The iconic New Zealand-built explorer yacht finds a new owner, marking the next chapter in a remarkable offshore story.
The 39.2-metre expedition motor yacht The Beast has now been sold, closing a significant chapter for one of New Zealand’s most distinctive and capable superyacht builds. The deal, completed with Xtenders, builders of limousine tenders, introducing the buyer and Ikonic Yachts representing the seller, was struck while the vessel carried a listing price of US$14.5 million, bringing to market a yacht that has long stood apart for both its design and intent.
Originally commissioned by the late Sir Michael Hill, The Beast entered the market following his passing in July 2025. That context inevitably shaped the sale, but the yacht itself has always been the main story. Even at launch in 2019, she was never conceived as a conventional superyacht. Instead, she was built around a clear philosophy, that capability comes first, and everything else follows.
That thinking is evident in her design. Penned by LOMOcean Marine and constructed by Profab Central Engineering, The Beast reflects a distinctly New Zealand approach to offshore boating. Practical, robust, and quietly ambitious. Her twin-hull aluminium platform delivers exceptional stability and volume while also enabling a relatively shallow draft for a vessel of her size. The result is a super motor yacht that offers the internal space of a much larger monohull, yet retains the operational flexibility needed for remote cruising.
Performance figures reinforce that purpose. With a cruising speed of around 11 knots and a top speed of 13 knots, The Beast is not designed to chase pace. Instead, her strength lies in range and endurance, with the ability to cover thousands of nautical miles between refueling stops. For her new owners who may be thinking beyond coastal cruising, that opens the door to genuine expedition use.
It is, however, in her operational capability that The Beast truly separates herself. From the outset, the yacht was designed to support serious exploration, including the ability to carry and deploy a large custom game fishing vessel. This requirement shaped the entire aft deck arrangement, which houses a 13-metre chase boat alongside a comprehensive suite of tenders and equipment. Rather than treating toys as an afterthought, they are central to how the yacht is used, enabling access to remote coastlines, fishing grounds, and anchorages that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Supporting that level of activity is a backbone of commercial-grade systems, from fuel capacity through to onboard handling and operational infrastructure. Added for function, these features reflect a vessel intended to operate independently, often far from support, and for extended periods.
Yet despite this focus on capability, The Beast does not compromise on comfort. Accommodation for up to 12 guests across five staterooms is complemented by dedicated crew quarters for nine, allowing the yacht to operate efficiently while still delivering a high standard of onboard living. Interior spaces are designed for practicality as much as aesthetics, with open-plan living areas, strong connection to the galley, and multiple indoor and outdoor zones that suit both quiet cruising and social use.
This balance between rugged function and liveability is perhaps one of the yacht’s most defining traits. It reflects the original brief from Sir Michael Hill, who sought something different from the traditional superyacht formula.
“I knew if I ever built another yacht, I’d go for something a bit different.”
That difference is now part of her legacy.
Ikonic Yachts described the transaction as complex, involving a tightly defined buyer pool and careful positioning within the global market. The Beast was never going to appeal to everyone. Instead, she was built for a very specific type of owner, one who values access, independence, and the ability to travel beyond the usual routes.
Now, with new ownership confirmed, attention turns to what comes next. Whether she continues her life in the Pacific, moves into charter operations, or sets course for more remote destinations, The Beast remains exactly what she was designed to be. A platform for exploration.
The Beast is currently located in Auckland, New Zealand.
