A while ago we took a look at private islands, luxurious islands that were up for sale providing you had a bank balance the size of one. However owning your own island is old hat now, why would you want to be stranded in one place when you could have free reign of the seas, yes the must have item for wealthy individuals who have already conquered land is that which gives them command of water- the Super Yacht. Buying a Super Yacht is a tremendous investment for those who can afford one, as other members of the global elite will be queuing up in the party seasons to hire the yachts for their hedonistic needs. Gaze in amazement and start saving as we introduce to you the most impressive vessels the ocean has ever seen, and the price they can command for weekly hire.
The Maltese Falcon
Known in boating circles as the greatest yacht ever constructed, the Maltese Falcon spans a length of 88 metres and has masts that climb 58 metres into the air. The masts are also part of a technological marvel, a revolutionary system dubbed the DynaRig that sees the sails vanish into the masts. Costing over $130 million to make, the Maltese Falcon is kitted out with what is essentially an on-board hotel, with the room to accommodate 16 people in separate rooms. Of course, within the yacht you can also expect to find the usual crop of cutting edge decadence, gadgets, cinema screens et al. The Maltese Falcon costs around €350,000, and even at that price bookings are snapped up voraciously.
Xanadu
Sailing in after the Maltese Falcon is Xanadu, another sprawling vessel of riches and luxury. Xanadu is created solely for enjoyment, and comes laden with a vast selection of entertainment facilities aboard its 60 metre frame. With enough room for 12 guests, spending time on-board Xanadu will never offer a dull moment. There are three areas on the boat and each of them have lavish dining rooms with enough space for all your guests. There is a massage and spa room, a state of the art gym, Apple TV with a pre-loaded selection of the latest movies, a sprawling sun deck area that can easily be turned into a party area in the night, complete with disco lighting, a smoke machine, a karaoke machine plus various water sports facilties such as water skis and hoverboards(!). Like I said, never a dull moment. Hire prices start at about €250,000.
Sherakhan
With more of a traditional look than some of the newer models, the Sherkhan may project a classic appearance, but its insides are as modern as it gets. There is an amazing double height dining room that can feed a group of 24 diners, complete with fancy marbled floor. Also you'll find a gym, a spa, a library should you want to relax from all the excitement, as well as a grand piano and harp with professional musicians on hand to give aural pleasure. Oh, and another entertainment aspect of this 68 metre length yacht is a floating trampoline. Take the Sherakhan out for a weekly fee of €360,000.
Candyscape
This yacht, the Candyscape, is owned, and was designed, by London property superstars the Candy Brothers. However this yacht is slightly different to the other yachts featured, it is less of a party vessel and more suited to those with a quieter form of entertainment in mind. As mentioned, the Brothers Candy themselves designed the interiors, the yacht crew members wear uniforms designed by Alasdhair Willis, husband of Stella MaCartney, and Louis Vuitton has contributed with exclusive wallpaper to line the yacht, all an all a very classy creation. With its 103 inch plasma screen TV the yacht also boasts the largest television installed on any yacht, and there are casino games facilities complete with a roulette table. €165,000 is the going rate to relax on this for a week.
Talitha G
This final yacht is the ultimate in old style grace, formerly used as a battle ship by the US Navy during World War Two, it is now owned by the Getty family who use it themselves along with hiring it out, yet in days gone by it was known to catch the eye of one Winston Churchill. Following its war days the yacht was renovated in 1994 yet still retains much of its classic look. 12 guests can stay on the yacht and there are all the usual perks you would expect from a super yacht, huge plasma screens, lavish rooms, sumptuous dining areas, and an abundance of leisure items such as water sports gear. Dinnertime will also be a treat as famed chef Michael Sawa is on board to ensure you dine in style. Weekly hire is around €280,000.
