Once a Dilbar, always a Dilbar? That could easily be the title of the saga surrounding American oil mogul William Kallop’s 216-foot yacht Natita (formerly Dilbar, owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov). Much like its iconic sister ship, which became one of the largest yachts in the world, Natita also met a dramatic fate, albeit sooner. While Usmanov’s Dilbar, a 511-foot giant, was seized following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Natita faced a different kind of reckoning. It was collateral for a 2014 loan that spiraled into litigation, culminating in Goldman Sachs suing Kallop and the U.S. Marshals seizing the yacht at a West Palm Beach marina.
The parallels between the two yachts are uncanny, proving that pedigree and legacy are not to be trifled with. The star of this story, Natita, was valued at $60 million at its peak. Following its seizure, however, it was listed for a mere $39.9 million through brokers Worth Avenue Yachts. The loan’s outstanding balance to Goldman was about $28 million, and after some time on the market, the yacht was sold to a Maltese buyer for just $27.5 million. The sale just barely covered the loan balance, but the bank still had to shell out $438,000 for fuel and upkeep during the process, according to court documents. Not a massive windfall for Goldman, but it was a financial win nonetheless.
A yacht named after a mother-in-law-
Businessman William Kallop, who built his fortune in the oil industry through drilling rights, rig operations, and construction ventures, was known for his passion for yachts. Over eight years, he acquired no fewer than seven vessels. Among them was Natita, likely the only yacht in the world named after a mother-in-law. This naming choice ties it back to Usmanov’s Dilbar, which was named in honor of the Russian tycoon’s mother.
An Oceanco masterpiece, Natita was a symbol of luxury, featuring amenities like a movie theater, Jacuzzi, and helipad. Despite its grandeur, the yacht suffered from neglect under Kallop’s ownership. By March 2016, its condition had deteriorated so much that a charter group reportedly abandoned the vessel in Nassau, as noted by a former crew member.
However, in its prime, Natita boasted exquisite interiors designed by Alberto Pinto, who selected luxurious woods, leathers, and fabrics to craft a harmonious ambiance.
The yacht accommodated 12 guests across six cabins and included a main-deck saloon adorned with Macassar ebony and sycamore wood paneling, accented with nickel highlights. Large windows brought in natural light, while the vessel also featured two dining areas: a formal one on the main deck and another in the skylounge, which also housed a bar. After a refit, Natita was offered for charter in June 2018 by KK Superyachts.
About William Kallop-
William Kallop made his fortune through his family-owned marine-services company, McAllister Towing & Transportation. After a split, he expanded into the offshore oil business, which he later sold for nearly $1 billion in 2009. The yacht enthusiast also invested in various ventures, including a 300-year-old liquor distillery in Peru. According to the Wall Street Journal, Kallop’s spending spree included multiple yachts (like Bad Girl and La Diva), three Gulfstream jets, and at least eight residences. In 2014, Natita and Bad Girl became collateral for a $32 million loan from Goldman Sachs, a decision that would eventually lead to Natita’s dramatic seizure.
