No one willingly trades in something extraordinary for something less so. Take superyacht owners, for example: the way to replace one vessel for another is by going for the much bigger, more expensive, and definitely way fancier option.
Why shouldn't you if you can afford it, right? And this billionaire can definitely afford it.
On August 10, Germany-based luxury shipyard Lurssen launched their latest project, which still goes by the internal name Project Jag. Project Jag is one of the biggest superyachts to leave the shipyard, which, if you know anything about Lurssen, you know means a lot.
It's also one of the biggest in the world, with a total length of 400 feet (122 meters). If you're a numbers kind of superyacht watcher, you already know that Project Jag is technically a megayacht, of which there are only dozens in the world. The reported but unconfirmed price tag for Project Jag is $360 million.
Photo: Moran Yacht & Ship
Built at the Lurssen facilities in Germany, Project Jag features an exterior design by Nuvolari Lenard, with "exquisite" interiors by Reymond Langton Design. Moran Yacht & Ship handled the specification package and oversaw the project, as announced in 2018 when they also brokered the acquisition deal.
Also in 2018, it was announced that the owner of Project Jag had just become a three-time Lurssen owner, so he was an experienced seafarer and a man of very discerning taste. He's clearly also a man with a very generous budget since he can afford not one or two, but three custom Lurssen vessels.
Not many details about Project Jag have been revealed to the public. We do know that it will be a "revolutionary" vessel, though in which way exactly remains a mystery for now. We also know that accommodation onboard will be for 20 guests across 11 suites and 40 crew, so it will be akin to an exclusive cruise liner in terms of luxury amenities.
Photo: Moran Yacht & Ship
Another small detail that slipped through the cracks is that Project Jag will be a replacement for the client's second Lurssen build of 315 feet (96 meters), so an upgrade in every sense of the word. Reports – unconfirmed but quite solid – say that this owner is American billionaire Shahid Khan, who has been trying to sell his 315-foot (96-meter) Lurrsen megayacht for some months now.
Khan got his first Lurssen yacht in 2007. It was a starter yacht but still an incredible one: a 197-foot (60-meter) custom vessel he called Kismet, which means "fate" or "destiny" in Turkish. In 2014, he took delivery of his second superyacht and his second Kismet, the 315-foot (96-meter) he's been trying to unload for some time, even dropping the asking price by almost $64 million to $200 million.
Kismet is one of the most spectacular megayachts afloat today, offering unparalleled levels of luxury and sophistication while still being a very cozy and family-friendly space. It is a large-scale floating palace that screams opulence without verging into tackiness, but it also provides private, relaxing, and cozy spaces.
Photo: Cecil Wright
This is just part of the reason why Kismet (the second) has proved such a popular charter platform all these years, with some of the world's biggest celebrities taking it out for a spin in the summer at sky-high weekly rates. Including Queen Bey herself, Beyonce.
With Khan most certainly the owner of Project Jag, speculation is rife online that this megayacht will also be named Kismet, in keeping with the tradition. And if the second Kismet is anything to go by, the third one will be absolutely bonkers. The second Kismet isn't just visually stunning but was also a challenge to build because of the features the owner was dead set on having.
One trade publication notes that Project Jag will be a "beautiful, bespoke homage to the owner's life," done in "extraordinary volumes" and "sleek and elegant lines." That's fancy talk for how Project Jag will be the owner's wildest dreams come true in a package that will impress for size first and foremost.
Photo: Moran Yacht & Ship
Luxury amenities will include a helipad, a wellness area with a spa, sauna, and swimming pool, a beauty salon, indoor and outdoor cinemas, a fully-equipped gym, a dance floor, and an elevator to connect the decks. All these are also present on the second Kisment and a bunch of other superyachts less impressive for their styling or price tag. In other words, it'll be the execution of these that will make this megayacht stand out.
As of the time of press, Project Jag is expected to head out on its maiden journey in early 2024, right after delivery to the owner. Until then, the video below is of the launch of the hull from a while back: even as an empty shell, Project Jag is massive and an instant stand-out for its presence and styling. It'll be several times more so once it's completed.
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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