yacht luxury helicopter

Top 15 Superyachts with Helicopters

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Written by Maria Korotaeva

With plenty of various amenities, superyachts offer comfortable and truly opulent travel experience, while yacht helicopters are an essential part of it. Just imagine: you can reach the most remote destinations to explore some hidden gems in the finest yachting locations in the world or land in busy city centres. All that includes total flexibility of point-to-point travelling, getting you to places you need to be at in luxury and style. The magnificent charter yachts nowadays offer the ultimate fun experiences for you and your group, including heli-fishing, heli-skiing and private island dining, due to their capabilities of landing and carrying helipads. Let’s take a look at the top 15 private and charter yachts with helicopters.

1. Amarula Sun (ex. Mine Games)

The incredible 50m charter superyacht Amarula Sun offers everything her guests would wish to have on a charter yacht: a spa pool with a swim-up bar, huge sun pads, BBQ area, gym, Xbox, Playstation, Plasma TV with satellite connection and luxury dining spaces are among her outstanding amenities. Amazing yacht charter experience is guaranteed. The guests have the opportunity of travelling to and from Amarula Sun by helicopter, as her sundeck area can serve as a touch-and-go heli pad. Amarula Sun can sleep 10-12 charter guests and is available for charters in the Bahamas and Florida from US$ 195,000.

Amarula Sun (ex. Mine Games) with helicopter

 2. Cloudbreak

Cloudbreak is certainly one of the most popular superyachts of 2016 . There is no wonder, as the team of acclaimed engineers and designers worked on the naval architecture, as well as her interior and exterior. She is a 72m expedition yacht, capable of cruising anywhere in the world. This head-turning floating masterpiece has some special features including a Jacuzzi, exercise equipment, an elevator operated on all decks, and a large tender garage.  Charter Cloudbreak this summer from €750,000 per week plus expenses.

Motor Yacht Cloud Break – top view. Photo credit @brandondax

 3. Lady Christine

Undoubtedly, the list of the top 15 superyachts and their helicopters has to include a Feadship superyacht. The bespoke Dutch shipyard is best known for building exceptional quality superyachts . Motor yacht Lady Christine is one of those. Not only Lady Christine provides absolute comfort to her guests, but she also has enormous storage space for a rescue boat, a large tender and a small sailing boat. This section of the vessel also serves as a helipad and stores two helicopter fuel tanks.

Lady Christine and helicopter

4. Attessa IV

Upon her re-launch in 2010 Attessa IV became the largest superyacht in North America. She made it to the top 25 largest yachts in the world, and back in 2010 was at the 23rd position. Originally built by  Hayashikane Zosen Kk in 1999 and called Evergreen, she was sold to a new owner in 2007. She underwent an extensive rebuilt by Washington Yachting Group , where she was also extended by 30 feet. Attessa IV accommodates 36 guests, assisted by 21 crew members. This massive five-level yacht measures 100.60 metres and features a helipad on the upper aft deck and forepeak.

Attessa IV. Photo credit @rickyracer

Although Garcon is not an opulent superyacht but a fast yacht support vessel, she deserves the praise for carrying a huge luxurious helicopter, as this is what support vessels are for. Built specifically to serve Lurssen   mega yacht Ace  and to carry her water toys and tenders, Garcon measures 67m LOA.  Garcon also features a fully SOLAS certified helipad with 5,000 kg take-off weight for commercial use. Garson was built and launched in 2012 by Damen Shipyards , and in 2013 was honoured with the ISS Awards of Distinction for Innovation .

Garcon. Photo credit Jeff Brown

Motor yacht Sunrays was launched in 2010 by Oceanco , and in the same year received an award for the “Best Power Yacht over 65 metres” at the ISS Design and Leadership Award Ceremony . Her striking teal coloured aluminium hull is a work of Bjorn Johansson Design , while the interior styling is by famous  Terence Disdale . Sunray’s heavenly interior design is unique, and have an airy and welcoming ambience. Indulge in luxury and add a helicopter ride when booking Sunrays this for charter in the Mediterranean .

Sunrays at Abu Dhabi Yas Marina. Photo @yachthelicopters

If you are into yachts and luxury travelling, you probably know by now that the 155-metre mega yacht Luna is one of the largest yachts with some extraordinary features. She carries a submarine, multipurpose limousines and has not just one, but two helipads. Her 20-metre swimming pool is another wow characteristic. We wish Luna would be available for charter one day, as this expedition yacht could take her charter guests to breathtaking  Galapagos , Alaska and the Pacific .

Luna: Helicopter landing. Photo credit Muscapix

Motor yacht Samar is a 77m steel-and-aluminium luxury motor yacht designed by Laurent Giles and built by Devonport Yachts of England in 2006.  She is a very large and luxurious charter yacht which boasts everything that can be offered on a private motor yacht. Samar is capable of extended global cruising, where her charter guests will never get bored. Samar has a helipad, a large Spa Pool pool, an open bar, large outdoor living areas, a garage, as well as a movie theatre. Accommodation is offered for 12 guests, assisted by a professional crew of 26. Portofino , Naples ,  Capri , Amalfi , Monaco , and France are the places she will be available at for charter in summer 2017. She is available from US$ 650,000 per week plus expenses.

Samar. Photo credit @kdewet

9. Skyfall  (ex. Mi Sueno)

Skyfall is a symbol of a high-quality motor yacht, which features the latest marine technology and exquisite styling. Launched in 2010 by Trinity Yachts , luxury yacht Skyfall measure 58 metres and offers accommodation for a party of 10. Her cabin configuration consists of a master suite, 2 VIP cabins, one double and one twin. Her name comes from the James Bond famous movie series, which implies that this superyacht surely has an outstanding feature. Aboard Skyfall, the guests will have an opportunity to have delicious breakfast prepared by a private chef and continue the day by taking off in a helicopter to explore the best of Mediterranean. The Ionian Islands , Grenadines , Greece , Turkey , East and West Mediterranean , and Croatia is where motor yacht Skyfall will be available for this summer from $275,000 per week plus expenses.

Skyfall. Photo credit @yachthelicopters

10. ICE  (ex. AIR)

Motor yacht ICE became the Superyacht of the Year at the 2006 World Superyacht Awards . No doubt that the title of one the best yachts in the world implies that ICE is a very special vessel. The two famous designers Terence Disdale and Tim Heywood worked on her interior and exterior respectively. The result is the striking exterior profile and divine interior decor. ICE can sleep 14 guests in 7 well-appointed cabins. She has been spotted in various locations with her massive helicopter.

Superyacht ICE. Photo credit Julien Hubert

At 134 metres, motor yacht Serene boasts a huge beam of 18.5 metres. Can you image how much luxury living space is offered on board this beauty? Serene provides a full seven decks of exterior and interior space. With an abundance of amenities, this mega yacht stands out among other luxury yachts. The two helicopter landing platforms, an enormous internal sea water pool, several spa pools, plus storage for a large submarine are some of the superb features. Serene has enough space to accommodate 24 guests and 52 crew members.

Superyacht Serene. Photo credit Mark O’Connell

12. Madame Gu

Madame Gu is a superyacht that has it all for a luxury vacation in style. A helipad, excellent water toys and tenders, a spa pool and a night club guarantee lots of entertainment to her guests. Although Madame Gu is not available for private luxury charters, we still admire this vessel. She was built by Feadship to the design by De Voogt Naval Architects . Her interior is by Andrew Winch . She has 6 lavish cabins to accommodate 12 guests, and 18 crew cabins to sleep 36 crew members. This floating masterpiece was photographed in Port Vell in Barcelona where is always a very welcomed guest.

Madame Gu. photo credit Jeff Brown

 13. Triton

Back in 2004 motor yacht Tritone became the largest composite yacht built in the U.S. upon her delivery. Her capabilities include prolonged cruising distances, as well as cruising in the most distant locations. Triton was built for her owner, who is passionate about sports fishing, deep-sea scuba diving, and water games and various activities. Hence, the yacht was built with an advanced hull laminate schedule utilising carbon fibre to ensure strength and durability. Triton’s red-coloured striking helicopter is seen in the photo of her cruising in the icy waters.

Triton and Helicopter

14. Vibrant Curiosity

Another outstanding superyacht built by Oceanco, Vibrant Curiosity is an 85-metre displacement vessel that turns heads at any port. She was photographers in Auckland , New Zealand with her large helicopter a few weeks ago. This giant luxury vessel can sleep 18 guests in 7 beautifully furnished cabins. A professional crew of 26 professionals take care of everything on board. Vibrant Curiosity reaches a top speed of 20 knots and is powered y a pair of MTU 16V 595 TE70 engines.

Vibrant Curiosity in Auckland. Photo credit CharterWorld

15. Pegasus VIII  (ex PEGASUS V, PRINCESS MARIANA)

At 78.60 metres, luxury motor yacht PEGASUS VIII provides a lot more than you would think. Her amazing interior layout includes a large salon with sophisticated decor, a cinema theatre, formal and casual dining spaces, as well as other great living areas. There are five lavish cabins to accommodate 12 guests. Those who love water activities will love the beach club of Pegasus VIII, which can be “flooded” and therefore provides the easiest access to the water with embarkation and disembarkation inside the yacht. Pegasus VIII is ideal for charter with family and kids . The 12m swimming pool with an underwater light, six wave runners, jet-skis and tenders will add extra enjoyment when on a charter vacation. The helipad on board also transforms into a golf driving range. Secure motor yacht Pegasus for charter in the Italian and French Rivieras this summer, from US$ 650,000 per week plus expenses.

Pegasus VIII. Photo credit @yachtmasters

You can view a great selection of luxury yachts available for charter here . To find out more or to make a booking, please contact our friendly charter brokers . They will be able to assist you with all enquiries, as well as provide impartial advice and professional service. With the Mediterranean yachting season being just around the corner, superyachts are booking up very fast. Check out the 2017 Mediterranean charter specials and 10 brand new superyachts for charter .

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Top 15 Superyachts with Helicopters".

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Super High: The Ultimate Guide to Yacht Helicopters

The perfect way to soar your yacht to new heights.

Wide-open waters? Check. Great company? Check. Your sparkly new superyacht? Double-check. There can only be one thing missing in this picture: an impressive helicopter for the ultimate grand entrance.

When you’ve already invested so much into the yacht of your dreams, there’s got to be a little extra room (literally) for a special delivery—you. Read on to discover all of our tips and tricks for your very own tantalizing yacht helicopter.

1. Easier Access

Your yacht is the most lavish way to travel in style, right? So why bother adding one more mode of transportation to your already fully capable vessel, you may be asking yourself. The answer is in the air! Having a helicopter on your superyacht allows you to get to places you never thought possible. While there may not always be a place to dock your yacht in certain luxurious locations, having a helicopter onboard allows you access to even the most exclusive spots. You’ll be able to visit so many more destinations on your well-earned journeys—the sky’s the limit.

Navigate to hard-to-reach locales with this yacht charter: OCTOPUS | 414′ Lurssen

2. Destination: Transportation

Having a helipad onboard your superyacht isn’t just about reaching the most beautiful destinations in the world, although that’s reason enough. It also serves a seemingly obvious need: arriving at your megayacht to begin with. Have a meeting in the city but the yacht is docked at the bay? Hop into your helicopter for a straight shot flight to your weekend getaway, with zero hassles along the way. Having the added transport option makes everything seamless from beginning to end, no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going.

Transport yourself with ease with this superyacht: BOLD | 279’ SilverYachts

3. Glorified Grandeur

Your megayacht is your pride and joy, as it should be. It was no easy feat to attain such a vessel, and having a helicopter aboard only drives that point home. With an aircraft aboard your yacht, the luxury reaches new heights. The upscale feel, exclusive usability, and added ease all bring your adventures to a caliber of their own. There is nothing like a personal helicopter aboard a superyacht to up the wow factor.

Cruise in style with this yacht charter: PLANET NINE | 240′ Admiral Yachts

4. A Whole New View

While endless views of the open water can be a sight for sore eyes, having a helicopter onboard brings on a whole new perspective. Enjoy the best of both worlds with views from both the sea and sky. A perfect vacation has a little of everything, and you’re getting just that with the limitless aerial views in the finest destinations around the globe. Sightseeing will take on a whole other level when your altitude rises!

See the sights with new eyes with this yacht charter: SURI | 208′ Halter Marine

5. Taking Sports to the Extreme

No matter what your sport of choice, a helicopter aboard your mega yacht will only add to the fun and adventure. Big on scuba diving? Get to your dive site with the ease of your helicopter. Love photography? The aerial shots from above will be unmatched. Thrilled by cliff diving? Reach cliff tops with a quick flight. Interested in whale watching? Soaring the skies will give you an eagle eye’s view to spot all sorts of marine life. Even piloting can become a reality and your newest hobby. Every interest can truly be appeased with an aircraft at bay.

Get your game on with this superyacht: TIME OFF | 182′ Support Yacht Damen Yachting

6. Time Is on Your Side

We all know that time is money. With fully packed schedules, every minute is precious. Having a helipad on your superyacht saves so much time that would otherwise be wasted—be it in traffic, at the airport, or getting to your destination. With the ease and flexibility of helicopters, you and your guests can promptly reach your yacht’s location at an unimaginable speed. If flying directly from a city, time that would have been spent in endless traffic is spared. If picking you or your guests up from a nearby airport, the comfort and speediness are unparalleled. Transit times are severely reduced, allowing more time to sit back and relax.

Maximize your time with this yacht charter: SUNRAYS | 280′ Oceanco

7. Safety First

One of the biggest and most important benefits of having a helicopter easily available aboard your superyacht is for safety reasons. With very clear FAA safety regulations for helicopters, this mode of transportation proves to be one of the safest options for getting to and from your vessel. In addition, having a helicopter available in the event of an injury or a passenger getting sick is a critical benefit. Being able to evacuate a guest in an emergency may even be the difference between life and death. Even on vacation, accidents can happen. With the safety of travelers at the top of mind, these advantages are of the utmost importance and can ensure a safe and pleasant trip.

Travel with peace of mind with this yacht charter: AIR | 265′ Feadship

8. Specialized Design

Helipads add a sense of wonder and aesthetic to your superyacht. However, it doesn’t stop at good looks. Shipbuilders work together with aviation pros and designers to find the ideal location to place a helipad. Teams work by the Commercial Yacht Code of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to meet all necessary standards during construction. With a large amount of space needed to place a helicopter landing deck on a superyacht, attention to detail and impeccable design are paramount. You’ll know you’ve got the best of the best.

Transform big dreams into reality with this yacht: PROJECT METAVERSE | 207’ Delta

No matter how you look at it, having a helicopter on your superyacht changes the game. A helicopter ups the ante in all arenas, from fun to design to safety. Make sure your yacht includes this high-class feature. Contact a Denison yacht broker to upgrade your yacht and you’ll be flying high, too.

Speak with a Superyacht Specialist:

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YACHTS FOR SALE WITH HELIPAD

Browse yachts for sale with Helipads

Home > Superyachts with helipad

Luxury yachts with helipads

A luxury yacht with a helipad offers complete flexibility. The convenience of owning a yacht with a fully certified helipad can not only increase your time on board but also provides a way to explore uncharted territory and enjoy a yachting experience at its finest. 

When you own or charter a yacht with a helipad, you can fly to your boat, saving considerable time and the potential stress that comes with taking multiple forms of transport. It also makes it easy to reach on-land destinations, from remote terrain to the world’s most elegant cities.

Helipads are generally positioned on the bow of a luxury boat or the aft deck, with careful planning to ensure health and safety regulations are met and that they don’t take up valuable guest space.

From touch-and-go helipads to full-scale helicopter hangars and commercially compliant helipads, here’s what you need to know about buying or chartering a superyacht with a helipad.

Length (ft)

Number of cabins.

• Motor yacht
• 110 m / 361 ft
• OCEANCO - Please enquire
• 18 guests in 9 staterooms

• 107 m / 351 ft

• 105 m / 344 ft

PHATHOM 80M

• 80 m / 262 ft
• TBD - Please enquire
• 12 guests in 7 staterooms

• 74 m / 243 ft
• PROTEKSAN TURQUOISE - Please enquire
• 14 guests in 7 staterooms

STELLA MARIS

• 72.10 m / 237 ft
• VIAREGGIO SUPERYACHTS - 2015

T700 MILANO

• 70 m / 230 ft
• TANKOA - 2028

• 68 m / 223 ft
• TANKOA - Please enquire

CYNTHESIS 180

• Catamaran yacht
• 58.3 m / 191 ft
• 12 guests in 6 staterooms

• 55 m / 180 ft
• HEESEN - 2011

• 51.56 m / 169 ft
• WIDER - 24 months

Nothing matches the prestige of owning a superyacht and joining an exclusive club of yacht owners. A superyacht puts the world at your fingertips, giving you the freedom to travel whenever, wherever all while enjoying a highly exclusive and private experience onboard your own self-sufficient sanctuary. Cruise bluewater havens or explore the world’s most remote regions aboard a luxury yacht with loved ones. YACHTZOO offers an exquisite selection of superyachts for sale. Our luxury yachts for sale are built by the world’s most esteemed shipyards and boast world-class amenities, pioneering cruising technology, and the finest craftsmanship.

Yacht Sales FAQ

What are the benefits of a superyacht with a helipad.

Having a helipad on board a superyacht is a highly desirable feature, especially with charter guests seeking an elevated experience at sea. There are several benefits, including convenience, easy access, privacy, and enhanced peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

Fast & private transportation

The primary benefit of a helipad on a yacht is that it allows for fast and private transportation of guests to and from the boat, avoiding lengthy tender rides and allowing guests to explore their surroundings further.

Ideal for extreme sports

A helipad can also be used for extreme sports, such as helicopter water skiing and heli-skiing, ensuring an incredible experience on the water.

Peace of mind

Having a fully certified helipad also provides enhanced peace of mind. Should there be, for example, a medical emergency, you have complete peace of mind that a swift transfer to a land-based medical centre can be quickly arranged.

Maximise a yacht's potential

A mega yacht with a fully certified helipad is highly desirable and will typically attract a higher resale value. Additionally, yachts with helipads are particularly sought-after charter yachts, enabling owners to maximise their boat’s income potential. Finally, a yacht's helipad can also be repurposed, and the large deck space cleared for a variety of activities, such as a dance floor at night and a recreational space during the day.

How big does a yacht have to be to have a helipad?

Generally speaking, a yacht must be at least 40-metres to accommodate a helipad on the bow. Boats under 40-metres generally do not have space to have a helipad on the bow, but clever design means that it may be possible to accommodate a touch-and-go helipad on the stern.

What is a touch-and-go helipad?

A touch-and-go helipad is a type of landing pad for helicopters that allows for quick take-offs and landings without stowing the aircraft on the yacht. It is becoming increasingly common on luxury superyachts and can be a significant bonus for yacht charterers, providing a quick and convenient way to access the vessel. Having a touch-and-go helipad on a yacht can also increase a boat's resale value and charter potential.

Can a yacht have more than one helipad?

Yes, it is possible to have more than one helipad on a yacht, depending on its size and layout. Multiple helicopter decks are often found on the world's largest mega yachts and expedition vessels, allowing for multiple helicopters to be stored at the same time. Having two helipads or more can be especially useful for vessels that accommodate a large number of guests or crew members who may need to travel to different locations at the same time.

What other amenities will a yacht with a helicopter deck have?

As helicopter decks are typically found on larger vessels, you'll also benefit from an enhanced selection of amenities. The world's finest superyachts typically boast voluminous beach clubs, swimming pools, spa facilities, cinema rooms, fully equipped gyms, VIP suites, and spacious salons and deck areas. They also typically boast a garage filled with tenders and a fantastic selection of water toys, including jet skis, water skis, inflatables, diving equipment, kayaks, submarines, and more.

How can YACHTZOO help me find a luxury yacht with helipad?

YACHTZOO has access to the finest yachts with helipads for sale and charter. Our yachts are built by the world's finest shipyards and boast enviable amenities and luxurious interiors for an enhanced yachting experience. Whether you are seeking a charter yacht with a helipad or wish to buy a boat with a helicopter pad, contact our team of yacht brokers today.

Browse our yachts for sale or contact YACHTZOO’s sales brokerage team; they will be delighted to help you find your ideal superyacht for sale.

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Flying Luxury: Four Helicopters Ready to Serve Your Superyacht

It’s only a superyacht if it has its own chopper.

Owners of magnificent, explorer class superyachts know a helicopter is their ship’s lifeline. They provide that crucial connection to the mainland when your ship is navigating the open seas and, at any given time, can serve as a workhorse or a flying Range Rover P530.

For VIPs, business meetings or private gatherings can take place while at sea, far from the long lenses of paparazzi. Guests can arrive and depart as desired, using your helicopter. At other times, the aircraft can be used to resupply the ship or, in an emergency, become an ambulance.

And let’s be real, the best experiences, like champagne with your beloved, or surf and turf with friends, are always made better with turquoise seas as a backdrop. Flight gives superyacht owners the freedom to conduct business on the mainland before ferrying guests back to the vessel for an unforgettable Mediterranean sunset.

Fortunately, industry leading aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus , Bell  and Sikorsky , have helicopters ready to serve on the world’s premier superyachts. They know the right aircraft allows these vessels to reach their full potential.

Here are four state-of-the-art choppers ready to ensure their superyachts provide an unrivaled adventure for its owner and guests.

Airbus ACH145

Making our list are two helicopters from Airbus, including the ACH 145, a helicopter ready to operate on today’s largest and most luxurious superyachts. The ACH 145 is a highly customizable aircraft with eight unique layouts , including a version with fine leather and wood finishes designed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz . The cabins in these aircraft also feature wide, panoramic windows, ensuring passengers can take in all the sights from 10,000 feet.

In terms of aircraft performance, these aircraft are capable of transporting as many as nine passengers at a range of up to 420 miles, according to Airbus . And with a maximum cruise speed of about 157 miles per hour, the ACH145 is the ideal transport if you’re looking to fly in friends and family for that sunset. However, if you’re a VIP with more intimate tastes, this chopper can be designed around four passengers with full amenities and space to spare.

Airbus H160

Airbus’ second helicopter on this list represents a leap forward for aircraft operating from superyachts. With a maximum speed of roughly 172 miles per hour, this medium helicopter is more environmentally friendly with reduced fuel consumption and an impressive operating range of 546 miles. And, like its sister aircraft the ACH145, this helicopter comes equipped with some impressive tech. Both the Airbus H160 and its sister the Airbus ACH145 feature advanced avionics and technology such the Helionix™ flight deck with its “intuitive software, synthetic vision system and four-axis automatic pilot with complete envelope protection,” resulting in class leading “precision and control” for its pilot, explains Airbus.

These features along with its reduced noise signature from its Blue Edge™ rotor blades make the H160 a class leading medium helicopter ready for service on a superyacht.

BELL FCX-001

Bell Flight’s FCX-001 seems to come straight out of science fiction in both its design and function. Anticipating automated flight of the future, Bell is equipping its aircraft with forward-looking design changes such as a single seat cockpit and a pilot guided by artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality.

The Bell FCX-001 is currently designed to hold up to 12 passengers in floating luxury and an interior that looks like it was taken out of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 : A Space Odyssey. But instead of docking with a space station, these aircraft are primed to be the perfect companion for the superyachts of the future.

Sikorsky S-76D

Last, and certainly not least, the Sikorsky S-7D, from the legendary aircraft manufacturer. Known for its military aircraft such as the Blackhawk helicopter and Marine One, the personal helicopter of the President of the United States, the S-7D is the Lockheed-owned Sikorsky’s latest commercial offering for VIP transport and superyacht operations.

As does the Airbus Ach145, the S-7D offers a range of customizations for its cabins, with the manufacturer ready to work with clients to guarantee the aircraft fits the needs and preferences of its owners, according to the company.

Buyers and their designers can pick from a selection of exquisite “fabrics, leathers, colors and amenities and features” to ensure the flight experience is a reflection of the exclusive experience you want for yourself and the guests ready to share in your superyacht’s journey.

Sikorsky’s executive chopper is also built around a noise- and vibration-resilient flight experience thanks to its Quiet Zone™ transmission technology. This makes for a smoother ride when traversing difficult, marine weather.

Fitting upwards to eight passengers in the cabin configuration that works best for its owner, the S-7D has a maximum cruising speed of about 178 miles per hour. But what makes this chopper standout the most is its military roots. According to Sikorsky, the helicopter’s main rotor hub is drawn from the rotor hub of the UH-60 Black Hawk, a chopper that has served extensively in the United States’ military.

In designing this latest version of its VIP helicopter, Sikorsky touts its extensive record deploying helicopters on military and high performance commercial missions like support on oil rigs. With superyachts deploying in all types of climates and weather conditions, including arctic seas , the Sikorsky is surely a top contender for any owner or superyacht chartering company.

Articles Top 5 Helicopters for Superyachts

The world of private helicopters has presented an unparalleled level of efficiency for the most discerning superyacht owners.

Radically reducing journey time from shore to ship, and ensuring you arrive in ultimate style and privacy, superyachts and helicopters are a match made in heaven. Here’s our top five from the ever-growing range of superyacht helicopters to choose from. 

1 Airbus ACH145

Perhaps offering the most natural synergy between helicopter and yacht is the Airbus ACH145 . With a small footprint ideal for a superyacht helipad, and a flexible cabin able to transport eight to ten guests in airborne luxury, this rotorcraft is unquestionably a top choice to adorn the deck of any superyacht. With over eight possible configurations, the ACH145 offers the industry’s most versatile cabin for the ultimate passenger experience. From the stunning interior choices Airbus provide, to a VIP fit out from a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz offering the style and class synonymous with the German luxury car brand, this superyacht helicopter combines best-in-class comfort with a staggeringly quiet ride which enables sightseeing from above or mid-air business meetings to take place unhindered by rotor noise. The helicopter of choice for the upcoming largest superyacht in the world, 182.9m REV Ocean, the AHC145 combines impressive performance with the latest in safety equipment, including advanced autopilot systems to offer the complete superyacht helicopter package that guarantees a safe and comfortable flight.

2 Airbus ACH160

Superyacht helicopters must strike a fine balance between speed, comfort, and style. From affording passengers enough interior volume to ensure a comfortable flight, to being compact enough to fit on the deck of a yacht, designing such a piece of machinery is no small feat. The company responsible for designing the most capable helicopters for the job to date is Airbus, and with their all new ACH160 they have raised the bar yet again. Bringing the cutting edge of helicopter design to the fore, a composite airframe, impressive fuel efficiency, and a whisper-quiet ride thanks to a shrouded tail rotor, and Blue Edge rotor blade design, the ACH160 carries 12 passengers to the deck of their superyacht in total comfort. While its large side windows create a light flooded cabin to illuminate the stunning interior concept from renowned superyacht designer Harrison Edisgaard, the ACH160 also embraces new technology to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. A truly innovative product that is a far more sustainable mode of transport compared to its traditionally designed counterparts, the ACH160 is the height of aerial style and sophistication.

3 AW109 Trekker

From the renowned Agustawestland the AW109 Trekker is the first ever fully Italian-built helicopter to be mass produced. With its best-in-class lifting capability and impressive range of 447NM, the AW109 Trekker offers an unmatched level of utility for a light-weight superyacht helicopter. Accommodating six passengers in a spacious and versatile cabin, the AW109 effortlessly transports its guests wherever they wish. A brilliantly soundproofed and elegantly styled interior affords passengers a quiet and comfortable ride, so a short hop from ship to shore, or visiting a remote island destination further afield is effortless. Boasting wide sliding doors for easy access, an extended baggage compartment so guests can bring all the luggage they desire, and rugged skid landing gear for true go anywhere capability, this helicopter brings a new dimension to life at sea. Able to explore even the hardest to reach destinations with complete peace of mind thanks to state-of-the-art safety features, the AW109 is the perfect addition to any explorer superyacht big enough to accommodate this 42-foot beauty.

Designed for short-medium flights and touchdowns in tight spaces, this helicopter is ideal for any superyacht platform. As one of the most compact five-seat helicopters on the market, the Bell 505 punches well above its weight. Packing an integrated glass flight deck, and Garmin G1000H avionics suite with twin 10.4in LCD screens into a five-seat platform is a truly masterful piece of helicopter design. While compact, with a main rotor just 11.2m wide and fuselage only 13m long, the Bell 505 does not forgo comfort. A luxurious and open Italian-designed interior, and glass cockpit, affords passengers an uninterrupted view to admire their yacht from a new angle in total comfort.  An ideal helicopter to fit on any superyacht platform, the lightweight design provides impressive performance and versatility. While the two bladed rotor is an effective solution to offer powerful lift and limit drag, the quick release seats, flat floor, and large baggage compartment provide a great option for transporting luggage or supplies from land to sea. Stylish, sporty, and practical, superyacht helicopters don’t get much better.

5 Bell FCX-001

Still just a concept but one of the most exciting prospects in the aviation industry, the Bell FCX-101 is a crescendo of technology yet to make it into helicopter production. A window into the future of what your superyacht helicopter may, one day, look like, this rotorcraft is touted to be powered by a hybrid propulsion system and incorporates a revolutionary anti-torque system within the tail boom rendering the tail rotor obsolete. The FCX-001 presents a significant step change in what helicopter design can be. By combining the benefits of the proven turboshaft engine with the rapidly evolving world of electric propulsion, a new level of efficiency could be achieved. Debuted at the Heli-Exbo 2017, this stunning concept utilises the bleeding edge of heli design in every area. From the pilot using augmented reality in the cockpit for near autonomous flying, to morphing rotor blades that adapt to different flight scenarios, and an ingenious interior with modular flooring design for the most versatile cabin ever, this gull winged rotorcraft for the future is set to change the landscape for superyacht helicopter transport forever.

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The Luxify Articles

Top 10 luxury helicopters in the world, posted by luxify, 31 march, 2020.

Most people have heard of personal and charter jets, but luxury helicopters are the genuine gems. Not only are these aircraft comparatively less expensive, but helicopters can approach places that bulky jets can’t. Having a private or commercial helicopter is expedient, more environment friendly, and a symbol of status. Celebrities including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and Donald Trump own a luxury helicopter , and this slot market has grown considerably in recent years due to demand from the rich.

They are well-appointed with all the newest technology, and interior seating marks that are designed in fine Italian leather upholstery.

Therefore the list of top 10 luxury helicopters is given below:

1. Augusta Westland AW119 Ke Koala:

The Koala is chiefly used by law enforcement, but it can easily provide accommodation to a group of corporate directors traveling on business. It has a VIP services quite adequately, with premium leather upholstery and seating for about 6 passengers and 2 operators. The Koala reaches a top speed of 166 mph (267 km/h) and a range of 618 miles (995 km). Price ranges from $1.8 to $3 million.

2. Eurocopter Hermès EC 135:

Though this brand of luxury helicopters  is not suitable for long distant trips, is has a class apart built. The typical EC 135 will cost you a mere $4.2 million, but the one with the interior design from the best in class designer will cost you up to $6 million. The top speed is 178 mph, but the range is just 395 miles.

3. Augusta Westland AW109 Grand Versace VIP:

Augusta Westland teamed up with the Italian fashion house Versace to produce a super luxury interior for this fancier version of the AW109. The top speed is about 177 mph and a range of 599 miles. The mere difference is that all 599 of those miles will be more luxurious  for the VIP passengers. Hence, will cost you $6.3 million price tag and the helicopter is fully covered in Versace leather, design and exterior.

4. Eurocopter Mercedes-Benz EC 145:

If you’re a Mercedes fan, now you can fly your preferred brand helicopter too. A regular EC 145 costs about $5.5 million, so the Mercedes version is going to cost anywhere around $7 million. But it’s totally worth it. No other Mercedes can go 153 mph while flying 17,000 feet above the ground. It has all the luxury of the famous German sports.

5. Eurocopter EC 175:

The EC 175 made its wonderful first appearance at the Paris Air Show in 2009. The chief feature of the EC 175 is that it can hold 16 passengers contentedly inside. The top speed reaches 178 mph (286 km/h), with a range of 345 miles (555 km). It costs whooping $7.9 million.

6. Eurocopter EC 155:

This is a luxurious chopper. Its top speed is an impressive 200 mph with a range of 533 miles. It can seat as many as 13 passengers; this spacious EC 155 aircraft will cost you $10 million.

7. Sikorsky S-76C:

The Sikorsky S-76C is more generally known as Black Hawk. The massive interior is large sufficient to fit up to a dozen passengers, but the seating occupies 4 passengers in Black Hawk model. It reaches a top speed of 178 mph (286 km/h) and has a range of 473 miles (761 km). It would cost you a $12.95 million.

8. Augusta Westland AW139:

The AW139 is appropriate for law enforcement, armed patrol and firefighters. It has a capacity to seat 8 passengers. The AW139 can reach an unbelievable top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h), with a range of 573 miles (922 km). It carries a beautiful interior costing you a hefty $14.5 million.

9. Bell 525 Relentless:

Like the Gulfstream 650 jet, the Bell 525 Relentless helicopter isn’t on the market currently. This chopper is going to cost $15 million. They predicted that the seating will be for 16, a top speed of 162 mph, and a range of 460 miles. This bright yellow Relentless with amazing seating will cost you a fortune.

10. Sikorsky S-92 VIP Configuration:

The S-92 can safely accommodate 9 passengers in its extensive interior cabin. The prices vary exponentially if you plan on decking the interiors with gold or crystal. The top speed of the S-92 is around 194 mph (312 km/h), with a range of 594 miles (956 km). The prices range from $17 million to $32 million. Helicopter charter can be the most stress-free travel familiarity you will ever have. Which includes being able to travel outside of airports to reach vital meetings or even other flights in a different airport. Though rich class can afford these luxury helicopters , they are worth the investment.

For more aircrafts, visit us HERE .

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The beginner's guide to buying a superyacht helicopter

Don’t know your rotor from your motor? Simon de Burton introduces a beginner’s guide to buying the perfect helicopter for your superyacht helicopter deck .

The paradox of modern motoring is that cars are faster and more reliable than they were 30 years ago, yet it takes far longer to drive from A to B because of the ever-increasing volume of road traffic. Which is annoying when you’ve just enjoyed a trouble-free cruise and dropped anchor near a favourite port, only to find that it’s going to take hours to travel a few miles inland for a spot of lunch. That’s one very good reason why you need a helicopter on board.

But what needs to be considered before taking the plunge with your first heli? The first question to ask yourself is whether you intend to fly or be flown. For the former, you’ll need a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), with an (H) suffix, for helicopter. Starting from scratch, this will require a minimum of 45 flight training hours, 10 of which must be flown solo. Also to be considered are the taxing theoretical exams in everything from navigation to meteorology, aviation law and even “human performance”. If you go down the chauffeur route, a trained commercial pilot can be hired at a cost of about £350 per day, plus expenses.

As far as your choice of chopper is concerned, that’s down to whether you choose a piston-engine machine or a jet turbine. Piston-engine helicopters are slower, smaller and generally have a shorter range, but are the least expensive. The popular, entry level Robinson R44 – capable of carrying a pilot and three passengers – costs from $375,000 new, with used examples being available from $250,000. A more exotic jet turbine aircraft, such as what used to be known as the Eurocopter EC120 and is now the Airbus H120 (pilot and five passengers) will set you back about €2.5 million and an H130 (pilot and six passengers) €3.5 million-plus.

These single-engine helicopters can be flown only during daylight (in UK airspace) under the Civil Aviation Authority’s Visual Flight Rules (VFR) as only appropriately equipped twin-engine helicopters are allowed to fly after dark under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). For more guidance consult our edit of the best helicopters for your superyacht.

In addition to buying your dream machine, you’ll also need to pay for hangarage, insurance (typically three per cent of the value of the aircraft) and maintenance – regulations concerning which are extremely rigorous, especially for helicopters used in corrosive environments, such as on, over or near the sea.

But if you can shoulder the burden of that little lot, you’ll be rewarded with an unmatched level of flying freedom that allows private helicopter pilots to land anywhere, with the landowner’s permission, provided it is safe to do so – including the helipads of friendly superyacht owners.

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Superyacht Helipads on Charter: What You Need to Know

By Editorial Team |   Last Updated 4 November 2021

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A helipad is the ultimate luxury convenience for anyone in a hurry to start their dream yacht charter vacation, yet although it seems these days every self-respecting superyacht boasts a helipad - or two - few are actually commercially certified for helicopter landings. So, the question remains: is a non-certified helipad just a waste of space on a yacht charter?

To clear things up, we have compiled our guide on everything you need to know about superyacht helipads, as well as some of the best charter yachts already equipped with fully-certified helicopter platforms for those wishing to kick off their luxury yacht charter in style.

In this article:

A commercially-certified helipad is a must

Can you use a non-certified helipad on a yacht charter, private helipads, ‘touch and go’ helipad, charter guest benefits, 6 stand-out superyachts with a fully-certified helipad, 1. la datcha, 2. cloudbreak, 3. madsummer, 5. flying fox, interested in booking a luxury yacht charter.

For this classification, a superyacht helipad must be constructed and operated in line with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3) Annex 6, which is basically the technical standards for helicopter landing areas, or helipads. 

This code sets out the basic rules governing the design, construction and operation of a helipad, which includes important factors such as a yacht’s load bearing capacity, obstacle clearance, consideration of airflow, safe access points, lighting, permanent deck markings and relevant crew training on helicopter operations. 

The responsibility for the survey and certification process for a helipad intended for commercial use is shared between the yacht’s registered flag state, the classification society and an aviation inspection body, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO ). 

All in all, it doesn’t leave much wiggle room for winging it.  

In a nutshell, no. 

Helicopters are not permitted to touch down on a non-certified helipad onboard a yacht that is being used commercially, i.e. for charter, unless for a medical emergency such as the evacuation of sick or injured passengers.

A helipad or helideck is considered a commercial operation if used to either;

• Receive commercial charter helicopters, or
• Transport charter guests 

Therefore, even a yacht being used privately by its owner cannot receive a commercial charter helicopter if the helideck is not certified.

The ICAO have also weighed in on this point, stipulating that “all commercial air transport helicopters should land on certified helipads which must be built according to certain standards”. 

Private helipads onboard a yacht adhere to less stringent rules and therefore do not have to meet the commercial standards for certification. 

We find many owners are keen to incorporate a helideck, so long as it doesn't compromise the overall aesthetic of the yacht

That's not to say that non-certified helipads aren’t safe, as for the most part they will have been designed with the regulations in mind. However, more often a yacht’s visual appeal is advocated over the practicalities of helipad design. Chris Wood, a helidecks operations manager with Safeguard Helidecks Certification agrees: “We find many owner's are keen to incorporate a helideck, so long as it doesn't compromise the overall aethestic of the yacht."

This snazzy term has become synonymous with luxury superyachts, although it technically has no meaning. For clarity's sake, unless specified ‘touch and go’ helipads are not certified and therefore cannot be used for commercial operations i.e. yacht charters, with the exception of medical emergencies. 

This can cause some confusion, especially as these types of helipads are often highlighted as a stand-out feature when marketing a yacht for charter.

A certified helipad onboard a yacht is a major bonus for yacht charterers wishing to expedite their travel time and arrive in style. Other advantages include;

• Quick and easy access to and from the yacht 
• Avoids wasting time in heavy traffic
• Avoids lengthy tender rides to yachts out on anchor
• Provides an opportunity for guests to explore their surroundings further
• Ideal jumping off point for extreme sports such as heli skiing
• Useful for corporate charter events
• Safe and comfortable transportation option

We are seeing huge demand from yacht owners wanting to get their private helipads commercially certified for yacht charters

As for non-commercial helipads, it can also be used for medical emergencies.

In conclusion, a fully operational helideck is an increasingly desirable feature onboard a charter yacht, which has led to a growing demand for helipad certification. Chris Woods at Safeguard Helidecks Certification confirms this is one of their biggest growth areas: "We are seeing huge demand from yacht owners wanting to get their private helipads commercially certified for yacht charters". 

So, although there are currently only a handful of charter yachts offering certified helipads right now, the future looks bright.

We have hand-picked a selection of top-rated superyachts equipped with a commerical landing platform for the ultimate luxury yacht charter.

Launched in 2020 to much acclaim, this stellar 77-metre explorer yacht is perfectly tailor-made for unique yacht vacations in far-flung destinations across the globe.

Located on her main deck aft, La Datcha’s helipad provides the perfect launching base for her two commercially-registered B3 Squirrel helicopters, designed by her adrenaline junkie owner with heli-skiing adventures and heli-ops in mind.

As well as an autonomous capability of up to 40 days at sea, she also boasts a raft of technology-rich gadgets, extensive wellness area, luxurious interiors and a toy chest overflowing with water-based and onshore exploration gear, including 2 snow scooters and a 3-person submarine.

Delivered out from the eminent German shipyard Abeking and Rasmussen in 2016, this voluminous 75-metre explorer yacht has a large dedicated aft commercial helideck for her custom Bell 429 Global Ranger, whilst still leaving ample deck areas for charter guests to exclusively enjoy. 

CLOUDBREAK offers an array of superlative amenities from her glass-enclosed winter garden to her fantastic alfresco cinema which converts into a nightclub, complete with DJ booth, lighting and state-of-the-art sound system! She also boasts a vast wellness centre with sauna, plunge pool, gym and massage area, as well as a qualified onboard beautician and personal trainer for the ultimate onboard luxury experience.

Launched in 2019, this award-winning 95-metre luxury yacht boasts all the hallmarks of meticulous craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from a Lurssen yacht.

MADSUMMER has a large helipad platform on her foredeck, fully-certified for helicopter operations and bunkering. She also houses a fully-equipped hangar in her bow for helicopter storage. On top of this, guests keen to explore their destination can do so on the yacht's very own Husky seaplane and 11-meter limo tender.

With exquisite Laura Sessa interiors showcasing a colour palette of primary hues, vast alfresco social areas, dedicated cinema suite and extensive wellness facilities, this spectacular charter yacht is an eternal crowd pleaser.

Delivered by Spanish yard Freire to her owner in 2011, This custom expedition yacht has made clever use of her wide foredeck helipad, which converts to a vast sundeck area with an array of sumptuous loungers when not being used as a landing platform for helicopters.

NAIA is uniquely both a luxury yacht and a state-of-the-art research vessel, boasting a submarine hangar for deep exploration, high-tech research facilities and an onboard laboratory.

For those looking for a little indulgence, she also offers a fully-equipped glass-panelled gym and swimming pool, huge penthouse-style Owner’s deck offering sensational views, main salon that converts to a cinema suite and an impressive array of toys, including a 5-person submarine capable of depths of up to 525 feet.

This impressive Lurssen yacht boasts not just one but two certified helipads, located on her top deck and bow, and both intentionally left clear so that charter guests can come and go as they please.

At 136 meters (446 ft) FLYING FOX is also the largest superyacht available for charter, and the most expensive!

Her stand-out features are endless; a stunning mezzanine-style salon, 12-meter swimming pool, lavish cinema suite, 400 m2 multi-level wellness spa – featuring a cryo-sauna, extensive Owner’s deck and observation lounge, to name a few of her onboard highlights.

Another award-winning turn from the German shipyard Lurssen, KISMET has two certified helipads; one on her bridge deck, which can be converted into a sumptuous alfresco lounging area, and another located on her foredeck, which is also marked out for a half-court basketball game!

This sleek 95m/312ft luxury yacht is assuredly masculine, both outside and in. From the sculpted jaguar on her bow to her luxuriant Art Deco-inspired black and gold interiors – based on a brief of ‘champagne and caviar’, she exudes glamour and style everywhere you turn.

Stand-out features include a stunning mosaic-tiled swimming pool with an adjacent elevated Jacuzzi offering sweeping vistas, aft deck fire pit with an integrated waterfall feature, double-height main salon and sports bar with full-height video walls so there’s no need to miss the game, plus innovative green features for environmentally-conscious charterers.

Choosing a yacht with a fully-certified helipad gives you a world of itinerary options that would otherwise not be achievable, allowing you and your broker to prepare some amazing and memorable experiences for the perfect yacht charter vacation.

With the list of charter yachts featuring commercial helipads growing each year, with many being retrospectively certified, be sure to check back. In the meantime, browse the current selection of  yachts equipped with a commercial helideck .

If you’d like to learn more about any of the yachts mentioned, or interested in booking a luxury yacht charter , please contact your yacht charter broker .

In short it depends.

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FEATURED SUPERYACHTS IN THIS ARTICLE

136m Lurssen 2019

95m Lurssen 2019

95m Lurssen 2014

77m Damen Yachting 2020

75m Abeking & Rasmussen 2016

74m Freire Shipyard 2011 / 2014

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Featured Luxury Yachts for Charter

This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3700 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

136m | Lurssen

from $3,328,000 p/week ♦︎

115m | Lurssen

from $2,874,000 p/week ♦︎

85m | Golden Yachts

from $1,001,000 p/week ♦︎

88m | Golden Yachts

from $1,222,000 p/week ♦︎

84m | Feadship

from $1,111,000 p/week ♦︎

93m | Feadship

from $1,556,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon

88m | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

122m | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

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Yacht-Helicopter Combinations: A Growing Trend In Luxury Travel

Can you imagine gliding over azure waters aboard a sleek, sophisticated yacht, with the sun casting a golden hue over the endless expanse of the sea? Now, envision the exhilarating freedom of taking to the skies at a moment’s notice, soaring above the ocean, exploring remote islands, or arriving in style at a secluded beach. This fantasy is now a reality with the latest trend in luxury travel: yacht-helicopter combinations. 

This elite pairing offers a journey unlike any other, blending serene yachting leisure with the thrill and versatility of helicopter flight and transcending traditional exploration and comfort boundaries. This trend isn’t merely about owning two high-end modes of transportation but creating a seamless, immersive experience that caters to your desires. 

You’re not just moving from point A to point B; you’re crafting an adventure that’s as boundless as the skies and as intimate as the hidden coves accessible only by water. Ready to explore this mode of supreme luxury? This guide is here to ensure every detail of your luxurious retreat is meticulously crafted for a flawless and breathtaking journey.  

• Finding The Perfect Luxury Yacht Service 

Your journey begins with selecting a luxury yachts service like YACHTZOO , which seamlessly integrates helicopter travel, ensuring a perfect blend of sea and sky. The key is to find a provider that grasps the nuances of such an experience and goes beyond mere transportation to offer a journey tailored to your unique desires. 

When considering such services, exploring their fleet’s versatility and the experiences they offer is crucial. From intimate sunset flights providing breathtaking aerial views of the coastline to seamless transfers to remote destinations, the ideal service should offer a spectrum of options to elevate your journey on the sea and in the air. 

• The Art of Seamless Integration 

Achieving seamless yacht and helicopter travel integration requires meticulous planning and understanding of both modes. It’s not just about having a helicopter pad on a yacht; it’s about ensuring that every aspect of the experience, from takeoff to landing, is smooth, safe, and utterly luxurious. 

Safety is paramount in this sophisticated duo. Your chosen service must uphold the highest safety standards for yachting and aviation, ensuring peace of mind as you transition between sea and sky. This includes experienced pilots and crew, impeccably maintained equipment, and a thorough understanding of the unique challenges posed by marine and aerial environments. 

• Environmental Considerations And Sustainability 

As you indulge in the opulence of yacht-helicopter travel, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of such an experience. Leading providers in this niche are increasingly focused on sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices to ensure that your journey isn’t only opulent but also responsible. 

This commitment to the environment can manifest in various ways, from using advanced, fuel-efficient engines to integrating renewable energy sources on board. Responsible operators will also adhere to strict environmental guidelines, ensuring that the natural beauty you came to enjoy remains pristine for future generations. 

Beyond safety, the aesthetics and functionality of the yacht and helicopter must be in harmony. The design should reflect a cohesive luxury aesthetic, with interiors and exteriors blending seamlessly. This extends to the service and amenities provided on board, ensuring that whether you’re cruising the waves or soaring above them, your experience is spectacular. 

• Customized Itineraries: Crafting Your Unique Journey 

One of the most exhilarating aspects of yacht-helicopter travel is the ability to customize your itinerary. Imagine having the freedom to explore hidden treasures inaccessible by traditional means, from secluded beaches to remote islands, each offering unique allure. 

A service that excels in yacht-helicopter combinations will work closely with you to design an itinerary that reflects your interests and desires. Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, exploration, or a blend of all three, the goal is to create a journey that is uniquely yours, unbound by conventional limits. 

This level of customization also extends to experiences both on the water and in the air. The possibilities are vast, from gourmet dining under the stars on a deserted island to adrenaline-pumping aerial tours of rugged coastlines. 

• The Future Of Luxury Travel 

Yacht-helicopter combinations represent the zenith of luxury travel, offering unprecedented freedom, customization, and exclusivity. As this trend continues to evolve, expect even more innovative integrations of technology, design, and service, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in luxury travel. 

The fusion of yachting and helicopter travel is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative experience that redefines the essence of exploration and leisure. It’s about charting your course, whether the tranquil waters below or the expansive skies above, in a journey as unique as you are. 

In Conclusion  

Yacht-helicopter combinations aren’t just an emerging trend in luxury travel; they’re a testament to the boundless possibilities of modern exploration. This unparalleled experience offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to traverse the seas and skies with elegance, speed, and unmatched freedom. As you consider embarking on this exquisite adventure, remember that the essence lies in the seamless integration of comfort, safety, and bespoke experiences, all tailored to your desires.  

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Yachts with Helipad

Charter yachts are known for offer the best in first-class travel. Wake up each morning in your own private stateroom, and take in the sunrise over the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Adriatic, while a member of the crew brings you a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Doesn’t get better than that, right? Not to mention, superyachts are laden with amenities, from water toys, to immaculate interiors, and sun-soaked decks, perfect for relaxing. Yet, there’s one feature that’s available on only a select group of charter yachts: Helicopter pads .

A yacht with a helicopter deck opens up a world of travel possibilities. Arrive on your yacht at sea, take a stunning helicopter tour of a nearby wildlife refuge or glacier, or skip the tender on your way to the airport – those are all possibilities aboard a yacht with a helipad.

Super Yachts with Helicopter Pads

Technically, superyachts are fully crewed boats that measure 24 meters or longer (that’s just about 75 feet). That definition doesn’t reflect the times. Superyachts have gotten larger and more opulent than ever, with designers pushing the bounds of what’s possible.

Naturally, yachts with helicopter decks tend to be larger – north of 200 feet. These larger-than-life yachts are some of the most exclusive charter superyachts with helipad access:

The beautiful Solandge is one of the most unique yachts on the market today. Her interior, for example, the work of Rodriguez Interiors and Dolker & Voges, features countless design surprises. The main salon is a stunner. It’s decked out with amethyst walls, gold leaf ceilings, a Bechstein piano and Schonbeck chandeliers with hanging amethyst rose quartz crystals. Yet, the centerpiece is an art glass sculpture, “The Tree of Life,” that stretches 50 feet high and is bedazzled by 1,000+ points of light.

Outside, Solandge shows her sheer size. She boasts a sexy beach club, a gold and white bar, a spa pool and a dance floor, among other opulent luxuries. Of course, you’ll find the helipad outdoors, too, as well as a sprawling sun deck and lounge. The yacht is maintained by a crew of 29 and can accommodate 12 guests in eight large cabins.

Originally built by Icon in 1974, Legend underwent its most recent refit in 2016. The ship isn’t a traditional motor yacht. Rather, she’s a fully certified Class 1 ice-breaking ship, and more recently has been turned into a luxury explorer yacht.

Legend is definitely one-of-a-kind. Inside and out, she offers the best in luxury yachting. The ship accommodates up to 26 guests – in total luxury – in her 13 staterooms. There’s a master suite, two VIP suites, as well as 10 different staterooms.

The yacht is built for exploration. In addition to her commercial helipad, Legend features her very own submarine. Plus, adding to the undeniable allure is a gym, Balinese spa and sauna, a Jacuzzi, a movie theater, and a swimming pool. Legend is maintenance by a crew of 19, as well as a 10-member expedition crew, including doctors, ice pilots, expedition leaders and naturalists.

NAIA was built by Freire Shipyard in 2011, and she offers an abundance of space for relaxing and entertaining. Spread across four decks, the yacht has six guest suites and a master suite, the latter of which takes up the entire “penthouse” level and includes a private deck. A central spiral staircase connects all of the decks, and the master suite is accessible through an elevator that goes as low as the sundeck.

As for the common areas, NAIA has plenty of areas for guests to choose from, including a cinema room. The main saloon is both inviting and intimate, with ultra-comfortable plush couches and a chic contemporary décor. A dining table can seat up to eight people, and is surrounded by a smaller sitting area, a small bar and plenty of artwork. Outside, charter guests onboard will find casual seating and bar areas, al fresco dining, another bar, a Jacuzzi, and plenty of places to sunbathe.

Built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2016, Cloudbreak is a truly world-class expedition yacht. The exterior design of Cloudbreak is the work of Espen Oeino, and the Scandinavian-inspired interior design was completed by Paris-based Christian Liaigre. After undergoing four years of development, this custom-built mega yacht is finally on the market, and it offers a world of adventure.

In addition to her helipad, the yacht has a fully stocked garage of water toys, including scuba equipment, jet skis, and numerous kayaks, paddle boards and kite surfing rigs. Inside, though, the yacht is a show stopper. With accommodations for up to 12 guests, as well as amenities like a spa with sauna, swimming pool and beach club, Cloudbreak is designed for relaxing excursions.

Enigma XK was first built by Richards Shipbuilders in 1987, and last refit in 2013. Previously named Norna, this yacht is the work of Vitruvius and Philippe Briand, who completed its interior and exterior design, respectively.

The sleek interior is marked by cream and white tones, light woods, lit flooring, and a glamorous aesthetic. There is a full-scale wellness and fitness center onsite, and this boat was named “Best Yacht Conversion” winner of The World Superyachts Award in 2014. Perfect for adventuring through ice-filled waters, Enigma XK offers plenty of toys for exploring, including a 9-meter Limo tender, an R.I.B. tender, a rescue tender, two Zodiac tenders, multiple wave runners, SCUBA diving and snorkeling equipment, a dive compressor, water skis, a wake board, tow toys, inflatable pontoons and more.

SuRi was built by Halter Marine/Yacht Escort Ships International in 1978, and later refit in 2016. An ideal yacht for travel with family and friends, SuRi is the brainchild of its owner. Its décor is both comfortable and contemporary, with expansive cabins and elegant living areas. Plus, the yacht boasts a fitness center, a massage room, and even a “Windows to the Sea” section of the yacht, where travelers can get a glimpse of all of the colorful fish swimming around them.

Outside, guests can dine al fresco on the sun deck, relax in the Jacuzzi, sunbathe, or enjoy a sunset cocktail in front of a backdrop of amazing views. If you’re a more adventurous charter guest, the water toys onboard SuRi won’t disappoint. In addition to the helipad, there are bikes, snorkel equipment, surfboards, kayaks, fishing gear, diving equipment and even a 35-foot Stan-Craft mahogany speedster. On SuRi, the choices are endless.

Built in 2018 by Golden Yachts, O’Ptasia is a stunning superyacht that features a wide array of world-class amenities. The yacht features a high-end contemporary aesthetic inside, including sleek and spacious salons and expertly appointed guest staterooms. She accommodates up to 12 in 11 rooms, including a master suite, VIP stateroom, as well as a variety of double and twin cabins.

Her exterior is a masterpiece of nautical engineering. Featuring expansive decks, including a sizable beach club and breezy sun deck, the yacht is a floating five-star hotel. You’ll find all of the amenities onboard: A spa, an outdoor bar, sun deck Jacuzzi and much more.

The ice-classed explorer yacht Planet Nine was built in 2018 by Italian shipyard Admiral Yachts. Built for explorations in the far corners of the world, no expense was spared on her construction. Inside, the yacht is the epitome of opulence.

Designed by London-based Milnaric, Henry and Zervudachi (MHZ), the superyacht has a full range of luxury amenities: Modern staterooms, including a master suite that takes an entire deck, a panoramic observation deck, and an immaculate dining area.

Yet, the ship is certainly designed for exploration. Outside, the yacht’s most recognizable feature is the helipad, which features a garage just below. Additionally, you’ll find everything on board for a high-seas adventure, including two 32-foot tenders, 120-inch cinema, steam room, sauna and a spacious beach club.

Charter Yachts with Helicopters

Looking for something a bit more compact? It’s true that a 200+ foot yacht isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, if you’d like to charter a helicopter-equipped yacht, there are plenty of options in the 130- to 200-foot range. Here are a few of our favorites:

With sleek exterior styling and a timeless interior, Skyfall offers the best in Caribbean yachting. The yacht was built in 2010, but underwent a complete refit in 2015. Today, she’s gorgeous inside and out.

Her interior features an “urban contemporary” aesthetic, with notes of Buddhist Zen, and you’ll notice when you step on board. Featuring an array of unique materials, including petrified tree trunks as well as a Tiger’s Eye bar in the sky lounge, the yacht is designed for entertaining (with space for up to 12 guests).

Outside, Skyfall offers plenty of deck space. Her sun deck features a splash pool, and there’s space for alfresco dining on the aft deck, a beautiful skylounge, and a panoramic balcony.

Tommy is a luxury motor yacht built by Benetti in 1995. It underwent its last refit in 2014 and boasts an interior and exterior design by Terence Disdale and Stefano Natucci, respectively. This yacht is large enough to host a cocktail party for up to 100 guests.

The interior of Tommy is both elegant and classic, with cream and burnt orange tones, and light wood cabinets and paneling throughout. The main salon is large and comfortable and comes with plush sofas and impeccable décor. There is a formal dining area, as well as a club-style sky lounge with a games table and a flat screen TV.

Outside, guests will find spots for alfresco dining, a sun deck, multiple bar areas, a central spa pool, multiple sunbeds, and of course, the helipad. From the swim platform, guests have access to countless water toys, including: a 5.8-meter Novurania Tender, a 5.8-meter Novurania Tender, two two-person Kawasaki Wave runners, water skis, a wakeboard, tows and plenty of snorkeling gear. Tommy can accommodate up to 12 guests.

True North offers the ultimate oasis of luxury for your Australia or Southeast Asian expedition. The yacht, which was built in 2005, is fully equipped for explorations. She features six tenders, as well as her own Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter.

On-board, the experience is incredible. True North features a spacious layout, with accommodations for up to 36 guests. The yacht includes 18 rooms, including 10 double cabins and 8 twins, and she’s designed for fun exploring the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll find a variety of water toys and equipment including: Dive compression, dive equipment, a jet ski, and plenty of fishing gear.

Built in 2006, Tango is a luxury superyacht that charters primarily in Australia. With accommodations for up to 8 guests, Tango offers complete comfort on the open seas. The yacht features a deck Jacuzzi, as well as beautiful sun deck.

Looking to enjoy the waters? Tango offers a full array of water toys including a jet ski, paddleboard, kayaks, fishing equipment and snorkel gear. She’s also equipped with two tenders, and of course, the helipad.

Smallest Yacht with Helicopter Pad

An on-board helipad traditionally means a spacious yacht. Yet, there are a number of boats that accommodation copters, but have a smaller footprint. If you’re headed out with a small group, but want the luxury of a helipad, these yachts are perfect:

They say big things come in small packages, and that’s certainly true of Flying Fish. This yacht – built in 1991 and refit in 2010 – offers the perfect platform for small-ground adventures. She sleeps up to 8 in four rooms, including a stunning master suite. And her interior features a chic, upscale décor and plenty of deck space for entertaining.

Plus, the yacht’s wide array of toys including scuba equipment, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment and sea kayaks. She’s equipped with a fully certified helipad – perfect for a low-key Barrier Reef excursion.

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British tech magnate Mike Lynch, 2 US citizens among missing after luxury yacht sinks off Sicily

15 people were rescued and one body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, by andrea rosa and nicole winfield | the associated press • published august 19, 2024 • updated on august 19, 2024 at 6:21 pm.

British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people were missing after their luxury sailing yacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italy’s civil protection and authorities said. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived.

Lynch, who was  acquitted in June  in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, when a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency.

One body was recovered, and police divers spent the day trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello where it had been anchored, rescue authorities said. They returned to the site after 10 p.m. to see if it would be possible to search through the night, when weather conditions were expected to worsen, said Luca Cari, spokesman of the fire rescue service.

It had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, the Italian coast guard said. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck the place precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored.

“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Cocina, noting that another superyacht nearby wasn't as badly damaged and helped rescue some of the 15 survivors, who included Lynch's wife Angela Bacares.

The Bayesian was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast — one of the world’s tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week.

One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Golunski, said she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoting the mother. The father, James Emsley, also survived, said Cocina.

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Karsten Borner, the captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, said he had noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realized the ship had simply disappeared, ANSA and the Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported. Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Eight of those rescued were hospitalized while the others were taken to a hotel. One body believed to be the cook was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for and believed inside the hull, said Cari, the fire rescue spokesperson. The rescue operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service.

#Palermo , naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: recuperato dai #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco il corpo senza vita di un uomo, all’esterno del relitto. Proseguono le operazioni di ricerca con il coordinamento in mare della @guardiacostiera [ #19agosto 11:30] pic.twitter.com/Y2m9o5ohCe — Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024

Fisherman Francesco Cefalu’ said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water.

“But for the rest, we didn’t find anyone,” he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for three hours, but didn't find any survivors. “I think they are inside, all the missing people.”

He said he had been up early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht.

“It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I don’t know,” he said.

Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries: In addition to Britain and the United States, passengers and crew were from Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain, he said.

Among the dead and missing, four were British, two were American, and one was a man with dual citizenship from Canada and Antigua, according to Luciano Pischedda, the Italian Coast Guard official overseeing the rescue operations.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was “providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families.”

Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson Casper Soetekouw said the lone Dutch citizen on board, a man, had been rescued and was not in life-threatening condition.

Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp.

The not-guilty verdicts followed an 11-week criminal trial in San Francisco that delved into the history of HP’s  2011 acquisition  of Autonomy, a business software firm founded by Lynch.

The  fraud accusations  represented a dramatic turn in the fortunes of an entrepreneur once described as the Bill Gates of Britain — a title he seemed to live up to when he netted an $800 million from the Autonomy sale.

The acquittal vindicated Lynch, who had vehemently denied wrong doing and portrayed HP as a technological train wreck.

“I’m looking forward to returning the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” Lynch said in a statement released after the verdict.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters.

The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites.

AP writers Danica Kirka and Sylvia Hui contributed from London.

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Inside insane $2 billion mega yacht ‘Goliath’ with hangar for four aircraft & its own submarine

It’s a mega yacht unlike any other with the $2 billion vessel boasting its own submarine and five-star amenities like a beach club.

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An incredible mega yacht so large that has its own submarine could double as a billionaires playground and a research lab.

Plans for the 700ft Goliath yacht includes research equipment, jet skis, helicopters and three heated pools.

The vessel is touted to cost a whopping £1 billion - $A2 billion.

Part of the Goliath series, the Q-quest yacht designed by California based yacht designer Steve Kozloff.

The massive research floater has been described as an expedition dream, providing plenty of lab space for research, experimentation, and medical intervention.

The mega-yacht is also loaded with plenty of exploration vehicles, including six hydrofoil tenders, two seaplanes, three jet skies, two helicopters, a U-Worx Research submarine, and a garage for two overland SUVs.

A separate hangar at midship stores two Cessna Caravan Seaplanes, selected for their ability to transport resupply across long distances.

The three upper decks are reserved for the owner and guests, offering 18 VIP cabins and a primary suite with a private balcony and pool.

It also boasts five-star amenities like a beach club, Turkish bath, three heated pools, yoga studio, and a 20-person theatre.

The mega yacht also has an impressive 3,000-square-foot owner’s suite with panoramic views at the bow, a large spa and pool, a basketball court.

There’s another pool with a shaded lounge area above the hangar, a dining room at the stern, and a solarium with a second dining area, plus a beach club with a full bar.

A total of 26 owner’s guests will reside on the three upper decks, while an operating crew of 150 including doctors, scientists, pilots, nurses, research engineers will reside in unspecified quarters.

Luxury aside, the predominantly research vessel would carry a complete oceanographic laboratory, a medical laboratory with MRI and X-ray imaging.

It could even hold as many as 20 hospital beds with 5G-connected robotic surgery facilities.

Propelled by thrusters powered by batteries, the vessel can reach a top speed of 20 knots with a range of 20,000 nautical miles.

Kozloff told autoevolution : “The mission of G-Quest, a 705-foot yacht, allows its owner to oversee their philanthropic efforts while living in luxury at sea.

“It is designed for both humanitarian and research objectives.”

The G-quest isn’t the only luxury yacht to boast a helipad.

Plans for the “Floating Dubai” vessel include an enormous pool deck , a relaxing spa and not one, but two enormous helipads on board.

Christened UAE One, the superboat was designed by Milan-based Enzo Manca, who collaborated with a sheikh to make it the flagship of the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement, Manca said: “The idea of UAE One was born in 2020, during a very special meeting between me and a sheikh of the United Arab Emirates on vacation in Italy.

“The sultan was very clear and categorical, he wanted something really special and unique.”

UAE One is inspired by historic defence ships, yet its curving lines distinguishes it from other vessels on the high seas.

It also stands over 130 feet tall and has tinted windows for extra privacy in true military style.

With nine decks and a total area of slightly over 30,000 square feet, the monster yacht is designed to give guests, diplomats, and kings the finest experience possible.

There is an owner’s suite, eight cabins, and 14 mini suites within.

The staff has 35 cabins as well.

The main deck, meanwhile, has a beautiful 18-metre geometric swimming pool.

There are also several outdoor lounges for sundowners, a platform for ocean swims, and a wellness centre with a spa on board.

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Due to the necessity of quick and simple transportation to and from a flagship, UAE One is able to maintain an extensive fleet of land, air, and sea vehicles.

The yacht features one hangar, two helipads ideal for foreign delegates, and a “mini-internal port” for tenders and submarines.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

An ultra-luxury megayacht designed like a military-style aircraft carrier promises to be a sheikh’s paradise at sea as it boasts some insane features.

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The head chef of a luxurious restaurant in Dubai, loved by the rich and famous, has revealed the extreme rules they follow to achieve perfection.

Clarence Thomas accepted a free yacht trip to Russia and got flown out on a complimentary helicopter ride to Putin's hometown, 2 Democratic senators say

• Democratic senators have accused Justice Clarence Thomas of accepting undisclosed gifts and trips.
• They say he accepted gifts such as a yacht trip to Russia and a chopper ride to Vladimir Putin's hometown.
• The senators want an investigation into potential tax fraud and ties between Thomas and Harlan Crow.

Two Democratic senators have accused Justice Clarence Thomas of accepting a free trip to Russian President Vladimir Putin's hometown.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon filed a letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland on July 3, asking to open an investigation into the Supreme Court judge.

The letter said there was a "serious possibility of tax fraud" and accused Thomas of having "secretly accepted gifts and income potentially worth millions of dollars."

The letter's appendix , which lists 35 undisclosed gifts, shows a "yacht trip to Russia and the Baltics" and a "helicopter ride to Yusupov Palace, St. Petersburg," both listed under the year 2003.

St. Petersburg, Russia, is Putin's birthplace and where he grew up. The president now resides in Moscow.

The appendix list is titled "Likely Undisclosed Gifts and Income from Harlan Crow and Affiliated Companies." Harlan Crow is a real-estate developer and the former chairman and CEO of the Trammell Crow Company.

The senators cited a ProPublica report from May last year detailing Thomas' hushed-up financial ties to Crow.

The report said that apart from the Russia trip, Crow also funded Thomas' grandnephew Mark Martin 's boarding-school fees, which cost "more than $6,000 a month."

In their letter, the senators wrote that other gifts from Crow included "multiple instances of free private jet travel, yacht travel, and lodging," as well as "gifts of tuition for Justice Thomas's grandnephew," "real estate transactions," "home renovations," and "free rent for Justice Thomas's mother."

In September, Thomas said he'd accepted three trips on a private plane owned by Crow . He didn't mention any other gifts.

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Whitehouse and Wyden aren't the only Democrats who've voiced concerns over Thomas' sketchy financial ties.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez of New York filed articles of impeachment against Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito on Wednesday.

"Justice Thomas and Alito's repeated failure over decades to disclose that they received millions of dollars in gifts from individuals with business before the court is explicitly against the law," her statement reads.

Representatives for Thomas, Whitehouse, Wyden and Crow didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Watch: Why Clarence Thomas' lavish vacations with a GOP donor are in the spotlight

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Investigation found that Clarence Thomas took free yacht, helicopter trips in Russia: Democrats

A Senate Judiciary Committee investigation found that conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose at least 35 luxury gifts, including a free yacht trip to Russia and a private helicopter to a palace in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin's hometown, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Ron Wyden, D-Or., said  in a letter  to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The letter raised the "serious possibility of tax fraud" and accused Thomas of having "secretly accepted gifts and income potentially worth millions of dollars," mostly from billionaire real estate developer Harlan Crow, who Thomas once described as being among his "dearest friends." Buried in appendix list on page 14 are the references to the Russia trips, which took place in 2003. Other gifts from Crow include "multiple instances of free private jet travel, yacht travel, and lodging," "gifts of tuition for Justice Thomas's grandnephew," "real estate transactions," "home renovations," and "free rent for Justice Thomas's mother."

“The Senate is not a prosecutorial body, and the Supreme Court has no fact-finding function of its own, making the executive role all the more important if there is ever to be any complete determination of the facts,” the letter reads.

After a bombshell ProPublica report last year that revealed the extent of Thomas' financial ties with Crow and attempts to hide it, Thomas admitted to taking three trips on a private plane owned by Crow, but did not disclose any of the other gifts.

The senators are asking Garland to launch a special counsel investigation into Thomas, with the evidence collected so far "plainly suggest[ing] that Justice Thomas has committed numerous willful violations of federal ethics and false-statement laws and raises significant questions about whether he and his wealthy benefactors have complied with their federal tax obligations."

In a separate move on Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and a group of fellow progressives filed articles of impeachment against Thomas and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for failing to disclose "millions of dollars in gifts from individuals with business before the court."

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Clarence Thomas Took Free Yacht Trip to Russia, Chopper Flight to Putin’s Hometown: Dems

The allegedly secret gifts were disclosed in a letter from two Democratic senators that accused Thomas of potentially committing tax fraud.

Anna Conkling

Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been accused of not disclosing a yacht trip to Russia and a private helicopter flight to a palace in President Vladimir Putin’s hometown, among a slew of other gifts and loans from businessman Harlan Crow .

Buried on page 14 of a letter that two Democratic senators sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday, in which they urged Garland to appoint a special counsel to probe Thomas, was an astonishing list of dozens of “likely undisclosed gifts and income” from Crow, Crow’s affiliated companies, and “other donors.”

In the letter, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) said Thomas, one of the court’s staunchly conservative justices , even may have committed tax fraud and violated other federal laws by “secretly” accepting the gifts and income potentially worth millions.

“The Senate is not a prosecutorial body, and the Supreme Court has no fact-finding function of its own, making the executive role all the more important if there is ever to be any complete determination of the facts,” reads the letter requesting the appointment of a special prosecutor. 

“We do not make this request lightly,” said the letter. 

The list of potentially secret gifts also includes a loan of more than $267,000 provided by Thomas’ close friend Anthony Welters, the yacht trip to Russia from the Baltics, and the helicopter ride to Yusupov Palace in St. Petersburg. ProPublica first reported last year on the existence of extensive undisclosed gifts and lavish trips from Crow.

Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden

Additionally, Justice Thomas is accused of not disclosing tuitions for his grandnephew, free lodging, real estate transactions, and home renovations. The action escalates Democratic senators’ efforts to hold Thomas accountable for perceived ethics controversies. 

According to the senators, Thomas’ conduct could violate the Ethics in Government Act, which requires officials like Supreme Court justices to file annual reports disclosing gifts and income accepted from outside sources.

“It is a crime,” reads the report, “To knowingly and willfully fail to file or report such information.”

Since 2023, two Senate committees have been looking into the 1991 loan from Welters that was connected to Thomas’ purchase of a luxury motor home. Welters previously responded to a New York Times request for comment on the loan only to say that it was “satisfied.”

Thomas, for his part, belatedly disclosed some—but not all—gifts from Crow this year and has defended the gifts as “personal hospitality” from some of his and his wife’s “dearest friends.”

“The evidence assembled thus far plainly suggests that Justice Thomas has committed numerous willful violations of federal ethics and false-statement laws and raises significant questions about whether he and his wealthy benefactors have,” Whitehouse and Wyden wrote.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

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Inside the shocking Sicily yacht tragedy that left 7 people dead

There was a violent storm, but even then, luxury yachts are built to weather such events. so why did this boat sink off the coast of sicily, leaving seven people dead, by natalie finn | e news • published august 24, 2024 • updated on august 24, 2024 at 10:34 am.

Originally appeared on E! Online

Nobody was trying to reach the lowest depths of the ocean or otherwise test the boundaries of human endurance .

📺 Watch News4 now: Stream NBC4 newscasts for free right here, right now.

But what was supposed to be a routine pleasure cruise aboard a superyacht turned deadly all the same on the morning of Aug. 19 when the 184-foot Bayesian got caught in a storm and sank off the coast of Sicily .

"I can't remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that," Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting told NBC News . "You know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size."

Of the 22 people onboard, including crew, seven people died. The last of the bodies was recovered Aug. 23, an expectedly sad coda to what had already been a tragic week as the search for answers as to how this happened got underway.

And to be sure, every minute of the Bayesian's ill-fated outing is being fiercely scrutinized, starting with the general seaworthiness of the vessel itself.

Because, frankly, this was a freak occurrence.

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"Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday," Richter explained. "They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed."

But in this case, a $40 million yacht sank, seven people are dead—including a billionaire tech mogul and his 18-year-old daughter—and morbid fascination doesn't need a second wind.

Here is how the story of the Sicily yacht tragedy has unfolded so far:

What happened to the yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily?

The Bayesian had set off from the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 at capacity with 12 guests and 10 crewmembers aboard.

The aluminum-hulled vessel was built in 2008 by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi and registered in the U.K. Cruise sites listed it as available for charter at $215,000 per week, per the Associated Press.

On the morning of Aug. 19, the superyacht was anchored off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village in the Sicilian province of Palermo (also the name of Sicily's capital city), when a violent storm hit.

The vessel "suddenly sank" at around 5 a.m. local time, seemingly due to "the terrible weather conditions," the City Council of Bagheria announced shortly afterward, per NBC News .

At the time, only one person was confirmed dead—the ship's chef—but six others were said to be missing. The 15 survivors—who managed to make it onto an inflatable life boat, according to emergency officials—were rescued that morning by the crew of another yacht that had been nearby when the storm hit.

"Fifteen people inside," Karsten Borner, the Dutch captain of the ship that was able to help (the Sir Robert Baden Powell), told reporters afterward, per Reuters. "Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people."

When the storm hit, his boat ran into "a strong hurricane gust," Borner said, "and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position."

They "managed to keep the ship in position," he continued, but once the storm died down, they realized the other boat that had been behind them—the Bayesian—was gone.

The wreck ended up settling 165 feet below the surface, according to Italy's national fire department.

Fire officials said that divers, a motorboat and a helicopter were deployed to search for the missing.

Meanwhile, footage was captured of the ship capsizing on closed-circuit TV about a half-mile away from where it was anchored.

In the video obtained by NBC News, the illuminated 250-foot aluminum mast of the ship appears to list severely to one side before disappearing completely. Survivors recalled having just a few minutes to literally abandon ship.

Who were the seven people who died when the yacht Bayesian sank?

The tragedy initially became headline news because billionaire tech mogul Mike Lynch—"Britain's Bill Gates," some U.K. media called him—was among the missing. His body was ultimately recovered Aug. 22 .

"They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there," Dr. Fabio Genco, head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News Aug. 22. "And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes."

Genco said he got to Porticello about an hour after the Bayesian capsized.

Survivors "told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down," he said. "All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries."

Why did the yacht sink?

Italian prosecutors are investigating to determine what transpired before the boat went down, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, the CEO of shipbuilder Perini's parent company The Italian Sea Group defended the vessel itself as "unsinkable."

Perini boats "are the safest in the most absolute sense," Giovanni Costantino told Sky News Aug. 22 . What happened to the Bayesian "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other," he continued. "This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact."

Costantino said it had to have been human error that led to the boat sinking, declaring, "Mistakes were made."

"Everything that was done reveals a very long summation of errors," he told newspaper Corriere della Sera Aug. 21, in an interview translated from Italian. "The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor."

The weather was "all predictable," he continued, adding that the storm "was fully legible in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored."

The yacht's captain, identified as James Cutfield of New Zealand, was taken to Termini Imerese hospital for treatment. From there, he told La Repubblica, per Sky News , that he didn't see the storm coming.

Borner, the captain of the ship that rescued the 15 Bayesian survivors, told NBC News that he noticed the storm come in at 4 a.m. local time, and saw what looked to him like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms above water.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research posted on X Aug. 19 that it had "confirmed 18 waterspouts today off the coasts of Italy. Some were powerful waterspouts, one of which may have been responsible for the sinking of a large yacht off of Sicily."

Borner said he didn't know why the Bayesian sank so quickly, guessing "it may have something to do with the mast, which was incredibly long." (A tall mast, even with its sails down, means there's more surface area exposed to wind, which can result in tipping.)

Confirming that one person was dead and six unaccounted for immediately following the wreck on Aug. 19, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency told reporters that a waterspout had struck the area overnight.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

The 59-year-old founder of software firm Autonomy had been on the trip with his wife Angela Bacares and their 18-year-old, Oxford-bound daughter Hannah to celebrate his recent acquittal in the U.S. on fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from the $11.7 billion purchase of his company by Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

In a bizarre turn of events, Lynch's co-defendant at trial, Stephen Chamberlain, the former vice president of finance at Autonomy, died after being taken off life support following a road accident on Aug. 17. Chamberlain's attorney told Reuters Aug. 20 that his friend and client had been out for a run when he was "fatally struck" by a car.

Meanwhile, multiple people who contributed to Lynch's defense were on the cruise with him and his family.

The bodies of Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer—who testified on Lynch's behalf—and his wife Judy Bloomer, as well as lawyer Chris Morvillo, a partner at the U.S. firm Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda Morvillo, a jewelry designer, were recovered on Aug. 21 .

In a LinkedIn post thanking the team that successfully defended Lynch, Morvillo wrote, per Sky News , "And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo. None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. And they all lived happily ever after…"

The first casualty confirmed Aug. 19 was the ship's Canadian-Antiguan chef, later identified as Recaldo Thomas.

"He was a one-of-a-kind special human being," a friend of Thomas told The Independent . "Incredibly talented, contagious smile and laugh, an incredible voice with a deep love of the ocean and the moon. I spoke to him nearly every day. He loved his life his friends and his job."

Hannah's body was the last of the missing six to be found , with divers bringing her remains ashore on Aug. 23.

Lynch and Bacares, who was rescued, also shared a 21-year-old daughter, according to The Times.

While awaiting trial, Lynch—who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings—had spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco. Back home in London afterward, he admitted to The Times in July that he'd been afraid of dying in prison if he'd been found guilty. (He faced a possible 25-year sentence.)

"It's bizarre, but now you have a second life," he reflected. "The question is, what do you want to do with it?"

(E!, NBC News and Sky News are all members of the Comcast family.)

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• This New 161-Foot Explorer Yacht Offers 6 Days of Autonomy at Sea

Leapher's new NAVIX50 can also cruise for 5,500 nautical miles at 10 knots.

Rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

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Leapher Yachts is slowly but surely getting bigger.

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“The NAVIX50 embodies our philosophy of creating vessels that excel in any environment,” Leapher CEO Yiannis Andriotis said in a statement. “From the Drake Passage to the coast of St. Tropez, this yacht redefines what’s possible in the sub-500GT category.”

The spacious interior includes six generous cabins, with the option for a seventh cabin or expanded skylounge. The guest cabin on the main deck can also be turned into a gym, wellness area, or an expanded owner’s suite. All guest cabins are equipped with king-size beds, while the owner’s suite is fitted with a plush super king-size bed. The yacht is also home to six crew cabins that can sleep up to 11.

The exterior decks are replete with alfresco dining areas, lounges, and sunbeds. The aft deck is arguably the standout, with two folding terraces, a large, 18-foot pool, a sprawling sunbathing area, a swim platform, and not one but two wet bars. At the opposite end, the foredeck doubles as a garage for two tenders.

“It [the NAVIX50] offers unparalleled versatility and luxury while maintaining an attractive value proposition for seasoned owners,” added Andriotis.

Leapher operates on a site formerly owned by cruise ship producer De Hoop that closed at the height of the pandemic. The yard is set to deliver the first NAVIX60 later this month. Christened Horizon, the 198-foot explorer will be on display at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25 to 28.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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