In a seascape dominated by the gleaming hulls of yachts, the AK Royalty stands as a beacon of opulence with its resplendent gold exterior. Originally christened Plus Too, this 136-foot Palmer Johnson superyacht, boasting a shallow draft and an inclination for speed, underwent a transformative refit in 2022 under the ownership of Australian-born Aaron Fidler. Now graced with a golden facade reminiscent of Fidler’s Lamborghini, the AK Royalty has become a striking presence in the maritime realm, moored in Dubai—a city where the allure of day sails in the Arabian Gulf and extended charters to Oman is steadily growing.
Fidler’s journey with AK Royalty began with a dream nurtured over years spent circumnavigating the globe as a chief engineer. When the superyacht became available for acquisition, Fidler seized the opportunity, and the vessel was subsequently transported from France to Dubai. Over the course of a year, the yacht underwent a comprehensive remodel, aligning the exterior’s eye-catching allure with a commitment to guest-centric interiors.
While the exterior radiates extravagance, featuring a meticulous gold paint job infused with 24-karat gold dust, the interior is designed to provide a seamless and engaging experience for guests. The main focus of the refit was to cultivate a unified social space, ensuring that all activities unfold on a single deck, eliminating the need for guests to traverse multiple levels. By leaving the sliding glass doors of the main salon open, the yacht achieves a harmonious flow from the aft deck to the wheelhouse, creating a space where dining, dancing, and relaxation coalesce in a smartly zoned environment.
Here are nine captivating details that shed light on the uniqueness of the world’s only 24-karat gold yacht, the AK Royalty:
The Ultimate Bling Boat:
The yacht underwent a multi-million dollar refit, with a significant focus on transforming its exterior to a radiant gold, inspired by Fidler’s Lamborghini. The marine paint incorporates 24-karat gold dust for a dazzling effect.
Personalized Art:
The interior features commissioned artwork, including a painting by a prestigious Californian artist depicting a white lion with a blue butterfly—a representation of the owners’ personalities. The lion symbolizes Fidler, while the butterfly embodies his wife, Kseniya.
Eight Onboard Captains:
The AK Royalty crew comprises eight members, each holding a captain’s qualification. This extraordinary team includes professionals with diverse expertise, such as a qualified lawyer, doctor, diving instructors, free divers, IT engineers, professional fishermen, and a pilot.
Every Toy Imaginable:
Fidler equipped the yacht with an array of toys to capture the attention of Dubai day charterers. The inventory includes a dive compressor center, a 32-foot inflatable slide, a fly board, a 12-person floating trampoline, seabobs, jetskis, paddle boards, and a giant inflatable flamingo.
Can Power Other Boats:
Post-refit, AK Royalty gained the capability to mothership smaller boats, facilitating the transfer of fuel and power. The enhanced engineering systems enable the yacht to support and power other vessels, showcasing the versatility of its crew and technology.
The Mother of All Party Boats:
AK Royalty is renowned as the ultimate party boat, featuring a six-person Jacuzzi, a state-of-the-art AV sound system with iPad controls, and a central DJ deck. The sun deck transforms into an outdoor gym, complete with an onboard personal trainer, emphasizing a blend of fitness and entertainment.
Master of Dreams:
The fully refurbished Fendi-themed interior exudes luxury, with marble surfaces, Fendi carpets, and gold-tinted mirrors. The master suite, a highlight of the yacht, boasts mirrored ceilings, a gold-themed games board, and a transparent acrylic full-sized bathtub.
Warp Speed:
With a top speed of 35 knots, AK Royalty aligns with Fidler’s preference for swift travel. Its cruising speed of 13 to 15 knots, well above the average in its category, ensures a balance between efficiency and performance. Powerful zero-speed stabilizers enhance stability during stops.
Starlit Movies:
Departing from the conventional storage of tenders and jet skis, the foredeck of AK Royalty transforms into an outdoor movie theatre. An expansive cinema screen, measuring 16 by 10 feet, offers guests the enchanting experience of watching films beneath the starlit sky, complemented by oversized sun pads for a comfortable viewing setting.
The AK Royalty, with its fusion of extravagant aesthetics, cutting-edge amenities, and a crew capable of navigating diverse waters, epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury and innovation in the world of superyachts. From its golden exterior to its multifaceted interior, this unique vessel offers an immersive and unparalleled experience for those seeking a maritime adventure intertwined with opulence.
