
An iconic megayacht is getting a whole new look at Derecktor Florida. The Highlander, the 150-foot (46-meter) Feadship bearing the unmistakable styling of the late Jon Bannenberg, recently arrived for extensive work to be done to her framework, her interior, and her systems.
Now, before those of you who are Bannenberg fanatics, or even fanatics of The Highlander’s original owner, the late Malcolm Forbes, get upset, take comfort knowing that the couple who currently own the megayacht don’t intend to completely change her appearance. In fact, they actually love the idiosyncratic lines. Their plans for The Highlander include having Derecktor Florida give her a more contemporary transom and a lifting swim platform. They also want some alterations made to the superstructure that are more in keeping with how they live on the water. No specifics have been released on this. However, one thing that is remaining exactly the same outside: the green hull.
Beneath the water, that distinctive green hull will gain a pair of zero-speed stabilizers—something surely Forbes himself would have liked to put to use in his time, had they existed. The Highlander undertook five-day-a-week cruises in New York City when he was at the helm of his business empire and well after his sons took over. (In fact, the only reason The Highlander is no longer in their hands is the global economic crisis.)
Other work that Derecktor Florida will perform includes replacing the air-conditioning system as well as the navigation and communication electronics, upgrading the hotel systems, and replacing the interior.
Derecktor Florida, encompassing more than 17 acres along the Dania Cutoff Canal in Dania, did not respond to our inquiry as to how long the refit is expected to last. We’ll be following the progress nonetheless.
keith pearce
I was in talks with the Forbes to supply a RivaRama a few years back to be used to move their clients around but i did visit the highlander. She was way overdue for a refit but I hope they do not mess her up she needs a modern luxury feel and not a typical Italian contemporary sparse design. The other design feature I would put in place would be a stern fold down swim platform because just adding would look a mess to be honest. A few more cosmetic adjustments here and there and she will better than new. Good look with the work and look forward to seeing the end result.