This Ultra-Luxurious Black Beauty Yacht Was Born for Exhilarating Speed

Some luxury yachts gain notoriety over time, and others are born famous. In 2004, Rock 13 was delivered to none other than Roberto Cavalli, the legendary Italian fashion designer, and was named after him – RC. As everyone expected, the RC luxury yacht reflected the glamorous Cavalli aesthetics in every way.

Try to picture a yacht hull with a shimmering paint that changes color depending on the light, going from purple to green and dark blue. Inside, the Cavalli symbols reigned: gold, animal print, fur, strong colors, and heavy ornaments. It was a minimalist's nightmare and the perfect expression of decadent extravagance.

Underneath all the glitz and glamour, however, the RC yacht was a sporty beast with an adventurous spirit. The Italian shipyard Baglietto built the 135-foot (41 meters) yacht with an aluminum hull and superstructure that kept it lightweight.

Fitted with twin MTU engines with an output of more than 7,000 HP, the RC luxury yacht was able to cut through the waves at an exhilarating 28 knots (32 mph/52 kph). Its economical speed of 21 knots (24 mph/39 kph) far exceeds the top speed of most superyachts. An advanced stabilization system eliminated the unpleasant rolling motion while at anchor and kept a smooth ride even in rough waters.

The original RC boasted a Studio Galiardi interior, complementing the exterior design by Tommaso Spadolini. Cavalli enjoyed numerous lavish trips onboard and even shared his pleasure craft with some of his equally-famous friends. After more than a decade, the beautiful boat changed hands, which also led to a radical transformation style-wise.

The new owner, reportedly a Greek millionaire, invested in an extensive refit. The project was handled by the Greek studio IPYD (Ira Petromanolaki Yacht Design) and turned out to be so good that it got a World Superyacht Awards nomination. The refit was completed just in time for the 2020 summer season, even though the world pandemic had left its mark.

The freshly-renamed Ability (allegedly inspired by the Greek owner's company with the same name) no longer flaunted the exotic Roberto Cavalli opulence. The animal print wallpaper in the master suite was replaced by clean wood and marble accents framed by stainless steel. All the heavy curtains, bedcovers, and pillows were replaced with minimalistic, "clean" alternatives. All the furniture for the outdoor and indoor areas was designed by the studio and custom-made in Italy.

It wasn't just a change of décor. All the main living spaces were upgraded for better comfort and contemporary standards. The main salon, for instance, is now large enough to provide formal dining for up to ten guests.

Remarkably spacious and luminous (thanks to the numerous windows), it's beautifully decorated with modern art. The salon connects to an al-fresco dining area that reveals a pleasant surprise in the form of a custom-built wine cooler, housing a collection of rare, expensive wines. This area is perfect for parties in the open air.

Another delightful surprise is the cinema sky lounge on the upper deck. A sophisticated staircase with a silver python handrail leads to this exquisite room, boasting a massive circular skylight. The zebra print sofas (reminiscent of the original RC style) and plush carpeting create a cozy, inviting atmosphere inside this private theater room.

Rock 13 is remarkably spacious for a vessel its size and able to accommodate up to ten guests. The cabin layout includes a spectacular owner's suite on the main deck, two VIP cabins, three doubles, and one twin. The master suite and VIP cabins have elegant en-suite bathrooms with rain showers and full-size bathtubs.

The outdoor areas on the main deck reveal a generous jacuzzi surrounded by sun pads and an advanced awning system that provides shade when needed. Multiple lounge areas in the open air can also be partially protected from the sun and the elements.

The former Roberto Cavalli yacht got its current name, Rock 13 after the former Greek owner decided to part with it a couple of years ago. Due to its name, it was alleged that the new owner might be the founder of an American company called Rock 13 Tequila. Either way, it won't be the Baglietto yacht's last name because it's already looking for another owner. After a serious price drop (more than $1 million) earlier this year, Rock 13 is now asking for €8,9 million ($9.7 million).

With its sleek, all-black silhouette, and impressive speed, Rock 13 continues to turn heads wherever it goes. Even after almost two decades, this sporty Italian masterpiece is one of the best in its size category and will always be linked to the name of Roberto Cavalli, even if it no longer flaunts its original exotic decor.