Legendary 126m explorer yacht Octopus completes nine-month refit

The 126.2-metre Lürssen explorer yacht Octopus has been sighted for the first time following a nine-month refit at Lloyd Werft's facilities in Bremerhaven, Germany. According to BOATPro, Octopus arrived at the shipyard in September 2023.

While full details are to follow, confirmed works include her 20-year survey, full paintwork and AV/IT upgrades. 

Octopus was delivered in 2003 for the late Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with childhood friend Bill Gates in 1975. Allen was an avid researcher and historian who made several seminal discoveries on board the explorer, including the shipwrecked Musashi, an imperial Japanese Navy battleship from World War II.

Espen Øino is responsible for the exterior design and was briefed by Allen to create an industrial-style yacht with the appearance and capability of the Finnish icebreaker Fennica, built in 1993. Her original interiors are by Jonathan Quinn Barnett.

The superyacht is decked out with every conceivable amenity, including a heated swimming pool that can convert into a dance floor, a former music studio, a grand cinema, a dedicated owner's deck with a private observation lounge and a unique float-in tender garage. Accommodation is for up to 12 guests and 45 crew.

Octopus was sold in August 2021 with a last known asking price of €235,000,000. She is available for charter with Big Blue Expeditions and will be operating in Antarctica and the Pacific for the 2025 winter and summer season respectively.