Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Royal Victoria Dock, Newham, London, E16 1XL, United Kingdom – Great location - show map – Railway access

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Located less than a minute's walk from ExCeL London, the Sunborn London is a floating super-yacht hotel docked in Royal Victoria Dock, boasting free WiFi access, a bar and a restaurant. The hotel is 7 minutes' drive from London City Airport and a 6-minute drive from the iconic Canary Wharf. Each of the smartly designed rooms feature a TV with Freeview, air conditioning and an electric kettle. Also included is a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some of the rooms also benefit from a view overlooking The Royal Docks. At Sunborn London there is a 24-hour front desk and a sun deck. Other facilities offered at the property include a ticket service, a tour desk. The lounge bar serves a selection of beers, wines, ciders and spirits. In the restaurant, a buffet breakfast with continental and cooked items is served each morning. An à la carte menu is available in the evenings. Custom House Docklands Light Railway Station is 5 minutes' walk away. It offers direct routes to Westfield Stratford City and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Emirates Royal Docks Skyline is a 5-minute journey on foot. It offers a direct route to The O2 Arena.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Good breakfast

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.9)

Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

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Availability

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Sustainability certification

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yacht in london

Hotel surroundings

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

  • Cuisine British • Mediterranean • Asian • International
  • Ambiance Modern
  • Dietary options Vegetarian

Facilities of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel Great facilities! Review score, 8.4

  • Toilet paper
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Sun terrace
  • Coffee machine
  • Electric kettle
  • Clothes rack
  • Seating Area
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Tea/Coffee maker
  • Invoice provided
  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning Additional charge
  • Laundry Additional charge
  • Fax/photocopying Additional charge
  • Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Wake-up service
  • Laptop safe
  • Ironing facilities

House rules Sunborn London Yacht Hotel takes special requests - add in the next step!

Child policies.

Children of any age are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

The fine print Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note that the extra child or adult can stay in a sofa bed.

Cash payments are currently unavailable due to to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please note the same card used for booking needs to be presented at check-in.

An incidentals charge applies upon arrival. A charge of GBP 40 per day is required if guests pay via credit or debit card, or GBP 100 per day if guests pay with cash.

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Sunborn London Yacht Hotel in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.

This property may host on-site functions and some rooms may be affected by noise.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to help protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary and other relevant information, during dates where such guidelines exist.

Spa and gym facilities at this property are unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

FAQs about Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

What are the check-in and check-out times at sunborn london yacht hotel.

Check-in at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is from 15:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

How much does it cost to stay at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

The prices at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

What is there to do at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

Does sunborn london yacht hotel have a restaurant on site.

  • Lands End Restaurant

What type of room can I book at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

How far is sunborn london yacht hotel from the centre of london.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is 6.2 miles from the centre of London. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

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  • Southend-on-Sea

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yacht in london

  • Experiences

yacht charter london side view

Cruise the Thames aboard Illuminate - the Italian designed Azimut charter yacht. Up to ten guests can enjoy her spacious decks. As darkness falls, take to the flybridge for 360° panoramic views and experience London’s landmarks come alive with light.

best for weather

Best for weather

Soak up the sun or stay dry inside. Socialise under our covered rear deck and shelter from any unexpected turns in the weather.

best for style

Best for Style

Contemporary interior. Newly refurbished. A new era of Thames chartering.

dining deck

the experience

Cocktail Cruise

cocktail cruise

Sip sundowners and witness London’s landmarks come alive whilst leading mixologists shake your perfect cocktails. Illuminate’s covered outer deck makes it the best yacht in London for cocktail cruises, whatever the weather.

Tour the Thames

TOUR THE THAMES

The best sightseeing tour in town. Our open-top deck, charismatic tour guides and various pick up and drop off points allow you to discover the timeline of the Thames.

Just the two of you

JUST THE TWO OF YOU

A romantic gesture, a special occasion, perhaps an engagement. Enjoy privacy away from your captain and crew on Illuminate’s open upper deck or her secluded covered rear deck.

Michelin on the move

MICHELIN ON THE MOVE

If you’re a foodie you’ll be more than impressed by our selection of world class chefs. Fine dining for six or canapes and smaller eats for up to ten guests.

boozy business

BOOZY BUSINESS

Wine and dine whilst getting down to business. Brainstorm, negotiate or simply entertain. Illuminate’s three separate areas provide ample space to deal and deliberate.

Twickenham taxi

TWICKENHAM TAXI

Raise a glass ahead of the game and arrive in style. Illuminate will get the party started, beat the traffic and impress your guests. And after the whistle, cruise effortlessly back into Central London.

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This year, we are moving the luxury of London to the comradery of Cowes. Enjoy world class sailing, superb hospitality and all the buzz of Cowes Week aboard Illuminate.

ILLUMINATED RIVER PROJECT

The story behind the name.

Inspired by London’s spectacular Illuminated River Project – a long term light installation that will transform 15 of the cities bridges into unique works of art. And what better way to experience each bridge than from Illuminate’s covered rear deck and open air flybridge. “The Thames is London’s most ancient public space ... and the bridges that span our river are some of the most precious historic sites we have. The Illuminated River project is the next stage of the Thames evolution.”

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England

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Sunborn London

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Sunborn London – The Floating Hotel

Enjoy a stunning city vista along with a cocktail in London’s only luxury floating hotel.

What is the Sunborn Floating Hotel?

A sleek yacht-hotel with a stunning waterside restaurant and bar.

Enjoy fabulous picturesque river views along with cocktails in the Sundown Bar or a first-class dinner in the restaurant.

See website for drinks list and menus.

Opening hours

Sundown Bar 11:00am – 01:00am Monday to Friday 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday and Public Holidays

Lands End Restaurant Breakfast: 06:30am – 10:30am Monday to Friday 07:00am – 11:00am Weekends and Public Holidays Lunch: 12:00pm – 03:00pm Monday to Friday 12:30pm – 03:30pm Weekends and Public Holidays Dinner: 06:00pm to 10:00pm

Visit website >

yacht in london

Woods Silver Fleet logo

11 April, 2024

Private yacht hire london: indulge in unmatched elegance on the thames.

Private Yacht Hire London

Embarking on a private yacht across the River Thames offers an unrivalled perspective of London’s majestic skyline. We understand that discerning guests seek a blend of luxury and privacy, which is why we provide bespoke private yacht hire services tailored to your exclusive desires. Gliding past iconic landmarks, a luxury yacht charter with us is more than just transportation; it’s a statement of elegance and an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of what London has to offer.

Our fleet of luxury yachts is meticulously maintained and ready to set sail at your leisure. Perfect for Private Yacht Hire London; onboard, every detail is catered to with the utmost care, ensuring your journey is not only seamless but also steeped in sophistication .

Whether it’s sipping champagne under the stars or holding refined corporate events, we take pride in delivering exquisite experiences that epitomise the pinnacle of London luxury yachts.

Choosing Your Private Yacht for your Private Yacht Hire London

When selecting the perfect vessel for your Thames luxury experience, attention to detail is paramount. We understand that the choice of yacht greatly influences the comfort and exclusivity of your event.

Vessel Types and Features

We offer an extensive range of vessels, from the sleek lines of the 61m flagship Silver Sturgeon to the elegance of the Silver Darling yacht. For a classic experience on the Thames, one might consider the Silver Barracuda, a yacht celebrated for its luxurious appeal and art deco styling. Each yacht comes with distinctive features to cater to your preferences, whether you’re seeking a racy silhouette or a spacious flybridge for panoramic views.

Determining Yacht Size and Capacity

Our fleet caters to various group sizes, ensuring a perfect match for your party. For intimate gatherings, a vessel like the Silver Darling may suffice, known for its refined comfort and agility. Larger parties will find the grandeur of Silver Sturgeon more fitting, with generous capacity to accommodate every guest in opulence.

Luxury Amenities and Customisations

Our yachts are synonymous with luxury, each one boasting a range of high-end amenities to elevate your cruising experience. Expect plush interiors and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Moreover, we provide bespoke customisations to make your event truly yours – from gourmet dining to tailored decoration, every detail is flawlessly executed to ensure the utmost comfort and sophistication during your voyage.

Exclusive Experiences on the Thames

Exclusive Experiences on the Thames

We take immense pride in creating unforgettable moments on the Thames. Whether celebrating love , life, or the allure of London, a private yacht charter offers a unique vantage point of the city’s grandeur. Private Yacht Hire London gives that luxe experience.

Romantic Proposals and Anniversaries

Nothing says romance quite like a private yacht along the Thames at sunset. For those ready to pop the question, imagine bending a knee with the iconic Tower Bridge as your backdrop. Celebrate anniversaries with elegance; toasting to years past and those yet to come, all while the shimmering city lights dance upon the water.

Birthdays and Special Occasions

Marking another year or a significant milestone deserves a celebration to remember. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grander affair, personalise your party cruise with fine dining and live entertainment. Capture the delight of your guests with champagne in hand, against the ever-moving tapestry of the London Eye and the city’s skyline.

Cultural Landmarks and Sightseeing

Combine luxury with culture aboard your exclusive yacht charter . Offer your guests a narrated tour of the Thames’ most enchanting attractions, from historical sites to modern marvels. A private sightseeing cruise provides up-close views of London’s majestic landmarks, all from the comfort of your own floating haven.

Corporate and Entertainment Charters

Corporate and Entertainment Charters

As specialists in upscale river expeditions, we offer an array of corporate and entertainment charters tailored for any high-profile occasion. Our fleet sets the scene for a sophisticated and sumptuous event, ensuring that your business meeting or celebration leaves a lasting impression.

Business Meetings on Water

In the serenity of the River Thames, we conduct business meetings with a difference. Our vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate presentations, conferences, and boardroom discussions, all complemented by the tranquil views of London’s riverside landmarks. We understand the importance of detail, offering champagne receptions on arrival and catering services to ensure each meeting flows as smoothly as the waters beneath us.

Product Launches and Corporate Celebrations

For an event that stands out, we present the perfect platform for product launches and corporate celebrations . We provide customisable spaces that reflect your brand’s prestige, from intimate gatherings to grand affairs. With options for live music and a dedicated photographer to capture key moments, we create an unforgettable backdrop for your corporate milestones.

VIP Entertainment and Parties

We elevate entertainment to art form aboard our elegant yachts. Whether you’re hosting VIP clients or celebrating with colleagues, our parties are unmatched in luxury and exclusivity. We offer fine dining, exquisite champagne, and a selection of live bands or DJs, setting the stage for a night replete with sophistication and revelry on London’s illustrious River Thames.

Catering and Onboard Services

Catering and Onboard Services

In preparing for a yacht charter along the Thames, we take pride in providing an array of exquisite culinary experiences, complemented by top-notch service that makes each voyage unique.

Gourmet Dining and Cuisine Options

We proudly offer a culinary journey with dishes crafted by our expert chefs, tailored to individual tastes and dietary requirements. Our gourmet dining includes a variety of cuisine options, ranging from traditional British fare to international delicacies. The menu can be customised for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, ensuring every meal onboard is a feast for the senses.

Bespoke Bar Services and Selections

Our bar services are designed to complement the dining experience, featuring an extensive selection of wines and spirits. We curate wine pairings that perfectly match the menu, and for those looking to celebrate, a range of champagne options is available to toast to the occasion. Custom cocktails can be created to capture the essence of the event.

Dedicated Crew and Service Excellence

Exceptional service is the cornerstone of our onboard experience. Our dedicated crew, including a personal chef and a skilled hospitality team, are committed to ensuring every detail is catered to with precision. Service excellence is not just a principle; it’s our promise to you, to make your time with us truly unforgettable.

Planning and Booking Your Charter

Planning and Booking Your Charter

Embarking on a private yacht charter in London isn’t just about hiring a boat; it’s an invitation to luxury and exclusivity, with the city’s famous landmarks as your backdrop. Let us guide you through the initial steps to ensure your experience on the Thames is seamless and personalised.

Enquiry and Reservation Process

To begin the journey, contact us with your preferred dates and any initial requests. Our dedicated team will guide you through the enquiry stage with professionalism, ensuring that every detail of your cruise aligns with your expectations. Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of a deposit, and we’ll send you a detailed charter agreement outlining all the specifics of your upcoming London adventure.

Personalising Your Cruise Experience

From selecting the perfect pier for departure to crafting an exquisite menu, every aspect of your charter is open to customisation. Share with us the vision for your event, whether it’s a corporate gathering or a family celebration , and we’ll liaise with our experienced crew and service providers to tailor every element to suit your needs. Our goal is to create an unforgettable journey, from the ambient setting onboard to the stunning views of the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Privacy and Exclusivity Details

Your privacy is paramount. We ensure that your time with us is intimate and exclusive, offering a haven away from prying eyes. Our private yacht venues are designed with seclusion in mind, giving you the peace of mind to relax in the company of your guests. The luxury of a private charter guarantees a personalised experience, and our discrete crew is committed to maintaining the highest level of service while respecting your privacy.

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Large superyachts visiting London, England on the river Thames are an exciting spectacle, but also a fantastic base to access events and the central parts of the city, making London a very interesting yacht charter prospect. There are also luxury yacht marinas and berths available with more currently being developed.

On such marina is the historic St Katharine Docks in central London which has berthage for 200 luxury yachts and historic barges. A haven of tranquillity and nestled in the heart of the City of London, St Katharine’s is directly adjacent to the iconic Tower Bridge and next to the Tower of London. The marina is home to visiting and local superyachts and also provides space for private and corporate events amongst the associated commercial buildings.

St Katharine Docks has a thousand years of dramatic history to its name, making it one of the most interesting marina histories in the world.  King Edgar originally gifted 13 acres of land to 13 knights in 1125for trade. St Katharine’s docks have been used ever since throughout the ages for one purpose or another and then in 1825 construction began on the docks, laying down the framework for what you see today.

Sunseeker in London

When visiting the UK with London on the itinerary, yachts also dock in the city of Southampton in south-west England. Many vessels drop anchor at Ocean Village Marina or Hamble Point Marina. Expect a coach or train journey time of around 1 hour 20 minutes from Southampton into South London.

London, the UK’s exciting capital city attracts visitors from around the world. Go shopping in Oxford Street, Regent Street as well as famous department stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols or Selfridges. How about a night out at the theatre? Watch a play, musical, drama or ballet at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, the London Palladium or the Old Vic. There are many places to visit in London. It’s such a diverse city with some of the world’s best sights, attractions and activities. 

See the city from above on the London Eye, meet a celeb at Madame Tussaud’s or examine the treasures at the British Museum. Sightseeing couldn’t be better. Check out the underwater creatures at Sea Life London or marvel at the strange objects in the Science Museum. There really is something for everyone in London and plenty to do to make up a luxury yacht charter itinerary.

Kismet superyacht deck in london

Buy a day ticket for a London, red double-decker bus on-off tour. What a great vantage point to catch fantastic views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral and of course, Buckingham Palace. You’ll get a birds-eye view of London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard. Spend an afternoon at London Zoo, home to more than 16,000 animals like tigers, hippos, and giraffes. 

A little outside London is Kensington Palace, an intriguing Royal Palace that also houses an exhibition of Princess Diana’s dresses. Find out where Queen Victoria lived as a child and see the wonderful collection of paintings from the Royal Collection. To keep you in holiday mode, take a river cruise down the River Thames. Relax and enjoy the magnificent views as you sail past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Cleopatra’s Needle, The Shard and the London Eye Pier. After so much excitement, it’s back to your superyacht in Southampton for the next part of your voyage.

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This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

The Luxe Review

All aboard this luxury superyacht hotel in London, open for you to stay right now

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Our plans to sail the French Riviera for the summer may have been somewhat derailed this year. But thankfully, it turns out we can live out our superyacht dreams closer to home – and we can book in to stay, right now. 

The luxury Sunborn Yacht Hotel, London is a floating hotel – so it’s also the perfect option for those who would rather avoid any choppy waters. Seasickness is so passé. 

yacht in london

Moored at the Royal Victoria Docks, by the ExCel centre, the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is the city’s only superyacht hotel, and one of the most unique luxury experiences in London. The yacht hotel had its grand reopening this weekend, as the UK hospitality industry opens back up.

Each room and suite of the 136-room floating hotel boasts beautiful river or dock views, while the plush Yacht Executive Rooms have their own private terrace or balcony, too. Every room is stocked with high-end Prija toiletries, and offers a new in-room dining experience, with an extended menu, Grab & Go wrapped breakfast items and snacks – all ordered through the rooms’ tablet.

yacht in london

Along with the stays at the hotel beginning again, comes the reopening of the yacht’s gorgeous Sundown bar: arguably the most elegant place in Canary Wharf to enjoy an aperitif. The third-deck dining venue offers panoramic views across the water, exclusive wines and spirits from high-end distilleries, and a sumptuous menu of bar bites, too. Guests must pre-book their place in order to regulate numbers, while seating at the restaurant and bar have been adjusted to safely social distance, too. 

yacht in london

The hotel’s Land’s End restaurant is also back open for bookings. The high-end restaurant promises to take your tastebuds on a ‘voyage of discovery’ with a refined menu of European and Asian fusion, a sumptuous setting and enviable views. 

For its reopening, the hotel has had a deep, hospital grade sanitisation of all rooms and public spaces. It’s had months to learn and perfect its safety measures: during lockdown, rather than closing its doors, the hotel acted as a place for NHS staff at the nearby Nightingale Hospital to stay, and served breakfast and dinner in the yacht’s Land’s End restaurant. 

yacht in london

More of the new precautions on board to protect guest and staff wellbeing are a digital system for checking in and out, protective screens on reception and sanitiser stations every 2 metres. 

We thought we wouldn’t be back on the water for a while – but a luxury superyacht break in the capital has sailed to number one in our staycation wishlist. 

Sunborn London offers nightly rates from £109 In a Classic Room. Booking details at sunbornhotels.com/london

Looking for more staycation inspiration? This private countryside holiday club might be one of the UK’s best-kept secrets.

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Who was onboard tech mogul Mike Lynch's Bayesian yacht?

Topic: Disasters, Accidents and Emergency Incidents

Six people are missing, including a man dubbed the British Bill Gates, after a luxury yacht sank off the Sicilian coast.

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch — freshly acquitted from a decade-long trial — had invited his work colleagues aboard a trip through the Mediterranean coast when a freak storm saw the yacht sink within moments.

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking vessel. The search for the missing continues.

Here's what we know so far: 

What happened?

The Italian coastguard said the yacht — the Bayesian — was anchored off the shore of port city Porticello, near the Sicilian capital Palermo, when it was hit by bad weather sometime after 4am on Monday, local time. 

Eyewitnesses said it vanished quickly beneath the waves shortly before dawn.

Managers of the sailing vessel Bayesian, Camper & Nicholsons, confirmed to the ABC that the Bayesian encountered severe weather and subsequently sank. 

"Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew," they said. 

"The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude," a coastguard official told Reuters.

Sicily's civil protection agency head, Salvo Cocina, said a waterspout — a tornado over the water — could have struck the yacht.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," Mr Cocina added. 

Storms and heavy rainfall had swept down Italy in recent days after weeks of scorching heat, lifting the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea to record levels and raising the risk of extreme weather conditions, experts told Reuters.

"The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius, which is almost 3 degrees more than normal. This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms," meteorologist Luca Mercalli said.

A group of rescuers gather around a stretcher

Rescuers recover the body of one of the people aboard the Bayesian.  ( AP: Lucio Ganci )

Captain Karsten Borner of the Sir Robert Baden Powell vessel told journalists he noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm, but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realised the ship had simply disappeared.

Mr Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Search crews, including helicopters and divers, are continuing to search the wreckage, lying at a depth of 49 metres.

Specialist divers reached the ship on Monday but access was limited due to objects in the way, the fire brigade said.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was "providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families".

Sicilian prosecutors have also opened an investigation into the event. 

Who is missing?

A collage of three men

Lawyer Chris Morvillo (left), entrepreneur Mike Lynch, and Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer are among the missing. 

There were 12 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the yacht. 

Mr Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries, including Britain, the United States, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain.

Of the 22, one man is confirmed dead and another six people are still missing. 

They are believed to be inside the hull, fire rescue spokesperson Luca Cari said.

Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman who said he responded to a flare from the vessel but found it sunk, said he stayed at the site for three hours without finding anyone.

"I think they are inside, all the missing people," he said.

Rescue teams recovered the body of the yacht's onboard chef on Monday, identified as Antiguan citizen Ricardo Thomas.

The still missing people include: 

  • Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah 
  • Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of global financial services company Morgan Stanley International
  • Chris Morvillo , a lawyer at the British multinational law firm Clifford Chance. He worked on Mr Lynch's lawsuit against Hewlett-Packard
  • The identities of the remaining two missing are still unconfirmed

Who was rescued? 

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking ship. 

Eight have been hospitalised and others were taken to a nearby hotel.

A picture of a woman inside a plane

Charlotte Golunski was among those rescued, recalling the harrowing moments she held her child Sofia above the waves.  ( Supplied: Facebook  )

Among those rescued were:

  • Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, who was the owner of the yacht
  • Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter, Sofia. Ms Golunski is a partner at Mr Lynch's firm, Invoke Capital. She says she momentarily lost hold of Sofia in the water but managed to hold her up above the waves until the lifeboat was inflated
  • Ms Golunski's husband James Emslie
  • New Zealand captain of the yacht James Catfield. He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica the crew didn't see the storm coming
  • A lone Dutch citizen was identified by the Dutch foreign ministry as being rescued, but was not identified

Who is Mike Lynch?

Mr Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was recently freed from a Silicon Valley lawsuit that tarnished his legacy. 

The 59-year-old Cambridge-educated mathematician created Autonomy , a search engine that could pore through emails and other internal business documents to help companies find vital information more quickly. 

He received the OBE for his innovation in 2006. 

He then sold the software to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $US11 billion ($16 billion) in 2011, with Mr Lynch personally netting $US800 million. 

HP valued Autonomy at $US46 billion ($68 billion) in the months leading up to the deal.

A man in a suit smiles

Mike Lynch in 2019 leaving the High Court in London.  ( Reuters: Henry Nicholls/File Photo )

But the deal quickly turned sour after he was accused of forging the software's financial records to make the sale.

As part of a decades-long legal battle against HP, Mr Lynch was extradited to the UK on criminal fraud charges. 

He steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was being made a scapegoat for HP's own bungling. 

He was eventually cleared of all charges in June this year. 

Although he avoided a possible prison sentence, Lynch still faced a bill from a civil case in London that HP mostly won during 2022. Damages haven't been determined in that case, but HP is seeking $US4 billion. 

Following the San Francisco trial, Mr Lynch said he would return to the UK and do what he loved most: "[being with] my family and innovating in my field."

The holiday appeared to be something of a celebration after Mr Lynch's acquittal, with guests including some of the people who had stood by Lynch throughout the ordeal.

Italy Boaters Missing

This picture shows the rescue operations off the Sicilian coast.  ( AP: Italian Coast Guard  )

In a separate act of tragedy, Mr Lynch's co-defendant in the trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died on Monday, after a road accident left him critically injured.

Mr Chamberlain — Autonomy's former vice-president of finance alongside Mr Lynch — was hit by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning and had been placed on life support. 

What is the Bayesian?

The luxury yacht is 56m long sailboat, with a 75m mast labelled as the tallest aluminium mast in the world.

It was previously named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and a crew of 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. It was last refitted in 2020.

Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $AU 321,000) a week. 

Two boats in the sea

This picture taken on Sunday shows the Bayesian (left) and the Duch sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell anchored off the coast line.   ( AP: Fabio La Bianca/Baia Santa Nicolicchia )

The ship also won a string of awards for its design. 

Ms Golunski said the yacht had travelled through the Aeolian Islands, Milazzo and Cefalù before sinking. 

It is likely the yacht's name would resonate with Mr Lynch because his PhD thesis and the software that made his fortune was based on Bayesian theory.

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Mike Lynch, Tech Mogul Acquitted of Fraud, Dies at 59

The British entrepreneur was found not guilty of fraud charges in the sale of his company to Hewlett-Packard. He was celebrating his acquittal when his yacht sank off the coast of Sicily.

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Two men walking in suits, wearing ties, with trees behind them on a street.

By Michael J. de la Merced

Michael de la Merced reported on Mike Lynch’s career and legal battles over the course of 13 years across two continents.

Mike Lynch , a British software mogul who was once celebrated as a top technology leader — only to spend more than a decade defending himself against accusations that he orchestrated one of the biggest frauds in Silicon Valley history — died on Monday after his yacht sank off the coast of Sicily . He was 59.

An official in the Italian city of Palermo confirmed on Thursday that Mr. Lynch’s body had been recovered by divers.

Twelve guests and 10 crew members were onboard the yacht, the Bayesian, when it went down during a violent storm. Mr. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, was rescued, along with nine crew members and five other passengers. Seven bodies have been recovered, including one thought to be that of Mr. Lynch’s daughter, Hannah Lynch.

Mr. Lynch’s death came two months after he was acquitted in federal court in San Francisco of criminal fraud charges, tied to the $11 billion sale of his company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The takeover, widely regarded among investors as one of the worst deals in history , led HP to accuse Mr. Lynch of deception.

Prosecutors in the United States charged Mr. Lynch with more than a dozen counts of fraud and conspiracy related to the deal, with a potential sentence running to about two decades in prison.

On the day in 2023 that a British judge found him liable for civil fraud in the matter, the British government — despite numerous appeals by Mr. Lynch — approved his extradition to the United States. He was confined to a townhouse in San Francisco under 24-hour surveillance, on his own dime. During his house arrest, his mother, Dolores, and his brother, Richard, died.

The accusations sullied the reputation of Mr. Lynch, who was known at one point as Britain’s Bill Gates.

Michael Richard Lynch was born on June 16, 1965, to Michael and Dolores Lynch, working-class immigrants from Ireland, and grew up outside London. He attended private school on a scholarship and graduated from Cambridge before founding Autonomy in 1996. The company helped clients analyze unstructured information to unearth hidden insights about their businesses.

By 2011, Autonomy had become one of Britain’s most prominent technology companies, with its home base sometimes called “Silicon Fen” — a name derived from its location at the southern tip of the Fenland, a marshy area in eastern England.

Mr. Lynch became a celebrity in British tech circles. He was a member of the Royal Society, one of the country’s top scientific associations; an adviser to David Cameron, the prime minister at the time; and a member of the BBC’s board.

Autonomy drew the attention of HP, which had sought to transform its fortunes by buying a high-powered software company, and which eventually paid 60 percent over the British company’s market value. But investors and analysts opposed the deal, and HP wrote down the value of the transaction by $8.8 billion. HP fired the chief executive who led the deal and, soon after, Mr. Lynch himself.

Meg Whitman, the former eBay leader who took over HP, accused Mr. Lynch and his lieutenants of “serious accounting improprieties” that misled her company over the state of Autonomy’s business.

But Mr. Lynch — armed with the hundreds of millions that he collected from Autonomy’s sale — hired an army of lawyers to argue that HP had been aware of the company’s practices. His team also said that Mr. Lynch had largely delegated the company’s day-to-day financial operations.

Mr. Lynch’s trial began in San Francisco in March. It stretched out over three months and involved reams of often dense internal documents. After two days of deliberations, a jury found Mr. Lynch and Stephen Chamberlain, a former Autonomy vice president of finance who faced similar charges, not guilty on all counts. (Mr. Chamberlain was fatally struck by a car on Saturday while out for a run, his lawyer, Gary S. Lincenberg, said Monday in an emailed statement.)

After the verdict, Mr. Lynch said in a statement, “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field.” He later returned to his homes, in London and Suffolk.

While defending himself against the HP accusations, Mr. Lynch became a venture capitalist, founding Invoke Capital to invest in companies including the cybersecurity provider Darktrace.

More recently, he had begun to focus on artificial intelligence research, including ways the technology could help those with hearing difficulties.

His survivors include his wife and another daughter, Esme.

Kirsten Noyes contributed research.

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

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What caused the fatal sinking of the superyacht Bayesian?

Bayesian yacht, map of where it sank and Italian coastguard

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Victor Mallet and Visual and Data Journalism team in London

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

One of the world’s largest sailing superyachts sank in high winds off Sicily on Monday, causing the death of UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and six other passengers and crew whose bodies were recovered from the wreck or from the sea.

The trip on the Lynch family’s yacht had been intended to celebrate his recent acquittal by a US jury, with 12 passengers on board, including his wife and 18-year-old daughter, and 10 crew members.

The Italian coastguard said the 56-metre, 540-tonne, British-flagged yacht Bayesian sank within minutes after it was hit by ferocious winds of 60 knots (over 110km/h) near Palermo.

The rapid sinking of such a large, modern and well-equipped yacht due to bad weather, rather than as a result of a collision, has raised concerns over marine safety as extreme weather events occur with more frequency and intensity.

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yacht in london

Why did the superyacht sink?

The yacht may well have been caught in a waterspout — a form of tornado — because the extreme wind speeds were recorded only in a localised area around the harbour of Porticello, where the boat was anchored about 300 metres offshore when it was struck.

Karsten Börner, the skipper of a nearby boat, told the FT that Bayesian appeared to capsize. He said he regarded the boat as unstable and his comments suggest that it could have been the combination of high winds and Bayesian’s 72-metre mast — the world’s tallest aluminium mast, according to manufacturers Perini Navi — that triggered the disaster.

Schematic showing the scale of the Sailing Yacht Bayesian by comparing it to the size of a London bus

Even with no sails up, a boat with a tall mast has a lot of “windage”, or surface area exposed to the wind, which can tip the vessel over in a storm. The boat may have heeled over so far that it took on water through open windows, hatches or companionways.

According to Perini Navi, Bayesian had a keel that can be lifted to reduce the draught of the boat — otherwise nearly 10 metres — for easier entrance to shallow harbours. If the keel were for some reason in the raised position rather than fully extended, that could compromise the boat’s stability in a strong wind.

Bayesian

Skippers of sailing yachts with exceptionally high masts typically aim to move out of harm’s way if strong winds are forecast.

Yacht designers and sailors are nevertheless puzzled by the sinking of the boat. AIS (Automatic Identification System) tracking data shows it took 16 minutes from the time Bayesian appeared to started dragging its anchor until it sank. But it is not yet known whether vulnerable hatches were open or when water started entering the boat. Italian prosecutors are investigating possible charges of manslaughter and “negligent shipwreck”.

Giovanni Costantino, chief executive of Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini Navi, told the Financial Times that Bayesian was “absolutely safe” and said the crew should have had time to secure the boat and evacuate passengers from their cabins.

Should we blame climate change?

Climate change is likely to have been at least a contributing factor in the Mediterranean’s unsettled and sometimes violent weather this summer. The Mediterranean is a favoured cruising ground for superyachts during the northern hemisphere summer — in winter, the wealthy prefer the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean — because the weather is typically warm and sunny, and storms are rare. 

Meteorological experts have long predicted that climate change and the heating-up of oceans will help trigger more extreme weather events, including floods, droughts and more severe hurricanes.

Last week, the Mediterranean reached a median temperature of 28.9C — its highest surface temperature on record — and similar records are being broken in other seas. June was the 15th consecutive month that global sea temperatures hit a record high and forecasters predict the warmer waters may fuel an intense Atlantic hurricane season.

yacht in london

Will disasters at sea occur more often?

While design improvements and safety regulations have made even the smallest boats safer, the potential dangers posed by bad weather are increasing in line with the rising number of pleasure vessels at sea.

Last week, a sudden and exceptionally strong thunderstorm with wind squalls blowing at up to 53 knots (about 100km/h) swept over the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera, driving several sailing and motor yachts to crash on to the shore. Among those damaged and grounded but later recovered was a luxury, 30-metre vessel made by the Monaco-based Wally Yachts .

The cause was a thunderstorm known as a “Dana”, a Spanish acronym for depresión aislada en niveles altos or isolated high-altitude depression. The bad weather also caused serious flooding in Mallorca and Menorca to the north.

How can boat makers and skippers help avoid more deaths?

The weather in the Mediterranean is often notoriously unpredictable and prone to sudden, unforecast gales — unlike the north Atlantic, where weather shifts are usually signalled days in advance by changing air pressure and cloud formations visible to the naked eye.

Safety at sea depends largely on two factors: the seaworthiness of the boat and the skill and experience of the captain and crew.

Modern boats — Bayesian was built in 2008 and refurbished four years ago — are normally built to high safety standards and equipped with electronic navigation and communications systems, as well as standard emergency gear such as life vests.

Common accidents include people falling overboard, fires on board and accidental groundings or collisions — not sinking in bad weather.

Visual and data team: Alan Smith, Aditi Bhandhari, Ian Bott and Jana Tauschinski

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Watch CBS News

Here's what to know about Mike Lynch, the tech tycoon missing in the Sicily yacht disaster

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: August 21, 2024 / 12:05 PM EDT / CBS News

Mike Lynch, once hailed as "Britain's Bill Gates," is now among the six people missing after his luxury yacht sank in a violent storm off the coast of Sicily. At the time of the disaster, Lynch had been trying to shake more than a decade of legal entanglements that ended in June when he was cleared of fraud and conspiracy charges . 

On Wednesday, two bodies had been brought to shore in Porticello, near Palermo, and two more were in the process of being brought ashore. Britain's Telegraph newspaper reported that the bodies of Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter were among the remains recovered Wednesday, but the civil protection chief would not confirm that report to CBS News. 

Lynch, 59, rose to prominence in the late 1990s with the development of his software company, Autonomy, which helped businesses quickly find information buried in email and other digital documents. In 2011, Lynch sold the business to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion, giving him a $800 million payday and cementing him as one of the U.K.'s richest people. 

But the acquisition was later called one of the "most notorious failed mergers and acquisitions" after HP discovered alleged accounting issues, leading to Lynch's firing by HP's then-CEO, Meg Whitman. HP claimed that Autonomy had used accounting improprieties to bolster its underlying financials ahead of the acquisition, charges that Lynch steadfastly denied. 

The case stretched into a 12-year legal fight that ended in June 2024 when a federal court jury in San Francisco delivered not-guilty verdicts.

"I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most — my family and innovating in my field," Lynch said in a statement after the verdict.

Here's what to know about Lynch. 

What company did Mike Lynch start?

Lynch, who earned a PhD in mathematical computing from the U.K.'s Cambridge University, first cofounded a company called Cambridge Neurodynamics, based on the cofounders' work with pattern recognition. The firm used the tech to match fingerprints and car license plates, according to a 1997 article in The Guardian.

From there, Lynch cofounded Autonomy in 1996, which relied on a statistical model called Bayesian inference, named after a theorem developed by the 18th century statistician Thomas Bayes. (Lynch's luxury yacht was christened the "Bayesian.")

The company tapped into the growing need of businesses to sort through and find information within the vast reams of data created by the increasing use of computers and digital documents.

Autonomy's steady growth during its first decade resulted in Lynch being awarded one of the U.K's highest honors, the Office of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2006.

Lynch told The Guardian in 1997 that people didn't quite believe that a growing tech business could emerge from the U.K. 

"I have actually heard the comment, 'England, software? I thought you made bone china,'" he told the newspaper. 

What happened after Autonomy's acquisition by HP?

At first, HP celebrated the purchase as a huge coup that would propel the Palo Alto, California, company down a promising new path, but then quickly came to regret it under then-CEO Meg Whitman.

HP claimed it found accounting irregularities, and the company ended up recognizing $8.8 billion in losses in the Autonomy deal. Whitman eventually fired Lynch in 2012, while also laying off thousands of workers as HP's fortunes sagged. 

Throughout the past 12 years, Lynch rejected the allegations. He told the Wall Street Journal in 2012 that he was "ambushed" by the claims, which he described as "completely and utterly wrong."

What happened with Mike Lynch's legal case?

Lynch maintained his innocence while testifying earlier this year before a jury during a 2 1/2 month trial in San Francisco. U.S. Justice Department prosecutors called more than 30 witnesses in an attempt to prove allegations that Lynch engaged in accounting duplicity that bilked billions of dollars from HP.

The jury, as noted above, delivered not-guilty verdicts in June, vindicating Lynch, who pledged to return to the U.K. and to find new ways to innovate. 

Who is Mike Lynch's wife? 

Mike Lynch is married to Angela Bacares, who is one of the people rescued from the Mediterranean after the yacht sank. Lynch and Barares have two daughters. One of them, Hannah, 18, is among the missing, according to the BBC. 

Bacares, 57, owns shares in Darktrace, a British cybersecurity company she and Lynch co-founded, the Sun noted . She sat in the front row of the courtroom during her husband's trial, but generally has preferred to stay out of the public eye, the Times of London reported in July.

"We made the decision that Angela would not be involved in the case. She stayed completely separate. Her focus was the family and children," Lynch told the Times last month.

— With reporting by the Associated Press.

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

More from CBS News

5th body recovered from superyacht off Sicily, as questions mount

6th body recovered from superyacht that sank off Sicily

Italian officials open manslaughter investigation into yacht sinking.

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yacht in london

Where in the world: Top superyacht locations this week

The global superyacht fleet is always on the move. Using BOAT Pro’s pioneering AIS fleet tracker , we keep an eye on the furthest flung superyachts of the week .

Nord in the Seychelles

The 142 metre Nord is undoubtedly one of the most notable launches of the past few years. She became Lürssen's biggest build to date when she hit the water in 2021 and has continued to turn heads with her sheer size, squared-off bow and striking duo-tone hull and superstructure. After a summer well spent cruising in the Mediterranean, Nord made her way to the Maldives in time for Christmas and is now sitting pretty in the Seychelles, anchored off from its capital Victoria. 

Lusine in London

At 60 metres in length, the Heesen motor yacht Lusine is the largest steel superyacht to be built by Heesen and was spotted cruising into the mouth of the River Thames on February 14. She is one of a string of new European builds that have arrived in London in the past few months to be delivered. Lusine was built under the name Project Falcon and recently completed intensive sea trials in the North Sea, reaching a top speed of 17.7 knots.

La Datcha in Peru

The 77 metre polar expedition yacht La Datcha has made her way back up the South American coastline after spending the winter season doing what she does best - exploring the frozen fields of Antarctica. Equipped with an ice classed hull and helicopter, La Datcha has been to-ing and fro-ing between Ushuaia and Antarctica over the past few months but is now enjoying the warmer waters of Peru.

Arbema in Cuba

Arbema , previously known as Azteca , came under new ownership in 2021 in one of the biggest sales of the year. The 72 metre CRN superyacht was snapped up after just three months on the market and her new owner has naturally been spending the winter season cruising the Caribbean. She was most recently spotted pulling into Havana, Cuba. 

Azamanta in Bermuda

The unmistakable bronze hull of the 55 metre Heesen Azamanta has been spotted pulling into port in Bermuda. She was delivered in 2015 as the first in the Dutch shipyard's 55 Steel series and has been under private ownership ever since. Azamanta 's cruising calendar is often dictated by the seasons - summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean - but an ice-reinforced steel hull means she can travel wherever she pleases.

For access to BOAT Pro's pioneering AIS superyacht tracker, visit boatinternational.com/boat-pro .

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COMMENTS

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    4,746 reviews. #361 of 1,144 hotels in London. Location. Cleanliness. Service. Value. Travellers' Choice. Sunborn London is located at the western end of the Royal Victoria Dock overlooking the Docklands, Canary Wharf O2 Arena, London City Airport, and the ExCel where one can enjoy the panoramic views of their private settings.

  7. Private Yacht Hire London: Indulge in Unmatched Elegance on the Thames

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    How to Rent a Boat with Getmyboat. London boat rental prices range from £110/hour to £700/hour. Choose from over 25 boats in London on the Thames that include yachts, sailboats, and canal boats. Captains are available for hire if needed.

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    Local logistics of extra crew, accommodation, security, transfers, catering, florists, fuel, waste, deliveries. Please contact our office now for further information +44 (0)1590 610543 and [email protected]. Yacht charter and Superyacht logistics on the Thames in London.

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  19. London Yacht Brokers

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  20. Bayesian (yacht)

    Bayesian was a flybridge sloop designed by Ron Holland and built with a 56 m (184 ft) aluminium hull and a single-masted cutter rig.The 75 m (246 ft) aluminium mast was especially designed for the yacht and at the time of construction was the world's tallest. The yacht had a lifting keel, allowing its draft to be reduced from 10 m to 4 m. [7] It was one of a number of similar vessels from the ...

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    Lusine in London. At 60 metres in length, the Heesen motor yacht Lusine is the largest steel superyacht to be built by Heesen and was spotted cruising into the mouth of the River Thames on February 14. She is one of a string of new European builds that have arrived in London in the past few months to be delivered. Lusine was built under the name Project Falcon and recently completed intensive ...