The remarkable 95.2-meter Lürssen superyacht, named Kismet, has achieved a record-breaking sale in a matter of just three months, marking one of the most significant brokerage deals this year. Despite its substantial asking price of €149 million (approximately $158 million), this uber-luxurious vessel found a new owner swiftly, surprising both industry insiders and the involved brokers. Chris Cecil Wright of Cecil Wright & Partners represented the seller, while the buyer was represented by Will Christie of Christie Yachts in this record-setting transaction. Kismet was initially slated to be a standout attraction at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.
However, due to its remarkably quick sale, the yacht will no longer be featured at the event, leaving industry enthusiasts and attendees curious about the new owner’s identity. Previously owned by Pakistani-American billionaire Shahid Khan, Kismet was commissioned nearly a decade ago as a replacement for Khan’s smaller, same-named Lürssen superyacht, which measured 68 meters in length.
The need for a larger vessel arose as Khan’s business empire expanded, necessitating a superyacht with ample space to host and entertain esteemed guests, family, and friends. Kismet, a masterpiece launched in 2014, is a striking nautical creation with an emphasis on opulence and uniqueness. The vessel’s exterior was designed by Espen Oeino, reflecting Khan’s desire for a superyacht inspired by “caviar and champagne.” This vision materialized with a dual-tone appearance achieved through a jet-black mast and champagne-colored hull.
The superyacht’s expansive interior, designed by Reymond Langton, is a testament to luxury and sophistication. It accommodates up to 16 guests across eight staterooms, including a master suite with a private deck and Jacuzzi access.
Notably, the vessel boasts a helipad that doubles as a basketball court and a sea cabin thoughtfully located to minimize motion for guests prone to seasickness. Reymond Langton’s interior decoration draws inspiration from Art Deco and Art Nouveau, evident in features like the Crystal Caviar chandelier, weighing nearly 775 pounds, gracing the yacht’s grand atrium. A majestic staircase and an expansive video wall further enhance the double-height atrium’s grandeur. Kismet offers a cinema, a firepit on deck, and a state-of-the-art wellness center adorned with dark stones and mosaics.
The yacht’s lower deck garage houses a diverse collection of toys and tenders, serving as a venue for waterside activities such as aerobics and yoga.
Shahid Khan, the former owner of Kismet, embodies an inspiring rags-to-riches journey. He moved to the United States from Pakistan in 1967 to pursue education and worked as a dishwasher for $1.20 an hour. His fortunes changed after graduating in 1971, leading to the founding of Bumper Works in 1978, a successful business later acquired by Flex-N-Gate. Currently, Khan’s personal net worth is estimated at around $12.1 billion. He owns the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team and the UK’s Fulham football club, reportedly earning $250 million annually from his NFL revenue share.
