Built in aluminium by Dutch yard Heesen to a design by Gerhard Gilgenast, Octopussy was commissioned by American entrepreneur John Staluppi with the aim of breaking through the 50-knot barrier. Delivered in 1988, she fulfilled his aim by topping out at 53.17 knots, becoming the fastest superyacht in the world. Octopussy was later refitted and lengthened with the consequence being that her extra weight saw her drop from the ranks of the world’s fastest motor yachts.