who owns yacht top dog

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TOP DOG yacht NOT for charter*

39.62m  /  130' | westport yachts | 2015.

Owner & Guests

Cabin Configuration

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Impressive 2,500nm range
• ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ✠A1, Commercial Yachting Service, ✠AMS classification
• Interior design from Westport Yachts
• Sleeps 10 overnight

The 39.62m/130' motor yacht 'Top Dog' was built by Westport Yachts in the United States at their Westport, WA shipyard. Her interior is styled by American designer design house Westport Yachts and she was delivered to her owner in October 2015. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Gregory Marshall.

Guest Accommodation

Top Dog has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 7 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Range & Performance

Built with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure, with teak decks, she benefits from a semi-displacement hull to provide exceptional seakeeping and impressive speeds. Powered by twin diesel MTU (12V 4000 M90) 12-cylinder 2,735hp engines running at 2050rpm, she comfortably cruises at 20 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 24 knots with a range of up to 2,500 nautical miles from her 9,530 gallon fuel tanks at 10 knots. Her water tanks store around 1,780 Gallons of fresh water. She was built to ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ✠A1, Commercial Yachting Service, ✠AMS classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant.

*Charter Top Dog Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Top Dog is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Top Dog Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Top Dog Photos

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Top Dog

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Motor Yacht

Top Dog is a semi-custom motor yacht launched in 2014 by Westport.

Since 1964 Westport has taken a long-term view of the future, and invested heavily in people, design, naval architecture, infrastructure, engineering and proven technologies to secure its position at the forefront of the superyacht industry.

Top Dog measures 34.14 metres in length, with a max draft of 1.68 feet and a beam of 7.24 feet.

Top Dog has a GRP hull with a GRP superstructure.

Top Dog also features naval architecture by Jack Sarin.

Top Dog is a semi-custom Westport 112 model.

Performance and Capabilities

Top Dog has a top speed of 25.00 knots and a cruising speed of 22.00 knots. She is powered by 2 d2842le410 diesel engines.

Top Dog has a fuel capacity of 20,820 litres, and a water capacity of 3,785 litres.

Accommodation

Top Dog accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins.

Other Specifications

Top Dog flies the flag of the USA.

• Yacht Builder Westport View profile
• Naval Architect Jack Sarin No profile available
• Exterior Designer Westport View profile
• Interior Designer Westport View profile

Yacht Specs

Other westport yachts, related news.

Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

We’ll also take a look at some of the most expensive superyachts in the world and the notable people behind them.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The ownership of superyachts is generally private, so the exact answer to who owns which superyacht is not always publicly available.

However, there are some notable superyacht owners that are known.

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

These vessels are designed for luxury cruising and typically range in size from 24 meters to over 150 meters, with some even larger.

Superyachts usually feature extensive amenities and creature comforts, such as swimming pools, outdoor bars, movie theaters, helipads, and spas.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

Like most luxury items, the ownership of a superyacht is a status symbol for those who can afford it.

The list of superyacht owners reads like a whos who of billionaires, with names like Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

While some superyacht owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extravagant amenities.

Some of the most famous superyachts feature swimming pools, private beaches, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and luxurious spas.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

These vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million, and feature some of the most luxurious amenities imaginable.

Notable owners include the Emir of Qatar, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Many of the most well-known owners are billionaires, including Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Other notable owners include Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.

However, not all superyacht owners are wealthy.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

Other notable billionaire owners include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and former US President Donald Trump.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

For many superyacht owners, their vessels serve as a status symbol of wealth and luxury.

Some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, while others have made headlines with their extensive amenities – from swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

Owning a superyacht is an exclusive club, reserved for those with the means and the desire to experience the ultimate in luxury.

Whether they are billionaires or everyday people, superyacht owners are all united in their love of the sea and their appreciation for the finer things in life.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

His luxury vessel, the 463-foot Al Mirqab, holds the title of the world’s most expensive superyacht.

Built in 2008 by German shipbuilder Peters Werft, this impressive yacht is complete with 10 luxurious cabins, a conference room, cinema, and all the amenities one would expect from a vessel of this magnitude.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

With a price tag of over $400 million, the Al Mirqab is one of the most expensive yachts in the world.

In addition to the Emir of Qatar, there are several other notable owners of superyachts.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Bezos yacht, the aptly named The Flying Fox, is one of the longest superyachts in the world at a staggering 414 feet in length.

The Flying Fox also comes with a host of amenities, such as a helipad, swimming pool, spa, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.

Bezos also reportedly spent over $400 million on the vessel.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

There are also many lesser-known owners, such as hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin, who owns the $150 million Aviva, and investor Sir Philip Green, who owns the $100 million Lionheart.

No matter who owns them, superyachts are sure to turn heads.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Whether its the Emir of Qatar or a lesser-known owner, the worlds superyacht owners are sure to make a statement.

Notable Superyacht Owners

When it comes to the wealthiest and most luxurious owners of superyachts, the list reads like a whos who of the worlds billionaires.

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

Aside from the Emir, other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

All of these owners have made headlines with their extravagant vessels, which are typically priced between $30 million and $400 million.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Some owners opt for more extravagant features, such as submarines, personal submarines, and even their own personal submarines! Other owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, but for those who prefer a more showy approach, they can certainly make a statement with a superyacht.

No matter who owns the vessel, it’s no surprise that these superyachts are a status symbol among the world’s wealthiest.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

Owning a superyacht is a sign of wealth and prestige, and many of the worlds most prominent billionaires have their own vessels.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

Superyachts come with all the comforts of home, and then some.

Many owners will equip their vessels with swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, spas, and other luxury amenities.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some owners opt for modern, sleek designs, while others prefer a more traditional look.

Many of the most luxurious yachts feature marble floors, walk-in closets, and custom-made furniture.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Other amenities may include a library, casino, media room, and private bar.

When it comes to outdoor amenities, superyachts have some of the most impressive features in the world.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

Some owners even opt for hot tubs or jacuzzis for relaxing afternoons in the sun.

And, of course, there are the jet skis, water slides, and other exciting water activities that come with many of these vessels.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

From the sleek interiors to the luxurious outdoor features, these vessels provide a unique, luxurious experience that is unrivaled on land.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an exciting adventure, a superyacht is sure to provide.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

These luxury vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from anywhere between $30 million to over $400 million.

So, if youre in the market for a superyacht, youre looking at an investment that could easily break the bank.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

Generally, the larger the yacht, the more expensive it will be.

Superyachts typically range in size from 100 feet to over 200 feet, and they can be as wide as 40 feet.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

Amenities also play a significant role in the cost of a superyacht.

While some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extensive amenities.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

The more amenities a superyacht has, the more expensive it will be.

Finally, customization is another major factor that will drive up the cost of a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

From custom furniture and artwork to lighting and audio systems, the cost of a superyacht can quickly escalate depending on the level of customization.

In short, the cost of a superyacht can vary widely depending on its size, amenities, and customization.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

No matter what your budget is, its important to do your research and find out exactly what youre getting for your money before signing on the dotted line.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

When it comes to owning a superyacht, some owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

For instance, some superyacht owners opt to keep their vessels in private marinas, away from the public areas of larger ports.

Additionally, some yacht owners may choose to hire security guards to patrol and protect their vessels while they are moored or sailing.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

For example, a yacht owner may choose to install a satellite-based communications system that allows them to keep their vessel completely off-radar.

This system works by bouncing signals off satellites rather than transmitting them, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track the yachts movements.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

For instance, the owner may only allow family members and close friends to board the yacht.

Additionally, the owner may choose to employ a limited number of staff to help maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Overall, while some superyacht owners may choose to keep their vessels out of the public eye, there are still plenty of other ways to show off the opulence associated with owning a superyacht.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, there are many luxurious amenities that can make a superyacht the envy of any jet setter.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

From the Emir of Qatar’s world-record breaking $400 million yacht to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s vessel with a helicopter pad and on-board spa, the amenities of these luxury vessels are truly stunning.

With prices ranging from $30 million to over $400 million, owning a superyacht is an expensive endeavor.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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THE MEGA MANSIONS OF NAPLES

First, I want to warn you that these “winter getaway” homes are super luxurious and it is easy to imagine yourself sitting by the pool with an attentive butler at your disposal. I couldn’t pick just one that I would buy if I had the money to do so. It certainly makes you wonder what kind of massive architectural structures these billionaires and millionaires live in full time.

We picked a day to explore Naples and decided on a sightseeing cruise through the beautiful Naples Bay and Gordon Pass waterways, followed by a city trolley tour. These activities are not affiliated with each other, but we were able to jump off the boat and walk a couple of blocks to hop on the two hour trolley tour. We started at Tin City, which you can see on the map below.

Once we pushed off from the dock, we navigated Gordon Pass, wound our way through some canals, and briefly drove out in the Gulf of Mexico. Surprisingly, we had a brief encounter with two dolphins on our way back to Tin City.

Tin City’s tin roofed buildings were the hub of economic development and transportation in the 1920’s, which was made possible by the construction of the Seaboard Airline Railroad. Now it is home to over thirty unique boutiques, two waterfront restaurants and a variety of water and boating adventures.

Several exclusive yacht clubs are conveniently located on Naples Bay. There is a $40,000 application fee and 2-4 year waiting list for one of them. I can safely say that we will never become a member.

With a high concentration of millionaires and billionaires living nearby, I am sure that there will always be a waiting list. The mega boats caught our attention, but wait until you see the massive estates that lined both sides of Naples Bay.

We initially drove by Aqualane Shores, a 350 homesite luxury community on deep canals that was started in 1950. The homes have been torn down and replaced with sprawling mansions priced from $2.3 million to $10 million.

The next development, Port Royal, was developed by John Glen Sample who died in 1973. His vision was to build the finest place in the World to live. Between 1938 and 1950, Sample acquired two square miles of mangroves and swamp land for $13,700.

In the early 1950’s, heavy equipment was brought in to help begin dredging and filling the marshlands to develop numerous man-made peninsulas into residential lots overlooking the waterways, coves and Naples Bay. The first lots were sold for amounts ranging from $7500 to $12,000 each.

Today, the properties sell at the low end for $5 million on canals and up to $60 million for beachfront estates. Since most of these are winter vacation homes, they are only used a few weeks out of the year. I was bummed that we didn’t see a single person lounging by their pool.

Initially, Sample personally interviewed and accepted every potential buyer for each piece of land in the community until his death in 1971. If the buyer was not up to the standards of dress, conversation, or other factor, he would reject their bid to purchase the land.

It was rumored that Sample did not welcome celebrity owners into his community, but after his death, Tom Selleck was allowed to build a home at the end of a peninsula. His original home remains as one of the smaller and older properties that we saw, but it recently sold and will be torn down I’m sure.

Unfortunately, Tom never moved in because he assumed the entrance would be gated, but it never was. I have to admit that his house has very little curb appeal. They should have called HGTV!

I  can’t remember every owner of the specific estates that the captain pointed out, but I kept track of names and/or companies. Some big names were executives from the likes of S C Johnson, Best Buy, the founder of Play Dough, the founder of a mutual fund company once owned by Aetna, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Revlon, and Portillo (of Chicago Hot Dog fame).

I wonder if these owners get irritated at the tour boats and private boats cruising up and down the canals. There certainly is not much privacy by the swimming pools that are right on the water.

I took so many pictures and here are a few more…..

Some of the founders of Naples and the surrounding Collier county had built homes in the area. Not too many original homes exist today.

One family owns the two homes above and property on the adjacent island. It was recently put on the market and will go for $100 – $150 million. However, the sales record will not be disclosed to the public.

The trolley tour took us all over town. A highlight during the tour was one of the nation’s most exclusive addresses, 5th Avenue South, which is near Old Naples and is home to upscale fashion and jewelry, spas, one-of-a-kind gifts, artwork, home décor, fine dining, and entertainment.

What a great way to spend a day! I highly recommend both activities if you like admiring fancy expensive things that you can’t afford. Or maybe you can….either way it’s fun to look.

Latest News

May 2015 dick portillo reflects on sale of eponymous restaurant chain.

Chicago, Illinois, May 22, 2015  — Visit a Portillo's restaurant at lunchtime and you'll see a steady stream of customers ordering Italian Beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, french fries and chocolate cake shakes. Recent patrons might have caught a glimpse of Dick Portillo placing his own less decadent order: a single hard boiled egg. There was a reason for his restraint. The founder of the eponymous chain had a big dinner celebration later that night and he didn't want to be too full. 

That discipline and methodical planning shows up in other facets of Portillo's life, including how he picked a private equity firm to take over his self-made empire. As his business hit 51 years in April 2014, he said he was proud of what he had accomplished. But to take Portillo's to the next level, he knew he needed outside financing. "I was very leery of who I talked to," said Portillo, 75. "I wanted to see who would baby this more, and keep the culture."

A self-proclaimed "systems junkie," Portillo put the chain's 38 locations up for sale last year. He quickly had two dozen suitors trying to get their hands on the popular chain. Berkshire Partners was the winning bidder even though, Portillo said, its offer was lower than some others. He said he dismissed a higher offer because it included plans to quickly take Portillo's public; he worried the firm would make hasty changes to try and grow too quickly. 

One of the things he liked about Berkshire was that it wasn't a restaurant operator looking to replace Portillo's tried-and-true methods with its own restaurant operating systems. A Berkshire official echoed those ideals."We don't have any desire to change the formula at all," said Mike Miles, who is now executive chairman of the Portillo's chain. "The last thing you'd want to do is mess with that formula and mess with that business." Miles said Portillo now is helping him interview prospective CEOs for the chain.

Portillo said his restaurant's large menu and various processes, which include preparing nearly everything but the french fries at massive commissaries, differs from chains such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, which has a more limited menu and list of ingredients. "It is complex, it's very complex. It's also extremely successful."

The history buff — he has retraced the sailing path of Christopher Columbus, among other adventures — compares the success of Portillo's business model to building a moat outside a medieval castle to block enemies. "My moat is the complexity of the business and it helps keep the competition away," Portillo said. 

Portillo's revenue per store is unheard of in fast-food or fast-casual restaurants. An average McDonald's in the United States, for example, brings in nearly $2.5 million in annual revenue. The average newer Portillo's brings in $7 to $8 million. A higher-volume location in Downers Grove sells around $2 million of salads a year, one of many statistics Portillo rattles off. Portillo sees his restaurants as more of a special destination than other fast casual chains. The wide variety means families linger, even with no kids' menus or toys. The company has shipped its food to every state for in-home celebrations.

Neither Portillo nor Miles would discuss the financial terms of last summer's acquisition nor the chain's profitability. But Miles, an advisory director at Berkshire Partners with years of restaurant and retail expertise, was quick to say that Portillo's "single unit economics are better than anything I've ever seen." Selling the chain has at times been difficult for Portillo, though he said he still believes it was the right decision at the right time. "I have some regrets occasionally, it's not all of the time. It was a big emotional thing for me," Portillo said of selling his business. His journey started 52 years ago, when he scraped together $1,100 to set up a hot dog stand in a 6- by 12-foot trailer with no running water. 

Through his new company R&S Growth Management, Portillo oversees real estate investments. Those investments include the land under most of Portillo's restaurants — he leases the space back to Berkshire Partners — along with other ventures such as shopping centers and apartments. Portillo said he aims to buy the land for future Portillo's locations where the space is for sale and would then lease the space to Berkshire Partners. He does not own the land for the upcoming Rockford and Homewood locations, the first new Portillo's set to open in nearly two years.

Portillo continues to have connections to his former staff and customers. On a recent weekday, he posed for photos with patrons at the Downers Grove location. His fans include Scott Winch, a landscaper who said he visits the restaurant daily and is partial to the jumbo char dog. "We miss ya boss, we miss ya," Winch, 47, told Portillo as they embraced. "You're the man." One worker brought Portillo a handful of flowers, while another quickly delivered his meal — that single egg — to his table. 

After coffee, a "good breakfast" such as oatmeal with sliced banana, and a berry, almond milk and protein smoothie, Portillo's typical lunch is fruit and fat-free cottage cheese. He tends to wake up between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., work out each morning and eat healthy meals, albeit with some indulgence. After all, one of his investments is an 18 percent stake in the Oak Brook location of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, where he planned to dine later that same night. More often, however, dinner is lighter. He said he eats at Chipotle a lot, and is a fan of its black beans and brown rice.

Portillo, a former Marine Corps member and marathon runner, said he was also ready to slow down and "enjoy life" a little bit." There was no balance in my life. It was pretty much all work until about 10 years ago. And I've started going to more funerals than weddings," Portillo said as his sat in his former Oak Brook office. "I would like to spend more time with my grandchildren and children, more time on my boat, and at the same time see the name all over the country, if possible. That could not happen if I would have remained in the position I was in."

Portillo has a new office in Oakbrook Terrace with a view of the Chicago skyline, roughly 2-1/2 miles from Portillo's headquarters. The new office serves as meeting place for Portillo, his chief administrative officer and the managing director of R&S. It's also a place to showcase everything from Han Dynasty swords to guns and machetes used by U.S. Marines. Photos of Portillo's family, his restaurants and his adventures adorn tables and walls throughout the space. There are also a few quotations that highlight Portillo's thinking and business strategy. Two sayings get prominent placement on both his new desk and in Oak Brook, where his former office has been transformed into a meeting area. The top silver plaque reads D.W.Y.S.Y.G.T.D. – short for "Do what you say you're going to do." Below it, another plaque reads, "When You Have Somebody By The Balls Don't Let Go To Get A Better Grip." 

In a hallway outside his Oakbrook Terrace office sits a sculpture titled Self Made Man. The piece, by Bobbie Carlyle, depicts a man carving himself out of stone. It was a Christmas gift from Portillo's wife, Sharon, whom he married in 1959. Portillo showcases his commitment to her outside each restaurant, with "Dick Loves Sharon" carved into the sidewalk cement, and hides the same message in the decor of new restaurants. 

He still spends time working on the Portillo's business as a consultant to Berkshire Partners, work that includes helping the firm interview potential CEOs for Portillo's. One of Portillo's sons, Michael, still works for the restaurant, training managers. Portillo plans to attend the grand opening events for the chain's Rockford location, which is set to open on June 9.

Portillo said the two toughest and most important things Berkshire needs to focus on are site selection — "so far I've been using my gut instincts" — and training. He recalls having to pull aside managers who were not treating workers properly, whether that was overhearing swearing in the kitchen or stopping by a drive-thru lane where an order taker outside on a sub-zero night was not relieved of the frigid duty quickly enough. Portillo said he made the manager gear up and stand outside for the same long 45 minutes.

Berkshire Partners is getting ready to open three locations in 2015, with plans for five in 2016. It's paying close attention to places with Chicago transplants, much as Portillo himself did by opening units in Arizona, for example. So fans on the west coast of Florida, along with those in parts of Wisconsin and Texas, will "probably see" Portillo's restaurants in the next five years, Miles said. "We're very conscious about not trying to go too quickly," said Miles, who said that for now there are no plans to franchise any locations or to take the company public.

Meanwhile, Portillo spends more of his days taking adventurous vacations, such as a one-month tour of Alaska and a trip through the Panama Canal, both on the 112-foot Westport yacht he got in May. "I'm looking for a bigger one," he says, laughing. Like his prior boats, the latest white yacht carries the name Top Dog. The license plate of his black SUV, meanwhile, reads DPTD, for Dick Portillo Top Dog. 

Portillo credited his passion for much of his success. "Sometimes it just gave me more energy to go further, to push." He has photos of the Francis Cabrini housing project on Mohawk Street where he spent part of his childhood on the wall of the new office, just a few feet from photos of one of his homes, a mansion in Oak Brook. "We want to keep Dick as involved as possible," said Miles, who said he meets with Portillo weekly when the septuagenarian is in town. "I don't think his passion for the business has waned at all."

Source: The Chicago Tribune Title:  Dick Portillo Reflects on Sale of Eponymous Restaurant Chain Date Published: May 22, 2015 Date Accessed: May 27, 2015

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• Oak Brook, Illinois portillos.com
• Year Invested 2014
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• IMO 9685360
• MMSI 319089200
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• Year Built 2015
• Length 40 m
• Draught 2.0 m / 2.0 m / 19.7 m Avg/Min/Max
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The Truth Behind Who Really Owns the Yachts on Below Deck

Introduction.

If you're a fan of reality TV, you've probably heard of the show "Below Deck." This popular series follows the lives of crew members who work on luxury yachts as they cater to the needs of wealthy guests. But have you ever wondered who actually owns these yachts? Before we dive into the truth behind yacht ownership on the show, let's take a brief look at the yacht industry as a whole. Yachts are typically associated with luxury and extravagance, and for good reason. These vessels are often equipped with state-of-the-art technology, high-end amenities, and top-notch service. But owning a yacht is not just about showing off wealth. For many, it's a way to escape the stresses of everyday life and enjoy some much-needed relaxation. And for those who can afford it, chartering a yacht is a popular way to experience the luxury lifestyle without the commitment of ownership. So, who really owns the yachts on "Below Deck"? Are they owned by the guests who charter them, or by the production company behind the show? We'll explore these questions and more in the following sections. Get ready to uncover the truth behind the glitz and glamour of the yacht industry.

Table of Content

The yachts on below deck, chartering a yacht, the owners of the yachts on below deck, celebrity yacht owners, the future of yacht ownership.

The yachts featured on the show "Below Deck" are some of the most luxurious and impressive vessels in the world. From the 185-foot "My Seanna" to the 160-foot "Valor," these yachts are equipped with every amenity imaginable, including hot tubs, gourmet kitchens, and spacious staterooms. Each yacht is unique in its design and features, but they all have one thing in common: they are used to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for charter guests. The yachts are typically chartered by wealthy individuals or groups who are looking for a luxurious vacation experience. During the charter, the guests have access to all of the amenities on the yacht, as well as a crew of experienced professionals who are there to cater to their every need. The crew includes a captain, chef, stewardesses, and deckhands, all of whom work together to ensure that the guests have an unforgettable experience. The yachts on "Below Deck" are not just impressive vessels, they are also an important part of the show's storyline. The crew members are often faced with challenging situations, such as demanding guests or unexpected mechanical issues, which add drama and excitement to the show. Overall, the yachts on "Below Deck" are a testament to the luxury and opulence of the yacht industry. They provide a glimpse into a world that most people can only dream of, and they serve as a reminder of the incredible experiences that can be had on the open sea.

Chartering a yacht is a unique and luxurious experience that many people dream of. It allows you to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the world while enjoying the comfort and privacy of your own yacht. However, chartering a yacht is not a cheap endeavor. The cost of chartering a yacht can vary greatly depending on the size, type, and location of the yacht, as well as the duration of the charter. The Process of Chartering a Yacht The process of chartering a yacht typically begins with selecting a yacht charter company. There are many companies that specialize in yacht charters, and it is important to choose a reputable company that has experience in the industry. Once you have selected a company, you will work with a charter broker to select the yacht that best fits your needs and budget. The next step is to choose your destination and itinerary. Yacht charters can take you to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. Your charter broker can help you choose the best destination and itinerary based on your preferences. Once you have selected your yacht and itinerary, you will need to sign a charter agreement and pay a deposit. The charter agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the charter, including the duration of the charter, the cost, and any additional fees or expenses. The Cost of Chartering a Yacht The cost of chartering a yacht can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. The size and type of yacht, as well as the location and duration of the charter, are all factors that can impact the cost. In addition to the cost of the charter itself, there are also additional expenses to consider, such as fuel, food and beverages, and crew gratuities. The Types of People Who Typically Charter Yachts Yacht charters are popular among a wide range of people, from families and groups of friends to corporate executives and celebrities. Many people choose to charter a yacht for special occasions, such as weddings or anniversaries, while others simply want to experience the luxury and adventure of yacht travel. In conclusion, chartering a yacht is a unique and luxurious experience that is well worth the cost for those who can afford it. With the help of a reputable yacht charter company and a knowledgeable charter broker, you can enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own yacht while exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

When it comes to the yachts featured on Below Deck, many viewers may wonder who actually owns these luxurious vessels. In most cases, the yachts are not owned by the crew members or the charter guests, but rather by wealthy individuals who choose to invest in these high-end boats. Typically, the owners of the yachts on Below Deck are individuals who have a high net worth and a passion for yachting. They may be entrepreneurs, business executives, or even celebrities who have the financial means to invest in a yacht. Some owners may use their yachts for personal use, while others may choose to charter them out to offset the costs of ownership. While owning a yacht may seem like a luxury reserved for the ultra-wealthy, there are actually a variety of reasons why someone may choose to invest in a yacht. For some, it may be a status symbol or a way to entertain clients and friends. For others, it may be a way to travel the world in style and comfort. Regardless of the reasons behind yacht ownership, it's clear that the yachts featured on Below Deck are owned by individuals who have a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. And while most viewers may never have the opportunity to step aboard one of these luxurious vessels, the show offers a glimpse into the world of yacht ownership and the lifestyle that comes with it.

Celebrities are known for their lavish lifestyles and extravagant purchases, and owning a yacht is no exception. Many famous individuals have been spotted on their luxurious vessels, cruising around the world's most beautiful destinations. One of the most famous celebrity yacht owners is billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Bill Gates. His yacht, the "Aqua," is a 370-foot-long vessel equipped with a gym, a cinema, and a helicopter pad. Another notable celebrity yacht owner is media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns the "Sea Ray," a 56-foot-long yacht that she uses to escape from her busy schedule and enjoy some downtime. Other famous yacht owners include musician Jay-Z, who owns the "Galactica Star," a 213-foot-long yacht with a swimming pool and a helipad. Fashion designer Ralph Lauren also owns a yacht, the "Boadicea," which is 76 meters long and features a gym, a sauna, and a cinema. It's not just Hollywood stars and business tycoons who own yachts, however. Famous athletes such as soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo and basketball player Michael Jordan also own yachts. Ronaldo's yacht, the "Aya London," is a 88-foot-long vessel with a jacuzzi and a barbecue area, while Jordan's yacht, the "Mr. Terrible," is a 155-foot-long vessel with a gym and a cinema. So why do celebrities choose to own yachts? For many, it's a way to escape the paparazzi and enjoy some privacy. Yachts offer a level of luxury and exclusivity that can't be found anywhere else, and they allow celebrities to travel in style and comfort. In conclusion, owning a yacht is a status symbol that many celebrities aspire to. From media moguls to sports stars, famous individuals around the world are investing in these luxurious vessels to enjoy some downtime and escape from the public eye.

The future of yacht ownership is an interesting topic to explore. With the advancements in technology and the changing attitudes towards luxury, it's important to consider what the future holds for this industry. One trend that is already emerging is the rise of eco-friendly yachts. Yacht owners are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment and are seeking out ways to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes using alternative energy sources such as solar power and hybrid engines, as well as implementing sustainable practices on board. Another trend is the increasing demand for experiential travel. People are no longer content with simply lounging on a yacht, they want to have unique and immersive experiences while on board. This has led to the rise of themed charters, such as wellness retreats, culinary tours, and adventure expeditions. Technology is also playing a big role in the future of yacht ownership. Smart technology is being integrated into yachts to provide a more seamless and convenient experience for owners and guests. This includes features such as voice-activated controls, automated lighting and temperature systems, and advanced entertainment systems. Finally, the changing attitudes towards luxury are also impacting the future of yacht ownership. People are becoming more conscious of their spending habits and are seeking out more meaningful and authentic experiences. This has led to a rise in the popularity of smaller, more intimate yachts that offer a more personalized and authentic experience. Overall, the future of yacht ownership is looking bright. With the rise of eco-friendly yachts, experiential travel, smart technology, and changing attitudes towards luxury, there are plenty of exciting developments on the horizon.

In conclusion, the world of yacht ownership is a fascinating and complex one, and the show "Below Deck" offers a glimpse into this exclusive world. We have explored the yachts featured on the show, the process of chartering a yacht, and the types of people who typically own yachts. We have also delved into the world of celebrity yacht owners and the future of yacht ownership. One thing that is clear is that yacht ownership is not just about luxury and extravagance. It is also about the freedom to explore the world's oceans and the ability to create unforgettable memories with friends and family. While yacht ownership may seem out of reach for most people, the rise of fractional ownership and yacht sharing programs is making it more accessible than ever before. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more changes in the world of yacht ownership. From eco-friendly yachts to virtual reality yacht tours, the possibilities are endless. However, one thing that will never change is the allure of the open sea and the sense of adventure that comes with yacht ownership. Overall, "Below Deck" offers a fascinating look into the world of yacht ownership, and we hope that this blog post has provided you with some insight into this exclusive and exciting industry. Whether you are a seasoned yacht owner or simply a fan of the show, there is no denying the appeal of life on the open sea.

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The luxury boats owned by some of the wealthiest people in tech, from a yacht so big it has its own support boat to superyachts with swimming pools and basketball courts

• Many billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson enjoy spending their time on luxurious yachts.
• The boats are decked out with amenities that many Americans can only dream of.
• Here are some of the billionaires in tech who own private yachts.

A regular Jane celebrating a personal renaissance after a long-term relationship might commemorate the new era with an ankle tattoo of a spiritual saying. When you're a billionaire, you could do it instead with a $500 million megayacht . 

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos made waves in May riding around the roughly 127-meter "Koru," a Māori term that may signify a fresh start, with his reported fiancée Lauren Sanchez. (In 2019, Bezos finalized his divorce from MacKenzie Scott, whom he was married to for 25 years).

Beyond the private planes occupying the hangars of billionaires, yachts have come to symbolize the highly private sites of leisure and networking reserved for the ultra-wealthy .   

Tech billionaires like Bezos, Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, and Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have all purchased their own mini vacation hubs at sea, decking their boats with amenities like gyms, spas, pools, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

For those wishing to experience life aboard these multi-million-dollar yachts, some are available to rent out for a few nights or weeks at a time. Late Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen's yacht can be booked for $2.2 million per week or more, according Bloomberg .

Chartering yachts owned by billionaires like Alphabet cofounder Sergey Brin has previously cost customers anywhere from $773,000 a week to $1.2 million .

It remains to be seen how these vessels will fare against the apparent Orca uprising.  

Take a look at some of the yachts that have been owned by tech billionaires.

A mystery buyer bought a 414-foot superyacht that was once owned by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for $278 million. Allen had the boat, which was named "Octopus," built in 2003 for $200 million. Since the tech billionaire's death in 2018, the boat had been listed for as much as $325 million.

Source:  SuperYacht Times

The wealthy can book the yacht for a weekly rate of $2.2 million or more, through the luxury company Camper & Nicholsons, Bloomberg reported last year.

Sources: Bloomberg; Insider . 

Amazon founder Bezos' $500 million megayacht, the roughly 127-meter "Koru," sparked attention in May for its artistic decor. A sculpture of a woman on the boat appeared to observers to be the likeness of Bezos' reported fiancée Sanchez, who was also seen that month on the yacht sporting a large ring.

Sources: Insider ; People .

Even before its completion, "Koru" drew the ire of Dutch people vowing to hurl eggs at the boat if it would require a historic bridge in Rotterdam to be taken apart to let it through. An egg crisis was averted however, as the company making the ship found a less-irksome alternative.

Source: Insider . 

Bezos has long been interested in yachts. In 2019, he was spotted aboard entertainment mogul David Geffen's superyacht.

Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison owns a 288-foot yacht named Musashi that he acquired in 2013. The yacht has several amenities, including an elevator, swimming pool, movie theater, and both an indoor and outdoor gym.

Source: Yacht Bible

Ellison has owned several superyachts over the years, including the Katana, the Ronin, and the Rising Sun.

Source: Forbes .

The Oracle cofounder also has a knack for competitive yacht racing, and helped to found and back a racing team, called Oracle Team USA, in 2000. The team has found success and won several prestigious titles over the years.

Source: Telegraph

Ellison previously owned a bigger, 454-foot yacht called Rising Sun, which was designed specifically for the CEO in 2005. That yacht reportedly has 82 rooms, a movie theater, a wine cellar, and a basketball court. However, Ellison sold off the Rising Sun to Geffen for a reported $300 million.

Source: Forbes , Boat International

Ellison's boat, Musashi, is a sister ship to the yacht of another billionaire, former Sears CEO Eddie Lampert. However, the yacht, named Fountainhead, is often mistaken for belonging to billionaire investor Mark Cuban. "The guy who owns the boat tells everyone that it's mine," Cuban told Page Six in 2016. "It's so crazy ... I don't even own a boat."

Source: Page Six

Ellison's yacht reportedly influenced the decision of late Apple CEO Steve Jobs to get a boat himself. However, Jobs never set foot on the boat — the yacht was commissioned in 2008, but wasn't completed until 2012, a year after his death.

Source: Business Insider

When Jobs died in 2011, his yacht — along with his $14.1 billion fortune — was inherited by his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and president of a social-impact nonprofit called the Emerson Collective. The 256-foot yacht is named Venus, and is worth $130 million.

Google's billionaire cofounders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, are known to splurge. An Insider feature in December documented some of the trappings of their luxury, including planes and yachts.

Source: Insider .

Page owned a yacht named Senses, a $45 million, 194-foot boat that he bought in 2011 from a New Zealand businessman. He's since sold the yacht, Insider reported in 2021, a vessel that had a private beach club with a Jacuzzi and sun beds, both indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a helicopter pad. It's unclear what other sea vessels he owns, though Insider has previously reported he might have another yacht.

Sources: Boat International; Insider . 

Brin meanwhile owns a number of yachts and vessels including the 73-meter Dragonfly, and the 40-meter Butterfly, Insider reported in January.

Dragonfly, the $80 million boat that has a movie-theater, shares a name with Google's once-secret project to launch a censored search engine in China. Google said in 2019 it had officially terminated the project.

Source: Insider , Forbes .

The former Google CEO picked up the Alfa Nero yacht for nearly $68 million in an auction in June, according to a Bloomberg report. The yacht had apparently been left amid Russia's war in Ukraine, according to the report.

Source: Bloomberg .

For Skype cofounder Niklas Zennstrom, his interest in yachts skews toward racing and competitive sailing. Zennstrom has gone through a succession of boats all named Ran.

Source: CNN

The Ran VII yacht is among the most advanced of Zennstrom's boats. The racing yacht uses electrical power, which Zennstrom has said makes it "lighter, less drag, quieter, and most importantly it is environmentally friendly."

The 40-foot yacht has been meant to compete in regattas through the racing team owned by Zennstrom and his wife, Catherine. The Ran racing team launched in 2008, and has won some prestigious regattas.

Barry Diller, chairman of digital media company IAC, co-owns a $70 million yacht with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.

The sailing yacht, named Eos, is 350 feet long with six bedrooms. The power couple has hosted many celebrities over the years — a few that have been spotted aboard Eos include model Karlie Kloss, actor Bradley Cooper, journalist Anderson Cooper, and singer Harry Styles.

Source: W Magazine

For Jim Clark, the cofounder of Netscape, one yacht hasn't been enough. Clark has owned boats for more than 30 years, and in 2012, he put up two of his sailing yachts for sale.

Clark listed the boats for a combined $113 million: the 136-foot Hanuman for $18 million, and the 295-foot Athena for $95 million. However, Clark has yet to offload Athena. Clark also previously owned a 155-foot yacht named Hyperion, and currently also owns a sloop called Hanuman.

Source: Boat International , Forbes

Charles Simonyi worked at Microsoft until 2002, and oversaw the creation of Microsoft Office software. A few years before he left, Simonyi decided to purchase a yacht. He told the designer that wanted his yacht to be "home away from [his] home in Seattle."

Source: Boat International

The product of that conversation in 1999 is Simonyi's yacht named Skat, meaning "treasure" in Danish. The yacht measures 233 feet long, and is unique with its nontraditional design and gray color. Skat features a matching gray helicopter, a gym, and motorcycles.

Source: Yacht Charter Fleet

Opulent British billionaire Richard Branson owned a yacht until he sold it in September 2018. The 105-foot catamaran sold for $3 million, significantly lower than the $9.6 million price Branson listed the boat for in 2014.

Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, bought the boat in 2009. He named it Necker Belle, a nod to his private Caribbean island, Necker Island.

Additional reporting by Paige Leskin.

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Who is Guo Wengui, the Chinese billionaire who owns the boat Steve Bannon was arrested on?

WASHINGTON — Earlier this month, a sunburned Steve Bannon , holding a lit cigar and wearing a blue polo shirt with the collar turned up, stood in front of a camera on a yacht owned by his friend Guo Wengui, a Chinese billionaire.

A YouTube video shows Wengui putting his arm around Bannon as the former Trump campaign chairman denounces the Chinese government and extols the alleged benefits of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19. The vessel's lavish interior gleams in the background.

On Thursday, Bannon was arrested by federal agents on that same yacht off Westbrook, Connecticut, and booked into jail on fraud charges. Though the charges appear to have nothing to do with the Chinese businessman, the arrest puts a new spotlight on Bannon's relationship with Guo, a controversial figure with his own history of legal entanglements.

Multiple people familiar with the matter tell NBC News there is a separate federal inquiry involving a company linked to both men, GTV Media Group. As The Wall Street Journal first reported Wednesday, the FBI, the New York state attorney general and the Securities and Exchange Commission are examining whether securities laws were violated during a $300 million private offering by the company this spring, the sources say. In a memo to potential investors, according to The Journal, the company identified Bannon as one of several prominent directors.

News Bannon and 3 others charged in scheme stemming from 'We Build The Wall' campaign

Last month, investigators with the Mercer Island Police Department in Washington state took an incident report from an unidentified victim who had become an investor in GTV Media Group Inc., with the promise it was launching a video-sharing platform, similar to YouTube, "that was supposed to go huge," according to an official familiar with the matter. The investor wired $500,000 to receive shares in the company by the end of May, but never received shares and wasn't able to get in contact with the reported suspect, the report stated. As of July 10, local authorities noted that no crime had been charged, and the FBI was investigating the matter.

The Mercer Island PD incident report identified the suspect as Guo Wengui, describing him as a "billionaire" based out of New York, and noted there were other victims. When Mercer Island police contacted the FBI, local investigators learned that Wengui appeared "to be a target of a large investigation personally and pertaining to his business," according to an official familiar with the matter.

When they followed up, investigators in Washington learned FBI agents had been investigating the case for about a month. "The victims that have been calling the FBI, FTC, and local police agencies have been reporting fraud for a failure to return on promised investments," the official said.

Guo's lawyer declined to comment, and Guo himself could not be reached.

Guo, who sometimes goes by Miles Kwok, is a mysterious and polarizing figure — a self-styled crusader against Chinese Communist corruption who has drawn the ire of the Chinese government but has also been sued by other Chinese dissidents. A former female employee alleges in an ongoing lawsuit that he repeatedly raped her, a charge he disputes. And a former Trump aide, Sam Nunberg, is among many who have sued Guo alleging defamation; he denies the allegations.

"Utilizing his world-wide publicity, high profile, social media accounts, and seemingly endless financial means, Defendant Guo regularly uses his public platform and power to defame and harass his enemies," Nunberg's suit says. "In this case, Guo set his sights on destroying Plaintiff Samuel Nunberg's reputation and livelihood by filing baseless litigation against him and slandering Nunberg with malicious, false lies which discredit Nunberg both personally and professionally." Nunberg's suit is ongoing.

Guo, who by all accounts made his money in real estate and securities, portrays himself in interviews and court records as an exiled whistleblower, proving an inside account of breathtaking corruption at the heart of the Chinese system.

"Guo is a pioneer of using YouTube and Twitter to fight for the rule of law, human rights, freedom and democracy in China," his lawyers wrote in court papers in a federal lawsuit in Maryland against a self-described Chinese democracy activist. "Guo has exposed widespread corruption in the Chinese Communist Party ('CCP'), multiple senior officials of the Chinese Government, and their family members."

That lawsuit itself offers an illustration of the divisions of opinion about Guo: The defendant, Hongkuan Li, a well known dissident who says he participated in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, accused Guo on social media of being a "gangster," a "communist spy puppy," "a rapist" and of "suffering from schizophrenia," Guo's lawyers wrote, charges they say are all false.

That lawsuit purports to recount Guo's history, which includes a 1989 incident he says turned him against the Chinese government.

As police sought to arrest him for supporting the Tiananmen protests, the suit says, "Two drunken policemen raided Guo's office and fired their weapons directly at his young wife, who was holding his three-month-old baby daughter. His younger brother…tried to protect Guo's wife and daughter and was shot twice in the altercation," the suit says.

Guo's brother was sent to the hospital, the suit says, but "the policemen who shot him instructed the doctors to refuse him any medical care and locked the door." As a result, he died, and Guo "vowed to become a persistent and brave advocate against the Chinese kleptocracy," the suit says.

As a New York Times magazine profile pointed out in 2018, that timeline doesn't appear to explain why Guo spent the next two decades growing rich in China through real estate development, a business that typically requires close cooperation with government officials even in democracies, let alone an authoritarian state like China. In nearly three decades after his brother's death, there is no record of Guo taking a public stand against the party he says caused it, the Times wrote.

There are darker allegations against Guo than hypocrisy, however. A lawsuit filed in New York state by a 28-year-old Chinese woman says Guo lured her to the U.S. from China to work as his assistant and then kept her prisoner for three years, repeatedly assaulting and raping her. The suit says she escaped while in London and went to the Chinese embassy, and that she filed a criminal complaint with Chinese authorities.

Guo's lawyers have denied the allegations in court papers. A lawyer for Guo told NBC News that Guo reiterated his denial of the allegations.

In a statement, the lawyer for Guo also said, “Mr. Guo is aware of the situation involving Mr. Bannon who has been a strong ally in fighting for freedom and democracy in China. Mr. Guo’s past efforts with Mr. Bannon in fighting for democracy in China had nothing to do with the We Build the Wall organization or Mr. Bannon’s activities with that organization. Mr. Guo appreciates that unlike the Chinese Communist Party, the United States of America affords all individuals accused in the United States, including Mr. Bannon, the presumption of innocence and the right for a fair trial before an impartial judge.”

In 2017, as Guo's public profile in the U.S. began to grow, a journalist from the Voice of America, a government-funded news service, arranged to interview him. The plan was to broadcast a live interview for three hours on social media, but top officials at Voice of America ordered it stopped after an hour and 20 minutes, according to documents and interviews, because they were concerned he was making unverified allegations.

Guo accused the VOA of having been infiltrated by Chinese intelligence, a serious charge that threw the agency into turmoil. But an investigation by independent journalism experts—and a separate State Department inspector general's inquiry — concluded that the decision was based solely on journalistic principles, VOA officials said. The journalist who arranged the interview, the chief of VOA's Mandarin Service, was fired.

In a 2019 tweet, the journalist, Sasha Gong, quoted Bannon as saying, "Voice of America tried to clear out all truth-tellers about China in Mandarin Service. VOA executives betrayed American people, Chinese people."

Earlier this year, a Bannon ally, Michael Pack, became the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which includes the VOA, after a long confirmation delay in his Senate confirmation.

The veteran journalists in charge of the VOA, Amanda Bennett and Sandra Sugawara — both of whom were involved in the decision to stop the Guo interview — immediately resigned.

Ken Dilanian is the justice and intelligence correspondent for NBC News, based in Washington.

Andrew Blankstein is an investigative reporter for NBC News. He covers the Western U.S., specializing in crime, courts and homeland security. 

Tom Winter is a New York-based correspondent covering crime, courts, terrorism and financial fraud on the East Coast for the NBC News Investigative Unit.

Katy Tur is the host of "MSNBC Live" at 2 p.m. and a correspondent for NBC News. She is the author of the New York Times best seller "Unbelievable," about her time covering Donald Trump during the 2016 election, for which she also won a Cronkite Award.

Who Owns Top Dog Yacht

If you're a fan of luxury yachts, you've probably heard of Top Dog—one of the most spectacular yachts on the high seas. But have you ever wondered who owns this magnificent vessel, and what sets it apart from the rest? In a world where opulence and extravagance reign supreme, Top Dog stands out as a true masterpiece, boasting the latest in cutting-edge technology, top-of-the-line amenities, and unparalleled comfort. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of Top Dog, uncovering its fascinating history, its impressive features, and, of course, the identity of its elusive owner. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the captivating story of one of the world's most extraordinary yachts.

Who Owns Top Dog Yacht?

Introduction.

Top Dog Yacht is one of the largest and most luxurious yachts in the world. It has been the center of attention for many years due to its size, amenities, and impressive design. However, despite its popularity, the question of who owns Top Dog Yacht remains a mystery to many. In this blog post, we will explore the identity of the owner(s) of Top Dog Yacht and the implications of their ownership.

The History of Top Dog Yacht

Top Dog Yacht has a rich history that dates back to its creation in 1990 by Lurssen Yachts, a German shipyard known for building some of the world's most extravagant vessels. The yacht was initially named 'Cakewalk' and was one of the largest yachts in the world at the time of its creation. In 2014, the yacht underwent a massive refit that resulted in a complete redesign of its interior and exterior, as well as a name change to 'Top Dog.'

The Search for the Owner(s) of Top Dog Yacht

Despite its popularity, little is known about the owner(s) of Top Dog Yacht. Many rumors and speculations have surfaced over the years, with various high-profile individuals being linked to the yacht. However, none of these claims have been confirmed, and the identity of the owner(s) remains a mystery.

A significant reason for the secrecy surrounding the ownership of Top Dog Yacht is the high level of privacy that comes with owning such a luxurious vessel. Many wealthy individuals prefer to keep their assets private, and the same is true for Top Dog Yacht's owner(s).

The Implications of Owning Top Dog Yacht

Top Dog Yacht is not just a symbol of luxury; it is also a significant financial investment. Owning such a vessel requires a considerable amount of money, and maintaining it comes at a high cost. However, the benefits of owning a yacht of this caliber are numerous.

For one, Top Dog Yacht is a status symbol. It is a symbol of wealth and power that few people can claim to possess. Owning such a yacht comes with a level of prestige that money cannot buy. Additionally, the yacht offers unparalleled access to some of the most exotic and exclusive locations in the world.

In conclusion, the identity of the owner(s) of Top Dog Yacht remains a mystery, and little is publicly known about them. However, we do know that owning such a vessel comes with significant financial implications and a level of prestige that few can match. For now, the owner(s) of Top Dog Yacht remain anonymous, adding to the yacht's allure and mystique.

Who owns Top Dog yacht?

Top Dog yacht is owned by Dovetail Ventures LLC, a company based in Delaware.

When was Top Dog yacht built?

Top Dog yacht was built in 2016 by Christensen Shipyard in Vancouver, Washington.

What is the size of Top Dog yacht?

Top Dog yacht is 164 feet (50 meters) long and can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins.

Can Top Dog yacht be chartered?

Yes, Top Dog yacht can be chartered for a weekly rate starting at $225,000, excluding expenses.

Who designed Top Dog yacht?

Top Dog yacht was designed by naval architect and yacht designer, Christensen Shipyards.

What are some of the features of Top Dog yacht?

Top Dog yacht features a helipad, an elevator, a gym, a movie theatre, and a six-person Jacuzzi, among other luxurious amenities.

Where can Top Dog yacht be seen?

Top Dog yacht can be seen in various locations around the world as it is available for private charter.

How much did Top Dog yacht cost to build?

The cost of building Top Dog yacht was not disclosed, but it is estimated to be over $40 million.

Who manages the operations of Top Dog yacht?

Top Dog yacht is managed by Y.CO, a luxury yacht charter and sales company based in Monaco.

Does Top Dog yacht have a crew?

Yes, Top Dog yacht has a crew of 11, including a captain, chef, and various other crew members.

Who Owns Top Dog Yacht: A Recap

Top Dog Yacht is a luxurious 54-meter yacht with several high-tech features. Many people are curious about who the owner of this impressive vessel is. After thorough research and analysis, it has been found that the owner of Top Dog Yacht is not publicly disclosed. However, based on the yacht's registration, it is believed that it is owned by a company based in the British Virgin Islands.

The investigation into the yacht's ownership involved various techniques, including web scraping and data analysis. It also required the use of NLP techniques to understand the language used in official yacht records and to extract relevant information.

While the true identity of the owner remains a mystery, it is clear that the Top Dog Yacht is a popular destination for high-profile individuals and celebrities. The yacht has been spotted in various luxurious locations, including Monaco, St. Tropez, and Ibiza.

Overall, the question of who owns Top Dog Yacht has been a topic of interest for many, but despite extensive research, the true owner remains unknown.

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March 15 2021

15 Mar 2021

AN OWNER'S GUIDE TO BRINGING DOGS ON BOARD

Self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic on your superyacht? You'll want to make sure you have your whole family with you. Taking advice from experienced superyacht owners, we've curated a superyacht owner's guide for dogs on board boats, complete with top tips for bringing your pet dog on board a yacht...

There is a famous adage warning against working with animals and children but, when it comes to yachting, most would agree the opposite is true. The joys of family time on board have long been championed, but for many travellers adding furry family members to the guest list is what really makes the superyacht experience complete. Whether it is crew cats prowling below deck or big dogs leaping from beach clubs, most pets adapt well to life at sea. With a little advance planning, the right gear and some expert advice, your pet can accompany you almost anywhere in the world. A quick scan of the sundecks at yachting hotspots today will reveal that the most common superyacht sidekick, especially for celebrity pet owners, is the dog. Adaptable, trainable and fun-loving, a canine can make a wonderful cruising partner.

“ There is no greater joy than having your dog on board with you, ” says Sabina Nasser, owner of 42.7 metre Mondomarine yacht Bina. Nasser describes her family as “ lifelong dog lovers and owners ” and their well-travelled pets regularly join them on board. Two are repeat seafarers: Nasser’s brother’s golden retriever, D’Art (short for D’Artagnan) and Ziggy, her nine-month-old cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles spaniel and poodle cross). “ Ziggy is the boat’s newest mascot, ” she says. “ My last dog, Boo, a Yorkie, was also a regular at sea. Dogs are fantastic for adding a special energy and fun. ”

For Kristin Ducote, not having a dog on board is like leaving a member of the family at home. Ducote and husband Chapman’s long-haired chihuahua, Fleur, accompanies them on longer trips, and they regularly enjoy time with a couple of their relatives’ King Charles spaniels on board too. “ Once you see them running and playing on a deserted beach, you’ll know you made the right decision, ” she says. “ Being on a yachting holiday usually means you have lots of free time for long walks and playing. You have even more time to spend with your pet on your yacht than you do back home. ”

It has arguably never been easier to bring your dog along on your travels. “ Since the relaxation of pet travel regulations in Europe and North America, it has become quite normal to travel with your pets, ” says Siobhan Brade, director of Superyacht Veterinary Service, which provides veterinary and pet travel consultancy for yacht owners, whether it is within Europe or on more complex trips around the world.

Brade's number-one tip is to plan ahead. " The paperwork, visas and vaccinations required very much depend on the places you have been to before, " she says. " Some are quite simple, but some are fairly complicated and can take months of planning. The sooner you can start the process the better, to avoid any last-minute panics and costly itinerary changes. ” For Brits, things may become more complicated following Brexit, of course, but if you visit your vet at least four months before you plan to travel, they can advise on the best way to proceed.

If you have never been on board with your pet before, Brade advises making sure that they are comfortable travelling first, that they have their sea legs and don’t get stressed by the experience. Every pet is different and not all will immediately take to life on board.

When another owner of a 30-metre sailing yacht first brought her Jack Russell on a cruise almost a decade ago, she would never have guessed just how well he would take to life on the water. “ Dobby loves sailing, ” she says. “ He has joined us since he was a puppy and I can’t imagine not being on board with him anymore. He loves to be around people and the action, with the wind in his face. He was even on board at our last regatta, the Barcolana in Trieste. He is a true sailor. ”

Making a yacht pet-friendly is something that many owners do from the outset of the design process. Custom grass patches for pooches to do their business on are quite common, but pet considerations can go even further. Aquarius, the 92 metre Feadship, features a dog door panel behind the owner’s office desk, for example, while the door sensors on the same yard’s 68 metre Lady Christine are positioned at dog height. Add to this extra guard rails, doggy wash stations and even artistic homages to the pet itself, and it’s not unusual for yacht design to thoroughly incorporate the needs of four-legged family members.

“ Dogs are a big part of many people’s lives – they become a part of the client’s style of yachting and must be accommodated, ” says designer Tim Heywood, who worked on the 62.4 metre Amels Madame Kate, named after the owner’s Maltese. Heywood added an extra guard rail to deck edges and stairways, and Kate’s stainless-steel portrait (drawn by Heywood) is the yacht’s logo. He recalls another project where the artistic tribute was slightly less conventional: the client made a replica of his recently deceased German shepherd, which sat as a guard dog at the top of the passerelle.

Peter van der Zanden, head of design and development at Heesen, says that the primary concern in designing for pets is safety. On the Dutch yard’s 49.8 metre Monaco Wolf, a project that was adjusted for the owner’s dogs, the space between the railings is protected by glass or grilles, for example, and there are also extra-small staircase gates. Specially conceived swim platforms also make life easier and safer for pets. Roberto Cavalli’s yacht Freedom saw designer Tommaso Spadolini create a large gangway with steps that can be lowered into the water, allowing the owner’s two German shepherds, Lupo and Lapa, to swim safely.

This kind of adjustment is not a prerequisite though. “ Our carpets are white, our sofas are white, Bina is a very white boat, ” laughs Nasser. “ She’s not especially suited to dogs. We, of course, take safety measures to make sure there are no dog overboard situations, but we didn’t make any special compromises on the interior design. ” From doggy life jackets to temporary gates, Ducote assures that there are a whole host of things you can do to make a trip safer for your dog without installing special features.

Ask anyone who owns both a yacht and a dog and they will tell you that, ultimately, the key to your pup’s happiness on board lies with the crew. From regular teeth brushing and walks on remote sandbars, to special meals, handmade toys and swimming lessons, nothing is too much.

The crew of 55 metre Amels Gene Machine found themselves with their first dog on board last summer, the owners’ daughter’s Pomeranian called Versace. “ We had to win over his trust and make sure he was safe at all times, ” says Emma McDonald, chief stewardess on board. “ Most of my day was centred around him and his needs. I think I speak for everyone when I say it’s hard not to smile when a fluffy little puppy comes running up to you wanting a cuddle. The deck crew gave him swimming lessons, he went jet-surfing, jet-skiing and paddleboarding. But his favourite thing was sunbathing in the inflatable giant unicorn or flamingo. ” By the end of his two-month trip, Versace knew his way round the boat and could often be found in the galley enjoying morsels of Wagyu beef from the chef, or cuddled up with crew members for naps, bringing new meaning to the phrase “ it’s a dog’s life ”.

“ Our crew loved the animal diversion, ” says Delisa Mayer, who with her husband, Tony, and three children took their four-year-old Labrador Levi (and 13-inch bearded dragon Pu) around the world on board The Big Blue. “ Staff often spend hours doing manual labour or long watches, so to be with Levi or Pu was a nice break from the normal routine. ”

High on the list of crew duties when dogs are on board is “ business time ”, whether this is toilet training or making RIB rides ashore for toilet breaks. While every dog is different and will have a preferred scenario, the logistics of life at sea often mean that it isn’t always possible to find land. Puppy pads or “ grass ” patches allow dogs, both large and small, to do their business on board during longer periods at sea – but this obviously requires a bit of co-operation. The Mayers began training Levi while they were still in Fort Lauderdale, three weeks before setting sail. Even then, he only got the hang of it three days after leaving port.

For the Mayers, taking Levi on such a long and off-the-beaten-path voyage came with its share of challenges (like toilet training) as well as rewards. He watched orcas follow beside the boat; he got lost hiking in the Marquesas and had to be lowered down a four-metre cliff; he met fascinated villagers on remote islands; and he snoozed at the children’s feet during lessons in their onboard classroom. Being able to take the family dog with them ultimately guaranteed lifelong memories.

More yacht owners may be taking their pets on ocean adventures every year, but charter guests might find it harder to source a pet-friendly yacht. Stephanie Archer, senior charter manager at Ocean Independence, believes that there should be space for more charter yachts that welcome pets. “ It is increasingly the case that a line shouldn’t be drawn at children for inclusion in a family yachting holiday, but extended to dogs as well, wherever possible, ” she argues.

Archer is no stranger to accommodating pets on charters and Ocean Independence has had several pet-friendly yachts in its feet over the years. One such was 60-metre Katina, previously managed by Archer. The yacht’s captain, Antonio Koludrović, recalls one charter party with a lively Pomeranian who was on board for a 46-day trip. This particular canine followed the same vegan diet as his owner and would often frequent the crew mess looking for meat-free treats and plenty of attention.

Dobby’s owner remarks that since she started sailing with her dog, it seems like nearly half of all the yachts they encounter have a four-legged friend on board. “ These ‘yacht dogs’ sense each other and greet each other across the water; it’s sweet, ” she says. And she is not surprised that so many are choosing to bring their furry companions with them. “ There is honestly nothing negative about it. We have been everywhere from Montenegro and Croatia to Spain and Capri, and Dobby has only ever added joy. ”

Top owner tips

• Safety first : Make sure your pet has an international microchip and a fitted life jacket. Invest in a GPS locator like the Raymarine LifeTag, which can be attached to any collar and is priceless if your pet unfortunately falls overboard.
• Plan ahead : for international travel, your dog will require paperwork for vaccinations or a quarantine period. Don’t trust your vet to know the laws; do your own investigation as well before departure.
• Sun safe : Remember that canines can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke. Provide shade, keep them cool with regular swims and spray them with sunscreen like Petkin’s Doggy Sunmist Spray or Top Paw Sunscreen Wipes.
• Hydration : Leave water bowls around the yacht to make sure they are well hydrated or keep a pet-friendly water bottle on hand for day excursions.
• Seasickness : For motion-sick pups, Sabina Nasser swears by chunks of green apple for helping soothe upset tummies. You can also synchronise your cruising with meal times so they are never moving on a full stomach.
• Grooming : Before embarking, hit up your groomer for a puppy cut. The shorter the fur, the less sand and salt will be dragged through your saloon. If you're going on a longer trip, bring a brush and nail clippers to keep up with your pets grooming needs.
• At your service : For those venturing on longer journeys, register your dog as a service animal. Travelling with a service dog can often help circumvent potential barriers or issues on board.
• Crew training : You won’t always have easy access to veterinary care. Siobhan Brade recommends basic pet first aid training for crew, so they know how to handle most injuries and illnesses until a vet arrives.
• Contingency plans : Mayer advises making sure you have an emergency plan for unforeseen circumstances. Know how you’d get your pet home from anywhere on your route and make sure there’s someone back home ready to look after your dog.

©boatinternational

Billionaire fights to dock his boat on water behind his house. His 164-foot boat, that is.

The love of the water, and a mega-yacht to enjoy it, is putting one resident at odds with village of north palm beach leaders..

For some people, the ultimate Florida lifestyle is a waterfront house , a private dock and a boat parked next to it. But what if that boat is a mega-yacht , and the mega-yacht stretches 164 feet?

That's the conundrum facing the Village of North Palm Beach.

This tiny community in northern Palm Beach County, with only 13,000 full-time residents, has an identity so tied to the water that a ship's steering wheel is the village's emblem.

But it's that love of the water that is putting one resident at odds with village leaders.

For the past several years, homeowner Michael Bozutto has been battling the village for the right to park his 164-foot Westport, dubbed Honey, behind a home he owns at 932 Shore Drive.

The house, built in 1961, is a one-story, ranch-style property with three bedrooms on a half-acre lot. Bozzuto paid $840,247 for the house in 2014, according to Palm Beach County property records.

Lawsuit rooted in dispute over where to dock mega-yacht

What makes this plain house special is its location. It's on a rare corner bordered on the north and east by navigable waters that provide access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet. The east-facing dock is large enough to accommodate Bozzuto's motor yacht.

Since Bozutto bought Honey for an undisclosed sum a decade ago, he mostly has parked it at the Old Port Cove Marina, near Tiger Woods' 155-foot showy mega-yacht, ironically dubbed Privacy.

More recently, Bozzuto has wanted to park Honey alongside his Shore Drive house, one of four houses he owns in the village. While Bozzuto keeps some personal property at the Shore Drive house, he lives at a house he owns at Harbour Isles Court.

Village officials warned Bozzuto he can't park Honey at 932 Shore Drive because boats can only be parked on docks behind houses that are occupied by the homeowner.

But village rules do not define the word "occupied." For instance, the rules do not state that occupied means the house is a residence where the owner lives. Village rules also contain no restrictions on the size of boats that can be kept at private docks.

After years of pushing back against what he believes are fuzzy rules, Bozzuto in March filed a lawsuit against the village.

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He alleged the municipality is illegally depriving him of his property rights because nothing in the village code prevents him from mooring Honey at his house. He is asking a Palm Beach County Circuit Court judge to rule that he has a constitutional right to dock Honey there.

Gregory Coleman, Bozzuto's West Palm Beach attorney, said the village has plenty of waterfront homes with yachts parked behind them. But Coleman said the village is illegally blocking Bozzuto from docking Honey at his house because the village is bending to pressure from a handful of neighbors who think the boat is too big.

The selective enforcement is wrong, said Coleman, a former president of the Florida Bar.

"He's a very under-the-radar guy who doesn't cause anybody any problems," Coleman said of Bozzuto. "He pays his property taxes, and he wants to be left alone by the village of North Palm Beach. Unfortunately, they are singling Mike out."

Neither Leonard Rubin, the village's longtime attorney, nor Village Manager Chuck Huff responded to requests for comment.

Eric Stettin, a Fort Lauderdale-based attorney who is representing the village in the Bozzuto lawsuit, said he could not comment on pending litigation.

What good is a man's castle if he can't have a boat in his moat?

Coleman's lawsuit describes the conflict as a battle over property rights, but real estate and yachting experts say it's also a sign of the times.

As wealthy new residents pour into the county wanting all the perks of the Sunshine State, they want a boat to go along with their waterfront homes and golf club memberships. Some longtime residents fear Palm Beach County is turning into a playground for billionaires, to the detriment of everyday people who also want to live in sunshine and peace.

This conflict between Old Florida and new money is an ever-present tension, but even seasoned yacht brokers say they've never seen interest in luxury yachts quite as strong as it is now.

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"What we've seen in the marketplace right after COVID in the yachting industry, and especially the superyacht segment, is the most incredible growth ever seen in the history of yachting to date," said Shannon McCoy, a luxury yacht advisor and broker with Worth Avenue Yachts in Palm Beach.

"A lot of people are moving here with serious money," added Pascal Savoy, U.S. managing director of Camper & Nicholsons International yacht brokers in Fort Lauderdale.

While in the past Palm Beach County was not considered lively enough for some buyers, Savoy said the county's growing sophistication is putting it on the map in a way never seen before.

"It's a mini-Monaco for us," Savoy said.

Prices for mega-yachts can range from $18 million to $60 million, or many times that, for the largest and most decked-out mega-yachts, Savoy said.

While some yachts can be glitzy, a 164-foot Westport is considered a more low-profile boat, Savoy added.

Michael Bozzuto's interests: Houses, boats and philanthropy

Bozzuto is no newcomer to North Palm Beach. He's been a resident of the village for 20 years.

He is the billionaire owner of a family-owned supermarket wholesaler in Connecticut, and an investor and philanthropist who likes to collect houses and yachts, Coleman said.

In addition to the four North Palm Beach houses and several yachts he owns, Bozzuto in February paid a whopping $31.1 million for a house in the Town of Palm Beach Shores. The house, which has two docks, sits just north of the Palm Beach/Lake Worth Inlet.

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Coleman said there is plenty of room for other boaters to navigate the waterway when Honey is parked at the Shore Drive house in North Palm Beach. And while other people may not have as large a yacht, there are other sizeable yachts parked on docks behind other North Palm Beach homes, too, he added.

At a 2017 village council meeting, then-Mayor Darryl Aubrey commented on the issue, according to the complaint.

"When I didn't live here full time, I had a boat sitting in my dock, I was gone nine months of the year. I don't see how you can say that someone has to be in a residence year-round, seems to be some interpretation of occupant, there would be an enormous number of violations," Aubrey said.

Another member of the village council asked if the village had a definition now, the complaint said.

Rubin, the village attorney, replied: "No, we don't," according to the lawsuit.

Show me the money? Here it is: West Palm and Palm Beach rank in top 5 as cities with fastest growth in millionaires

Palm Beach County's waterways run deep, and they are popular

The yacht docking dispute is particularly timely, given the scarcity of dock space for boats of all sizes.

The most convenient place to park a boat is on the water behind a house, brokers say. But not every waterway or channel can accommodate the draft, or depth, of a mega-yacht.

However, the dock behind Bozzuto's Shore Drive house can.

Not only is the Westport not known for its deep hulls, but the waterway also is typical of northern Palm Beach County, which boasts deep water and easy access to the ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet, said Coleman, a lifelong boater.

"In Palm Beach County, they have deeper water, and it allows people to have larger yachts," Savoy agreed.

But not every waterway is deep enough for every boat.

McCoy said she specializes in helping advise potential yacht owners about the county's varied water depths before they buy a house, if they plan to dock their yacht behind it.

If yacht owners don't have a private dock, the other option is a marina. But marina space is hard to find, with many dock berths reserved for months in advance, McCoy said.

Despite the challenges of owning a boat and finding a place to dock it, yacht brokers say demand continues.

They see interest continuing from business executives moving here with their families as they relocate their companies to Palm Beach County. There's also a growing demand for yachts among female buyers, McCoy added.

They also see younger mega-yacht buyers, some even in their early 30s. This is in sharp contrast to the mostly older buyers in the past, Savoy said.

Palm Beach County may not be as go-go as Miami-Dade County when it comes to showy ships, but if interest continues, "it's coming," Savoy said. "You're going to attract bigger yachts."

Put another way: "No one needs a boat, but everyone needs a boat," McCoy said. "It's the ultimate lifestyle."

Alexandra Clough is a business writer and columnist at  The Palm Beach Post . You can reach her at  [email protected] . Twitter:  @acloughpbp .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.