eric clapton yacht va bene

A Closer Look at Eric Clapton’s Yacht Va Bene

Think of what you and your friends do during your free time and then change that picture to what you would do if you had money. Money limits us in everything; for instance even if you know what a balanced meal is and the importance of eating one, it does not matter if you do not have the money to buy all that you need to eat a balanced diet. Even the kind of sports ordinary kids engage themselves in is not the same as those from wealthy families. While you cycle around the block taking turns since probably not all of your friends have a bicycle, rich kids will be taken to a ranch to ride a horse, and perhaps their parents will buy a pony for them to take home. It is the differences in our lives that help run the world because if all of us were rich, no one would work, and the economy would be a mess. That is not to say we should not aim high and also have a taste of fine living and dining; buy a yacht and go cruising for a few months for a change instead of taking a road trip. Eric Clapton had the luxury of doing so on a boat that was not even his and today he is a multimillionaire with a net worth of $250 million according to Superyacht Fan so maybe our time is coming. Although Eric later owned the yacht, let’s take a look at the boat in question and how Eric came about to buy it.

History of Va Bene

The story of Va bene does not start with Eric Clapton, and neither will it end with him seeing that the boat is listed as available for sale. Looking at it you can hardly tell that it is 27 years old, but that is how long Va Ben has been in existence ever since it was commissioned by a Greek sailing enthusiast in 1992. The yacht went ahead to be built by Kees Cornelissen, a Dutch company recognized for its experience in building luxury boats. The sailing enthusiast decided to get rid of the boat and put it up for sale where Bernie Ecclestone bought it in 1997. Bernie is a multibillionaire, and he bought the yacht for $35 million. He named the boat “Petara” after two of his daughters by combining the names of Petara and Tamara.

Eric Clapton buys the boat

For the average citizen, hanging out with friends means going to a club for a wild night out or maybe catching a movie at the theaters. However, for those who are privileged, unwinding means going all out and Eric is one not to spare any expense after traveling the world to make money with his band. In 2005, Eric thought about taking a breather from the rock star life, and he chartered the yacht.

Along with his friends, Eric cruised the Mediterranean, and he enjoyed the experience so much that upon getting back he had to borrow money for the first time in his life to have her, as detailed by CNN . It reminds you of an impulsive teenager who falls hopelessly in love with a girl that he would do anything to take her out and ask her to be his girlfriend.

Eric bought the boat and stayed with it for two years before taking it for a refit. He chose a UK service provider so that he could be close enough to monitor the work but also because he is patriotic and wanted to support his country by buying British products. Consequently, Pendennis Shipyard began working on the refit which was initially set to be completed in three months but the period doubled, but it stayed within the time limit that ensured Eric had the yacht in the month set aside to be with his family on holiday.

What does Va Bene have?

Eric parted with 9 million Euros in 2005, and since the boat still ended up needing a touch here and there, it makes you question what he fell in love with on the boat to spend millions on it. The renovation was done to ensure that the boat was changed to reflect his taste and the minute you set foot on the boat you cannot mistake to see Eric’s live for art with Club Yacht describing Va Bene as a floating art gallery. You not only notice small oil paintings of Venice but his collection of marble sculptures, ceramic vases, and abstract canvasses are impressive.

Nowadays, when people talk of cleansing their body, mind, and soul, it has become important also to go off grid as evidenced by celebrities who delete their social media accounts and switch off their phones for a while. For most of us, leaving your phone at home is equivalent to leaving your soul behind, and you would rather be late for work than go ahead without your mobile phone. It is for this reason that Eric installed Wi-Fi on Va Bene to ensure his guests felt at home while on board.

Other amenities also include exercise equipment to keep himself, and the guests fit, a jacuzzi to relax in, and an air conditioning unit to keep the temperatures bearable. While anchored, Va Bene is well at rest thanks to the stabilizers. Cruising on Va Bene is enabled by the two Caterpillar engines that can reach a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. Her fuel capacity is 84,000 liters meaning Eric has to spend millions of dollars to keep a full tank.

Entertainment is taken to another for the music and movie fans. You are not forced to listen to the owner’s choice of music. Instead, with the Arcam iPod docking station, everyone onboard has a chance to enjoy their songs from their music library. As for the ultimate movie experience, the Panasonic Viera flat screen televisions are enough to catch up on that film you have been putting away for so long; after all, you have all the time in the world while on the Va Bene considering that you are moving at 16 knots.

Allen Lee is a Toronto-based freelance writer who studied business in school but has since turned to other pursuits. He spends more time than is perhaps wise with his eyes fixed on a screen either reading history books, keeping up with international news, or playing the latest releases on the Steam platform, which serve as the subject matter for much of his writing output. Currently, Lee is practicing the smidgen of Chinese that he picked up while visiting the Chinese mainland in hopes of someday being able to read certain historical texts in their original language.

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VA BENE Motor yacht for charter

• Length: 47.5m (155.8ft)
• 12 guests in 6 cabins
• Built: 1992 (refitted 2020, refurbished 2022), Kees Cornelissen, The Netherlands

The ultimate family charter yacht, VA BENE has relaxed, comfortable living areas, a great sun deck and exceptional crew.

• Regularly maintained
• Child-friendly yacht
• A crew with local expertise
• Spacious sun deck with jacuzzi, grand sun pads and seating area
• BBQ & karaoke
• Zero speed stabilisers to reduce any rolling motion while at anchor
• Approved RYA training centre for guests' use of personal watercraft

About VA BENE

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Fun, enthusiastic and friendly, the crew will ensure children are happy and entertained both on deck and on the water. Kids will love splashing around with the large selection of watertoys, supervised by RYA qualified instructors, and themed evenings with fancy dress and karaoke ensure the fun continues until lights out.

But children aren't the only ones to fall in love with VA BENE, her versatile guest areas transform into sophisticated spaces for evening entertaining. The large main salon has a timeless interior design, with pale, limed wood emphasising the sense of space and abundance of natural light. With a separate dining room and a large al fresco dining area on the aft deck, this yacht offers a choice of areas to enjoy delicious meals in both casual and formal settings.

At night the sun deck transforms into a dancefloor with romantic lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system, while the six-man jacuzzi is rarely empty during the day. The aft section is shaded, with a barbeque and tables for a chilled out lunch with a view. Large, indulgent sun pads forward can be moved around to accommodate gym equipment or a large dining table for special occasions.

VA BENE has an exceptionally versatile accommodation arrangement for up to 12 guests in six cabins. The full beam master cabin on the main deck has an en suite bathroom and a large private study which converts to a children's cabin with a pullman berth and sofa. The expansive VIP suite features a huge bathroom and a seating area, and all cabins are named after favourite Italian cruising destinations including Positano, Capri, Porto Cervo, Venezia and Portofino. The twin cabin has a pullman berth, making it popular for children's sleepovers, and there are a further three well-sized double cabins on the lower deck.

Tenders & toys

• 1 × Towed tender
• 3 × Tenders
• 1 × Deck jacuzzi
• RYA training centre for jetskis & waverunners
• 2 × Waverunners
• 2 × SeaBobs
• 1 × eFoil
• 2 × Stand up paddleboards
• Inflatable tows
• Fishing gear
• Snorkelling gear

Please note that tenders and toys are subject to regular upgrades and changes. Contact a Burgess broker for the latest information.

Fitness equipment

• Free weights

Please note that fitness equipment and wellness facilities are subject to regular upgrades and changes. Contact a Burgess broker for the latest information.

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From EUR 140,000 per week

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Rate from EUR 175,000 per week

• Length: 53.2m (174.5ft)
• 10 guests in 5 cabins
• Built: 1997 (refitted 2017), Perini Navi, Italy

Rate from EUR 185,000 per week

• Length: 52.9m (173.7ft)
• Built: 1998 (refitted 2016), Perini Navi, Italy

Rate from EUR 185,000† per week

• Length: 49m (160.8ft)
• 11 guests in 5 cabins
• Built: 2001 (refitted 2016), CMN Shipyard France, France

Rate from EUR 178,000* per week

• Length: 48.7m (159.9ft)
• Built: 1997 (refitted 2016), Codecasa, Italy

BELLA STELLA

Rate from EUR 150,500 per week

• Length: 45m (147.6ft)
• 12 guests in 7 cabins
• Built: 1987 (refitted 2019), CRN Ancona, Italy

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Rate from EUR 182,000 per week

• Length: 44m (144.3ft)
• Built: 2010 (refurbished 2023), Sanlorenzo, Italy

• Length: 44m (144.4ft)
• 10/12 guests in 5 cabins
• Built: 2008 (refitted 2017, refurbished 2022), Heesen, The Netherlands

G3 is offering a special deal for her last 5 day gap: 22 to 27 September 2024 ideal start in Dubrovnik 15% discount = EUR 106,250 (instead of EUR 125,000)

SILVER DREAM

Rate from EUR 145,000 per week

• Length: 43.8m (143.7ft)
• Built: 2001 (refurbished 2019), Warren Yachts, Australia

EMOTION²

Rate from EUR 147,000 per week

• Length: 42.6m (139.7ft)
• Built: 2007 (refitted 2017, refurbished 2024), CRN Ancona, Italy

Rate from EUR 180,000*† per week

• Built: 2019, Benetti, Italy

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Rate from EUR 168,000 per week

• Length: 42m (137.8ft)
• Built: 2017, Benetti, Italy

Rate from EUR 182,000† per week

• Length: 41.4m (135.8ft)
• Built: 2016 (refitted 2021), Alia Yachts, Turkey

Rate from EUR 130,000 per week

• Length: 40.9m (134.2ft)
• 8 guests in 4 cabins
• Built: 2013, ISA Yachts, Italy

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LONDON, England -- In his autobiography, Eric Clapton admits that he enjoys nothing more than sitting in a deck chair on a white sandy beach watching his children playing in the sea.

Private getaway: Eric Clapton enjoys spending time relaxing on his superyacht Va Bene.

It's the perfect antidote to a punishing tour schedule, and with gigs in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Scandinavia and Europe so far this year, getting away from it all is an experience he values.

He found that he was particularly at ease aboard the 157 ft (47.8m) motor yacht Va Bene, which he chartered in 2005 and cruised with friends around the Mediterranean. The sheltered port of Bonifacio at the southern end of Corsica became one of his favorite haunts.

In fact, Clapton enjoyed Va Bene so much that he bought her. It was the first time he'd ever had to borrow money to buy something, but he had fallen for the yacht, despite her 13 years and slightly dated looks. Besides there was always the possibility of updating her to give her a new lease of life.

Va Bene came with an interesting pedigree. She had originally been commissioned by a Greek ship owner in 1992 to a design by Richard Hein (of Oceanco fame) and built by Kees Cornelissen in Holland. She was then purchased by F1 motor racing supremo Bernie Ecclestone before being sold to an American. A steel-hulled displacement yacht with a cruising speed of about 14 knots, Va Bene can accommodate 12 guests in six separate sleeping cabins and has a crew complement of 13.

Having lived with Va Bene for a couple of years, Eric Clapton finally felt the time was right for a refit. Clapton was particularly keen for the work to be carried out in the UK, partly because he wanted to buy British but also because he could keep a close eye on proceedings. Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, Cornwall, was an obvious choice. Roger Taylor, the drummer with Queen has his yacht Tiger Lilly refitted regularly in Falmouth and Pete Townsend of the Who is another famous client.

Pendennis Shipyard representative Alastair Heane was first introduced to the yacht during the charter show in Antigua in December 2006. Eric Clapton has a house on the island and Va Bene is based here during the winter season. Heane quickly established a detailed proposal of work. The plan was to get Va Bene to Falmouth after Clapton had finished his 2007 summer holiday so that the work could be carried out during the winter.

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• Latest:  MainSail news and features
• SuperYachtWorld home page

The initial time frame was three months but like most complex refits this quickly extended to six as the work list grew. The target was to have Va Bene ready and waiting in Porto Cervo Sardinia on July 1 this year in time for Eric Clapton's month-long family holiday -- a date that was set in stone to fit around his tour schedule.

We caught up with Va Bene during a photo shoot at the end of June 2008 on the very day she was setting sail from Palma, Mallorca, to meet up with the boss in Sardinia. With the final last-minute touches still being applied and the crew busily unpacking everything from the owner's precious guitar to his children's cuddly toys, it was a close run thing but Pendennis had met the deadline in style.

The first thing that strikes you on boarding Va Bene is the calm, informal atmosphere of what is clearly a much-loved family yacht rather than a glitzy monument to success.

Eric Clapton may be one of the world's greatest living rock stars but he is also an unpretentious family man who wants a yacht that he can relax on. The saloon encapsulates this perfectly.

Rather than a single formal space with designer furniture that look so immaculate you hardly dare sit down, Va Bene's saloon is divided into four separate areas with clusters of contrasting chairs, sofas, tables and cabinets. One group of guests can be relaxing round the card table and matching leather chairs, while others stretch out on the big taupe corduroy sofa to watch a movie. That still leaves room for him to sneak off into another corner and perch on one of the special armless low-level chairs to play his guitar.

The adjacent dining room is a little more formal but even here the overriding feeling is of a wonderfully light room centered around what looks like a huge limed-oak table inlaid with Italian marble.

In fact, it is all the handiwork of a talented local artisan who painted the surface of the original table to match the materials found elsewhere on the yacht right down to the fake wooden joints and natural marble flaws. This solution appealed both to Clapton's desire to refresh rather than replace where possible and his appreciation of skilled craftsmanship.

He is a keen collector of modern art himself and every spare wall and surface reflects this passion. From intricate postcard-sized oil paintings of Venice to large, sprawling canvases and some beautiful marble sculptures and ceramic vases, it is a collection that reflects the singer's own ability to transcend the confines of any one genre.

Perhaps that also explains the relatively neutral tones of the décor. There is an Art Deco theme running through the main guest areas, which the refit has refreshed and modernized rather dispensed with. The limed-oak paneling is original but all the garish gold door handles, light fittings and switches have either been replaced or replated in chrome to give it a much more contemporary feel.

The high gloss white painted ceiling panels and moldings have all been meticulously flatted back to leave a softer matt finish while all the ceiling lights, some 400 of them in total, have been replaced with modern recessed spots.

As you'd expect aboard a musician's yacht, the AV system was another major beneficiary of the refit. Every cabin and guest space now has a discreet Arcam iPod dock so that he can plug in his iPhone wherever he is and enjoy instant access to his personal music library. All bar one of the existing Bang & Olufsen CRT televisions have also been swapped for high-definition Panasonic Viera flat screens.

The highlight of the refit is the new owner's suite on the main deck -- a space that Clapton and his wife rarely used before the refit, because it is at the opposite end of the yacht to his children's cabins. (They preferred the smaller but more family-friendly location of the VIP guest suite next to the main run of cabins on the lower deck.) But it's a much more enticing space these days. Reconfigured by interior designers H2 in Putney, London, it now enjoys a much bigger family bathroom complete with walk-in rain shower, dramatic stone basins, a large tub and a natural teak floor.

The key to the success of the refit, which cost in excess of US$4 million, lay in the planning. Pendennis's Tyrone Harvey and a small team started with a technical visit to the yacht in Palma, Mallorca, in the early summer of last year. Within days of arriving in Falmouth Va Bene had undergone sea trials with Duncan Propellers to try and improve an ongoing issue with her performance and economy. It eventually transpired that one of the gearboxes had been incorrectly fitted. She was then moored alongside at Pendennis while her crew started the long job of removing her entire inventory. She also had her teak deck stripped off before she was floated into the 150m long dry dock.

Despite all the changes, Va Bene left Falmouth on time, arriving in Sardinia on July 1. Indeed, it was during this holiday that Eric Clapton took time out to talk to SuperYacht World about his born-again Va Bene (see p74). Now that he has had a chance to enjoy the fruits of his and Pendennis's labor, Va Bene is available for charter through Burgess Yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

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COPYRIGHT © 2009 IPC MEDIA LTD . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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ERIC CLAPTON’S YACHT “VA BENE” IS AUCTIONED FOR 10 MILLION EUROS

British musician Eric Clapton could say good bye to the yacht “Va Bene”.

The 47.5-meter / 156-foot vessel, which the singer-guitarist bought in 2005, will go up for auction on November 28 in Los Angeles, according to the auction house GWS Auctions.

The sale operation would be close to 10 million dollars.

The yacht was built in 1992, has a capacity for 14 guests and six cabins.

The boat was also available as a charter service and could be rented from 140,000 euros a week.

The boat is being sold along with 300 other Eric Clapton items, including Elvis Presley memorabilia, and a 1983, never-made prototype guitar and is expected to fetch between € 40,000 and € 50,000.

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LONDON, England -- In his autobiography, Eric Clapton admits that he enjoys nothing more than sitting in a deck chair on a white sandy beach watching his children playing in the sea.

Private getaway: Eric Clapton enjoys spending time relaxing on his superyacht Va Bene.

It's the perfect antidote to a punishing tour schedule, and with gigs in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Scandinavia and Europe so far this year, getting away from it all is an experience he values.

He found that he was particularly at ease aboard the 157 ft (47.8m) motor yacht Va Bene, which he chartered in 2005 and cruised with friends around the Mediterranean. The sheltered port of Bonifacio at the southern end of Corsica became one of his favorite haunts.

In fact, Clapton enjoyed Va Bene so much that he bought her. It was the first time he'd ever had to borrow money to buy something, but he had fallen for the yacht, despite her 13 years and slightly dated looks. Besides there was always the possibility of updating her to give her a new lease of life.

Va Bene came with an interesting pedigree. She had originally been commissioned by a Greek ship owner in 1992 to a design by Richard Hein (of Oceanco fame) and built by Kees Cornelissen in Holland. She was then purchased by F1 motor racing supremo Bernie Ecclestone before being sold to an American. A steel-hulled displacement yacht with a cruising speed of about 14 knots, Va Bene can accommodate 12 guests in six separate sleeping cabins and has a crew complement of 13.

Having lived with Va Bene for a couple of years, Eric Clapton finally felt the time was right for a refit. Clapton was particularly keen for the work to be carried out in the UK, partly because he wanted to buy British but also because he could keep a close eye on proceedings. Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, Cornwall, was an obvious choice. Roger Taylor, the drummer with Queen has his yacht Tiger Lilly refitted regularly in Falmouth and Pete Townsend of the Who is another famous client.

Pendennis Shipyard representative Alastair Heane was first introduced to the yacht during the charter show in Antigua in December 2006. Eric Clapton has a house on the island and Va Bene is based here during the winter season. Heane quickly established a detailed proposal of work. The plan was to get Va Bene to Falmouth after Clapton had finished his 2007 summer holiday so that the work could be carried out during the winter.

• Photo gallery:  The world's best superyachts
• Latest:  MainSail news and features
• SuperYachtWorld home page

The initial time frame was three months but like most complex refits this quickly extended to six as the work list grew. The target was to have Va Bene ready and waiting in Porto Cervo Sardinia on July 1 this year in time for Eric Clapton's month-long family holiday -- a date that was set in stone to fit around his tour schedule.

We caught up with Va Bene during a photo shoot at the end of June 2008 on the very day she was setting sail from Palma, Mallorca, to meet up with the boss in Sardinia. With the final last-minute touches still being applied and the crew busily unpacking everything from the owner's precious guitar to his children's cuddly toys, it was a close run thing but Pendennis had met the deadline in style.

The first thing that strikes you on boarding Va Bene is the calm, informal atmosphere of what is clearly a much-loved family yacht rather than a glitzy monument to success.

Eric Clapton may be one of the world's greatest living rock stars but he is also an unpretentious family man who wants a yacht that he can relax on. The saloon encapsulates this perfectly.

Rather than a single formal space with designer furniture that look so immaculate you hardly dare sit down, Va Bene's saloon is divided into four separate areas with clusters of contrasting chairs, sofas, tables and cabinets. One group of guests can be relaxing round the card table and matching leather chairs, while others stretch out on the big taupe corduroy sofa to watch a movie. That still leaves room for him to sneak off into another corner and perch on one of the special armless low-level chairs to play his guitar.

The adjacent dining room is a little more formal but even here the overriding feeling is of a wonderfully light room centered around what looks like a huge limed-oak table inlaid with Italian marble.

In fact, it is all the handiwork of a talented local artisan who painted the surface of the original table to match the materials found elsewhere on the yacht right down to the fake wooden joints and natural marble flaws. This solution appealed both to Clapton's desire to refresh rather than replace where possible and his appreciation of skilled craftsmanship.

He is a keen collector of modern art himself and every spare wall and surface reflects this passion. From intricate postcard-sized oil paintings of Venice to large, sprawling canvases and some beautiful marble sculptures and ceramic vases, it is a collection that reflects the singer's own ability to transcend the confines of any one genre.

Perhaps that also explains the relatively neutral tones of the décor. There is an Art Deco theme running through the main guest areas, which the refit has refreshed and modernized rather dispensed with. The limed-oak paneling is original but all the garish gold door handles, light fittings and switches have either been replaced or replated in chrome to give it a much more contemporary feel.

The high gloss white painted ceiling panels and moldings have all been meticulously flatted back to leave a softer matt finish while all the ceiling lights, some 400 of them in total, have been replaced with modern recessed spots.

As you'd expect aboard a musician's yacht, the AV system was another major beneficiary of the refit. Every cabin and guest space now has a discreet Arcam iPod dock so that he can plug in his iPhone wherever he is and enjoy instant access to his personal music library. All bar one of the existing Bang & Olufsen CRT televisions have also been swapped for high-definition Panasonic Viera flat screens.

The highlight of the refit is the new owner's suite on the main deck -- a space that Clapton and his wife rarely used before the refit, because it is at the opposite end of the yacht to his children's cabins. (They preferred the smaller but more family-friendly location of the VIP guest suite next to the main run of cabins on the lower deck.) But it's a much more enticing space these days. Reconfigured by interior designers H2 in Putney, London, it now enjoys a much bigger family bathroom complete with walk-in rain shower, dramatic stone basins, a large tub and a natural teak floor.

The key to the success of the refit, which cost in excess of US$4 million, lay in the planning. Pendennis's Tyrone Harvey and a small team started with a technical visit to the yacht in Palma, Mallorca, in the early summer of last year. Within days of arriving in Falmouth Va Bene had undergone sea trials with Duncan Propellers to try and improve an ongoing issue with her performance and economy. It eventually transpired that one of the gearboxes had been incorrectly fitted. She was then moored alongside at Pendennis while her crew started the long job of removing her entire inventory. She also had her teak deck stripped off before she was floated into the 150m long dry dock.

Despite all the changes, Va Bene left Falmouth on time, arriving in Sardinia on July 1. Indeed, it was during this holiday that Eric Clapton took time out to talk to SuperYacht World about his born-again Va Bene (see p74). Now that he has had a chance to enjoy the fruits of his and Pendennis's labor, Va Bene is available for charter through Burgess Yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Subscribe to SuperYachtWorld

COPYRIGHT © 2009 IPC MEDIA LTD . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

From the Blogs: Controversy, commentary, and debate

Sit tight, we're getting to the good stuff.

By SuperyachtNews 16 Jun 2009

First let's look at Va Bene's unusual pedigree. The yacht was designed by Richard Hein and built at the Kees Cornelissen shipyard...…

“Having spent five years aboard the yacht before the refit I could see its shortcomings”, admitted Nick Line. “Eric never used the master cabin and preferred the VIP suite on the lower deck to be closer to his children. I told him the only solution was to gut the master and come up with a whole new interior.” One of the main issues was that the bed was positioned up against the forward bulkhead, the worst place to be in terms of comfort. “I wanted his head as far aft as possible to make the sleeping position more comfortable and turn the his and hers bathrooms into a single unit and move it forward”, continued Lane. “The old office enclave would then became a full-beam studio that doubles as an extra berth for the owner’s young daughters. Besides improving the sleeping position and the bathroom, this would make the cabin more family-oriented and charter-friendly.” When the studio is in use as a children’s cabin, a Pullman bunk folds down over the sofa and the adjoining LCD glass door can be dimmed at a flick of a switch.

Clapton also requested a bathtub in his new bathroom because kids are hard to keep under the shower and a handy socket for his beard trimmer. Talking of bathrooms, a potential problem came to light in the forward port guest cabin when it was discovered rust was leaching through the grouting and attacking the marble countertop. When the stone was removed it was discovered that the source of the rust was nothing more than sweating steel filings left by a grinder, probably from when the yacht was in the Proteksan yard in 2002. When a toilet brush was found to be missing from another guest cabin, Pendennis trawled through suppliers’ catalogues to find the original accessory.   

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The Allure of Superyacht "Va Bene"

Superyachts have always been synonymous with opulence, and one such vessel that embodies luxury in every sense is “Va Bene.” This magnificent yacht, owned by none other than the iconic musician Eric Clapton, is a floating palace that sets the standard for extravagance on the high seas.

Luxurious Features 🔗

“Va Bene” is a 47-meter (155-foot) superyacht that boasts an array of opulent features:

• 1. Sumptuous Staterooms: The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in six lavish staterooms, each adorned with exquisite furnishings and private en-suite bathrooms.
• 2. Spacious Decks: With multiple decks, there’s ample space for sunbathing, lounging, and alfresco dining while enjoying breathtaking sea views.
• 3. Jacuzzi and Pool: Relax in style with a Jacuzzi on the sundeck and a pool on the main deck, complete with panoramic vistas.
• 4. Gourmet Dining: Indulge in world-class cuisine prepared by the onboard chef, served in a formal dining room with stunning ocean views.
• 5. Entertainment: “Va Bene” offers an array of entertainment options, including a cinema room, a library, and a gym for those who want to stay active.
• 6. Water Toys: The yacht comes equipped with an assortment of water toys, including jet skis, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear for aquatic adventures.
• 7. Crew Excellence: A highly trained crew of 10 ensures that every guest’s needs are met with unparalleled service and hospitality.
• 8. Timeless Design: The yacht’s classic exterior design and luxurious interior make it a timeless masterpiece on the water.
• 9. Privacy and Security: “Va Bene” offers privacy and security, ensuring that guests can enjoy their getaway in absolute serenity.
• 10. Eric Clapton’s Touch: With Eric Clapton as the owner, you can expect an ambiance of sophistication and a touch of musical flair throughout the yacht.

Comparison to Other Superyachts 🔗

When it comes to comparing “Va Bene” to other superyachts, it stands out for its timeless elegance, spaciousness, and Eric Clapton’s unique touch. While there are other magnificent vessels in the superyacht world, “Va Bene” is a true masterpiece that combines the best of luxury, comfort, and musical heritage.

Specifications of “Va Bene” 🔗

Superyacht “Va Bene” is a testament to the world of luxury on the seas. Owned by Eric Clapton, it combines the finest amenities, breathtaking design, and a touch of musical history. Exploring the Mediterranean or Caribbean aboard “Va Bene” is an experience of a lifetime.

Amenities 🔗

Water sports Intrepid Tender with 2× 250HP engines[4] 2× Zodiac extra boats 2× Sea-Doo 1500cc Jetskis 2× Kayaks 2× Waterskis 2× Wakeboards Snorkel equipment Fishing equipment

Accommodation 1 Master suite 4 Duplex suites 1 Double bedroom Whirlpool VSAT, Satellite broadcasting Wi-Fi

Image Credits: All images used in this article are in the public domain and can be found here .

Update 2024

Der Reiz der Superyacht Va Bene

Superyachten waren schon immer Synonyme für Opulenz, und eines dieser Schiffe, das Luxus in jeder Hinsicht verkörpert, ist Va Bene. Diese prächtige Yacht, die niemand Geringeres als der ikonische Musiker Eric Clapton gehört, ist ein schwimmender Palast, der den Maßstab für Extravaganz auf hoher See setzt.

Luxuriöse Ausstattung Va Bene ist eine Meter lange Superyacht mit einer Vielzahl opulenter Funktionen.

Üppige Kabinen Die Yacht bietet Platz für bis zu Gäste in sechs luxuriösen Kabinen, die jeweils mit exquisiten Möbeln und eigenen en-suite Badezimmern ausgestattet sind.

Geräumige Decks Mit mehreren Decks bietet die Yacht ausreichend Platz zum Sonnenbaden, Entspannen und Essen im Freien, während man atemberaubende Meerblicke genießt.

Jacuzzi und Pool Entspannen Sie sich mit einem Jacuzzi auf dem Sonnendeck und einem Pool auf dem Hauptdeck mit Panoramablick.

Gourmetküche Verwöhnen Sie sich mit Weltküche, zubereitet vom Bordkoch und serviert in einem formellen Speisesaal mit atemberaubendem Meerblick.

Unterhaltung Va Bene bietet eine Vielzahl von Unterhaltungsoptionen, darunter ein Kinoraum, eine Bibliothek und ein Fitnessstudio für diejenigen, die aktiv bleiben möchten.

Wasserspielzeug Die Yacht ist mit einer Auswahl an Wasserspielzeug ausgestattet, darunter Jetskis, Paddleboards und Schnorchelausrüstung für aquatische Abenteuer.

Crew-Exzellenz Eine hochqualifizierte Crew sorgt dafür, dass die Bedürfnisse jedes Gastes mit unübertroffenem Service und Gastfreundschaft erfüllt werden.

Zeitloses Design Das klassische äußere Design und das luxuriöse Interieur der Yacht machen sie zu einem zeitlosen Meisterwerk auf dem Wasser.

Privatsphäre und Sicherheit Va Bene bietet Privatsphäre und Sicherheit und gewährleistet, dass die Gäste ihren Aufenthalt in absoluter Ruhe genießen können.

Eric Claptons Einfluss Mit Eric Clapton als Besitzer können Sie eine Atmosphäre der Raffinesse und einen Hauch von musikalischer Raffinesse auf der Yacht erwarten.

Vergleich zu anderen Superyachten Im Vergleich zu anderen Superyachten zeichnet sich Va Bene durch seine zeitlose Eleganz, Geräumigkeit und Eric Claptons einzigartigen Einfluss aus. Während es andere prächtige Schiffe in der Superyacht-Welt gibt, ist Va Bene ein wahres Meisterwerk, das das Beste aus Luxus, Komfort und musikalischem Erbe vereint.

Spezifikationen von Va Bene Länge: Meter Baujahr: Builder: Benetti Gäste: Crew: Max. Geschwindigkeit: Knoten

Die Superyacht Va Bene ist ein Zeugnis für Luxus auf hoher See. Im Besitz von Eric Clapton kombiniert sie die feinsten Annehmlichkeiten, atemberaubendes Design und eine Prise musikalischer Geschichte. Eine Reise im Mittelmeer oder in der Karibik an Bord von Va Bene ist ein unvergessliches Erlebnis.

Ausstattung Wassersportarten Intrepid Tender mit HP-Motoren Zodiac-Zusatzboote Sea-Doo cc Jetskis Kajaks Wasserski Wakeboards Schnorchelausrüstung Angelgerät

Unterkunft Hauptsuite Duplex-Suiten Doppelzimmer Whirlpool VSAT-Satellitenübertragung Wi-Fi

Bildnachweise Alle in diesem Artikel verwendeten Bilder sind gemeinfrei und können hier gefunden werden: https://wikipedia.org

2024 Update: Die Superyacht Va Bene erfreut sich auch im Jahr 2024 weiterhin großer Beliebtheit und gilt nach wie vor als Inbegriff von Luxus auf hoher See. Mit regelmäßigen Renovierungen und Upgrades bleibt sie ein zeitloses Meisterwerk, das die Standards für Extravaganz setzt. Gäste können nach wie vor die exquisiten Annehmlichkeiten, den erstklassigen Service und die atemberaubenden Ausblicke an Bord genießen.

2024 Update: Va Bene hat sich auch weiterhin als eine der luxuriösesten und exklusivsten Superyachten auf dem Markt etabliert. Mit neuen innovativen Funktionen und einem erweiterten Wassersportangebot bietet sie ihren Gästen ein unvergleichliches Erlebnis. Die Crew setzt weiterhin Maßstäbe in Sachen Service und Gastfreundschaft, was die Yachterfahrung auf Va Bene zu etwas ganz Besonderem macht.

Going for a song? Eric Clapton's yacht up for auction

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Reporting by Jill Serjeant, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien

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Starliner's propulsion system suffered glitches in the first 24 hours of its flight to the International Space Station, which has kept the astronauts on aloft for 79 days as Boeing investigated the issues.

Superyacht refits have been the core of H2’s business since completing our first major refit in 1995. Since then we have completed dozens of refit projects and we brought this experience to the remodelling of 47.8m Va Bene completed in 2008 in the famous UK based Pendennis shipyard.

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Going for a song? Eric Clapton's yacht up for auction

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - British rocker Eric Clapton is unloading his luxury yacht, offering it up for auction at a sale of Hollywood memorabilia.

The 47.5 meter long (156 foot) Va Bene yacht, which the "Layla" singer and guitarist bought in 2005 and refurbished extensively three years later, is expected to fetch $7 million-$10 million at the Nov. 28 sale in Los Angeles, auction house GWS Auctions said on Thursday.

Clapton's representatives declined to comment on the decision to place the yacht for auction at the "Artifacts of Hollywood and Music" event.

The yacht, which was built in 1992 and has accommodation for 14 guests in six staterooms, was previously listed for sale in 2018 on a marine brokers' website when it carried an asking price of around $12 million.

It is being sold along with 300 other items including Elvis Presley memorabilia and an Eric Clapton prototype guitar dating from 1983 that was never manufactured. The guitar is expected to sell for $40,000 - $50,000, GWS Auctions said.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)

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Eric Clapton’s yacht goes on the market

Tuesday, March 27th, 2018

Written by: Marine Industry News

Designed by Richard Hein/The A Group and built by Kees Cornelissen in Holland, VA BENE’s current owner purchased the yacht in 2005 and carried out a major refit in 2007/2008 at Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall.

The interior redesign by H2 has given the yacht a modern, stylish interior resulting in her being a finalist for the ‘Best Refitted Yacht’ award at the World Superyacht Awards 2009.

A regular programme of yard periods throughout the current ownership demonstrates the continued investment and high standards this yacht is maintained to. The yacht sale is being handled by Burgess.

Key Features Major refit at Pendennis, Cornwall in 2007-08 Comprehensive yard period in winter 2015-16 including a complete repaint, Lloyd’s class intermediate survey, main engine servicing and replacement of carpets VA BENE is MCA LY2 compliant and has built an enviable reputation on the global charter market

Specification Asking Price USD 12,500,000 (EUR 10,120,000*) Built 1992, Kees Cornelissen, The Netherlands Length 47.5m (155.8ft) Beam 9.2m (30.2ft) Draft 3.4m (11.2ft) Type Twin screw diesel yacht Class Lloyd’s + 100A1 Yacht LMC Flag Cayman Islands Engines 2 x 1,750hp Caterpillar Range 4,000 nm Lying USA Note Not for sale to US residents while in US waters Gross Tonnage 496 Construction Hull – Welded Steel, Superstructure – Welded Aluminium, Deck – Teak Cruising Speed 12 knots Maximum Speed 16 knots Exterior Design Richard Hein/The A Group Interior Design The A Group No. Of Guests 14 No. Of Guest Cabins 6 (4 x Double, 1 x Twin, 1 x Double/Twin, 2 x Additional Berths) Crew 13 Tenders 9.8m Intrepid boat with 2 x Yamaha 300hp engines, 2 x 17ft (5.3m) Zodiac Sclaptonemi-rigid inflatables with Yamaha 115hp engines

Vabene’s current owner is Eric Clapton. So no mentions please about it going for a song…

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Eric Clapton’s Superyacht VA BENE

Owned by legendary guitarist Eric Clapton, superyacht VA BENE is a beautiful vessel, originally built by Kees Cornelisen in 1992. Refitted to the highest standards, luxury motor yacht VA BENE has been superbly penned by Richard Hein.

Motor yacht Va Bene owned by Eric Clapton

Luxury yacht VA BENE can comfortably sleep up to 12 guests in 6 lavish staterooms. There is also accommodation for a crew of up to 13 members. The elegant interiors boast timeless styling, as well as beautiful furnishings.

Eric Clapton – WireImage

Eric Patrick Clapton , born 30 March 1945, is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. He is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and fourth in Gibson’s “Top 50 Guitarists of All Time”. Moreover, he placed fifth in Time magazine’s list of “The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players” in 2009.

Filed under: luxury yachts , motor yacht , motor yachts , superyachts , yacht builder , yacht designer , Yacht Owners | Tagged: Eric Clapton , Kees Cornelisen , Richard Hein , Va Bene |

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Was Eric Clapton’s Yacht Docked in Marion This Past Weekend?

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There was a buzz crackling across Marion this past weekend like the hum of an electric guitar vibrating through an amp, with the rumor that legendary rock and blues guitarist Eric Clapton was in town.

A yacht called Blue Guitar was spotted in the harbor over the weekend; for years, online reports wherever it shows up suggest that this yacht is owned by Clapton. It would make sense, after all, that a man with the love of both the blues and the guitar would name his yacht Blue Guitar . It also has a British Union Jack flag flying and is home ported in London, England.

It all adds up, right?

The Marion and Tri-Town Facebook groups had multiple posts pop up of people sharing photos of the yacht, and attempting to figure out if indeed "Slowhand" himself was on board and why he may be in town. Someone claimed he came to Marion for a wedding (surely, he would have had to perform "Wonderful Tonight" for the lucky bride and groom); others stated that his daughter, 17-year-old Sophie Belle Clapton, is a student at Tabor Academy.

However, there is no definitive proof, at least anything found online, that proves that Clapton is the owner of the 103-foot yacht that was built in 1967. Almost all of the connections between the rock god and the yacht are anecdotal, as any stories about the Blue Guitar spotted in a particular port are followed in the comments sections with people claiming to moor their own yachts near it and seeing Clapton on the deck, strumming a guitar.

Even this 2013 YouTube video of the Blue Guitar sailing through the Cape Cod Canal suggests it belongs to Clapton:

We can prove, however, that Clapton does own at least one yacht, one far larger and more luxurious than the Blue Guitar – not that the Blue Guitar is anything to shake a Strat at.

According to BoatInternational.com , Clapton owns a superyacht, the Va Bene . Reportedly, Clapton purchased the superyacht in 2005, and now has it listed for sale for $7.5 million. He reportedly auctioned it off in November of 2020 with an expected bid of $10 million, but it’s not clear if anyone bid and took it off his hands. The site also says that Clapton "reportedly" owns the Blue Guitar .

It may be likely that Clapton did at one time own the Blue Guitar , and maybe he sold it to someone else. Since it was built in 1967, he could have purchased it just as he started to hit it big with the Yardbirds or later on with Cream. A listing on the photo website Alamy suggests that Blue Guitar is owned by James Benenson and Lawrence Small, so perhaps Clapton sold it to them when he purchased the bigger, better Va Bene ?

Whether he was in Marion or not, Clapton has been a controversial figure in recent years. First, he had to fight off claims that he was an anti-vax conspiracy theorist over his outspoken comments about the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine. Then, a racist rant from a 1976 concert resurfaced , in which he lamented Jamaican immigrants coming to the UK and declared, “Keep Britain White!”

Eric Clapton Albums Ranked

Top 100 classic rock artists, more from wbsm-am/am 1420.

Eric Clapton Yacht: Va Bene

September 23, 2022, who is eric clapton.

Eric Clapton is rock and blues singer and songwriter. His hits are some of the most known songs in the United States. The greatest guitarists of all time list is one list he is on. Born in 1945 in England, he eventually went on to become one of the biggest artists of all time. His net worth is large and he has many nice things. Also, he has a nice house and even a boat. We will look at his boat. Check out the Eric Clapton yacht below.

Does Eric Clapton Own A Yacht?

Eric Clapton does have a boat. The yacht is called the Va Bene.

The yacht has a cost of 10 million dollars and has a capacity of 12 people. Furthermore, the yacht was created in 1992 and refitted in 2007 by Clapton. It was previously owned by Bernie Ecclestone. Amenities include a hot tub, waterskis, and kayaks. Moreover, the boat has three different levels for guests to go on. There is one master, 1 double, and 4 duplex areas for sleeping. The interior seems very modern, but also comfy. Finally, would you like to be on this yacht?

Specifications:

Cost: $10 Million

Capacity: 12 People

Eric Clapton Yacht Interior: Hot tub, fitness area, and spa

Photos: Eric Clapton Yacht

In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed reading about Eric Clapton's yacht. Furthermore, please leave your thoughts and comments below and on our socials. Finally, read some other articles like this one on our frontpage .

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Take a look at the residence of Trisha Yearwood, which carries a hefty price tag of $4,500,000. Do you think this house is worth over $4,500,000? 🤔 What do you think?👇💬 Swipe left! Like the content...? ✨Follow @urbansplatter on TikTok & Instagram! ✨ ⠀ 🔔 Turn ON Notifications so you don`t miss any posts! 📲 Use #urbansplatter to be featured! 📍 Concord Rd, Brentwood #TrishaYearwoodResidence #LuxuryLiving #MillionDollarHome #RealEstateGoals #OpulenceUnleashed #PropertyPorn #HomeSweetHome #PriceyPad #HomeGoals #DreamResidence #ConcordRdBrentwood #HighEndLiving #HomeInspiration #FollowUs #InstaTikTok #TurnOnNotifications #UrbanSplatter #FeaturedByUrbanSplatter

Take a look at the residence of Jenna Ortega, which carries a hefty price tag of $825,600. Do you think this house is worth over $825,600? 🤔 What do you think?👇💬 Swipe left! Like the content...? ✨Follow @urbansplatter on TikTok & Instagram! ✨ ⠀ 🔔 Turn ON Notifications so you don`t miss any posts! 📲 Use #urbansplatter to be featured! 📍 Viento Dr, La Quinta #JennaOrtegaResidence #LuxuryLiving #DreamHome #PriceyAbode #RealEstateGoals #OpulentLiving #HomeSweetHome #HighPriceTag #HouseHunting #WorthThePrice #OpinionsWelcome #SwipeLeft #FollowUs #TikTokAndInstagram #StayUpdated #Don`tMissOut #FeaturedOnUrbansplatter #LaQuintaLiving

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