Even as electric car venture Better Place Inc. has run aground financially, the luxury sailing yacht of the company's chairman, Idan Ofer, has been launched. The yacht's name is "Better Place", and it carries Better Place's logo on its sail.
Shipping industry sources say that the new yacht, a star at this year's Yacht Show in Monaco, was ordered by Ofer 18 months ago, and delivered this summer. The 50-meter yacht was built by Wally in Ancona, Italy, at an estimated cost of $10 million.
The yacht makes extensive use of carbon fibers and composite materials, and is one of the first yachts in the world to have the "RINA Green Star" symbol for environmental friendliness. The 300-square meter cabin and 400-square meter exterior space was designed by special order from a specialist manufacture, Wetzels Brown Partners. It includes a salon, kitchen, and 86-square meter deckhouse, beneath which is a 60-square meter main suite. The yacht also has 20 sunning lounges, a large Jacuzzi, luxury wooden deck and wall, custom-order furniture, and other features.
Wally said that "Better Place" was delivered to the customer in July, and made its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean. The yacht will apparently be leased by brokers, and will not be used by Idan Ofer.
Idan Ofer's spokesman said, "He does not comment on private matters."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 5, 2012
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