Feadship Sakura, the Japandi-style masterpiece that had been grabbing eyeballs owing to her sleek profile, sharp bow, and no waiting line, has been christened Stella M. She has been delivered to billionaire Roberto Irineu Marinho. In a large-hearted gesture, he dedicated even this 235-foot luxury vessel to his mother, Stella Goulart Marinho.
The 77-year-old owns another Amels-built luxury yacht, Stella M, shared SuperYachtFan. It’s a sweet and touching tribute, reminiscent of an even grander example, the $800 million Dilbar, named by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov after his mother, Dilbar Usmanova. Stella M may not match Dilbar in scale, but the sentiment is every bit as admirable.
Launched on speculation in late 2022 under the name Sakura, the five-decker, previously known as Project 827, was inspired by a Japanese cherry tree. She was sold by Burgess just six weeks after hitting the market in July 2023, a testament to her design and appeal. The distinctive silhouette, shaped by Studio De Voogt, sets her apart instantly. Inside, the interiors by Italian studio FM Architettura are fuss- and frills-free, clean yet charming, minimalist yet mesmerizing.
It’s almost like a house crafted in wood, with a floating walnut staircase that winds through all decks, pausing only at the illuminated marble wall. The yacht accommodates 14 guests across seven cabins, with the pièce de résistance being the dedicated owner’s deck. The master suite offers wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows, a secluded breakfast area, and a private hot tub. Families can gather in the main saloon, which runs the length of the deck and is flanked by elegant dining and lounge spaces.
There is also a seven-meter swimming pool and a dedicated wellness area, accessible through either the beach club or the main staircase. Stella M is more than just aesthetics, no matter how soothing or superlative, they are matched by substance. She is a vessel that truly packs a punch, perfect for family use and thoughtfully designed to accommodate everything expected of a yacht her size.
Performance-wise, the $180 million motor yacht marries style with stealth, reaching a top speed of 14.5 knots and cruising comfortably at 12 knots with a range of 4,500 nautical miles. Her hybrid propulsion system reduces emissions, making her an ideal vessel for the times we live in.
Maarten Janssen, Feadship’s sales director, shared the billionaire owner’s reaction with Boat International, which reported on the vessel’s delivery, “From the moment we released information about [Stella M], there were several clients who jumped at the opportunity, including her new owner. He was attracted by the relatively short delivery time and the opportunity to bypass the waiting list.”
The fact that Stella M sold just six weeks after entering the market says volumes about her incredible build, styling, and potential.
Meet Marinho, the man who owns the $180 million Stella M superyacht-
Marinho, a billionaire worth $3.1 billion according to Forbes, is the man behind Globo, Brazil’s largest media group. He runs the empire alongside his two billionaire brothers, in what has remained a family-run enterprise for a century. Their grandfather, Irineu Marinho, laid the foundation in 1925 with a single newspaper, O Globo. Over the decades, the family transformed it into a media powerhouse that now operates Brazil’s largest broadcaster, Rede Globo, the country’s largest newspaper company, and Globosat, its leading pay TV provider.
Marinho also owns the sprawling Sertaozinho Farm, which produces Orfeu gourmet coffee, a brand known for its award-winning beans and sustainable farming practices. In the 1970s, he worked as an intern at the U.S. television network ABC, gaining firsthand experience in international broadcasting. His work has been recognized with an International Emmy for his contributions to global television. The septuagenarian lives in Rio de Janeiro with his wife and has four children, maintaining a relatively private personal life.
