Complete List Of Africans Who Own A Yacht
Yachting, often associated with luxury and opulence, has seen a notable presence among Africa's elite. Several African billionaires and high-net-worth individuals have invested in these floating palaces, reflecting their wealth and status. Here is a comprehensive list of prominent African yacht owners:
1. Isabel dos Santos – Former Owner of Yacht 'Hayken'
Isabel dos Santos, once Africa's richest woman and the daughter of Angola's former president, owned the 49.8-meter superyacht 'Hayken'. This custom-built Heesen yacht features an aluminum superstructure and a hydrodynamic hull, allowing for efficient fuel consumption. Designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects with interiors by Francesco Paszkowski, 'Hayken' accommodates up to 12 guests across five staterooms. Powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines, it can reach a maximum speed of 23 knots and cruises comfortably at 17 knots.
2. Gabriele Volpi – Owner of Yacht 'Boadicea'
Gabriele Volpi, an Italian-Nigerian billionaire and founder of Orlean Invest, owns the 76.6-meter yacht 'Boadicea'. Built by Amels in the Netherlands, 'Boadicea' boasts a beam of 14 meters and a draft of 4.2 meters, with a volume of 2,191 GT. It can accommodate 16 guests and a crew of 23. Powered by two Caterpillar engines, the yacht reaches a maximum speed of 15 knots and cruises at 13 knots.
3. King Mohammed VI of Morocco – Owner of Yacht 'Badis I'
King Mohammed VI owns 'Badis I', a 70-meter custom sail yacht built by Perini Navi in Italy. The interior, designed by PHDesign, comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests in six cabins, including a master suite, two VIP staterooms, and three double cabins. With the capacity to carry up to 11 crew members, 'Badis I' ensures a luxurious experience. Powered by two MTU 16V 2000 M72 engines, the yacht can achieve a top speed of 17.5 knots and cruises comfortably at 12.5 knots.
4. Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue – Owner of Yacht 'Ice'
Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Vice-President of Equatorial Guinea, owns the 90-meter megayacht 'Ice'. Formerly owned by Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, 'Ice' is valued at approximately $150 million. The yacht features luxurious amenities, including five marble bathtubs carved from single blocks. In August 2024, 'Ice' was involved in a collision near Yalikavak marina in Bodrum, Turkey, causing significant damage to a smaller yacht.
5. Kola Aluko – Former Owner of Yacht 'Galactica Star'
Nigerian businessman Kola Aluko was the owner of the 65-meter motor yacht 'Galactica Star', built by Heesen. Designed for long-range cruising, it had a range of 4,200 nautical miles at 14 knots and could cruise at speeds up to 28 knots. The custom-built interior by Bannenberg & Rowell offered accommodation for up to 12 guests in six cabins, including a master suite, a VIP stateroom, and four double staterooms.
6. Toni Fingerroos – Owner of Yacht 'Africa I'
Finnish millionaire Toni Fingerroos, founder of Fingersoft, owns the 47-meter motor yacht 'Africa I'. Built by Benetti Yachts, 'Africa I' features designs by Stefano Natucci and Francois Zuretti. Powered by two MTU 16V4000 engines, the yacht boasts a top speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots, with a range exceeding 3,400 nautical miles. It accommodates 12 guests and 9 crew members, offering a high level of luxury and comfort.
7. South African Residents – Owners of Apartments on 'The World'
'The World' is a luxurious residential yacht that serves as a floating community for its residents. Several South African families own private apartments on this vessel. Residents collectively decide on the ship's annual itinerary, which includes expeditions to remote areas. This unique form of ownership offers the benefits of yacht living without the responsibilities associated with private yacht ownership.
8. Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue – Former Owner of Yacht 'Blue Shadow'
Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue also owned the 67-meter yacht 'Blue Shadow'. The yacht was seized in Cape Town following a lawsuit but was later released. The seizure was part of legal actions concerning Obiang's assets due to allegations of embezzlement and corruption.
9. South African Yacht Owners – Registering Yachts with Sovereign Marine Services
Many South African yacht owners choose to register their vessels with Sovereign Marine Services. This registration offers benefits such as international recognition, protection under reputable flags like the British Red Ensign, and compliance with global maritime standards. Such registrations facilitate international sailing and provide legal advantages.
10. Yacht 'Africa I' – Recent Sale
The 47-meter motor yacht 'Africa I', previously listed for sale by Filip Jerolimov at IYC, has been sold, with the buyer introduced by Peter Riginos of Riginos Yachts. The yacht, built by Benetti, features luxurious accommodations and high-performance specifications.
