FLAG, the Feadship infamously owned by fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger, has sold to new owners. The tri-deck yacht proudly wore the Hilfiger emblem, perhaps making it Feadship’s most recognizable vessel. The sale was jointly listed by Burgess and broker Merle Wood of Merle Wood & Associates, Inc.
Featured Image Credit: Merle Wood & Associates
YATCO spoke with Mr. Wood in an exclusive interview to learn more about the vessel and its recent sale.
Yacht broker Merle Wood initially met Tommy and Dee Hilfiger 10+ years ago when the couple was chartering yachts but in search of their own.
Said Wood, “I was introduced to Tommy and Dee by one of my long-term clients. We spent a lot of time looking around at various [yachts] before they chose [FLAG] as their first boat to buy,” He explained that the Hilfigers were “in the midst of buying something completely different” when they decided to look at the yacht, then called FAITH, owned by friend and business partner Lawrence Stroll. Wood noted that FLAG was a “very superior boat to what they were looking at buying” describing it as a “timeless work of art.”
The Hilfigers had previously been guests onboard and appreciated the yacht’s classic yet modern design. Mr. Hilfiger has said that Feadship is his favorite yacht builder.
The vessel had 3 owners before the Hilfigers, each bestowing their personal style on the yacht interior. Previous yacht interiors had formal darker features, contemporary style, and a cream and white color palette.
Wood marveled how the yacht interior construction of this Feadship could host “four completely different looks in the same space,” noting FLAG “really ticked the boxes for a very well-conceived yacht” and “was always very well cared for by each of its owners.”
When purchased, the renowned fashion designer put his creative touch on the vessel with Tommy Hilfiger branded items and colors. The Hilfigers worked closely with Chahan Minassian, Tommy Hilfiger’s creative director, who had also worked with the yacht’s previous owner during a refit. “They waved their wand of great taste [to incorporate] color and flag features,” explained Wood. “Tommy put some color to it and gave it vibrancy.”
When asked about FLAG’s standout features, Mr. Wood remarked, “The boat is a jewel box!”
Owner’s Suite and Guest Cabins
The primary stateroom onboard FLAG, located on the main deck, belongs to the owner’s and spans the yacht’s full beam. Wood commented this “full-width master stateroom meant a bigger space” for the owners, including separate his and hers bathrooms, large closets, and an office.
In addition to the owner’s suite, FLAG has 6 guest cabins. The vessel has been listed for charter to carry 12 guests but can comfortably sleep 18 with various bed configurations. These cabins have hosted the Hilfigers’ family, friends, and celebrities over the years.
Yacht Interior Features
Merle Wood & Associates said in a social media post the yacht’s “open interior is elegant and features large windows letting in lots of natural light and offering stunning views.”
Mr. Wood described the interior as “very high end” with sophisticated finishes, paneling, and marble-works. A show piece of the interior, Wood notes FLAG contains a “passenger elevator unlike anything” on yachts of comparable size. The elevator spans 4 decks, connecting the lower deck guest cabins to the main deck, bridge deck, and sundeck.
Yacht Exterior Features
Made for relaxation and socializing, the bridge deck has “wonderful outside deck spaces,” including a full bar and large screen TV. Plush pillows adorn the seating areas and sun pad surrounding a jacuzzi on the sundeck. The sundeck also contains an airconditioned lounge with powder room. The bow has garages to store tenders which maximizes deck surface area. Wood noted, “nobody did them” in the time FLAG was initially constructed. Multiple lounges and al fresco dining spaces adorn all three of the yacht’s exterior decks.
Mr. Hilfiger has previously mentioned in interviews he would sell FLAG if he needed more space onboard for family and friends.
“When it was time to sell the boat, he came to me to handle the sale and marketing,” said Wood, who hopes to assist the Hilfigers with the purchase of their next yacht.
As for FLAG, her new owners are receiving a boat that is “one of those classics, that is extremely well conceived, [and] a very high-end build.” Wood remarked that while the new owners may repaint or add a beach club, FLAG will remain “one of the best” yachts on the market, possessing “all of the features that make it a timeless, iconic masterpiece.”
Flag Specifications:
- Length: 204ft/62m
- Beam: 35.4ft/10.79m
- Top Speed: 16 knots
- Built in 2000; Refit in 2012 and 2022
- Runs with 17 Crew
- Last Known Listing Price: €39,500,000
