Real-Estate Mogul’s Fourth Superyacht Is an Incredibly Luxurious Family Haven

In the summer of 2019, a lucky owner and his family were cruising the Mediterranean onboard their freshly-completed family boat, a head-turning 183-foot (56 meters) superyacht. The young vessel had to gear up for its public debut shortly after returning from this extensive voyage. Everyone got to meet Baba at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show that year, and they were all in awe.

It took 26 months to complete the yacht that would be known as Hargrave's flagship. Things went smoothly because this was the fourth Hargrave for Baba's experienced and enthusiastic owner. His previous one, the Dreamer, was a 136-footer (41.5 meters) worth more than $10 million. It apparently became insufficient for Sam Shalem's grandiose vision – a huge superyacht with flawless amenities, built for the entire family, that would last for generations.

Baba's was a dream come true for the self-made millionaire. He dreamt of one day having a big family and making memories onboard a fabulous yacht. The boat's name, an endearing name for a grandfather or elder, is a tribute to this dream. With such a personal significance, it's no wonder that Shalem and his wife actively participated in the creative process.

Baba's marked a milestone for Hargrave as well. It is the largest Hargrave build to date and the first launch of the brand's new Superyacht Division (HSY). Industry insiders also noticed that Baba's look was different compared to classic Hargraves, with a sportier, more dynamic profile. The newly-established HSY Yachts paved marked a new era for the US builder, one where it opened up to European customers, and Shalem became a majority stakeholder.

Until Baba’s project launched as the 56M HSY, Hargrave yachts were built at its Khashing facility in Taiwan. Due to its size and complex design, Baba's led to the selection of a new shipyard – the former Sunrise Yachts in Turkey, which became HSY.

Shalem's new yacht was twice as voluminous as the previous Dreamer (887 GT). They were also different in terms of design and building materials. The composite Dreamer boasted a more feminine silhouette with lots of curves, while the sporty Baba's was built in steel and aluminum. Unlike the Dreamer, Baba's was also designed for future charter operations right from the start, meaning it had to meet Lloyds LY3 standards. Roughly ten years apart, the two had one main thing in common: a family-oriented approach.

The proud owner used his real-estate background and extensive yachting experience to select only the best for his new pleasure craft down to the finest details. He chose Unique Yacht Design for the interiors. He gave life to those interiors with his wife by creating highly-personalized and unique living spaces.

For instance, Baba pays special attention to the galley. Located on the main deck, the main galley is equipped to the standards of a gourmet kitchen with numerous customizations, including a touchless faucet and inspirational artwork on the walls. The central island is one of the most opulent features. It's backlit and made of a special type of stone known as quartzite.

One of this yacht's special features is that it comes with a second galley below deck. This smaller galley is part of the crew area, which reveals an unusually comfortable layout, including a cool lounge with videogames and a separate bathroom. This fun lounge can also double as a kids' playroom when the whole family is on board.

Baba's feels incredibly spacious due to the high ceilings (according to the captain, you can't reach them). Everything onboard is custom-made based on the finest natural materials and designer items. The main salon reveals American walnut floors and custom woodwork throughout. Silver mosaic walls create an extravagant mirrored effect. The full bar's countertop is also made of precious quartz.

The skylounge is inspired by glamorous New York clubs and is large enough to include a full bar, a separate game corner, and generous seating. Shalem's wife created all the paintings that adorn the skylounge entrance. The bridge-deck aft offers another gorgeous area for family dining and can transform into a party stage at night.

According to the owner, the sundeck is his grandkids' favorite spot, thanks to the huge spa pool with a lovely waterfall spilling into it. At the same time, adults get to enjoy the outdoor bar, plush sun pads, and shaded seating area. A second spa pool is located on that yacht's sprawling beach club. This is not just the best area for connecting to the water but also doubles as a luxury spa area, with a gym, steam room, and full-size sauna.

The master suite reveals the same level of sophistication: Cavalli furniture and décor items create an opulent ambiance. At the same time, the bed headboard mimics a Cartier watch band. The grey upholstered walls add privacy and a sense of peace and relaxation. The equally-elegant VIP stateroom sits on the skylounge deck, while the other four cabins are located below. They are almost equal in size, with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Baba's can host a total of 12 guests.

Baba's is a true family yacht with generous living and socializing areas. It's one of the few in this size category to offer two spa pools, two galleys, three al-fresco dining areas, and six large cabins. Performance-wise, it cruises comfortably at 12 knots (13.8 mph/22 kph), promising a range of more than 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km).

Although primarily a tender family yacht designed to please guests of all ages, Baba's has also proven its success in the high-end charter market. One week onboard in full season costs at least $350,000. On the other hand, feeling at home onboard an ultra-modern yacht is priceless, and that is Baba’s legacy.