The World comes to Cowes.
The World at 43188 Tons is claimed to be the largest privately owned residential yacht ever, consisting of 165 private residences laid out over 7 decks. Designed to accommodate between 150-200 owners and guests they are supported by a crew of 280. She came into service in 2002 after her hull was built in Sweden and her completion undertaken in Norway. She is operated by ROW Management Ltd, a company based in Florida USA. I knew of her existence but never expected to ever see her a situation that was happily remedied for me on the 12 July 2019 when I was able to photograph her as she was anchored off Cowes Isle of Wight. There is a great deal of information on the Internet about her construction, ownership arrangements, past voyages of discovery and the unique way in which her voyage itineraries are planned (by a committee largely made up of residence owners). This and other images of her were captured from the deck of a Red Funnel car ferry travelling to and from East Cowes Isle of Wight.