Octopus, Owned by Paul Allen

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Overview

Octopus is owned by Paul Allen, the co-Founder of Microsoft, and is currently one of the largest privately-owned super yachts in the world. Octopus was delivered to Paul Allen in 2003. At the time she was the world’s largest yacht. Octopus gained additional notoriety for its 2004/2005 New Years bash, in which Paul Allen welcomed the EU commissioner for Trade, Peter Mandelson, as well as celebrity entertainment Johnny Cash and Usher. Octopus has also entertained members of U2, Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, and clothing designer Diane von Furstenberg among other high profile and celebrity guests. Octopus is frequently seen en route and at ports in Barbados, Jamaica, Florida, Greece, Croatia, Norway, and Tahiti, making her popular among yacht spotters. Octopus is said to have cost Paul Allen over $200 million.

Construction

Octopus has a full-time crew of 60, including former Navy Seals. She was designed by the world famous company Espen Oino Naval Architects. German shipbuilders Lürssen and HDW made the exterior. Her hull is made of steel.

Features

Octopus’ features include two helipads on the top deck (one in front and one on the back, each with a helicopter), a sixty-three foot tender docked in the transom, seven boats, a pool on one of the upper decks, a basketball court, and two submarines: one a ground crawler operated by remote control for studying the bottom of the ocean and the other a 10-man vessel with the capacity to sleep eight for up to two weeks underwater. Side hatches at the water line form a dock for jet skis. The interior of the Octopus was designed by American designers Jonathan Quinn Barnett and Christian Grevstad from Seattle.

Owner

Octopus is one of three yachts owned by Paul Allen. Paul Allen is the co-Founder of Microsoft along with Bill Gates. Paul Allen also owns the mega yachts Tatoosh and Méduse.