A Closer Look at Richard Branson’s Yacht Necker Belle
While most people need to save up to even enjoy a package holiday, many rich and famous people have the financial means to buy their own means of taking a vacation. One toy that millionaires may buy itself is a luxurious yacht. They can use this to travel to anywhere in the world while enjoying the luxury of everything that a yacht has to offer. Each yacht is different, and this means that a variety of styles are available that feature different amenities. One particularly stunning yacht owned by someone who is both rich and famous is Richard Branson’s Necker Belle, and he certainly has the financial means to buy and enjoy this expensive toy. According to Yacht Harbour, this 32-meter catamaran was launched in 2009 and it was originally called Lady Barbaretta. In 2009, the yacht underwent a full refurbishment and was then bought by Richard Branson, who renamed the yacht, Necker Belle. He chose this name because he owns Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.
Yacht Information
Branson had wanted a catamaran for some time as his previous vessel was the motor yacht in which he had broken the world record for crossing the Atlantic. Not a fan of motor yachts, he sold it as soon as he had broken the record and bought the catamaran instead. He based his catamaran at the island after which it is named and used it to sail around the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Islands. The interior of this yacht was originally designed by Chenus Presles $ Associates, but the 2009 refit was done by Azzura Marine while the catamaran was in drydock, says Superyacht Times. During this refit, both the interior and the exterior were updated, and a fourth stateroom was added. The year after the refit the boat won the World Superyacht Award for the Best New Refit.
Necker Belle has twin CAT 425 horsepower engines, can cruise at around 10 knots, and tops out at 14 knots. These speeds are achieved because the yacht is made from ultra-light carbon fiber. It has the capacity to host 10 guests in a layout over four large cabins, including a master, a double, and two twins. Each of the rooms is beautifully appointed and has its own en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen, and an iPod docking station. There is also enough space to accommodate six cabin crew. Richard Branson and his guests could also relax in the yacht’s main saloon, which is a spacious and relaxing area. This living space is fitted with bamboo and maple features that give the room a light and calming appearance. There is plenty of room for guests to spread out and relax. However, it is not the guestrooms or the saloon that are the main feature of this luxurious catamaran. The element of this yacht that sets it apart from the rest is what the catamaran offers on its yacht.
The deck is just as spacious as the interior and it is designed with fun in mind. There are several swimming pools on the platform if you want to take a cooling dip when you are in the Caribbean sunshine. If guests prefer to take a dip in the ocean, then they can use the six-foot diving board off the end of the yacht. An open-air cinema is another way that Branson and his guests could enjoy some entertainment. The deck area is designed in the style of a beach club, which adds to the sense of fun of this vessel. Necker Belle also boasts some exciting toys and equipment for guests to enjoy while onboard. Club Yacht says that the yacht also has water skis, equipment for game fishing, scuba diving gear, wakeboards, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, inflatable towel toys, and Hobie Cats.
Branson’s personal favorite toy that he liked to use when he spent time on Necker Belle was the excursion submersible Necker Nymph. Like a mini-submarine, this allowed Branson or his guests to go underwater in a tiny vessel that remained buoyant even when not under power. Branson also enjoyed scuba diving when he was on his catamaran as he loved to explore the underwater environment wherever he went. In the evenings, guests can relax in the warm breeze while sitting at one of the deck’s dining areas. Branson and his guests would often enjoy sipping wines in the evenings, as this yacht boasts its own wine cellar that Branson kept fully stocked. When Richard Branson owned Necker Belle, the vessel was operated by Captain Beez Evans who was supported in the running of the yacht by six crew members. They were responsible for keeping the ship up to standard, preparing meals for Branson and his guests, and generally ensuring that the needs of everyone on board were met.
Final Thoughts
Although Branson loved this catamaran, he decided that it was time to sell. Branson reportedly sold the catamaran in 2018 for its asking price of $3 million. His reasons for selling are not known, although it certainly isn’t that he needs the cash as he is one of the wealthiest men in the world. In fact, Wealthy Gorilla estimates his personal net worth at $5 billion. It is now called Bella Vita and it is available for charter via the company Charter World. The price for you and nine friends to enjoy a week on this yacht is a whopping $70,000. During that week, you will have access to the same amenities that were enjoyed by Branson and his guests. This includes a cabin crew that can fulfill your needs and make your experience on this yacht truly special and memorable. You can enjoy all this while sailing around some of the most beautiful areas in the world and using the Caribbean Sea as your playground. You may make several stops at various islands during your week of sailing, including the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Islands.