The yachts owned by celebrities

How can someone who is recognised everywhere get away from it all? On a superyacht, of course. Yachts owned by celebrities range in style and size, but one thing that unite these vessels is their owner's love for the sea. Our round-up features the famous faces of British footballer David Beckham, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, martial artist Conor McGregor and fashion designer Giorgio Armani. 

Unknown owned by Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović took delivery of the second hull in Benetti's 34M Oasis, named Unknown, in 2022.  The 34 metre superyacht has had a busy maiden season, cruising around the emerald coasts of Sardinia showing off her trademarked Oasis deck and RWD-designed exterior. Ibrahimović has posted the yacht on social media extensively, with videos of him and his friends playing with a drone and putting her huge locker of water toys - which includes a floating dock - to good use. The Oasis 34M follows in the footsteps of the highly popular Oasis 40M, the first hull of which, Rebeca, is owned by champion powerboat racer Tim Ciasulli.

More about this yacht

Benetti   34.36 m •   2022

Seven owned by David Beckham

Seven's sistership, Riva's 28.5 metre O4
Credit: Alberto Cocchi

Ex-England football star and Inter Miami owner David Beckham has been revealed as the owner of a 28 metre Riva Argo 90. Named after Beckham's iconic football shirt number, Seven was launched in October 2021 and constructed in GRP. Studio Officina Italiana Design penned the yacht both inside and out, while Ferretti Engineering Department oversaw her naval architecture. Stand out design features include the sun lounging space on the foredeck, while twin MTU diesel engines power her to a top speed of 30 knots. 

Viva a Vida owned by Tom Brady

NFL superstar Tom Brady took delivery of a 16 metre custom cruiser from Dutch builder Wajer towards the end of 2020 after signing a $50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarterback is clearly a keen fan of the Wajer yachts after he recently announced he had commissioned a larger mode, the Wajer 77. The Wajer 55S, christened Viva a Vida, sports a baby blue hull and is powered by three 435hp Volvo Penta engines guaranteeing a wild ride with speeds in excess of 40 knots. A walkaround centre console allows guests to make the most of the deck space available with stowage for SeaBobs and other toys concealed beneath the aft stairway. Below deck, the Wajer 55S offers accommodation for four. Other cool features include push-button fenders and an extendable swim platform. The 55S is the souped-up version of its older sibling, the Wajer 55, and comes from the boards of Dutch design studio Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design

Vendetta owned by Billy Joel

The modern classic commuter yacht Vendetta is just one of the many yachts that Billy Joel has owned. The "Piano Man" is a yacht fanatic, to the extent that he's even a celebrity yacht designer. Designed by Doug Zurn, the 17 metre Vendetta was created to be a true replica of the classic gentleman's commuter launches that were popularised in the 1920s for their quick speed to run down the Long Island Sound and into New York City. True to the intended form of the vessels, Billy Joel told BOAT International that he has used the yacht to run from his home in Long Island to the City to perform in a concert. At one point, Billy Joel owned five yachts, including 29 metre Inace explorer yacht Audacious (re-named Miss Sarah J), which he converted to house a few of his motorcycles. Fresh from a refit, Vendetta has recently joined the brokerage market and is listed for sale with Fraser.

Freedom owned by Roberto Cavalli

Much secrecy surrounded the construction of fashion designer Roberto Cavalli’s yacht until it was delivered in 2018. Built by Italian shipyard Cerri Cantieri Navali, the 27-metre Freedom was designed by Tommaso Spadolini in collaboration with her owner. According to Cavalli, the inspiration for the yacht’s design was the aesthetic of batman’s superhero batmobile. This explains the severe lines, jet black exterior and tinted windows which make up the yacht’s distinctive appearance. on board, Cavalli’s signature animal-print furnishings adorn the cabins and saloons. Freedom can accommodate six guests and three crew members and has two dining areas on board. Powered by three water jet engines, Freedom’s moderate size means that she can reach a top speed of 40 knots.

Astoria owned by David Gilmour

While rather more sedate and old-fashioned than some of the world's largest superyachts, the 27 metre Astoria has certainly seen its fair share of rock and roll behaviour. Owned by Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, the houseboat was built in 1911 for Fred Karno and designed so a 90-piece orchestra could play on its deck.

Gilmour bought Astoria in 1986 and converted it into a recording studio complete with three cabins, a kitchen, bathroom and large main saloon. Parts of Pink Floyd's last three albums, along with many of Gilmour's solo releases, were recorded on board and the boat is permanently anchored on the River Thames at Hampton in Greater London.

Amphitrite formerly owned by J. K. Rowling and Johnny Depp

It was reported in January 2016 that Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling had bought classic superyacht Amphitrite. Previously known as Vajoliroja, this was once Johnny Depp's yacht and named after a blend of his name and the names of his ex-wife Vanessa Paradis and their two children Lilly-Rose and Jack. The yacht was once again listed for sale in September 2016 with an asking price of €17.5 million and eventually sold in July 2017 to an undisclosed buyer.

Necker Belle formerly owned by Richard Branson

For famous entrepreneur Richard Branson, his yacht and Caribbean island is where he gets away from the stresses of business life. The 32 metre catamaran superyacht Necker Belle was named after his island hideaway, Necker Island, in the B.V.I., which is one of the most exclusive private islands owned by celebrities. Built by CMN and launched in 2003, Necker Belle was sold by Branson to an undisclosed buyer in August 2018. The yacht is designed for partying with a huge sundeck for entertaining, lots of water toys and ample accommodations for guests and was also used to provide aid to those affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Cyan owned by U2's The Edge

Believe the tabloids, and you might think that it's U2's frontman Bono that owns this yacht. But it's actually U2's The Edge who owns superyacht Cyan. The 48.71 metre motor yacht was launched by Italian builder Codecasa in 1997 but has been kept in like new condition and is now available to charter with Burgess. The yacht's crew have very cool uniforms befitting a rockstar's boat, and Cyan is also known to have one of the best outdoor cinemas found on a superyacht. She accommodates 10 guests in a Franco & Anna Della Role interior.

Va Bene owned by Eric Clapton

Another musician with a passion for yachting is Eric Clapton. Superyacht Va Bene is owned by Eric Clapton, although it is currently listed for sale with Burgess, and it's also reported that he owns the aptly named yacht Blue Guitar. The 46.51 metre motor yacht Va Bene was launched in 1992 by Cornelissen. She features exterior design by the A Group and interiors and naval architecture by Richard Hein. The semi-displacement, tri-deck yacht enjoyed a refit in 2008 and hosts 12 guests in comfortable accommodations. She also reaches a top speed of 18 knots powered by twin Caterpillar engines.

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