There are several superyachts owned by billionaires that pay an ode to their partners. This can be seen in the form of a figurehead or by incorporating their design preferences in the floating mansion. In the case of ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy, they have their own spectacular yachts suiting their likes and needs. While Schmidt’s superyacht Whisper has garnered ample headlines, partly because he bought it from sports billionaire Shahid Khan after showing interest in the abandoned Alfa Nero superyacht.
His better half, Wendy, who is also a sailing enthusiast, owns an impressive sailing yacht called Elfje. Her love for sailing was sparked by a friend and then further ignited by her husband, who gifted the philanthropist with a sailing yacht by the name ‘Selene’. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for Wendy, who won races (she owns a 26m carbon-fiber flyer, Deep Blue), acquired more boats, and became an exceptional sailor. Let’s delve into the details of her beautiful vessel, Elfje, and discover what sets it apart from Whisper-
Elegant and easygoing Elfje yacht-
Wendy Schmidt, a former interior designer, chose RWD for the interiors and Andre Hoek as the naval architect for her 151-foot eco-friendly yacht Royal Huisman. The team captured the spirit of her Selene yacht and made it even better. The nearly $40 million Elfje is a boat that could sail while looking great and making the occupants feel comfortable. The yacht is designed to look like a home where no space is disconnected. In fact, Elfje is based on connection, which is evident in how the spaces are designed. A large galley opens into the dining area, which includes a herb garden in front of the window, as seen in several homes.
Elfje features the most unique coffee table with a Plexiglas tube that cuts through the middle, through the hull, allowing occupants to witness marine life from a new vantage point. “She’s wonderful to have as a mothership,” shared Schmidt. “She is very elegant; very easy. The interior is comfortable – we were thinking almost ‘beach house’ – very counter to the polished mahogany of these big boats. We wanted to feel fresh air and light. I didn’t want to run into corners everywhere, so the furniture is rounded.”
The boat, belonging to the founder of 11th Hour Racing, set up to work with the global sailing community, accommodates eight people in four cabins and is serviced by five crew members. Elfje is eco-conscious and includes two efficient variable-speed generators and a flywheel generator. The presence of highly efficient lithium-ion batteries further helps in reducing fuel consumption. Elfje can reach a top speed of 12 knots and has a cruising range of 3,690 nautical miles.
The bold and glamorous Whisper superyacht –
While Wendy Schmidt’s Elfje is a sailing home with warm and cozy interiors that invite you in, Eric Schmidt’s Whisper Yacht is a lavish luxury resort. At 311 feet and with five sprawling decks and ample luxe amenities, the $158 million superyacht is both impressive and imposing. Whisper was formerly owned by American sports billionaire Shahid Khan and was called Kismet.
This yacht enthusiast is known for his opulent boats and many fancy amenities. The billionaire, worth $25.5 billion, made some necessary changes, such as the name, crew uniforms, the hull, and even the tenders.
Whisper boasts three full lounging and dining areas, a separate formal dining area for 18 guests, a full-service spa, a massive double-height main saloon, and a cinema room.
Whisper is indeed an example of loud luxury! She sleeps 12 guests in seven kingly suites and offers plenty of activities, including enjoying the mosaic pool with a jacuzzi. The helipad, when not in use, doubles as a basketball court.
The businessman, a seasoned superyacht connoisseur, has previously owned several ships, including the Lurssen Oasis superyacht, which he sold in 2017; the 254-foot Legend Yacht; and the Feadship masterpiece Gladiator.
