Shaquille O’Neal, AKA Shaq, is arguably one of the biggest players in NBA history, and at 7 ft1 in, we mean that figuratively as well. Shaq has an estimated net worth of $400 million, so for him, buying a fancy yacht is as much of an investment as buying a car is, for normal people.
In an almost two-decade-long career, Shaq has already achieved more than he ever imagined growing up. So, now he can afford to take a break whenever he chooses, and what better way to do that than to sail out in the open sea, in style.
V for Billy Joel’s Vendetta
Everyone knows the "Piano Man" and his songs about Italian restaurants. Billy Joel is one of the most successful singer/songwriters of all time. His success has translated into piles of money. Piles that have allowed him to buy no less than five yachts. That's more than enough to impress any "Uptown Girl."
The fastest of Joel's ships, the Vendetta, is a replica of 1920s commuter yachts that the singer helped design. In fact, he's a pretty talented yacht designer, having sold 50 boats for around $500,000 each. In case this music thing doesn't pan out, he could always build boats full-time.
Bill Gates’ Serene
Bill Gates's super-yacht makes you feel serene just by looking at it. Although the founder of Microsoft once was the world's richest man, he never splurged, except for this yacht. He leased this 439-foot super-yacht for $5 million per week in 2014. With a helicopter hangar, saltwater swimming pool, and two helipads, Serene can entertain 24 guests.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia purchased it for 500 million euros in 2015. Unfortunately, Serene had an accident in 2017 when it went crashed off the coast of Egypt. She's fixed now, and you can charter it if you want to.
Eric Clapton Rocks Onboard his Va Bene
Eric Clapton, who was the subject of many graffiti declaring “Clapton is God,” is one the greatest guitarist of all time, as well as one of the most recognizable names in rock and roll. Clapton is also known for his 156-foot super-yacht, which is worth around 9 million pounds.
The Va Bene has enough room for 12 guests and 12 crew members. There’s a barbecue grill, two dining centers (one formal and one informal), and a karaoke lounge. Clapton put the yacht up for sale in 2016, but don’t worry. He’s got another one.
Hail Hokulani! The Yacht of Nicole Kidman And Keith Urban
Hokulani is actually actress Nicole Kidman's name in Hawaiian. She and her country-superstar husband used it to name their 3-story super-yacht. It comes with a jacuzzi, televisions, water skis, wakeboards, snorkeling equipment, and a glass atrium roof. Ten guests and eight crew members can sleep inside the belly of this 150-foot beast.
Estimates point its value at around $4.5 million. That doesn't really matter to a couple that's worth $195 million. This sea vessel was designed for elegance, with wood furnishings, large windows, and a champagne-colored exterior. I'm not sure about the color but sign me up for water skiing.