Kiwi billionaire sold one of the world’s largest support yachts to a mystery billionaire for $100 million

A New Zealand billionaire recently sold U-81, one of the world’s biggest and most mysterious support yachts to a new owner for a reported $100 million.

The super-sized U-81 measures 80.1 meters (262ft) and was built as a support yacht for billionaire Graeme Hart’s superyacht ‘Here Comes the Sun’. 

U-81 was originally built as an offshore gas and oil platform before being transformed into a support yacht by Damen Yachting. 

However, the yacht is somewhat shrouded in mystery.

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It’s one of the biggest support yachts in the world

Despite the yacht being bigger than some of the most high-end superyachts out there, including Jeff Bezos’ $500M superyacht Koru and this Top Gun-inspired one, not much is actually known about U-81.

The former offshore platform was originally snapped up by Kiwi businessman Graeme Hart.

He splashed out on a full – and presumably luxurious – makeover for the vessel before using it as a support yacht for his superyacht. How the other half live, right?

While U-81 has undergone several refits at yards across the world, its exterior is still pretty rugged and utilitarian-looking. 

Its bumper size – it’s one of the biggest support yachts in the world – means it has plenty of space for tenders and other water toys, while an on-deck helipad means the vessel can be easily accessed – if you happen to have a helicopter that is.

Images shot from above the support yacht appear to show that it’s also got its very own basketball court.

It was recently snapped up by a mystery buyer

Powering the beast of a yacht are twin diesel-electric Caterpillar engines that each pump out 1,947 horsepower. On the water, this power translates to a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of around 12.5 knots. 

As for its interior, well, your guess is as good as ours, because images of the inside of the vessel have never been released.

Details of its onboard layout have also been kept strictly under wraps, according to Yacht Buyer – but it does contain four suites and is designed to provide accommodation for up to eight people 

To add to the mystery, the vessel’s recent super-rich buyer has also been quiet, but it’s reported they parted with around $100 million to get their hands on U-81. The post Kiwi billionaire sold one of the world’s largest support yachts to a mystery billionaire for $100 million appeared first on Supercar Blondie.