In the exclusive domain of luxurious maritime engineering, the Madame Gu yacht radiates prestige and splendor. Launched in 2013 by the respected Dutch shipbuilding titan, Feadship, this vessel took four years of meticulous construction to be brought to life. With an impressive length of 99 meters, Madame Gu proudly stands as one of the grandest yachts ever constructed in the Netherlands.
Key Takeaways
Madame Gu’s Unique Features:
- Designed by the reputed Andrew Winch Designs, offering captivating aesthetics and lavish interiors.
- Powered by four MTU 20V diesel engines, allowing for a top speed of 24 knots.
- Contains a fully enclosed helicopter hangar, which can also be used as a squash court.
Ownership Details:
- Andrey Skoch, the billionaire from Russia, is the principal person behind Madame Gu’s ownership.
- Skoch’s wife, Elena Lickhach, officially owns the yacht through her company, Almano Holding.
Monetary Aspects:
- The Madame Gu yacht has an estimated value of $150 million.
- Annual running costs amount to around $15 million.
The Artistic Genius Behind Madame Gu
The iconic design aesthetics of the Madame Gu yacht have been carefully sculpted by the acclaimed Andrew Winch Designs. Both her captivating exterior and sumptuous interior reflect the studio’s signature elegance and finesse. The crowning glory of this yacht’s engineering prowess is her ability to effortlessly reach a top speed of 24 knots, powered by the reliable strength of four MTU 20V diesel engines. Her comfortable cruising speed is a steady 15 knots. As a testament to her exceptional design and performance, Madame Gu was awarded the coveted title of Superyacht of the Year in 2014.
The Crown Jewel: Madame Gu’s Enclosed Helicopter Hangar
Taking luxury to unparalleled heights, Superyacht Madame Gu boasts a fully enclosed helicopter hangar, mirroring the superior features of Ecstasea, another renowned luxury vessel. Showcasing her versatile design, this hangar can be effortlessly transformed into a world-class squash court, offering her guests a unique leisure experience.
Soaring in Style: Madame Gu’s Yacht Helicopter
Adding another layer of opulence, the yacht comes with a notable tender – a Eurocopter Dauphin AS 365N3, registered to Monacair, with the registration number 3A-MGU. Valued at approximately $9 million, this helicopter is a testament to the luxury that the yacht Madame Gu embodies.
Discovering the Mastermind Behind the Madame Gu Yacht
Delving into the ownership of the Madame Gu yacht, the billionaire behind this magnificent vessel is Andrey Skoch. Skoch’s father, Vladimir Skoch, is the beneficiary of a trust that holds a 30% stake in USM Holdings. This holding company boasts diverse assets, including Metalloinvest, one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore and hot-briquetted iron, and Megafon, a leading telecom operator in Russia.
The Mystery Unraveled: True Ownership of the yacht Madame Gu
Although initially contested, investigations by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) confirmed that the Skoch family indeed owns Madame Gu. The purchase contract was initially signed by Castel Shipping, based in Belize, but during construction, the project was sold to Almano Holding on the Cayman Islands. It was revealed that Elena Lickhach, the wife of Skoch, owns Almano Holdings. Therefore, it can be asserted that while Skoch may not own the yacht in his name, his wife does.
Unveiling the Monetary Worth of Madame Gu
M/Y Madame Gu, with her unmatched features and top-tier design, carries an estimated value of $150 million. Her annual running costs stand around $15 million, reflecting the substantial upkeep required for such an exquisite vessel. It’s important to note that the price of a yacht, particularly one of Madame Gu’s caliber, can differ significantly depending on various factors such as size, age, level of luxury, and the technology and materials used in its construction.
Andrey Skoch’s Former Yacht
Mr. Skoch’s maritime passion didn’t start with Madame Gu. Prior to her, he was the owner of the Amels-built motor yacht Gu, which was subsequently renamed Lady Gulya. This magnificent vessel has now been sold and renamed once again, taking on the moniker Astrid Conroy.
Feadship is a Dutch yacht building company, based in Aalsmeer and Kaag, Netherlands. It was founded in 1949 and it is considered one of the most prestigious and exclusive yacht builders in the world. Feadship specializes in building custom-made luxury motor yachts, ranging in size from 40 meters to over 100 meters in length.
Feadship yachts are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and use of advanced technology. The company also offers a wide range of services, including yacht design, engineering, and construction, as well as after-sales support and maintenance.
Feadship yachts are highly sought after by wealthy individuals and celebrities around the world, and the company has built yachts for many high-profile clients.
Feadship is a cooperation between yacht builders De Vries and Van Lent. Notable projects include Anna, SYMPHONY, and Faith.
Andrew Winch Design
Andrew Winch Design is a luxury yacht and aviation design firm based in London, UK. The company was founded by Andrew Winch in 1986 and is known for creating bespoke interiors and exteriors for superyachts, megayachts and private jets. They have a reputation for creating unique and bespoke spaces that reflect the personalities of its clients and their yachts have been widely recognized for their elegant and timeless designs. They have worked with many of the world’s leading yacht builders such as Feadship, Lürssen and Amels and have also worked with leading private jet manufacturers such as Bombardier and Gulfstream. The firm is known for its focus on high-quality materials, attention to detail and a seamless integration of technology into their designs. Notable projects include Dubai, Dilbar, and Excellence.
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