The World’s Largest Yacht Project Hits Turbulent Waters
The world’s largest yacht, Somnio, was touted as a luxurious “floating millionaire’s row” with 39 bespoke apartments and a range of high-end amenities. However, the project has hit a snag after its millionaire backer, Carl Le Souef, was ordered to pay £733,750 to a British design company, Winch Design, following a legal dispute over unpaid invoices.
Le Souef, an Australian entrepreneur, co-founded Somnio with Captain Erik Bredhe, the former captain of MS The World, a luxury cruise ship. The pair envisioned a high-end, ultra-luxury residential yacht with features like an on-board beach, 10,000-bottle wine cellar, and high-end medical care.
The yacht was meant to be launched in 2024, but it is currently classified as “under construction.” Despite its grand plans, the project has been marred by financial disputes. In May 2019, Winch Design joined the project, signing a contract worth £5.28 million to provide interior and exterior design services.
However, the project stalled when Le Souef failed to pay Winch Design’s invoices, amounting to £733,750. The court heard that Le Souef adopted a “cagey approach” when questioned about his financial involvement in the project, which led the judge to order him to pay the outstanding amount.
The judge also criticized Le Souef, saying he had presented himself as a man of wealth, but had not provided sufficient support for his claims. The outcome of the case has cast a shadow over the future of the ambitious project, which had promised to offer residents a luxurious lifestyle akin to living on a private yacht.
