Not that we needed any more confirmation of this, but the rich people of the world really do get to live by a separate set of rules – rules they make themselves, oftentimes on the go. Today's example of this disheartening reality features the 10th largest privately owned superyacht in the world, the brand new Opera megayacht.
They say money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure buys everything else, so it gets you very close to happiness. In this particular case, money bought one of the world's most expensive and biggest superyachts (a megayacht based strictly on size) and the privilege to sail in waters where "normal mortals" are forbidden even from dipping a toe. Money will also pay the fine, and then money will continue on its merry way without as much as a slap on the wrist.
The story goes back to July 17, but it's only now boiling over and breaking into international media. On July 17, 2023, Opera, one of the most spectacular builds from luxury shipyard Lurrsen that was delivered earlier this year, arrived in the waters of Giannutri in Tuscany, Italy. That in itself is not newsworthy; after all, the multi-millionaires and billionaires of the world are all out cruising the summer away onboard their lavish superyachts. The fact that Giannutri is part of the National Park and closed off to all traffic, including by water, is.
Giannutri is a half-moon-shaped island part of a larger archipelago that is home to rare maritime species protected by law. Giannutri is inhabited only by a few people, has no roads, and no tourist infrastructure. It can be visited by tourists with a special permit and after paying a fee, but under strict conditions, including not bathing in the surrounding waters.
Photo: YouTube / Lurssen
Giannutri is described as a "paradise," and rightfully so. On either side of the island are two narrow channels that allow passage of watercraft, but again, this is to be done with prior authorization and under strict conditions. The 18,000 hectares of land and 60,000 hectares of the surrounding sea are prohibited protected areas.
Opera entered the area through one of these passageways but didn't stay on it. It moored in the fully-protected Grottoni area and launched tenders and watertoys, which zipped even farther into prohibited waters. The whole thing was captured on camera by shocked island residents, who immediately alerted the Coast Guard, the National Park, and environmental association Legambiente.
According to local media, Legambiente publicly reached out to ministers of the Environment, Foreign Affairs, and Marine Policies, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Antonio Tajani, and Nello Musumeci, asking for measures against the "violation of environmental and maritime sovereignty." The group is also pointing out the lack of surveillance and security in the area, which would have prevented Opera from entering, and especially from spending more than 24 hours there, with complete disregard to local regulations meant to protect the fauna, flora, and maritime environment.
Photo: YouTube / Lurssen
As the scandal is boiling over, Legambiente is not oblivious to it being a proverbial storm in a teacup – the teacup being here the gorgeous bay of Giannutri. The owner of the Opera will most likely receive a fine of a few thousand euro, but that will do nothing to deter others from doing the same. Whoever made the decision to sail the megayacht in the protected waters of the bay did so fully knowing its statute and the lack of surveillance and security, they argue.
Legambiente and the National Park are also asking for Opera to be seized "at least for a few days" as a warning to others who might consider something like this in those waters. That's not likely to happen.
The owner of Opera is Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs. The same Antonio Tajani that Legambiente is urging to take action against the Sheikh met with him in June as part of Italy's attempts to "strengthen relationships with all Gulf nations" and forge profitable partnerships. Tajani doing "the right thing" and seizing Opera from the Sheikh would undermine all efforts at future collaborations.
Photo: YouTube / Lurssen
To regular superyacht watchers, enthusiasts who only care about the boats, it's a shame that Opera has been dragged into this mess. Even today, half a year after delivery, Opera remains one of the industry's best-kept secrets, and that in itself is an incredible achievement, all things considered.
Opera measures 146 meters (479 feet) in total length and has seven decks and an interior volume reported at well over 10,000 GT, which allows for accommodation for over 40 guests and 80 crew. It is the 10th vessel in the world by size and one of the 61 megayachts afloat today.
Reports in the industry claim that it features an exterior design by Terence Disdale on a naval architecture by Lurssen and that the interiors were also penned by Disdale. Other reports claim that Opera is actually Project Sassi reborn. Project Sassis was a 145-meter (476-foot) Lurrsen hull that burned down in dry dock in 2018, causing millions of damages.
Whatever the truth behind the build, Opera is an incredible achievement. Its recent expedition was anything but.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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