Boardwalk: 5 things to know about the 77m superyacht owned by Tilman Fertitta

9 June 2025 • Written by Holly Margerrison

Discover five things to know about the yacht owned by Bubba Shrimp and Houston Rockets’ owner...

Currently located in Civitavecchia – an Italian coastal town northwest of Rome – the 76.5-metre Feadship yacht Boardwalk is always a source of fascination for yacht-spotters around the world. The onboard amenities are something of a draw; is it the six sit-down bars? The waterside beach club complete with a Peloton, sauna and bar? Or the mosaic-lined sundeck pool that sits just forward of a helipad and Airbus H130?

One of the six sit-down bars on board is on the bridge deck aft

All are hallmarks of a highly personalised build – and that’s no coincidence. Boardwalk was commissioned by Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire CEO of Landry’s and owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, who worked closely with designer Amy Halffman to bring his vision to life.

BOAT stepped on board in 2023 to see how American design and Dutch craftsmanship came together to create one of the most distinctive yachts on the water.

Read the feature here

Key specs:
Yacht name: Boardwalk
Builder: Feadship
Naval architect: Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior designer: Studio De Voogt
Interior designer: Halffman Designs

1. Boardwalk is a 77-metre Feadship, blending American style with European craftsmanship

Boardwalk with the H130 helicopter

Designed for US businessman and hospitality magnate Tilman Fertitta, Boardwalk combines sleek American design sensibilities with the expert Dutch craftsmanship of Feadship. The yacht features four decks plus a tank deck, and a beam of 12.5 metres, creating expansive indoor and outdoor spaces. Her striking exterior was shaped by Studio De Voogt, with a hull optimised by advanced computational fluid dynamics for smooth sailing above 18 knots.

Who is Tilman Fertitta?

Tilman Fertitta is a Houston-based billionaire entrepreneur and the chairman, CEO, and sole owner of Landry’s, Inc., a Texas-based restaurant and entertainment company. Under Landry’s umbrella are popular dining brands such as Landry’s Seafood House, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Saltgrass Steak House. Beyond the hospitality industry, Fertitta also owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets, further cementing his status as a major player in both business and sports. As a passionate yachtsman, his sharp eye for design and detail reflects his personality both on and off the water. In April 2025, Fertitta was confirmed by the US Senate as the US Ambassador to Italy and San Marino – perhaps explaining his yacht's presence in Italian waters.

2. The yacht is currently docked in Civitavecchia Port of Rome (ITCVV), a key West Mediterranean hotspot

Often called the "Port of Rome," Civitavecchia is a bustling hub on the Ligurian Sea, popular with superyachts cruising the West Mediterranean. With its close proximity to Rome and scenic surroundings, it’s no surprise Boardwalk is spotted here – drawing plenty of attention from yachting enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.

3. The owner is a design perfectionist who knows exactly what he wants

Tilman Fertitta is not just a serial yacht owner but a hands-on design enthusiast. His attention to detail is meticulous – from the curved overheads on the aft deck to carefully studied lighting that sets the mood and highlights artwork on board. He even influenced the layout to mirror his previous yacht, his beloved 50-metre Westport 164, to maintain comfort and familiarity while upgrading to larger volumes and amenities.

The devil's in the details: things not to miss on board...

Custom-designed wine cellar with storage for 120 bottles
Use of 54 different types of stone, marble and tile throughout (including one selected for its texture underfoot in the massage room)
Six sit-down feature bars positioned across the yacht for entertaining

4. Entertainment is king on board

As chairman and CEO of Landry’s and owner of major hospitality brands, Fertitta has built Boardwalk to impress guests. The yacht boasts six sit-down bars, a massive 2.7-metre by six-metre mosaic-lined pool, a helipad and lavish spaces for socialising, fitness and relaxation. Features such as a Peloton bike, sauna, spa and a beauty salon make it a full retreat at sea.

5. The interior was inspired by Fertitta’s flagship hotel

The interiors of Boardwalk draw direct influence from Fertitta’s Post Oak Hotel in Houston – a five-diamond property often hailed as the best in Texas. Designer Amy Halffman, who worked closely with Fertitta on both projects, said they spent significant time walking through the hotel during the design process.