Why Boardwalk V stays in Italy

Built as hull 707 and delivered in 2021, the 76.5-metre steel hull carries 1,848 gross tonnes—a volume that demands a 13.0-metre beam and a propulsion system tuned for sustained 11-knot cruising. Her operational profile follows the diplomatic posting of her owner, Tilman Fertitta, to Rome.

Boardwalk V is a 76.5-metre superyacht built by Feadship. She was launched in 2021. The vessel belongs to Tilman Fertitta. He bought the Houston Rockets in 2017 for $2.2 billion. That deal funded his luxury purchases.

The yacht is registered in the Cayman Islands. Her home port is George Town. AIS data shows she moves slowly through the Mediterranean. She stays near Italy. This matches her owner's new job.

Fertitta became the US ambassador to Italy in May 2025. Boardwalk V has been seen off the Ligurian coast since then. She travels between Nice and Civitavecchia at about 10 knots. This speed suits her design.

Why did Feadship build such a heavy boat?

Fertitta ordered hull 707 from Feadship. The yard is a Dutch cooperative. It uses two main shipyards. Royal Van Lent builds the steel hulls. Koninklijke De Vries handles the finishing. Both share one design team.

De Voogt Naval Architects designed the hull. They aimed for stability over speed. Boardwalk V weighs 1,848 gross tonnes. This volume requires a wide beam. Her beam is 13.0 metres. Most yachts this length are narrower.

The Amsterdam yard opened a new dock in 2019. This shed can hold boats up to 160 metres long. It allowed Feadship to build larger vessels. Boardwalk V fits this new capacity perfectly. The yard also handles refits here.

A wider beam creates more inside space. It also makes the ride smoother. This matters for long trips across oceans. The design prioritizes comfort. It does not prioritize top speed. The engines are tuned for efficiency.

Feadship started building steel yachts in 1951. They showed them at the New York Boat Show. Steel was new for American buyers then. The company has used it ever since. Boardwalk V continues that tradition.

The yard has four locations total. Two belong to De Vries. Two belong to Royal Van Lent. The Amsterdam site is the newest. It opened its doors in early 2019. This timing helped Fertitta's order.

Boardwalk V carries 1,848 gross tonnes of volume. This is a measure of her inside space. It demands a 13.0-metre beam for stability.

What does the AIS track show about her speed?

AIS data tracks her movements daily. She often stays in Italian waters. In August 2026, she moved between Nice and Savona. That trip covered 57.7 nautical miles. She averaged 9.7 knots during that run.

Later that month, she went to Civitavecchia. The distance was 182.4 nautical miles. She took twelve hours to cover it. Her average speed was 11.0 knots. This confirms her cruising profile.

She also traveled from Monaco to Livorno. That leg took about thirteen hours. She covered 125.5 nautical miles. Her average speed was 9.2 knots. She rarely exceeds 12 knots.

In October 2026, she stayed local. She moved from Livorno to Pisa. The trip was short. It took two hours. She averaged 8.3 knots. She spent time anchoring nearby.

Her maximum recorded speed is lower than many rivals. She hit 17.7 knots once. That was a brief burst. Her normal pace is much slower. This saves fuel on long runs.

The slow pace suits her role. She acts as a floating embassy. Speed is not the priority. Range and comfort are. The wide beam helps her stay steady in rough seas.

How did Tilman Fertitta pay for the yacht?

Fertitta is an American businessman. He was born in Texas in 1957. He worked in his father's restaurant first. He later sold vitamins door-to-door. These early jobs taught him sales.

He founded Landry's in the 1980s. He bought the restaurant chain in Katy, Texas. It grew into a huge entertainment group. He now owns hotels and casinos. This business funds his lifestyle.

His biggest purchase was the Houston Rockets. He bought the NBA team in 2017. The price was $2.2 billion. He reached this deal in September 2017. This made him extremely wealthy.

Forbes lists his net worth at $11 billion. He ranks number 248 on their list. They call him the world's richest restaurateur. His wealth comes from Landry's and the Rockets.

He also invested in real estate. He bought the River Oaks District in 2024. The cost was $450 million. This is one of Houston's best areas. It adds to his portfolio.

Fertitta uses special companies for deals. He formed Landcadia with Richard Handler. This company buys other businesses. It raised money for these purchases. The structure keeps his assets safe.

He donated $20 million to his alma mater. The University of Houston renamed a gym for him. He supports many charities in Houston. He sits on several boards. His public image is strong.

Why is she based in Italy now?

Fertitta took a government job in 2025. He was named ambassador to Italy. He also covers San Marino. He started this role in May 2025. This changed his base.

Boardwalk V moved to Italian waters. She anchors near Livorno often. She visits Civitavecchia regularly. This port serves Rome. The ambassador needs to be close to the capital.

The yacht provides privacy for official duties. It is easier to host guests on board. Diplomatic functions require secure spaces. A large yacht offers that security. It also offers comfort.

She sails the Mediterranean frequently. The water is calm in summer. This suits her slow engines. She avoids heavy storms when possible. The route is predictable.

Her flag is the Cayman Islands. This is common for large yachts. It simplifies tax and registration. Her home port is George Town. This is the capital of the islands.

What changes were made after delivery?

The yacht was delivered in 2021. She has undergone minor updates since. The Amsterdam yard handles most work. They have a large dry dock there. This allows easy access.

Refits usually focus on interiors. The exterior lines remain unchanged. The hull form is proven. No major structural changes are needed. The engine room stays the same.

Fertitta added another yacht recently. He owns a 384-foot vessel called Boardwalk. This is the sixth boat with that name. The new one is smaller but faster.

The older Boardwalk served him for years. It was a classic Feadship design. The new one replaces it for daily use. Boardwalk V handles longer trips. It bridges the gap between sizes.

The interior style matches his taste. He likes modern luxury. He avoids overly ornate designs. The spaces are functional. They suit both family and work.

No public details exist on costs. The estimated value is $149 million. This figure comes from industry experts. It reflects current market prices. It may differ from what he paid.

The yacht remains active today. She sails under her own power. She does not need towage. Her systems are reliable. The crew manages all operations.