Onboard Bernie Ecclestone’s Infamous Superyacht Packed With Over-the-Top Luxuries

Force Blue is one of those superyacht that didn't enjoy the benefits of extended ownership. The one that held on to it the longest was the original owner, American tycoon Roy Speer. Force Blue was delivered to Speer more than two decades ago, in 2002. Back then, it was named Big Roi, and it stayed that way for seven years.

The one who eventually bought the Royal Denship yacht from Speer was none other than Flavio Briatore, a well-known Italian millionaire and former boss of the Benetton and Renault Formula One racing teams. Like many owners, Briatore changed the look of his new luxury toy, a Danish vessel with a classic trawler-expedition style.

Originally, the imposing 63-meter (206 feet) expedition yacht was designed by Tom Fexas and Ole Steen Knudsen, with interiors by Ole Run Design and Christensen & Rottbell. After Briatore purchased it and renamed it Force Blue, Italian designers gave it a fresh Italian flavor and a more luxurious appearance.

Briatore's ownership was short-lived. Just one year after the purchase, Italian authorities snatched the yacht away from him following charges of failing to pay the taxes associated with the yacht's fuel. It happened in the Spring of 2010 in the famous La Spezia on the Italian Riviera. While the F1 boss continued to fight the authorities throughout lengthy and complicated legal proceedings, the seized superyacht met an unusual fate.

The magnificent Force Blue remained without an owner for an entire decade. Still, it wasn't fully abandoned, as authorities allowed charter operations to continue. In 2021, things finally took a turn. Force Blue was auctioned off, and the winner was Bernie Ecclestone, another F1 boss and good friend of Briatore.

At that point, the fabulous yacht was basically a bargain. The auction started at a measly €7 million ($7.5 million), less than half of the yacht's estimated $20 million value. It was far from what Briatore had paid for it back in 2009 (reportedly just under $87 million).

It would seem that Ecclestone made a great deal. Right after the purchase, he sent Force Blue in for a comprehensive refit. The old expedition yacht is now better than ever, literally bigger and much more luxurious. In other words, it's ready to be resold for big bucks. The ex-F1 boss is already parting with it, and only potential buyers can know the asking price.

There's no doubt that Force Blue is one of the most coveted superyachts on the market right now. A stern extension transformed it into a 71-meter (231 feet) mammoth. One of its most spectacular features is now a unique lounging area at sea level, with access to an oversized beach club.

Prior to that, it had a flat transom that created a modest swim platform. The revamped Force Blue reveals a voluptuous setting with cascading stairs leading to a huge swim platform. And it's part of a lavish open lounge and sunbathing area at sea where guests can enjoy the water to the fullest.

Another mind-blowing feature is the yacht's state-of-the-art spa, easily reached straight from the beach club. Many luxury vessels claim to have one, but this truly blows competition out of the water. It's considered one of the largest spa facilities on the water, featuring a sauna, a steam shower, a Hammam, a mud bath, and a hydro-massage hot tub. Professional therapists are part of the yacht's crew. A decadent décor and high-end equipment take the onboard spa experience to another level.

Force Blue also boasts an impressive private cinema. Imagine being able to watch movies or play video games with six of your buddies in a luxurious room while your yacht takes you to some of the most remote destinations. In addition to this fancy seven-people cinema and media room, Force Blue also has what it takes for lavish parties. The vast bridge deck comes with disco lighting and a DJ station. It can welcome up to 60 seated guests, or more than 300, for events at the quay.

With its 1,325 GT volume, Force Blue can ensure lavish accommodation for 12 guests, plus a huge crew of 19 catering to their needs. Five guest cabins sit on the lower deck. The upper deck is dedicated to the full-beam master suite.

Inside, you’ll discover a sophisticated sleeping area, three separate seating areas, and a spa-like bathroom with a walk-in shower and a freshly added spa bathtub. Full-height windows offer the best views at sea, while the owner also enjoys private access to his own terrace with cozy seating.

The main salon is just as fabulous, sitting next to a huge formal dining room and a casual lounge area. A gorgeous lounge spot on the main deck aft is set up for dining in the open air. The upper deck and the bridge deck feature walk-around side decks for pleasant walks. The sun deck houses the mandatory jacuzzi, while the tender garage hides a wide selection of adventure toys. A modern elevator connects all of these areas on board.

H2 Yacht Design was responsible for this outstanding refit, together with Michele Bonan, who restyled the yacht's interiors. More luxurious than ever, the 20-year-old pleasure craft mixes high-end pieces with precious natural materials, enveloping everything in a relaxing maritime décor with a blue-and-white color scheme.

Still a rugged explorer at heart, the refitted Force Blue pairs sophisticated luxury with reliability and performance. It's capable of covering 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km) at cruising speed (14 knots/26 kph). At an economical speed of 10 knots (18.5 kph), its range increases to a whopping 11,400 nautical miles (21,100 km). Propelled by twin 1,850 HP Caterpillar engines, the old explorer can cruise as fast as 16 knots (29.6 kph).

After controversial ownership and a highly successful charter career, Force Blue is still one of the most spectacular superyachts in operation. If it gets snatched off the market soon, it could turn out to be one of the most impressive sales of 2023. Hopefully, the new owner will stay loyal to it longer than all the previous ones.