Beyond his spiritual and humanitarian contributions, the Aga Khan had an enduring passion for yachting, commissioning some of the most innovative vessels of his time.
The Aga Khan passed away peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, where he had been residing in recent years. As the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, he dedicated his life to philanthropy, culture, and development, alongside his love for the sea. His passing marks the end of an era, not only in religious and humanitarian circles but also in the world of yachting, where he was a respected and influential figure.
Destriero (1990 - 1996): A Transatlantic Speed Record Holder
One of the Aga Khan’s most ambitious projects, Destriero was a 68-meter high-speed yacht designed for long-distance travel at unprecedented speeds. Built by Fincantieri in 1991, this vessel was intended to push the limits of naval engineering.
In 1992, Destriero made history by setting the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing from New York to the UK, completing the journey in 58 hours and 34 minutes—without refueling. With a top speed of over 60 knots, it shattered conventional notions of what a yacht could achieve.
This feat earned Destriero the Blue Riband, a prestigious honor reserved for the fastest commercial crossings of the Atlantic. Unlike traditional yachts, Destriero was built with an aerospace-inspired aluminum hull, making it exceptionally lightweight while maintaining structural strength. The triple gas turbine engines, generating an astonishing 51,000 horsepower, were a technological marvel, enabling the yacht to glide over the waves at speeds that most yachts could only dream of.
A Fleet Inspired by Racing and Performance
The Aga Khan’s passion for horse racing and high-speed performance extended beyond the racetrack to his fleet of remarkable yachts. Many of his vessels were named after his prized thoroughbreds, each embodying a unique blend of cutting-edge engineering and luxury.
Alamshar: The Dream of Speed and Elegance
Among his notable fleet, the 49.9-meter Devonport superyacht Alamshar stood out as his most ambitious and personal project. Commissioned in 1999, the yacht was named after one of his prized racehorses and was designed to achieve extraordinary speeds without compromising luxury.
The Aga Khan’s vision was to create a yacht that could reach speeds exceeding 60 knots, making it one of the fastest in the world at the time. To achieve this, he collaborated with Donald L. Blount & Associates for naval architecture and RWD for interior design. Alamshar was equipped with six Rolls-Royce gas turbine engines, a technological challenge that led to multiple delays, with the yacht finally being launched in 2014—fifteen years after it was first conceptualized.
Though initial speed goals were revised, Alamshar remained an engineering marvel, seamlessly blending high-performance capabilities with luxurious amenities. The yacht could accommodate up to 12 guests and 11 crew, offering a bespoke experience on the water.
Shergar (1983 - Present): A Racing Legend at Sea
Named after his famous Epsom Derby-winning horse, Shergar was a 46.6-meter superyacht built by Lürssen in 1983. Like its equine namesake, the yacht was designed for exceptional speed, a rare feat at the time for luxury yachts.
Fitted with twin Allison 6,100-horsepower gas turbine engines, Shergar could achieve a blistering top speed of 45 knots—one of the fastest yachts of its era. The lightweight aluminum hull was specifically engineered to reduce drag and enhance efficiency at high speeds. This was a yacht built not just for comfort but for power and precision, reflecting the Aga Khan’s enduring fascination with performance excellence.
Kalamoun (1972 ): A Fusion of Speed and Elegance
Built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 1972, Kalamoun was a 36.52-meter motor yacht that blended German craftsmanship with Italian design innovation. Designed by Gerhard Gilgenast, with naval architecture contributions from Pininfarina, she featured a sleek aluminum hull and superstructure, optimizing speed and efficiency. Powered by twin MTU engines, Kalamoun could reach an impressive top speed of 46 knots, making her one of the fastest yachts of her era.
Despite her performance-driven build, Kalamoun offered luxurious accommodations for six guests and a crew of six, ensuring a balance of speed and comfort. With a 7-meter beam and 2.1-meter draught, she provided ample interior space while maintaining a streamlined profile. As an early example of the Aga Khan’s passion for high-speed yachting, Kalamoun set the stage for later groundbreaking vessels like Shergar and Destriero.
Valyra (2012 - Present) & Zarkava (2009 - Present): Twin Yachts for Family Escapes
In contrast to his record-breaking speed yachts, the Aga Khan also commissioned Valyra and Zarkava, two Hodgdon motor yachts, measuring 26.52 meters and 25.91 meters, respectively.
These yachts were not designed for extreme speeds but for relaxation and comfort, crafted with lightweight composite materials to improve fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Valyra and Zarkava were specifically built to complement each other—one stationed in the Mediterranean and the other in Florida, enabling his family to enjoy seamless luxury wherever they traveled.
With spacious decks, elegantly appointed interiors, and advanced stabilization systems, these yachts embodied the Aga Khan’s appreciation for both high performance and refined leisure.
A Lasting Influence on Yachting
Beyond his personal yachts, the Aga Khan was a co-founder of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, one of the world's most prestigious sailing clubs, where he served as President. His contributions to yachting and maritime innovation have left an indelible mark on the industry, much like his impact in philanthropy and culture.
As the yachting community pays tribute, his legacy will endure—not only through the vessels he commissioned but through his pioneering vision of blending speed, elegance, and craftsmanship on the open seas.
