Photo: Fraser Yachts
An impressive all-American superyacht that was previously popular with wealthy charter customers is currently away from the spotlight as it prepares for a new chapter in its long, adventurous life.
Although new, thrilling models are constantly invading the superyacht market with tantalizing offers, there's plenty of action on the pre-loved pleasure craft front. Even superyachts that have been around for several decades and that don't fall in the classic category are able to find new owners surprisingly easily. One of the main reasons for that is their prestigious pedigree, which ensures a solid build and reliable seaworthiness. Another factor has to do with flawless maintenance and regular refits that keep these veterans in top shape and up to speed with industry innovations.
Those who may be familiar with the Helios 2 superyacht as a high-end, beautiful charter vessel will be surprised to see that it has almost vanished in plain sight. A secretive deal took place behind the scenes, resulting in an in-house sale, which means that we don't have official information about the final price or the identity of the new owner.
The Palmer Johnson yacht's previous ownership lasted for more than five years. The American yacht was last sold back in 2017, after a huge $3 million price reduction, for a final cost of $14.5 million. It's possible that Helios 2 was worth even more at the time of this week's in-house sale, despite its age and the time that has passed since its last sale. That's because the American yacht underwent a recent refit in 2023.
The extent of this recent revamping is unknown, but it seems that Helios 2 was last asking for almost $16 million.
This 2002 Palmer Johnson is linked to a couple of famous names in America's list of billionaires and millionaires. The yacht was originally built for Stanley Hubbart, owner of Hubbart Broadcasting, who wanted a luxurious, spacious pleasure craft with a shallow draft that would give it free rein even in areas that are typically harder to access for superyachts.
Later on, this particular feature would become a major advantage for the yacht's other famous owner, millionaire Dennis Mehiel, who took this beauty on an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world. It happened shortly before the yacht was sold in 2017, and it was an epic cruise that crossed four oceans, seven seas, and 30 countries for a total of 250,000 miles (402,000 km).
Thanks to the original design, Helios 2 also became one of the very few superyachts in this size category to make its way through the infamous "Great Blue Hole" off Belize.
Even after more than 20 years since its debut, this American behemoth still combines a 4,000-nautical mile range at 13 knots with a spectacular layout designed to accommodate up to ten guests in pure comfort.
Those who may be familiar with the Helios 2 superyacht as a high-end, beautiful charter vessel will be surprised to see that it has almost vanished in plain sight. A secretive deal took place behind the scenes, resulting in an in-house sale, which means that we don't have official information about the final price or the identity of the new owner.
The Palmer Johnson yacht's previous ownership lasted for more than five years. The American yacht was last sold back in 2017, after a huge $3 million price reduction, for a final cost of $14.5 million. It's possible that Helios 2 was worth even more at the time of this week's in-house sale, despite its age and the time that has passed since its last sale. That's because the American yacht underwent a recent refit in 2023.
The extent of this recent revamping is unknown, but it seems that Helios 2 was last asking for almost $16 million.
This 2002 Palmer Johnson is linked to a couple of famous names in America's list of billionaires and millionaires. The yacht was originally built for Stanley Hubbart, owner of Hubbart Broadcasting, who wanted a luxurious, spacious pleasure craft with a shallow draft that would give it free rein even in areas that are typically harder to access for superyachts.
Later on, this particular feature would become a major advantage for the yacht's other famous owner, millionaire Dennis Mehiel, who took this beauty on an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world. It happened shortly before the yacht was sold in 2017, and it was an epic cruise that crossed four oceans, seven seas, and 30 countries for a total of 250,000 miles (402,000 km).
Thanks to the original design, Helios 2 also became one of the very few superyachts in this size category to make its way through the infamous "Great Blue Hole" off Belize.
Even after more than 20 years since its debut, this American behemoth still combines a 4,000-nautical mile range at 13 knots with a spectacular layout designed to accommodate up to ten guests in pure comfort.
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