Owning a superyacht can be a dream come true. It’s like having a luxury resort that follows you wherever you go. Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg is one of the fortunate few who has enjoyed this lavish perk of wealth. However, nearly 13 years ago, the celebrated filmmaker experienced the not-so-glamorous side of yacht ownership: fines.
His 282-foot superyacht, Seven Seas, built by Oceanco, was the epitome of opulence. This $250 million beauty (now named Man of Steel) featured stately interiors, nine spacious staterooms, a sauna, steam room, gym, pool, expansive beach club, and even a helipad. But during that fateful outing, Spielberg wasn’t aiming to flaunt his floating palace’s amenities. Instead, he wanted to share the breathtaking Sardinian coastline with his guests.
Using the yacht’s fully-stocked garage, complete with a tender, speedboat, water toys, and diving gear, Spielberg set off with his goddaughter Gwyneth Paltrow and friends. The group boarded a 10-meter dinghy and headed toward the picturesque Porto Liscia beach.
Things took a turn when their proximity to the shore raised eyebrows. Sunbathers, noticing the glamorous landing party accompanied by bodyguards, alerted the coastguard. “We were called to the scene after being informed that a dinghy had come within 300 meters of the shore with its engine running, which is a fineable offense,” said Commander Vincenzo Petrella. “We receive many calls like this every summer, especially after a recent tragic incident where a swimmer was killed by a propeller at Porto Cervo.”
The Oscar-winning director quickly settled the fine, paying 172 euros ($180) the next day via postal order. For a man worth $3 billion relaxing aboard a $160 million luxury vessel, this penalty was little more than a drop in the ocean.
To add some perspective to the extravagance, the Seven Seas (sold last year) reportedly burns over 500 liters of diesel per hour, racking up daily fuel bills of $3,000 to $3,500. Even when the yacht isn’t sailing, it easily consumes a ton of fuel just to keep its generators and other systems running. Compared to these staggering expenses, the 172-euro fine for the award-winning filmmaker seemed insignificant.
Eventually, Spielberg upgraded to an even mightier successor, a $250 million megayacht that shares the same name. This diesel-powered, 4,444-ton masterpiece features two swimming pools, a movie theater, and stretches 357 feet in length. The stunning vessel has since cruised through Europe’s most glamorous hotspots, from Cannes and Antibes to Nice, Portofino, and Barcelona. It is currently moored near La Ciotat, possibly undergoing repairs before the next sailing season in the Mediterranean.
