The Fast and the Furious

One Record Is Not Enough

By Diane M. Byrne — June 2004

More of this Feature • Part 1: Millennium • Part 2: Millennium • One Record Is Not Enough
Related Resources • Megayacht Index
Elsewhere on the Web • Millennium Super Yachts

John Staluppi and John Rosatti have more than just a passing interest in speed—and Bond-themed yachts. Here’s a quick look at their three previous yachts that fit the bill:

Thunderball: Measuring 110 feet LOA, this yacht was delivered in 1987, powered by twin 3,500-hp MTU 16V396TB94 diesel engines. The top speed achieved was 46 knots, still impressive for a private vessel of her size in today's world.

Octopussy: One year after Thunderball, Octopussy debuted at 130 feet LOA. She also outran her smaller sibling, achieving a top speed of 53.2 knots, thanks to triple 3,500-hp MTU 16V396TB94 diesel engines matched with triple KaMeWa waterjets. Octopussy held the record until 1992, when Moonraker was launched.

Moonraker: Though smaller than Octopussy, at 116 feet LOA, Moonraker cranked out a much higher top speed: 66.7 knots. It came courtesy of twin 3,481-hp MTU 16V396TB94 diesel engines paired with a single 4,056-hp Textron Lycoming TF-40 gas turbine, all powering triple KaMeWa waterjets. She held the unofficial record until King Juan Carlos took delivery of Fortuna in 2000. —D.M.B.

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