There are more billionaires in the world than ever before with net worths exceeding US$1 billion, according to Forbes’ latest annual ranking of the world’s richest people. These people who evidently swim against the tide have a combined worth totalling to US$14.2 trillion – up by $2 trillion from 2023.

Of the mega rich, only one can rightfully claim ownership of the most expensive yacht in the world, the History Supreme. This serendipitous man has been reported to be Robert Kuok, a self-made Malaysian businessman, investor, and philanthropist with a net worth of US$11.4 billion, making him the only Malaysian citizen amongst the top 200 billionaires worldwide.

Labelling the History Supreme as anything less than a masterpiece would be a disservice to the 100-foot vessel, reportedly costing up to US$4.8 billion. It is, in fact, the highest echelon of luxury in the history of maritime engineering and design – made with an astonishing 220,462 pounds of precious metals, including gold and platinum, from its bow to the stern.

Here are some remarkable highlights about the History Supreme.

A Marvel by Stuart Hughes

The History Supreme is a pièce de résistance designed and brought to life in 2011 by controversial British artist Stuart Hughes, made famous for transforming electronic gadgets into intricate things of luxury. Encrusting and gilding things with jewels and gold, some of his best works of art include his US$8 million gold and diamond iPhone covers and his US$2 million 24-karat gold and diamond Band & Olufsen sound system.

Legacy of Luxury

Reportedly commissioned to design the History Supreme, Hughes utilised 220,462 pounds of precious metals for the construction of the vessel. The yacht is made up of 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum, but its crowning glory is the master suite, which houses a wall feature made from meteorite stone and genuine shavings of Tyrannosaurus Rex bones, an 18.5-carat rare diamond-encrusted liquor bottle, and a 68-kilogram 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium.

Resplendent Wonder

Every inch of the yacht’s interior and exterior gleams with opulence, including its handrails, deck fittings, anchor, dining area, and boat’s base, which feature a thin film of gold to lend a luxurious overall look to the vessel. Even though there has been no mention about the boat’s performance or technical qualities, the History Supreme in itself serves as the ultimate status symbol representing wealth, power, and prestige – which is ample reason to justify its exorbitant price tag.

Photo credit: Stuart Hughes