who owns superyacht pelorus

Superyacht Pelorus – One of the World’s Largest Private Superyachts

Owned by American movie mogul David Geffen, the Pelorus is a superyacht that overwhelmingly lives up to its christened title. Pelorus is the anglicised version of the Greek Pelorios which refers to immenseness.

Designed according to the specifications of Tim Heywood (external designing) and Terence Disdale (internal designing) designing corporations, the superyacht was built by the German yacht building conglomerate Lurssen. Launched in the year 2003, Pelorus is rated amongst the world’s biggest privately-owned superyachts.

Built in Lurssen’s Bremen shipbuilding yard, the vessel bears the Bermudian registration flag. Prior to being owned by David Geffen, the vessel boasts of several premier ownership rights, first under a Saudi business tycoon and later on with the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

  Key Points

–          The superyacht measures 377. 3 ft lengthwise, 56.4 ft breadth wise and has a draught of almost 15.0 ft

–          Maximal transition speed of 20 metres with a navigational speed of 18 metres

–           Well-equipped to accommodate 20 patrons a crew of 41 members

–          The body of Pelorus is built of steel with an aluminium super-structuring support

–          Functionality is through two Wartsila diesel engines, each generating energy up to 5,300 Horsepower

Amenities aboard the vessel include a couple of heli-decks, Jacuzzis and spas, Jet Skis and several other assorted water activities’ equipments. This accentuates the whole experiencing of living aboard the vessel. The vessel is available for chartering for interested patrons. Pelorus navigates the western part of the Mediterranean while traversing through the waters of the Suez during the months of autumn and winter. Considering the popularity of the vessel and the navigational route it takes, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that the list of potential takers for chartering would be minimal.

You may also like to read:- The Awe-Inspiring Adastra Superyacht References & Image Credits:  superyachtfan, charterworld, superyachttimes

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Motor Yacht

Pelorus is a 115m motor yacht custom built by Lurssen Yachts in 2003. The mega yacht’s elegant exterior lines are the work of Tim Heywood. She features interior design by Terence Disdale.

Motor yacht Pelorus has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. With a generous beam of 17.2m, she has a spacious interior with room for up to 22 guests and 42 crew members.

In 2007 Pelorus emerged from a refit carried out by Blohm + Voss shipyard, which saw the addition of a second helicopter pad, new paint and zero-speed stabilizers.

The mega yacht also has a large pool, Jacuzzi, and numerous toys and tender on board.

Pelorus can reach a top speed of 20 knots and cruises comfortably at 18 knots. She is equipped for long-distance cruising, with a range of 6000 nautical miles at 16 knots.

In 2018 Pelorus underwent a major refit by Kusch Yachts.

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• Interior Designer Terence Disdale View profile

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This Yacht is not for Charter*

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PELORUS yacht NOT for charter*

115m  /  377'4 | lurssen | 2003 / 2024.

Owner & Guests

Cabin Configuration

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Guest elevator
• Impressive 6,000nm range
• Multi-award winning
• Recent refit in 2024
• Cinema Room

The multi-award winning 115m/377'4" motor yacht 'Pelorus' was built by Lurssen in Germany at their Bremen shipyard. Her interior is styled by English designer design house Terence Disdale and she was delivered to her owner in May 2003. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Tim Heywood Design and she was last refitted in 2024.

Guest Accommodation

Pelorus has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 suites comprising two VIP cabins. Additionally, there are 5 staff cabins aboard. She is also capable of carrying up to 46 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include a dancefloor, movie theatre, beauty salon, elevator, underwater lights, beach club, gym, WiFi and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Pelorus is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by twin diesel Wartsila (12 V 26) 12-cylinder 5,300hp engines running at 1000rpm, she comfortably cruises at 17 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 20 knots with a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles from her 380,000 litre fuel tanks at 16 knots. Pelorus features at-anchor stabilizers providing exceptional comfort levels. Her water tanks store around 100,000 Litres of fresh water. She was built to Germanischer Lloyd ✠ 100 A1 MY, ✠ MC AUT classification society rules, and is MCA LY2 Compliant.

*Charter Pelorus Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Pelorus is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Pelorus Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Pelorus Photos

Pelorus Awards & Nominations

• International Superyacht Society Awards 2004 Best Power 43m+ Winner
• International Superyacht Society Awards 2004 Best Power Interior Winner

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Pelorus

SIMILAR LUXURY YACHTS FOR CHARTER

Here are a selection of superyachts which are similar to Pelorus yacht which are believed to be available for charter. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

92m | Feadship

from $1,500,000 p/week

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from $1,715,000 p/week ♦︎

107m | Olympic Yacht Services

from $2,144,000 p/week ♦︎

97m | Feadship

93m | Feadship

from $1,501,000 p/week ♦︎

O'Pari

95m | Golden Yachts

from $1,179,000 p/week ♦︎

92m | Neorion

from $1,061,000 p/week ♦︎

92m | Nobiskrug

from $1,018,000 p/week ♦︎

from $1,286,000 p/week ♦︎

115m | Lurssen

from $2,831,000 p/week ♦︎

Carinthia VII

97m | Lurssen

from $1,524,000 p/week ♦︎

136m | Lurssen

from $4,368,000 p/week ♦︎

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• Impressions

The 115-meter megayacht Pelorus, delivered in 2003, has earned a reputation for extraordinary grandeur as well as innovation. Her profile is marked by a high sheer line, giving her a powerful presence. The exterior design by Tim Heywood incorporates the four lower decks within the hull, a creative solution that allows a full-beam floor layout. Her interior has an atmosphere of beach-chic at sea, using natural materials and exotic textures. Outstanding features of Terence Disdale’s design include several terraces with doors that open out of the side of the hull for an indoor/outdoor experience that allows guests to feel truly at one with the sea.

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A Closer Look at the $300 Million Superyacht Pelorus

Lurssen builds some of the most iconic yachts on earth. The Golden Odyssey, for example, is a beautiful superyacht they created, which is believed to belong to Prince Khaled of Saudi Arabia. The stunning light blue details make it instantly identifiable. Perhaps most well known is the Azzam. The 180-meter mega yacht is the largest in the world . Doubtless, if you want an unforgettable sailing experience, Lurssen can help make your dreams come true.

Naming Your Ship

A pelorus is the name of a piece of shipboard equipment that helps take relative bearings on distant objects. The Pelorus, built in 2003 at Lürssen’s Krogerwerft facility, gets its name from the vital tool. Not many yachts are given such practical names; in fact, most are given more fantastic or feminine names. Some ships even get punny names, but the Pelorus is downright scientific. Traditionally, ships were given feminine names. Unlike American English, in most languages, objects, like tools and boats, have gendered names. In the Mediterranean, all ships have been 'female' for centuries. This led to many ships getting female names and being called 'she' in languages where this isn't necessarily the case. Just as in English, we call boats 'she and her,' despite our gender-neutral forms.

The exact origin of this quirk is unknown, but it's believed that the association comes from early sailors. Before powered motors and even before the world was known to be a sphere, a sailor might spend months or years onboard before returning home again. Their relationships with the vessels that carried the were often more profound and more significant than their connection to their land-bound sisters, mothers, wives, or daughters. Many sailors, even now still associate ships with women. They believe each has a specific way she prefers to be handled. The 'personalities' of the vessels are often compared to female emotions, and though it's old fashioned and a bit biased, many still hold to the idea that if you don't treat your ship the way she likes, you'll suffer her wrath.

Awards & Stats

Not every yacht can be an award-winning superstar in its own right. The sleek and powerful Pelorus won two awards in 2004. She won awards for her decadent interior and one for her overall size category as well.

• International Superyacht Society Awards 2004 Best Power 43m+
• International Superyacht Society Awards 2004 Best Power Interior

Awards aren't the only thing that makes this particular yacht so sought after . She has many outstanding qualities. Her designers are internationally known and sought after for their expertise. Tim Heywood drew the working areas and superstructure of this beloved beauty.

The History of the Pelorus

Pelorus has had more owners than most yachts in her short life. We can't speculate on why any individual would sell such a beautiful ship, but she does get around a lot. The Pelorus has been seen and owned all over the world in her short life. When she was first commissioned, the Pelorus was intended as a replacement for another yacht, the Coral Island. However, the original Saudi Arabian owner didn't keep her. He decided to sell his beautiful commission, and after several bids, he soon received an offer he couldn't refuse. The yacht went to Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich who added a second helipad. He had her for three or four years before his circumstances changed. Unfortunately, in 2007, Roman divorced. We don't know if his ex-wife got the car or the house, but she certainly appears to have gotten the yacht. Pelorus received an update in 2007 and a few years later was resold again.

In May of 2011, David Geffen, the co-founder of Dreamworks, bought her. He enjoyed her very briefly, and the same year passed her on to the royal family of Abu Dhabi. The information on the sale came out as a part of the Panama Papers Leaks. The royals sailed the Pelorus for a further five years before they too sold her. In 2016 Chinese billionaire, Samuel Tak Lee purchased her. He's had her since that time, but who knows when the flighty Pelorus will move on to her next owner.

Decadence Personified

The inside was the handiwork of Terence Disdale (https://www.superyachts.com/directory-1520/terence-disdale.htm). He gave the Pelorus an owners suite that is entirely private even from the rest of the ship and has a full 180-degree panoramic view. The yacht is decked out (no pun intended) in a very apropos informal beach villa inspired style. Her fun and stylish features make this yacht the perfect vacation destination.

• Two pools, one with artificial current and the other a spa-pool grace the decks so swimmers can enjoy salt-free ocean swimming. There's also a relaxing jacuzzi and a swimming platform with underwater lights.
•  You can work out in the private Gym and then get treated at the spa.
• Helipads and Elevators mean easy access to the ship and all its areas.
•  The Beach Club is a great place to have a casual party.
•  A Dance Floor for formal balls or nightclub action depending on how you want to use them
•  Take in a show at the private cinema when you get tired of the ocean view (if that's even possible).

Cabins & Staff

The staff on the Pelorus is rotated in such a way as to keep it constantly running. With quarters for 41 staff and plenty of private cabins, this boat is ready for parties, or events whenever the owner desires. The master suite takes up the top deck, but the VIP suites are also incredible. One of the rooms has a wall that lowers to create a veranda. When you add the eight double suites as well, there are eleven cabins for the owner and guests, and it can accommodate 22 visitors comfortably.

Known for her award-winning proportions and looks as well as her ownership history, here are the details on this lovely custom yacht.

• Length: 377.30ft /115m
• Built | Refit: 2003 | 2007
• Model: Custom
• Beam: 56.43ft /17.2m
• Gross Tonnage: 5403 Tonnes
• Draft: 15.29ft /4.66m
• Cruising Speed: 17 Knots
• Top Speed: 20 Knots
• Range: 6000 Nautical Miles
• Materials: Steel and Aluminum

Final Thoughts

If you're in the market for a truly stunning and acclaimed superyacht, this elegant yet casual ship is probably on many wealthy bucket lists. We can't say when she'll next be up for sale, though with the Pelorus' history it does seem likely that she could be available again soon enough. For now, she's off the market, but nothing is out of reach if you have the finances. Indeed, if we could dream up a perfect ocean vacation , this would be where we'd want to hang our beach hats this summer.

Written by  Dana Hanson

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Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

We’ll also take a look at some of the most expensive superyachts in the world and the notable people behind them.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The ownership of superyachts is generally private, so the exact answer to who owns which superyacht is not always publicly available.

However, there are some notable superyacht owners that are known.

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

These vessels are designed for luxury cruising and typically range in size from 24 meters to over 150 meters, with some even larger.

Superyachts usually feature extensive amenities and creature comforts, such as swimming pools, outdoor bars, movie theaters, helipads, and spas.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

Like most luxury items, the ownership of a superyacht is a status symbol for those who can afford it.

The list of superyacht owners reads like a whos who of billionaires, with names like Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

While some superyacht owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extravagant amenities.

Some of the most famous superyachts feature swimming pools, private beaches, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and luxurious spas.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

These vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million, and feature some of the most luxurious amenities imaginable.

Notable owners include the Emir of Qatar, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Many of the most well-known owners are billionaires, including Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Other notable owners include Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.

However, not all superyacht owners are wealthy.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

Other notable billionaire owners include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and former US President Donald Trump.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

For many superyacht owners, their vessels serve as a status symbol of wealth and luxury.

Some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, while others have made headlines with their extensive amenities – from swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

Owning a superyacht is an exclusive club, reserved for those with the means and the desire to experience the ultimate in luxury.

Whether they are billionaires or everyday people, superyacht owners are all united in their love of the sea and their appreciation for the finer things in life.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

His luxury vessel, the 463-foot Al Mirqab, holds the title of the world’s most expensive superyacht.

Built in 2008 by German shipbuilder Peters Werft, this impressive yacht is complete with 10 luxurious cabins, a conference room, cinema, and all the amenities one would expect from a vessel of this magnitude.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

With a price tag of over $400 million, the Al Mirqab is one of the most expensive yachts in the world.

In addition to the Emir of Qatar, there are several other notable owners of superyachts.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Bezos yacht, the aptly named The Flying Fox, is one of the longest superyachts in the world at a staggering 414 feet in length.

The Flying Fox also comes with a host of amenities, such as a helipad, swimming pool, spa, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.

Bezos also reportedly spent over $400 million on the vessel.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

There are also many lesser-known owners, such as hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin, who owns the $150 million Aviva, and investor Sir Philip Green, who owns the $100 million Lionheart.

No matter who owns them, superyachts are sure to turn heads.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Whether its the Emir of Qatar or a lesser-known owner, the worlds superyacht owners are sure to make a statement.

Notable Superyacht Owners

When it comes to the wealthiest and most luxurious owners of superyachts, the list reads like a whos who of the worlds billionaires.

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

Aside from the Emir, other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

All of these owners have made headlines with their extravagant vessels, which are typically priced between $30 million and $400 million.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Some owners opt for more extravagant features, such as submarines, personal submarines, and even their own personal submarines! Other owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, but for those who prefer a more showy approach, they can certainly make a statement with a superyacht.

No matter who owns the vessel, it’s no surprise that these superyachts are a status symbol among the world’s wealthiest.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

Owning a superyacht is a sign of wealth and prestige, and many of the worlds most prominent billionaires have their own vessels.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

Superyachts come with all the comforts of home, and then some.

Many owners will equip their vessels with swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, spas, and other luxury amenities.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some owners opt for modern, sleek designs, while others prefer a more traditional look.

Many of the most luxurious yachts feature marble floors, walk-in closets, and custom-made furniture.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Other amenities may include a library, casino, media room, and private bar.

When it comes to outdoor amenities, superyachts have some of the most impressive features in the world.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

Some owners even opt for hot tubs or jacuzzis for relaxing afternoons in the sun.

And, of course, there are the jet skis, water slides, and other exciting water activities that come with many of these vessels.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

From the sleek interiors to the luxurious outdoor features, these vessels provide a unique, luxurious experience that is unrivaled on land.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an exciting adventure, a superyacht is sure to provide.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

These luxury vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from anywhere between $30 million to over $400 million.

So, if youre in the market for a superyacht, youre looking at an investment that could easily break the bank.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

Generally, the larger the yacht, the more expensive it will be.

Superyachts typically range in size from 100 feet to over 200 feet, and they can be as wide as 40 feet.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

Amenities also play a significant role in the cost of a superyacht.

While some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extensive amenities.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

The more amenities a superyacht has, the more expensive it will be.

Finally, customization is another major factor that will drive up the cost of a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

From custom furniture and artwork to lighting and audio systems, the cost of a superyacht can quickly escalate depending on the level of customization.

In short, the cost of a superyacht can vary widely depending on its size, amenities, and customization.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

No matter what your budget is, its important to do your research and find out exactly what youre getting for your money before signing on the dotted line.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

When it comes to owning a superyacht, some owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

For instance, some superyacht owners opt to keep their vessels in private marinas, away from the public areas of larger ports.

Additionally, some yacht owners may choose to hire security guards to patrol and protect their vessels while they are moored or sailing.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

For example, a yacht owner may choose to install a satellite-based communications system that allows them to keep their vessel completely off-radar.

This system works by bouncing signals off satellites rather than transmitting them, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track the yachts movements.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

For instance, the owner may only allow family members and close friends to board the yacht.

Additionally, the owner may choose to employ a limited number of staff to help maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Overall, while some superyacht owners may choose to keep their vessels out of the public eye, there are still plenty of other ways to show off the opulence associated with owning a superyacht.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, there are many luxurious amenities that can make a superyacht the envy of any jet setter.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

From the Emir of Qatar’s world-record breaking $400 million yacht to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s vessel with a helicopter pad and on-board spa, the amenities of these luxury vessels are truly stunning.

With prices ranging from $30 million to over $400 million, owning a superyacht is an expensive endeavor.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Jimmy Carroll on Creating out of this World Experiences with Pelorus Yacht Expeditions

Written By: Naomi Chadderton

As co-founder of Pelorus, the yacht expedition company that facilitates trips to the most remote corners of the globe, ex British Army captain Jimmy Carroll knows all about adventure, and he sure has some experiences to tell.

Alongside co-founder Geordie Mackay-Lewis, Jimmy's passion for exploration has led to the creation of some of the most exclusive experiences in the world, including ice-diving in Greenland, scuba diving in Indonesia and witchdoctor ceremonies in Papua New Guinea.

Recently in London, we caught up with Jimmy to discuss his most memorable experiences, his desire to discover new destinations for yachts around the world, and how he plans to get there.

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to start Pelorus?

My business partner Geordie and I met in the foothills of the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan during our time in the British Army, and this experience really formed the basis of what we do at Pelorus – we’ve used our military knowledge to form our yacht expeditions planning model.

When we left the army, we didn’t see each other for about five years – Geordie ran an electronics company across seven different countries in Europe before moving into very high-end travel, and I was slightly more eclectic – I ran a year-long medical research expedition up Mount Everest focused on intensive care which saw us building labs and an operating theatre at base camp. 

When I came back I changed tack completely and became the global tour manager for Manchester United, taking them around the world working on everything from the commercial side of the games to the actual delivery of the tour. It was fascinating working with such a huge global brand which strives for the best in everything they do, both on and off the field.

It was my next step that saw me enter the superyacht world, when I was head-hunted for the role of Head of Marketing and Communications for Winch Design and, during that time, expedition yachting was really coming on more and more. It was when I was at the Global Superyacht Forum speaking about its rise that I ran into Geordie again – we had a catch up and started putting some ideas together for Pelorus.

What’s the scope of Pelorus’ services?

Pelorus is made up of three businesses – yacht expeditions, land-based expeditions and the B2B corporate arm. When it comes to the superyacht aspect, we offer a full turnkey service, handling everything from conception, planning, permits, logistics and provisioning, all the way through to product delivery. We work directly with owners, captains, brokers and the yards, so the service spans the whole industry.

With our land-based experiences, we work with individuals, couples and groups to help find them the best experiences in the world. That’s our mantra for everything – we’re not confined by location – we go out there to find the best locations that allow us to do what we do.

Of course a big part of the experience is being on the yacht, but that’s just part of it - the yacht is the perfect platform to go and explore with. We want to use it to penetrate deep in land, have tribal immersions and wildlife or conservation experiences. We can therefore overlay our land-based knowledge on top of yachting to really build out everything we do. There are so many places that don’t have the infrastructure that our clients might be used to [the high-end hotels], but with our expeditions we have all the assets on the yacht.

Who is your clientele?

It’s high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals with an average age of around 52. Ultimately, it’s people who have already made their money, typically those who have been working for quite a while and built their own businesses. However we’re also seeing generational wealth coming through – the mid-40s who are inheriting the baby-boomer wealth, and also more of the early 30s. This is especially noticeable among some of our west coast clients who have made very good money at a younger age – the dot com generation is really feeding through. It’s great to see the ages coming down though - a year ago we would have said our average age was around 57.

Are your expeditions solely private or do you cater for clients looking to join a group?

Traditionally in yachting, it’s all about the private experience and that accounts for 90 percent of what we can offer, be it working with an owner or charter guests to build an amazing experience for them. However we now want to introduce more people to yachting. The barrier to entrance is always the price – it’s very expensive to charter a yacht – so we’ve created a new initiative working with different yachts to build a per cabin charter. This will allow us to bring in people who are still high net worth, but perhaps don’t quite have that extremely high level of disposable income. Right now the two options are either to explore on a cruise ship with hundreds of other people, or go on your own superyacht but at a really high price – there’s nothing in between. By doing this, we open our experiences up to a lot more people.

Can you talk us through some examples of the types of experience you offer?

With expedition yachting we can go anywhere - it all depends on the desire of the client and what their dreams are. We can educate them on what to do, too. There’s far more control for those who own the yacht however; if it’s a charter, we’re a little more constrained about where we can go.

Earlier this year we delivered an amazing experience sailing around Raja Ampat – it’s a phenomenal place. It has the most immaculate diving I’ve ever seen, crystal-clear waters, an abundance of sea life, amazing corals, and the nature of the landscape is amazing. Antarctica is always going to be up there too because it’s so rare to be able to get there and it’s a big bucket-list trip.

We recently conducted a recce for a 90m superyacht that we’ll be taking to Eritrea next year, and this is the kind of example where we think bigger picture. The area is completely unknown, so the recce involved meeting with governments and ministers to ensure we have a really strong understanding of what’s going on and securing the right access and permits to be able to take a yacht. In this area, the diving off the Dahlak Islands is phenomenal, it has some of the best corals and there’s no mass tourism, but yachts just transit past it because there’s history and conflict. It’s actually incredibly safe. Being able to break into a new territory is great and ideally we’re working to create an industry within that to give back while offering our clients something very different.

We’re also working on Greenland where clients can ice-dive, dog sled and heli-ski, as well as Iceland and Papua New Guinea. This is one of those places where infrastructure is very poor, but thankfully a yacht allows us to explore so much more. We can arrange a helicopter on board so guests can punch deep into the heart of it, meet the tribes - all sorts of things.

Another example would be Oman. The Middle East is often overlooked as a superyacht destination, but it shouldn’t be. We can go into the wadis, go climbing, trekking, punch into the largest expanse of desert in the Empty Quarter – you name it. Clients don’t have to stay on a yacht every night of their trip either – we can build a mobile camp and stay out on-land underneath the stars for a night.

It’s all about this journey of taking people out of their comfort zone, about getting that sense of adventure. So much of the world has been explored now and it’s very hard to find those remote regions. The benefit of Pelorus is that we can get to these places far more easily, but in comfort and style. We can give you a taste of that true explorer.

Have you ever been asked to go anywhere you haven’t been able to?

Yes – we’ve been asked to go to conflict zones. And I wouldn’t go to Venezuela right now with a yacht – it’s just not safe. We work with security firms and government level FCOs to understand what their picture of global regions is like, and also people like Veritas who are phenomenally good at what they do. We can also bring them in to provide security on a yacht if we’re going past an area that’s slightly dangerous.

Speaking of danger, how to you ensure all your expeditions are safe?

We’re lucky that security and safety come as second nature to both Geordie and I – whatever we do, we’re thinking about the safety of our clientele. That’s the bedrock of the business – it may be technical and unglamorous, but once that is sorted we can really go about building the journey.

There are a lot of places where you don’t need lots of overt security – this will just draw attention to the yacht. It also depends on the nature of the clients – there are lots of ultras out there that people don’t know so it doesn’t make sense to draw attention. However, some clients are very high profile and in the public eye so they need more presence. Again, we know how to manage this. I often think the best form of security is also the most subtle form.

What is the most popular destination request?

That’s like asking who your favourite child is! Antarctica is always going to have the draw because demand far outstrips supply. It’s a long way to get to and planning needs a minimum of six months to arrange permits, so you can’t do it on a whim. These barriers mean it’s also slightly more exclusive.

Areas like Kamchatka are coming up, and the whole Japan and Indonesia are all coming online a lot more. We’re also seeing more requests for the Northwest Passage, and places like South America and Patagonia. We’re currently planning trips that look at circumnavigating the whole of south America which would be extraordinary – there are so many amazing place you can stop off at in Brazil and Columbia. I love Venezuela too, and I would definitely recommend it when the situation becomes more stable. 

And what would an expedition like this cost?

It really depends on the client and their wants - we’ve done trips closer to home which have been around $30,000-$35,000, but when its more remote and we’re bringing in lots of assets – think helicopters, support vessels, an ice-breaker etc – this is when it can just keep building and building. We can bring in a BBC Blue Planet team, scientists to curate activities, and we’ve worked with charities – we recently teamed up with the Ecuadorian government to create a hammerhead shark tagging initiative. It’s also important to bring in photography and videography to document the trip and create those lasting memories. Imagine having photos shot by famous photographers – it has a story in itself. Two of the members from BBC Blue Planet could have shot your film. That’s where our specialties lie; adding all this to create something really unique. Then the sky is the limit when it comes to price.

The yacht is the best vehicle to go and explore, and we want to build the best experience possible. When the client understands that they’re getting what we call an experiential return on investment, they tend to spend more and really build it out. After all, a lot of these places you may only visit once.

What are the biggest challenges you face?

Educating people and showing them the potential of what they can do. Yes, cruising the Mediterranean and the Caribbean is incredible, but there’s so much more out there and we want to get more people to understand that, also the fact that you don’t need to have an explorer yacht. While I’m a big fan of them, yachts in general are built to travel the seas so with clever logistics, planning and provisioning, we can take a yacht which is predominantly sat in the Mediterranean to completely new places, showing the owners brand-new destinations while making their yachts do things they never knew they could.

What sets Pelorus apart from other expedition companies?

It has to be our team and their experience. We’ve got a mixture of people who work in travel and those who have worked in the yachting industry at the highest level. It’s not easy to break into this industry and understand peoples’ expectations – you have to have lived and breathed it and then you can really add value.

You’ve also got to work at every level; work with the crew to make their life easier and to take the stress away from going to remote places.

There are two things in the world we can’t guarantee – the weather and wildlife. But we can put in place the best possible measures so that if either of these things fail, we can ensure there’s a back-up plan.

How do you ensure your expeditions are as environmentally-friendly as possible?

Inherently, with yachting, there’s a lot of manufacturing that goes into building them, creating big engines and even the cleaning products used. However we’re seeing a massive change throughout the process, from shipyards which are become greener, to the propulsion systems and hybrid engines coming through. It’s all really positive and we’re massively behind all of that.

But how do we offset things and how do we give back? We might create a program with a charity that has a positive impact on a specific area – the hammerhead shark tagging initiative for example. We have also created marine reserves and worked with the Blue Marine Foundation to promote their services and we know that clients can really make a positive impact and facilitate change. It’s not just stopping over-fishing and reducing plastic – it’s education of the local population and clients, too.

What is the most exciting adventure you’ve ever been on?

During my time in the army I served in Iraq and Afghanistan twice, which was an experience I’ll never forget; it formed who I am now and what we bring to Pelorus. Since then, it has to be the time we were trying to cross the Darien Gap between Panama and Columbia. We knew we were going into a hostile area so we were hyper vigilant, had done a lot of research and were aware of what we were doing. However we got two thirds of the way through when we encountered the FARC insurgency, so we had to turn around. We went back down the coast of Panama, dug out long boats and stayed in the Kuna Provence with the local people. We slept in their communes and the whole village would rush out to see us. This adaption to our plan gave us just as good an experience as going through the Darien Gap completely, and maybe even better.

Where’s next on your list?

I haven’t been to Antarctica yet; I definitely want to go there. Altai Republic is also high up my list – it’s a very beautiful and remote part of Russia down between Mongolia and Kazakhstan.

Where do you see the company in the next five/ten years?

I want Pelorus to be the leading authority in experiential yachting expeditions with a global presence, delivering the best yacht expeditions across the globe, from cold to hot environments, jungle to desert, and not being confined by boundaries. We also want to open up new areas. There are so many places you can potentially go to – Socotra, for example, is an oasis and utopian land that not many people know about but it has amazing people, landscapes, flora and fauna. It’s definitely best visited on a yacht.

Yachting is changing, regions are changing, and how we charter is changing. There are less restrictions these days and the Far East is a big part of that. It’s all about building the infrastructure and the ports to really open the area up and, when that comes, it will allow easier access for charters. We’re at a really exciting stage with yachting!

Images: Supplied by Pelorus

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Saudi media billionaire’s $320 million superyacht is the most expensive yacht for sale in 2024. The size of two Olympic swimming pools, the vessel can accommodate 20 guests in 10 cabins. It boasts a helipad, infinity pool, winter garden, beach club, spa, and even a nail salon.

Handsome, hypnotic, and very achievable, H3 superyacht-

UK design house Reymond Langton, which handled both the interiors and exteriors on H3 , has placed several striking elements throughout the boat. It is easy to point out the highlight of the room, for instance, the interactive video wall that creates a passage between her main deck welcome lounge and main salon, or the forward-facing whirlpool on the sundeck.

Who is Saudi billionaire Waleed bin Ibrahim al Ibrahim?

Waleed bin Ibrahim al Ibrahim, founder and chairman of the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC Group), is a recognized and respected name in the media industry in the Middle East and North Africa. The 62-year-old businessman hails from an affluent family and pursued higher education in the United States and London. In 1991, he founded MBC in London, launching the first independent Arabic satellite TV station.

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While Elon Musk haggled and failed to stop jet-tracking teen Jack Sweeney from posting the location of his private jet. Mark Cuban got Jack to stop sharing the coordinates of his jet in a very novel way and for free.

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From a Texas ranch four times the size of Manhattan where he launches rockets from to a stunning waterfront estate in Miami and more. Jeff Bezos may have the most diverse property portfolio, but all his real estate is still worth less than his Koru superyacht and its support vessel.

Along with his $1.3 billion megayachts Eclipse and Solaris, Roman Abramovich owned a rather modest $40 million superyacht. Incidentally, he passed the ownership of the 165-ft long vessel to his close friend exactly on the day Russia invaded Ukraine.

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Detroit Riverfront ex-CFO says $3K monthly allowance isn't enough as assets remain frozen

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s ex-CFO has been permitted several thousand dollars a month for living expenses, while his other assets remain frozen amid charges that he stole $40 million from the nonprofit. 

The Tuesday court order allowing William Smith $3,421 per month is based on IRS collection standards totaling the allowable expenses for food, housing, utility and other needs, plus Smith’s stated monthly rental income of $3,450, the filing says. The order also extends a federal judge’s decision to bar Smith from accessing up to $39.3 million in assets through at least Aug. 29.

Smith, 51, believes the allowance is not enough to pay his family’s “necessary and reasonable” needs and expenses, the order said, while leaving open the option to adjust the amount based on future review.

He has a wife and no children under the age of 18, according to prosecutors and a 2022 divorce filing that was later dismissed.

Prosecutors have accused Smith of embezzling to support his lavish lifestyle, citing spending on air travel, hotels, limos, clothes, jewelry, and more. Nearly $15 million of allegedly stolen Conservancy funds went to cover credit card charges made by he and his family members from 2012 through 2024, including a $17,500 Louis Vuitton purchase, federal investigators said. 

Smith was charged with wire and bank fraud June 5. 

Judge Linda Parker originally barred the former CFO from his assets on June 22, following a request from federal prosecutors who alleged he’d begun selling or attempting to sell properties and other items since coming under investigation. 

Smith owns numerous properties — in Mexico, Georgia, Texas and Michigan — as well as a small yacht, prosecutors said. A previous order by Parker allows his assets to be put up for sale so long as the money is used to pay back his alleged victims. 

The latest court order comes a day after nonprofit lender Invest Detroit announced it would potentially foreclose on a failed Smith business for which it approved $3 million in loans.

The Free Press reported in June that experts said the loans represented a potential conflict for Smith and a missed opportunity for those tasked with holding him accountable to scrutinize his business activity.

Invest Detroit and the Conservancy share a board chair in Matt Cullen; Invest Detroit CEO Dave Blaskiewicz is also a board member at the Conservancy; and Smith was a member of Invest Detroit’s advisory committee, according to a statement issued this week by Blaskiewicz.

Invest Detroit identified “no issues” in awarding Smith millions for a RiverWalk-adjacent Cigar Bar called “Discretion,” and the Conservancy found no potential conflicts after hiring a lawyer to review the deal, the Monday statement said.

The advisory committee Smith belonged to, meanwhile, “did not review or opine" on the loans to Smith, the statement said.

The lender whose mission is to provide funding to underserved communities and businesses said it approved two loans for Smith, one for the $600,000 purchase of a Woodbridge Street carriage house and predevelopment costs, and another for $2.4 million in construction costs. The second loan was not disbursed, as construction never began on the project, Blaskiewicz said.

Violet Ikonomova is an investigative reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at [email protected].

Judge gives ex-Detroit riverfront CFO William Smith access to cash amid $40M theft case

A federal judge Tuesday extended a freeze of the assets of former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Chief Financial Officer William Smith — including a yacht, a $1.3 million home and almost two dozen properties — until late August while giving him some money for living expenses.

U.S. District Judge Linda Parker continued the asset freeze until Aug. 29, according to an order that reveals federal prosecutors and Smith's lawyer have negotiated a short-term deal to allow for the controlled sale of certain assets for fair-market value. The deal also gives Smith access to $3,421 per month for living expenses — an amount almost equal to monthly income Smith had received from rental homes he owns across the region.

"Smith’s belief is that $3,421 is insufficient to pay his family’s necessary and reasonable expenses, but he accepts this amount as the current monthly permitted funds amount the government will agree to unfreeze at this time," according to an order filed Tuesday in federal court.

The judge's order is the latest legal development involving Smith, 51, who was arrested in early June and accused of stealing almost $40 million from a nonprofit overseen by some of the region's top finance and business professionals and bankrolled by southeast Michigan's leading philanthropies. The conservancy’s mission is to provide access to the Detroit international riverfront and redevelop a more than five-mile stretch from the Ambassador Bridge almost to Belle Isle.

Smith is charged with federal bank and wire fraud, criminal charges that could send him to federal prison for 30 years.

"We support any effort by the federal government to seize money stolen from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy," conservancy spokesman Marc Pasco said Tuesday.

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Smith has considerable expenses. He owns a $1.3 million home in Novi and additional properties in two countries and three states. He also owns Duo Restaurant & Lounge, a nightclub in Southfield that has been shuttered amid the scandal and was planning to build a cigar bar near the riverfront in Detroit. The lender in that $3.3 million project said Monday it may move to foreclose on the property after Smith failed to start construction.

Despite its small footprint, Duo sold more liquor ($868,051) than almost every other bar, restaurant or concert venue in Michigan last year, except Little Caesars Arena ($1,186,551) and the Detroit sports bar Brass Rail ($880,894), according to Michigan Liquor Control Commission sales data.

Duo's sales surpassed much larger venues, such as Ford Field, Comerica Park and the Topgolf driving range along Interstate 75 in Auburn Hills.

The flow of liquor, however, has stopped. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has suspended the nightclub's liquor license, a move triggered when a venue "fails to keep liquor liability insurance active," commission spokeswoman Abby Rubley told The Detroit News on Monday.

Prosecutors and Smith’s lawyers, meanwhile, have been negotiating a possible guilty plea and discussing terms of a deal that would preserve assets that can be liquidated for the benefit of the conservancy.

The judge's order Tuesday comes one month after Parker froze up to $39.3 million worth of the former CFO's assets. That move was sparked by prosecutors saying Smith tried to unload a condo in Mexico, a home in Georgia and a 36-foot yacht, the "SS Duo," since being arrested by the FBI.

The government's allegations provided the most complete look at the real-estate empire Smith amassed while being paid less than $250,000 annually during his Detroit Riverfront Conservancy tenure.

More: Feds: Ex-Detroit riverfront CFO tried to unload Mexican condo, Georgia home and 36-foot yacht

Prosecutors say he used millions of dollars stolen from the nonprofit, along with some of his own money, to buy properties in two countries, including a party store in Michigan's "Black Eden, property in Texas and a home in southwest Atlanta that is listed for $799,900. Smith bought the three-bed, five-bath home for $665,000 four years ago and transferred the property to his YBE Investments LLC, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said the Atlanta home has been for sale since May 28, three days before the conservancy fired Smith and eight days before the FBI arrested him.

Federal prosecutors also believe Smith controls a $385,000, two-bed, two-bath condo in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Details were unavailable, but it appears the condo was built in 2021 or later, prosecutors said.

Investigators learned about that property after raiding his conservancy office and finding paperwork about the condo and a company named "Alter Ego Properties LLC," prosecutors revealed.

State records also show Smith has recently tried to sell the "SS Duo," a 36-foot Cruisers 35 Express yacht he purchased in May 2021.

The criminal case alleges Smith used an American Express platinum credit card to make $14.9 million in illegitimate purchases, including airline tickets, clothing, jewelry, furniture and $17,453 at Louis Vuitton.

Smith also is accused of wiring $24.4 million from a conservancy account to one of his companies, the Joseph Group & Associates.

[email protected]

@robertsnellnews

Jaguar Land Rover built the world’s best electric race car. Here’s how they plan to put that tech into tomorrow’s EVs

Jaguar TCS won its first Formula E Teams title on Sunday at London’s unique indoor/outdoor ExCel Centre track, marking the culmination of more than eight years of work since the carmaker first bet on electric racing.

It was a bittersweet victory for the Coventry-based luxury carmaker. Its two New Zealander drivers, Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans, scuppered their chances to lift the coveted driver’s championship, leading to scenes of devastation in the team’s VIP area.  

The team recovered their emotions to celebrate the win. And for the bigwigs at Jaguar HQ, the victory was a reminder of the soon-to-be all-electric brand’s hopes for the future.

The EVs of tomorrow

The appeal to a manufacturer of owning a racing team is apparent. It can reinvigorate an old brand, particularly one marketing itself on speed and innovation. Race day is an excellent opportunity to wine and dine clients, too.

They can also show off their mass-market cars, the big money spinner behind the glamor of a racing team. 

Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car conference last year, Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll boasted of how his company had sold between 300 and 400 of its Vantage F1 edition cars because a replica had featured as F1’s safety car.

That would have been equivalent to around $80 million in revenue. 

Perhaps most importantly, though, racing is a test bed for cars that will one day scorch up Europe’s motorways. 

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which has pledged to build only electric cars from next year, has naturally chosen Formula E as its test bed. 

When JLR recruited James Barclay to become its electric racing team’s first principal in 2015, he says he and his team literally started with a blank piece of paper. 

“We wanted to use it as a real-world testbed for EV technology,” Barclay told Fortune at a roundtable on Friday.

“And doing so is likely to be slightly ahead of the curve of on-road technologies on production vehicles.” 

After eight years of working at the paddock, the carmaker has begun to reap the rewards of those innovations in a fast-moving sector. 

Last year at the Monaco E-Prix, the team trialed a “re-refined” transmission fluid developed by Castrol.

Silicon carbide semiconductor technology , first developed in Jaguar’s 2017 Formula E car, was rolled out to its commercial models in 2021.  

“It pushes you to do things that normal development wouldn’t because you have to innovate to beat the competition,” Barclay told Fortune .

Future innovations

Barclay puts the lag time between discoveries on the Formula E track making it into a commercial car at about four years, as was the case with its carbide technology.

Part of that comes from its partnership with team sponsors Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), whose parent company also owns JLR.

Like JLR, TCS had a presence in F1 through a tie-up with Ferrari but left it behind to focus on endurance running through its sponsorship of marathons like London and New York.

It has since partnered with Jaguar in Formula E. 

The manufacturer has used a “ digital twin ” developed by TCS, which helps the JLR run simulations with digital copies of the group’s cars and drivers. 

“The technology in the car is super important,” says Abhinav Kumar, TCS’s global chief marketing officer.

All of Jaguar’s and TCS’s innovations, Barclay says, will lead to a quicker-charging, more efficient, and faster cars.

Last Sunday was the last time the Jaguar TCS team would wheel its Jaguar I Type 6 Formula E car into the garage, making way for the carmaker’s next, more advanced iteration. 

But before long, the power train, re-refined oil, and innovative software used on the race track will have its fingerprints across the globe in Jaguars on the roads.

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