$130 Million Kismet - Absolute “Queen” of the 48th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Every year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® crowns a “queen of the show” – a superyacht (80-feet and above) so immense in size and so lavish in luxury that she reigns supreme over the already impressive multi-billion-dollar collection of the more than 200 superyachts that gather annually for this major worldwide event. At 223-feet long, 42-feet wide, 66-feet high, and worth a show record $130 Million, this year’s “Queen” is one for the ages. Her name is Kismet, and she will be holding court October 25 – 29, 2007 at the Fort Lauderdale Grande Yacht Club & Marina, one of the six show venues.

Andrew Doole, Vice President of Show Management, producers of the Boat Show, and 26-year show veteran comments about Kismet’s presence this year. “She is by far the most expensive yacht we’ve had at the show. And it’s no wonder why. Kismet is a true force and shining example of a superbly designed, decorated and engineered superyacht. To have her owner, broker and shipyard expressly choose the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for her debut showing speaks volumes to the unparalleled world stage this show provides. We are proud and honored to welcome Kismet.”

A Deck-by-Deck Tour Of The Most Expensive Superyacht Ever to Exhibit at the Event

Whether in use by her owners or by charter clients, Kismet was designed as a world-roaming cruiser, with a 5,000 nm range, and fuel, food and goods storage capabilities that can keep her from coming to port for months at a time. Six decks high – two below sea level, and three above (of which two are enclosed) – and uniformly outfitted in contemporary and classical style with Art Deco and Persian elements, Kismet’s formality decreases and casual atmosphere increases as you move up the six decks. Whether you take the spiral staircase, or the glass elevator, each deck will mesmerize and amaze you with its distinctiveness:

TOP DECK: Spa Pool, Jacuzzi, “Star Bed”
There’s no better place to start than at the top, where guests will find a full bar, spa pool, sun beds, and a “star bed” – a king-bed at the fore of the deck on which you can sleep under the stars. The glass-bottomed Jacuzzi on this deck creates the skylight for the deck below.

UPPER DECK: “Beach House,” Gym, Observation Deck/Helipad

The circular “Beach House” lounge represents the height of casual living. The combination of wood bark flooring and furnishings, faux-crocodile skin and plush upholstery, Hindu statues, colorful glass ceiling sculptures, and tobacco leaves set in a resin tabletop collectively exude a “kick-back and relax” invitation. Aft of the “Beach House” are a gym, an outside bar/BBQ/beer stand, and aft deck. While just forward is the open and shaded observation deck, which can be used as a helipad, but is usually furnished with sun loungers.

BRIDGE DECK: VIP Stateroom, Dining/Conference Room, Disco, Pilothouse

A secondary lobby area starboard and amidship leads to the VIP guest suite, which offers breathtaking views through three large windows. Forward is the well-equipped pilothouse. But as you head towards the stern, you’ll come upon the formal dining room (traditionally found on the main deck), which also intriguingly opens aft from the bridge deck lobby. This is an impressive Art Deco inspired room, with a large ebony oval table (for 12) surrounded by canvassed artwork and spectacular murals of the New York skyline, custom-made using silver and gilt leaf applied to the back of a matte glass sheet.

The dining room also converts into a conference room by closing all doors and rolling back the artwork on the bulkheads to reveal plasma screens (for video-conferencing or computer projection). When done dining (or working), guests can pass through to the disco floor – a circular area featuring waxed teak flooring, strobe lights, and a circular bronze bas-relief of New York skyscrapers. Another more informal al fresco dining area finishes off this deck at aft.

MAIN DECK: Lobby Entrance, Elevator & Staircase, Main Salon/Cinema Room, Master Stateroom

Without a doubt, this deck is the artistic showcase of the entire yacht. No more so than on this level is classical décor fused with stellar Art Deco and Persian elements. It starts at the starboard entrance, as you walk into a dramatic, semi-circular lobby, where a bronze mirrored deckhead creates a sense of height, while the black granite flooring directs the focus to a glass elevator shaft surrounded by a spiraling staircase serving all six decks. As you take the staircase up or down from this level, bronze bas-relief wall panels depicting Persian lotus and acanthus motifs create a stunning backdrop.

Looking aft, you have the main salon featuring a Steinway grand piano and a secluded seating area at port and starboard. A larger seating area centered in the salon leads aft to a semi-circular granite-topped bar. A mirror image of the inside bar is found outside on the aft deck. Coming back into the salon, you can change the main seating configuration from four-corners to semi-circular, bring a drop-down screen to cover a “floating” glass wall divider, and close the doors on either side to create a “cinema room” for viewing films from a deckhead projector.

Moving forward from the lobby is the massive and spectacular 1,400+ sq. ft. master suite. Entrance through a vaulted passageway leads to a private lobby, where the owner can enter the bedroom and turn left into the mahogany-and-leather motif study, or turn right to a starboard private balcony with table for two. An identical balcony lies on the port side.

But the focal point of the suite is the exquisite honey-and-onyx master bathroom. Sliding doors opposite the foot of the bed open to reveal a centrally positioned oval spa bath set between two pillars of solid onyx and backed by an amazing handmade glass panel decorated with peacock feathers. Behind the panel is a huge, honey-onyx lined steam shower with doors at either end. “His and Hers” facilities are at either extremity, each with its own sink, head and dressing room.

LOWER DECK 1: Guest Staterooms, Nanny Cabin

The common areas and staterooms of the lower deck highlight the use of mahogany wood paneling and joinery. The four guest staterooms (configured into double or twin berths) are identical except for the use of different marbles and fabrics, and are actually the same size as the VIP suite. For those traveling with children, a “nanny cabin” is off the lower lobby. Also elegantly appointed, this cabin may be used as a single berth guest room, or converted into a massage room or spa.

LOWER DECK 2: Crews Quarters & Mess, Engine Room, Garage

Found at stern, the huge garage is a clean space that houses a varnished 25-ft. Chris Craft and a 25-ft. Nautica RIB with twin Yamaha 150s, which are launched to port and starboard using a beam crane, through wide upward-opening doors. Just forward the garage is the equally impressive engine room, rising through two decks. And forward are the spacious crews’ quarters and an oversized mess to accommodate all 18 crewmembers at once.

Call it fate, call it chance, or call it destiny, but it’s really no surprise that Kismet will be calling on the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® to show herself off to the world.

Kismet is presented by Lürssen Yachts, and will be on display at the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club, Slip 1 for the duration of the show.

Source: Show Management