Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, may have lost his spot on the top five world rich list, but the fashion mogul has something none of the current chart toppers do, the largest megayacht. Not the 333-foot Symphony, but a brand new, big, bold, and beautiful Feadship commission touted to be 143 meters, or 470 feet, long. That immediately makes him the leader of the luxury vessel pack ahead of the 416-foot Koru, 387-foot Launchpad, and even the 466-foot Dragonfly yacht, which is the biggest superyacht in the United States.
According to The Yacht Report, the new commission is certainly the largest vessel coming from the Netherlands, a wonderful déjà vu for the French billionaire, whose 250 million Symphony boasted a similar title at the time of delivery in 2015. The LVMH boss, now worth $170 billion, has progressed to a much larger pleasure craft that will make the 3,000 GT Symphony yacht, with her six decks, look diminutive. Perhaps he can go down the same route as videogame billionaire Gabe Newell and turn her into a support vessel.
Not that the mighty new megayacht will need any support, it is, after all, a goliath that should presumably be around 10,000 to 12,000 GT. With a 470-foot length and massive volume, it would likely have eight or nine decks to fit in every amenity and luxury money can buy. Speaking of money, the ship that is roughly three Symphonys combined in size would also command a price tag of over $650 million and an annual upkeep of nearly 60- $70 million. Let us delve into a little more detail on what this wonderful new LVMH toy could include, the kind of features that would impress even the king of the world of luxury.
What Bernard Arnault can pack into a 470-foot floating Cheval Blanc?
When someone goes for an upgrade, it is safe to assume that the ship would not only have all the features Arnault enjoyed on Symphony but also a few additional indulgences. For a 10,000 GT plus ship, one can comfortably accommodate 36 guests in 18 cabins, served by at least 80 crew.
That is how a similarly sized $800 million Dilbar superyacht operates. This also opens the doors not just for an opulent owner’s deck, as seen on Symphony, but for an entire dazzling townhouse of the high seas, similar in spirit to what Bill Gates pioneered on Breakthrough, which he ultimately never enjoyed.
The usual trappings witnessed on extravagant boats of this scale, such as a double-height main lounge with full-height windows, a private sky lounge, a library, and a formal dining room for 20 to 24 guests with sea views, would be the norm. It is easy to imagine the luxury vessel paying homage to Arnault and his wife Helene Mercier’s passion for the piano with a dedicated grand piano room, where the talented couple could relive memories of Arnault wooing the exceptional concert pianist by playing Chopin and other classical composers. With several decks dedicated to comfort, entertainment, and leisure, there would also be ample space for conducting multibillion-dollar business deals, with separate his and hers offices and a proper conference room.
Relaxation would be centered around a next-generation wellness hub that, akin to Symphony, would house a world-class spa with sauna, steam room, massage suites, and a plunge pool, while adding more cutting-edge amenities such as cryo chambers and dedicated ice bath rooms. An infinity pool, a helideck for speedy entries and exits, and expansive outdoor lounging areas would all be expected on this extravagant Feadship that is poised to alter the definition of luxury on the high seas.
The evergreen Symphony yacht-
Symphony means an elaborate musical composition, and the yacht is the amalgamation of all things awe-inspiring. From glass-walled corridors and an infinity pool to a DJ booth and a video wall, the Feadship beauty is the luxe haven of the “wolf in cashmere,” as Arnault’s moniker goes. The six-decker was, and remains, a masterclass in luxury living, with Tim Heywood creating exterior lines and the incredible vision of Francois Zuretti and Peter Marino shaping the interiors.
Inspired by residences in Bali and Thailand, Symphony features a contraflow infinity pool, an intimate lounge or pool saloon, an automatic pop-up golf tee, and many such playful inclusions. The rumored 143-meter flagship may eclipse it in size, but Symphony will always remain the elegant overture that announced Arnault’s reign over the high seas.
