Owning a luxury yacht has long been a symbol of wealth and power. This week, one of the most admired in the world — the 78-meter Amaryllis — was sold for almost $100 million, marking one of the biggest second-hand yacht deals of 2025.
The new owner remains anonymous, but the yacht’s former master was Russian banker Andrey Borodin, the former head of the Bank of Moscow. Borodin has lived in the UK for over a decade after fleeing Russia amid corruption allegations, which he denied.
Built in 2011 by German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen, Amaryllis is more than a boat. The 257-foot vessel is often described as a “floating art gallery.” It was designed by the UK-based Reymond Langton studio, famed for combining Belle Époque elegance with modern luxury. Inside, it features a limited-edition Schimmel Pegasus grand piano, handcrafted furniture by Silverlining, and a 9.9-meter custom wooden tender by Graf Ipanema.
The yacht offers space for 12 guests in six lavish suites, supported by a 23-person crew. Comforts include an owner’s terrace with panoramic views, a spa with sauna, steam room and massage area, a plunge pool, and a gym. A large sun-deck jacuzzi adds to the indulgence, fitted with color-changing lights.
Charter clients, if wealthy enough, have rented Amaryllis at weekly rates starting from $800,000. But keeping her afloat is costly: annual maintenance alone is estimated at over $10 million. Despite this, yachting experts say the vessel will hold its value as a status symbol.
“Yachts like Amaryllis are not just luxury toys,” said a broker familiar with the sale. “They are works of art, and owning one places you in a very small global circle of influence.”
The buyer’s identity is yet to be revealed, but the purchase underscores a rising demand for ultra-luxury assets despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
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