Kiwi billionaire sold one of the world’s largest support yachts to a mystery billionaire for $100 million

A New Zealand billionaire recently sold U-81, one of the world’s biggest and most mysterious support yachts to a new owner for a reported $100 million.

The super-sized U-81 measures 80.1 meters (262ft) and was built as a support yacht for billionaire Graeme Hart’s superyacht ‘Here Comes the Sun’. 

U-81 was originally built as an offshore gas and oil platform before being transformed into a support yacht by Damen Yachting. 

However, the yacht is somewhat shrouded in mystery.

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It’s one of the biggest support yachts in the world

Despite the yacht being bigger than some of the most high-end superyachts out there, including Jeff Bezos’ $500M superyacht Koru and this Top Gun-inspired yacht, not much is actually known about U-81.

The former offshore platform was originally snapped up by Kiwi businessman Graeme Hart.

He splashed out on a full – and presumably luxurious – makeover for the vessel before using it as a support yacht for his superyacht. How the other half live, right?

While U-81 has undergone several refits at yards across the world, its exterior is still pretty rugged and utilitarian-looking. 

It’s one of the biggest support yachts in the world, so it has plenty of space for tenders and other water toys.

And the on-deck helipad means the vessel can be easily accessed – if you happen to have a helicopter that is.

Images shot from above the support yacht appear to show that it’s also got its very own basketball court.

It was recently snapped up by a mystery buyer

Powering the beast of a yacht are twin diesel-electric Caterpillar engines that each pump out 1,947 horsepower.

On the water, this power translates to a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of around 12.5 knots. 

As for its interior, well, it’s a bit of a mystery, because images of the inside of the vessel have never been released.

Details of its onboard layout have also been kept strictly under wraps, according to Yacht Buyer – but it does contain four suites and is designed to provide accommodation for up to eight people.

To add to the mystery, the vessel’s recent super-rich buyer is also unknown, but it’s reported they parted with around $100 million to get their hands on U-81.