Billionaire’s behemoth breezes in

THERE are supermaxi yachts — and then there is German billionaire Otto Happel’s Hetairos, which sailed into Hobart yesterday.

The 67m Hetairos, which moored off Sandy Bay, is the largest all carbon fibre composite-hulled yacht in the world.

Built by Finnish boatbuilder Baltic Yachts in 2011, it is almost 50m high and more than 10m wide, with two big masts.

Mr Happel, who lives in Lucerne, Switzerland, has an estimated fortune of $3 billion.

The Mercury’s sailing writer Peter Campbell estimated his superyacht could be worth up to $10 million.

Campbell said it was truly a sight to behold, sitting at double the length of the reigning Sydney to Hobart champion, the 30m Perpetual Loyal.

“It would be one of the biggest cruising yachts to come into Hobart ever,” he said.

“It made for quite a sight coming up the river.”

Campbell said it was clearly a professionally sailed yacht.

“It’s not unusual for private motorcraft to come to Hobart for the summer,” he said.

Accommodation on board includes eight cabins split between 20 guests and crew, with a separate captain’s cabin.

It is understood the crew is using facilities at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania.

It was not immediately known if Mr Happel was on board.