PHOTOS: Inside Sh9.7 billion luxury yacht spotted in Kilifi

A photo of the luxurious SALT yacht that docked in Kilifi [Nehemiah Okwembah/Standard] A sleek dark superyacht spotted off Kenya's coast has stirred online buzz and curiosity. The SALT yacht, previously known as VOICE, appeared off the shores of Kilifi County, anchoring close to the coastline and drawing hundreds of curious onlookers. Striking against the coastal horizon, the vessel sparked speculation about celebrity visits and mystery billionaires before authorities confirmed that everything onboard was legitimate. Built in Italy by the CRN shipyard and delivered in 2020, SALT is a 62-metre superyacht designed by the renowned studio Nuvolari Lenard, a seamless blend of elegance, performance, and bespoke luxury. According to CRN's official website, the yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in six staterooms and is crewed by 17 professionals. It spans five decks featuring outdoor lounges, several alfresco dining areas, a Jacuzzi, a fold-out swim platform, a beach club, a full owner's deck with floor-to-ceiling glass, and a sun deck with a swimming pool. Inside, SALT is described as a "collection of fine details," merging contemporary design with the personality of a true custom build. Both exterior and interior were penned by Nuvolari Lenard, one of the world's most prestigious yacht design firms. "Sharp yet fluid, the sleek external lines radiate a vibrant character with an inimitably Italian touch; the striking impression is reinforced with the personalised colour palette," CRN's site notes. "The owner's powerful, single-minded personality shines through in the bold, unmistakable lines that stand out for miles, in this iconic masterpiece that will pass the test of time with flying colours." View this post on Instagram A post shared by BARNES International Realty (@barnesrealty) Powered by two MTU diesel engines, SALT reaches a top speed of 16 knots and cruises comfortably at 15. She has a beam of 11.5 metres, a gross tonnage of 1,288 GT, and is built with a steel hull, aluminium superstructure, and teak decks, balancing durability with unmistakable Italian flair. According to SuperYacht Times, CRN specialises in fully custom aluminium and steel-aluminium superyachts up to 90 metres, each built around the owner's individual vision. "Each CRN megayacht is the result of elite R&D, cutting-edge technology and masterly construction skill," the site notes. "The outcomes are evident in fine quality, excellent amenity, optimised efficiency and supreme stylistic effect, all engineered to perfection." A background check shows SALT was listed for sale in November 2024 for approximately Sh9.7 billion (EUR65 million) by yacht sales firm Yachting by James. Commissioned for a private owner, Boat International reveals that the project began in 2015 when the clients met CRN with a clear vision for a bespoke vessel, from exterior lines inspired by their favourite car, a Rolls-Royce, to the acoustic quality of music onboard. "Every single measure was taken," a CRN engineering lead says. "We used floating walls, floors and ceilings, dampers for every rotating machine, no matter how small, and tested every pipe and valve. The goal was complete silence." Aboard SALT, silence is golden. The yacht is acoustically treated to shut out sea and engine noise, offering what CRN calls a "first-class sensory experience." To top it off, SALT is a "smart" yacht. As soon as the owners step aboard, the vessel automatically adjusts to their preferred settings, from lighting and music to temperature. "Think of the new iMac," the yacht's project architect explained. "When you activate Touch ID, it loads your configuration. This yacht works the same way." CRN collaborated with system integrator Videoworks to develop an advanced audiovisual network so precise that interior cabinetry was designed around the curvature of TV screens, not the other way around. In yacht circles, SALT ranks among the top five per cent of superyachts worldwide by length overall. Within the 60-70-metre range, it boasts above-average cruising speed and nearly 73 GT more internal volume than its peers. Registered under the British Virgin Islands flag, SALT joins an elite fleet of roughly 240 superyachts sailing under the same jurisdiction, a fitting place for a vessel that has captured immense attention. Photos courtesy of AutoEvolution, CRN, Nuvolari Lenard, Arcon Yachts

PHOTOS: Inside Sh9.7 billion luxury yacht spotted in Kilifi

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