Superyacht of billionaire Home Depot cofounder visits island
A superyacht belonging to the billionaire cofounder of American chain store The Home Depot has called on Bermuda.
The 364ft DreAMBoat, registered in the Cayman Islands, arrived in Bermuda on March 24 from St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and will head towards Barcelona, Spain on departure.
According to Forbes magazine, the yacht was built for Arthur Blank who is known for his values-based Blank Family of Businesses and as one of America’s leading philanthropists.
Forbes, which reported that his net worth stands at $10.4 billion, said: “The yacht is the ‘second yacht of the same name built by Oceanco for the same owner,’ and it’s public knowledge that the first DreAMBoat, a 295ft yacht, was built for Home Depot cofounder Arthur Blank.”
It added: “The name itself reflects Blank’s values, with the stylised capitals subtly paying homage to his initials and his philanthropic initiatives via the AMB Family Foundation.”
The second DreAMBoat was commissioned in 2022 and Forbes reported that the vessel is Dutch shipyard Oceanco’s “fastest build of this magnitude and one of its largest even by volume at 4,550 gross tonnes”.
The superyacht has a winter garden, covered cocktail terrace, outdoor cinema and private owner’s deck with an apartment. An outdoor entertainment area features a swimming pool, jacuzzi and golf simulator. The interior includes a gym, spa and beach club.
Mr Blank’s website, www.blankfamilyofbusinesses.com reports that his “philosophy of creating value for companies, customers and communities” led him to be distinguished by Forbes as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds and as one of America’s Top 50 Givers.
He was also named as Sports Business Journal’s Sports Executive of the Year in 2018.
Mr Blank launched The Home Depot in 1978 with his friend Bernie Marcus
After leaving The Home Depot as its co-chairman in 2001, Mr Blank began to build his family of businesses AMB Sports and Entertainment, which includes the National Football League Atlanta Falcons, Major League Soccer 2018 champion Atlanta United and American golf retailer PGA Tour Superstore.
The duty officer at Bermuda Maritime Operations said the yacht was initially moored up at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club marina, moved to Granaway Deep in the Great Sound and would anchor in different locations during its stay.
He could not say for certain when the ship was expected to leave.
The vessel was designed to accommodate up to 28 guests, supported by a crew of 34.
