Superyachts are often used to feel good but seldom for a good case. Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt is altering that notion by using his newly acquired Whisper Yacht. The luxury vessel was featured at the Naples Winter Wine Festival, among an array of activities at a live auction that helped raise a record of more than $33 million to support at-risk and underprivileged children in Collier County. The top lot, auctioned for $2.4 million, was a seven-night Mediterranean cruise onboard the motor yacht Whisper.
The event took place at the picturesque Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, where a cool 50 unique lots, including wines from some of the world’s most revered vineyards, made guests splurge, resulting in the accumulation of a whopping $33 million.
According to WGCU, the proceeds will be distributed among effective nonprofit organizations in the community, benefiting more than 300,000 local children. As for the superyacht experience, six couples will have a whale of a time aboard the 312-foot superyacht, formerly called Kismet and owned by the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C. owner.
It was purchased by Schmidt in 2023 and rechristened Whisper Yacht, but that’s mostly all that changed, and its magnificence remained intact. The pleasure craft features seven spacious guest cabins with king-sized beds and en suites.
A professional crew of 27 ensures a seamless yachting experience. There’s plenty to do aboard the ship, boasting interiors by Reymond Langton and exteriors by Espen Oeino. Plenty of lounges, al fresco dining spaces, a cozy cinema room, a world-class gym, a full spa and salon make Whisper a rather loud display of lavishness, an impressive range of tenders and toys, and a top deck 12m pool, perfect for gazing at stunning coastlines.
The winning bidders will find themselves living in ultimate luxury surrounded by turquoise waters in the Mediterranean for one full week, making the most of the opulence of the Champagne & caviar theme.
When it comes to adrenaline and tenders, Whisper has you covered with three tenders, including a nearly 33-foot Hinckley Limo Tender. It goes without saying they will be treated to some really good wine as well.
The other lots offered at the auction included a 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, the automaker’s inaugural all-electric vehicle, for $1.4 million, and ’25 Years of Wine, Music, and Generosity,’ which brought $1 million. Forty couples each contributed $25,000 to participate in this exclusive, one-of-a-kind event at D’Amico’s The Continental.
What is NCEF?
Established in 2000, the Naples Children & Education Foundation supports effective, disciplined charitable programs that significantly improve the physical, emotional, and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. Since its inception, the festival has raised almost $302 million. The organization has impacted close to 90 non-profit agencies and the lives of over 300,000 children. Should you wish to make a donation then head to their website.
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