Ayrshire Daily News reader Ian Downie alerted us to the arrival in Troon of a genuine superyacht.
Luxury is an adjective that barely describes this sailing palace.
Ian said “I was having a coffee by the shore at Seafield this afternoon when I saw a large ship sailing north towards Troon. The ship tracking App showed it as a luxury yacht called Kismet. Apparently it will be available for charter in the Mediterranean for upwards of a cool 3 million euros per week.”
Information online shows the 122 metre (400 feet) long Kirsten was launched earlier this year and replaced the previous 95 metre long Kirsten which was built in 2014. The superyacht website cecilwright.com says Kismet “was built by the renowned German shipyard Lürssen with exterior by Nuvolari Lenard and an interior by Reymond Langton Design, KISMET is a symbol of uncompromising luxury and sets a new standard for excellence in the industry.
Accommodating up to 12 guests in 6 cabins, KISMET offers exceptional entertainment amenities, a wide range of culinary experiences from the huge kitchen area and boasts a full suite of water sport toys and tenders.
The ultimate luxury yacht has a dedicated gym and yoga studio which boast opening sea terraces and are complemented by a juice bar for refreshment. It even has a chromotherapy bathtub. Kismet has crew accommodation for between 30 and 40 people.
“KISMET represents the most exclusive luxury yacht charter experience on the planet” says the Cecil Wright company.
Kismet was built by the world renowned German company Lurssen and according to them “highlights include a two-level open-plan entrance area with video walls, a Nemo cinema on the lower deck featuring a 150-inch television and an underwater seating area, and a luxurious 7-star wellness area, among other exquisite features.
Kismet is owned by the American billionaire Shahid Khan. It is believed to have cost $360 million and will cost about $30 million per year to operate. The yacht recently completed sea trials off the coast at Kiel, Germany and Troon is it’s first berth on its first sailing.
Shahid Khan is one of those billionaires whose life story could be turned into a successful film. His rags-to-riches story began in Pakistan, where he was born, and took a decisive turn when he arrived in the U.S. as a teenager.
According Forbes magazine the business tycoon, who is currently worth more than $8 billion, used to work as a dishwasher while attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Years later, he would go on to become the owner of auto parts supplier Flex-N-Gate.
Mr Khan is known today mostly for his ownership of sports clubs. He owns the American football team Jacksonville Jaguars and in 2014 he brought Fulham football club the famous Egyptian born Mohamed Al-Fayed.
Mr Khan became successful as an engineer who designed a one-piece truck bumper. He now also owns several companies in the entertainment industry and has come very far from his early days.
Mr Khan and his very welcome guests are expected to enjoy the Ayrshire sunshine over a long weekend. Perhaps he will take a trip to Glasgow to watch the Old Firm football game today or maybe some guests will enjoy the world class Ayrshire golf courses. It is quite a recognition for Troon harbour owners Associated British Ports that the Kismet has berthed at Troon on its first ever journey.
We doubt the berthing fees will be quite as astronomic as Monaco where Kismet is likely to spend more of its future.
Ayrshire Daily News is very happy to welcome Mr Khan and guests to Ayrshire and hopes that it will be the first of many visits to Scotland.