The Big Reveal: A Look at Moran Yacht and Ships’ 95m Kismet
“I think the owner’s passion for yachting and more specifically his boat is immediately evident as you step onboard KISMET,” says Christopher Callahan, Broker and Marketing Director at Moran Yacht & Ship, Inc., a world-class leader in the sale, construction, and charter of luxury superyachts. Having set the standard for with the first Kismet (now renamed, Global), billionaire Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham Football Club owner, Shahid Khan’s second KISMET, is no less unforgettable.
Delivered by Lürssen in 2014 and designed by Espen Oeino, KISMET remains one of the world’s most iconic superyachts and is still very much ahead of its time. Available for charter and sale for the first time with Moran Yacht & Ship, the 95.2m (13.8m beam) Kismet is a custom motor yacht outfitted to accommodate 12 guests in 7 cabins (including 2 VIP suites), has three outdoor lounges spaces, a pool and hot tub complex that is every bit as opulent as its extravagant, high-profile passengers—Jay Z and Beyoncé among them.
KISMET is the culmination of a six-year journey, one in which the expansion of Khan’s wealth and influence also coincided with a need to accommodate a growing, adrenaline-fueled constituency. Unlike the first Kismet, however, 68m wasn’t enough. According to the story, Khan’s design brief contained three words: “make it impressive.” And impressive it is.
Kismet comes with its very own cinema, a full-service spa, indoor/outdoor dining spaces for twelve (bar included), and a formal interior dining room with a staircase that leads to the ballroom (as one would expect). There are also two helipads, one on the foredeck, doubling as a basketball court; the other, an outdoor lounge. The upper foredeck also boasts a large mosaic-tiled pool with an inset jacuzzi.
Vision is the key, as Callahan explains. “Owner requirements certainly dictate concepts and design. The majority of owners that we work with have either chartered or owned other vessels and base their requirements on previous experience. This is the main factor that drives their concept and design … The amount of detail and thought that went into building that boat (KISMET) is honestly incredible.”
Spread out over five decks, the Reymond Langton-designed “Champagne & Caviar” interior concept features a double-height main salon spanning the main and upper deck aft via a sweeping staircase perfect for nightcaps, morning joe, or corporate entertaining. Cruising at 14 knots and a maximum speed of 17 knots, Kismet can effortlessly reach 6,000 nautical miles from 220,000 fuel tanks.
Kismet’s availability comes at a time when yacht builders and brokers are riding the wave of increased sales. But in an industry that’s seen its share of challenges, Callahan is quick to point out that Moran Yacht & Ship’s approach to luxury yachting: making expertly crafted luxury experiences integral to state-of-the-art attention to detail, is why the brand has loomed large in the minds of yachting enthusiasts for nearly three decades.
“While there have been some market gyrations recently, we continue to be optimistic on all fronts (sales, charter, new construction). As a testament to this, we have recently signed a 116m new construction project called Project TESTAROSSA.”
Furthermore, the trend towards eco-friendly technology onboard superyachts has not been lost. As the UConn School of Business grad proudly notes regarding the Ken-Freivokh-designed 106m Oceanco BLACK PEARL. “The concept was to create one of the world’s most technologically advanced superyachts offering true zero-emissions cruising—virtually unheard of especially for a yacht of her size. I think we will continue to see more advancement on this front since the environment and seeking its natural beauty is a cornerstone of yachting.”
Moran Yacht & Ship currently has 8 projects in progress ranging from 64m to 142m. In 2018 alone, the firm signed 109m, 116m, and 118m projects. Due for delivery next year is the 95m Lürssen Project FIJI. FIJI will be available for charter this summer in the Mediterranean and, according to Callahan, “will definitely be one of the highest-profile charter yachts afloat.” With brand DNA like this, projects of such remarkable passion are no wonder why Kismet remains a true masterpiece.
