The Blue Moon Boat: Who Owns This Iconic Vessel?

The Blue Moon boat is a luxury yacht built by Feadship. The yacht was handed over to its owner in 2005 and was listed for sale in 2021. The late Richard Duchossois, an American businessman and philanthropist, was the previous owner of the Blue Moon. The vessel is now maintained by his estate.

Blue Moon yacht specifications

The Blue Moon yacht is a 60.35-metre (198-foot) luxury motor yacht built by Feadship in 2005. It has a steel hull, an aluminium superstructure, a beam of 11.1 metres, and a draft of 3.35 metres. The yacht is powered by Caterpillar engines, giving it a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots. Blue Moon has a maximum range of 4700 nautical miles.

The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 cabins, including a master suite, three double cabins, and two twin cabins. There are 8 beds in total: 1 king, 3 queen, and 4 singles. Blue Moon also has accommodation for a crew of 14 to 16 members, including the ship's captain. The interior was designed by Donald Starkey, featuring a dedicated library, a gym, and a deck jacuzzi. The exterior was designed by Don Starkey, featuring an observation lounge with panoramic views and a glass elevator with all-level access.

Blue Moon is available for charter and is currently accepting bookings for cruising in the Caribbean during the winter. The weekly charter rate is $395,000 plus expenses.

Blue Moon's owner

The Blue Moon yacht is owned by the estate of the late Richard Duchossois, an American businessman and philanthropist. Duchossois founded the Duchossois Group, a holding company with interests in transportation, security, and technology. The Blue Moon is the third and largest yacht in the Duchossois family's collection, all of which have been constructed by the esteemed yacht builder Feadship.

The Blue Moon is a stunning example of seafaring luxury, with an interior designed by Donald Starkey. It can accommodate up to 12 guests and a crew of 14 or 16. The yacht boasts impressive features such as a tubular elevator, a fully equipped gym, multiple Jacuzzis, and a vintage 1972 Riva Aquarama. With a powerful engine system, it has a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising range of 4,700 nautical miles.

The late Richard Duchossois was a passionate enthusiast of yachting, with the Blue Moon being a proud emblem of his family's yachting tradition. The family's first yacht was a second-hand 47.5-meter vessel christened Mi Gaea, which was later renamed Blue Moon. Over time, the family acquired larger and more luxurious yachts, with the Blue Moon being the pinnacle of their collection.

The Blue Moon yacht is a testament to the Duchossois family's love for the sea and their commitment to excellence. With its impressive features and luxurious accommodations, it offers a unique and exclusive experience for both its owners and guests.

Blue Moon's charter destinations

Blue Moon Charter Destinations

The Blue Moon yacht is available for charter in a variety of destinations, including:

• New England
• The Caribbean, including Antigua, the Bahamas, Saint Martin, and St Barts
• The Virgin Islands
• The British Virgin Islands
• The Leeward Islands
• The US Virgin Islands
• The Windward Islands

The yacht is also available for charter in Phuket, Thailand, where it is based at the Ao Po Grand Marina in the northeast of the island. From Phuket, the Blue Moon can be booked for trips of 4 to 14 days, starting and ending at Ao Po Marina. The yacht is managed by an international firm operating on-site at the marina, which can help plan the perfect charter and handle all logistics from arrival to departure.

Phuket Airport has a new international terminal with direct flights from many countries, making it convenient for guests to arrive and depart. The airport is just 20-30 minutes from the Ao Po Grand Marina.

Onboard Amenities

The Blue Moon yacht offers a wide range of amenities and entertainment options for guests, including:

• A dedicated library
• A well-equipped gym
• A deck jacuzzi
• Wheelchair-friendly access
• An on-board elevator
• Satellite communication systems
• Underwater lights
• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Water toys, such as Yamaha WaveRunners, paddleboards, fishing equipment, waterskis, wakeboards, kayaks, and more

Crew

The Blue Moon is staffed by a friendly crew of two, including a knowledgeable skipper and a hostess/chef. The crew is dedicated to ensuring that guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience during their time on board.

Blue Moon's water toys and accessories

The Blue Moon yacht, a 60.35-metre (198-foot) vessel, boasts an impressive array of water toys and accessories to elevate the onboard entertainment and charter experience.

For those seeking thrilling aquatic adventures, Blue Moon offers an extensive selection of water sports equipment. Guests can choose from two Yamaha WaveRunners to skim across the waves or explore the ocean at a leisurely pace with kayaks, including a single kayak and two doubles. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are also stand-up paddleboards, perfect for soaking up the scenery while gently gliding through the water.

The yacht is well-equipped for those who enjoy fishing, with fishing equipment and a fighting chair on board. Blue Moon also provides an original, meticulously restored 1972 Riva Aquarama, a timeless beauty for exploring the seas in style.

For snorkelling enthusiasts, the yacht offers 15 sets of snorkelling gear, enabling guests to explore the underwater world and discover the vibrant marine life below the surface.

In addition to the water toys, Blue Moon features an impressive glass elevator with access to all levels, a Jacuzzi, and a well-equipped gym, ensuring guests can stay active and entertained during their time onboard.

With its range of water toys and accessories, Blue Moon promises an unforgettable charter experience, combining luxury and comfort with exciting opportunities for exploration and adventure on the water.

Blue Moon's previous yachts

The Blue Moon yacht, owned by the late Richard Duchossois, is the third and largest in the Duchossois family’s collection of high-end yachts. The first was a second-hand 47.5-meter vessel christened Mi Gaea, which was purchased and renamed Blue Moon. The second was a new-build project, a 50-meter motor yacht from Feadship’s Royal van Lent.

The Duchossois family's yachting tradition is a proud emblem of their legacy, with all three yachts constructed by the esteemed Feadship. The current Blue Moon, delivered in 2005 and built by Van Lent, boasts a robust Caterpillar-powered engine system, allowing it to reach a top speed of 16 knots and cruise at 13 knots for 4,700 nautical miles. This majestic vessel is valued at $50 million and has annual running costs of around $5 million.

The late Richard Duchossois, a prominent American businessman and philanthropist, founded the Duchossois Group, a holding company with diverse interests spanning transportation, security, and technology. His love for thoroughbred horse racing and breeding was another notable aspect of his remarkable career.

Frequently asked questions