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Lady Moura: On board the 105m Blohm+Voss superyacht

At the age of 30, Lady Moura is maturing with impressive grace. Now under new ownership, we remember one of the biggest brokerage sales of 2021...

Whatever Lady Moura's been taking, I’d like some. She may be 31 years old, a respectable age for a yacht, but the palatial interior of this seven-deck, 105 metre looks as pristine as the day Blohm+Voss launched her to international fanfare in 1990 - and she's just found a new owner.

With exteriors and interiors by Luigi Sturchio , she was then the ninth largest yacht ever built – and the most expensive . Three decades of ultra-private family use followed before she made her public debut on the brokerage market in 2019. As of June 2021, she is under new ownership after just two short years on the market and was asking a cool $125,000,000 .

Her (original) carpets are still soft, pure cream; flowers tumble from vases on to freshly polished dressers. “One of the things that we’re most proud of, actually,” says relief captain Sebastian Rauber, “is that most of the interior is still original.” One beauty secret here is constant maintenance by an army of crew who know every corner of the boat. “The average time crew have been on board is 18 years: the chief housekeeper has been here for 25 years; the bosun 28 years; the chief engineer came on board the first time in 1993; the captain has been here for 17 years. A lot of people have spent more time on this boat than at home over the last 20 years.”

The second secret of youth is use – or the lack of it. She’s never been chartered; in fact she hasn’t moved much at all. To those familiar with Port Hercules, Lady Moura is as distinctive a feature as the Foster + Partners-designed Yacht Club – and she pre-dates that by 24 years. “Cruising – we didn’t do too much,” says Captain Matthias Bosse. There are 13,500 running hours on the clock – that averages out at around 37.5 a month.

The third factor is the bone structure that Blohm+Voss installed. “ Lady Moura was built in one of the most important shipyards in the world,” says Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons .

“She was built by a passionate owner who participated very much and influenced the shipyard with some solutions. So over five years of construction plus one year for engineering – there were in total six years planning and construction, which means that they had time to take care of every little detail. This is one of the reasons why the boat, after 30 years, is still in very good condition.”

She was also a technical marvel, with some achievements that are, Casani says, “very, very modern – amazing solutions considering that it was built in 1990. Some of the most important shipyards in the world came to visit  Lady Moura  for ideas, to understand details to replicate.” Blohm+Voss, which is now owned by Lürssen (itself at the cutting edge of yacht design today), includes in that list: tenders that are stored inside, behind hydraulic doors; a huge sunroof that slides open over the indoor pool on the top deck; a lounge amidships on the lower deck that runs the full beam; hydraulic opening sea terraces, and much more.

“Subcontractors at that time were focused on standard and commercial outfitting equipment – not at that high level that today is called ‘yacht standard’,” says Blohm+Voss, adding, “Everything was new, not proven technology as it is now.”

The yard’s own engineers developed Lady Moura ’s hydraulic tech – for example, the hidden side gangways – alongside their subcontractors. Strength calculations for a vessel with so many openings and gangways were also a challenge. “The thing to remember about this ship is that everything comes out of holes or folds in/folds out,” says Rauber. “Navigation lights fold out on top, the mast goes up on the foredeck so as not to break the design, the bridge wings slide out. Everything is pop-up, everything moves. That’s why we have a pretty clean design. I think at that time it was very revolutionary to have so many moving parts in the hull and in the structure.” Today’s superyachts may be studded with fold-out balconies and hatches – not so in 1990. This “perforated hull”, as Blohm+Voss describes it, required new calculation methods and highly competent engineering.

The well-maintained two-storey engine room is testament to the enduring value of that competence: the original MTU engines (which Rauber describes as “honest” and offer an impressive 8,000nm range at 17 knots) were overhauled in the past two years. The changes that have been made to the boat since launch have mainly been behind-the-scenes technical upgrades. The bridge, for example, is a very different beast to the one installed in 1990.

There are, however, a few more visible changes, says Rauber. On the vast helideck (“You can land pretty much anything on this deck,” he says) the original blue “concrete cement” sole was replaced with a more modern rubber in a neutral tone. The bright blue hull has been repainted in easier-to- maintain white and the whole boat’s teak decking has been replaced.

So what does Lady Moura feel like today? Well, the blunt answer is really, really big. That is hardly a surprise at 105 metres long, but her 6,539 gross tonnage is the real figure to note.

With exterior rather than interior space increasingly maximised in 21st-century yacht design, you would expect Lady Moura’s volume to be greater than more modern examples – but the distance by which she outsizes them is staggering. Take 107.6-metre Benetti superyacht Zoza, by some way the most voluminous of Benetti’s three 100m-plus launches last year; Lady Moura is two metres shorter but packs on 689GT more. For a historically relevant comparison, take the 103.8-metre Al Mabrukah , launched in 1982, at 4,633GT – that’s a difference of nearly 2,000GT.

Together with Lady Moura’s rich, enveloping decor by Luigi Sturchio, this translates to a feeling of being cocooned in a private world. High-gloss mahogany gleams down corridors that taper so far into the distance it seems impossible that this could be a yacht. There’s space for every conceivable luxury, from a cinema to a concealed hair salon next to the lobby, and an owner’s dressing room so vast there’s space for several glass-encased, rotating tie-racks and a walk-in wardrobe just for shoes. There are cabins for hairdressers, make-up artists, beauticians and any number of private staff, as well as substantial offices for the owner and his wife.

The five huge children’s cabins on the owner’s deck are decorated in a lighter style than the rest of the boat. “All five have this en suite dressing room and an en suite bathroom, and four have Pullman beds as well, if you have nannies or friends,” says Rauber. At the other end of the colour spectrum, the full-beam VIP cabin on the owner’s deck is replete with deep burr wood, smoked mirror, and as Rauber accurately puts it, “is actually bigger than a lot of owner’s cabins on slightly smaller boats”. The master dwarfs all of this. Taking over the entire aft half of its level, it is sequestered into a light main cabin with access to a private terrace, a separate cabin, that vast dressing room and a central lobby with a wall of television screens.

The formal saloon on the main deck is predictably vast, as is the seldom-used 18-plus-seat dining saloon on the same deck. But there are more intimate spaces too, notably the family saloon on the bridge deck, which opens on to an aft deck. But the loveliest social space is the pool on the top deck, forward of the helipad. Glass-clad, with an opening roof, it offers a private set-up, surrounded with casual dining and coffee tables, a spa pool , dance studio and terrace.

But just as essential to the self-contained feeling of this boat is the sophisticated service structure that’s built in. As much of the bridge deck is dedicated to senior crew operations – with a suite of offices and living quarters – as the deck below is dedicated to the owner. The tank deck, meanwhile, is a warren of facilities that make the yacht tick, with sheer numbers necessitating separate galleys and laundries for crew and guests – all amply sized. “In the season normally we used to have something like 65 to 70 crew,” says Rauber. The crew also have a dedicated hospital, complementing the intensive care unit up in the guest area. There’s also a bakery, a workshop, a crew gym – “it’s normally full from six in the morning until midnight” – and, of course, massive stores. Crew cabins, on the lower deck, are decently sized and have en suites.

Connecting the tank deck hub to the rest of the boat are two crew staircases – one aft and one forward – and two crew lifts. Also of logistical value is the unusual set-up on the lower aft deck. Arriving on Lady Moura , moored stern-to, guests are routed straight up a central staircase to the main aft deck and into that impressive main saloon. Behind that staircase, but also accessible from the dock, is a cleverly concealed area for crew operations, allowing them to handle deck equipment, take on provisions, or just take a breath of fresh air, unseen by guests.

Here, at the less glamorous end of Lady Moura , lies the crux of her success. While she has monogrammed bins and a gold-plated nameplate (yes, really) she is, in essence, a well-designed machine, rigorously maintained. After all, that is the true secret of beauty.

Imagery courtesy of Camper & Nicholsons

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Inside the ‘Lady Moura,’ a Convention-Defying, 344-Foot Superyacht Built to Be a Mansion on the Water

The veil has finally been lifted., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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When it comes to superyachts with authentic pedigree, few have as much blue blood as the 344-foot Lady Moura . When she was delivered to her owners in 1990 by German shipyard Blohm+Voss, the levels of design innovation and onboard engineering were unprecedented. Built to be a private residence, the yacht has been cloaked in mystery to the outside world for three decades.

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Now that the yacht is for sale for the first time by her original owner, the veil has finally been lifted. Robb Report was one of the first outsiders to tour the yacht recently at a Monaco event hosted by Lady Moura’s broker, Camper & Nicholsons .

“The owner’s intention was to make an impact,” says Captain Matthias Bosse, who first joined the yacht as Staff Captain in 1992. “He wanted to build the biggest yacht, at the best shipyard, with the most advanced technology in the world.”

Bosse adds: “She was built to be a family home, not for cruising.”

The beach club, now commonplace, was a radical concept in 1990.  Camper & Nicholsons

A family home indeed. Two fully equipped ICU units and a fulltime onboard doctor are not standard protocol on most superyachts. Neither are two galleys—one for the owner, the other for the crew—with up to six chefs and a separate bakery. And few superyachts that spend the majority of their time running between Monaco and Palma carry a permanent helicopter on board. Conforming to the conventions of the world, however, was never the owner’s priority.

Making statements in design and technology were. Well ahead of her time, Lady Moura has one of the first beach clubs on a superyacht , and an entire owner’s deck. The owners also wanted a clean exterior look, so all doors, flaps, roofs, gangways and cranes are hydraulically operated so they can be sealed tight against bulkheads or into floors. Most equipment is hidden behind integrated hydraulic doors, including the yacht’s tenders, anchors, and even a set of navigation lights designed for the sole purpose of traversing Egypt’s Suez Canal (but were sadly never used).

A helicopter permanently attached to a yacht based in Monaco was considered unusual, but Lady Moura’s owners wanted what they wanted.  Camper & Nicholsons

The yacht has a range of more than 8,000 nautical miles at her full cruising speed of 17 knots. She was never run at full capacity. The farthest, in fact, she ever ventured from the Med was to the Caribbean in 1993. Lady Moura was a homebody.

What a home. Matching her 344-foot length is a huge internal volume of 6,359 gross tons across seven decks, including a deck for the owner’s family. She accommodates up to 26 guests, serviced by 72 crew and staff, and two crew elevators. Painstakingly preserved with regular maintenance and vigilant upkeep, Lady Moura is a museum piece adorned with Art Deco detailing and sumptuous styling.

The yacht was used as a permanent home by the owners, so areas like the formal dining room were rarely used.  Camper & Nicholsons

Perhaps the most surprising element during our tour is Lady Moura’s immaculate condition. Thirty years after launch, she has all her original flooring, carpets, walls and staircases. The silk walls in the guest cabins look as new as they did in 1990. Not even a new coat of paint has been required to spruce up Luigi Sturchio’s original interior color scheme.

The simple reason for this unusually high level of preservation is that Lady Moura has barely been used, other than by immediate family. The formal 24-seater dining room has entertained guests just three times—the most recent being last month to announce her sale.

The spa was part of an elaborate beach club on the owner’s deck.  Camper & Nicholsons

Despite her age, Lady Moura feels like a modern yacht. Her beach club was considered revolutionary three decades ago and stacks up well beside contemporary superyachts. Positioned amidships with balconies both port and starboard, the club transformed how the owner could access the yacht from the water. The indoor pool with its retractable roof, gym, spa with sauna, and cinema complete the full complement of entertainment amenities.

The owner’s deck was also a novel concept. Reserved exclusively for family living, the floor contains six guest cabins, and a full-beam master suite. Generous walk-in wardrobes and two en suites pair with enough space for the owner to comfortably remain within his private quarters (as he did when the yacht became his permanent residence in 2018). Below-deck cabins, including a full-beam VIP, are reserved for non-family guests.

The superyacht had an overhaul for seven months in 2017 at Blohm+Voss, and her 2018/19 refit focused on rebuilding the generators and engines, installing new teak decks and refurbishing crew and technical spaces. Captain Bosse, who is obviously partial, believes that Lady Moura represents excellent value, given her condition and design. He calls it “the steal of the century.”

Read More On:

• Blohm + Voss
• Camper & Nicholsons

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Step Inside the Lady Moura Yacht

Lady Moura has had just one owner; now, for the first time in her 30-year history, she's up for sale.

By Kim Ayling

Once upon a time, the Lady Moura yacht dominated the industry. When she was first delivered in 1990 by German shipbuilders Blohm+Voss, she was one of the biggest and most expensive yachts the industry had ever seen. While much has changed in the world of yachting in 30 years and Lady Moura has admittedly been usurped by newer and larger vessels, to many she remains the original superyacht.

Measuring in at 344 feet, Lady Moura was the ninth-largest yacht in the world when she was first built, and although she’s now moved down that list, her 6,500GT volume still impresses in a more modern market. Although she has primarily remained a stationary vessel, the superyacht is capable of covering over 8,000 nautical miles when traveling at her cruising speed of 17 knots (although her top speed in 20 knots).

Up until now, Lady Moura has only had one owner – Saudi businessman, Nasser Al-Rashid, who has used the private yacht to host many noteworthy guests, including politicians and royal families. However, in the past few years it was revealed that the Lady Moura yacht would be available for purchase for the first time since she was built, meaning that the veil of mystery she has been shrouded in for 30 years has finally been removed.

[See more: Step Inside the Black Pearl Yacht]

As a yacht designed for prolonged onboard family living rather than just short-term cruising, Lady Moura’s interiors are impressively comfortable and luxurious – even by superyacht standards. Despite receiving a significant refit in 2017, Lady Moura has retained much of her original interior, which acts as a testament to the skill of her designer, Italian-born Luigi Sturchio, as well as the impeccable level of care from the crew in her 30-year lifetime.

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In the past few years, it was revealed that the Lady Moura yacht would be available for purchase for the first time since she was built / ©Camper & Nicholsons International

The full-beam VIP cabin onboard the Lady Moura yacht outsizes the owner’s accommodation in many other ships / ©Camper & Nicholsons International

The ship offers 27,986 sq ft of private guest space, with the entirety of one of its seven decks dedicated exclusively to family living. The vessel can accommodate up to 26 guests across 13 cabins, subject to PYC compliance, with additional space for 65 crew members, making for a desirable guest to staff ratio. Lady Moura’s interior is lavish: think opulent marble details, plush soft furnishings and rich mahogany furniture in the lounges and bedrooms, with wicker and nautical stripes in the chic beach club.

As you would expect on a luxury yacht of this magnitude, the owner’s cabin onboard the Lady Maura is vast – in fact, the full-beam VIP cabin outsizes the owner’s accommodation in many other ships. Occupying the entire aft half of one deck, the owner’s suite includes the main sleeping cabin that leads directly onto a private terrace, a secondary cabin, a dressing room and a lobby area.

In addition to her extensive accommodations, the Lady Moura yacht is awash with recreational space. On her top deck, you will find an indoor swimming pool complete with a retractable roof, a spa with a sauna and hot tub, and full gym facilities.

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Thanks to the ship’s thoughtful design, the beach club (which was one of the first seen onboard a superyacht) can theoretically be enjoyed open air at all times – even when cruising – making it the height of functionality. Off the beach club are not one but two balconies with boarding platforms, both offering access to the ocean.

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The beach club can theoretically be enjoyed open air at all times – even when cruising / ©Camper & Nicholsons International

Lady Moura’s expansive top-deck beach club / ©Camper & Nicholsons International

Onboard recreation facilities include a cozy yet luxurious movie theatre / ©Camper & Nicholsons International

Lady Moura also offers a full-size helipad, which in recent years has received a significant upgrade. Her original blue concrete was replaced with a neutral-colored blue pad for a touch of modernization, which makes it one of the few aesthetic updates that Lady Moura has had in her lifetime. More amenities are discreetly stowed in a mid-level boat garage, including a Boston Whaler, waterski boat and landing craft, all of which are accessed by sleek, hydraulically operated doors.

As a family vessel, children’s entertainment is catered for onboard. Aside from the expansive beach club, Lady Moura also boasts a kid’s room on her bridge deck, which doubles up as a video game zone.

Lady Moura is also the perfect vessel for hosting, with a formal dining room providing space for up to 24 guests and multiple lounges, as well as a movie theatre and DJ booth/dance floor. In the interest of guest safety, there is also a fully equipped medical center onboard.

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The ship offers 27,986 sq ft of private guest space, with the entirety of one of its seven decks dedicated exclusively to family living / ©Camper & Nicholsons International

Lady Moura is the perfect vessel for hosting, with a formal dining room providing space for up to 24 guests / ©Camper & Nicholsons International

[See more: A First Look at Interiors Onboard Superyacht Somnio]

The truth is Lady Moura isn’t much of an explorer . This isn’t to say she can’t, however – in fact, there is room for up to three months’ worth of provisions on board and she can cruise for up to 12,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel. But to date, her owner hasn’t tested her capacities with any conviction, with her furthest voyage being a trip to the Caribbean in the nineties.

Speaking to BOAT International in mid-2020, Lady Moura’s captain Matthias Bosse revealed that the ship only has around 13,500 traveling hours, which is a remarkably low number for a yacht of her age. Instead of traveling the four corners of the world, the superyacht is usually used as a residential dwelling in the south of France and has never been available for charter.

However, with the spectacular vessel now on the market for the first time, the future may be more adventurous for Lady Moura – her captain was keen to share that apart from the Arctic zones (which require a stronger steel hull), she can navigate virtually any of the world’s vast oceans.

The Lady Moura yacht is listed with Camper & Nicholsons, POA.

camperandnicholsons.com

With the spectacular vessel now on the market for the first time, the future may be more adventurous for Lady Moura  / ©Camper & Nicholsons International

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Sailing the Seas of Luxury: The Enchanting Story of Lady Moura and Nasser Al-Rashid

Introduction

In the world of luxury and opulence, one tale stands out in the waves – that of Lady Moura, a legendary yacht owned by the illustrious Saudi Arabian tycoon, Nasser Al-Rashid . This article dives into the captivating narrative that intertwines Lady Moura’s lavish design, exceptional specifications, and the remarkable biography of Nasser Al-Rashid, offering a glimpse into a world where maritime grandeur meets visionary brilliance.

Nasser Al-Rashid: A Visionary Beyond Measure

Nasser Al-Rashid’s journey through life began with a pursuit of engineering education, ultimately culminating in postgraduate studies in the United States. However, it was his role as a trusted advisor to the Saudi royal family that truly set him apart. This influential figure not only played a pivotal role in the realms of business and entrepreneurship but also steered policy matters that shaped Saudi Arabia’s trajectory.

Royal Advisor: A Guiding Hand

Nasser Al-Rashid’s influence extended deeply into the reigns of King Fahd and King Abdullah. His sage advice left an indelible mark on policy decisions and strategic directions, underscoring his role as a linchpin in the country’s growth. This unique blend of advisory expertise and entrepreneurial spirit solidified Al-Rashid’s position as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s development.

Lady Moura: A Floating Marvel

Central to Nasser Al-Rashid’s legacy is Lady Moura, a luxury yacht that transcends expectations. The yacht boasts a distinctive crescent-shaped shell door, an entrance that magically transforms into a beach club and pool. Its interior is a testament to opulence, featuring intricate woodwork, luxurious materials, and lavish furnishings. With dimensions stretching to 104.8 m / 344 feet, Lady Moura is an architectural masterpiece on water.

Technical Feats: Power, Range, and Grace

While shrouded in mystery, Lady Moura’s engines are estimated to harness several thousand horsepower. This impressive power enables the yacht to cruise gracefully at speeds between 20 to 25 knots. Its remarkable range facilitates transoceanic journeys without frequent stops, a testament to engineering expertise and meticulous design.

An Enduring Legacy: Lady Moura’s Maritime Impact

Lady Moura’s captivating design and opulent allure have etched an indelible mark in the maritime world. Its presence in prestigious yachting destinations worldwide solidifies its stature as a symbol of elegance and extravagance. The yacht’s legacy persists as a tribute not only to its owner’s vision but to the undying allure it holds for maritime enthusiasts.

Nasser Al-Rashid’s Influence

In the symphony of luxury, Nasser Al-Rashid orchestrates a narrative spanning business, politics, and nautical splendor. His journey harmonizes with Lady Moura’s, embodying a visionary who seamlessly interweaved power, prestige, and innovation.

Conclusion: A Voyage Through Time

As the sun gently sets on this narrative, Lady Moura’s luminescence continues to illuminate the open waters. Nasser Al-Rashid’s life story intertwines with the yacht’s legacy, reminding us that luxury knows no bounds when visionary brilliance and engineering marvels unite. From the exquisite designs that grace the seas to the echoes of influence that shape destinies, Lady Moura and Nasser Al-Rashid’s stories traverse the waters of history, leaving behind an undying legacy of grandeur and magnificence.

“Luxury Unveiled: The Intriguing Tale of Lady Moura Yacht and Nasser Al-Rashid”

Nasser al-rashid: a glimpse into power and prestige.

Nasser Al-Rashid, a name intertwined with the Saudi royal family, emerged as a prominent businessman and advisor. His academic journey led him through engineering studies, culminating in postgraduate education in the United States. Trusted as a confidant to the Saudi royal family, Al-Rashid’s influence extended far beyond advisory roles, encompassing sectors ranging from construction to energy. His legacy remains inseparable from the growth of Saudi Arabia and its multifaceted development. Navigating Royal Spheres Within the corridors of power, Nasser Al-Rashid’s advisory role to the Saudi royal family was instrumental during the reigns of King Fahd and King Abdullah. His insights and guidance shaped policy matters and strategic decisions, cementing his place as an influential figure who helped steer the nation’s trajectory. Al-Rashid’s dual roles—both as advisor and entrepreneur—cast him as a unique force in Saudi Arabia’s landscape. A Lasting Impression: Lady Moura’s Iconic Presence Lady Moura’s distinctive design and luxurious allure have etched a prominent mark on maritime culture. Its global appearances in prestigious yachting destinations reinforce its standing as an emblem of elegance and sophistication. The yacht’s legacy endures as a testament to both its owner’s vision and its enduring appeal to maritime enthusiasts. As the sun sets on this exploration, Lady Moura’s gleam on the open seas persists. Nasser Al-Rashid’s biography merges seamlessly with the yacht’s legacy, reminding us that in the realm of luxury, the confluence of vision and engineering can yield vessels that capture the essence of magnificence.

Celestial Elegance on Water: Unveiling the Luxurious Enigma of Super Yacht Lady Moura

Engine Power: Yachts like Lady Moura are typically equipped with multiple engines to ensure efficient propulsion. Given its size and luxury status, it’s possible that the yachts this size could have a combined engine power in the range of several thousand horsepower. The exact power would depend on the specific engines used and their configuration. Range: The range of a yacht depends on various factors including fuel capacity, engine efficiency, cruising speed, and the type of engines used. Yachts of this class might have a range that allows them to cover several thousand nautical miles on a single tank of fuel. This would enable them to undertake transoceanic traveling without needing frequent refueling stops. Top Speed: The top speed of luxury yachts like Lady Moura can vary, but they are generally designed for comfortable cruising rather than high-speed travel. A reasonable estimate for a yacht of this size could be in the range of 20 to 25 knots (23 to 29 mph or 37 to 46 km/h). Keep in mind that yachts of this nature prioritize stability and luxury, so their design may not focus on achieving the highest possible speed.

Lady Moura Interior photo gallery

Nasser Al-Rashid biography

Nasser Al-Rashid is a Saudi Arabian businessman who is well-known for his association with the Saudi royal family and his significant influence in various fields. However, please note that my information might be outdated, and I recommend cross-referencing with more recent sources for the latest information. Here’s a general overview of his biography up to that point: Early Life and Education: Nasser Al-Rashid was born in Saudi Arabia, and he pursued higher education in engineering. He studied at King Saud University in Riyadh and then completed his postgraduate studies in the United States. Advisor to the Saudi Royal Family: Nasser Al-Rashid gained prominence as a close advisor to the Saudi royal family, particularly during the reign of King Fahd and King Abdullah. He held various key positions and played an influential role in the Saudi government. He was reportedly a trusted confidant and had significant input on policy matters. Business Ventures: Al-Rashid was involved in various business ventures and investments, both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. He had interests in sectors such as construction, real estate, and energy. He was associated with the Rashid Engineering Group, which was involved in various engineering and construction projects. Philanthropy: Nasser Al-Rashid was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare. He supported various charitable initiatives and projects in Saudi Arabia and other countries. Lifestyle and Influence: Al-Rashid was also recognized for his opulent lifestyle, which included owning luxurious assets such as the yacht Lady Moura. His close ties to the Saudi royal family and his influence in government circles contributed to his reputation as a powerful and well-connected figure.

Lady Moura Popularity

Lady Moura was often spotted in popular yachting destinations around the world, making it a recognizable and iconic presence in the maritime community. The yacht’s striking design and unique features contributed to its popularity, attracting attention from enthusiasts, photographers, and onlookers alike.

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Inside the €103 million Lady Moura

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Record Sale: Lady Moura, the World’s First Superyacht, Sells for $125M

The superyacht industry emerged around three decades ago, when German ship-building company Blohm+Voss introduced the impressive 105-meter motor yacht, Lady Moura , to the public. Like a mansion at sea, this vessel, with its Luigi Sturchio-designed interiors and innovative seven-deck construction, shattered previous notions of what a yacht could be through its unmatched elegance and extraordinary scale. The ship was built to house dignitaries and statesmen, its high-end amenities and private spaces making it a perfect getaway for the world’s elite. A year and a half ago, however, Lady Moura’s owner placed the superyacht on the market, and in a swift 554-day turnaround, it sold in-house for a record 125 million dollars: the largest superyacht sale by a broker since 2019.

Lady Moura’s new captain is now in command of a piece of boating history. In 1990, it became one of the first yachts to feature a beach club area and a hydraulic fold-out balcony, innovations that would later become standard fare for the industry. The vessel’s wide 18.5-meter beam allowed for spacious interiors, much larger than preceding models of the time, and its splendorous family residence area has inspired shipbuilders to up their game and produce even more lavish maritime living quarters. Despite its exquisite reputation, many of the ship’s innermost rooms are a mystery, their designs and layout having never been fully disclosed to the general public. This sense of mystery only makes the vessel more intriguing; when it appeared on the market last year, the yachting world went wild with speculation about who the next lucky owner would be.

In addition to its sporty exteriors and sleek architecture, the yacht presents an array of high-end features that have stood the test of time. Onboard, passengers will find a swimming pool, flanked by a shady lounge area, and deck after deck where seafarers can spread out and soak up the sun in style. The vessel’s dining area looks fit for a king, with a long table that stretches from one end of the room to another—ideal for a feast with close friends. Some rooms, like the ship’s office, are accented by vaulted ceilings, while others, like the saloon, feature marble and mosaic flooring, a look that is positively palatial. The fact that most spaces come with windows tall enough to fill each room with natural lighting but modest enough to maintain a sense of privacy demonstrates how much thought went into this innovative craft’s design. One doesn’t have to search high and low to see why Lady Moura turned the tides of the yachting lifestyle decades ago.

30 years after she set off on her maiden voyage, Lady Moura is still turning heads, shattering records, and rocking the entire boating industry. This most recent sale, engineered by yachting company Camper & Nicholsons , represents just one chapter in the storied life of this iconic vessel, which continues to stun with its sophistication and timeless flair. The ship’s staggering price tag only underscores its desirability—maturity and majesty wrapped into one magnificent vessel.

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LADY MOURA yacht NOT for charter*

104.85m  /  344' | blohm + voss | 1990 / 2020.

Owner & Guests

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Elevator for easy access between floors
• Impressive 8,000nm range
• State-of-the-art cinema
• Generous pool
• Thirteen cabins

The 104.85m/344' expedition yacht 'Lady Moura' was built by Blohm + Voss in Germany at their Hamburg shipyard. Her interior is styled by design house Luigi Sturchio and she was delivered to her owner in November 1990. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Luigi Sturchio and she was last refitted in 2020.

Guest Accommodation

Lady Moura has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 26 guests in 13 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 65 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include a movie theatre, beauty salon, elevator, underwater lights, beach club, WiFi and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Lady Moura is built with a steel hull and steel/aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by twin diesel Deutz (TBD 510B V12) 6,862hp engines, she comfortably cruises at 17 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 20 knots with a range of up to 8,000 nautical miles from her 870,000 litre fuel tanks at 17 knots. Lady Moura features at-anchor stabilizers providing exceptional comfort levels. Her water tanks store around 333,000 Litres of fresh water. She was built to Lloyds Register classification society rules.

*Charter Lady Moura Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Lady Moura is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

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Specification

M/Y Lady Moura

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Here are a selection of superyachts which are similar to Lady Moura yacht which are believed to be available for charter. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

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LADY MOURA Yacht – Refined $250M Superyacht

The impressive LADY MOURA yacht is a superyacht owned by Dr. Nasser Al Rashid.

She features an interior and exterior design from Luigi Sturchio and was built in 1990 by Blohm + Voss, a German shipbuilding company.

The yacht was a cutting-edge vessel when she was built and set trends in personal yachting.

LADY MOURA yacht interior

The interior of the LADY MOURA yacht was designed by Luigi Sturchio, a renowned Italian designer.

The incredible yacht was designed to be a floating personal residence, with many people spending more time on the boat than off in the last 20 years.

She has accommodation for 27 guests in 13 cabins that comprises a master suite, a VIP suite, and 11 more cabins. There is accommodation for 71 crew members in 36 cabins.

The interior was kept under wraps for 30 years, but with her sale in 2021, the details have finally been revealed.

The interior design reflects the level of opulence reserved for royalty at the time of her launch as a private vessel. Her sheer size allows for a large number of onboard amenities.

The facilities include a helipad and a hospital suite for guests and crew members.

The yacht has a DJ room and a movie theatre for guests to enjoy. There is a beach club for the perfect indoor/outdoor areas, which compliments the generous swimming pool.

The deck areas are plentiful with al fresco dining options and sunbathing areas.

There is a spa, gym, multiple saloons, and a bakery on board. She features several tenders and water toys, including a limousine tender, a waterski boat, and a landing craft.

Luigi Sturchio also designed the exterior of the LADY MOURA yacht. She was built by Blohm + Voss and delivered in 1990, and recently refitted in 2020.

At the time of her launch, she was the most expensive and innovative yacht in the world.

The amazing yacht set a new standard for yacht building 30 years ago. The yacht features a white hull and superstructure made from steel.

The name and the escutcheon are engraved in 24-carat gold onto the yacht’s exterior. The striking yacht is complimented by underwater lights that illuminate her in the dark.

Specifications

The LADY MOURA yacht has a whopping length of 104m, a beam of 18.5m, and a draft of 5.5m. She can reach a top speed of 22 knots and a cruising speed of 17 knots.

She has a range of 8000 nautical miles and is powered by twin Deutz engines.

She has a displacement of 6439 gross tons. She has at-anchor stabilizers that provide exceptional comfort levels for guests while at the water.

LADY MOURA was built to Lloyd’s Register classification society rules.

Now valued at $125 million, LADY MOURA was rumored to cost more than $200 million to build. The yacht has an annual running cost of $10 to $20 million.

LADY MOURA in Gibraltar

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Lady Moura – Superyacht Royalty

Arguably one of the most iconic motor yachts on the water and superyacht royalty, this 105m statement of success was the most expensive superyacht in the world at the time of her launch, and the ninth largest.

Lady Moura was commissioned by an experienced owner who paid meticulous attention to every detail. Now, offered for sale by her original owner  and on the market for the first time, Camper & Nicholsons invited us to Monaco to take a tour of this truly standout superyacht.

As her 24-carat-gold-plated name badge suggests, Lady Moura bears only the finest finishes, the most luxurious of lifestyle features, and exudes extravagance.

The vessel, which has served as a private family property, was built by Blohm & Voss to Lloyds Classification and delivered in 1991. This incredible yacht of 6,359GT underwent significant mechanical refits in 2018/19 and also has an advanced remote monitoring system installed, which allows for condition-based maintenance, real0time troubleshooting and support, enabling an extremely low operating expense for a yacht of her stature.

Lady Moura lead the way for many innovative developments in design. Her balconies, two off the beach club and two side boarding platforms, were an engineering first at the time of her launch and transformed the way an owner could access both the vessel and the water. Lady Moura has a phenomenal 8,000nm range, easily surpassing that of many modern superyachts regardless of their size.

Conceived specifically as a haven for the family to spend time together, but also to serve as a platform for select social engagements, Lady Moura dedicates one of her seven decks exclusively to family living. Along with the opulent full beam owner’s suite on this deck, are six cabins exclusively for use by family members, culminating in a total of 2,600sq.m of private chambers. Lady Moura can accommodate up to 26 guests in total and provides quarters for a complement of 74 crew – a highly desirable crew to guest ratio for a new owner seeking the ultimate levels of service and comfort.

Lady Moura’s resplendent interior was designed by the Italian-born Luigi Sturchio. From inviting lounges with deep cushioned sofas to regal dining rooms and palatial staterooms with en suites finished in marble, every aspect of the design uses indulgently tactile finishes.

Lady Moura boasts a helipad, movie theatre, DJ room, indoor pool, spa with sauna, gym, owner’s study and medical suites amongst her onboard amenities. She has two galleys, one for the owner and one for the crew, a bakery and separate owner/crew laundry facilities.

The beach club also deserves a special mention. Positioned midships with balconies both port and starboard, this lounge at the water’s edge allows for effortless disembarkation from the tenders and easy access to and from the ocean. In addition to this, Lady Moura has six hydraulic gangways, ensuring a safe and seamless transition from tender to mother ship in any sea condition.

Lady Moura is a unique purchase proposition and the significant position she holds in the timeline of launched superyachts has afforded her a status of superyacht royalty that is assured for years to come. Her new owner will not only be acquiring a superyacht of premium pedigree, but be continuing a legacy of luxury and splendour.

Roxanne Hughes

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Onboard Lady Moura: The world’s first superyacht

By Anna Solomon

The 104-metre Lady Moura blazed a trail for superyachts back in 1990, and now her owner has put her on the market. 

As I relinquish my shoes and totter up the gangway, a sign of what is to come glints in the enviably strong sun: the letters on the back of the boat – LADY MOURA – are plated in real gold.

By far the largest yacht in Port Hercules, Monaco, Lady Moura is a 7,700-tonne colossus stretching 104 metres. Built by the German shipyard Blohm+Voss (the same yard that built the Bismarck), Lady Moura celebrates her 30th birthday in 2020. And having had just one owner in all that time, she’s now up for sale.

Lady Moura’ s interior, curated by Italian designer Luigi Sturchio (who created the astonishing 85-metre Nabila for Saudi billionaire Adnan Khashoggi), is luxury by numbers. Gold and cream abound, dark wood surfaces are buffed to within an inch of their lives, and the carpet is so thick that you’re almost wading. You would never guess that 8,400kg of machinery chugs and whirs below.

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Among its splendours, the yacht has a 35-cubic-metre indoor swimming pool with a retractable roof. It also boasts a fully functional intensive care unit and a helipad large enough to accommodate any helicopter in the world. Naturally this includes Lady Mour a’s own Sikorsky S76C+, although this isn’t for sale. The vessel does, however, come loaded with two sea-faring tenders, including a stunning Venetian.

With a 6,400 gross tonnage volume, Lady Moura is seriously big (even the Royal Yacht Britannia was just 5,769 tonnes). In her dining room I discover two ancient Egypt-inspired mosaics; the gleaming dining table is a staggering eight metres long and has been used only three times in 30 years. In the palatial cabins, super-king-size beds are dwarfed by the sheer volume of acreage around them. There is a walk-in safe in one of the suites.

During my tour, I peer seven storeys down a stairwell, discovering that below deck is just as cavernous as the sleeping quarters. Labyrinthine corridors lead to cabins for 60 crew, offering a staff:guest ratio of two to one. On my way to the bakery I walk through a deafeningly loud room packed floor to ceiling with machinery. An engineer tells us that Lady Moura ’s two 6,868-horsepower engines could take us from Monaco to Singapore without stopping – that’s a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 17 knots.

Her pre-eminence in the yachting world back in the early Nineties soon becomes apparent. Today Lady Moura is widely considered to be the first superyacht, partly because of her magnitude but also because of the countless ‘firsts’ found on board.

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She is one of the first yachts to have beach clubs that open up on the ship’s sides (or indeed to have beach clubs at all), as well as one of the first to include boat garages, extendable bridge wings and numerous gangways.

Lady Moura has been maintained with regular small upgrades rather than any major refits, with her longest yard period to date being a seven-month stay at Blohm+Voss in Hamburg in 2017. She is in impeccable condition considering, and her iconic reputation makes Lady Moura ’s ‘for sale’ status a big deal in floaty circles. She is rumoured to have cost more than $200 million to build, and one Monaco-based brokerage has hinted that yachts of Lady Moura ’s stature ‘usually retain their value’.

Another source, however, has floated $150 million, considering her 30 years of wear and tear and particular style: Saudi-owned yachts are generally considered traditional in their design and come with limited outdoor space. However, the yacht remains the biggest sales task that broker Camper & Nicholsons has ever had. Over a few glasses of Louis Roederer champagne served aboard Lady Moura , the ship’s chef serves up a lunch including a starter covered in edible flowers, perfectly seared scallops, and tiramisu.

Captain Matthias Bosse reflects on his 18 years at the helm of Lady Moura : ‘You can build the most incredible vessels, but it is time that fills a boat with a certain spirit. When you come on board you get goosebumps – you can’t build that in.’

Lady Moura , it is stressed, is a family yacht. She was the primary residence of the owner, Saudi billionaire Nasser al Rashid, who named it after his first wife, Lebanese-born Mouna Ayoub (Moura is a portmanteau of Mouna and al Rashid). His six sons and three daughters were raised on board. It is said that the crew and staff (many of whom have been with the yacht for decades) still refer to them as ‘the children’. Lady Moura has never been chartered, and everything – carpets, curtains, furnishings – is original.

Rich heritage

But it’s not just the yacht’s floating credentials that make it attractive to potential buyers, there’s also its provenance. Her owner has made his billions in engineering – Forbes has estimated his wealth at about $8 billion, but it could be closer to $20 billion.

Al Rashid was educated at the University of Texas (he has since lavished funds on the university and had a department named in his honour) before setting up a firm in Riyadh, which was later chosen by Saudi kings Khalid and Fahd to be the engineering consultant to the royal family – and became one of the largest engineering  firms in the kingdom. He remains an adviser to King Abdullah.

Now in his eighties, al Rashid dedicates much of his time to philanthropy, sitting on the board of charitable initiatives such as the Handicapped Children’s Association, the Prince Salman Centre for Disability Research and the National SeaKeepers Society. He is also a co-founder of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Back when al Rashid was studying in Texas, George Bush Sr was making his first steps into Congress: the pair became acquainted and were close enough for Bush to later be a guest aboard Lady Moura . In her autobiography, Barbara Bush recalls a trip to sea on the yacht with ‘our friend’ Nasser al Rashid in May 1999.

One can only imagine the conversations that took place aboard the yacht between the former president and billionaire confidant of the Saudi sovereign in the midst of the Iraq disarmament crisis.

When asked why the owner was selling such a treasured family heirloom, Camper & Nicholsons CEO Paolo Casani alluded to complexity behind the sale. ‘He has many reasons for selling,’ said Casani of the owner. ‘You don’t decide to sell a yacht that you have had for 30 years overnight.’ You certainly don’t. Perhaps an answer is hiding in plain view. On al Rashid’s personal website, alongside details of his career and achievements, it notes: ‘His favourite hobby is walking.’

More likely he has reached an age when the attractions of life afloat are less apparent. Or perhaps he simply wants to be closer to his grown-up family, who have provided him with five grandchildren.

It doesn’t really matter. What’s more interesting is what happens next, who the next owner is. For the second chapter in Lady Moura ’s voyage to match her first, they have pretty big deckshoes to fill.

Image credits: Camper & Nicholsons 

This piece first appeared in issue 74 of Spear’s, available now.  Click here to buy a copy and subscribe

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World’s first mega-yacht ‘Lady Moura’, internationally known as the ship with the golden letters, visits port of Spain’s Malaga

LAST Saturday March 18, saw the arrival of superyacht Lady Moura, internationally famous for its impeccable white color on which the name of the boat and a distinctive coat of arms are carved in solid gold, to the Port of Malaga.

Berthed mid-morning at dock number one within the megayacht marina facilities, this vessel, a reference of nautical luxury, is expected to make a stopover of several days in Malaga waters.

The Lady Moura was the 9th largest private yacht in the world when launched in 1990 and is currently owned by the third-richest billionaire in Mexico, Ricardo Salinas Pliego.

This jewel of naval engineering was created by the German shipyard Blohm & Voss, in collaboration with the renowned Italian architect Luigi Sturchio, who was in charge of the interior design .

Luxury amenities include a heliport and a Sikorsky S76 helicopter, an indoor swimming pool with an open roof, a gymnasium, spa, sauna, a nightclub with a DJ booth, a theatre, a cinema, a casino, a 25 metre dining table and a bakery.

It has a capacity of 30 passengers and comes with a crew of 61.

The last time this spectacular four-level vessel, 344 feet long by 62 feet wide, called in Malaga waters was in July last year.

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Cristina Hodgson

Half English, half Spanish animal person. Cristina loves writing about all things fitness, travel and culture, she is also a script writer and novelist. When she's not typing away, you can find her enjoying outdoor sports somewhere off the beaten track in Andalucia. If you have a story get in touch! [email protected]

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“Lady Moura”– Famous luxury yacht changes hands

The world’s largest super yachts are a status symbol

They are a status symbol of the rich and beautiful and often cost several hundred million dollars. Trade journalists have reserved the name “giga-yacht” for the largest yachts in the world, which are over a hundred meters long. Often, they do not fit into any harbor and have to anchor in front of it. The dimensions of these floating luxury objects are usually reminiscent of cruise ships, and when they are sold, it is usually from one billionaire to another.

The Century Yacht “Lady Moura”

Probably one of the most famous mega-yachts in the world was completed in 1990 by the German shipyard Blohm + Voss. When she was built, she was considered the ninth largest private yacht in the world. Now she is said to be 48th on the list. The construction of “Lady Moura” is said to have cost around $ 250 million (€ 213 million) when she was completed in the late 1980s. The superyacht is powered by two DEUTZ 6868 HP engines, and each has 5,121 kW of power and controllable pitch propellers. Despite her size, the “Lady Moura” can reach a cruising speed of 17 knots. A world sensation when launched, a sophisticated hydraulic system opens and closes a multitude of doors, flaps, retractable roofs or walls and cranes. Whether things and lifeboats or the anchor, these are hidden behind panels to avoid impairing the aesthetics of the yacht. “Lady Moura” is considered by many connoisseurs to be the epitome of a giga-yacht. Since her launch, she was owned by the Saudi Arabian billionaire Nasser al-Raschid for 31 years. The once 250-million-dollar luxury object has now changed hands for $ 125 million.

The indoor pool with adjoining spa

The new owner is a Mexican billionaire

The “Lady Moura” is now said to have gone to a new owner for $ 125 million. Some sources name the Mexican multi-billionaire Alberto Bailleres. The 89-year-old father of seven makes his money from the largest and most productive silver mines in the world. According to Forbes, his fortune is estimated at € 9.3 billion. His mines are said to produce 25 tonnes of gold and 25 000 tonnes of silver per year. It should not have been difficult for the billionaire to meet the asking price for the “Lady Moura”. However, OnLocation knows from a reliable source that actually this billionaire did not buy the giga-yacht “Lady Moura”.

The “Mou” in the name of the Giga-Yacht stands for Mouna Ayoub

The new owner of the “Lady Moura” is actually the billionaire Ricardo Benjamín Salinas Pliego, also from Mexico, who with his Grupo Salinas group of companies has holdings in telecommunications, media, financial services and retail. Mexico’s third richest man recently made headlines because he reaffirmed his support for Bitcoin and announced his intention to open the first bank in the country to accept Bitcoin. The sale of the “Lady Moura” sets a record in the brokerage world. The brokers Camper & Nicholsons were able to find a new owner in only 554 days. This represents the fastest known brokerage sale of a vessel over 100 meters in the last 10 years. What persuaded the new owner to put the $ 125 million on the table for the “Lady Moura” is likely to be the lavish and luxurious fittings, the design and the golden lettering.

Juan Carlos and George Bush landed on the helipad

The name of the Giga-Yacht “Lady Moura”

The name “Lady Moura” has a special meaning. The “Mou” stands for Mouna Ayoub, one of the most dazzling figures of the jet-set and now ex-wife of the billionaire, Nasser al-Raschid. The “ra” comes from the billionare’s surname. Mouna Ayoub is one of the most colourful women in the middle east. It is said that she has spent $150 million on jewellery, and her annual clothing budget is said to be $3 million. And her fortune is believed to be several hundred million dollars. The woman who looks 40 is actually over 60 years old. Possibly the richest woman in the middle east, she grew up in Kuwait as the child of Lebanese parents, attended a Jesuit boarding school, and had to move to France because of the civil war. She met her future husband, the Saudi Prince Nasser al-Raschid, while working in a restaurant in Paris. At the age of 19, she married him, moved to Riyadh and converted to Islam. But as an Islamic woman at the side of a prince, the palace became a prison, and divorce followed in 1996. What remains of the great love of his life for the billionaire is the name of the giga-yacht “Lady Moura”.

Each letter of the lettering „Lady Moura“ is covered with 24-carat gold

Features and design of the “Lady Moura”

“Lady Moura” is often referred to as the world’s first mega-yacht. The iconic ship, which the experts define as a giga-yacht, has seven decks, one of which is dedicated to family life. In addition to the luxurious owner’s suite, there are 13 cabins used exclusively by family members and guests. This area alone covers 2,600 square metres. Italian designer and architect Luigi Sturchio created the entire interior on the super yacht. The mega yacht has total accommodation capacity for 72 crew members and 26 guests. In addition, the “Lady Moura” offers a floating luxury village with bakery, cinema. disco, medical clinic and an indoor pool with adjoining spa. Furthermore, there are hatches in the hull for motorboats or jet skis. Even former King of Spain Juan Carlos and former President George Bush are said to have landed on the yacht’s helicopter pad. The really special highlights of this mega-yacht, however, are the unusually long dining table (24 meters) and the lettering “Lady Moura” on the hull – each letter is covered in 24-carat gold and is said to cost a proud € 12,000. If you would like to see the giga-yacht, it is usually moored either in Monaco or Palma de Mallorca.

The Italian designer and architect Luigi Sturchio created the entire interior

Source: On Location Magazine