Prepare to set sail into a world of luxury and opulence like you’ve never seen, as we admire the breathtaking $300 million megayacht marvel “KAOS”, owned by none other than Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie. Stretching an impressive 361 feet in length from bow to stern and boasting a beam (width) of 56 feet, KAOS isn’t just a yacht; she’s a floating palace. But who wouldn’t anticipate such grandeur from a yacht owned by one of the richest people in the world, currently holding the 218th position on Forbes’ real-time billionaires list, with an estimated net worth of $10 billion?
Above: The 361-foot Oceanco megayacht “KAOS” docked in Miami, Florida. Photo by Morgan Collins for YachtWorld.
A Marvel Of Engineering and Design
Designed and built in 2017 by the renowned Dutch shipyard Oceanco, KAOS is one of the largest and most luxurious superyachts in the world, and stands as a testament to the builder’s engineering prowess and design innovation. Every inch of this majestic vessel exudes sophistication and elegance, from its sleek exterior designs by Igor Lobanov to its lavishly appointed interiors by Sam Sorgiovanni.
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Formerly named Jubilee the impressive vessel was originally constructed for the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Khalifa, who reportedly requested the yacht have a garage for his Bentley onboard. Designed with the optical illusion of extra decks, her modern metallic superstructure was designed to play tricks on the eye. This artistic design feat was achieved through the use of long lines and curves, paired with rows of tinted glass panels and “faux decks” giving the appearance of more volume and additional walkways. KAOS has a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure.
Unmatched Luxury At Sea
Step aboard KAOS, and you’re greeted by a world of unparalleled luxury in what can only be described as an outrageous interior. Boasting 17 opulent staterooms, including a lavish owner’s suite, KAOS can accommodate up to 34 guests in utmost comfort and style. Additionally, KAOS can host a crew of up to 45 members in 24 cabins, ensuring seamless service and hospitality throughout your voyage. Notably, her real marble floors feel palatial, while underneath, rubber underpinnings provide extra noise dampening from the exterior, providing a supremely quiet ride while underway.
Above: The faux decks on the 361-foot Oceanco megayacht “KAOS”. Photo by Morgan Collins for YachtWorld.
Entertainment Extravaganza
For those seeking entertainment, KAOS has it all. From a fully equipped gym and spa facilities to a cinema room and multiple lounges, there’s never a dull moment on board. Guests can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or soak up the sun on the expansive sun deck.
A Culinary Journey
Food lovers rejoice, for KAOS offers a culinary experience like no other. With a team of world-class chefs at your service, every meal is a gastronomic delight. Whether you prefer gourmet cuisine or casual dining, KAOS caters to every palate with finesse and flair.
Performance And Sustainability
Featuring advanced electronics and an efficient twin screw propulsion system, KAOS offers both impressive performance and environmental responsibility while ensuring smooth and comfortable voyages. She’s powered by twin 4,828-horsepower MTU engines enabling her to reach a reported maximum speed of 18.50 knots (21 MPH) and a cruising speed of 14 knots (16 MPH). She effortlessly glides through the water and thanks to her generous fuel capacity, KAOS boasts an impressive range of up to 5,300 nautical miles, allowing for extended journeys without the need for frequent refueling.
A Legacy Of Luxury
As the crown jewel of Nancy Walton Laurie’s maritime empire, KAOS represents a legacy of luxury that spans generations. From its inception to its maiden voyage, every aspect of KAOS reflects Nancy’s impeccable taste and unwavering dedication to excellence. The one-of-a-kind megayacht features a full size helipad for easy access to land, plus when aboard, not only is there a swimming pool but also a jacuzzi hot tub and, get this—even, an aquarium!
Above: The helipad on the bow of KAOS, a 361-foot Oceanco megayacht. Photo by Morgan Collins for YachtWorld.
How Much Was The KAOS Price Tag?
When listed for sale by the Royal Family of Qatar, the original asking price was $310 million. Later, Nancy Walton Laurie reportedly paid an estimated $300 million for the vessel. Her annual cost of ownership and maintenance is around $30 million, as there is generally a 10% ownership cost associated with most yachts of this size.
A Brush With Controversy
Even amidst its splendor, KAOS hasn’t been immune to controversy. In July 2023, the Oceanco-built superyacht fell victim to vandalism by climate activists. The incident saw protesters using fire extinguishers to spray the yacht, highlighting the tensions between luxury and environmental activism.
Protesters affiliated with Futuro Vegetal, a collective of climate crisis activists known for their civil disobedience, admitted to orchestrating the incident. According to reports from the Spanish newspaper Periodico de Ibiza, the demonstrators were promptly apprehended by the Spanish Civil Guard at the marina. The spray-painting occurred as the crew was getting ready to leave Ibiza, and the damages incurred are estimated to require repairs costing millions.
Undeniably Impressive
Whatever you think of the owner or the vast sums of money and resources this vessel takes to own and operate, one thing is undeniable: she is an impressive feat of engineering. For those of us that admire engineering and design—especially extreme machines that push the envelope of the human imagination, vessels like KAOS can remind us what we’re capable of when we come together as a team to build something.