octopus yacht recording studio

• Pontoon Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• nauticalknowhow
• Nautical Knots
• Tools and Calculators

Octopus Yacht Uncovered: An Insider’s Look at the Luxury Yacht

Launched back in the year 2003, the Octopus yacht was built by famous shipyard Lurssen out of Germany. Lurssen has been behind numerous other superyachts such as Kismet and Dilbar and many more. The exterior design was handled by Espen Øino Naval Architects while the interior was handled by American designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett.

Who Owns the Octopus Yacht?

The Octopus yacht was owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft. In addition to being a private pleasure yacht for Allen, the Octopus has served a variety of purposes over the years thanks to him loaning it out. It has served as an exploration vessel, been used for scientific research and has even seen use as a rescue vessel.

Allen died in 2018 and at that time the yacht underwent a refit at Blohm + Voss. In 2019 it was put on sale for a price of €295 million. The price was dropped by about 60 million and in 2021 it was picked up by an anonymous buyer. However, the anonymity didn’t last long and it was later revealed that Swedish billionaire Roger Samuelsson.

How Big is the Octopus Motor Yacht?

The Octopus more than qualifies as a superyacht coming in at an incredible 126.2 meters or 414 feet. While the largest yachts in the world are over 500 feet, the Octopus is clearly massive and could rightly be labeled a megayacht and one of the world’s largest yachts as well.

Aside from the incredible length of the vessel, it features a beam just shy of 69 feet across. The gross tonnage is 9,932.

How Much Did the Yacht Octopus Cost?

Paul Allen purchased the Octopus back in 2003. At that time the vessel cost him $200 million. Adjusted for inflation, that would work out to about $327 million by today, clearly making this one of the more expensive yachts in the world. That said, it still doesn’t meet the bar for one of the most expensive yachts ever by quite a bit.

Can You Charter the Octopus Yacht?

The Octopus is available for charter through the yacht firm Camper and Nicholsons but it’s definitely not available for most budgets. We’ve covered other yachts before that are owned by billionaires and are available for charter at some steep prices that often range around $1.2 million per week. The Octopus goes to the next level. 

You can charter the Octopus for about $2.2 million per week and that doesn’t include expenses. So you’ll be paying for things like food and fuel separately. Suffice it to say that this is not a charter for everyone but the option is there. 

Is the Octopus Yacht for Sale?

After its initial purchase in 2003 the Octopus was not available for sale until 2019 after owner Paul Allen passed away. There are currently some websites that claim the Octopus is for sale now and you can make an offer but the reliability of those sites is unknown and they do list the previous sale price from 2019 so they may not be current.

How Fast is the Octopus Yacht and What Engines Does it Use?

The Octopus has a cruising speed listed at 12.5 knots and a top speed listed at 19 knots. This is provided thanks to 8 MTU diesel engines that can generate a total of 19,200 hp. The yacht has an impressive range of up to 12,500 nautical miles at cruising speed thanks to her 1,034,000 liter fuel tanks 

What’s the Octopus Yacht Interior Like?

The Octopus covers eight decks and has room on board for a total of 26 guests and 63 crew. The guests can find accommodations in a full-beam master suite, two VIP suites, seven double rooms and three twins, one with an additional single bed.

The master suite is on a dedicated owner’s deck and features a king size bed, his and hers en suite bathrooms and a private observation deck that includes an al fresco dining area. There’s also a private bar and Jacuzzi There is also an owner exclusive private elevator for use. 

For years the details of the interior were a closely guarded secret while Paul Allen was still the owner. In fact, designer Espen Oeino said that this was the first yacht that ever required him to sign an NDA to keep its design secret. Since then he’s signed many more, but the Octopus was where it started. However, since Allen’s passing and the sale of the yacht, the transition to a vessel available for charter has allowed us to learn a lot more about the Octopus and its amenities and entertainment facilities.

Features and Amenities

The Octopus is an ice-class exploration yacht so it can go where many other luxury yachts cannot. It has two helipads as well as garages to house two helicopters. In addition, guests can find the following on board.

• There’s a large swimming pool to the aft of the yacht on the main deck. It features numerous loungers and its own cocktail bar. There’s also a retractable glass floor that covers the pool when not in use.
• A dance floor for parties
• A movie theater
• A well equipped gym for working out
• A relaxation spa that includes a sauna
• A large indoor/outdoor beach club area
• A large deck Jacuzzi
• A glass bottomed observation lounge
• A well-stocked library for those evenings when you want to curl up with a good book

For those who want to have some more intense fun out on the water, the Octopus has a number of toys that can be used.

• 59’5” Delta Powerboats 54′ Tender
• 30’8” Vikal Custom Limo Tender with a pair of 260 HP engines
• A 10-person submarine named Pagoo which we’ll talk more about shortly
• A dive center with a hyperbaric chamber and scuba gear
• A large swim platform
• A diving platform
• 4 separate 2 seat Yamaha FX140 Waverunners
• 2 separate 2 Person Hobie Pursuit Kayaks
• An Epic V5 Kayak
• 3 Windsurfers for a range of skill levels
• A stand up Yamaha jet ski
• 3 surfboards
• Kite surfers 
• Water skis and a variety of towable toys 
• Snorkeling gear
• Fishing gear

Octopus Rescue Work

The Octopus also features a not entirely typical on board submarine and also a very rare ROV or remote operated vehicle which is essentially a remote control sub. These had been used a number of times on rescue operations when Paul Allen owned the vessel.

The sub and ROV were used to help find a pilot and two officers who vanished off the coast of Palau, and even aided the Royal Navy in finding the bell from the HMS Hood which sank off of Denmark in WWII.

The Octopus has also aided in scientific research, most notably when researchers were studying coelacanth, a species of prehistoric fish thought to have been extinct for millions of years. 

What is the Octopus Yacht Deck Plan?

You can see the full deck plans here. The Octopus was designed to feature some things you would never expect to find on a yacht. For instance, it had a fully equipped recording studio where the band U2 did some recording. The studio also hosted Usher, Mick Jagger and Joss Stone. However, the studio has since been replaced with a bar and lounge area.

In addition to the studio the yacht was designed with a storm cabin to help minimize the effects of bad weather and a full medical center in case of emergencies. Many of these features no longer exist since the retrofit after Paul Allen’s death.

One extremely unique feature is the central clock. Braided stainless-steel shrouds from a sailing vessel were strung on either side of the grand staircase from lower to upper deck. The designer enlisted the aid of a 102-year-old German clock making company to help bring the idea to life. It also uses digital audio software so that on a regular basis the strings can play snippets from literally any song to indicate the passage of time.

The Bottom Line

The Octopus yacht was once owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen until his death in 2018. Afterwards, some of the yacht was redesigned and it was sold for close to $300 million to Swedish billionaire Roger Samuelsson. 

The Octopus is a massive exploration yacht measuring 414 feet making it large but nowhere near as big as something like the massive Azzam . It has been used for scientific research and rescue missions in the past and is now available for charter though at a steep price.

While it has many of the expected amenities of luxury yachts it also features some more exotic fare like the minisub with room for 8 passengers and two crew, as well as a stunning array of toys and other features.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

Categories : Yachts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More in Yachts

Lonian Yacht: An Insider's Guide

A Closer Look at the Madsummer Yacht

Your Insider’s Look at Steve Jobs’ Yacht Venus

Your Insider’s Guide to the Aviva Yacht

The People’s Poncho Review and Ratings 

Oru Lake Kayak Review

What Is A Gunwale?

131 of the Best Hawaiian Boat Names

167 Patriotic Boat Names

About boatsafe.

Established in 1998, BoatSafe is your independent guide into the world of boating, fishing, and watersports. We provide expert insights and detailed guides to help you find products tailored to your needs and budget.

Contact Boatsafe

• Address: 4021 West Walnut Street. Rogers, AR 72756
• Phone:  (479)339-4795
• Email: [email protected]

Site Navigation

• How We Test
• Corrections Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Editorial Policy
• Affiliate Disclosure

Our Reviews

All content is © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

Paul Allen Yacht “octopus”

• by Kingsley Felix
• August 28, 2024

Paul Allen Yacht is one of the world’s largest and most valuable vessels. The Death of Paul Allen, who is the founder of Microsoft and a handed-down entrepreneur, has led to the displacement of many of his precious and valued belongings to the market.

His exceptional belongings include the largest aircraft in the world , which is specified for placing the satellites into the earth’s orbit.

One of his most successful and elite belongings includes the jet fighter , a very flyable MiG-29-UB Fulcrum .

This high-end Paul Allen stuff is being sold off to the highest applicants. One of the most favorite chest toys of the estate sale is the Paul Allen Yacht – Octopus.

Talking about Paul Allen, in 2018, he passed away while fighting cancer at the age of 65. He loves luxury Yachts and yachting life standards.

Additionally, it is the most convenient way for a billionaire to spend some of his money.

In this way, he can travel worldwide with proper safety and security.

M/Y Octopus for Sale

Paul Allen owns several ocean liners, but M/Y Octopus was his favorite of all. This mega yacht is considered the world’s biggest motor yacht.

It has a length of 126m/41Feet respectively. In addition, Paul Allen Yacht M/Y Octopus is sitting in the 22nd position in the current rankings.

After the death of its owner, this yacht is now listed for sale at   $325,000,000 , which is roughly the price of about five Gulfstream Jets.

Manufacture of Paul Allen Yacht – M/Y Octopus

This masterpiece was manufactured in 2003 by Lurissen. At that period, this yacht was the world’s biggest yacht.

Unfortunately, she loses its growth very quickly. This is because of the continuous competition among the yachting billionaires of the world to own the biggest ship.

Later, in July 2019, the Yacht was subjected to eight months of refurbishment to make it more worthy of sale.

Features & Specifications of the Yacht

The Yacht entertains about 26 guests, with 13 cabins (1 cabin for 2 persons) . Moreover, the group of 63 is spread among the 30 cabins.

The Octopus yacht features about 2.5 crewmen for a single guest.

Interior of Motor Yacht – Octopus

The interior is full of luxuries. Overall, it is a complete package of an extremely luxurious lifestyle.

The interior of this yacht has a VIP cabin, four cabins for guests, and a children’s cabin as well.

These cabins comprise a huge study, a walk-in closet, and a delightful outside scenery with a whirlpool.

A Submarine & two Helicopters

Octopus contains a huge helicopter hanger on its fundamental deck. This deck provides shelter to the two helicopters.

Moreover, the yacht contains a big glass-bottom swimming pool and a submarine that can accommodate around 10 people.

Through a large hatch, the submarine and tender float into the yacht. There are two helicopters that are allowed to hang in the shelter area of the Yacht.

They have the registration numbers, i.e., N904AF and N976F, respectively. Now, for the selling purpose, the helicopters are replaced and feature different registration numbers.

A Recording Music Studio

The Octopus Yacht contains a luxurious and top-notch music recording studio on its bridge deck. Paul Allen has a guitar, Jimi Hendrix.

He likes to play the guitar. Besides the studio, the yacht has a huge cinema, an observation lounge, and a stylish and mesmerizing juice corner located at the side of the Gymnasium.

Most interestingly, a Hair Salon and medical center is inside the Yacht .

Large Enough for a Basketball Court

As a matter of fact, the Paul Allen Yacht is an outstanding example of a luxurious private motor Yacht.

In regard to its length, it is ranked 8th on the list of the world’s largest yachts. This yacht is beautifully equipped with a basketball court.

Exterior of Octopus (Paul Allen Yacht)

Octopus has an incredibly elegant exterior design. This octopus yacht seems somewhat timeless compared to the other high-class and high-end-looking yachts that sail in the deep sea.

You can get pleasure as well as an exploration ship at the same time. This exceptional vessel also contains some war-like qualities.

It has about two landing pads. One is situated on the bow side, and the other is on the stern. The stern is found along with the large helicopter hangar.

This is capable of handling two helicopters easily. This unique quality makes this octopus yacht unique, as well as Paul’s obsession.

As a matter of fact, this extraordinary ship was created for business purposes. Especially to entertain entrepreneurs all around the world .

Its exterior and interior are designed with a blend of classical and nautical design with a modern flair.

Most interestingly, an astonishing pool can be converted into an exceptional dance floor.

This modernized technology is a retractable glass system. This glass system is loaded with an astonishing lighting system.

Electric Arrangements

Talking about the power plant , Allen spent a handsome amount in this regard. The ship works on the diesel-electric arrangement.

It contains about 8 diesel generators. These generators empower two electric motors that give around 6 megawatts of e-juice to drive the screws.

They are extremely powerful generators that enhance the ability of the yacht to cover 12,500 miles with a single tank.

Paul was so obsessed with his Yacht that he said:

“I felt like I am in a spaceship when I stood on the bridge of M/Y octopus” Paul Allen

Final Thoughts

From the time when it was first introduced till today, the octopus is sixteen years old . It is one of the most valuable and adorable yachts in the world.

Not in looks but quality, its wonderful design, extraordinary size, amazing features , construction quality, and most importantly, its versatility.

In fact, today, its price is more than Allen paid for this masterpiece. All in all, you must have a heavy pocket not only to buy octopus but also, to keep it running. It requires timely maintenance to work efficiently.

This is all about the Paul Allen Yacht – Octopus. Specs, features, coat, quality quantity, and every crucial thing you need to know about octopus is here.

We believe that this write-up would be beneficial for you.

So, if you like this article,, give it a thumbs up, and don’t forget to share it with your friends.

Kingsley Felix

Kingsley Ibietela Felix is a dynamic web publisher with a passion for curating engaging content across various niches. When he's not meticulously crafting articles and resources for his readers, Kingsley immerses himself in the world of gaming, where strategy and excitement meet. A voracious reader, he enjoys diving into a wide array of literature, with a particular fondness for current affairs and history, which not only satisfies his curiosity but also enriches his writing and editorial work. His diverse interests and expertise make him a versatile and knowledgeable figure in the digital publishing landscape.

Erie Yacht Club: Everything You Need to Know

15 different types of airplanes (commercial, props, jets), you may also like.

18 Best iPhone and iPad Apps for Boating

• by Osemhenon Ikpea

How Much Is Boat Insurance in Michigan?

• by Imoroa Joy

15 Best Boat Cleaner Supplies You Can Buy

• by Jennifer Uwadiare

19 Best Offshore Fishing Boat of 2024

10 Different Types of Anchors Explained

15 Best Boat Brands in the Market Right Now

Mystery buyer purchases $278 million superyacht once owned by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen. It includes 13 guest suites, 2 submarines, and a pool that turns into a dancefloor.

• A superyacht built for Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen has been sold to a secret buyer, reports say.
• The boat, named Octopus, had been listed for about $278 million, Bloomberg News reported.
• The 414-foot vessel's new owner plans to open the Octopus to charters, SuperYacht Times reported.

A 414-foot luxury yacht once owned by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen and listed for $278 million was sold to a mystery buyer, reports said. 

The vessel, named Octopus, was purchased for an undisclosed price, Bloomberg News reported. The mystery buyer was Scandinavian, The Guardian reported.

SuperYacht Times first reported the sale, saying: "Her new owner intends to charter her for the first time since her launch, offering guests the opportunity to join her on a two-year round the world tour, beginning in January 2022, following a yard period this winter."

Allen, who died in October 2018, paid about $200 million for the Lürssen yacht. The boat was delivered in 2003. It had been listed at about $325 million in 2019. 

Octopus has 13 staterooms, an observation lounge, a movie theater, and a recording studio, according to Fraser Yachts , which listed it for sale. Along with a diving dock and beach club, it has a spa, pool, and gym. 

The yacht became well known for both its amenities — it has two submarines — and for the parties thrown aboard. At the Cannes film festival, Allen hosted yacht parties attended by rock legends and movies stars, reportedly including Mick Jagger and Chloe Sevigny.

Related stories

In 2015, the yacht's Cannes party guests included Leonardo DiCaprio, Karlie Kloss, and Natalie Portman, The New York Post reported at the time. (Allen also partied at Cannes with his smaller 303-foot yacht, Tatoosh .)

Yacht ownership was about more than pleasure-boating for Allen, however. He also used Octopus as a research vessel, often hunting wreckage of ships sunk during World War II.

Allen and a team of researchers in 2015 led an operation in the North Atlantic to recover the HMS Hood, a battle-cruiser sunk in 1941. It was one of several such expeditions Allen led. 

Bloomberg reported that 219 superyachts were sold in Q1, more than doubling from a year earlier.

• Main content

MORE SECTIONS

• Social Casino

MORE FROM THE SUN

• Newsletters

• American Football

Inside late Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen’s $325m superyacht which includes recording studio used by Bono and U2

• Damian Burchardt
• Published : 13:18 ET, Nov 10 2023
• Updated : 13:26 ET, Nov 10 2023

OCTOPUS, the superyacht originally built for late Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen, has become one of the maritime industry's crown jewels.

The 414-foot vessel has participated in thrilling exploration projects — and even been used by music icons such as Bono and his U2 .

Octopus was built for Allen in 2003, 15 years before the Microsoft co-founder and Seahawks owner's death.

The businessman and philanthropist was fascinated by the world's oceans and, in addition to hosting celebrity parties at his yachts , aided many fabled explorations over the years.

Octopus, specifically, cruised the coasts of Antarctica and participated in the US Coast Guard's search of an American pilot and two officers off Palau in 2012.

That same year, she helped the Royal Navy locate its sunken World War 2 battlecruiser's bell.

READ MORE ON THE NFL

The U.S. Sun's new NFL WhatsApp channel sends you the must-see news directly

Best online casino bonuses and sign up offers in the US right now revealed

During Allen's life, Octopus also saw the world's most renowned artists stimulate their creative juices in the yacht's high-end studio .

Those include U2's Bono and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger .

Jagger even reportedly recorded parts of his SuperHeavy group's studio album on the ship.

After Allen's passing, the superyacht was refurbished and sold to Swedish pharmaceutical billionaire Roger Samuelsson for $325 million — and can now be rented by luxury seekers with a fat wallet.

Most read in American Football

Fears over Eagles vs Packers NFL opener as huge wildfires ravage near stadium

Kelce left blushing at live event after being asked about 'love' for Taylor

ESPN viewers threaten to 'change channel' as Stephen A. told 'find new topics'

NFL star who's earned $32m during career left unemployed by Los Angeles Chargers

Those willing to pay over $2 million per week in fees can invite over a dozen guests on board with the five-deck vessel boasting twelve double cabins and one master suite.

The owner's quarters boast two dressing rooms and an observation lounge with a private gallery.

Octopus' amenities include a heated swimming pool, spa, gym, movie theater, library, and a club with a dance floor.

She also has two helicopter pads and its own fleet of jet skis.

Those fond of less adrenaline-inducing experiences can use some of the yacht's kayaks, kites, windsurfers, and the available fishing equipment while on a cruise.

Meanwhile, a crew of over 30 will take care of every guest's individual needs.

• Seattle Seahawks

Log in or Sign up

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser .

Yachtguymke Senior Member

Just came across this link - http://www.richardcleaver.com/2006/10/ Looks like Octopus's Recording Studio.

Yacht News YF News Editor

Yes, that's her studio, despite attempts to keep her interior secret some pictures do surface every now and then.

More Pics Here. http://www.studio440.com/projects_yacht.htm

Yep, I know of those, I saw others of actual interior spaces already but of course those were taken down not too long after they were put up.

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

• svg]:fill-accent-900">

You Can Buy Paul Allen’s Octopus, Arguably The World’s Most Incredible Yacht

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Sep 8, 2019 5:37 PM EDT

9 minute read

If you are a fighting ship aficionado, you probably also have at least a tangential interest in big yachts. Sometimes the line between the two categories of vessels blurs to the point of near indistinguishability . All my life I have been fascinated with the world’s ultimate private ships, both old and new. Today, even in a competitive era of ever-larger mega yachts that can rival cruise ships in size, it’s not just about mass, it’s also about quality and creative ship design, which can border on downright genius. Maybe the smartest mega yacht of them all design-wise is the late Paul Allen’s Octopus , an iconic vessel in the yachting universe and one that you can now own for $325,000,000—roughly the price of five G650 Gulfstream jets. 

The Microsoft co-founder and legendary entrepreneur’s death has led to the liquidation of many of his most prized, but eccentric belongings. From the world’s largest aircraft that was built to put satellites into orbit, to his mint and very flyable MiG-29UB Fulcrum jet fighter, much of the contents of Allen’s incredible toy chest are being sold off to the highest bidder. His beloved Octopus is now part of what is something of the world’s most outlandish estate sale.

Built by Lurrsen and delivered in 2003, at that time she was the world’s largest yacht, but she quickly lost that crown as part of an ongoing competition among the world’s yachting billionaires to have the biggest boat. Today she doesn’t even make the top ten list in terms of length (414 feet), but she certainly does in terms of displacement, which sits just shy of 10,000 tons—eclipsing the displacement of a Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser . 

Octopus can accommodate 26 guests in 13 cabins, many of which are suites. Her crew of 63 is spread out in 30 cabins. Just as a reference here, at full load, she has a crew to guest ratio of nearly 2.5 crewmen  per guest. For comparison, the crew to guest ratio on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem Of The Seas has a ratio of .31 crewmen to each guest. The Seaborne cruise line’s super up-market and small-sized ship fleet, like the Seaborne Odyssey , has about a .73 crewmen per guest ratio. Of course, during parties, the vessel can accommodate hundreds of people temporarily. 

Octopus has an incredibly classy exterior design that is somewhat timeless when compared to more exotic and bland looking yachts that sail the high seas these days. This is in part due to its purpose—it is both a pleasure yacht and an exploration vessel. 

The utilitarian half of Octopus’s personality shows through in her overall design. Case in point, her large floodable well-deck in her stern that holds a yellow submarine named Pagoo. Pagoo can embark ten people on up to eight-hour-long underwater adventures. The sub can dive as deep as 1,000 feet .

ISE Ltd. built the submarine , which has huge glass portholes for its occupants to gawk out of, for Allen.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melissa Boloña (@melissabolona)

#findthebell RT @PaulGAllen : ROV control room. ROV now at 1525 M, more than half way there, another hour to bottom pic.twitter.com/48jHZJPi — Casey Holdahl (@CHold) August 23, 2012

An unmanned remotely operated vehicle that can dive far deeper—thousands of feet below the surface of the ocean—is also stored and deployed from here along with the ship’s primary tender, Man Of War.

Allen’s obsession with aviation also injected some warship-like qualities into Octopus . She has two landing pads—one on the bow and a very large one on the stern. The stern pad is co-located with a huge helicopter hangar capable of easily storing two helicopters— Allen’s Sikorsky S-76C and his MD-902 NOTAR Explorer. Such a large hangar bay—or just any hangar bay at all—is quite unique even in the mega yacht universe.

The ship’s hull opens up in multiple places to deploy beach clubs and water toys, along with Octopus’s myriad tenders—seven are embarked including Man Of War. Octopus also has missionized spaces that can be reconfigured for different exploration voyages. Its well-deck can also accommodate specialized gear depending on what the goal of the mission is and what partners are embarked aboard, or on nearby on support and scientific vessels, to accomplish it. And it has accomplished some very high-profile missions indeed.

It found the USS Lexington   at the bottom of the Coral Sea and the USS Indianapolis as well as the Japanese battleship Musashi near the Philippines. It even recovered the ship’s bell from the sunken HMS Hood . She has also executed Arctic and Antarctic expeditions with the help of her hardy steel hull that is Ice Class 1A rated , including traversing the Northwest Passage.  

But it’s not as if Octopus is all business and no play, far from it in fact. The primary purpose of the vessel is still to entertain its guests like nothing else can. Seattle’s Jonathan Quinn Barnett designed its interior, which carries over its exterior’s blending of classical nautical design cues with a modern flare. The vessel is equipped with a large pool that can be converted into a dancefloor via a retractable glass system and is replete with a top-of-the-line lighting system. You can see Octopus in party mode in this photo and this series of photos.  

She also features an absolutely top-notch recording studio—another one of Allen’s great loves was music. Many hitmakers have recorded in the sea-borne studio , such as Mickjagger, Usher, Johnny Cash, Bono, and god knows who else, but rest assured the secret list is extremely impressive. Of her eight decks, one is entirely dedicated to the owner alone. It features a private entertaining lounge with a full bar, its own jacuzzi, and dining area, as well as its own dedicated elevator, one of two on the entire ship.

A library, bar, movie theater, gym, observation lounge, and a complete dive center—with its own hyperbaric chamber —are all available to guests. The rear landing pad doubles as a basketball court, which makes sense as Allen owned the Portland Trailblazers. The list of accouterments goes on and on. It even has a glass-bottom viewing area!

The best collection of photos showing off Octopus’s  endless features are in the videos posted below:

When it comes to its powerplant, Allen spared no expense. The ship runs off a diesel-electric arrangement with eight diesel generators powering two electric motors that provide six megawatts of juice to drive her screws. It’s supposed to be remarkably efficient, giving the ship the ability to cruise a whopping 12,500 miles at 12.5 knots on a single tank of gas and hit a top speed of 19 knots. 

Paul Allen described his passion and amazement for the project in his 2011 autobiography, according to Bloomberg , stating:

“When I first stood on the bridge, I felt as though I was on a spaceship,” he wrote, adding that with features including a pool, basketball court, movie theater, a recording studio with ocean views, “all my passions come together in one moveable feast.” … “It’s less a Bentley than a Range Rover,” Allen said in the memoir, adding that “Octopus has realized every mission I had in mind for her.”

Overall, even though Octopus is 16 years old, it remains one of, if not the top yacht in the world. Not in size, but in quality, thoughtfulness of its design, timelessness, features, quality of construction, and especially versatility. In fact, from what I can tell, its selling price is substantially more than what Allen paid for the vessel in 2003. This is a very rare reality in the world of large vessels where depreciation driven by a tiny customer base can be absolutely brutal. 

You need extremely deep pockets not just to buy Octopus , but to keep it running. The rule of thumb is that a yacht costs roughly ten percent of its total cost to operate annually. So in this case, at least according to the sale price, we are talking $32.5M every year. But that number is probably even higher considering all the unique toys embarked aboard her and the specialized crew needed to maintain and operate them. 

Security is a big part of this. A mega yacht is a huge and slow target literally floating on the water. Considering the wealth and notoriety of the owners of these types of vessels and their guests, enemies and nefarious opportunists are not hard to come by. With this in mind, a highly-trained security team is needed to stand round-the-clock vigil. There have been many reports that Allen had a team of ex-Navy SEALs onboard to protect Octopus . I have no idea how accurate that often repeated rumor is, but would you be surprised if he didn’t seek the most talented operators with vast experience in the maritime operating environment to protect his pride and joy? I mean, when you own something this expensive already, why not?

So, for the richest human beings on the planet, a ‘for sale’ Octopus represents a very rare opportunity to snap up a vessel that has stood the test of time when it comes to the hardest to impress community in the world. And a ship that is uniquely capable of grand discoveries and adventure, as well as throwing unrivaled parties on the French Riviera. In fact, Octopus is still arguably the best design that can actually wear both hats, with other exploration-capable yachts looking far less glamorous and luxurious. 

While other yachts may be far larger, like Azzam for instance, or a bit more flashy and entertainment-focused, like Serene , Octopus still seems to have its tentacles wrapped tightly around the “best overall yacht in the world” mantle, and that my friends comes at a very high price to whoever will call her theirs next. 

Octopus is currently co-listed for sale by Fraser and Burgess . 

Contact the author: [email protected]

Latest in Foreign VVIP Transport

Israel’s new 767 “air force one” has flown its first prime minister transport mission israel’s new 767 “air force one” has flown its first prime minister transport mission.

Netanyahu's first flight aboard the Israeli Air Force-operated 767-300ER is to Washington, D.C.

Limo Gifted From Putin Is Now Carting Kim Around North Korea Limo Gifted From Putin Is Now Carting Kim Around North Korea

The armored limo was gifted to Kim as huge amounts of badly needed weaponry was transferred from North Korea to Russia for its Ukraine war.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS

Sign up to receive our newsletter every week.

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.