Billionaires are Ditching Their Yachts for Submarines
Yachts: So pedestrian, right? They just float there, bobbing up and down. According to Bloomberg News, founded by billionaire Michael Bloomberg, billionaires are disowning their giant yachts for personal submarines, priced between $1.2 and $4.5 million. Why? Bloomberg explains:
1) Yachts are distracting.
As the yacht size has stretched—this year saw the launch of a record-holding 590-footer called the Azzam—so has the list of distractions onboard. Soaking in a jacuzzi, shooting hoops on a floating court or playing a baby grand Steinway piano no longer cut it.
2) Drinking white wine is boring.
“There is a change in attitude of super-yacht owners,” said Bert Houtman, founder and chairman of the Netherlands-based U-Boat Worx, surveying two of his submarine models on display quai-side in Monaco. “They’re fed up with drinking white wine and riding jet skis so they’re looking for another thrill.”
3) It’s a great opportunity to buy another boat, simply to transport your personal submarine.
Storing an 18,000-pound submarine elegantly on a designer yacht can be a challenge. Makers urge owners to have bespoke boats conceived with subs in mind or, alternatively, invest in a “shadow” vessel to transport these types of toys and tenders, smaller speedboats that accompany super-sized yachts.
4) Billionaires are terrified of death and/or eternal damnation, and are constantly seeking new, absurdly expensive experiences to fill the gaping void at the center of their souls.
“A lot of guys who are billionaires have profound financial accomplishments and are now concerned about their legacy,” said Deppe.
And so: a personal submarine. Makes sense.