Famous for being the largest and most expensive charter yacht in the world, Flying Fox has been garnering the attention of superyacht enthusiasts since it first hit the water in 2019. Built by German yard Lürssen, the 136 metre yacht features vast living spaces thanks to a 20.5 metre beam, resulting in a huge 9,100GT interior.
Designed by Espen Øino, with interiors penned by Mark Berryman, Flying Fox is packed with premium superyacht features, some of which are rarely seen on yachts. These include a cryosauna, extensive dive centre/ kite surf store and two galleys fitted out with the equipment of chef’s dreams. With all this on board is it any wonder that Flying Fox has proved popular with celebrity superyacht enthusiasts including the likes of Beyonce and Jay Z. BOAT rounds up some of the most unusual facts about the coveted superyacht, starting with its famous price tag.
1. Flying Fox is the world’s most expensive charter yacht
Since being delivered in 2019, Flying Fox has been making and breaking records. As well as being the world’s most expensive charter yacht, setting you back a total of €3 million a week, Flying Fox is also the world’s largest charter yacht.
2. The tender garage can hold a personal submarine
An extra hatch was installed in the tender garage to allow guests to enter the submarine straight from the deck above. The submarine is deployed from a specially designed rack, which is picked up by the crane.
3. Flying Fox is popular among celebrities
With a steep price tag of €3 million a week, Flying Fox attracts some of the most famous celebrities in the world who charter the yacht in locations including the French Riviera and the Aegean coast. Most recently, power celebrity couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z were spotted relaxing on board while the yacht was cruising Cannes and Antibes.
4. The exterior was designed by legendary superyacht designer Espen Øino
Flying Fox’s spectacular curving exterior spans 7,000 square metres and makes the yacht instantly recognisable on the horizon. Flying Fox’s exterior, which features a dove grey hull, was penned by leading superyacht designer Espen Øino, who counts standout superyachts such as the 126.2 metre Lursssen yacht Octopus, 85.3 metre SilverYachts-built Bold and soon-to-be largest explorer yacht in the world REV among his creations.
5. There are five fireplaces on board
Flying Fox includes no less than five real fireplaces on board, helping to create a decidedly cosy atmosphere inside the interior. One can be found in the owner’s cabin sitting room. They work as normal fireplaces but are accompanied by “insulated ducts” which force the smoke through the mast and means the yacht meets marine safety regulations.
6. An in-built irrigation system ensures Flying Fox’s plants stay well-watered
One of Flying Fox’s most unusual features is the greenery in the saloon, which is found bordering the staircase down from the upper deck and in planters set into the balustrade. The space even includes two towering ficus trees. A full irrigation system designed by Mark Berryman was incorporated into the yacht, which links down to the engine control room. There are different watering schedules and nutrients according to the different plants, as well as specialised lighting systems to ensure they receive the correct amount of UV without bleaching.
7. There are two galleys on board producing a maximum of 246 meals a day
It takes a “human engine” to run the might of Flying Fox, according to its captain, with a total of 55 crew on board. Working at a full capacity of crew plus 25 guests means that Flying Fox must produce a maximum of 246 hot meals every day. As a result, Flying Fox carries four chefs working across two different galleys: one for crew and one for guests. The crew’s galley carries a pasta machine and prep area, a lobster tank for fresh seafood, a sous-vide water bath and freezing blenders for creating purées and ice creams.
8. Flying Fox features the first cryosauna ever installed on a yacht
Flying Fox’s 22.5-metre-wide bathing platform leads into one of the best and biggest spas seen on a superyacht to date, which is spread across two floors. With heated limestone floors, the spa includes a 400-square-metre “sea lobby” leading to a huge spa pool holding water that can be changed from steaming to icy within a matter of 10 minutes. But the piece de resistance is the cryosauna which comprises an antechamber at -60 ̊C leading into a main chamber at -110 ̊C. The maximum period inside is recommended at three minutes after which guests emerge with a post-sprint endorphin rush.
9. The dive centre features enough gear to make even hardcore enthusiasts swoon
A combination of a dive centre and kite surf store sits to starboard off the sea lobby on the lower deck. There’s enough equipment here to stun even the most advanced divers, from an advanced nitrox mixing system to a super-quiet compressor. Divers of all levels can be catered for – from beginners starting in the main deck swimming pool to certified clients who can undertake expeditions down to 100 metres.
10. The outdoor kitchen can cook a whole lamb
Designed around a preference for eating al fresco, Flying Fox includes an extensive outdoor kitchen on the bridge deck aft which includes a wok station, coal-powered Spanish grill called a Josper, and a rotisserie capable of cooking a whole lamb, goat, or suckling pig. Also included is a churrasco (steak) oven, pizza oven, teppanyaki and tandoori grill. This arrangement allows guests to watch the chef at work from an extendable dining table.