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. 

Tennis ace Rafael Nadal is the proud new owner of a Sunreef 80 Power superyacht, which was delivered in June 2020. Nadal commissioned the catamaran after previously chartering a number of Sunreef catamarans and meeting yard founder and president Francis Lapp at the 2018 Cannes Yachting Festival. This is not his first foray into yachting however. Nadal previously owned a Monte Carlo Yachts 76 named Beethoven which he bought in 2016. Nadal has spoken openly about his love of yachting and his decision to invest in a yacht, telling Boat International, "Because I have a yacht, I am able to forget about everything and get away from that tiring stress. I do have a real passion for [superyachts]. It is rare that I see a superyacht from a distance and I don’t know its name. I know them all!"

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.

Launched by Lürssen in 2006, 93 metre sailing yacht Eos was bought by fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg and her husband IAC Chairman Barry Diller in 2009. The schooner features exterior design by Bill Langan and interior design by Francois Catroux with accommodation for 16 guests and 21 crew. Diller and von Furstenburg often use the yacht to host a star-studded group of friends with Bravo host Andy Cohen the latest celebrity spotted on this superyacht.