Zara Billionaire Trades One Feadship Superyacht for an Even More Expensive One

Amancio Ortega is probably not a name familiar to all, but his work must be. He is the founder (and former chairman) of the Inditex fashion group, which owns well-known brands like Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, and Uterque, to name just a few. Ortega is notoriously media-shy, has only done less than a handful of media interviews in his life, and refuses to dress like a corporate boss, much less like the centibillionaire that he is.

As of this writing, Ortega is worth an estimated $113 billion, so he could afford to dress up if he wanted, for the sake of argument. What Ortega does indulge in is his love of sailing, having owned at least two Feadship superyachts until now. With the summer 2024 season approaching, he is getting ready to take delivery of the third, which, in typical billionaire fashion, will be bigger, better, and more expensive than all predecessors.

The upcoming delivery coincides with the sale of his previous Feadship superyacht, which has been on the market since late 2021. It's a happy coincidence, too, considering the amount of money changing hands.

Local reports are saying that Ortega got the amount he asked for Drizzle, so €76 million ($82.5 million at the current exchange rate), while his new vessel, Project 2024, comes with a reported price tag of €182 million ($197.5 million). It's a mere drop in the billionaire bucket, but everyone loves a good deal!

Drizzle, the starter billionaire superyacht

Drizzle was delivered in 2012 so, on that consideration alone, it would qualify as an older vessel. Originally built for a cost of €95 million ($103 million) and designed as a fully custom superyacht for an experienced owner who simply wanted a bit more, it has been maintained impeccable through the years.

That and the 2019 refit make it an excellent and wise acquisition for whoever has the money to spare on a floating palace.

And that's exactly what Drizzle is, a floating palace of the most luxurious kind. When he contacted Feadship for it, Ortega had already owned another Feadship vessel and had come to the conclusion that he wanted the experience to be more than just luxurious. He needed it to be customized as well, so he got in touch with the shipyard for what would become his 68.77-meter (225-foot) home away from home.

Drizzle offers accommodation for 10 to 12 guests across five suites, including the owner's suite and 18 crew. Power comes from dual MTU engines of 2,038 hp each, and range is 5,500 nautical miles (6,329 miles/10,186 km) in economy mode. Amenities range from a customized sun deck that doubles as an exquisite open-air lounge to a garage packed with toys and inflatables and other family-oriented features like a recently expanded fold-down beach club.

Project 2024, the upgraded version of Drizzle

As amazing as Drizzle sounds on paper, Project 2024 is even more so – because it was designed to be that way. Ortega commissioned the replacement superyacht the same year he decided to sell Drizzle, and no, that's most likely not a coincidence.

As such, Project 2024 is an improved version of the original, from the larger size to even more spaces dedicated to family life and even more luxurious features, which are now possible thanks to the bigger layout.

Project 2024 is 72 meters (236 feet) in total length and maintains the same low, sleek profile as the predecessor, as well as the number of decks – three. It also takes the custom sun deck concept and brings it into the next stage of development, adding a sheltered large dining table, a gorgeous lounge area with comfy seats and sofas, and a jacuzzi.

Should Ortega want to, he could make this sun deck area into his private space, limiting access to the other guests. It's a self-contained private island of relaxation onboard a self-contained private island of relaxation.

Project 2024 also features a helipad, a second, considerably larger pool, and an entire area for the kids. Even when you choose to vacation with the entire family, you'll still want to be able to party with the grownups while the kids are supervised by professionals. This is the way to do it when you're a billionaire.

Described as the "perfect balance between function and style" with ample custom touches, Project 2024 is all about style, quality, and performance, with design by Nauta Design. Specifics have not been revealed, neither at the formal introduction of the vessel in 2021 nor as work on it progressed. They might never be, unless Ortega decides to switch things up again.