This Stunning Navy Ship-Turned-Superyacht Doubled Its Worth in Three Years

It takes a real connoisseur to spend millions on a classic vessel that wasn't even intended to be operated as a yacht, and it takes courage to pump even more dollars into a huge refit worth more than the vessel itself. The result got a nomination for one of the most prestigious industry awards and literally doubled the superyacht's worth, which is now up for grabs.

Omnia's story began nearly half a century ago. It was born under a different name in 1974. The 200-footer (61 meters) was part of a trio of pilot ships built by Amels (whose parent company is the world-famous Damen Yachting) for the Dutch Navy. Amels calls it "a pilot from the past."

More than two decades after its launch, the rugged vessel underwent its first transformation. It was converted to an explorer yacht in 1999 at the Vosper Thornycraft shipyard, with supervision from BMT Nigel Gee. The most notable change was the addition of a helicopter deck and hangar, plus Vosper stabilizers. These stabilizers enabled helicopter operations even in the most challenging weather conditions.

In 2008, the former Navy ship got its interiors refreshed, and two years later, it added a complete engine overhaul. Throughout the years, it went by many names, including Fomalhaut (the brightest star in the Piscis Austrinus constellation), Elanymor, and Akula. It became known as Akula under the ownership of British millionaire Jonathan Faiman, co-founder of the Ocado online retail empire.

By that time, Akula was a beautiful luxury yacht with impressive amenities, such as a fitness center with a gym, sauna, and massage room, and a magnificent observation deck offering panoramic views. It could accommodate up to ten guests and a huge 19-person crew. Its wealthy owner took full advantage of the yacht's rugged foundation and excellent cruising capabilities, taking it on a memorable expedition around the world.

In 2020, Akula was a beautiful and powerful yacht that had proven its reliable world cruising capability. Although officially a yacht, it still had the obvious features (and flaws) of a vessel that wasn't built for leisure. When it entered the market, its highest advantage was the exclusive private use for more than 40 years. With all the refits and upgrades throughout the decades, it was worth less than $11 million.

Akula changed hands towards the end of 2020. That's when its destiny took the most favorable turn so far. Its new, mysterious owner renamed it Omnia and embarked not on a trip around the world but a massive refit worth more than the yacht itself – a bold decision that would effectively double the Dutch vessel's worth in just three years.

Today, Omnia is asking for more than $24 million (€23 million), more than twice as much as it did just three years ago, in 2020. This comes after a complex transformation process that lasted for 14 months. This recent refit took place at the Atlas Shipyard in Turkey. Jonny Horsfieldof the British studio H2 Yacht Design was in charge of the exterior transformation, while the Greek design studio Karageorgiou restyled its interiors.

If more than 15 years ago, Omnia got a brand-new helicopter deck, the most recent refit eliminated it entirely. Instead of the old helipad, hangar, and supporting pillars, the yacht now sports a lavish sundeck built by contemporary standards. According to Horsfield, the goal was to steer Omnia away from its past, meaning that the old commercial ship elements had to be gone. It was a challenging task, and it took a lot of work.

Omnia now features a new wheelhouse, a new main deck, a new sheerline, and rebuilt exterior decks. By rebuilding the upper deck in aluminum, among other changes, the yacht saved 4,850 lbs (2,200 kg) of weight.

The new, slightly bigger yacht also got 50 new windows – an incredible addition that brings it to contemporary superyacht standards. Other than that, and higher bulwarks, the hull stayed mostly the same.

Horsfield also had to eliminate the boat's original dark and narrow corridors, multiple beams, and low ceilings. Capacity-wise, Omnia can now welcome 16 guests across five cabins, much more than Akula could. As for the crew, the superyacht can still accommodate up to 20 people.

The interior design envisioned by Karageorgiou is also worthy of a modern superyacht. All the dated, classic elements were replaced with contemporary pieces and high-end works of art from the owner's private collection. The gorgeous white and deep blue color scheme creates the illusion of a luxury beach resort. Together with the multiple new windows, it makes Omnia's interiors much brighter and luminous.

The owner's suite now unfolds over most of the main deck, flaunting an enormous bed and brand-new windows with forward views. The elegant Omnia still includes a spa-like massage room and a sophisticated cigar humidor.

Even though it ditched the helipad, Omnia still boasts explorer-like capabilities. Powered by three Deutz 600 HP diesel-electric engines, this former pilot ship cruises smoothly at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20.3 kph) and can cover more than 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km).

The revamped superyacht won't probably have to wait too long for a new owner. For $24 million, he'll get a luxurious pleasure craft with the bones and character of a sturdy Navy ship close to its 50-year celebration.