After a winning bid of $67.7 million at a June auction, the press linked billionaire Eric Schmidt with the superyacht Alfa Nero. Call it fate or Kismet, but it was not a match made in heaven. While destiny may have had other plans for the Oceanco boat Alfa Nero, Eric Schmidt didn’t waste any time. His attention was quickly captured by the $200 million megayacht, Kismet.
In less than a week — four days to be exact — Cecil Wright brokered a deal making the Silicon Valley tycoon the proud owner of the 312-foot vessel adorned with a massive Jaguar statue. The ex-Google CEO rescinded his winning bid to purchase Alfa Nero on September 10, 2023.
By September 14, he had purchased Kismet motoryacht, previously owned by Jacksonville Jaguar’s billionaire Shahid Khan. Perhaps it was the allure of the luxury vessel, known for its stellar reputation as a caviar and champagne superyacht that expedited Schmidt’s decision. The billionaire had initially waited almost three months to claim the 269-foot Alfa Nero, but it was not to be. Instead, the magnificent Kismet Yacht, with its jet-black mast and designs by Espen Øino, joined his fleet. Its interiors, crafted by Reymond Langton, are nothing short of exquisite.
An added bonus for Schmidt was obtaining this $200 million luxury vessel at a whopping $60 million discount from its initial asking price. Kismet was acquired for $158 million, making it one of the most significant yacht deals of 2023. Chris Cecil-Wright, the founder of brokerage company Cecil Wright, commented, “We are elated to have facilitated the sale of Kismet for our client in such a short timeframe. Kismet represented a golden opportunity for buyers, being one of the most recognizable and esteemed yachts on the market. As the global sales central agent for Kismet, our tailored marketing campaign left no stone unturned in seeking the ideal buyer.”
The yacht’s opulence doesn’t stop at its design. The five-tier vessel accommodates 16 guests across eight expansive suites, including a grand master suite. The owner’s private deck features a Jacuzzi and provides access to the yacht’s helipad, which doubles as a basketball court.
A dedicated crew of 27 ensures the yacht and its upscale amenities are maintained impeccably. These amenities range from a sea cabin catering to seasick guests,glamorous elements like a two-story-high video wall, a 350kg Crystal Caviar chandelier, and a large selection of water toys, including jet skis, paddleboards, Seabobs, and multiple tenders.
The man who managed to sell the $158 million Kismet superyacht in just three months –
Motoryacht Kismet was sold in one of the largest brokerage deals of the year. Chris Cecil Wright of Cecil Wright & Partners represented the seller, billionaire Shahid Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C. The London-based firm is elated that the recent sale of the Lürssen superyacht is their largest ever. Founder Chris was particularly proud of the brokerage’s expertise that led to the vessel being sold in just three months. Chris shared, ‘The sale, coming in our 10th year, really helps to solidify our belief that we have carved out a position for ourselves in the big boat market. Whether it’s large brokerages or smaller ones, both can feel confident approaching and working with us.'”
