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<\/a>In the news recently was Reg Grundy\u2019s 70m Boadicea <\/span>(pic, right)<\/span>. Bought for a reputed $30 million ten years ago, the retired media baron is looking for a cool $120 million. This ocean-going ship is one of the world\u2019s largest private superyachts and it\u2019s clear that even if Mr Grundy has to haggle, there will still be a considerable capital gain. Or you can rent it for 500 large per week.<\/p>\nGreg Norman\u2019s Fremantle-built Aussie Rules<\/span> was another boat that turned heads and turned out wallets. The sleek 69.5m cruiser with palatial fit-out is reported to have cost some $70m and was sold to Wayne H. Huizinga of Florida in 2004.<\/p>\n Closer to home, you\u2019ll find Aussie Home Loans\u2019 John Simon enjoying his Sunseeker 90 Yacht on the harbour, probably waving to Nicole Kidman in her similar 74. Both yachts would be valued at around $10 million.<\/p>\n Gold Coast Sunseeker dealer, Rick Rodwell, says these high value vessels are attractive to similarly valued individuals.<\/p>\n \u201cFor many high worth people, travel and leisure time is extremely valuable and international travel, for all sorts of reasons, is a hassle. Celebrities, corporate high-flyers and media identities are buying these vessels almost as floating real estate. It\u2019s somewhere for them to enjoy quality relaxation with family and friends with all the luxury trappings they are used to \u2013 and without the inconveniences of airports and security.\u201d<\/p>\n Apart from the UK-built Sunseeker yachts, more and more brands are making their presence felt. Locally constructed Warren and Maritimo yachts are gaining a strong following as well as imports such as Sanlorenzo, Pershing and Foretti.<\/p>\n<\/a>Fitting out these vessels is an art in itself and often a great challenge to designers who strive to accommodate the owners\u2019 whimsical excesses. Mere toys such as zodiac tenders, Jet-Skis and flat screen TVs are pass\u00e9. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s $200 million private yacht, Octopus<\/span>, has two helicopter landing pads. Arch-rival, Larry Ellison of Oracle won\u2019t be outdone. His 138m Rising Sun<\/span> (pic, left)<\/span> has 82 rooms over five decks and 86,000 square feet of living space, equal to a small department store. Add a standard gym, basketball court and private cinema, Rising Sun<\/span> boasts crystal chandeliers, onyx counter tops, leading chefs and a wine cellar. Under guard in Nice since 2003, is the late Saddam Hussein\u2019s 82m Ocean Breeze<\/span>. Its toy locker includes a miniature submarine and surface-to-air missiles.<\/p>\n