"Quantum of Solace" is the newest addition to John Staluppi's series of yachts, all named after iconic James Bond films.
Hollywood actor Daniel Craig's wry smile invokes the iconic James Bond image. Yet, the mention of a 007-themed superyacht brings forth the name John Staluppi. His latest creation, the 238-foot Quantum of Solace, flaunts designs that even Q would admire.
Over three decades, this Brooklyn-born businessman has owned 27 boats, naming each after a James Bond film. The 118-foot For Your Eyes Only, crafted in 1985 by Denison, marked a departure from Staluppi's smaller fishing vessels, becoming the first US motoryacht with MTU engines and water-jet propulsion.
However, it was Octopussy, his second 007-inspired yacht, that propelled Staluppi into the limelight beyond the yachting sphere. This 144-foot Heesen, constructed in 1988, boasted an astonishing top speed of 61 mph—an unprecedented feat that defied other shipyards' claims. Octopussy swiftly secured its place in history as the world's fastest yacht.
"Securing that record was significant to me because while arriving anywhere, there’s always a bigger or a more stunning vessel, but not many can say, 'This is the fastest yacht in the world,'" Staluppi said in an interview.
Over time, Staluppi has refined his preferences, reserving adrenaline rushes for his cars, helicopters, and jets. Presently, he favors yachts with a top speed of approximately 21 knots, transatlantic capability, and ample interior space. These exact specifications are embodied by the Quantum of Solace.
Crafted by Turquoise in 2012, James Bond inspired superyacht Quantum of Solace stands among the exclusive quartet of yachts globally boasting a double-height atrium in its main salon. For Staluppi, who sees the excitement and gadgetry of Bond movies reflected in his yachts, this design element was a significant allure. "I'd never seen that before, and I simply couldn't imagine it. That's precisely why I had to see the boat," he remarked.
Staluppi purchased the yacht almost "sight unseen" in 2019, placing a $50,000 non-refundable deposit before seeing it in person. His decision was primarily based on the yacht's practical design, including user-friendly cranes in the garage and a beach club with water-level door openings.
Quantum also boasts a 16-foot contra-flow swimming pool and a versatile heli-deck doubling as a professional DJ station on the sun deck.
This yacht marked a first for Staluppi and his wife, who spent an unprecedented eight weeks aboard. With Europe closing due to Covid-19, their cruising journey extended from Maine to Boston, Nantucket, Greenport, and anchoring off Martha’s Vineyard.
“I’m the last guy that wants to anchor out, but this boat is just so stable you don’t even know you’re anchoring. I never thought I’d be able to do that,” he says.
Years of deep involvement in designing, constructing, and selling numerous yachts have positioned Staluppi as a sought-after advisor for owners and shipyards alike. His Millennium Super Yachts fleet, established in 1998, focused on crafting custom yachts. "Having a solid design from the outset minimizes the need for extensive alterations," he notes, although achieving that is quite challenging. "When building a boat, expect changes costing anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million."
Among his personal projects, the 2004 'World Is Not Enough' remains a favorite. "Truth be told, it was the fastest yacht we've ever owned, but we never pushed it to that speed," he shares. While it was theoretically capable of reaching 77 mph, technical steering issues limited its performance.
"Spectre," crafted by Benetti in 2019, came close to being his “ideal yacht,” but the upper deck felt slightly compact for Staluppi's preferences. By the time this became evident, the construction had progressed too far. Now, as a committed yacht enthusiast, he's directing his attention to his next endeavor, which pledges to integrate numerous Bond-inspired gadgets.
"I often claim that this is the final boat I’ll build, only to end up planning a new one," Staluppi admits. "At times, I feel the urge to create a speedy yacht again, but that sacrifices some luxury. Currently, I lean towards enjoying a fine bottle of wine and a meal onboard. If I crave speed, I have my 92-foot Pershing for that."
Staluppi has put Quantum of Solace up for sale at $58 million through Yachting Partners International to accommodate his upcoming yet-to-be-built yacht. Interestingly, this Turquoise-built vessel is the second to bear the same name. Staluppi chose the name Quantum of Solace after the release of the then-latest Bond movie, No Time To Die, as he didn't want his boat to share the movie's title.
As for the perpetual link between his yachts and 007 movie titles, does it ever trouble Staluppi? "No," he says. "I find it quite enjoyable."
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