Burgess
Originally commissioned by Cyprus-born British businessman Andreas Liveras and named Alysia, this 300-foot yacht’s $100 million build cost earned the title of most expensive yacht in the world in 2006. Today, the price seems almost quaint compared to recent builds. But many of features still command attention in classy, kitschy and downright bizarre ways: The 11-foot-tall, red bunny sculpture on the sun deck that is breakdancing; an exotic fish-themed interior; a plush cinema; and, last but not least, a multicolored Grecian spa.
Following Liveras’s 2008 death, the yacht was acquired by its current owner in 2010 and renamed Moonlight II. “In the Middle East, travel was largely by night, under moonlight, to avoid the heat of the day,” Captain Stiliyan Rangelov tells Robb Report. “It meant the moon and stars, which are thought to represent the guidance of God on the path through life, could be used for navigation.”
In 2012, a significant refit saw boat’s 280-foot length extended by 20 feet. It also included a refreshed interior by Lally Poulias, which introduced bright modern colors and a “sand-and-ocean” interior to reflect the owner’s love of sport fishing, sailing, and all things marine. It’s best reflected in the exotic carpet inlays of marine life and extravagant fish-themed sculptured furniture. Some of the yacht’s original features remain, such as the grandiose marble pillars in the spa and master suite. It’s now for sale for about $73.7 million or charter for about $813,000 per week, via Burgess.
Here are 10 things you didn’t know about one of the world’s most colorful yachts.
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Catch of the Day
Image Credit: Burgess The Middle Eastern owner’s passion for sailing, fishing, and cruising the Red Sea is evident in his choice of a marine-themed interior. The detailed custom carpets in the guest cabins and the main deck dining room feature brightly colored exotic fish. Guests also dine atop two large bespoke sport fish–themed glass-top tables designed by an American artist and positioned beneath mirrored ceilings.
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The Bunny Pad
Image Credit: Burgess The red, 11-foot-tall breakdancing pop-art bunny takes guests by surprise when they step foot on the teak sun deck. It’s positioned atop the yacht’s helipad, which, though not currently in use, is designed to accommodate a chopper.
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Master Blaster
Image Credit: Burgess A bright custom carpet, marble pillars, a tan leather bed, and multicolored LED lighting ensure the full-beam owner’s suite carries just as much stylistic impact as the rest of the yacht. The private owner’s deck forward includes a Jacuzzi surrounded by red sun pads. There is a second tub in the spa and yet another on the sundeck.
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Double or Nothing
Image Credit: Burgess At night, the upper lounge transforms into a nightclub, equipped with a sound system, smoke machines, lights, and bar. It also doubles as a casino, which echoes the yacht’s lineage with sistership Queen Miri, once owned by the late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.
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Picture House
Image Credit: Burgess A dedicated cinema with a retro popcorn machine and sumptuous tan leather seating is great for cozy movie nights. Elsewhere, a specialist television plays 3-D movies, while Starlink satellites ensure connectivity.
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Grecian Spa
Image Credit: Burgess Echoes of the yacht’s original Greek-themed interior are found in the lower deck spa, which includes a massage, a steam room and sauna, and a beauty salon with a qualified hairdresser and beautician. Large marble pillars, neon-pink lighting, a bronze buddha sculpture, and a twinkling LED night sky create an elegant atmosphere.
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Beach Life
Image Credit: Burgess The yacht’s sea-level beach club was updated in the 2021 refit, and includes a bar, a side balcony for tender access, and uninterrupted views out to sea. Even here, the vibrant color palette is evident in the mirrored-dome ceiling and bespoke rug. Two large television screens entertain guests who prefer to relax.
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Hang Loose
Image Credit: Burgess The walls in the main-deck lounge are adorned with bespoke framed carpet wall hangings and a sculptural turtle coffee table that further reflect the owner’s hobbies and lifestyle. This area also has a piano for evenings of live music, frequently played by family members, royalty, and celebrities alike.
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Lucky Number 36
Unusually for a charter yacht, Moonlight II accommodates up to 36 guests in 18 generously sized guest cabins, including this VIP with its own large lounge. Entertaining that number of guests can be a big ask at sea, but the yacht’s open-plan interior, large exterior deck areas, and 35-person crew more than manage the crowd.
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The Big Splash
Image Credit: Burgess When it’s time to hit the water, Moonlight II is an RYA-registered training center for guests to take full advantage of the large selection of water toys.
