who owns yacht big sky

12 Day Guests /

11 Overnight Guests /

From $190,000

WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVE CHARTER AGENTS

With Australian DNA at her core, the 48 meter superyacht BIG SKY was designed and built by renowned yacht builder Oceanfast in Australia in 2010. Now, for the first time she has returned home to provide an unrivalled charter experience on board one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most extraordinary yachts.

Boasting 4 spacious decks for the ultimate in entertaining, the exterior spaces are carefully designed to ensure guests experience the al-fresco lifestyle Australia offers. Starting at the top deck is the jacuzzi integrated into a huge sunbed bar and u-shaped lounge, down to the sky lounge with undercover dining for 11 guests that flows into the huge lounging area for after meal relaxing. The spiral staircase escorts you down to the main deck into a more intimate lounging area, then dual staircases take you down to the vast swim platform where the fun really begins.

The interior spaces of BIG SKY are both sophisticated and modern, her neutral palette appealing to a wide variety of tastes, styles and clientele. The yacht offers a vast selection of lounge areas and dining spaces. Each deck has a fully stocked bar ensuring the crew can service your every need . One of her design highlights is the full beam main saloon creating maximum interior space, boasting huge windows allowing plenty of natural light and views of the stunning scenery.

11 guests will enjoy restful nights at sea aboard BIG SKY due to her zero speed stabilisation system. With five elaborate staterooms, each of which is outfitted with an en-suite bathroom, the master suite is located forward on the main deck, this full-beam sanctuary benefits from abundant natural light courtesy of large windows. The yacht’s additional four staterooms are located below deck and include three queen staterooms, each with walk-around beds, and one double stateroom, which also has a Pullman berth.

BIG SKY’s sense of adventure and fun is where she really shines. With one of the most elaborate array’s of water toys and tenders in any charter yacht worldwide, the yacht is the perfect platform for families of all ages.

BIG SKY must be experienced to be believed.

MINIMUM 3 NIGHT CHARTER

Tender & Toys

34′ / 10.36m Nortech 340 Sport Centre Console Tender

with 3 x Mercury 300 HP engines

4.8m Brig 480 Tender with 100 HP engine

2 x Yamaha FX Wave runners

Inflatable Waterslide

Jungle Joe inflatable climbing pyramid

Dive Compressor

Diving and Snorkeling Equipment

2 x Lift Electric foil boards

2 x Wake Boards with boots and bindings for all sizes

Katana Wakesurf

3 x Seabobs

2 x Blackfin Paddleboards

2 x Glass bottom Kayaks

Space Hopper Inflatable jet-ski dock

Towable Toys

3 Person Rave Water Boggan Banana

3 person Lunar towable chariot

8 person “Fiesta Island” tube

Fishing Equipment

Beach Games

Extensive gym equipment list

Rates start from: $190,000

Because rates are flexible per season or type of experience, please enquire today and our team will be straight in touch.

Enquire about BIG SKY

Tell us a little about what you want your experience onboard BIG SKY to be, and one of our team will get back to you today!

Experiences

Enhance your adventure with unique experiences by The Superyacht People.

Laser Clay Shooting

Private dining room, whisky masterclass, dj/live musician, yacht branding, long table lunch, photography/drone.

Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

We’ll also take a look at some of the most expensive superyachts in the world and the notable people behind them.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The ownership of superyachts is generally private, so the exact answer to who owns which superyacht is not always publicly available.

However, there are some notable superyacht owners that are known.

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

These vessels are designed for luxury cruising and typically range in size from 24 meters to over 150 meters, with some even larger.

Superyachts usually feature extensive amenities and creature comforts, such as swimming pools, outdoor bars, movie theaters, helipads, and spas.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

Like most luxury items, the ownership of a superyacht is a status symbol for those who can afford it.

The list of superyacht owners reads like a whos who of billionaires, with names like Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

While some superyacht owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extravagant amenities.

Some of the most famous superyachts feature swimming pools, private beaches, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and luxurious spas.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

These vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million, and feature some of the most luxurious amenities imaginable.

Notable owners include the Emir of Qatar, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Many of the most well-known owners are billionaires, including Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Other notable owners include Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.

However, not all superyacht owners are wealthy.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

Other notable billionaire owners include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and former US President Donald Trump.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

For many superyacht owners, their vessels serve as a status symbol of wealth and luxury.

Some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, while others have made headlines with their extensive amenities – from swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

Owning a superyacht is an exclusive club, reserved for those with the means and the desire to experience the ultimate in luxury.

Whether they are billionaires or everyday people, superyacht owners are all united in their love of the sea and their appreciation for the finer things in life.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

His luxury vessel, the 463-foot Al Mirqab, holds the title of the world’s most expensive superyacht.

Built in 2008 by German shipbuilder Peters Werft, this impressive yacht is complete with 10 luxurious cabins, a conference room, cinema, and all the amenities one would expect from a vessel of this magnitude.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

With a price tag of over $400 million, the Al Mirqab is one of the most expensive yachts in the world.

In addition to the Emir of Qatar, there are several other notable owners of superyachts.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Bezos yacht, the aptly named The Flying Fox, is one of the longest superyachts in the world at a staggering 414 feet in length.

The Flying Fox also comes with a host of amenities, such as a helipad, swimming pool, spa, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.

Bezos also reportedly spent over $400 million on the vessel.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

There are also many lesser-known owners, such as hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin, who owns the $150 million Aviva, and investor Sir Philip Green, who owns the $100 million Lionheart.

No matter who owns them, superyachts are sure to turn heads.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Whether its the Emir of Qatar or a lesser-known owner, the worlds superyacht owners are sure to make a statement.

Notable Superyacht Owners

When it comes to the wealthiest and most luxurious owners of superyachts, the list reads like a whos who of the worlds billionaires.

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

Aside from the Emir, other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

All of these owners have made headlines with their extravagant vessels, which are typically priced between $30 million and $400 million.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Some owners opt for more extravagant features, such as submarines, personal submarines, and even their own personal submarines! Other owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, but for those who prefer a more showy approach, they can certainly make a statement with a superyacht.

No matter who owns the vessel, it’s no surprise that these superyachts are a status symbol among the world’s wealthiest.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

Owning a superyacht is a sign of wealth and prestige, and many of the worlds most prominent billionaires have their own vessels.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

Superyachts come with all the comforts of home, and then some.

Many owners will equip their vessels with swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, spas, and other luxury amenities.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some owners opt for modern, sleek designs, while others prefer a more traditional look.

Many of the most luxurious yachts feature marble floors, walk-in closets, and custom-made furniture.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Other amenities may include a library, casino, media room, and private bar.

When it comes to outdoor amenities, superyachts have some of the most impressive features in the world.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

Some owners even opt for hot tubs or jacuzzis for relaxing afternoons in the sun.

And, of course, there are the jet skis, water slides, and other exciting water activities that come with many of these vessels.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

From the sleek interiors to the luxurious outdoor features, these vessels provide a unique, luxurious experience that is unrivaled on land.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an exciting adventure, a superyacht is sure to provide.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

These luxury vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from anywhere between $30 million to over $400 million.

So, if youre in the market for a superyacht, youre looking at an investment that could easily break the bank.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

Generally, the larger the yacht, the more expensive it will be.

Superyachts typically range in size from 100 feet to over 200 feet, and they can be as wide as 40 feet.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

Amenities also play a significant role in the cost of a superyacht.

While some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extensive amenities.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

The more amenities a superyacht has, the more expensive it will be.

Finally, customization is another major factor that will drive up the cost of a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

From custom furniture and artwork to lighting and audio systems, the cost of a superyacht can quickly escalate depending on the level of customization.

In short, the cost of a superyacht can vary widely depending on its size, amenities, and customization.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

No matter what your budget is, its important to do your research and find out exactly what youre getting for your money before signing on the dotted line.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

When it comes to owning a superyacht, some owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

For instance, some superyacht owners opt to keep their vessels in private marinas, away from the public areas of larger ports.

Additionally, some yacht owners may choose to hire security guards to patrol and protect their vessels while they are moored or sailing.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

For example, a yacht owner may choose to install a satellite-based communications system that allows them to keep their vessel completely off-radar.

This system works by bouncing signals off satellites rather than transmitting them, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track the yachts movements.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

For instance, the owner may only allow family members and close friends to board the yacht.

Additionally, the owner may choose to employ a limited number of staff to help maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Overall, while some superyacht owners may choose to keep their vessels out of the public eye, there are still plenty of other ways to show off the opulence associated with owning a superyacht.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, there are many luxurious amenities that can make a superyacht the envy of any jet setter.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

From the Emir of Qatar’s world-record breaking $400 million yacht to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s vessel with a helicopter pad and on-board spa, the amenities of these luxury vessels are truly stunning.

With prices ranging from $30 million to over $400 million, owning a superyacht is an expensive endeavor.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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157' (48m) Oceanfast BIG SKY Receives a $1 Million Price Reduction

Posted June 18, 2020 in Brokerage & New Build by Morgan Crowe

The 157-foot (48m) BIG SKY has received a $1 million price reduction. Listed with Yacht Brokers Ann Avery and Wes Sanford, the superyacht is now asking $11,900,000.

Built by Oceanfast in 2010, BIG SKY boasts a spacious interior and outstanding outdoor living areas. This superyacht is perfect for those who wish to entertain as well as have a relaxing time on the water. If you are seeking a yacht with charter potential BIG SKY is a great choice. She already has a solid charter history, which is a testament to her future.

Superyacht BIG SKY showcases a contemporary interior with a soothing ambiance. With ample seating and large windows, the main salon is the ideal place to unwind or enjoy pre-dinner drinks with friends. The yacht’s formal dining provides the perfect space for dinner parties with its large, modern table. The skylounge is another exemplary indoor space, with seating and a bar.

BIG SKY offers accommodations for 11 guests in the superior comfort of five tranquil staterooms. The superyacht’s master stateroom is located on the main deck, creating a private oasis. The suite features a king-size bed and en-suite bath with a deep sculptural tub. The additional staterooms are all located on the lower deck. They include three queen-bed staterooms and one full-bed stateroom with a Pullman. An en-suite bath accompanies each stateroom.

The luxury superyacht’s outdoor living areas allow one to relish the alfresco lifestyle fully. The sundeck it the yacht’s social hub — here, an inviting Jacuzzi is surrounded by forward-facing sunpads and a bar, while plush lounging is found aft. On the skylounge aft, BIG SKY features a desirable alfresco dining setup with further lounging aft. Additional lounge space is found on the main deck aft, while a seating area is located on the foredeck.

BIG SKY is exceptionally maintained. During a 2018 refit, she received a newly designed and rebuilt interior in all the guest areas as well as new furnishings and soft goods throughout, including all decks. In 2019 the yacht had her 10-year Lloyds and Class Surveys. The superyacht is equipped with Quantum zero speed stabilizers to ensure comfort for everyone aboard.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

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BIG SKY Oceanfast | From US$ 180,000/wk

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BIG SKY Oceanfast | From US$ 180,000 /wk

BIG SKY (ex Australis, Oceana) is a fantastic 48m motor yacht launched by the Australian shipyard Oceanfast in 2010 and refitted in 2021. With elegant, modern interiors and spacious socializing areas, the yacht is able to accommodate up to 11 charter guests in 5 en-suite cabins.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF BIG SKY: ~ Modern design ~ Spacious interior and exterior deck areas ~ Fantastic al fresco dining possibility ~ Onboard Jacuzzi tub ~ Fabulous selection of water toys ~ Waterslide

Superyacht BIG SKY features a world-class construction pedigree, that draws on Oceanfast's 20-year history in the production of award-winning motor yachts. The vessel is designed for owners seeking a high quality, well engineered and functional yacht and charterers looking for a comfortable, spacious and well-equipped motor yacht for unique luxury charter vacations.

VIDEO OF SUPERYACHT BIG SKY

BIG SKY Specifications

The vessel has large fuel tanks enabling her to carry 64,000 liters of fuel at one go, with the range of 4000 NM at the average speed of 12 knots. The vessel has great stability thanks to her active 4 fin stabilizer system. Oceanfast 48 is Llyods registered and has an MCA compliant certificate.

***NOT AVAILABLE OR OFFERED FOR CHARTER TO US CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS WHILE IN US WATERS***

Yacht charter accommodation.

Motoryacht BIG SKY can accommodate up to 11 guests in 5 lovely and spacious en-suite cabins, and she also carries 10 professional crew members. The main deck is a home to a full-beam owner cabin with a large wardrobe and ensuite bathroom with a tub. The lower deck features three queen cabins with en-suite shower rooms, as well as one queen cabin with a Pullman berth and ensuite shower room.

Charter Amenities and Extras

TENDERS & TOYS: ~ 2015 Nortech 340 (34ft) Center Console Tender with Twin 300 hp ~ 1 x 18.5 ft. Williams 565 Diesel Jet Tender with 190hp engine ~ 2 x Yamaha FX cruiser waverunners (2020 model) ~ Seadoo RXT 300 (2017 model). **this Seadoo is dedicated to the flyboard, but can be converted back into a riding jetski on request** ~ 2 x Yamaha stand up jet skis (2018 model) ~ 5 x Snorkels gear (kids) ~ 10 x Snorkels gear (adult) ~ 2 x Lift Electric Foil boards ~ 2 x Wakeboards (125, 139), Boots and Bindings for all sizes ~ 1 x Katana Wake Surf ~ 1 x Kneeboard ~ 1 x water-skis ~ 4 x Seabob (2017 model) ~ 1 x Jet Flyboard – Zapata – 75ft hose. Professional series w/ jet driven boots that let you fly ~ 1 x 2 person Hobie Mirage Pro Kayak with Footpeddles INFLATABLE TOYS: ~ Jet Ski Dock/Swim Platform ~ Jungle Joe Inflatable ~ 2 x BOTE HD Stand Up Paddle Boards ~ 3 person Rave Banana WaterBoggan ~ ~ 3 person Lunar towable chariot 8 person "Fiesta Island" tube BEACH EQUIPMENT: ~ 2 x Umbrellas ~ 3 x Gazebos ~ 14 x Beach chairs ~ 3 x Tables ~ 1 x Volley Ball net ~ Assortment of beach toys and games FISHING GEAR: ~ 2x Tiagra 30w ~ 2x TLD 25w ~ 2x Shimano baitcaster 8000 Communications: ~ SATCOM: ~ 1 x Inmarsat C with SSAS ~ 1 x Inmarsat C ~ GMDSS: GMDSS A3 radio station ~ VHF: 2 x Furuno VHS/DSC radios ~ SSB RADIOTELEPHONE: 1 x Furuno SSB radiotelephone ~ TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM: Alphatron PABX ~ INTERCOM SYSTEM: Alphatron PABX ~ INTERNET: Intellian VSAT v100 and GSM (routers in place throughout vessel) ~ SATELLITE TELEPHONE: Iridium ~ Gym equipment: ~ Spin Bike "Yosuda" ~ BOFLEX 1090 weights ~ 2 x 10kg dumbbell weights ~ 2 x 5kg dumbbell weights ~ 4 x 2kg dumbbell weights ~ 6 x Yoga mats ~ Exercise ball ~ TRX exercise bands ~ Ab roller ~ 4 x ankle weights

Charter Yacht Disclaimer

This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

BIG SKY Enquiry

Dear Nicolas and Josh, I want to thank you for help, it was a pleasure to work with you! Vacation was perfect; all the guests are absolutely satisfied! I hope to continue our cooperation next time! Charter on yacht AUSTRALIS in the Caribbean, New Year’s

ASLEC 4 | From EUR€ 180,000/wk

HATT MILL | From EUR€ 180,000/wk

SIROCCO | From EUR€ 180,000/wk

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With Australian DNA at her core, the 48-meter superyacht BIG SKY was designed and built by renowned yacht builder Oceanfast in Australia in 2010. Now, for the first time she has returned home to provide an unrivalled charter experience on board one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most extraordinary yachts.

Boasting 4 spacious decks for the ultimate in entertaining, the exterior spaces are carefully designed to ensure guests experience the al-fresco lifestyle Australia offers. Starting at the top deck is the jacuzzi integrated into a huge sunbed bar and u-shaped lounge, down to the sky lounge with undercover dining for 11 guests that flows into the huge lounging area for after-meal relaxing. The spiral staircase escorts you down to the main deck into a more intimate lounging area, then dual staircases take you down to the vast swim platform where the fun really begins.

The interior spaces of BIG SKY are both sophisticated and modern, her neutral palette appealing to a wide variety of tastes, styles and clientele. The yacht offers a vast selection of lounge areas and dining spaces. Each deck has a fully stocked bar ensuring the crew can service your every need . One of her design highlights is the full beam main saloon creating maximum interior space, boasting huge windows allowing plenty of natural light and views of the stunning scenery.

11 guests will enjoy restful nights at sea aboard BIG SKY due to her zero-speed stabilisation system. With five elaborate staterooms, each of which is outfitted with an en-suite bathroom, the master suite is located forward on the main deck, this full-beam sanctuary benefits from abundant natural light courtesy of large windows. The yacht’s additional four staterooms are located below deck and include three queen staterooms, each with walk-around beds, and one double stateroom, which also has a Pullman berth.

BIG SKY’s sense of adventure and fun is where she really shines. With one of the most elaborate arrays of water toys and tenders in any charter yacht worldwide, the yacht is the perfect platform for families of all ages.

• Charter Conditions
• Tender and Watersports

Liveaboard Charters: Charters may be confirmed via the use of the MYBA Charter Agreements or equivalent terms.

Rates include use of the yacht, and professional marine crew. APA and local taxes may apply unless otherwise stated.

• 1 x 34′ / 10.36m Nortech 340 Sport Centre Console Tender with 3 x Mercury 300 HP engines
• 4.8m Brig 480 Tender with 100 HP engine
• 2 x Yamaha FX Wave runners
• Inflatable Waterslide
• Jungle Joe inflatable climbing pyramid
• Dive Compressor
• Diving and Snorkeling Equipment
• 2 x Lift Electric foil boards
• 2 x Wake Boards with boots and bindings for all sizes
• 1 x Katana Wakesurf
• 3 x Seabobs
• 2 x Blackfin Paddleboards
• 2 x Glass bottom Kayaks
• Space Hopper Inflatable jet-ski dock
• Towable Toys
• 3 Person Rave Water Boggan Banana
• 3 person Lunar towable chariot Banana
• 8 person “Fiesta Island” tube
• Fishing Equipment
• Beach Games
• Extensive gym equipment list

Bearing the essence of Australian craftsmanship in her DNA, the magnificent 48-meter superyacht known as BIG SKY was meticulously conceived and constructed by the esteemed Australian yacht builder, Oceanfast. Avaliable for charter in Australia and the South Pacific.

48m / 157'6"

USD 180,000 /wk

‍ Rate: USD 180,000 /wk ----------------------------------------------------- Length: 48m / 157'6" ----------------------------------------------------- Beam: 8.80m / 28'10" ----------------------------------------------------- Draft: 2.55m / 8'4" ----------------------------------------------------- Built/Refit: 2010 / 2021 ----------------------------------------------------- Builder: Oceanfast ----------------------------------------------------- Speeds: 12 Knots ----------------------------------------------------- Crew: 10

BIG SKY can accomodate up to 11 guests 5 cabins.

Cabin Configuration: 4 Double, 1 Triple

Bed Configuration: 1 King, 4 Queen, 1 Single

• Zero speed stabilisation system.
• Sun Deck jacuzzi surrounded by huge sunbed & bar.
• 3,200nm range with incredibly economic engines.
• One of the widest selection of charter toys on any yacht worldwide.
• 34' / 10.36m Nortech 340 Sport Centre Console Tender with 3 x Mercury 300 HP engines
• 4.8m Brig 480 Tender with 100 HP engine
• Yamaha FX Wave runners x2
• Inflatable Waterslide
• Jungle Joe inflatable climbing pyramid
• Dive Compressor
• Diving and Snorkeling Equipment
• 2 x Lift Electric foil boards
• 2 x Wake Boards with boots and bindings for all sizes
• Katana Wakesurf
• Blackfin Paddleboards x2
• Glass bottom Kayaks x2
• Space Hopper Inflatable jet-ski dock
• Towable Toys
• 3 Person Rave Water Boggan Banana
• 3 Person Lunar towable chariot
• 8 Person "Fiesta Island" tube
• Fishing Equipment

BIG SKY was designed and built by the prestigious Australian shipyard Oceanfast.

With five elaborate staterooms, each of which is outfitted with an en-suite bathroom, the master suite is located forward on the main deck. This full-beam sanctuary benefits from abundant natural light courtesy of large windows.

BIG SKY’s sense of adventure and fun is where she really shines. With one of the most elaborate arrays of water toys and tenders on any charter yacht worldwide, the yacht is the perfect platform for families of all ages.

Contact us for information about this boat or the charter process → ‍ ‍

Destinations for this yacht

The Islands of Tahiti

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Boat of the Week: Inside ‘Secret,’ the Lavish 271-Foot Superyacht Owned by Walmart Heiress Nancy Walton Laurie

Walmart heiress nancy walton laurie's 271-footer has an eclectic interior of black and gold, along with splashes of red, as well as other, well, secrets., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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It would take the sale of approximately 5.75 million HP ink cartridges to fund the $92 million purchase of superyacht Secret , currently listed for sale with Burgess. The ink cartridges were one of Walmart’s top-selling products in 2021, and might well have contributed to a successful year of yachting for Secret ’s owner, Walmart heiress and philanthropist Nancy Walton Laurie.

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The shipyard that built the ‘titanic’ has filed for bankruptcy.

As the largest yacht on display at last month’s MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona, and one of three yachts reportedly owned by Laurie, the 271-foot beauty built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2013 provides some insight into the family’s tastes and preferences.

The main salon’s bold color scheme by interior designer Jim Harris mixes pillar-box red sofas and carpets with ornate gold wall art. It’s a brave step change from the neutral beige and gray tones often selected by owners, typically with resale value in mind.

Courtesy Burgess

The designers also moved the formal dining room to the upper deck, leaving a large entertaining space to watch sports and socialize. A monochrome marble bar with a glass backdrop, views to the main deck aft and an onboard mixologist all help to set the tone. When it comes onboard socializing, Secret pulls no punches.

Guests arrive via the lower deck beach club or the main deck side entrance, where luggage can be ushered into the color-coded lower deck guest cabins. There are some unusual perks to being a guest aboard Secret . Heated bathroom floors feature across all guest suites, while guest mattresses are singles that zip together into doubles for greater flexibility.

The upper-deck, full-beam master suite, named Chanel to reflect the black-and-champagne silk color scheme, is highly personalized. Separate his and her en suites have their own amenities: Hers has a full-sized bath, and his has higher countertops to accommodate former basketball player and owner Bill Laurie’s 6’ 4” height. Both have steam showers. The private office is considerably smaller than the VIP office to accommodate the owner’s request for an oversized walk-in wardrobe.

The most surprising area on board is the “Valentina” main deck VIP guest suite, named after the Valentina-inspired white spiked headboard. The master has sea views and a private terrace, but the full-beam VIP, decorated and claimed by Laurie’s adult daughter when her family is on board, is arguably the superior option. It shares the same footprint as the master but enjoys a greater attention to detail. The ensuite, decorated in black-and-white stripes, has two day heads—one with bidet—and a central wet room fitted with a shower and full-sized bathtub.

The monochrome décor is echoed throughout the yacht, from the upper-deck sky lounge to the guest hallways. In the 12-person cinema, red Porsche leather armchairs are mirrored in the leather ceiling panels. The dedicated treatment room enjoys an onboard beautician and masseuse who specializes in hot Swedish massage.

A glass elevator connects the lower deck to the bridge deck, where an indoor glass-fronted gym and outdoor pool are located. For sundown soaks, the sun deck Jacuzzi ticks the box.

The regal salon.  Courtesy Burgess

Last refitted in 2018, the yacht started out life at 256 feet, with an additional 16 feet added to accommodate the owner’s choice of an aft deck dining table. It’s the preferred space to enjoy buffet-style breakfasts, protected from view by high bulwarks. Further al fresco dining for 14 people is available on the lower deck beach club, where a “dining under the stars” themed evening sees guests enjoy meals at the water’s edge beneath a blanket of twinkling LEDs and real constellations above.

For families and guests with a competitive spirit, the beach club, equipped with changing rooms and rain showers, is the center of watersports action. A serious collection of toys, including kneeboards, flyboards, trampolines and towables are matched by an inflatable assault course erected by the crew for “Sports Olympics.” The addition of a female water-sports instructor has proven popular with charter guests.  When the weather’s bad, the karaoke system comes to the rescue.

The main dining area was moved to the upper deck for a view and access to the outdoors.  Courtesy Burgess

It’s no secret that smaller yachts in the 190-foot size range are proving more popular on the global charter market at present, preferred for their ability to access smaller ports and anchor close to shore. But Secret pulls out all the stops for guests looking to enjoy time aboard a yacht maxed out with amenities and personality, provided in a covert setting. All in all, definitely worth the printer cartridges.

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So, who owns that mega yacht docked at Wrightsville Beach?

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - If you haven’t seen it, chances are you’ve heard about it. Skyfall, one of the largest yachts to ever cruise into Wrightsville Beach is the talk of the town.

So, who owns that huge yacht? His name is Roy Carroll.

Carroll, who lives in Greensboro, is the owner of The Carroll Companies, a real estate development firm valued at about $3 billion. He’s no stranger to the Wilmington area. Carroll is the developer of The Avenue , the planned $250 million project located on Military Cutoff Rd. The upscale development will feature luxury living, high-end shops, restaurants and a Westin Hotel. Construction was put on hold because of the pandemic, but is expected to begin this year.

While Skyfall is a luxury charter yacht, Carroll brought it to the Wrightsville Beach Marina for a couple weeks for personal use.

“Skyfall is entertaining friends and family for a couple of weeks prior to departing to the Mediterranean,” Carroll says. “Skyfall will take two and a half to three weeks to reach her destination of Croatia.”

The 191-foot long yacht is booked for charters in the Mediterranean through September. Clearly, it’s going to folks with lots of money. The going rate for a week on Skyfall is $400,000 plus approximately another $100,000 for fuel dockage and tips, according to Cameron Sieradzan, the media director for The Carroll Companies.

Yes, Skyfall is named after the 2012 James Bond movie. The previous owner reportedly paid a pretty penny to use the name. When Carroll purchased the yacht, the name went with it.

“We thought about renaming the yacht, but the name has stuck,” Carroll says. “Plus, we already have the yacht’s theme song.”

Skyfall has 15 crew members and can accommodate up to 14 guests. The yacht features a wine cellar, two hot tubs, a masseuse, two chefs and a helipad that converts to a basketball court.

Carroll also owns Rhino, a 154-foot yacht that will arrive in Wrightsville Beach in a few weeks before heading to New England for the summer.

Skyfall will leave Wrightsville Beach on June 8.

Copyright 2021 WECT. All rights reserved.

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Unveiled in 1986 to mark the 275th anniversary of the great polymath and father of Russian science Mikhail Lomonosov , this three-meter bronze statue stands on Mendeleevskaya Liniya between the Twelve Colleges (the main building of St. Petersburg State University) and the Academy of Sciences. Lomonosov was a member of the Academy for over 20 years and, from 1758 until his death, rector of the Academic University, forerunner of the modern university.

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Solo sokos hotel palace bridge, deluxe modern hotel in a prime historic location on vasilevskiy island, marriott courtyard vasilievsky, riverside four-star hotel offering great views and reasonable rates, shelfort hotel, great-value mini-hotel in one of st. petersburg's most picturesque districts, apartments on reki moyki emb., superior rental apartments with pretty interiors close to the winter palace, superior backpacker hostel with strong social life close to palace square, nevsky 3 guest house, affordable accommodation steps from palace square and the hermitage, dining near the monument to mikhail lomonosov, restoran (restaurant), beautifully decorated upmarket restaurant with top-class russian cuisine, grad petrov, brew pub with a german theme and summer terrace overlooking the neva river, staraya tamozhnya (old custom house), luxury restaurant with a sterling reputation and charming historic premises.

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On board with Bob and Amy Book, owners of 47m superyacht Book Ends

Having gone two years without a yacht, superyacht owners Bob and Amy Book are making up for lost time. They have crossed the Atlantic to explore the Med – and meet new friends along the way, as they explain to Risa Merl...

“Yachting defies common sense. It's really irrational when you think about it; a deep-rooted love,” says Bob Book, owner of 47 metre Heesen Book Ends , his 17th yacht of that name.

It was in the middle of their honeymoon more than 40 years ago in Acapulco, Mexico, that Book and his wife Amy discovered their passion for boating. The newly-weds went out on a little five metre boat along the coast, and Book was instantly smitten. “I went back every day until I got sun poisoning. I’m on my honeymoon in this very romantic place, and I couldn’t do anything! Good introduction to boating, right?” Book says with a laugh. Back home in New York, Book wasted no time and bought his first boat.

“It was a 25ft single screw. It had a mustard hull and yellow seats. Amy named it Book Ends , which has stuck all these years,” says Book. “I was the captain and she was my first mate. And we had no idea what we were doing.

”Since that time, the Books have become seasoned sailors, owning ever-larger Book Ends , including a Westport 112 and a 40 metre before their new Heesen. The maiden voyage of the first little yellow Book Ends was a short mosey down the Hudson River and around the Statue of Liberty. For second-generation Americans, whose grandparents arrived at Ellis Island as immigrants escaping troubles in Europe, seeing Lady Liberty from this perspective brought tears to Bob and Amy’s eyes. “Our grandparents arrived in steerage, and here we were in our own boat, living the American Dream,” says Book.

Truth be told, Bob Book is the American Dream incarnate. Born the son of a rabbi and raised on New York’s Lower East Side, Book’s idea of boating as a child was riding the Staten Island Ferry, which cost five cents. But a little ingenuity propelled him from immigrant’s son to serial entrepreneur before he even graduated from college.

“My first business was an accident,” Book says. He was attending NYU in 1970 and discovered there were 21 colleges and universities within the five boroughs of New York City and all were suffering from student housing shortages. The city was also at the height of its financial crisis and hotels were “in the doghouse”, as Book puts it, reporting less than 50 per cent occupancy. He saw an opportunity, and at only 19 he started his first business, a student housing company that worked with hotels to rent unused rooms to students. This expanded to offer rooms to young professionals as well, with its reach soon growing across the country and the world.

Book’s next business was a natural evolution. “I had thousands of students in lots of different hotels, and half of them couldn’t pay the rent each month,” he says. “So I started a temp service to find them jobs.” One of the students who was constantly broke was particularly good at making sandwiches, so Book came up with an angle. “Around 11 o’clock every night, I’d send him to all the rooms in hotels – just about the time when the kids would start getting the munchies because they were smoking grass – and he’d sell out his sandwiches every night!”

By the time Book graduated, the temp service was going strong, so he and a business partner started an employment agency. This was just the beginning of a long list of successful businesses that he has helmed over the years. A decade ago, he acquired what’s currently his biggest company, Jet Support Services, Inc (JSSI), the world’s top independent provider of aircraft maintenance programmes. Book is the chairman and one of his two sons, Neil, serves as CEO. JSSI has headquarters in Europe, Asia and Chicago, where Neil keeps his own boat on Lake Michigan.

“That’s his third boat in three years, so he’s following in my footsteps,” Book says, beaming with pride. “The first two boats were Sea Rays. Next year I think he’ll move into a 22.8 metre Viking ; and my grandson Sidney, who’s six, loves it!”

Being able to pass down the love of yachting to their children and grandchildren is part of the joy of yacht ownership for the Books. “Yachting is also a great way to keep your family together,” says Amy. “You know, ‘if you build it, they will come’? Well, if you have a boat, your family comes and spends time with you! It’s the best.”

Spending time on board with family and friends – and meeting new friends along the way – is a big part of the attraction for the Books. Every summer for seven years, they would rendezvous with their good friends, the owners of the 61 metre Hakvoort Just J’s . Before the summer of 2017, Book received a call from the owner of Just J’s saying he was planning to move the boat from Newport to the Med for the summer. “He asked me, ‘are you sure you’re going to have a boat by this summer?’” Book recalls.

The Books had found themselves in a rather unusual place – without a superyacht. Their previous Book Ends , a 40 metre Westport, had sold surprisingly swiftly, and they were in the middle of a two-year shopping trip to find the perfect yacht, one that would have the range and space they desired to go further afield than their usual cruising grounds of the Eastern Seaboard and Bahamas.

“I was in every shipyard in Europe for two years and spent almost $2 million shopping for a boat,” Book says, explaining he had marine surveyor Ian Kerr check out any boat he was serious about. “If you do it right, that’s a couple hundred thousand bucks. I would frankly never buy or build a boat without Ian overseeing it.”

When the owner of Just J’s called again to ask if he’d have a boat in time, Book responded positively, thinking he was about to close a deal. “But that deal blew up over lunch, and that’s when Thom Conboy [of Heesen Yachts] called me,” says Book. “I had just stepped out of the lunch and Thom said, ‘what’s it going to take to get you in this 47 metre?’” Book had been to Heesen on his yacht shopping tour, but because they were originally after a 55 metre, the 47 metre in build at the Dutch yard hadn’t caught their attention. “It was like divine intervention – we agreed on a price and 48 hours later I was in the shed.” In less than a month, they took delivery, just in time to join Just J’s in the Med.

The new Book Ends ticked a lot of the boxes – steel hull, long range, good storage – but it didn’t exactly match their preferred interior style. The Books like to have a simple base to personalise, and since taking delivery they’ve worked to tone down some aspects of the original design, adding simpler joinery, more white carpets and removing superfluous furnishings, all the while adding their signature bright orange hue and bold artwork, much collected on their travels.

In Portofino they bought pieces from a local artist, who they invited over for breakfast the next day. “He said no one had ever invited him on board before,” Book says. “And now I’m trying to arrange an exhibition for him in the States.”

Meeting new people, whether it’s the couple on the yacht next door in La Spezia or locals in the Med or Bahamas, is what keeps the Books interested. They prefer this over “seeing and being seen”. “Our favourite places might be places that not everyone likes,” says Amy. “Capri is beautiful, but it was not what we wanted. Because we were there in the summer, it was like Times Square on New Year’s Eve. We like places where we can walk around, where we can really talk to people. We’ve made so many friends because of the boat.”

During their six weeks in the Med, the Books particularly fell for Italy, and among their favourite spots were Elba and Forte dei Marmi. The latter is the home of their good friend Andrea Bocelli , who helped the couple find a new captain, and one of their favourite restaurants, Santa Monica, is nearby in Viareggio.

Though the Books value the friendships they’ve made, the yachting life is also filled with a healthy dose of competition. They own a Viking 62 sportfisher and are about to take delivery of a Viking 72. The Vikings, named Book Ends Team Hookers, are put to work in fishing tournaments along the US East Coast and in the Bahamas. Book says fishing itself is boring – it’s the tournament atmosphere and meeting people from all walks of life that he enjoys. “I love the competition,” he says. “I have a great team whoall want to win. There’s an old expression, ‘show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser’. So the fishing is always competitive, and it’s a lot of fun.” Book heads to Bahamas-based tournaments with a fleet – Book Ends serving as the mothership while the Viking and his Scout 42 head out to the fishing grounds.

Bob and Amy plan to spend even more time on board this summer. Book relishes the fact that he can work from his on board office. “Nobody knows where I am! We could have a board meeting and they just assume I’m in the office – no one knows I’m really in Italy.”

It’s not all been unalloyed good times, but the Books are experienced enough to know that peaks always follow troughs. “So many times I’ve said I’m getting out, it’s just not worth it; it’s so much stress, it’s so expensive and so many things can go wrong – and they usually do in boating,” Book says. “But then you have a summer like we had, six weeks cruising all over the Med and discovering places. You know if you leave it, you wouldn’t be sitting here, you’d be sitting on a couch somewhere watching a football game.”

Amy adds: “And we would never have gone to some of these places without the boat. Even if people do go by land, there’s no comparison to seeing these places from the water and having your home with you.”

Images: Shutterstock; Jeff Brown/Breed Media; Adam Pass; Tiziano Canu; Andrea Pisapia; Charlie Clark

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Money blog: How many households already have heating on - and what temperature should you set your thermostat?

The average date of the big heating switch on will be almost a week earlier than last year - and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back, but where's the cheapest place to get one? Read these and the rest of today’s personal finance and consumer news below - and leave a comment.

Tuesday 17 September 2024 18:14, UK

• Inflation data released tomorrow - here's what economists are predicting
• How many households already have heating on - and what temperature should you set your thermostat?
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Ask a question or make a comment

By  Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

It's a busy week for central bankers in the UK and abroad as interest rate-setters in London, Washington and Tokyo meet to decide on the cost of borrowing in their countries. 

They all have the same goal: to bring down inflation and keep it low at 2%. 

The key numbers guiding the Bank of England in their decision come tomorrow when official inflation data for August is released. 

The consumer price index (CPI) measure of inflation is expected to stay at 2.2%, according to economists polled by Reuters - the same rate as July. 

A CPI reading of 2.2% would mean that prices are on average 2.2% more expensive than a year ago and the inflation rate remained higher than in June and May.

Other measures of inflation, such as core which excluded volatile food and energy, are projected to tick up from 3.3% to 3.5%,  which will likely move members of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to hold rates at 5%.

Traders currently bet there's a 36% chance of the Bank cutting interest rates when they meet on Thursday, odds that could change. 

Just 6% of Britons who took a staycation this summer planned to use an electric vehicle (EV), a new survey has found.

"Range anxiety" is the main factor, with more than a third (38%) worrying the vehicle will not have enough battery charge to reach its destination and more than half (52%) have concerns about the lack of charging points.

It means that drivers, despite knowing it is the greener option, are reluctant to use EVs on longer journeys.

Ovo Energy, which runs Charge Anywhere within its Ovo Charge app for all EV drivers – not just Ovo customers – directing users to 34,000 public chargers across the UK and 400,000 across Europe, acknowledges there is more to be done to boost confidence in the system.

Alex Thwaites, director of EVs at Ovo, said his firm's app attempted to provide drivers with "peace of mind", with access to live updates and availability of chargers.

A new YouGov poll for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has found petrol car drivers have a limited understanding of how electric cars are currently charged, mistakenly assume that EV drivers regularly run out of charge and underestimate the savings that EVs generate over running a combustion engine car.

More than five in 10 petrol car drivers (54%) think EV drivers run out of charge at least once a year but in reality, 82% of EV drivers report never running out of charge.

The energy secretary has been urged to tackle the UK's "dire" smart meter rollout.

In a letter to Ed Miliband, MoneySavingExpert (MSE) founder Martin Lewis warns that "too many smart meters don’t work" and "word of mouth is often saying 'don’t bother'."

He suggests firms shift their targets away from overall installations to looking at how many "working" smart meters there are.

In a blog on his website, Mr Lewis wrote: "Complaints about smart meters are through the roof. Too many people tell me theirs are broken. Others refuse to have them and feel companies are forcing them.

"I'm generally in favour of the concept of smart meters, though I think the way they've been rolled out since the start has been dire."

He said many who don't have a smart meter are willing to pay more to avoid getting one.

A survey by MSE also found 19% of households with a smart meter said theirs did not work - this included problems with in-home displays, incorrect data on tarrifs or prepay top-ups not working correctly.

Mr Lewis wrote: "Too many resources are focused on installations, not repairs, leaving more existing meters not working properly. Repairs can be slow, if they happen at all, leaving consumers frustrated and at risk of mis-billing and further problems."

Earlier this year, Citizens Advice warned that millions of households were missing out on the benefits of their smart meter due to faults and poor service from their supplier.

Nearly 1,400 OVO customers will receive compensation after the energy firm was hit with a £2.37m penalty for complaint handling failures.

Energy regulator Ofgem said the firm, one of the UK's largest energy companies, will pay more than £378,000 directly to affected customers.

Due to the "severity of consumer detriment", OVO has also paid £2m to the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme - a fund supporting customers and developing energy projects.

Jacqui Gehrmann, from Ofgem, said OVO "failed to adequately protect and respond to their customers when it was needed most".

"This is not acceptable," she added.

OVO is Britain's fourth-biggest household energy supplier and has about four million customers.

Read the full story from our business reporter Sarah Taaffe-Maguire here:

More than 1.7 million households do not plan on turning on their hearing this winter - nearly double the amount who said they did not heat their homes last year.

More than half of those polled for Uswitch (55%) blamed rising living costs while 25% of over-65s said their decision followed the loss of winter fuel payments.

Another one million households will wait until December to turn it on, the survey also found.

The average date of the big switch on this year (according to the people polled) will be 6 October, almost a week earlier than last year's 12 October (which was the most common date in 2023 the 2,000 people surveyed said they were turning it on).

But almost six million have already started warming their homes after last week's cold snap.

What temperature should you set your thermostat?

The survey suggests households will set their thermostat at an average 19.4C this winter, up from 19.3C a year ago.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that people can save 10% on their heating bills for every degree they turn down their thermostats, although it is recommended that people do not set them lower than 18C.

More than one in six households (17%) are planning to set their thermostats below 18C to save money, while 8% plan to heat their home to 17°C, and 11% to 16C or lower.

At the other end of the spectrum, almost four million households are setting their thermostats at or above 22C.

A priest has avoided jail after he was caught on CCTV stealing from his own church's donation pot.

Fortunato Pantisano, 44, took around £200 cash from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Fulham, west London, on 7 January.

He had been suspended from service at the time of the offence.

He was seen on footage entering an office at the church around lunchtime and taking two plates of money that had been donated, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

Pantisano pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a trial last month.

He has continued to deny the offence. A pre-sentence report said it is likely he will not be able to practise as a Catholic priest again.

Pantisano, of Harewood Avenue in Westminster, was sentenced to 20 weeks' imprisonment suspended for two years at the same court on Tuesday.

The judge said a suspended sentence was appropriate given the defendant had no previous convictions, presented no real risk to the public and had a "strong prospect of rehabilitation".

Amazon has told its office workers they may no longer work from home except in extenuating circumstances.

It comes as Jonathan Reynolds, the UK's business secretary, said flexible working contributes to productivity, employee resilience, and staff retention.

Workers need to be judged on outcomes and "not a culture of presenteeism," Mr Reynolds told The Times.

What is Amazon doing?

Amazon has described the policy change as returning to the way it worked before the COVID-19 pandemic - being in the office five days a week except for special circumstances.

A letter from Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy said those situations included when staff or their children were sick, house emergencies, travelling for work or coding "in a more isolated environment".

Some staff who had been given exceptional permission to work remotely will remain able to do so.

The changes will take effect on 2 January next year as Mr Jassy said the company understands staff have "set up their personal lives in such a way that returning to the office consistently five days per week will require some adjustments".

Forget CPI for measuring inflation, as brat summer fades into a demure and mindful autumn, we bid farewell to iced coffees and hello to their spicy seasonal counterparts.

But even fan favourite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, is not immune to inflationary pressures.

Card payment experts SumUp have analysed this year's autumnal menus from the four leading coffee shops (Starbucks, Costa, Greggs and Pret) to find out which offers the best value for money.

It may have started with Starbucks, but Greggs took the crown with the cheapest Pumpkin Spice Latte, bucking national trends and actually decreasing the cost by 20p since last year. Their offering is 53% cheaper than Pret and Starbucks. 

Greggs has also added 10 new menu items - including Pumpkin Spice Latte doughnuts.

With the price for a regular Pumpkin Spice Latte now at £4.65, Pret a Manger had the largest increase year-on-year - with a 37% markup. 

Costa has rejected the Pumpkin Spice Latte entirely, with the comparison instead looking at their Maple Hazel Latte. 

However, this Pumpkin Spice alternative is still 6% more expensive than Starbucks and Pret a Manger’s offerings and a whole £1 more from last year's starting price - a 25% markup.

With the exception of Pret, the coffee giants began launching their autumn menus in August, despite starting in September just two years ago. 

Why are seasonal drinks so expensive?

Bart Visser, from SumUp, says high operating costs, quality of ingredients and supply chain issues are to blame for rising coffee prices.

"Seasonal menus frequently see a markup in price due to their special ingredients and limited availability," he said.

"Customers are willing to pay a premium for these items, and seasonal menus often come with targeted marketing campaigns, themed decorations, and special promotions. 

"These efforts can be costly, and businesses may recoup these costs through higher prices."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Regular Sky News readers will have had this morning's news yesterday. 

Today Flutter Entertainment, the owner of Paddy Power, confirmed Mark Kleinman's story that it is buying the consumer operations of Playtech, the gambling technology group. 

Flutter's share price was up 0.59% following the announcement. 

The biggest riser on the UK's benchmark stock index (the FTSE 100 list of most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange) was Kingfisher, the owner of B&Q and Screwfix. 

The 6.3% increase in its share price is part of the overall FTSE 100 0.76% rise. 

The more UK-based FTSE 250 index, of the 101st to 350th most valuable London-listed firms, rose 0.5%. 

With the looming US interest rate cut tomorrow, the dollar has remained weak - good news for people heading to the US from the UK and for people paying for goods in dollars. A pound is back buying $1.32. 

Against the euro, sterling buys €1.187.

Oil has remained around the $72 mark. A barrel of the benchmark Brent crude oil costs $72.50 - not much more than the $70 low that, until last week, was not seen since 2021.

Metro Bank is set to axe hundreds of jobs as it pushes ahead with an £80m cost-cutting plan, according to reports.

The beleaguered lender will announce 300 roles are going within the business operations, IT and support divisions, according to the Daily Mail .

It comes just months after the bank said it would axe 1,000 roles (equivalent to 22% of the workforce) and scrap seven-day trading in all its branches. These latest cuts come in addition.

The bank has been hit by a series of blunders, including accounting errors and leadership changes.

It has struggled to recover from a blunder in 2019 that saw £900m in loans misclassified, sparking an investor and deposit outflow at the time.

Since then, its share price has plunged from £287 down to £65.50 today, a dip of 77%.

In July it sold its £2.5bn residential mortgage book to NatWest after a deal with Barclays fell through last year.

The bank, which was founded in 2010, has about 2.7 million customers and 75 branches in the UK.

It has looked to capitalise on public anger over high street branch closures by mainstream banks since the financial crisis by focusing purely on branch services - opening seven days per week.

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