The city of Plymouth witnessed a spectacular maritime visit as the 102.6-meter-long superyacht Ulysses arrived at the Barbican Landing Stage on the evening of February 17. Owned by New Zealand’s wealthiest man, Graeme Hart, the luxury vessel turned heads with its impressive design and opulent features.

Built by the renowned Dutch yacht manufacturer Feadship, Ulysses is among the largest vessels they have ever constructed. The yacht boasts 1,100 square meters of exterior glass, 20 sliding doors, 12 glass windbreaks, and six-meter-long glass panels in its guest cabins on the main deck.

Adding to its lavish amenities, the yacht features four exterior hot tubs, a swimming pool spanning the entire height of the main deck, and a helicopter hangar discreetly integrated into the foredeck. Inside, guests are greeted by a stunning glass staircase and an elevator in the main atrium.

With a top speed of 18 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at cruising speed, Ulysses is powered by two MTU diesel engines. It accommodates up to 20 guests in nine staterooms and has a dedicated crew of 30. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 2,999 GT and a beam of 15.5 meters.

A Special Visit to Plymouth

During its brief stay, Ulysses anchored in Jennycliff Bay before docking at the Barbican Landing Stage. The Cattewater Harbour website confirmed that at 102.6 meters, it is the largest vessel to have ever berthed at the site, drawing the interest of many onlookers.

Interestingly, the visit also reunited old friends—Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master, and Ulysses’ Captain, who trained together as cadets at the start of their Merchant Navy careers.

The yacht’s crew, including some from Devon and Cornwall, enjoyed exploring Plymouth, visiting its cafés, bars, and restaurants—providing a welcome boost to local businesses during the quiet winter months. Many crew members also took the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends in the area.

A Positive Impact on the Local Economy

Superyacht visits require careful planning, but their economic benefits are substantial. Before departing on the morning of February 21, Ulysses stocked up on locally caught fresh fish and Plymouth Gin, leaving with fond memories of the city’s hospitality.

Captain Richard Allan expressed his excitement about the visit, stating:
"It was wonderful to accommodate the vessel and reconnect with the Captain, whom I’ve known for 20 years. The Barbican Landing Stage, with its safe sheltered berth, security, and services in a prime waterfront location, made for a very successful visit. The support from my Harbour staff and the specialist superyacht agents at MGMT played a crucial role."

The Cattewater Harbour team looks forward to welcoming more superyachts, tall ships, cruise liners, and visiting sailing vessels throughout the year, further cementing Plymouth’s reputation as a prime maritime destination.