The port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has recently welcomed the impressive yacht Podium, a vessel that, measuring 72 metres in length, stands out not only for its scale but also for the exclusivity and opulence it embodies. Crafted by the esteemed Dutch company Feadship and fashioned by the distinguished British design firm RWD, the yacht epitomises the pinnacle of elegance, cutting-edge technology, and superior craftsmanship.
The Podium is under the ownership of American billionaire Roger Penske, a prominent figure in the automotive and racing sectors. Valued at around €120 million, maintaining this floating marvel necessitates an annual budget estimated at about €12 million, sums that render it unattainable for the majority of the populace.
This magnificent yacht is designed to provide both comfort and luxury on board, with the capacity to accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins, alongside a crew of 14 dedicated solely to offering the utmost level of service. The interior, elegantly styled by the RWD team, combines sophistication with comfort, crafting a unique experience at sea.
Impressive Technology and Design
Fitted with robust Caterpillar engines, the Podium can achieve a maximum speed of 18 knots while maintaining a cruising speed of 14 knots, ideal for lengthy journeys. With a range exceeding 4,500 nautical miles, this vessel can traverse vast distances without the necessity of refuelling, providing its owners with the liberty to explore any part of the globe in utmost comfort.
The luxury and exclusivity of this yacht starkly contrast with the economic realities encountered by many, rendering it a symbol of the inaccessibility of opulence. For the majority, not only is acquiring a vessel with such features unfeasible, but even the idea of spending a night on board is well beyond reach. A voyage on a luxury yacht like the Podium is unavailable for charters or sale, further accentuating its elite status.
An Unattainable Luxury for Most
The presence of Podium in the port of Santa Cruz has drawn the attention of onlookers and enthusiasts of the maritime world, who cannot resist admiring its sleek design and imposing stature. However, for many, these types of yachts represent a distant reality, a symbol of the exclusivity that typifies the superyacht industry.
With an estimated price tag of over €120 million and an annual operational cost that could overshadow the budgets of small enterprises, the Podium serves as a tangible reminder that nautical luxury remains the exclusive domain of billionaires like Penske, whose accomplishments in business have afforded him a lifestyle that few can even conceive.
