FOR the discerning billionaire bored with superyachts another eye-catching toy is available – a luxury private submarine.
On offer is a massive 928ft vessel that can carry 80 guests and comes with its own helicopter, swimming pool and Bond-villain style mini-submarines.
8
8
8
By comparison the world’s biggest submarine is the Russian navy’s Belgorod which is 604ft long while the UK’s own HMS Astute is a mere 313ft.
Roman Abramovich’s boring old surface superyacht Eclipse is 533ft long while the world’s longest is the 590ft Azzam, which reportedly belongs to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, president of the UAE.
The private submarine superyachts on offer from Migaloo are able to do everything their military counterparts can – except sink ships or launch nuclear missiles.
They can dive to 1500ft and stay there for weeks at a time with the designers even boasting they can sail under the Arctic.
The company offers a range of subs including the Migaloo M7 and M5, the swankiest and most expensive on offer.
The vessels can be used either as a private superyachts or submersible cruise ships to explore the oceans.
Depending on how they’re configured, the subs can carry up to 80 passengers and 50 crew to attend to them.
Christian Gumpold – the founder and CEO of Migaloo – said the reported price of £1.6 billion was close to the mark.
“We think a private submarine will be the most exclusive and most expensive thing a person can own,” he told The Sun Online.
“We are the only company worldwide which offer superyacht-sized private submarines.”
Most read in Tech
He said superyacht owners are increasingly “getting younger” and “they want even more extra ordinary and individual designs”.
“They are willing to have something really new and unique, which has never been designed or constructed before – a ‘normal’ surface yacht is not that interesting for them – a private submarine is.
“We have a very deep knowledge of the yachting industry and understanding of ultra high net worth individuals as well as billionaires.
“We strongly notice trends and in our opinion submersible superyachts are the future of yachting.”
Gumpold said the private submarine adds a whole new dimension to exploring the sea.
“Of course we think our private submarines are a lot of fun,” he said.
“Yachts are limited in terms of features, design and possibilities for entertaining or exploring.
“A submarine offers a whole new lifestyle travelling or staying underwater and explore new worlds or show off to friends or family.
“Travelling in rough seas is possible – simply submerge and travel safe and sound below the waterline.”
As well as their sleek design, it’s the submarines’ on-board amenities mark them out as a billionaire’s toys.
There’s room on-board for several jet-skis and other submersibles are on hand to entertain the guests plus a cinema, gym, bars, a pool, jacuzzis and underwater viewing rooms.
The submarines can also carry two 52ft long, six person mini-submarines and a helicopter packed into hangers.
On the surface the ship becomes a playground for its wealthy passengers with areas opening up to create decks for swimming and entertaining.
The cabins are, of course, all luxuriously appointed and the owner lives in a 22,000 sq ft luxurious suite which sits on a private deck.
There’s also a fully equipped medical bay and surgery if any of the passengers take ill.
The submarine is built to US Navy safety standards with double hull protection with rescue systems and the mini-subs on hand in case of an emergency.
8
The longer M7 can travel at 38.6mph on the surface and 24mph underwater with the M5 slightly slower but they’re not nuclear powered and instead have a diesel-electric propulsion system.
So far the design remains a concept and no billionaires have come forward to splash out for one of the submarines.
Currently Austrian company Migaloo’s designs are still on the drawing board but it’s hopeful a tycoon will put in an order.
Just in case, they offer to direct clients to shipyards in Germany that can make the dream come true.
While a private submarine is fairly impressive it pales into comparison compared with a nuclear-powered ‘flying hotel’.
The incredible aircraft comes complete with a gym and swimming pool could carry 5,000 passengers in unparalleled luxury.
A new CGI video details how the AI-piloted Sky Cruise plans to remain airborne for months at a time, while also docking to take on new passengers, or to drop off anyone board.
8
8
8
8
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
