The yachts owned by celebrities

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.