Nearly 30 years ago to this very day, history was made at Heesen Yachts, when Octopussy slipped down the ways. The people gathered at the shipyard on April 9, 1988 knew that Octopussy was intended to be the world’s fastest megayacht. Her owner, John Staluppi, had that goal in mind for a few years. Her triple MTUs were set to put out more than 10,000 hp total. But, they had no way of knowing that the 125-footer (38-meter) would surpass the insanely fast (and arguably insanely fun) speeds she was set to achieve.
In fact, it was nearly two months later, during initial sea trials, that Octopussy was clocked doing just shy of 51 knots. That was also just shy of tying a world record. In this archival video, you can see Staluppi holding the radar gun himself on those first trials.
You’ll also see how determined Staluppi, naval architect Frank Mulder of Mulder Design, and Heesen Yachts were to ensure that Octopussy gained the crown of world’s fastest yacht. How fast did she ultimately go? Watch the video to find out.
In case you’re wondering, Octopussy lives on as Octopussy 007, available for charter at a slightly slower but no less impressive 42-knot top end. She was also extensively refitted several years ago, extended to 143 feet (43.58 meters).
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