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.
While a celebrity’s name might pique your interest in considering his or her yacht, it’s the onboard amenities, professional crew, and overall design of the vessel that ultimately lead a client to rent a specific private yacht.
Still, for many people (especially the charterer’s children), it’s fun to say,
“We just spent a week on P. Diddy’s private yacht!“
To that end, we’ve compiled a list of our three favorite celebrity-owned yachts for hire:
1. VAJOLIROJA
Sailing the high seas as the lead character in the blockbusterPirates of the Caribbean movie franchise might explain why actor Johnny Depp has a passion for fine yachts.
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.
2. VA BENE
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 Seasis 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!
HOW TO BOOK A CELEBRITY-OWNED YACHT CHARTER
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.
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.
SUPERYACHTS
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.
SLIPSTREAM AND COWELL
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.
YACHT DECOR
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.
ACCOMMODATIONS
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.
PRODUCTION COMPANY
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 Idolfor 9 seasons, and for serving as executive-producer of America’s Got Talent.
AWARD-WINNING YACHT
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.
RATES
Prices onboard Simon Cowell’s yacht SLIPSTREAM begin at 315,000 Euros per week.
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