What’s in a name? Quite a bit, it seems. How else does one explain how a ship perfectly embodies the name of a fearless seafarer who ventured far beyond Scandinavia in 845? The 224-foot superyacht Q, previously named Ragnar, is a shining example of how a name can shape perception. The 2,272 GT vessel, designed by British firm RWD, is one of the most distinctive motor yachts ever built. While her warship-like exterior turns heads, it’s the interiors that leave a lasting impression.
Setting aside my fascination with Viking history, this $80 million explorer yacht is a true masterpiece. Designed with inspiration drawn from medieval helmets, stealth jets, and even a 1930s-style train (as shared by RWD designer and team principal Charlie Baker), Q is both fierce and refined. Highlights include an observation lounge at the front, an open deck above, a certified helideck, and a well-equipped toy garage.
The top deck offers a seamless connection with nature, featuring an open-air spa pool, bar, barbecue, and a cozy seating area. Inside, guests can enjoy a panoramic upper saloon that opens up to outdoor dining. One deck below lies a spacious dining room and bar, as well as a large indoor pool. For rest and relaxation, there are five plush guest cabins and a wellness area with a spa, massage room, sauna, steam room, and even a foot spa.
Fitness hasn’t been overlooked either. Whoever said explorers can’t be fitness freaks was clearly wrong, Q boasts a large gym fitted with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment. Excited yet? We haven’t even gotten to the yacht’s most impressive features that can be rented for $525,000 a week.
Inside the viking soul of motor yacht Q-
Most yachts have nice interiors, but few offer a writer so many talking points. It’s not just the details, it’s the character. The interiors of Q are unapologetically masculine. Think brooding Scottish castles, refined Scandinavian touches, and heavy Viking influences.
It’s a ship that’s hard to forget. There’s a giant wooden wheel in the dining room, and even a full-size likeness of the legendary Viking warrior Ragnar. Some rooms channel the ambiance of a British pub, complete with dark walnut furniture, chesterfield seats, and an inviting glow that makes you want to linger.
Ragnar the robust-
Q isn’t just about looks, it’s about strength. As soon as she emerged from a Dutch shipyard, the vessel made her maiden voyage to Iceland, flaunting her ice-breaking propellers. Her certified helideck can accommodate an Airbus EC145 helicopter, which weighs as much as two great white sharks. An industrial crane onboard can lift loads of up to 10 tons. Boat International called her steel hull “nearly indestructible,” thanks to a clever double-shell construction with an air gap between the outer and inner layers.
Another kind of Viking-
The founder, president, and CEO of The Carroll Companies, Roy E. Carroll, owns Q superyacht. With an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion, he is the richest man in North Carolina. A modern-day Viking in his own right, Carroll began his journey to success at just 14, when he bought his first house using $1,000 in savings, renovated it, and sold it for a profit. That single move set him on the path to immense wealth.
A sailor at heart, Carroll dreamed of traveling anywhere and everywhere, and Q became his perfect companion. The 67-year-old father of three is also deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, especially those focused on curing diabetes and tackling food scarcity.
