Introducing the latest marvel from John Staluppi’s renowned fleet: the 238-foot superyacht Quantum of Solace, a stunning tribute to the iconic James Bond film series. Known for his passion for yachting and his love for 007, Staluppi has named this yacht in line with his tradition of honoring Bond films, making it a true masterpiece on the water.
Staluppi, a Brooklyn-born entrepreneur, has owned an impressive 27 vessels over the past three decades, starting with the 118-foot For Your Eyes Only in 1985. This marked a significant transition for Staluppi, moving from smaller fishing boats to luxury motoryachts. His second yacht, the 144-foot Octopussy, not only solidified his place in the yachting world but also made headlines for achieving a record-breaking speed of 61 mph, a feat that positioned it as the world’s fastest yacht at the time.
Quantum of Solace, crafted by the esteemed Turquoise Yachts in 2012, is a sophisticated blend of style, luxury, and functionality. This superyacht is equipped with an array of innovative features, making it a standout choice for discerning yacht owners. One of its most striking aspects is the impressive double-height atrium in the main salon, a design element that captivated Staluppi from the moment he laid eyes on it. "I'd never seen that before... that’s precisely why I had to see the boat," he remarked, highlighting the allure of its unique architectural design.
Acquired almost sight unseen in 2019, Staluppi's decision was backed by the yacht's user-friendly features, including practical cranes in the garage and a beach club with water-level door openings, making it perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The yacht offers luxurious amenities, such as a 16-foot contra-flow swimming pool and a versatile heli-deck that can double as a professional DJ station on the sun deck, ensuring that entertainment is always a priority.
Spending an unprecedented eight weeks aboard during the COVID-19 pandemic, Staluppi and his wife embarked on a remarkable journey exploring the East Coast of the United States. They found comfort and stability aboard Quantum of Solace, with Staluppi noting, "I never thought I’d be able to do that," when discussing the yacht's ability to anchor smoothly in various locations.
With years of expertise in yacht design, construction, and management, Staluppi has established himself as a key advisor in the industry. His company, Millennium Super Yachts, focuses on creating bespoke yachts tailored to meet individual preferences, emphasizing that solid design minimizes the need for costly changes during construction. "Having a solid design from the outset minimizes the need for extensive alterations," he notes, while also acknowledging the challenges inherent in the process.
Reflecting on his past projects, Staluppi holds a particular fondness for the 2004 World Is Not Enough, describing it as the fastest yacht he ever owned. While theoretically capable of reaching speeds of 77 mph, he admitted, "We never pushed it to that speed," due to technical steering issues that limited its performance.
Staluppi's latest creation, the Quantum of Solace, represents both a culmination of his experiences and a new chapter in his yachting journey. However, he is already directing his attention to his next endeavor, which promises to integrate numerous Bond-inspired gadgets that would make Q proud.
"I often claim that this is the final boat I’ll build, only to end up planning a new one," Staluppi admits with a chuckle. He currently leans toward enjoying the finer aspects of yachting, such as savoring a fine bottle of wine and a meal onboard, while still having access to speed with his 92-foot Pershing.
Staluppi has placed Quantum of Solace on the market for $58 million through Yachting Partners International, making way for his upcoming yet-to-be-built yacht. Interestingly, this Turquoise-built vessel is the second to bear the name Quantum of Solace, a choice made after the release of the latest Bond film, No Time To Die, as he didn’t want his boat to share the title with that movie.
As for the enduring connection between his yachts and the Bond franchise, does it ever trouble Staluppi? "No," he says with a smile. "I find it quite enjoyable." His passion for both yachting and the world of 007 continues to inspire him, making each of his creations not just a vessel, but a legacy.