Serene is a luxury yacht built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri and delivered to its owner, Russian billionaire Yuri Scheffler, in 2011. The yacht measures 133 meters (436 feet) in length and has a beam of 18.5 meters (61 feet), making it one of the largest yachts in the world. Serene boasts six decks, an outdoor swimming pool, a helipad, a spa, and accommodation for up to 24 guests and 52 crew members.
The construction of Serene reportedly cost around $330 million, and its annual operating costs are estimated to be in the range of $15 million to $20 million. These costs include fuel, crew salaries, maintenance, and insurance. The yacht is powered by two MTU diesel engines, which give it a top speed of 20 knots and a range of 7,000 nautical miles.
Serene’s owner, Yuri Scheffler, is a Russian businessman who made his fortune in the alcohol industry. He is the founder and owner of SPI Group, which produces and distributes premium vodka brands such as Stolichnaya, Moskovskaya, and Stoli. Scheffler is estimated to have a net worth of $4.5 billion, according to Forbes.
In 2015, Serene was put up for sale with an asking price of €350 million ($412 million) but failed to find a buyer. The yacht was subsequently seized by the government of Dubai in 2017, following a legal dispute with the shipbuilder, Nobiskrug, over alleged construction defects. The case was settled in 2019, and Serene was returned to its owner.
Owning a yacht like Serene is undoubtedly a costly endeavor. The initial construction cost, as well as the ongoing expenses, make it a luxury reserved for the super-rich. However, for those who can afford it, owning a yacht can be a rewarding experience, offering privacy, luxury, and the freedom to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations.
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