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Boat of the Week: Inside Malcolm Forbes’s Iconic ‘Highlander,’ Once the Ultimate ’80s Party Yacht

This bannenberg-designed 162-footer hosted everyone from rock stars to world leaders. after a major refit, she's now looking for a new owner., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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If these teak decks could talk. Paul McCartney tinkling the ivory keyboard. Elizabeth Taylor sunning herself on the top deck. Margaret Thatcher discussing world peace with Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Harrison Ford taking a turn at the wheel.

Back in the 1980s, an invitation from Forbes magazine owner and consummate bon vivant , Malcolm Forbes, to join him aboard his beloved superyacht The Highlander was a reason for celebration.

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And Forbes was a master when it came to celebrating. His first of many Fourth of July parties aboard The Highlander , anchored off Governors Island in New York Harbor, saw the world’s greatest movers and shakers piped aboard by tartan-clad Scottish bagpipers.

Joanne de Guardiola’s interior design is light and sometimes whimsical, as opposed to Highlander ‘s previous formal, corporate look.  Courtesy IYC

There on the yacht’s decks were the likes of Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli, Henry and Nancy Kissinger, David and Peggy Rockefeller and Brooke Astor. More than 150 Maine lobsters and 30 pounds of Scottish smoked salmon were reportedly flown in to feed the elite crowd.

During the five years Forbes owned the yacht, before his death in 1990, she traveled the globe; everywhere from then Communist China, to Bora-Bora, to Thailand, the Philippines and Alaska.

Launched in 1985, this was the last of five Forbes-owned yachts named The Highlander, after his family’s Scottish roots. But this one was unique. Designed by world-renowned designer Jon Bannenberg and built in Holland by Feadship , her dark green hull—said to be the color of dollar bills—stretched 162 feet bow to stern.

Malcolm Forbes used The Highlander , which traveled around the world, to entertain political leaders, celebrities and other billionaires.  Courtesy John Barrett/Celebrity Archaeology/The Mega Agency

“She was nicknamed ‘The Ultimate Capitalist Tool’ for good reason,” the yacht’s current owner, New York-based interior designer Joanne de Guardiola told Robb Report . “Anyone who was anyone stepped aboard at some time during the ’80s.”

De Guardiola and her husband, investment banker Roberto de Guardiola, bought The Highlander from the Forbes estate back in 2012. And just as she’d done with the couple’s previous Feadship, the classic 159-foot Audacia , de Guardiola commissioned a top-to-bottom refit, this time with Florida’s Derecktor Shipyards.

“We had no thoughts of buying another yacht; we loved Audacia. But back in 2012, we had heard The Highlander was for sale and I went to take a look. She was not in great shape, but as a huge fan of Jon Bannenberg’s designs, and knowing her amazing history, we couldn’t resist,” she said.

The yacht was built by Feadship and designed by Jon Bannenberg, the father of modern yacht design. The original dark-green exterior was said to be the color of a dollar bill.  Courtesy Jim Raycroft

The exhaustive, two-year refit took the steel and aluminum superyacht down to the studs. The yacht was extended by 12 feet to add a swim deck and rear “garage” for water toys; the top deck was lengthened. Effectively doubling its size, and the master stateroom was moved to where the observatory used to be.

The entire interior was redesigned and refitted with more modern materials and finishes. Out went the padded leather ceilings, the somber, dark green carpets and ornate Chippendale antique chairs; in went bleached-white Anigre paneling, wide-planked dark wood flooring, and brightly colored pop art.

One especially jaw-dropping feature de Guardiola created was the stunning, open-tread marble staircase from salon to upper deck. That and the new, glass-enclosed sky lounge with its disco vibe and blue onyx floor.

The top deck nearly doubled in size during Highlander ‘s two-year refit.  Courtesy IYC

“The yacht didn’t really suit a family’s needs—she was really designed for Malcolm Forbes-style corporate entertaining,” says de Guardiola. “And if you wanted to splash in the water, you had to jump over the sides. Mr. Forbes didn’t like to swim.”

But de Guardiola is quick to add that her primary focus with the refit was evolving and not compromising Jon Bannenberg’s iconic design. “That’s what attracted me to the yacht in the first place.”

Mechanical improvements included the installation of Quantum zero speed stabilizers and full rebuilds for the trusty 900 hp Detroit Diesels. They still give the yacht a top speed of 18 mph, cruising at an easy 14 mph with transatlantic capability.

One of Highlander ‘s lounges.  Courtesy IYC

With kids in mind, Highlander —de Guardiola dropped the “the”—is brimming with water toys. Everything from Waverunners, Seabobs, banana floats and kayaks, to Malcolm Forbes’ much-loved, Ferrari-red 22-foot Donzi speedboat. Sadly, his other favorite, a custom-built Cigarette Racing powerboat, is no more. After being fully restored during the refit, the boat caught fire while Highlander was anchored off the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

“My husband was just heading off with our daughter and friends when the fire broke out,” de Guardiola says. “Everyone ended up in the water but were okay. It was one cool boat. It ran at over 60 mph.”

Since the refit, the de Guardiolas have taken friends and family all around the Mediterranean, hanging out at the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival, and hitting most of the Greek islands. Winters were in the Caribbean. Typically, they spent eight to 10 weeks a year aboard.

A young Harrison Ford, taking the wheel of Highlander , was one of many celebrity guests in the 1980s.  Courtesy The Highlander Archive

So why the decision to sell? De Guardiola says she’s looking for her next project: “As with my interior design work, I love the intellectual challenge of a makeover. It’s also time. We feel we’ve been good custodians. Now someone else should enjoy her.”

Highlande r is listed with IYC in Fort Lauderdale for $8.5 million.

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The Highlander

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THE HIGHLANDER yacht NOT for charter*

35.36m  /  116' | feadship | 1967 / 2009.

Owner & Guests

Cabin Configuration

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Impressive 3,200nm range
• ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) classification
• Sleeps 8 overnight

The 35.36m/116' classic yacht 'The Highlander' (ex. The Highlander) was built by Feadship in the Netherlands at their Aalsmeer shipyard. Her interior is styled by design house Yacht Interiors and she was completed in 1967. She was last refitted in 2009.

Guest Accommodation

The Highlander has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 6 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include WiFi and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

The Highlander is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. The Highlander comfortably cruises at 12 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 13 knots with a range of up to 3,200 nautical miles from her 29,000 litre fuel tanks at 10 knots. Her water tanks store around 6,800 Litres of fresh water. She was built to ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) classification society rules.

*Charter The Highlander Motor Yacht

Motor yacht The Highlander is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

The Highlander Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

The Highlander Photos

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Specification

M/Y The Highlander

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AURA | From EUR€ 94,500/wk

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• THE HIGHLANDER

If you have any questions about the THE HIGHLANDER information page below please contact us .

A General Description of Motor Yacht THE HIGHLANDER

THE HIGHLANDER was formerly named project/yacht name 592 The Highlander Iii; Je Reviens; Seagull; Lady Valerie; Avante Iii. This 36 metre (117 ft) luxury yacht was manufactured by The Feadship De Vries Shipyard in 1967. Motor Yacht THE HIGHLANDER is a well sized superyacht. The firm of naval architecture that made her design details with respect to the yacht was De Voogt Naval Architects. The interior design and styling was the brain child of Yacht Interiors. Luxury yacht THE HIGHLANDER is a good looking yacht that can sleep a total of 8 people on board and has around 6 qualified crew.

New Build & Design with respect to Luxury Yacht THE HIGHLANDER

De Voogt Naval Architects was the naval architect involved in the technical nautical plans for THE HIGHLANDER. Also the company De Voogt Naval Architects skillfully worked on this project. Interior designer Yacht Interiors was selected for the creative internal ambience. the Netherlands is the country that The Feadship De Vries Shipyard constructed their new build motor yacht in. After the official launch in 1967 in Aalsmeer she was afterwards handed over to the happy owner after sea trials. The core hull was constructed with steel. The motor yacht superstructure component is made mostly with aluminium. With a width of 6.89 m / 22.6 feet THE HIGHLANDER has reasonable interior. She has a fairly shallow draught of 2.13m (7ft). She had refit improvement and changes carried out in 2001.

Engines & Speed For M/Y THE HIGHLANDER:

The 16V 71N engine installed in the motor yacht is built by GM. Her propulsion units are twin screw propellers. The engine of the ship generates 463 horse power (or 341 kilowatts). She is equiped with 2 engines. The total output for the boat is 926 HP / 681 KW. As for stabalisers she was built with Denny Brown.

With Superyacht THE HIGHLANDER She Caters For The Following Main Accommodation Layout:

Apportioning cabins for a maximum of 8 welcome guests sleeping aboard, the THE HIGHLANDER accommodates everyone in style. The boat utilises approx 6 capable yacht crew to manage.

A List of the Specifications of the THE HIGHLANDER:

Miscellaneous Yacht Details

Her deck material is predominantly a teak deck.

THE HIGHLANDER Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht THE HIGHLANDER displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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“The way we design, is we design fully custom, fully unique yachts, we start with a blank piece of paper and we start asking the client how they use the boat, what they want to do on board, what kind of experience they have but we also want input on what kind of styling they like... It’s about getting to learn about the owner and how they want to use the boat.” - Ronno Schouten, Design Manager of De Voogt Naval Architects

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HIGHLANDER Yacht – Dazzling $10 M Superyacht

The Highlander yacht is a luxurious motor yacht that has captured the attention of many yacht enthusiasts worldwide.

Built by the renowned Dutch yacht-building company Feadship in 1986, the yacht boasts an impressive length of 46 meters (150 feet) and is designed by the acclaimed designer Jon Bannenberg.

The yacht has undergone several upgrades and refurbishments over the years, and it still maintains its classic, elegant style that has made it an icon in the yachting world.

Yacht Interior

One of the most striking aspects of the Highlander yacht is its interior design. The yacht features an art deco style that is both opulent and luxurious.

The main saloon is the perfect space for relaxation and socializing, with plush sofas and armchairs, a grand piano, and a fully-stocked bar.

The dining area, located forward of the saloon, is ideal for formal dinner parties, with a large table and ample seating.

The yacht also has a cozy sky lounge, with a more informal atmosphere, perfect for watching movies or playing games.

The accommodation onboard the Highlander yacht is equally impressive.

The yacht can comfortably sleep 10 guests in 5 luxurious cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom.

The master suite is particularly impressive, with a king-sized bed, a dressing room, and a spacious bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub.

The other cabins are equally sumptuous, with elegant furnishings and luxurious amenities.

The Highlander yacht has a classic design that is both timeless and elegant.

The exterior is finished in a deep navy blue, with a white superstructure and teak decking.

The yacht’s sleek lines and clean design give it a sophisticated and understated look. The exterior spaces onboard are equally impressive, with plenty of areas for relaxation and entertainment.

The aft deck has a large dining table, perfect for al fresco dining, and a comfortable seating area.

The yacht also has a spacious sun deck, with plenty of sun loungers and a Jacuzzi.

Accommodation

The luxury motor yacht Highlander can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, including a master suite, 2 double cabins, and 2 twin cabins, all beautifully designed by Bannenberg and Rowell.

Each cabin is equipped with en-suite facilities, air conditioning, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay on board.

The master suite is particularly impressive, featuring a king-size bed, a private office, and a luxurious marble bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath.

The interior design of the yacht is characterized by a classic and elegant style, with rich mahogany woodwork and plush furnishings creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout.

The main saloon is spacious and inviting, with large windows offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding ocean.

It features comfortable sofas, armchairs, and a formal dining area, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing meal with family and friends.

The outdoor spaces are equally impressive, with ample deck areas for sunbathing, lounging, and dining al fresco, making the Highlander an ideal yacht for cruising in style and luxury.

Yacht Specifications

The Highlander yacht is powered by General Motors engines, giving it a top speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots.

The yacht has a range of more than 3,000 nautical miles, making it perfect for long-range cruising.

It has a volume of 299 tons and an IMO number of 8668030.

Yacht Price

The Highlander yacht has a value of around US$10 million.

Its annual running costs are estimated to be around US$1 million.

The price of a yacht can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size, age, and level of luxury of the yacht, as well as the materials and technology used in its construction.

HIGHLANDER Yacht Summary

The Highlander yacht is a stunning vessel that combines classic design with modern amenities and luxurious finishes.

Its impressive interiors, spacious exteriors, and state-of-the-art technology make it the perfect yacht for long-range cruising and entertaining.

With its timeless elegance and understated sophistication, the Highlander yacht is a true masterpiece of design and engineering, and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Feadship and Jon Bannenberg.

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