A testament to the ever-evolving nature of life and the thrilling twists of fate, the Kismet yacht stands as a remarkable symbol of luxury and ambition. Recently crowned the largest yacht ever showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show in its illustrious 30-year history, this renowned event serves as a mecca for megayachts, where the elite converge to witness the most prestigious displays of opulence. The Kismet superyacht has become its crowning glory, dethroning Lürssen’s 377-footer Ahpo, which has held this title until now, amidst a sea of extravagant and ostentatious vessels.
Billionaire Shahid Khan’s latest toy, the 400-footer, became the largest yacht to grace the show at Port Hercule on the Cote d’Azur. This humongous $360 million vessel offered a glimpse into the grand life of 74-year-old Khan, worth $13.3 billion.
A poster boy of rags to riches, he transitioned from working at the auto parts supplier Flex-N-Gate to taking delivery of this monumental superyacht in May this year, and the motor yacht hasn’t stopped making waves ever since. Its global debut at the Monaco Yacht Show revealed the wonders this Nuvolari Lenard-designed pleasure craft holds.
It must have felt surreal for Shahid Khan who arrived in the United States at just 16 years old, clutching a mere $500, which was his family’s entire life savings. Fast forward to today, and he finds himself indulging in a lavish lifestyle, splurging between $35 million and $40 million annually on the maintenance of his magnificent floating palace, the Kismet.
The lavishness emanates from every nook and corner, elegantly styled by Reymond Langton Interiors. While the six-deck yacht looks imposing next to its peers, the interiors are even more striking than its stature. Outside, the Art Deco silver jaguar figurehead beneath the bow welcomes the world to witness the rise of the Pakistani immigrant who purchased the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. Inside, guests are greeted by multi-deck video walls that create a stunning first impression. This extraordinary visual experience is rivaled only by the Nemo cinema on the lower deck, featuring a massive 150-inch television and underwater seating.
The Lürssen mammoth is made even more memorable with features like a ceiling adorned with a Renaissance-style De Gournay fresco, a large bar with gold glass and black marble finishes, and a futuristic self-playing piano designed by Boganyi. The spa aboard the Kismet is one of the most wonderfully designed spaces, creating a serene aura with fire pits, heated stone lounges, and facilities like a hammam, massage room, steam shower, and salon.
The 400-foot Kismet even boasts a cryo chamber, which may explain how the 74-year-old owner looks fit and fine. Other luxurious amenities dotting the motor yacht include multiple swimming pools, a gym, and various dining areas. One will find an array of water toys, including jet skis, seabobs, and a submarine, in addition to a basketball and pickleball court catering to the affluent sports billionaire.
The magnificent Monaco Yacht Show took place from September 25 to 28, at Port Hercule, showcasing over 125 yachts. Highlights of this year’s assemblage, in addition to the Kismet superyacht, included other Lürssen showstoppers, the Golden Odyssey, owned by a Chinese billionaire, and the 390-footer Renaissance, the largest yacht built in Spain, which is celebrated as one of the hottest new yachts for charter.
[All images of the Kismet via Cecil Wright yacht charter]
