The yacht Force Blue, formerly christened Big Roi, is an icon of luxury and prestige in the world of expedition-style trawler yachts. This beauty was crafted by the skilled hands at Royal Denship in 2002, a company known for their superior craftsmanship and innovative designs.
Designed by the talented Ole Steen Knudsen and Tom Fexas, Force Blue is a prime example of Royal Denship’s acclaimed expedition series yachts, which also features prominent vessels like Turmoil and Big Aron.
Key Takeaways
- The yacht Force Blue is an expedition-style luxury yacht built by Royal Denship in 2002.
- It can accommodate 12 guests and has a crew of 17. It has a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
- The yacht’s current owner is Italian millionaire Flavio Briatore, a successful businessman and former Formula One manager.
- Force Blue’s estimated value is $20 million, with annual running costs around $2 million.
- The yacht was originally built for Roy Speer, the founder of the Home Shopping Network, and was later bought and refurbished by Briatore.
- The yacht was seized by the Italian Financial Police in 2010 over accusations of unpaid taxes, and it was later auctioned.
- In 2021, the yacht was bought at auction by Bernie Ecclestone, former chief executive of the Formula One Group.
- In 2022, the yacht underwent a significant refit, including an extension of its length and a redesign of its exterior lines, making it an even more prestigious and alluring sight on the waters.
Unveiling the Specifications of Force Blue
Sleek and powerful, this motor yacht is equipped with two Caterpillar engines that propel her to a top speed of 18 knots. For those leisurely voyages, her comfortable cruising speed is set at 14 knots. One of the key features that sets her apart is her impressive range of 8,000 nautical miles, offering the ability to undertake long-range expeditions with ease.
An Inside Look at Force Blue’s Luxurious Interior
True to her luxurious exterior, the Force Blue yacht is designed to accommodate 12 guests in absolute comfort, tended to by a diligent crew of 17. The interior, crafted by acclaimed designer Celeste Dell’Anna, combines elegance and function seamlessly, offering an unforgettable cruising experience.
Meet the Owners of the Yacht FORCE BLUE
The yacht’s current owner is Italian millionaire Flavio Briatore, a successful businessman and former Formula One manager. Known for his involvement in the sport, where he managed both the Renault F1 and Benetton F1 teams, Briatore has also left his mark in the world of fashion with numerous luxury clothing and accessories brands.
Appraising the Value of the FORCE BLUE Yacht
As expected, a vessel of this stature and grandeur comes with a hefty price tag. Her estimated value is $20 million, with annual running costs clocking in at around $2 million. It’s worth noting that the price of a yacht can vary based on several factors including its size, age, luxury quotient, and the materials and technology used in its construction.
Delving into the History of Royal Denship
Royal Denship, the Danish builder of the Force Blue, was a specialist in luxury motor yachts. Founded in 2001 and based in Skagen, Denmark, the company unfortunately declared bankruptcy in 2009. However, it made a comeback in 2015 under the Hartman Marine Group, continuing its legacy of constructing high-end yachts.
Origins and Initial Ownership
The Force Blue was originally built as the Big Roi for Roy Speer, the innovative mind behind the Home Shopping Network. The vessel changed hands in 2009 when it was bought by Flavio Briatore, who then gave it a significant facelift with a fresh interior design by Celeste Dell’Anna.
The Tale of a Yacht Seized
In 2010, the Force Blue found itself in choppy waters when the Italian Financial Police seized it following accusations of unpaid taxes by owner Flavio Briatore. The businessman was convicted of tax evasion amounting to roughly US$ 5 million and was sentenced to 23 months in prison, a verdict he is currently appealing.
From Seizure to Auction
In a twist of events, the Force Blue was reported to be put up for auction, as per Italian media. The fate of this illustrious yacht remained uncertain until 2021 when it took another interesting turn.
A New Chapter with Bernie Ecclestone
Italian media reported in January 2021 that Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One Group, had bought the yacht Force Blue at auction for a meager EUR 7.49 million, significantly lower than the yacht’s actual value. This acquisition, however, is still under scrutiny by the Italian Supreme Court, which could decide to return the yacht to Briatore. Ecclestone, a long-time business partner and friend of Briatore, is speculated to have bought the yacht as a favor to Briatore.
Force Blue’s 2022 Refit
In 2022, the luxury yacht underwent a refit. This included an extension of her length from 63-metres to 70-metres and a redesign of her exterior lines, adding an extra layer of sophistication and grandeur to this already magnificent vessel.
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