One look at Oceanco’s Project Y726 and you can’t help but think, now that’s a dream boat. Fittingly, it may quite literally be named that. The 367-footer, one of Oceanco’s largest builds by volume, was commissioned by American billionaire and The Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank.
Given his history, it’s fair to assume the vessel will be christened Dreamboat, just like his previous 295-foot Oceanco, which is currently listed for $225 million with Edmiston. A Babson College graduate and seasoned superyacht owner, Blank seems to be upgrading to an even mightier oceangoing palace. With his previous Dreamboat still unsold, the billionaire might temporarily own not one, but two floating mansions.
Project Y726 recently emerged from Oceanco’s Alblasserdam facilities. With a massive beam of 16 meters and a gross tonnage of 4,550 GT, the yacht is now preparing for critical sea trials, with delivery expected later this year. The $9 billion tycoon may very well bring this nautical marvel to the 2026 Super Bowl, continuing a tradition of hosting guests aboard his private vessels for major events.
Just like its predecessor, Project Y726 features an exterior by the legendary Espen Øino and a family-centric interior by Mark Berryman. The bold build will offer accommodation for 28 guests and 34 crew, and come equipped with a cinema lounge, gym, spa with sauna and steam room, and a beach club. According to Boat International, the decks will also include a winter garden, a covered cocktail area, an outdoor cinema, a private owner’s suite with a Jacuzzi, and a multi-purpose entertainment zone.
It’s a long way from Queens in the 1950s, where Arthur Blank grew up sleeping in the only bedroom of a modest apartment, while his parents made do with a pull-out bed in the foyer. At 82, the billionaire who once made pocket money doing laundry and landscaping is still dreaming big. After being fired from Handy Dan in 1978, he co-founded The Home Depot, and never looked back. The same could now be said of his superyacht fleet.
What do sea trials mean?
Once the construction of a yacht is complete, it’s time to put it to the test through sea trials, one of the most critical phases before the vessel embarks on its maiden voyage. This testing stage serves a vital purpose: validating the yacht’s performance and functionality in real-world conditions. Everything is examined, from how the yacht handles waves and wind to its speed, smoothness, and the reliability of onboard systems like engines, navigation, generators, and stabilizers.
Sea trials bring together the yacht’s design and engineering teams, shipbuilders, and naval architects. It’s not just about technical performance; it also allows the owner to experience the yacht firsthand, with room for final tweaks or customizations. Typically lasting 3 to 5 days, once sea trials are successfully completed, the yacht is cleared for final outfitting and delivery.
