connections, high-end restaurants, luxury shopping, and a well-developed support infrastructure for superyachts further enhance its allure.
As the summer season continues to unfold, Mallorca will undoubtedly remain a hotspot for some of the world's most impressive superyachts and their distinguished owners.
