a mega yacht

MEGA YACHT, SUPER YACHT OR GIGA YACHT? WHAT TO CALL THE WORLD'S LARGEST YACHTS

There is no looking away when a large luxury yacht sails into view. the biggest super yachts in the world will always mesmerize and intrigue us, whether we are gazing at them from land or sea. but what to call these most expensive super yachts in the world there are no solid definitions when it comes to deciding if a boat is a super yacht, a mega yacht, or a giga yacht. or is that big boat just a yacht there is some general consensus on terminology, however, and several factors come into play when attempting to define the largest yachts in the world:.

IN THE TIME BEFORE SUPER YACHTS

Maritime history places private yachting in existence as early as the 1600s. At that time, boats began to be used occasionally as recreational vessels, rather than just as work boats. Later, private citizens, not just royalty, eventually began to own their own boats. These were separated from functional craft and the word "yacht" came into play.

LENGTHS OF A SUPER YACHT, MEGA YACHT, AND GIGA YACHT

A boom in large yacht construction blossomed around the time of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. As this era of wealth grew for family names such as Carnegie, Rockefeller, Morgan, and Vanderbilt, so did interest in the luxuriousness of these yachts, which they often saw as an extension of their family mansions. Since these boat owners were seldom mariners themselves, they hired crew to help run these vessels. The largest of these large boats of the time were considered yachts.

The length overall of a boat - for both powerboats and sailboats - is the first clue to how it is named in the yacht-industry nomenclature. Many maritime businesses will use the term super yacht for vessels at least 80 feet (24 meters) in length, while some consider super yachts to be a minimum of 100 feet in length (30 meters).

Many people use the terms super yacht and mega yacht interchangeably, while others believe a mega yacht starts at 200 feet (60 meters). There is also some consensus that an extremely high level of service from the onboard crew can bump a superyacht into the megayacht realm.

But as the largest of the yachts continue to grow in length, even the term mega yacht seems insufficient. Faster than the largest yacht in the world can be crowned, plans are already drawn up to exceed its length.

Should the largest, nearly 600-foot-long yacht fall into the same naming category as the 200-foot yacht? Probably not. For this reason, many more in the maritime industry will put the largest of the large luxury yachts into the giga yacht group. Similarly, the immense vessels that are still in the idea/discussion phase are called giga yacht concepts.

MEGA YACHT REGIONS

There are informal regional trends when it comes to naming the largest of the super-, mega-, and giga yachts. Although English is the primary language in much of North America and Europe, English can seem like two different languages when comparing London with New York. This is also true with yacht terminology.

Often the European yachting industry uses the term superyacht (or super yacht) while the United States more frequently uses the term megayacht (or mega yacht). As the yacht industry continues to grow, the use of super to describe a large, luxury yacht seems to be more predominant worldwide.

SUPER YACHT LEGALESE

Another factor that helps define boats is the legal aspect as described by several maritime groups. Whether the boat in question is the smallest rowboat, dinghy, or tender, or the biggest boat in the world, international and local regulations hold a few clues.

One international governing body is the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) based in the United Kingdom. This British agency legislates and guides the maritime industry with national and international support and has been a leader in internationally recognized definitions.

According to the MCA's Large Commercial Yacht Code's definition, "Large means 24 meters and over in load line length and the Code of Practice applies to yachts which are in commercial use for sport or pleasure, do not carry cargo, and do not carry more than 12 passengers."

MEGA YACHT CREW

The presence of hired crew onboard definitely lends itself to referring to a boat as a yacht. As soon as captain, engineer, purser, deckhand, bosun, stewardess, stew, and chef are in uniform and on duty to serve the owner, the tendency is to use the term yacht in any form, whether a super yacht, a mega yacht, or a giga yacht.

So, with no "official" rules in play, you can use your own judgement and preference when calling a vessel, a boat, a yacht, a super yacht, a mega yacht, or a giga yacht.

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Mega Yachts for Sale Worldwide

A mega yacht is generally understood to be a large superyacht that represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury yachting. View all mega yachts for sale worldwide here , including images and full specifications.

Exact definitions of mega yachts vary tremendously, although some believe that around 200 feet to be the starting size for a mega yacht for sale. Here in the United States however, the words ‘mega yacht’ is often used interchangeably with the words ‘super yacht’, which is used to refer to any privately owned-yacht over 80 feet in length.

Cinemas, helipads, spas, gyms and private owner’s decks with balconies are often standard fixtures on the larger mega yachts for sale – like the photos here show of yacht for sale NATITA – due to their luxury of size.

The biggest mega yachts will extend to basketball courts, large swimming pools, magnificent beach clubs and float-in tender garages to house sailboats, high-speed chase boats and even submarines.

One of the most famous features of a mega yacht was the (reported) missile shield on Roman Abramovich’s yacht Eclipse, which held the title of the largest private yacht on earth at 522 feet until it was ‘eclipsed’ by Azzam, a Lurssen mega yacht measuring in at a staggering 590 feet.

The palatial accommodations on board a mega yacht are superb for entertaining groups and hosting extended families. Mega yachts generally carry large crews to offer a simply spectacular level of service, with guest-to-crew ratios only dreamt of in elite hotels.

Because mega yachts over 200 foot are such extraordinary machines, there are a limited number of them afloat, although as the race for the biggest boat continues between the oligarchs we can expect this number to grow.

As of October 2015, there were only 200 yachts in the world larger than 213 foot. Given their rarity and ultimate exclusivity, the opportunity of purchasing a large mega yacht for sale does not appear often.

It’s useful, however, to know that the term ‘mega yacht’ is not a universally- recognized term and its exact meaning is debated, although it has gained common currency in the United States and in mainstream media around the world.

As mentioned, in the United States you will often find the words ‘mega yacht for sale’ being used interchangeably with the words ‘super yacht for sale’, yet in European yachting circles, the word super yacht is generally still preferred.  ‘Giga yacht’, meanwhile, is a relatively new word on the scene, often used to describe yachts over 100 meters, or 328 feet – but let’s not muddy the waters any further!

Regardless of what you call it, a mega yacht for sale is an investment offering an almost unbelievable level of luxury, performance and glamorous fun.

For further information about any of the mega yachts we have for sale, contact the team by email , by this sales inquiry form or by calling one of our yacht brokerage offices worldwide.

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• December 16, 2023

The Journey to Owning a Mega Yacht: Understanding the Basics

Venture into the world of maritime majesty by exploring the tenets of owning a mega yacht. As a vanguard in yacht brokerage, Fly Yachts is your esteemed guide, ensuring that the foundational aspects of this journey are navigated with clarity and confidence.

Embarking on Your Nautical Adventure

Embark on this voyage with a map that charts not just the course of acquisition but speaks to the essence of the yachting lifestyle. Unfurl the sails and allow Fly Yachts to be your compass in the quest for nautical excellence.

Dreaming of the Deep Blue

• Purpose and Prestige : Pinpoint the intentions behind your purchase, from tranquil getaways to grandiose soirées, shaping the design and functionality of your yacht.
• Amenities and Accoutrements : Contemplate the comforts and conveniences that will shape your time on the water, recognizing that each selection is a reflection of your essence.
• Dimensional Decisions : Whether you’re drawn to agility or stature, the dimensions of your mega yacht profoundly influence its capabilities and your contentment.

Crafting with Connoisseurs

The crafters of your floating haven are as crucial as the craft itself. Seek out shipbuilders whose names are synonymous with luxury and whose hands sculpt the dreams of seafarers.

The Marque of Mastery

Your shipbuilder should not merely construct but comprehend the grandeur you seek. Fly Yachts connects you with renowned yards whose quality is unquestioned and whose vessels are paragons of the seas.

Anchoring the Right Brokerage Relationship

Your brokerage is your bridge to the world of mega yachts—a partner who ensures that your voyage to ownership is as fulfilling as the destinations you dream of.

Network and Knowledge

• Exclusive Listings : Our cultivated alliances grant you access to a fleet of elite yachts, often beyond the public eye.
• Strategic Negotiations : Our assertive yet tactful negotiation positions you advantageously, whether at the bargaining table or in planning for future valuations.

Customized Consultation

With each client’s journey, we tailor our services with an astuteness that resonates with your personal narrative. Fly Yachts pledges a singular experience—an expedition bespoke to your dreams.

Navigating the Purchase Process

At Fly Yachts, we pilot the administrative complexities, transmuting them into a transaction as seamless and graceful as the yachts we broker.

Surveys and Scrutiny

An exhaustive survey and inspection of the potential yacht is pivotal. Rely on our expertise to ensure that no detail is overlooked, and that your vessel is both seaworthy and resplendent.

Documentation and Diligence

Navigating the currents of ownership transfer demands precision, and we helm this process with a meticulous hand, ensuring your yacht’s documents are immaculate and authoritative.

Post-Purchase: Crafting Your Yacht’s Legacy

The tale of your mega yacht evolves with ownership as you inscribe your legacy upon the seas.

Selecting a Crew of Seafaring Ambassadors

Your crew is the embodiment of your yacht’s spirit. With our resources, appoint a team whose seamanship and service echo the caliber of your maritime vision.

Maintenance: Preserving Grandeur

Ownership entails guardianship; it requires ongoing commitment to maintenance and care. Trust Fly Yachts to direct you to exemplary service providers who uphold your yacht’s grandeur.

Conclusion: A Voyage That Begins With Fly Yachts

The purchase of a mega yacht is a passage to uncharted joys and an anchorage in a life of unparalleled luxury. Partner with Fly Yachts and rest assured that your journey is in esteemed hands. Engage with a Fly Yachts team member today, and chart a course to achieving not just a yacht but a testament to your aspirations and achievements.

(Kindly have a marketing copywriter embellish this conclusion to conclude the narrative while aligning with the brand’s image.)

Fly Yachts’ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential basics i need to understand before buying a mega yacht.

Understand the types of mega yachts available, the typical costs involved in purchase and upkeep, the importance of using a broker, and the legalities of yacht ownership.

How do I determine which type of mega yacht is suitable for me?

Consider how you plan to use the yacht (e.g., ocean crossings, coastal cruising), the number of guests you’ll host, required amenities, and your desired level of luxury and customization.

What are the ballpark costs of purchasing and maintaining a mega yacht?

Purchase prices vary widely but expect to invest millions. Yearly maintenance, including crew, dockage, fuel, and insurance, can cost 5-10% of the yacht’s value annually.

Why should I work with a yacht broker, and how do I choose one?

A broker provides market insights, aids in negotiations, and facilitates the transaction. Choose a broker with experience in mega yachts and a strong track record.

Can I customize a mega yacht to meet my specific needs?

Absolutely. Customization options are available, especially with new builds. Work closely with designers and shipyards to ensure your requirements are met.

What are the different stages involved in the yacht buying process?

Stages include initial research, viewings, making an offer, conducting surveys and sea trials, final negotiation, completing legal paperwork, and taking delivery.

Should I be concerned about the resale value of a mega yacht?

Resale value is important as it is influenced by the yacht’s brand, maintenance record, market trends, and any updates or customization you’ve done.

What is the importance of flag registration for a mega yacht?

Flag registration determines the laws your yacht is subject to, including taxation, privacy, and the ability to charter. Choose a flag state that offers favorable terms for your situation.

How do I manage the crew for my mega yacht?

Managing a crew involves hiring qualified individuals, providing training, managing payroll and benefits, and ensuring they meet regulatory compliance for safety and work conditions.

How will Fly Yachts support my journey to becoming a mega yacht owner?

Fly Yachts will support you by offering deep industry expertise, a curated list of available yachts, negotiation assistance, and streamlined administrative procedures for a successful purchase.

Discover the luxury and sophistication of the sea with Fly Yachts, where a vast selection of elegant  yachts for sale  awaits potential owners. At the  homepage , you’re greeted with all the services Fly Yachts has to offer, showcasing their dedication to providing a first-class yachting experience. Learn about the company’s impressive background, skilled team, and the exceptional service that makes them stand out in the  about us  section. If you’re interested in creating a personalized vessel, the  build a yacht  feature offers endless possibilities for customization. For those eager to voyage to scenic destinations, the  charter destinations  page highlights some of the world’s most stunning locations for yacht charters. The  compass articles  provide valuable insights and tips for both new and veteran yachters. In case you’re looking to part with your current yacht, the  sell your yacht  service ensures a smooth and beneficial selling process. Alternatively, sample the lavish lifestyle with a temporary retreat using  yachts charter , which gives you access to a fleet of magnificent yachts available for charter. Step beyond the ocean and into the sky by checking out the luxurious  aircraft for sale . Stay informed with the latest in the yachting industry by visiting  Gulfstream News . When you’re ready to embark on your nautical adventure or need guidance, the  contact  page is your direct link to reach the helpful and knowledgeable Fly Yachts team.

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The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is due at the time of the final charter payment. Under MYBA terms, this sum is usually equivalent to 30 per cent of the total charter fee, but may be up to 40 per cent in some cases.

Intended to cover the operating expenses of a charter as explained under Charter Terms, such as fuel, food, drinks, port fees and ad hoc incidentals, the APA will be given to the captain before the start of your charter. The Captain will ensure that the yacht is fully fuelled and provisioned when you step on board. While an up-to-date summary of accounts can be requested at any time during your charter, a full set of accounts will normally be submitted by your captain at the end of the cruise. If, during the charter, the expenditure exceeds the sum already paid, additional cash funds will be required at once.

All outstanding bills from the yacht charter should be settled in cash or by bank transfer before your final disembarkation. Of course, any remaining credit at the end of your charter will be reimbursed to you in full. On request, transfer arrangements to and from the yacht can be made by Burgess or by the yacht’s captain, payment for which will be deducted from your APA.

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The global megarich are paying up to $2 million a week for superyacht rentals but smaller boat charters are down

Sales of luxury yachts may be down but the world’s megarich have found another, more instantaneous way to get their high seas kicks — chartering a swanky boat instead.

Total chartered days for yachts longer than 50 meters has increased since 2020, according to  IYC , a global firm specializing in the sale and charters of luxury yachts. Vessels between 60 to 70 meters posted the most growth last year, at 10%, whereas shorter yachts aren’t nearly as popular as before.

IYC Chief Executive Officer  Raphael Sauleau  said he’s seeing more customers willing to pay a higher premium for the ultimate ocean experience. Clients are willing to pay more for a so-called advanced provisioning allowance, which covers on-board expenses like food and service, of up to 40% compared to the standard 30% of the total charter fee, he said.

New customers are coming to yachting “with an appetite for larger yachts,” Sauleau said. Compared with smaller vessels, these floating villas come with more privacy, better facilities and a larger crew. A bigger range of large models that’s become available over the past three years has also contributed to higher bookings, he added.

Fraser Yachts , a major international broker, is experiencing a similar phenomenon, receiving 7% more charter bookings for yachts over 60 meters in 2023 versus prior years. Across yachts of all sizes however, the number of charter days reported last year was 19% down on 2021.

It’s a quirk that would seem to chime with the trend of super luxury brands defying a broader luxury slowdown. Hermes International SCA, for example, saw Chinese buyers  snap up its products . Hermes typically caters to the most affluent customers, making it more resilient in a challenging luxury goods market.

At the same time, sales of floating palaces are waning, the Superyacht Times said in a  report  in March. Sales of superyachts, generally defined as boats longer than 30 meters, contracted 20% in 2023 from 2022 and are well down on 2021, when many rich people splurged on boats to travel in a safe and exclusive way.

Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal , the president of luxury travel and lifestyle consultancy Fischer Travel Enterprises, said she’s expecting to help clients charter at least 10 yachts this year. Most of the interest is around megayachts — or yachts above 60 meters — and prices range from about $700,000 to $2 million a week, she said.

Wealthy people may be shying away from outright purchases due to geopolitical worries and global conflicts.

Fear of more widespread fighting in the Middle East and Russian’s war in Ukraine “seem to make some buyers nervous, particularly those in the market for very large new builds,” the Superyacht Times said.

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Mark Zuckerberg appears to celebrate 40th birthday on $300M ‘Launchpad’ superyacht

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg reportedly flew to Panama to celebrate his 40th birthday — where the billionaire’s alleged brand-new $300 million superyacht was docked.

Zuckerberg, who has been linked to the 387-foot-long vessel called “Launchpad” for months but has never publicly confirmed whether he is the owner, traveled to the Central American nation on Monday by private jet, according to tracking data viewed by Business Insider.

Launchpad and its smaller companion vessel, Wingman, were also docked in Panama on the same day, the outlet said, citing ship-tracking data.

Adding fuel to the rumors, Zuckerberg posted a video of himself on what appeared to be a private plane on Instagram. Captioned, “Travel mode: on,” the video showed Zuckerberg wearing the Meta Quest 3 virtual-reality headset while en route to his destination.

While the exact whereabouts of Zuckerberg and his expensive fleet of travel options are difficult to confirm, the coincidences raise the possibility that the billionaire celebrated Tuesday’s milestone birthday aboard the vessel.

Zuckerberg currently ranks as the fourth-richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $167 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index .

The Post has reached out to Meta for comment.

In March, the Launchpad was spotted at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after making its maiden voyage from the Netherlands, The Sun reported .

Zuckerberg reportedly spent a cool $300 million as a “birthday present” for himself.

The outlet said the superyacht was originally Russian-commissioned, which caused a delay in its arrival to the United States due to economic sanctions.

Zuckerberg was seen touring the ship in the Netherlands in early March, according to The Sun.  

It is said to be the 46th largest ship of its kind in the world, with a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure.

The party boat was built by Dutch firm Feadship and features exterior design by Espen Øino International and interior design by France-based Zuretti Interior Design, according to SuperYachtTimes.

Launchpad requires a whopping $30 million in annual upkeep, according to the SuperYacht Fan blog .

It can purportedly house up to 24 guests and 48 crew members.

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After Living Much of Life at Sea, Captain Sandy Finds Love on Land

Sandy Yawn of “Below Deck Mediterranean” married Leah Shafer on — what else? — a superyacht in Florida.

By Tammy LaGorce

Sandra Dolores Yawn has been locked up, left for dead on a Florida highway and chased through the Red Sea by pirates.

In the summer of 2018, Leah Rae Shafer reached out on Facebook to send Ms. Yawn her blessings. Not because she thought Ms. Yawn, who goes by Captain Sandy, needed her well wishes, but because she had started watching “Below Deck Mediterranean” on Bravo.

The show follows a crew tasked with catering to a revolving cadre of guests who have chartered a superyacht. Ms. Yawn, a star of the series, is at the helm. Ms. Shafer had written to congratulate her on the show’s success. There was another reason, too. “I thought she was hot,” she said.

Ms. Yawn, 59, has been a yacht captain for more than 30 years. Her foray into television, which started in 2017, was not exactly foreordained. Until her mid-20s, “I was a mess,” Ms. Yawn said. “I was always in trouble. I got kicked out of 11th grade. I didn’t go to college.” At 13, at the start of an adolescence spent between Dundee, Fla., where her father lived, and Bradenton, Fla., where her mother lived, she started drinking. By 17, “I was getting arrested so many times I couldn’t even count how many,” she said. Usually a parent bailed her out. Her father’s refusal to do so after one drunken incident landed her a night in jail.

In 1989, when she was 25, the revolving door of South Florida treatment centers she had been pushing through quit spinning when a counselor told her she couldn’t return. “She said, ‘Sandy, as soon as you get some money in your pocket you’re going to start drinking again,’” Ms. Yawn said.

Fearing real jail time, she joined Alcoholics Anonymous. To start paying off the thousands of dollars she owed in legal fees and addiction treatment center bills, she got a job washing boats in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. By 30, she had earned her captain’s license from Maritime Professional Training, a school in Fort Lauderdale for mariners and yachting professionals.

Rehab — she still has an A.A. sponsor and attends meetings whenever possible — helped her pin down the roots of her teenage rebellion. “I think a big part of my drinking was that I couldn’t accept my sexuality,” she said. “When I got sober is when I accepted that, oh my gosh, I actually prefer women.”

For Ms. Shafer, that level of acceptance took much longer. It also cost her a career as a gospel singer.

Ms. Shafer, 50, is the entrepreneur behind a skin care line, Skin by Leah, and a jewelry business started with a friend, Cuff Me. When she messaged Ms. Yawn to congratulate her on the success of “Below Deck Mediterranean” in 2018, she and her husband of 20 years, then living with their teenage daughter in Denver, were going through a divorce. The relationship had gone stale years earlier, Ms. Shafer said, but fear and uncertainty prevented her from leaving.

“I had the security of not worrying financially, because he took care of everything,” she said. Her gospel career at a nondenominational church had taken off when she was still in high school in Hesperia, Calif. But that was mostly a labor of love.

“I toured and went to college at the same time,” said Ms. Shafer, who graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.

By her 30s, she was recording albums, touring megachurches and singing at major Christian conferences. A flirtation with secular performance in the 2000s landed her on the 2003-04 revival of “Star Search” and later a recurring role on NBC’s “The Singing Bee.”

But “I loved God and I loved inspiring people, and the platform I was given was on the stage of churches,” she said. The only problem: “There was really no money in that.”

Before their divorce was final in 2019, she and her husband tried therapy and prayed together. Finally, in 2018, “I just jumped,” she said. “I took a leap of faith. I wanted freedom.”

She found it financially first. Skin by Leah Studio, her Lone Tree, Colo. facial salon that she founded in 2017, was successful right away, she said. When she first saw Ms. Yawn on TV, she was settling into life as an entrepreneur. She didn’t expect to get a response to her Facebook message. But when she got one three months later, in October 2018, it came with an invitation.

In addition to her job as a TV star, Ms. Yawn had started touring with “I Believe,” a series of motivational talks she created to inspire women in leadership positions. When she finally read Ms. Shafer’s message — thousands had been piling up, she said, but something drew her to Ms. Shafer’s — she was in the market for an entertainer for the talks.

In her message, Ms. Shafer had included a video of herself singing the national anthem at a 2014 Denver Broncos game. Once Ms. Yawn clicked the link, she replied right away. “She gave me her phone number and said, ‘I heard you sing,’” Ms. Shafer said. “‘Let’s meet up and talk about how we can do something together.’”

The two continued to talk on the phone and over email. Ms. Yawn was then living in Los Angeles. Ms. Shafer had been planning a Disneyland vacation with her daughter, Lauren, in November, a trip that gave her an excuse to meet Ms. Yawn in person.

Both say they fell in love seconds after Ms. Shafer pulled into Ms. Yawn’s driveway in mid-November 2018. “I offered to park her car for her, and that’s when we hugged,” Ms. Yawn said. “I felt this energy I had never felt. I knew I had to pay attention to that.”

It was a life-changing hug for Ms. Shafer, too. “It was not a normal feeling when I met Sandy,” she said. “She wasn’t the stern captain you see on TV. She was just so fun and so beautiful. That hug melted me.”

Over dinner at Catch, a Los Angeles seafood restaurant, they acknowledged their attraction. “I was really honest with her,” Ms. Yawn said. But Ms. Shafer wasn’t ready to date a woman. “I knew I wanted to be with her,” she said. “I was just freaked out.”

By the end of the evening, Ms. Yawn told her she should take her time. It had been two years since Ms. Yawn’s last relationship. “So at that point I was like, ‘Why rush it?’” she said. “I was older and I’ve learned a lot of lessons. One was, let things happen naturally. Slow and steady wins the race.”

Six months later, the race was over. The women were in a committed relationship, and Ms. Yawn had moved to a place near Ms. Shafer’s in Denver. It was smooth sailing until the end of 2019, when news of the couple’s relationship started circulating in entertainment media.

The public outing ended Ms. Shafer’s gospel career. “I knew the minute I came out as being in love with a woman it would be over, and it was,” she said. Her six CDs, sold in dozens of church bookstores, were pulled from shelves and shipped to her doorstep. Christian radio stations stopped playing her music.

“I had worked for 35 years,” she said. “And it was over.”

Most painful of all were comments after her father’s death from Covid in 2020. “People in the church told me he died because of my sins,” she said. “But he had met and come to accept Sandy before he passed, and I thank God that happened.” Now, “my family adores Sandy.”

Ms. Yawn lost both her parents to heart attacks before she became a TV star — her father in 2006, and her mother in 2009. In 2015, she was en route to the Miami Boat Show on her motorcycle when she was hit by a car. The driver left the scene. “I felt my mother’s presence while I was flipping through the air, and I felt peaceful,” she said.

When she hit the pavement, she had a fractured pelvis and her foot “was on sideways,” she said. By then, though, she was used to navigating life and death scenarios, including fires at sea and run-ins with pirates. She credits her fortitude and empathy, qualities highlighted on “Below Deck Mediterranean,” which she joined in 2017, to her sobriety. “I’ve got nothing to hide and everything to share,” she said.

In 2022, Ms. Yawn and Ms. Shafer bought a house together in Parker, Colo. In September 2023, while Ms. Yawn was filming in Greece, Ms. Shafer flew overseas to visit. Ms. Yawn proposed with a diamond engagement ring on the beach , with violin players in the background.

Binge more Vows columns here and read all our wedding, relationship and divorce coverage here .

On May 11, Ms. Shafer and Ms. Yawn were married in Fort Lauderdale aboard She’s a 10 Too, a superyacht lent to the couple by their friend Carolyn Aronson. Fifty-five guests, the maximum allowed aboard the vessel, were in attendance. Among them were “Below Deck Mediterranean” castmates Aesha Scott, Kate Chastain and Dave White, known to viewers as Chef Dave. (And yes, there were cameras filming.)

Ms. Shafer, in a long white wedding gown by Leah Da Gloria, walked down the aisle with her two brothers, Matthew Dale and Justin Dale, to an altar decorated with white roses and hydrangeas; her daughter, now 18, was her maid of honor.

Ms. Yawn, in a white Veronica Beard suit, was escorted down the aisle by Mark Dunham, her brother-in-law. Michelle Dunham, Ms. Yawn’s sister, was her maid of honor. Most guests were barefoot, as is common on yachts. The brides and their wedding party were granted an exception.

Nadine Rajabi, the showrunner of “Below Deck Mediterranean,” who is ordained by the Universal Life Church, married them on the yacht’s bridge aft deck, a job made more difficult by the weather: wind caused her microphone to cut out and blew the pages of her speech around. But nothing could disturb the focus of the brides as they read handwritten vows.

Ms. Shafer told Ms. Yawn that she had taught her to be more optimistic, more playful and “to jump.” Ms. Yawn told Ms. Shafer that she had given her patience and grace.

The captain had been hoping to make it through the ceremony free of tears. But that, she said shortly after they were pronounced married, was impossible. “The minute I looked at Leah and started reading her all the reasons I fell in love with her I started to cry,” she said. “It’s so amazing to find this kind of love in your lifetime.”

On This Day

When May 11, 2024

Where Aboard the superyacht She’s a 10 Too, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Rescue Mission The couple chose “She’s a Lady” for their first dance during an onboard reception. Chef Dave prepared short ribs and a three-tiered, gluten-free vanilla, chocolate and strawberry cake that threatened to topple in the wind and heat (temperatures were in the 90s).

Cruising After the wedding, the brides took off for a five-day honeymoon to Little Palm Island on a yacht lent by Mr. Flynn. Ms. Yawn was at the helm, of course.

Onward In June, Ms. Yawn and Ms. Shafer will move from Denver to Ponte Vedra, Fla., to be closer to Ms. Dunham, who runs a private school for children with autism, Jacksonville School for Autism, in Jacksonville. On June 3, season nine of “Below Deck Mediterranean” premieres on Bravo. And on July 1, Ms. Shafer will open a skin care studio in Ponte Vedra.

An earlier version of this article misidentified   the man who escorted Sandy Yawn down the aisle. It was Mark Dunham, her brother-in-law, not her friend John Flynn. An earlier version of a picture caption also misidentified Mr. Dunham as Mr. Flynn. Additionally, the article misstated   the shoe rule aboard   the superyacht on which the wedding was held. The brides and their wedding party were allowed to wear shoes; other guests were not.

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Internet not buying claims after Bill Gates announces selling of 'green' megayacht: 'There is no way'

"There is no way they are actually pretending that there are eco-friendly yachts."

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Photo Credit: Feadship

Can a megayacht really be green? That's the question Redditors asked after Bill Gates put his yet-to-be-completed large boat up for sale.

The asking price is €675 million, according to The Telegraph (via Yahoo ), which reported that the "green" aspect of the ship may be more aspirational than existent.

It is fueled by hydrogen , but of course, there is a catch: diesel generators for longer and faster trips (they can reportedly run on hydrotreated vegetable oil).

The specs alone belie the descriptor. The yacht is two meters longer than Jeff Bezos' and features a four-story private townhouse with a gym. There are 14 retractable balconies, a spa, a pool, two hot tubs, a movie theater, a library, a games area, a coffee corner — and a hospital.

It sounds amazing. It also sounds unnecessary — like, no one-needs-to-experience-this- ever unnecessary. Twelve guest rooms and accommodations for 44 crew members?

As the original poster wrote: "Green super yachts? They're taking the p*** now."

Watch now: Solar-powered boats from the Honnold Foundation are making a difference in the Amazon

The top comment stated : "Maybe the part underneath is painted green? Because there is no way they are actually pretending that there are eco-friendly yachts."

Another user wrote "Super yacht" and "green" on separate lines and said, "Pick one."

"Nothing these billionaires do is whatever 'green' is," someone else said .

The Telegraph pointed out that Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, is "a leading advocate of decarbonising the energy system." The yacht, more than four years in the making , signaled his dedication to such initiatives, but the industry has tanked with Russia's war in Ukraine and global economic uncertainty.

And even if this particular project is hypocritical, Gates has been pushing the investment in renewable energy and divestment from the dirty energy sources that overheat the planet. The outlet cited an op-ed he wrote in The New York Times in December.

"Very wealthy individuals should also be making changes to their lifestyles to bring their emissions close to zero," Gates stated. "If you fly in a private jet, as I do, you can afford the extra cost of sustainable aviation fuel made from low-carbon crops and waste ."

He also put the onus on companies and governments to lead us into a cleaner future.

As for Gates selling his boat before it's even completed?

"He must have been buying too many avocados on toast," one Redditor joked . "Poor guy."

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