A Turkish billionaire got rejected by every shipyard in Europe so he built his own to finish this $129,000,000 yacht

This Turkish billionaire was rejected by every shipyard in Europe, so he built his own in order to finish off this $129,000,000 yacht.

Vural Ak, the founder of Intercity, one of Turkey’s largest rental companies, had big ambitions to complete his 279-foot explorer vessel.

However, shipyards across the continent turned away the unfinished hull of the vessel, named Victorious.

Not one to be discouraged, Ak set up his shipyard – AKYACHT – and finished Victorious there.

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How this Turkish billionaire set up his own shipyard to complete his yacht

It was in the Kocaeli Free Trade Zone near Istanbul that this Turkish billionaire set up AKYACHT and finished the work on Victorious.

Over the next few years, a 400-strong team of designers, ship builders, and engineers worked hard to bring the project to fruition.

“Victorious is the result of all these great factors coming together nicely. It was for many involved an invaluable learning experience,” Ak told SuperyachtLife.

Construction began in 2016, and the boat was delivered in 2021, having been delayed somewhat by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

But it sure was worth the wait.

Victorious is very much a real boat – unlike the $4,800,000,000 urban myth.

On the lower deck, guests can lap up the sun in a 200-square-meter beach club or relax in the wellness center.

And what a wellness center it is, with a large pool, two lounge and bar areas, a massage room, and a beauty salon.

The lower floor also includes double and twin cabins.

Five more guest suites are included on the main deck, alongside a movie theater and a VIP suite with a private lounge.

Throughout Victorious are nods to Formula One, as the guest cabins carry the nameplates of famous F1 circuits.

The master suite is called ‘Istanbul Park’, the racetrack that Ak himself owns.

How much would it cost to set sail on Victorious?

Across its 12 suites, 24 guests can sleep on Victorious as it glides through the ocean at a range of 14,000 nautical miles.

Sounds good, right?

Well, prepare to save up, because it would set you back $950,000 a week to charter this vessel.

That’s a whole lot of cash, but you’d definitely be getting your money’s worth.

If there’s one thing we’ve come to expect with superyachts, it’s that they’d be the height of luxury.

After all, there was the one superyacht owner who parked an Aston Martin F1 car on his deck.

And who could forget the $500,000 behemoth that Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos rang in the New Year on?

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