What maketh a superyacht? Is it the silhouette, the exterior design, the luxe amenities, or simply the size? To the outside world, it might just be about those features. But for those who live and breathe in these floating palaces, true luxury lies within. In that department, Saudi Prince Fahad bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud must have truly cherished his 269-foot sanctuary, the lavish motor yacht Sarafsa.
Sold in 2023 after a significant $10 million price cut, the $65 million vessel was renamed Pure. Built in 2008 by Devonport Yachts, the 3,179 GT yacht boasted the genius of Winch Design. Its new owner wanted a near-complete interior overhaul, which led to the sale of silverware, artworks, and furnishings in an auction held in Scunthorpe on June 18th.
Like many superyachts, Sarafsa flaunted its share of extravagant amenities, spanning six decks with a grand piano lounge, cinema, spa, swimming pool, gym, helipad, car garage, and a saloon modeled after the grandest hotels of Monaco.
Yet, what truly elevated Sarafsa to palatial status was the attention to detail and the refined lifestyle it supported onboard. Just the silverware, auctioned in 70 lots, was a masterclass in fine tableware, featuring everything from nail forks and oyster forks to parmesan spoons, ice cream spoons, cheesecake knives, and hallmarked silver sugar tongs.
Complementing the silver was exquisite ivy and white ceramic tableware by Augarten Wien, crystal glassware by Baccarat, and champagne flutes by Royal de Champagne. Unsurprisingly, the silverware alone would be worth at least $1.3 million when bought, according to the BBC.
Among the highlights was a magnificent Fennell claret jug, hallmarked Sheffield 1997, weighing 1,360 grams, nearly 3 pounds of solid silver. But the crown jewel was undoubtedly a pair of antique goblets from the personal collection of King Louis XVI of France, proudly displayed in Sarafsa’s Piano Bar.
Another standout lot is a silver model of Sarafsa itself, believed to have been commissioned in 2008. Currently, the bidding for this keepsake stands at $13,000. As Eddisons director Paul Cooper stated, “Absolutely no expense was spared in furnishing and equipping the Sarafsa. Pretty much everything in the auction has the name of an internationally famous jeweler, silversmith, porcelain manufacturer, or glassmaker attached.”
The Saudi royal and the lawsuit that cost him his superyacht-
Prince Fahad bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia lost Sarafsa to Swiss bank Credit Suisse Group AG in January 2022 due to $78 million in unpaid loans and interest. The yacht was repossessed and later sold to French businessman Olivier Leclercq, who renamed it Pure. The vessel is currently sailing near Antibes.
The royal owner of a royal superyacht-
Prince Fahad, 75, served as the governor of the Tabuk province since 1987. A graduate of King Saud University, he began his career at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, rising from director of research in 1969 to director-general of social welfare in 1970. He also earned a master’s degree in the United States. In addition to his official roles, he chaired the board of trustees of Fahd bin Sultan University and founded the Prince Fahd bin Sultan Social Charity Program Society, supporting charitable work throughout the Kingdom. As per Superyachtfan, Prince Fahad is estimated to be worth $1 billion. He resides in a sprawling palace complex in Riyadh and once owned a Boeing 747 BBJ, but ultimately lost his prized superyacht due to financial troubles.
