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A Closer Look at Richard Branson's Yacht Necker Belle

While most people need to save up to even enjoy a package holiday, many rich and famous people have the financial means to buy their own means of taking a vacation. One toy that millionaires may buy itself is a luxurious yacht. They can use this to travel to anywhere in the world while enjoying the luxury of everything that a yacht has to offer. Each yacht is different, and this means that a variety of styles are available that feature different amenities. One particularly stunning yacht owned by someone who is both rich and famous is Richard Branson’s Necker Belle, and he certainly has the financial means to buy and enjoy this expensive toy. According to Yacht Harbour, this 32-meter catamaran was launched in 2009 and it was originally called Lady Barbaretta. In 2009, the yacht underwent a full refurbishment and was then bought by Richard Branson , who renamed the yacht, Necker Belle. He chose this name because he owns Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.

Yacht Information

Branson had wanted a catamaran for some time as his previous vessel was the motor yacht in which he had broken the world record for crossing the Atlantic. Not a fan of motor yachts, he sold it as soon as he had broken the record and bought the catamaran instead. He based his catamaran at the island after which it is named and used it to sail around the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Islands. The interior of this yacht was originally designed by Chenus Presles $ Associates, but the 2009 refit was done by Azzura Marine while the catamaran was in drydock, says Superyacht Times . During this refit, both the interior and the exterior were updated, and a fourth stateroom was added. The year after the refit the boat won the World Superyacht Award for the Best New Refit.

Necker Belle has twin CAT 425 horsepower engines, can cruise at around 10 knots, and tops out at 14 knots. These speeds are achieved because the yacht is made from ultra-light carbon fiber. It has the capacity to host 10 guests in a layout over four large cabins, including a master, a double, and two twins. Each of the rooms is beautifully appointed and has its own en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen, and an iPod docking station. There is also enough space to accommodate six cabin crew. Richard Branson and his guests could also relax in the yacht’s main saloon, which is a spacious and relaxing area. This living space is fitted with bamboo and maple features that give the room a light and calming appearance. There is plenty of room for guests to spread out and relax. However, it is not the guestrooms or the saloon that are the main feature of this luxurious catamaran. The element of this yacht that sets it apart from the rest is what the catamaran offers on its yacht.

The deck is just as spacious as the interior and it is designed with fun in mind. There are several swimming pools on the platform if you want to take a cooling dip when you are in the Caribbean sunshine. If guests prefer to take a dip in the ocean, then they can use the six-foot diving board off the end of the yacht. An open-air cinema is another way that Branson and his guests could enjoy some entertainment. The deck area is designed in the style of a beach club, which adds to the sense of fun of this vessel. Necker Belle also boasts some exciting toys and equipment for guests to enjoy while onboard. Club Yacht says that the yacht also has water skis, equipment for game fishing, scuba diving gear, wakeboards, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, inflatable towel toys, and Hobie Cats.

Branson’s personal favorite toy that he liked to use when he spent time on Necker Belle was the excursion submersible Necker Nymph. Like a mini-submarine, this allowed Branson or his guests to go underwater in a tiny vessel that remained buoyant even when not under power. Branson also enjoyed scuba diving when he was on his catamaran as he loved to explore the underwater environment wherever he went. In the evenings, guests can relax in the warm breeze while sitting at one of the deck’s dining areas. Branson and his guests would often enjoy sipping wines in the evenings, as this yacht boasts its own wine cellar that Branson kept fully stocked. When Richard Branson owned Necker Belle, the vessel was operated by Captain Beez Evans who was supported in the running of the yacht by six crew members. They were responsible for keeping the ship up to standard, preparing meals for Branson and his guests, and generally ensuring that the needs of everyone on board were met.

Final Thoughts

Although Branson loved this catamaran, he decided that it was time to sell. Branson reportedly sold the catamaran in 2018 for its asking price of $3 million. His reasons for selling are not known, although it certainly isn’t that he needs the cash as he is one of the wealthiest men in the world. In fact, Wealthy Gorilla estimates his personal net worth at $5 billion. It is now called Bella Vita and it is available for charter via the company Charter World. The price for you and nine friends to enjoy a week on this yacht is a whopping $70,000. During that week, you will have access to the same amenities that were enjoyed by Branson and his guests. This includes a cabin crew that can fulfill your needs and make your experience on this yacht truly special and memorable . You can enjoy all this while sailing around some of the most beautiful areas in the world and using the Caribbean Sea as your playground. You may make several stops at various islands during your week of sailing, including the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Islands.

Written by  Lily Wordsmith

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You and 9 of Your Closest Friends Can Charter Richard Branson's Former Yacht

Necker Belle — now Bella Vita — is available for $70,000 a week.

Oh, you thought Richard Branson only had two private islands , a space tourism company, and a new cruise line for you to enjoy? Well, you thought wrong because you can apparently charter his former luxury catamaran, too.

Branson was the long-time owner of the boat the Bella Vita, which used to be called Necker Belle, likely after one of Branson’s private islands, Necker Island. Though he sold the boat in 2018 for an asking price of $3 million, fans of the entrepreneur can still rent the boat for a week so they too can feel like a billionaire.

As the boat’s listing on Charter World noted, the 105-foot vessel “is one of the world’s few very large luxury sailing catamarans.”

And, not only is the boat gorgeous, but she’s a winner too — she apparently won the 2010 best new refit at the World Superyacht Awards.

The boat, which is constructed using ultra-light carbon fiber helping it achieve “impressive 14 knots under power" and making it "capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots under sail."

The catamaran, built in 2003 and bought by Branson in 2009, can accommodate 10 charter guests in four cabins, along with six crew members. The boat comes with a master suite, a double cabin, and two twin cabins, each coming with its own en-suite shower rooms. In each room, guests will find a flat-screen T.V. and iPod docking stations.

Beyond the rooms, guests can also spend time in the boat’s main saloon. As the listing noted, its “spacious interior is furnished with maple and bamboo generating a cool, calm and relaxed atmosphere throughout.”

But, forget all that. According to Branson, the beauty of the catamaran is just how much fun you’ll have sailing it.

"I love the platform of a big catamaran. There's tons of space on board and it's so much more stable than a conventional monohull, so it's great for guests who sometimes feel queasy afloat," Branson previously shared . "I love to have friends on board to explore the nearby islands, and of course the submarine adds another whole dimension to cruising the Caribbean. It's like flying a mini fighter jet under water."

So, want to give it a try? All it takes is $70,000 a week and she’s yours.

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Inside Richard Branson’s Private Island Paradise of  Lagoons, Lemurs, and Wind Turbines

By Shannon McMahon

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Pulling up to the red boat slip under a fiery sunset, no one in the boat was looking at the vivid pinks of the Caribbean sky. Instead, our eyes were on the towering hilltop ahead of us, with its wind turbines and precarious Balinese-style treehouses. Night was falling, and glowing ambient lights flickered on as if by magic to light up a maze of jungle-nestled villas and dirt paths. A man in well-tailored dress pants, a button-down, and loafers emerged; not the billionaire we’d come for, but one of the many trusted Sir Richard Branson whisperers in a staff of 134 we'd encounter over the next few days. “Welcome to Necker,” Eddie beamed.

I arrived at Necker Island under the cover of night and in a fog of disbelief. Whizzing in a golf cart through the thick bushes and past a two-deep clay tennis court, the sounds of an evening tennis match penetrated the near-darkness: “There’s Richard,” Eddie said with a half wave—a clearing in the trees revealing a six-foot-tall man with a wild mane of white hair raising his tennis racket mid-serve. Moments later, at my shared five-bedroom, three-villa complex called Bali High, Eddie pointed out a well stocked pool-deck bar area before moving on to the enclosed rooms—one of which I recognized from an MTV Cribs episode in which Mariah Carey showed off the suite. “If you wanna throw a party, the only person who’s going to be bothered is this central one,” Eddie laughed. The roar of the waves just below us made it clear we’d have the sound lulling us to sleep each night.

“Ok, so it’s a bachelor pad,” I reasoned to myself as I fell asleep that night with many preconceived notions still strong, having only seen a small slice of an island well-documented for its lemurs, swim-up bars, and celebrity guests. Waking up the next morning for a hike up to the wind turbines with one of the island’s engineers—and over the course of conversations with Branson himself over the next few days—I’d find out just how wrong I was about that.

Necker Island's Great House (at top)—which burned down in 2011—is a short walk from the Bali High villa (at bottom)

The cliff-face bedroom of Bali High that the writer slept in, decorated with trinkets and hand-carved Balinese decor.

A self-sustaining paradise found

It should maybe come as no surprise that environmentalism is front of mind for a 73-year-old who has ambitions in commercial space tourism and owns hospitality properties all over the globe —but the rise of certain 21st-century billionaires in a modern space race may fog the perception people have of someone like Branson. Necker Island, once a flat, scrubby cay bought for $120,000 in the 1970s, is actually something of a testament to his life’s work in sustainability—but equally, it holds a mirror to both the sustainability advancements and issues of our lifetime.

The lush hills, sunken lagoons, and beachfront watersports and pool pavilions at Necker give way to fields of solar panels, three 120-foot wind turbines, and an underground sewage irrigation that grows much of the produce in a garden behind Branson’s private villa (the Virgin CEO lives on the island much of the year). Today, Necker Island is powered by wind (40%), solar (30%), and diesel (30%), with all of its water and electricity processed on-island. It is hoped that Necker will achieve full, daily carbon neutrality in the near future—and produce enough extra power to make other islands in its periphery self-sustaining, too. Perhaps even more impressive, everything here has been rebuilt, first (in part) when the main Great House was leveled by a 2011 fire, and again in 2017 after Hurricane Irma—a storm that devastated much of the British Virgin Islands.

The flamingo lagoons on Necker are also home to native ducks and red ibises

Tennis courts abut the island's beachfront as well as the lemur and parrot enclosures

Branson speaks wearily of those fits and starts when I ask him what's next for Virgin: The island and the broader BVI's recovery had demanded much of his attention the past several years. But now, he said, he can “finally” focus more squarely on his sustainability ventures, and most recently unveiled an initiative dubbed Planetary Guardians . The program unites scientists monitoring global climate change to biannually audit nine key climate change markers across sectors, from biodiversity to water use to chemical pollution.

“Is the world going the right direction, is it not going the right direction, and how much have [we] gone off path?” Branson said in an informal sit-down in his living room. “Because, basically, if you can't monitor these things, you're not going to be able to deal with it, so in the future we need to be very clear how the [markers] are progressing.”

Branson champions tourism as a realm that can and should power conservation—not hinder it. Here on Necker, for instance, the endangered lemurs and giant tortoises that wander the island and attract visitors may seem like something of an ornamental exercise in one man’s ego, but in fact make up a forward-looking effort to repopulate endangered animal populations that could one day go extinct in their original habitats. Branson credits environmentalists, like Rob Stewart of the Sharkwater Foundation that he partnered with to successfully abolish shark finning in the BVI, with challenging him to take on endangered populations and hire wildlife specialists. Today the lemur and tortoise programs on Necker have successfully had both species reproduce on Necker—the only place in the world outside of Madagascar and the Seychelles where the animals breed. The benefit to guests, of course, is running into these majestic creatures all around the island; an encounter with the gentle lemurs—who will eat from your hand and climb atop your shoulder for a ride—really captures the magic of this endeavor.

Around 70 percent of the species living on Necker Island have faced endangerment, including the island's trademark lemurs.

A cautionary tale of how far we’ve come—and can go

While Necker tends to be a place where people love to talk about the past—who’s stayed here (from Princess Diana to the Obamas), how it was built and rebuilt—Branson and his team talk more about the future these days, relieved to be in a phase of onward-and-upward planning toward complete self-sustainability. The challenge is to get to consistent carbon neutrality by harnessing enough wind and solar energy—sometimes a challenge on windless days, and with the current limitations of solar power . Necker has also begun sharing its solutions and resources with partner islands, like nearby Virgin Gorda, through new development that will benefit the entire area. “We're actually talking to the government about putting solar and wind up on Virgin Gorda so that you can then run a cable to other islands to get that clean energy,” Branson says.

Kaitlin Menza

Matt Ortile

Kelsey Glennon

Necker’s origin story goes that Branson could hardly afford the $120,000 island in 1976, but bought it anyway to impress his now-wife, Joan. Today, 48 years later, Branson has been to space , raised billions in non-profit philanthropy , chartered a zero-emissions biofuel plane powered by sugar and waste , and is laying the groundwork for a carbon-neutral future in his very own corner of the Caribbean. The business magnate has come a long way from his first ventures: running a student magazine in England and creating the record label that catapulted the Spice Girls to fame.

But even if you didn’t know about any of those greater-good accomplishments, Necker is something to be marveled at. Its sustainability efforts—alongside his charity work —will no doubt be Branson's swan song. Landing on Necker Island for a few nights is what I imagine is the closest real-world scenario to getting inside Willy Wonka's factory: a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world's greatest minds, personified by a bubble of innovation that offers a sightline into a sustainable future.

Necker Island, which has historically only been available for whole-island buyouts, recently opened to individual bookings. Next year's dates for individual bookings are available here .

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Adventures With Necker Belle - The Private Yacht Of Sir Richard Branson

Feel like cruising around in the Caribbean? There's a variety of islands to visit - the Bahamas , Antigua , St. Lucia, St. Croix or Barbados. And why not Richard Branson's Necker Island? Especially now that the Great House has been reopened and is once again receiving guests, after it burned down in 2011 and was raised anew over the last 18 months.

From Lady Barbaretta to Necker Belle

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Yacht Necker Belle formerly owned by Richard Branson

Let’s discover Necker Belle, Richard Branson’s former luxury yacht!

One of the largest catamarans in the world, awarded in 2010 with the World Superyacht Awards and made of super-light carbon fiber, the Necker Belle catamaran, renamed Bella Vita, was built in 2003 and boasts among its owners the English tycoon Richard Branson , who owned it until 2018 when he sold it for $ 3 million.

Today it is possible to rent this luxurious catamaran weekly, budget permitting, of course, considering the great luxury it offers its customers and the fantastic features onboard, including huge living spaces, tropical-style furnishings, and even a private submarine.

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Who is Richard Branson?

Born in London on July 18, 1950, Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is a well-known British entrepreneur, and founder of the Virgin Group, which today includes over 400 companies including airlines, credit cards, pension associations, communications, and entertainment companies, and even a space travel agency. His assets, according to Forbes data, exceed 4 billion dollars.

Branson recently made headlines especially for his space trip on July 11, 2021, when he formally opened the era of space tourism.

Son of a lawyer and an entrepreneur, as a child Richard had to deal with dyslexia, which evidently did not make his life at school easy. The rumors tell that one of his principals made a sort of prediction about him: he told him that he would go to prison or that he would become a millionaire. A life with no middle ground. The headmaster evidently got it wrong by a few zeroes. In fact, Richard would even become a billionaire.

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The curiosity linked to the name Necker Belle

The name chosen by Branson for his catamaran derives from that of an island located in the Caribbean.

Necker Island is located in the British Virgin Islands north of Virgin Gorda , one of the largest islands in the country, in practice, it is an island of 74 hectares in the middle of the Caribbean Sea: an island surrounded by a turquoise sea, coral reefs and with beautiful sandy beaches.

The island is owned by Virgin, a company headed by Richard Branson, who over the years has diversified its investments by specializing in highly exclusive and luxury tourism.

Necker Island can be rented exclusively for groups of up to 28 people who will share the six Bali Houses, the Richard Branson Temple House, and, until recently, also the cabins of the Necker Belle catamaran.

The Necker Island area was designed to become a private refuge for its guests, a place away from the stress and tensions of everyday life where normal rhythms of life are re-established in the name of total well-being.

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The transformation from Necker Belle into “Bella Vita”

During her last refit, dated 2018, the superyacht Necker Belle underwent a complete restyle in the Azzura shipyard in Australia, which further improved its already important features, bringing it to an exceptional level.

The technicians focused on some structural problems, masterfully solving and making various improvements, strengthening the ship, adding a new hydraulic system to the wheelhouse, and repositioning the helm stations.

A 38-meter-high carbon mast was then added to the catamaran, also redesigning the structure of the mast base.

The interior of the superyacht has also been deeply revisited. The electrical system and wiring were completely replaced, as well as a complete overhaul of the engine room. The furnishings of the cabins and common areas, therefore all the surface materials, are completely new, replaced, or renewed to give new life and a feeling of freshness to the catamaran.

Thanks to this complete refitting, a completely different catamaran were born, more comfortable and modern, which took the name of Bella Vita.

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What are the characteristics of Necker Belle (Bella Vita)?

With a minimum draft of 5.90 feet (1.80 meters), Bella Vita is a unique opportunity to sail in areas where other yachts may be limited by shallow water.

With its 32 meters in length, she is one of the largest sailing catamarans in the world, with built-in carbon fiber to ensure lightness during navigation and therefore high performance and speed. In fact, she reaches 14 knots with the engine while with the help of the sail she can even reach 20 knots.

Bella Vita can accommodate up to ten passengers in its four cabins: a master suite, a cabin with a double bed, and two with single beds, all equipped with flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. A crew of 6 members guarantees the best of stays on board.

The catamaran also houses a large saloon in maple wood and bamboo, creating an exotic and relaxed atmosphere.

For their entertainment, guests can enjoy the various attractions onboard such as the trampoline for diving into the sea or the classic and numerous water toys always available.

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Necker Belle: a catamaran is even equipped with a submarine

If life on the water is not enough for you and all the activities of Bella Vita have tired you, you can board the Necker Nymph and explore the seabed.

Necker Nymph is a 3-person aeronautical submarine that can dive to a depth of 30 meters, navigate underwater and explore ancient wrecks and exotic marine life among vibrant coral reefs.

This underwater “plane” was specially designed for Virgin Limited Edition and takes underwater exploration to a whole new level. Two passengers sit on either side of a trained pilot who will take the submarine to a depth of 30 meters below the surface, allowing you to enjoy a front-row view of spectacular marine life without having to swim with your usual scuba gear. Necker Nymph can travel at speeds of up to 6 knots underwater and dives typically last around two hours.

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36.9m/121’1″ couach yacht for charter arion – last summer 2024 availabilities, myba charter show 2024, monaco grand prix 2024 aboard a yacht.

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Virgin Magnate Richard Branson has recently added a luxury catamaran to his collection of unique hotels. Necker Belle specializes in Whale watching, and every year it follows thousands of whales as they meet at Silver Bank in the Caribbean for the annual mating. During this time, the Whales come to the surface often and are easily seen from the deck.

There is a crew of seven, including a top chef. There is space for up to 12 guests in four cabins, but you might want to sleep on the luxurious upper deck lounge area. There is a diving board straight into the sea for the adventurous, while others might prefer the enclosed swimming areas within the boat. The boat comes with a 12 person fast boat, waterskis, a wakeboard, and diving equipment for 4 divers so you can explore the warm waters of the tropical ocean. Necker Belle boasts its own 3-person aero submarine, which will take you, James Bond-style, on trips underwater.

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PRIVATE YACHT CHARTER

Necker belle sir richard branson's 105-foot luxury catamaran, is available for charter in the caribbean, sailing tailor-made itineraries year round..

Necker Belle has four spacious cabins accommodating up to 8 people (can sleep up to 12 people). At night, the saloon area can be converted into a double bed with a privacy screen for a comfy night’s sleep. The remaining 2 people have the adventure of sleeping outdoors under the stars on the comfy relaxation area located on the upper deck – who wouldn’t want to take advantage of the cool Caribbean sea breezes? All cabins come equipped with a safety deposit box, bottled drinking water, slippers, a luxury bathrobe, plug adapters, iPod docking station, hair dryer, SPF lip balm, Necker Belle cap, and a selection of toiletries.

When you’re not exploring the islands, you’ll find endless watersports, a forward-beam trampoline and myriad ways to relax in sublime comfort. Dine where and how you like on fine cuisine prepared to your prearranged preferences, then settle into your spacious cabin. Whether you prefer formal or informal dining, fine cuisine onboard Necker Belle is a given.

Get a bird’s-eye view from the crow’s nest near the top of the main sailing mast — you’ll feel like you’re flying!

Virtuoso Amenities For 2018:

• Daily breakfast , generally served outside lower aft deck; can also be served in cabins if client wishes
• $100 USD credit on Advanced Provisioning Allowance per charter
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Images courtesy of and ©Necker Belle Private Yacht Charters

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Sir Richard Branson’s newest addition to the Virgin Limited Edition collection, Necker Belle , is a magnificent 32 metre catamaran sailing tailor-made itineraries year round.

SEE MORE: MOST FAMOUS STYLE ICONS OF ALL TIME

“As long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the world’s oceans, and I’ve spent a great deal of time sailing them in all kinds of conditions.  I’m therefore extremely pleased to welcome you to necker belle. as the name implies, the experience on board is not unlike a mobile version of necker island, my home and favourite hideaway. I hope you enjoy sailing her as much as I do ! ”

Sir Richard Branson

SEE MORE: 21 AMAZING SURREAL PLACES ON EARTH

Catamaran Interior:

[…] SEE MORE: RICHARD BRANSON’S NECKER BELLE LUXURY CATAMARAN […]

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Inside Billionaire Richard Branson's Yacht, Now Up For Rent

The 105-foot-long yacht owned by Virgin—the, uh, UK company, that is—mogul Richard Branson is now available for personal charter trips. Necker Belle, as the sailing catamaran is called, is named after the area Branson most oft cruised it: his obscenely giant private isle in the Caribbean called Necker Island. As he writes: "The experience on board is not unlike a mobile version of Necker Island, my home and favourite hideaway." Weekly charter rates start at $110K, which sounds expensive, but consider this: it can accommodate up to 10 guests, so it's really only $11,000 a person. Actually, though, considering the kind of luxury you can get for that much on an island, that seems mighty pricey for a week bobbing at sea. Plus, it's not even the nicest yacht out there.

· Charter Richard Branson's Necker Belle Yacht Before She Sells [Yacht Charter Fleet via tipline]

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Necker Belle sailing yacht was launched in 2003 by CMN Shipyard in France. Previously named Lady Barbaretta, the 32 metre yacht emerged from an extensive two-year refit in 2009, by Australian shipyard Azzura Marine.

Sailing yacht Necker Belle is part of the Virgin Limited Edition – a collection of Richard Branson’s luxury properties, including Sir Richard Branson's 74 acre Necker Island. Necker Belle, one of the world’s largest all-carbon multi hull yachts, can sleep up to eight guests. The master cabin is located starboard with en suite bathroom and large wall-mounted plasma TV. There is also a double guest room and a twin guest room. The light and contemporary saloon can convert into an additional sleeping berth in the evenings, with privacy screen is.

Necker Belle’s top deck is the perfect place for light lunches, whilst aft deck there is plenty of room to host a party of up to 30 people when docked. Necker Belle can reach an impressive top speed of 25 knots under sail.

• Yacht Builder CMN Yachts No profile available
• Naval Architect CMN Yachts No profile available
• Exterior Designer Azzura Marine No profile available
• Interior Designer Azzura Marine No profile available

Yacht Specs

Other cmn yachts, related news.

Richard Branson's Necker Belle in the Caribbean

Sir Richard Branson had specified that he wanted a sailing catamaran that he could return to after a dip in the sea and not have to worry about sandy feet or a wet cossie.

Themed to these specifications, NECKER BELLE, Sir Richard Branson's luxurious 32-metre charter catamaran, was built to recreate a relaxed and cosy, albeit luxurious 'beach house on the water'. 

To that brief, Australian interior designer, Jodie Duddington, created an interior that combines simplicity and practicality, while exuding quality, with all the mod cons its discerning target market could demand. The colour palette pairs blues and cream in soft furnishings, and incorporates bamboo flooring and rock maple wall cladding for a rustic, sun-bleached feel.

Sir Richard describes this luxury charter catamaran, as "a mobile version of Necker Island, my home and favourite hideaway". It is the ideal charter catamaran for exploring the many islands of the Caribbean and the hidden gems that can only be reached by boat. Accommodation on board is for up to 12 charter guests

Being a catamaran, built for "space, grace and pace", NECKER BELLE boasts indoor areas that are light and airy, with uninterrupted views of the tropical paradise beyond from her elevation of two metres above the water line. Under sail, NECKER BELLE is an impressive sight, with her red foresail and sleek profile. Sir Richard promises NECKER BELLE will provide a luxury charter yacht service, along with plenty of fun. Onboard, along with all the modern communications and entertainment facilities you would expect, are an arsenal of watertoys, scuba gear, tender and even an open-air cinema projected on a big screen that unfurls on the aft deck – all the trimmings with the trademark Virgin twist.

Like a mirage in the dazzling azure sea, Necker Island, is a 74-acre (300,000m²) island just north of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands .

Necker Island can only be described as a tropical haven, characterised by what they term "barefoot luxury". Fortunately, as part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of luxury properties, Necker can be yours for a week or longer, exclusively or as part of a lucky handful of guests from all over the globe.

There's no shortage of things to do during the day, from tennis and watersports to day trips to neighbouring islands, and Necker is famous for its vibrant night-life – all tinged with the Caribbean flavour and breathtaking island backdrop which inspired Sir Richard to share his private island with guests.

NECKER Island is in the British Virgin Islands .  As a charter destination, this is where you can escape to sheltered bays, swim from alluring golden beaches, or join in the unique fun and local cuisine at the many waterfront restaurants and bars to be enjoyed as you cruise from island to island. The impressive charter yachts we offer in the British Virgin Islands will cater for your every need while you discover this is an unforgettable part of the world. Contact us about your next charter in the British Virgin Islands today.

Disclaimer: The information about luxury yachts displayed on this page is merely informational and these yachts are not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor are they represented or marketed in anyway by Luxury Charter Group. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and information is displayed in good faith but Luxury Charter Group does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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Virgin Celebrates 50+ Year Legacy with “A Virgin Celebration Voyage” Starring Sir Richard Branson

Extraordinary seven-night voyage features some of virgin’s most influential leaders and history makers..

MIAMI, FL – June 16, 2023  – Virgin Voyages is riding the wave of its newest ship’s inaugural season with a brand first: A Virgin Celebration Voyage . For more than 50 years, Sir Richard Branson has charted the course from land, air, sea & beyond, building one of the world’s most recognizable brands. Setting sail from Athens on Aug. 27, 2023, “A Virgin Celebration Voyage” is poised to be the capstone celebration of the summer, giving Sailors exclusive access to Richard, Virgin company leaders and founding members of influence from across the brand.

Taking a page from the traditional CEO sailings of the past (and tossing the book overboard), this specially curated voyage will be like nothing the brand has ever showcased before. From intimate fireside chats, special performances, culinary explorations and memorable experiences, this voyage will make its mark in Virgin brand history – and in the hearts of the Sailors who come along for the ride. Bringing to life an authentic, behind-the-scenes look into Virgin, this epic getaway aims to break down all of the stuffy corporate barriers and offer a candid look into one of the most ground-breaking, recognizable and respected brands of all time. 

As a special voyage designed with Virgin brand loyalists and Sailing Club members in mind, Virgin Voyages is extending a generous offer to this group. They can snag a Red Hot Savings Offer of 30% off the fare along with some enticing surprises and delights waiting on-board. 

“When we launched our Sailing Club last year, we knew we wanted to offer a unique loyalty program that provided Sailors with irresistible benefits and exclusive access to special brand moments,” said Tom McAplin, CEO, Virgin Voyages . “A Virgin Celebration Voyage is a great example of this and benefits not only our Virgin following, but our incredible Sailing Club members. It’s an exciting time to be a real brand loyalist.”

For more information on Virgin Voyages, or to book your cabin on “A Virgin Celebration Voyage” this August, visit www.virginvoyages.com .

About Virgin Voyages

Set Sail the Virgin Way with Virgin Voyages, the irresistible travel brand founded by Sir Richard Branson. Delivering epic vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021. The brand's four Lady Ships – inspired by 50+ years of Virgin history -- include Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady. Designed for discerning travelers, Virgin Voyages offers relaxing, exclusively adult (18+) sailings. Working with a Creative Collective of the world’s most sought-after designers, performance artists and architects, Virgin Voyages delivers an enchanting boutique hotel at sea with fresh, elevated spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami and Barcelona – and soon to include Athens, San Juan and Melbourne – the fleet offers itineraries to more than 100 awe-inspiring destinations across four continents. Virgin Sailors are spoiled for choice with 20 eateries offering Michelin-star culinary experiences all included, a festival-like line-up of entertainment, stylish and comfortable cabins, Rockstar Quarters, authentic and locally inspired shore excursions, and a dose of Vitamin Sea with well-being naturally intertwined throughout the experience. Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages also puts sustainability front and center.

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Charter Richard Branson's yacht

The british billionaire and virgin group chairman is renting out his ultra-luxe sea retreat -- for $88,000 per week..

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Charter richard branson’s yacht and vacation like a billionaire.

If living the high life on the high seas is your idea of a dream vacation, you’ll be pleased to know you can now charter a yacht that used to belong to billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson — who has a net worth of about $5 billion, two private islands and a company with out-of-this-world aspirations to send tourists to space.

One week aboard this luxury yacht will set you back a cool $70,000, but it’s a week you’re likely to never forget.

Dive In: Richard Branson’s Net Worth Primed to Soar

Branson sold the Necker Belle in 2018 (the name probably comes from his islands; one of them is called Necker Island). It’s now available for charter thanks to Charter World. The boat was built in 2003 and purchased by Branson in 2008. He had a refit done in 2009, and it won a World Superyacht Award for best new refit in 2010. The yacht was refit again in 2018.

What You’ll Get on Richard Branson’s Former Yacht

The boat is made of ultra-light carbon fiber, which helps it travel at 14 knots under power and up to 20 knots under sail. As many as 10 guests can sail on this yacht charter and stay in four air-conditioned luxury cabins, including a master suite, a double cabin and two twin cabins. Each cabin includes its own shower room, as well as a flat-screen TV and iPod docking stations.

For an extra fee, there’s also more fun to be had on the Necker Nymph, an aero submarine with the ability to dive 30 metres deep — allowing you to “live out your James Bond fantasies” and “fly underwater and explore ancient shipwrecks,” according to Charter World’s website.

See: 15 Luxurious Vacation Spots Beloved by the Rich and Famous

Passengers also get access to a professional crew of six and a saloon in the main area, which has room for two more guests in need of an overnight stay.

Do It: Spare No Expense to Vacation at the 17 Best Beaches in the World

Other Yacht Options

If you’re concerned that Branson’s luxury catamaran may not be enough to impress your friends, there are other yacht rentals available on Charter World. You can charter a 272-foot Amels Limited Edition superyacht, which sleeps 12, for €1.2 million ($1.34 million) a week. If you’re in a hurry to get there, don’t worry — there’s a helipad so you can land your helicopter on the deck.

Read: 5 Luxe Hotels You Can Actually Afford

Of course, if you are not as well-heeled as Branson, you might opt for a more wallet-friendly ride, and there are plenty of those to choose from as well. For just $11,500 a week, you can charter the 64-foot catamaran Malisi , which sleeps up to 10 guests in five cabins. Or, charter the Serene motor yacht, which accommodates eight guests and a crew of three. Compared to Richard Branson’s yacht, this boat will get you there faster, with a top speed of 34 knots, and cheaper, at €15,500 ($17,421) a week.

Click through if you can’t quite cover the costs and need tips on how to afford a luxury vacation .

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Charter Richard Branson’s Yacht and Vacation Like a Billionaire

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Hundreds of older Virgin Atlantic cabin crew members say they were unfairly dismissed during the pandemic

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Virgin Atlantic cut thousands of jobs after the pandemic struck in 2020.

More than 200 former cabin crew members are suing the airline, claiming unfair dismissal.

They say older staffers were unfairly targeted while those with little experience were kept on.

Virgin Atlantic is being sued by more than 200 former cabin crew members who say the airline unfairly targeted older staffers for dismissals during the pandemic, The Guardian reported on Sunday .

The airline, founded by the billionaire Richard Branson , cut 3,000 jobs — about a third of its workforce — in May 2020. Virgin Atlantic also retired its Boeing 747 jumbo jets a year early and closed its base at London Gatwick Airport as it tried to avoid bankruptcy.

Some staffers who were made redundant — a UK employment process similar to layoffs but with more legal protections — were then added to what the airline called a "holding pool" to potentially be rehired.

In its 2021 annual report , Virgin Atlantic said it rehired 99 pilots and 724 cabin crew members from the holding pool, "something we had committed to doing as soon as possible in the reorganisation of 2020."

But one of the claims indicates the airline retained about 350 newer cabin crew members, some of whom had as little as one week of training, while it made managers, who were on average 45 years old with 20 years of experience, redundant, The Guardian's report said.

The claims are set to be examined by an employment tribunal in London starting next month. About 150 workers are reportedly being represented by the Cabin Crew Union, another 51 by a law firm, and a further 11 elsewhere.

Susan Mcentegart, a 53-year-old former cabin manager who worked at the airline for 23 years, told The Guardian: "It seemed the world was closing down and losing jobs was inevitable. But the way they went about it seemed unfair."

"I was flabbergasted that I wasn't in the holding pool," she added. "There were people who hadn't even got their wings — after six weeks of training — in the pool, and there seemed to be too many of us of an age that were left out."

Virgin Atlantic said in a statement: "Throughout the redundancy process, we were committed to ensuring all our people were treated fairly and compassionately. To allow as many of our people to return as soon as demand allowed, we introduced a holding pool, which meant that more than 1,000 of our cabin crew returned at their previous level of seniority.

"Where people had to unfortunately leave us, it was for unbiased, objective and lawful reasons, after full consultation with our recognized unions, elected colleague representatives and clear and open continued communication."

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Gonzalo that ripped through St. Maarten last month, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury catamaran ‘Necker Belle’ has been assisting Yacht Aid Global in delivering supplies to locals on the Caribbean island.

It was announced yesterday that Sir Richard Branson’s 32m/105’ sailing catamaran NECKER BELLE is up for sale, meaning now is the time to book a charter on board before a new Owner snaps her up.

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Richard Branson doesn't like being called ‘billionaire'—why that's healthy, leadership expert says

By tom huddleston jr.,cnbc • published may 16, 2024 • updated on may 16, 2024 at 2:35 pm.

Richard Branson doesn't want to be defined by his net worth . Neither should you, according to leadership expert Rohan Verma.

Living a happy, successful life requires types of fulfillment that go beyond how much money you have, says Verma, a San Francisco-based executive coach and former senior executive at LinkedIn. "A part of that is compensation," he says. "But it's not the end all, be all."

Anyone, billionaire or not, should try to make career choices that can foster long-term happiness, Verma says — rather than simply chasing the job that pays the most. One way to think about it: the Japanese concept of "ikigai," which is intended to help people find purpose in a busy and happy life .

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"Ikigai is a conflation of four different things: what you're good at, what you love doing, what the world really needs, and what you can be paid for," Verma explains. You might be able to check one or two of those boxes with your full-time job, and cover the rest with hobbies and passion projects — as long as you're intentional about the way you spend your time.

"The conflation of all four of those things ... may result in a skill which is lucrative, which you want to build expertise and be compensated for, but really, it's aligned to what the world needs," says Verma. "What kind of impact do you want to make? What footprint do you want to leave when you look back? That is a good litmus test."

Money is 'a small sliver of the pie'

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Branson, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $2.5 billion , finds it "quite insulting" when he's described only as a "billionaire," he told CNBC Make It earlier this month. The Virgin Group co-founder would rather be known for the impact of the dozens of businesses he's launched, he added.

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"Maybe in America, 'billionaire' is a sign of success, but that rankles me," said Branson. "I think that your reputation is what you create."

That comment might come across as "aloof" to many people, Verma acknowledges: It's easy to say when you don't have to worry about budgeting or overspending. Plenty of Americans need to prioritize their income when making life choices — it's just one of multiple pieces of the puzzle, he says.

"We may feel like we've connoted some level of success in the corporate world, or in our personal lives, by virtue of our net worth," says Verma. "The problem with that is: It only touches on a small sliver of the pie, in terms of [our] holistic self."

Taking the opposite approach and prioritizing money over all else can lead to bad decisions, he adds.

"It may actually result in you making choices that maximize near-term compensation, and you may forgo longer-term gains in your career," Verma says. "[Like] if you take a highly-paid role, where you're really, really good at a particular skill, but you don't invest in upskilling yourself and building for the future."

A mindset that fosters 'greater buy-in'

Branson's mindset can be difficult to embrace when you're living paycheck-to-paycheck — but it may be particularly valuable for managers, executives and CEOs, says Emily Balcetis, an associate professor of psychology at New York University and author of the book "Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World."

If you prioritize money over everything else, you might attract and hire employees who are focused on that same short-term goal — which could pose a threat to building a strong team that works well together over time.

Branson, on the other hand, has built a reputation of being "motivated by communal and relational goals," says Balcetis.

"He's telling his team that his relationships with people trump financial gain. And those motivations foster greater buy-in from a wider range of people," she says. "He might, in fact, do better at recruiting, retaining, and promoting talent as a result of the innovations of his businesses coupled with his relational approach to management."

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Richard branson adds exclusive safari lodge to virgin limited portfolio.

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The exclusive retreat is tucked away in Africa's only Shetani lava flow.

Sir Richard Branson, renowned for his strategic business moves, is adding a wild new safari experience to his exclusive Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. The award-winning Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya, nestled in Africa's only Shetani lava flow, has officially joined the Virgin family. This addition enhances the unique offerings of Branson's carefully curated collection of resorts and strengthens his presence in Kenya, making Finch Hattons the second property in the country.

Finch Hattons, a jewel in the crown of the Gehlot family's three decades of safari expertise, offers 17 tented suites. Nestled in Africa's only Shetani lava flow, it provides stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and an opportunity to explore the unique Shetani lava flow. This is a destination that beckons anyone with a thirst for an African adventure, coupled with the modern comforts of a luxury safari camp.

"Africa is one of my favorite parts of the world," Branson said. "Each corner offers something entirely unique, surrounded by rich heritage and culture. I'm delighted Finch Hattons and all of the incredible wildlife in the Tsavo National Park will join our Virgin family, and I can't wait to visit soon."

Get up close and personal with wildlife.

The camp joins other African destinations in Virgin Limited Edition's collection, including Mahali Mzuri, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, and Kasbah Tamadot. Together, they showcase Africa's rich landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures.

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James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, added, "Finch Hattons is a family-owned luxury tented safari camp, and I could not be more delighted that our guests will now be able to experience the very best of Kenya in two equally beautiful safari camps, each with its own unique offering."

At the heart of Finch Hattons are family values, community connections, and sustainability, which perfectly align with Virgin Limited Edition's ethos. Leena Gehlot, Managing Partner of Finch Hattons, expressed,

"Finch Hattons is not just a luxury tented safari camp, it is a deeply-rooted part of our entire family and our family group of businesses, KG Group. For over five generations, our family has had firm roots in Kenya, and we are immensely proud of our very special safari camp." This shared commitment to family, community, and sustainability is what makes the addition of Finch Hattons to the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio a perfect match.

Spend your nights in a luxe safari tent.

Bringing Finch Hattons into the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio is a significant step for the Gehlots. "We could not have asked for a better brand that shares the same values as us," Leena Gehlot continued. "Our team looks forward to sharing their local wisdom and culture, as well as our beautiful luxury tented safari camp, to continue creating the incredible individual experiences a Virgin Limited Edition property is known for."

Starting July 1, 2024, Finch Hattons will officially join the Virgin Limited Edition family. Rates start at $796 per person per night, which includes accommodations, all meals and drinks, and activities like game drives, Shetani lava flow excursions, Oldonyo Larami volcano hikes, yoga, nature walks, and return airstrip transfers.

James Bermingham added, "Growth is very much part of our plan for the entire collection over the coming years, and this is just the start as we look to expand our guest choice across the globe. We are privileged to have a very special portfolio, and it's incredibly important to protect this and grow carefully with those that offer the same extraordinary and personal experiences our guests have come to love and expect."

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Richard Branson: Virgin founder’s net worth gets a boost from Virgin Atlantic’s growth

S ir Richard Branson and his company, Virgin Group, are household names in the UK. He’s long held the title of Britain’s most famous entrepreneur and owns more than 400 businesses in everything from space to banking to cruise ships. 

His net worth exceeded £4bn in 2022, making him one of the richest people in the country according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

However, his net worth has now plunged to £2.4bn, which, while flat year-on-year, is still down meaningfully from the £4bn-plus reported for 2022 and the near-£5bn reported for 2017

So, what happened to Richard Branson’s net worth?

What happened to Virgin Group?

Virgin Group capitalised heavily on the rise of SPACs in 2021.

SPACs – or Special Purpose Acquisition vehicles – had their moment in the sun during the super-low interest rate environment that prevailed after the pandemic. Hundreds of companies jumped on the bandwagon, netting huge returns for some investors.

SPACs are effectively shell companies used as props to take over private firms and bring them public. 

These “blank check companies” were a major driving force behind the 2021 IPO boom. They accounted for 61% of US public listings that year. By 2022, SPACs had already dwindled to 8% of new IPOs, leaving hundreds of underperforming acquisitions and liquidated shell companies behind them. 

Virgin used the SPAC boom to take two affiliated companies public, Virgin Orbit and Virgin Galatic. Both were well received by the market.

According to Bloomberg, in 2022, the group invested over a billion dollars in companies listed through these vehicles. These investments, like the rest of the market, have now stumbled. As well as Virgin Orbit and Virgin Galatic, the Virgin Group also had stakes in DNA-testing service 23andMe and the online retailer Grove Collaborative.

Satellite launch service  Virgin Orbit  registered for bankruptcy in 2023, less than 18 months after completing a merger with blank-check firm NextGen. Virgin Group’s stake in the business reached a high valuation of $998m (£800m) in July 2022. 

The value of Virgin Galactic’s stake has also plunged.

According to the Sunday Times Rich List, the value of listed holdings owned by the group has fallen 40 per cent in the past year. The value of each has fallen more than 90 per cent since their respective peaks in 2021.

The value of Richard Branson’s portfolio

Branson’s empire is incredibly diversified: assets like a five-star hotel in Mallorca and airline Virgin Atlantic are doing well, while Virgin Group’s licensing arm is making more money than it did before the pandemic. 

Virgin Group has also launched new divisions in the hotel and cruise-ship sectors.

Thanks to these arms, the group has been able to weather the worst of the stock market slump.

Virgin Atlantic, the group’s eponymous airline, has made a strong recovery from the pandemic over the past few years. Its chief executive, Shai Weiss, forecasts operating profits of more than £200m for 2024. That would be a record for the group.

What’s more, the billionaire is set to receive a £400m payout from the sale of Virgin Money to Nationwide for £2.9bn.

Then there’s the value of Branson’s property portfolio. The Sunday Times Rich List pegs this at £300m. The total includes Branson’s private island Necker and other “ultra-luxury” Virgin Limited Edition retreats, as well as new Virgin Hotels, which are opening around the world.

A Virgin Group spokesperson said: “For more than 50 years, Virgin has built consumer-facing businesses and brands that shake up markets and create a lasting impact.  During the past year, the Virgin Group has achieved significant growth and industry firsts.

“From making history with Virgin Atlantic’s Flight100 – which was the first time 100% SAF has been flown in both engines by a commercial airline across the Atlantic – to launching Virgin Hotels in New York and Edinburgh. Virgin Voyages has also achieved exponential growth in bookings and we have opened our exclusive Virgin Limited Edition Son Bunyola property in Mallorca.

“The Virgin Group continues to strengthen post-pandemic whilst successfully financing its evolving portfolio:  investing in and growing businesses that demonstrate Virgin’s purpose of Changing Business for Good.”

Richard Branson’s empire has gone through decades of ups and downs: ventures like record seller Virgin Megastore, Virgin Cola, Virgin Vodka, Virgin Vie (cosmetics) and Virgin clothing have all failed or been sold only to be replaced by new enterprises. 

Branson’s foray into SPAC-driven investment seems likely to be a similar dip in the cycle. 

Virgin Atlantic forecasts first post-pandemic profit in 2024