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Billionaire's £140m super yacht turns up at Tower Bridge and leaves Londoners stunned

The boat, named 'Kismet', is owned by billionaire Shahid Khan, who also owns Fulham Football Club, but some people aren't happy to see it moored on the Thames amid a cost-of-living crisis

• 18:19, 24 OCT 2022

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A billionaire's yacht stunned Londoners when it sailed up the River Thames and moored close to the iconic Tower Bridge.

The yacht reportedly turned up over the weekend and while some ogled at its scale, others slammed its presence amid a cost-of-living crisis as "insensitive", My London reports.

Posting a picture of the boat on Reddit, one person wrote: "Seriously, this thing showed up this morning and is moored right by Tower Bridge. It's the biggest boat I have seen here, any idea who owns it?"

READ MORE: ‘Time traveller’ warns 'hostile aliens will infiltrate the government for war'

One person replied: "Sorry but not me as I can barely afford heating, so how the heck do you expect me to own a million dollar super boat?"

It transpires the boat, named 'Kismet', is owned by billionaire Shahid Khan, who also owns Fulham Football Club. Shahid bought the club from former owner Mohamed Al Fayed in 2013.

The Pakistani-American tycoon also owns NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars will be in the capital on October 30 to play against the Denver Broncos at Wembley Stadium, perhaps explaining why his boat is moored on the Thames.

The boat is said to currently be on sale for the cost of 169 million euros, or more than £140million.

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Not everyone was happy to see it docked in London. One said: "Waiting for Just Stop Oil to spray paint it as well. Would be brilliant."

Another commented: "Think you should never show off such extravagance in a city with homeless people on the street."

Saying that, some Londoners claim they've seen better. "Gone are the Russian mega mega yachts, now come the toddlers," said one. "I mean, does this even have a helipad or two?"

Kismet, which means "fate" or "destiny" in Urdu, was built in 2014 and sails under the flag of Cayman Islands. It has its own swimming pool on board.

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Superyacht detained in London under Russia sanctions, says Shapps

Vessel owned by Russian businessman is first to be held in UK after invasion of Ukraine

• Russia-Ukraine war: latest updates

A £38m superyacht owned by an unnamed Russian businessman has been detained in Canary Wharf in London as part of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine .

The vessel, known as Phi, is subject to the first detention of a superyacht in UK waters, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said, and its owner was “deliberately well hidden”. The company to which the ship is registered is based in the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis and it carried Maltese flags to hide its origins, the NCA said.

The law does not require proof or suspicion the owner is closely tied to the Putin regime, merely they are a Russian national, sources told the Guardian, and the owner is understood not to be an individual facing sanctions.

Guy Booth, a New Zealander based in Brighton, is captain of Phi and has posted several pictures of the vessel on his Instagram feed.

Booth, an experienced superyacht seaman, was appointed as “owner’s representative” and “build captain” to oversee the construction of the yacht in 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile. Booth did not respond to requests for comment on the identity of the owner.

Booth has previously said the owner proposed “thousands of crazy ideas” for what he wanted from the yacht , including a “penthouse” apartment on the upper deck.

“From the early days, it was fairly clear that this owner’s vision would take a unique combination of some extraordinary skills,” Booth said in 2020 . “The owner knew that he wanted a deep, intelligent and thought-provoking core concept, that reflects elements of several great personal interests.”

In November, Booth posted a photo of the yacht with the caption “MY Phi just started the first day of trials” when the boat completed its first openwater tests in the North Sea.

The yacht was designed by the Dutch superyacht designer Cor D Rover, which has previously said: “Rather than just building a large yacht on a so-called shipyard ‘platform’ to enjoy the pleasures of being at sea, the owner of Phi wanted to build a yacht with a profound underlying story, a deep-rooted knowledge that runs through all aspects of the yacht, from her exterior appearance all the way to internal experience.”

The yacht was in London for a World Superyacht Awards judging panel event that took place on Monday at the five-star Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. It had been planning to depart at noon on Tuesday.

The Guardian has approached Booth for comment.

Officers from the NCA’s “combating kleptocracy cell” served the detention notice after identifying the owner with support from the Border Force maritime intelligence bureau and passing the information to the transport secretary, Grant Shapps .

At 58.5 metres long, Phi is the third biggest yacht built by the prestigious shipbuilders Royal Huisman and includes what the builders call an “infinite wine cellar” and patented fresh-water swimming pool.

Shapps, said impounding the vessel had “turned an icon of Russia’s power and wealth into a clear and stark warning to Putin and his cronies … Detaining the Phi, proves, yet again, that we can and will take the strongest possible action against those seeking to benefit from Russian connections,” he said.

Phi – named after the 21st letter of the Greek alphabet, used to symbolise the golden ratio – made its maiden voyage last year after being built in the Netherlands.

Shapps said: “Now the ship is being held, it won’t be going anywhere … it’s just another indication that we will not stand by whilst Putin’s cronies are allowed to sail around the world in these kinds of yachts and people in Ukraine are suffering. When you see what he’s doing to Ukraine, when you see what he’s doing to people’s lives, it can’t be right to have a yacht like this here in London , able to just sail away and that is why we’ve impounded it, and denied it the ability to go anywhere right now, and it’s another indication of how seriously we take these matters.”

The prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “For the first time ever in UK waters we have detained a Russian super-yacht, the £38m Phi. The Department for Transport (DfT) has worked closely with the National Crime Agency and Border Force maritime investigation bureau to intercept this superyacht. We will continue to take robust action against anyone benefiting from Russian links.”

The Department for Transport said it was looking at a number of other vessels and hoped its “strong stance sends an example to international partners”.

Up to 12 guests are accommodated onboard Phi, and it also has accommodation for 11 crew, including the captain, according to Super Yacht Times . The vessel was last sold in 2018.

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Luxury London stay on a superyacht

Sunborn london, royal victoria dock.

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• Unique getaway : Swift in the wake of its glimmering Gibraltar predecessor, the sleek Sunborn London superyacht boasts cutting-edge architecture and awe-inspiring views for a glamorous escape away from the hustle and bustle. Poised gracefully on Royal Victoria Dock among gleaming high-rise global banks, it sits in a suitably minted location.
• Drink in the views : Canary Wharf’s twinkly multi-coloured tower lights are the perfect urban backdrop to pre-dinner seasonal cocktails and small plates in the Sundown Bar - the ideal spot to kick back after a day of city slicking. Elsewhere, treat yourself to a sumptuous culinary journey at the elegant Lands Ends restaurant.
• Timeless elegance : Cocoon yourself in style, luxury and comfort in your spacious superyacht guestroom. You can expect a timeless design alongside classic craftsmanship, not to mention pristine bathrooms with indulgent Prija toiletries.

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The passport, visa and health requirements (including those related to COVID-19) at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website . It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements, before you travel.

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Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL

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Inside the £47,000,000 superyacht sparking controversy on TikTok

A mystery billionaire’s superyacht stirred controversy on TikTok after video of its ‘secret pool’ emerged.

Few people have enough money to choose between swimming in the ocean or bathing in their own private floating pool while sailing the world.

The mystery owner of Leona, a $60,000,000 (£43,000,000) 263ft-long behemoth built by the Turkish -based luxury yacht builder Bilgin, has deep enough pockets for exactly that luxury.

Marble tiles, carved marble panels and Greek statues surround the private indoor pool surrounded by fountains and hidden behind a vertically opening door.

Luxury real estate expert Enes Yilmazer showed off the swanky interior in a video, revealing that the design was masterminded by the superyacht ’s billionaire owner, whose identity is not publicly known.

The owner’s representative turned to London-based H2 Yacht Design to create a ‘playfully rich and layered interior’ for the steel-hulled structure, Boat International reported.

James Bermudez, the company’s design director, explained: ‘The interior of Leona uses a bold, opulent palette incorporating a high level of intricate detailing.

‘[There is a] heavy use of decorative finishes and interesting textures: gloss lacquers, backlit onyx, figurative timbers, gold inlays and luxurious textiles are combined throughout. 

‘We learned quickly that the client didn’t react positively to understated design. 

‘He required us to be bold and turn up the volume.’ 

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Its lavish interior is a clear display of wealth, as if the bullet-shaped boat’s $60 million price tag left any doubt.

Crew members also have their own ‘well thought-out spaces’ on board the vessel, which launched in October 2022.

Superyachting site Boat International revealed: ‘Both the captain and first officer have cabins on the bridge deck. 

‘In addition to a large crew mess, officers also have access to day rooms on the tank deck.’

For some people commenting under videos of the ‘floating castle’, it was ‘the most cool yacht’ they’ve ever seen.

Others compared the ‘stunning’ yacht to a private cruise ship or the land of Oz.

But some seemed baffled by the addition of a pool, saying: ‘What a waste. You’ve got the whole damn ocean. What’s the point?’

Another witty commenter said: ‘There’s clearly a pool because if it’s raining outside you can swim without getting wet.’ 

One acknowledged it may be to stay away from creatures lurking in the waters below, saying: ‘It’s safer to swim at night in a pool than in the sea where there are sharks and whatnot.’

Another said: ‘People saying why have a pool in a yacht. You know why? Because he can, that’s why.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

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A Superyacht on the River Thames has gone on sale for £142.6m and it has a private nightclub, spa and cinema

The 308ft Kismet yacht currently moored by Tower Bridge and played host to Beyonce and Jay Z

• 15:50, 22 OCT 2021
• Updated 15:54, 22 OCT 2021

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A superyacht currently moored next to Tower Bridge and belonging to the billionaire owner of Championship side Fulham is for sale for a staggering amount.

The 308-foot boat is practically a mansion on water with amenities, facilities, and luxuries that seem almost unthinkable in most houses.

The 6 bedroom yacht comes fitted with an outrageous amount of marble and gold as well as a spa, a cinema with a floor-to-ceiling screen, a grand spiral staircase, a gym, a beauty salon, a basketball court, and even its own nightclub.

READ MORE: London's thinnest home has been on the market for £800k for 2 months and no one wants it

That's not even all of it.

The mind-boggling vessel also has an outdoor space that offers a jacuzzi, swimming pool, and a one-of-a-kind retractable outdoor fireplace.

Guest’s need not even climb aboard because the superyacht has its own helipad.

The superyacht has previously hosted a number of A-list guests, including Beyonce and Jay-Z, who were spotted aboard while touring the Amalfi Coast in 2018.

Its owner is one of the world's richest men, the Pakistani-American sports club owner, and industrialist Shahid Khan.

On top of owning Fulham FC, the businessman owns the American football team the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If you are looking to set sail in a floating palace then it is currently on the market for £142.6m.

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Charter your own private yacht on the River Thames this summer

Set sail on Illuminate London, where panoramic views, flowing champagne and a professional skippered crew come as standard

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Waterways across the UK have become decidedly busier since lockdown rules have been relaxed. Whilst most flock to the open parks this summer, those seeking a more refined experience, have turned their attention to London’s open waters. If you’ve ever thought about living it up on a luxury yacht like an F1 driver post-Monaco Grand Prix, it can now easily become a reality with Illuminate London . Aside from offering privacy and endless photo opportunities, private yacht charters are infinite in their scope, whether it’s for a romantic rendezvous or an informal business lunch.

Illuminate’s Italian-designed Azimut 46 Flybridge is a luxury yacht that combines speed, comfort and elegance with spacious social areas. At 15 metres, it is also the perfect length to cruise down England’s second-longest river.

Offering 360º panoramic views of London, the Illuminate yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests across its three areas. The upper deck, with its sociable seating arrangement, is the perfect place for open-air entertainment; the lower deck is partially sheltered, with sliding doors leading into the open-plan living quarters. A skipper and crew ensure the only thing you have to worry about is refilling your champagne glass and enjoying the view.

Illuminate offers Michelin-standard onboard dining options. Chef Philippe, a veteran of London’s fine-dining scene, creates bespoke menus ranging from light canapés to a formal culinary experience. No cruise would be complete without drinks, so, should you wish, an onboard mixologist can also be arranged.

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To enquire about Illuminate London, please contact [email protected] . Receive a 10% discount when quoting Luxury London upon booking.

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Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

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“Sunborn Yacht Hotel is moored on the Thames, just a short distance from Canary Wharf. This super-yacht hotel boasts smart, classically-styled rooms as well as a restaurant and a spa. Perfect for those who fancy something different! ”

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• Short break
• Located just 15 minutes away from London City Airport
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• Spend your days seeing all that London has to offer
• Romantic Break
• Sunborn Yacht Hotel offers luxurious accommodation on the Thames and fine dining
• Go see the Imperial War Museum, British Museum or the Natural History Museum
• Local markets
• Camden Market and London Bridge Borough Market are both well worth a visit
• Great walks
• Wander all over this bustling city's streets getting a feel for the place
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• Go see the Tower of London, London Eye or Buckingham Palace
• Sit-out Terrace
• Family Suites
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• Meeting Room
• Air conditioning
• Room service
• Head to London's famous West End to take in a show

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Other reviews, sunborn london.

"Not your usual hotel: Sunborn London is, in fact, a 420ft yacht moored in the Royal Victoria docks, a symphony in white and charcoal which could easily have been left behind by a departing oligarch. It's well-placed for the O2 arena, London City airport and the ExCel centre."

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Sunborn Yacht Hotel, London

"The Sunborn Yacht Hotel was based in Finland before it was towed to London in 2014..."

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A core team of brokers  with a wealth of experience is based in our London yacht brokerage office to serve the European market from their convenient base in the prestigious Mayfair area. The centrally located office in the accessible UK capital provides a handy meeting place for members of the Monaco team and their international clients wishing to discuss yachts for sale and charter.

To make enquiries, please contact a Fraser yachting expert below. For any crew enquiries, please contact our highly regarded crewing subsidiary,  The Crew Network .

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