First superyacht web auction hopes for a wave of bidders

February 10 2014

First superyacht web auction hopes for a wave of bidders

Kestrel to sell for a fraction of its value

A sailing superyacht conceived by legendary yacht designer Ron Holland will go under the digital hammer this month, for a fraction of its original cost, in what is believed to be the first online auction of its kind.

Kestrel, a stunning 30-metre luxury sailing yacht launched in 2012, costs between €8-10 million to build, but has a reserve price of under €2 million from specialist online auctioneer Sweeney Kincaid. The winner of the bidding process will be announced on February 27.

The yacht, currently berthed in Port Adriana Marina, near Palma in Majorca, can accommodate up to ten guests for international sailing trips in luxurious comfort. As well as the owners’ cabin, the Kestrel boasts a VIP cabin and two guest cabins, which are all equipped with en-suite bathrooms finished in marble. It also has a raised deck saloon fitted with teak furniture, and the new owner will have access to a highly-experienced professional crew.

Ron Holland famously designed the tallest single-masted yacht ever built, the Mirabella V, and has brought his racing pedigree to the design of the Kestrel. The superyacht has already completed its sea trials and is fully certified for immediate enjoyment. Combined with the very limited use of the yacht so far means the Kestrel is ‘better than new’.

Russell Kincaid, managing director of Sweeney Kincaid, said: “The Kestrel is a beautiful yacht and offers a level of comfort normally found in much larger vessels – someone has the opportunity for a real bargain in superyacht terms. The current owners want it to go to a good home where its unique characteristics will be appreciated, and thought selling it via an online auction was a good way to get the message to a wide audience.

“This is a fascinating lot for us to sell, given the prominence of the designer and the incredible attention to detail on the Kestrel. Whoever seals the winning bid is going to receive a world-class superyacht for a very reasonable price, and I could see more of these kinds of vessels being sold online.”

Peter Cooke, managing director of Kestrel Superyachts, said: “We wanted our groundbreaking Ron Holland designed yacht to stand out from the crowd where many of the boats for sale are just shades of each other, and yet we are offering something entirely different.

“The reserve at auction is very competitive indeed for a yacht of this age and quality, and there is a strong chance that someone will secure this very accomplished yacht for a fraction of her replacement cost.”

Sweeney Kincaid has many years of successful experience of online auctions, and no longer holds any ‘physical’ auctions, with all sales taking place on the web. It plans to offer further superyachts for sale in 2014.

The company is a leading asset re-marketing specialist enabling sellers (companies, individuals and institutions) to maximise value in surplus assets via its vast database of buyers worldwide.

To make a bid or watch the process develop, go to: http://www.sweeney-kincaid.com/Sales/SaleDescription.aspx?SaleId=2215

ENDS

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