An unnamed billionaire has just acquired the 146-metre fast ferry Capricorn, built by Fincantieri in 1999, with plans to convert it to the world’s 4th largest private yacht.

The recent sale shall see a complete refurbishment and extension to 152 metre powered by four diesel engines and two gas turbines producing 95,000hp in power.

It will then be considerably larger than the yachts currently owned by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the Emir of Qatar, David Geffen and Paul Allen.

Only Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Dubai and Sultan Qaboos of Oman’s Al Said will outrank it.

Capricorn was used from 1999–2011 by Tirrenia di Navigazione to ferry passengers on routes from Naples to places like Sardinia and Sicily.

Capable of 30 knots, the Capricorn and its sister vessels proved unpractical or too expensive to operate and were offered for sale.

Following the refit the new yacht will be capable of a blistering 40+ knots, making it not only larger but faster than most vessels in its class.

Source: James List