Series two of Channel 4's reality show Tempting Fortune returned to screens last month, with television personality Paddy McGuinness presenting 12 new strangers to the epic competition. In episode seven of the series (first aired on 6 April 2025), the final temptation was unveiled as one night on board a luxury superyacht. BOAT takes a closer look at the 48.2-metre motor yacht that tempted the show's participants...
Azul V was first delivered in 1996 by the Italian shipyard and brand of Ferretti Group CRN. Her classical all-white exterior was designed by the late Paolo Scanu, while her interiors – characterised by warm woods and a welcoming cream colour palette – were penned by Francois Zuretti.
The superyacht appeared on screens in episode seven of the reality TV show, anchored off the coast of Malaysia, as the final temptation of the series. For those who don't know, Tempting Fortune follows participants as they embark on a challenging trek across the tropical Langkawi jungle in Malaysia, with individual temptations – such as spa treatments and luxury overnight stays – offered along the way at the cost of the £300,000 shared prize money.
For their last challenge, the participants were offered 24 hours on board Azul V, with full access to her six cabins, large sundeck with Jacuzzi and numerous lounging and dining areas. Eight of the 10 remaining competitors gave in to their temptations, choosing to spend £15,000 of the prize money to stay on board.
In episode eight, the finale of the series, the participants enjoyed canapés and champagne on board before indulging in the motor yacht's en suite facilities and tucking into a lavish menu at the formal dining table. In the morning, the cast bathed in the Jacuzzi before being treated to a grand breakfast spread on the upper deck aft to conclude their experience.
BOAT explores five surprising things you might not know about the 48.2-metre superyacht and TV star.
1. The yacht was saved from salvage and rebuilt by her crew
Following many years as a family vessel and hugely popular Mediterranean charter yacht, by 2014, Azul V (then Kanaloa) had been left to ruin. With severe corrosion and predicted refit works set to exceed €8,000,000, her owner wanted the vessel "out of his life" (according to an interview with BOAT in 2016) and, in doing so, gave Hill Robinson Yacht Management the job of disposing of her. However, her project manager, captain and crew fought to save Azul V, and her owner agreed to a tight budget of €3,000,000 to rebuild her.
24 months later, in August 2015, Azul V departed the Compositeworks shed in La Ciotat, France, unveiling her full hull restoration, restored teak decks, revamped technical spaces (including zero-hour engines), refitted crew quarters and a new audio/visual system. Shockingly, the works came in under budget by around €70,000.
Read More/Kanaloa: The 48m CRN yacht that was saved by her crew2. She was awarded a Judges’ Commendation for Rebuilt Yachts
It was thanks to her remarkable rebuild story that Azul V took home the Judges’ Commendation for Achievement award in the Rebuilt Yachts category at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards, beaten by the 1937 motor yacht Malahne. An unusual choice due to her low-cost works, the 48.2-metre CRN yacht was instead recognised for the team that carried out her rebuild.
With a tighter budget than expected for works of this size, Azul V 's captain, crew and project manager carried out a large proportion of the work themselves alongside independent sub-contractors. Among many other issues that were addressed, the rebuild was completed with a full repaint in time for her debut at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show. The judges shared that the rebuild was a "commendable achievement by all concerned."
3. Azul V is a seasoned expert of Southeast Asia
With Tempting Fortune taking place in Malaysia, it comes as no surprise that the Asian country is indeed Azul V 's usual stomping ground. She has spent the past five years cruising the warm waters of Southeast Asia, according to data from BOATPro, with brief stints returning to her roots in the Med. In 2015, she even underwent a flag change to Malaysia when she was renamed from Lady Ellen II.
4. The yacht is no stranger to the spotlight
It is not Azul V's first time on camera. Following her mammoth refit works, her popularity as a charter vessel skyrocketed, and she soon hosted several celebrity guests. This includes American actress Lindsay Lohan, who was spotted enjoying a luxury holiday onboard in Sardinia in August 2016. According to BOAT reporters at the time, the star "appeared very taken with the yacht, posting numerous pictures of her sundeck and exterior", as well as making use of Azul V's large toybox. Lohan was even spotted jumping from the sundeck into the sea below.
5. The interior design is "well-balanced"
At 497GT, Azul V offers a generous interior volume. She can accommodate up to 12 guests across a six-cabin, en suite layout, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck and an equally spacious full-beam VIP suite on the lower deck, both showcased in episode seven of Tempting Fortune. The remaining cabins comprise three twin cabins and a single ‘nanny’ cabin, all on the lower deck.
In terms of living areas, her spaces are organised to create a "well-balanced" yet welcoming environment, with Zuretti decorating her interiors in rich woods, ornate furniture and a neutral colour palette. She has a large main saloon with several comfortable chairs and sofas and a formal dining area forward, while an office lies nearby. The experience on board Azul V is complete, thanks to a dedicated crew of 10.
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