Superyacht sightings are the best kind of surprises, and one was recently received in San Francisco. Onlookers were captivated by the impressive AV superyacht, according to a Reddit thread. The Blohm & Voss beauty, built in Germany and delivered in 2010, made waves in the Fog city with its elegant and unique beige exterior (repainted in 2023). The photographs quickly circulated, its scale made even more striking as several uniformed crew members could be seen tending to this gargantuan vessel that could only belong to a high-net-worth individual.
Belonging to Montana’s richest billionaire, Dennis Washington, the AV yacht is both a spectacle and a spectacular representation of his wealth. Originally commissioned as Palladium for tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov, it was sold in 2022 and renamed AV in January 2023. At 312 feet, AV features exterior and interior design by Michael Leach Design Ltd who won a World Superyacht Award in 2011. With her flowing lines and interiors conceived to feel warm and inviting, she embodies both elegance and comfort.
Inside the amazing AV yacht-
If you wish to get lost in a bygone era, you don’t need a time traveler, you only need to step aboard the AV yacht. Valued at around $200 million, the superyacht exudes an uber-cozy ambiance through rich brown hues that wash over every deck and room of the pleasure craft. The main salon is particularly charming, evoking a retro speakeasy with mahogany tones, sculptural details, soaring pillars, and statement furniture.
One of her most striking spaces is the formal dining area, anchored by a table large enough to seat 18 guests comfortably. Wood paneling, dramatic lighting, and a sumptuous atmosphere define the interiors, while amenities abound, from a tranquil spa to a sea-facing gym with a large screen for entertainment. The vessel also boasts a cinema lounge and a touch-and-go helipad for quick city escapes.
Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, AV accommodates 24 guests across 12 spacious cabins, attended by a crew of 33, including the captain. Powered by two MTU engines, she reaches a top speed of 19 knots and carries nearly 128,400 gallons of fuel on board, according to SuperYacht Times.
The billionaire, Montana’s richest person, is behind $200 million AV superyacht-
AV belongs to Dennis Washington, the Montana-born industrialist behind The Washington Companies and the Attessa dynasty of yachts. His lifelong fascination with machinery grew into an empire spanning copper mining, marine transportation, and heavy equipment. Now 91, Washington’s love for the sea explains his enduring passion for yachts, a passion passed on to his children. Beyond leisure, he also holds an investment in Seaspan Corporation, co-founded with his son Kyle, which today operates more than 220 container ships.
With a net worth of $7.8 billion, Washington’s story is one of grit and perseverance. As a child, he lived in government housing and shined shoes for pocket money. His rise from modest beginnings to billionaire yacht owner reflects his belief in instinct and intuition over secrets to success. In his own words: “People always ask me for my secret. There isn’t one. You’ve just got to keep a level head and stay away from greed. I just think in my life I relied on my instincts and had good intuition, and things just kind of fell into place.”
