Microsoft co-founder’s megayacht to charter in Antarctica
The 126-metre motor yacht Octopus – commissioned and formerly owned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen – is heading to Antarctica in late 2022 and will be available for charter.
Built by the German shipyard Lürssen, to a design by Espen Øino, Octopus is one of the largest superyachts in the world, with space for 12 guests and a crew of 42. Until her sale in 2021, she was kept incredibly private. Images of her interior were only released to the public after she was added to Camper & Nicholsons‘ charter fleet following the sale.
The swimming pool and jacuzzi are accompanied by multiple bars
Outdoor dining on one of the yacht’s eight decks
This is the first time Octopus has been available for charter, marking the occasion with a two-year round-the-world tour, which began in January this year. So far, the itinerary includes Costa Rica, Panama, and South America and will wrap up with an Antarctica tour in early December.
At the time of her launch in 2003, Octopus was a pioneer, commencing a trend for vessels to be equipped for science, research and true ocean-crossing travel. She sports an ice-class 1A steel hull, allowing her to safely traverse the iceberg-filled seas surrounding the southern-most continent.
Cuverville Island“She’s the perfect yacht to undertake such a voyage,” says Jacqui Lockhart, head of charter marketing Europe for Camper & Nicholsons. “She’s well-equipped to host intrepid charterers off the beaten track with a fully equipped medical suite and dive centre on board – complete with hyperbaric chamber – as well as a submarine and two helipads.”
Octopus also boasts an underwater lounge, an entertainment deck with cinema and spa, a swimming pool with multiple bars, a forward-facing indoor observation deck, and seven tenders.
The master cabin is served by a private lift
One of Octopus‘ bars
A comfortable lounge
The salon comes complete with grand piano and guitar wall
Camper & Nicholsons has designed a seven-day Antarctic tour, departing from King George Island and passing through the Gerlache Strait, taking in sights such as humpback whales, Gentoo penguins and the wreck of the SS Guvernoren.
