Naples, June 23 – The megayacht ‘Boardwalk’, owned by Tilman Joseph Fertitta, US Ambassador to Italy and billionaire entrepreneur, has docked in Naples at the San Vincenzo pier. The arrival of the luxurious vessel follows a dispute in Venice, where its request to moor in front of St. Mark’s Square for the Redentore celebration was met with strong opposition from environmentalists and social activists.
The ‘Boardwalk’s’ Venetian Controversy
The 117-meter long, 30-meter high yacht, valued at 450 million dollars, was expected in Venice for the Redentore but was effectively ‘banned’ due to its size and the symbolism it represented. The controversy, which even involved the Prefecture of Venice, centered on the appropriateness of allowing such a large vessel to dock in the delicate Venetian Lagoon. Activists from Laboratorio Morion, known for their protests against Jeff Bezos’ lavish wedding, had threatened to block the yacht with their small boats.
An Unexpected Change of Course
Perhaps in response to the heated debate and threats, Fertitta’s ‘Boardwalk’ changed course, traveling approximately 806 nautical miles (about 1,493 kilometers) from its intended Venetian destination to Naples. The vessel appeared at the San Vincenzo pier around midday yesterday, June 23, immediately drawing attention.
Security Measures and Vessel Details
Since its arrival, patrol boats from the Guardia di Finanza and the Port Authority have been observed in the area, likely engaged in special surveillance. The current ‘Boardwalk’ is an evolution of a previous superyacht also owned by Fertitta, which was acquired in 2021 and is now for sale for 76.5 million dollars.
The vessel, commissioned from the Lürssen shipyards in Bremen, flies the flag of the Cayman Islands and is registered in George Town. It boasts impressive specifications:
- Length: 117 meters
- Value: 450 million dollars (with annual operating costs of around 40 million)
- Crew Accommodation: 27 cabins for 42 crew members
- Guest Accommodation: 11 suites for 22 guests
- Amenities: Two swimming pools, two helipads (one at the stern, one at the bow), gyms, a spa, various tenders, and jet skis.
- Weight: 5,350 tons
- Event Space: A ceremony hall capable of hosting dozens of people.
Reception and Future Plans in Naples
Ambassador Fertitta, along with the US Consul in Naples, Terrence Flynn, who took office last July, are expected to host a significant reception on board the ‘Boardwalk’ with prominent guests. The yacht is no stranger to the Gulf of Naples, as Fertitta is known to be an enthusiast of the coastal waters from Naples to the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, evidenced by a prolonged stay in the area in the summer of 2025.
Unlike Venice, Naples appears to offer a warmer welcome to the diplomatic tycoon and his dream yacht, with local administrations and tourist ports reportedly eager to host him. The ‘Boardwalk’s’ enormous white silhouette against the Pompeian red backdrop of the city’s successful film sets, such as those for the TV series ‘Mare fuori’ and ‘Un posto al sole’, has created a striking visual.
Ongoing Discussions in Venice
Meanwhile, in Venice, the debate over the docking request continues, and it remains uncertain whether approval will be granted, though it is likely that alternative docking locations would be proposed. For now, Fertitta has opted to keep his vessel away from the Venetian controversy.
This event highlights the ongoing tension between large-scale tourism and the preservation of historic and environmentally sensitive areas, a challenge faced by many popular destinations across Italy and beyond.
