The 267-foot Oceanco superyacht Alfa Nero has resurfaced on the global market, this time with a staggering price tag of €88.5 million (approximately US$102 million). The move comes just over a year after the Government of Antigua and Barbuda sold the vessel for around US$40 million.
The potential markup suggests a paper profit of more than US$50 million before factoring in refit expenses, broker commissions, and carrying costs. Industry watchers say it could prove to be one of the most profitable yacht flips in recent years.
Antigua’s involvement with Alfa Nero began when authorities seized the yacht after it was abandoned in Falmouth Harbour. What initially appeared to be a high-value trophy soon became a financial liability for the country.
Maintaining the 2,150-gross-ton vessel — with its 267-foot length, 14.2-meter beam, and constant need for upkeep — quickly strained government resources.
Officials acknowledged that dockage fees, crew maintenance, and other expenses were overwhelming budgets.
Following a failed public auction in 2023, the government transitioned to a private treaty arrangement, concluding the sale in July 2024 for approximately US$40 million. Court filings later revealed the buyer as Ali Riza Yildirim, head of Turkey’s Yildirim Group.
While the Alfa Nero has re-entered the global yacht market with a price tag of more than $100 million, the vessel remains entangled in ongoing legal disputes.
The legal action stems from a claim by Russian national Yullia Gureyeva, who asserted ownership of the yacht.
I guess another person is about to bingo using Alfa nero
Sure, it sold for $40 million, but I wonder how much the government spent on maintenance before the sale.
So you mean to tell me we couldn’t have gotten over $60mill for it……use that money to enhance roads and healthcare in Antigua and not increase licensing fee
When you sell what is not your sleep will not come easy
We will know who is getting a share of the profits
Just imagine that. We sell low and they skyrocket their price. The Russian woman can battle out with the new owners now and leave us alone
Antigua went from zero to hero real quick. First, they inherit a giant floating money pit, and now it’s worth more than some small countries’ GDP. Man, next time just leave your yachts abandoned everywhere and call it a national investment strategy
Wait… hold up. Antigua sold Alfa Nero for just $40 million? This isn’t a used car we’re talking about people…It’s a 267-foot superyacht that just got relisted for over $100 million! How does a country let a national asset slip through its fingers for less than half its market value? Were they desperate? Did nobody do the math? This feels like a massive betrayal of the public trust. I mean, we’re talking tens of millions of dollars lost that could’ve gone into hospitals, schools, or infrastructure and instead, someone else is about to cash in on Antigua’s misstep. Somebody needs to explain this. Was it sheer negligence or something worse?
Something smells fishy here. How does a country sell a yacht for $40 million, and now it’s worth $102 million? That’s not just bad luck nuh people… that’s either extreme incompetence or someone was in on the deal. Were there backroom deals? Bribes? The public deserves answers, not excuses. Guess Ras GASSY and Tellamack were desperados.
Imagine the upkeep on that boat alone probably more than most of us will see in a lifetime.
I’m over here thinking: what if Antigua starts a yacht-themed reality show? ‘Keeping Up with the Falmouth Harbour Ghost Ships.’ Ratings would be insane, and at least someone could pay the maintenance bills with product placement
So let me get this straight: they got stuck with a massive yacht, it drains all the money, and now someone else wants it for double? Next government budget meeting: ‘We propose buying abandoned yachts as a hedge against inflation.