Fact file: six things you didn't know about Oceanco's "optical illusion" superyacht Kaos

Delivered in 2017 by Oceanco, the 110-metre Kaos (ex. Jubilee) once stood as the largest superyacht ever built in the Netherlands. She was the brainchild of Barcelona-based designer Igor Lobanov, who claimed he "was allowed to do anything [h]e wanted" and then proceeded to prove it; creating the illusion of a much smaller superyacht by adding the impression of "fake decks". Her delivery followed, as did a swift change of ownership and a year-long refit in 2019 at Lürssen, with Australian Sam Sorgiovanni (the original interior designer) and Reymond Langton at the helm.

BOAT International rounds up some of the coolest facts about this iconic metallic blue superyacht, starting with her distinctive "floating island" design...

1. She plays tricks on the eye

At an impressive 110 metres, Kaos' "Speed Blue" profile is long and lean with the illusion of extra decks thanks to her clever and unique troupe l'oil effect design – a cunning play of perception to hide her actual height. The deliberate absence of traditional panelling accentuates the yacht's surfaces, resulting in smoother lines. Bringing together the illusion is the ship-like funnel serving as the focal point, harmonising all four decks seamlessly into the hull. The result of these visual tricks is a bird's eye view that resembles a topographic map of an island.

2. She was inspired by Middle Eastern culture

Initially commissioned by a member of the Qatar royal family, Kaos' design philosophy pays homage to the region’s Arabic heritage. The yacht originally included a majlis, for example – known as  "a place of sitting", the meticulously-designed room served as Kaos' centrepiece and highlighted the importance of hospitality and communal gatherings. 

3. She is adorned with precious materials

While details of the yacht's interior have been kept largely under wraps, at the time of her delivery it was said that Kaos had the most marble and stone outfitted within the interior than any other superyacht. In a nod to her origins, Iranian white onyx previously dominated the owner's cabin. Additional precious materials include intricate crystal caviar insets and bespoke silk carpets. 

4. She cruises quietly (and far)

Beyond aesthetics, Kaos is also a superyacht that cruises in comfort. There is minimal noise and vibrations across her five decks, enabling a surprisingly quiet ride thanks to the rubber foundations that her floors float  upon. She can take guests on voyages up to 5,000 nautical miles at her cruising speed. 

5. Her pool deck doubles up as an aquarium

The largest of Kaos' four decks aft houses a sizeable swimming pool. This standout feature is 8.5 metres long and bordered by plenty of additional seating. In the superyacht beach club below, there is an aquarium that looks into the pool above.

6. Over 70 people can live onboard this wheelchair friendly yacht

Built to Passenger Yacht Code, Kaos could originally accommodate an impressive 31 guests across 15 cabins with further space for around 39 crew onboard. She also has an entirely private owner's deck with two separate bedrooms and restricted access by other guests, complete with panoramic ocean views. The superyacht is fully wheelchair accessible throughout, including an elevator and barrier-free access.