German entrepreneur Tom Schröder doesn’t just admire Tom Cruise’s iconic character from “Top Gun” – he’s brought his cinematic hero to life on the high seas. Schröder, a successful investor and major shareholder in Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche, commissioned a 146-foot superyacht that serves as a floating tribute to the blockbuster film.
The $29 million vessel, officially registered as “Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell,” features distinctive black side wings on its top deck deliberately designed to resemble the angled twin tails of the F-14A Tomcat jet from the 1986 film. This attention to detail extends throughout the yacht, where “Top Gun” memorabilia adorns the sophisticated interiors – including an official photograph from the movie personally signed by Tom Cruise himself.
Schröder’s passion runs deeper than mere fandom. The businessman has reportedly watched the film countless times and even named one of his sons after a variation of Pete Mitchell. Now his maritime masterpiece serves as both homage and home, as Schröder and his family have embarked on an ambitious seven-year circumnavigation of the globe aboard their customized explorer yacht.
The “Top Gun” theme extends to the yacht’s fleet of tenders, each named after key characters from the film. “Iceman” – the primary tender – honors Val Kilmer’s rival character and features a specialized 22-millimeter-thick steel ice belt designed for accompanying Maverick into icy waters. Its siblings “Viper” and “Goose” round out the collection, completing Schröder’s naval squadron.
Beyond its Hollywood connections, Maverick impresses with technical capabilities that match its cinematic namesake’s daring spirit. The yacht features an 8.5-inch ice belt for navigating frigid waters, a massive A-frame crane that can handle up to 4.5 tonnes, and a striking crow’s nest that was the highest vantage point at the Cannes Yachting Festival where the vessel made its debut.
Inside, the yacht balances luxury with practicality. Accommodating 13 guests and 7 crew members, Maverick’s interior was designed with family living in mind – especially important given the extended journey ahead. Schröder’s hands-on approach to yachting is evident in unique features like the owner’s suite self-service station, complete with coffee machine, mini fridge, and even washer-dryers.
With a range of 6,800 nautical miles at 10 knots and a top speed of 15.7 knots, Maverick combines long-distance capability with comfort. Its steel hull and aluminum superstructure house sophisticated interiors that blend industrial elements with luxury appointments, reflecting Schröder’s Mallorcan villa.
Recently spotted in London after a brief stop at the Isle of Wight, Maverick continues its global journey, a testament to how one entrepreneur’s passion for a Hollywood classic transformed into a remarkable maritime adventure. For Schröder, the highway to the danger zone is now an ocean away.
Who is Tom Schröder?
Tom Schröder is a German entrepreneur known for founding and leading Solarhybrid AG, a company specializing in large-scale photovoltaic power plants. Following Solarhybrid’s insolvency in 2012, he co-founded the Seven Miles Group and later Wishcard Technologies Group. After exiting operational management in 2021, he launched the FIL Bros. Family Office, focusing on entrepreneurial investments in sectors like maritime and electric mobility.
