The Octopus yacht has become synonymous with the name Paul Allen. The billionaire Microsoft co-founder is the owner of the Octopus, declared by Power and Motoryacht Magazine as the world’s third largest private yacht in 2005. Measuring 414 feet, the Octopus landed top slot as the world’s largest yacht when it was first launched in 2003.
Built by German yacht maker Lürssen, the Octopus has a permanent crew of 60 people including a few former Navy Seals. It has two helicopters, seven other on-board boats, a basketball court, a movie theater, swimming pool, and two submarines. One of the submarines can stay two weeks underwater.
The Octopus also features a professionally outfitted recording studio. Another key attraction is the glass-bottom lounge on the lower-deck which leaves guests feeling so thrilled and amazed as they watch all sorts of marine life swimming below them while they sit on plush sofas. Of course, it is not lacking in other water toys such as the numerous jet skis around.
Paul Allen’s yacht has been globetrotting since 2003. Seen in marinas worldwide, other yachts look so minute at the presence of the majestic Octopus. The Octopus has visited Norway, England, Spain, Barbados, Bahamas, to name a few. She has also hosted a number of high profile parties and exclusive corporate events.
Allen spent over US$200 million for the yacht. On average, it is estimated that owners need to spend at least 10% of the yacht’s purchase price to maintain the yacht in good condition and pay for the salaries of the crew. This means that Allen’s annual budget for the Octopus should be about $20 million. Allen owns two other megayacts aside from Octopus.
Click on the following links to find more information and see images of the Octopus.
Power and Motoryacht Magazine
Images of the Octopus on her first week in the Mediterranean
Wikipedia on the Octopus
Paul Allen’s Yacht
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