When we published news of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s 414-foot superyacht Octopus being available for charter in Antarctica at $2.2 million per week, we didnt know Shaun White and Lewis Hamilton were reading! Jokes apart, the sporting duo Formula 1 ace and Olympic-gold medalist snowboarder have left enough clues on their Instagram for fans to know they are on the iconic explorer yacht Octopus. The icy backgrounds, penguin-watching on an island with the blue-hulled Octopus in the background flaunting her skyscraper decks are telling signs.
Shaun White shared a video of him somersaulting in Antarctica’s icy blue waters from a deck that looks like the folding side terraces of the $175 million Lurssen luxury vessel. Octopus is one of the world’s largest superyachts available for charter.
The 414-foot ship’s voyages to Antarctica are touted as one of the most spectacular experiences laced with stunning landscapes and wildlife, linked to the least-explored continent on earth for ski touring, ice exploration, and polar plunges.
Undoubtedly, the sportspeople had the time of their life onboard the eight-decker that houses eight tenders, two helipads, a glass-bottomed underwater observation lounge, a cinema, and a fully kitted-out dive center.
Camper & Nicholsons also shared a series of breathtaking photographs from the trip to Antarctica with the caption, ‘An experience of a lifetime: C&N is absolutely delighted to share with you the very first photos from 126.20m (414′ 1″) @luerssenyachts Octopus in Antarctica. Kudos to her own onboard photographer!’
Octopus: steadfast, stunning, and superlative superyacht-
“She can do anything!” said charter marketing manager Jacqui Lockhart, who has already booked the superyacht on two excursions to Antarctica. The demand has been equal to the yacht’s renown. “We’ve grown our yacht management team to give her the care she deserves,” she adds. Launched in 2003, the 414-footer was sold in 2021 for $175 million to the Camper & Nicholson’s charter fleet.
While she is intended to be a one-of-a-kind vessel for science, research, and valid ocean-crossing travel, the ship’s luxurious offerings make her irresistible to the deep-pocketed as a true gem of the seas. She sleeps 12 guests and offers plenty of entertainment in a 12-seat 4D cinema, table-tennis table, gym, smoothie bar, hair and massage salons, and a grand library, complete with an ethanol fireplace, per Boat International.
The Octopus is available for charter starting at $2.2 million per week on Camper and Nicholsons.
