Boat Owners: Who Has The Pleasure Of Sailing?

Boat ownership is a popular endeavour, with an estimated 14.5 million U.S. households owning about 25.2 million boats. Boat owners range from celebrities and athletes to tech billionaires and everyday people. Some notable boat owners include David Beckham, Rafael Nadal, Conor McGregor, and Mark Zuckerberg. Boats can be a status symbol, with the richest individuals often opting for superyachts or megayachts that offer seclusion, leisure, and networking opportunities. These floating palaces are decked out with luxurious amenities and provide a glimpse into the lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy.

How to find out who owns a boat

If you are trying to find out who owns a boat in the UK, you can search for boats registered on the Inland Waterways of England and Wales in the CanalPlanAC database. This database contains over 100,000 boats and you can search by boat name or registration number.

If you are in Canada, you can use the Vessel Registration Query System (VRQS) to search for a boat owner by entering either the Official Number or the boat's name.

In the US, you can search for Coast Guard Documented Vessels by their names, Hull Identification Numbers, or Official Numbers via the CGMIX Coast Guard Port State Information Exchange. However, you will not find any personally identifiable information (PII) such as the owner's name and address on any public database. This information has been removed from public access since 2018 due to privacy concerns. If you need to find the owner of a vessel, you can request an official USCG Abstract of Title from the National Vessel Documentation Center for a $75 fee. Alternatively, you can request a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Documentation for any US Coast Guard Documented Vessel, which will provide the managing owner's name and address.

If you are unable to find the information you need through these official channels, there are some other methods you can try. If the boat is located in a marina, you could ask the marina owner and neighbouring boat owners if they know who the boat belongs to. You can also try searching the boat's name on the internet to see if it is linked to a business or mentioned on any websites.

Celebrities who own boats

Boating is a common hobby among celebrities, with many choosing to unwind by sailing the open seas or cruising around on lakes. Some celebrities are known to own multiple yachts and boats, using them to host parties or simply to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Here is a list of well-known celebrities who own boats:

David Beckham

The former England football star and Inter Milan owner is a known boat enthusiast. He owns the 28-metre Riva Argo 90, named Seven, which was launched in October 2021. Beckham's yacht features sun lounging space and is powered by twin MTU diesel engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 30 knots.

Conor McGregor

UFC fighter Conor McGregor owns the Tecnomar For Lamborghini 63 yacht, a 19.2-metre vessel that combines the design elements of supercars and superyachts. The yacht features a distinctive gold hull paint and incorporates the same materials as a Lamborghini supercar.

Tom Brady

NFL superstar Tom Brady is the proud owner of a 16-metre custom cruiser from Dutch builder Wajer. Named Viva a Vida, this yacht can reach speeds exceeding 40 knots and offers accommodation for four guests. Brady has also commissioned a larger yacht, the Wajer 77, showcasing his passion for boating.

Rafael Nadal

Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal has a passion for yachting and is the owner of the Sunreef 80 Power superyacht, named Great White. Delivered in June 2020, this catamaran offers Nadal a relaxing escape from his busy career. He previously owned the Monte Carlo Yachts 76, named Beethoven, which he purchased in 2016.

Giorgio Armani

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani is the owner of the 65-metre Codecasa yacht Main. Designed with Armani's stylish touch, the yacht features a unique dark green exterior and a muted palette interior. It includes a spiral staircase, a gym, a cinema, and accommodation for up to 12 guests. Armani also owned a second yacht named Maria, after his mother, which is 163 feet in length.

Billy Joel

Singer and songwriter Billy Joel is a yacht fanatic and has owned multiple vessels over the years. One of his notable yachts is the 17-metre Vendetta, a modern classic commuter yacht designed as a replica of the classic gentleman's commuter launches from the 1920s. Joel has used this yacht to travel from his home in Long Island to New York City for concerts.

Tony Parker

NBA star Tony Parker owns the Infinity, a 35-metre steel and aluminium full-displacement yacht built by Turkish yard AvA Yachts. This four-decked yacht features a light and contemporary interior décor, accommodating 12 guests in six cabins with ample space for entertainment and relaxation.

Roberto Cavalli

Fashion designer Roberto Cavalli owns the Freedom, a 27-metre yacht built by Italian shipyard Cerri Cantieri Navali. Designed in collaboration with Cavalli, the yacht draws inspiration from the Batman superhero Batmobile, featuring severe lines, a jet-black exterior, and tinted windows. The yacht can accommodate six guests and three crew members and is powered by three water jet engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 40 knots.

Diane von Furstenburg

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg and her husband, IAC Chairman Barry Diller, own the 93-metre sailing yacht Eos. Launched in 2006, this schooner features exterior design by Bill Langan and interior design by Francois Catroux, accommodating 16 guests and 21 crew members. It has been spotted hosting a star-studded group of friends, including Bravo host Andy Cohen.

Other Notable Celebrity Boat Owners:

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• Tim Ciasulli
• Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert
• Jerry Seinfeld
• George Clooney
• Louis C.K.
• Jimmy Buffett
• Morgan Freeman
• Jack Nicklaus
• Don Johnson
• James Caan
• Dennis Rodman
• John Elway
• Hulk Hogan
• Terry "Hulk" Hogan
• Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
• Jay-Z and Beyonce
• Sean "Diddy" Combs
• Eric Clapton
• Steven Spielberg
• Bono
• Johnny Depp
• Nicole Kidman
• Leonardo DiCaprio
• Nicolas Cage
• Beyoncé
• Calvin Klein
• Kendall Jenner
• J.K. Rowling
• Richard Branson
• David Geffen
• Paul Allen

Tech billionaires who own yachts

Yachts have become the go-to status symbol for the ultra-wealthy, and tech billionaires are no exception. In recent years, tech billionaires have splurged on enormous boats, with some of the richest going bigger and better. Their yachts are virtual palaces at sea, decked out with amenities like gyms, spas, pools, nightclubs, cinemas, and even basketball courts.

Jeff Bezos – Koru and Abeona

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns a $500 million megayacht, the 127-meter "Koru," which he received in April 2023. It is currently the world's largest sailing yacht, featuring a three-masted schooner, intricate gold paintwork, and a sculpture of his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez. The name 'Koru' is a Māori symbol that signifies a fresh start, which may refer to his engagement with Sanchez. Bezos also owns a 75-meter support vessel, "Abeona," which carries additional luxury items such as ATVs, supercars, and motorcycles.

Mark Zuckerberg – Launchpad

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta, recently purchased a 118-meter megayacht, "Launchpad," which was originally built for a Russian oligarch. It features a swimming pool and a helipad, with a price tag rumoured to be in the nine figures. Zuckerberg reportedly celebrated his 40th birthday on this yacht.

Eric Schmidt – Whisper

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt purchased the 95-meter yacht "Kismet" from the Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan and renamed it "Whisper." The yacht can accommodate 12 guests and a crew of 28. It features a master deck with a private jacuzzi, a full-service spa, a lap pool, a movie theatre, and an outdoor fireplace.

Larry Ellison – Musashi

Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, has owned several superyachts over the years, including "Katana," "Ronin," "Rising Sun," and his current yacht, "Musashi." He purchased "Musashi" in 2011 for a reported $160 million. The 88-meter yacht is named after a famous samurai warrior and features Japanese and Art Deco-inspired design elements, including an elevator, swimming pool, beauty salon, gym, and basketball court.

Sergey Brin – Dragonfly and Butterfly

Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google, owns a flotilla of yachts, boats, and toys known as the "Fly Fleet." His largest yacht is the sleek "Dragonfly," which boasts a movie theatre and a helipad. It is 73 meters long and can accommodate up to 18 guests and 16 crew members. Brin also owns the superyacht "Butterfly," which is 38 meters long and often moored in the Bay Area.

Laurene Powell Jobs – Venus

Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, inherited the 78-meter yacht "Venus" after her husband's death in 2011. Jobs designed the yacht with French designer Philippe Starck, and it was worth $130 million at completion. It features extensive use of glass and a pared-back design, including a false top deck that conceals communication equipment and a passarelle that resembles an iPhone charging port.

The cost of owning a boat

Owning a boat is a costly affair. The expenses don't stop at the initial purchase; there are several other factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of boat ownership.

Firstly, the type of boat you choose will significantly impact the price. For instance, a jon boat or aluminium utility boat for freshwater boating can cost around $3000 to $6000, whereas a yacht can cost millions. The average new vessel will set you back around $15,000 to $75,000, and a more luxurious model can go upwards of $100,000.

Secondly, you need to factor in the upfront costs, such as a trailer for transportation and storage, which can cost over $2000 new. Additionally, most states require annual trailer registration if you plan to take it on the road.

Thirdly, maintenance and repair costs are inevitable. As a guideline, boating experts estimate that a new boat will cost around 2% of the purchase price in yearly maintenance, while a used boat will cost around 10%. So, for a $20,000 boat, you can expect to pay roughly $2000 a year in maintenance.

Another cost to consider is fuel. Smaller boats typically use regular or premium gasoline, while larger vessels may require diesel, which is more expensive.

Insurance is another crucial expense. Boat insurance typically costs around 1% to 5% of the boat's value. For example, a $20,000 boat might cost between $200 and $1000 a year to insure.

Storage fees are also something to keep in mind. Indoor rack storage costs around $50 per foot, while outside storage is cheaper at roughly $10-15 per foot.

Lastly, don't forget about taxes, registration, and licensing fees, which vary by state.

In summary, the cost of owning a boat goes far beyond the initial purchase price. When considering boat ownership, it's essential to carefully research and plan for these additional expenses to ensure you can afford the luxury of life on the water.

The most common type of boat ownership

According to a recent study, an estimated 14.5 million households in the United States own boats, totalling about 25.2 million boats. The National Recreational Boating Safety Survey, released by the U.S. Coast Guard, revealed that most of these boats (94.5%) are owned by a single person. This means that one person is the sole owner and operator of the boat, responsible for all aspects of its upkeep and use.

While sole ownership is the most common, joint or shared ownership is also prevalent, with almost 1.4 million boats falling into this category. This type of ownership may involve multiple people sharing the costs, responsibilities, and enjoyment of boat ownership. It can be a more affordable and sociable option for those who want to experience the joys of boating without the full financial burden.

The type of boat ownership can also vary depending on the region and local laws. In some areas, there may be specific regulations or requirements for boat registration and ownership. Additionally, cultural factors can play a role in determining the most common type of boat ownership. For example, in communities with a strong boating tradition, families may pass down boats through generations, resulting in a higher incidence of shared or multi-generational ownership.

It is worth noting that boat ownership is not limited to a particular demographic or economic class. People from all walks of life enjoy boating, and there are various types of boats to suit different needs and budgets. From small sailing boats to luxurious superyachts, boat ownership can cater to a range of interests and financial capabilities.

While the majority of boat owners in the United States are individuals, it is clear that joint ownership also plays a significant role in the boating community, providing an alternative path to enjoying the pleasures of boat life.

Frequently asked questions