Formerly known as the Al Mirqab, the Indian Empress is a luxury super yacht owned by the Indian business tycoon Vijay Mallya. Prior to being owned by Mr. Mallya, the yacht was under the ownership of a Middle-eastern sheikh, who sold the yacht to the tycoon reportedly at over US$ one billion in the year 2006. Indian Empress is one of the biggest yachts in the world.
The second yacht to be owned by Mr. Mallya, after the Indian Princess, the Indian Empress was built at the Dutch shipbuilding yard of Oceanco in Alblasserdam. Its designing – both interior as well as exterior – was carried out by the internationally well-recognised designer Richard Hein of the company A Group. Since beginning its operations in the year 2000, the vessel after becoming a part of the business magnate’s fleet underwent extensive refurbishments in the year 2008.
Indian Empress’ singularity lies in her build and features. Build completely of steel, the uber-luxury yacht transforms and heightens one’s yachting experience unlike any other. Sleek and equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment and recreational amenities, the vessel’s acquisition was to fulfil a dual purpose of carrying out business and pleasance.
- Indian Empress measures 95 metres lengthwise, with a breadth of 15 metres, a draft of 4.5 metres and a displacement of 2,500 tonnes
- Equipped with three engines capable of generating 10,000 horsepower each, the maximum speed attainable by the yacht is 26 knots
- The vessel can accommodate 32 crew members and 42 guests
- Recreational amenities include a Jacuzzi, a gym-room, sauna facilities and a massaging parlour along with kayaking and water skiing amenities
- In order to enable connectivity with the world while it is on water, the yacht has been equipped with hi-tech communicating and navigating technologies
In the year 2007, the yacht attracted waves of attention amongst the international community during the Monte Carlo Grand Prix and was the location-host for the party hosted by the tycoon for F1 fans during the curtain-raising weekend of the Grand Prix in 2009.
Alongside being used for Mr. Mallya’s personal endeavours, the yacht is also available for chartering when it’s not being used by the magnate. The rates for chartering the yacht are kept in accordance with the rates charged by yacht-owners elsewhere in the world.
Reference
1800sailaway, burgessyachts, superyachttimes, charterworld
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