One of the world’s most impressive private yachts is looking for a new billionaire owner.
The 312-foot Lürssen megayacht Whisper, acquired and renamed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, has been listed for €149 million, equivalent to approximately $173 million at current exchange rates.
The award-winning vessel combines 5 decks of entertainment space, a 39-foot mosaic swimming pool, a private cinema, an elaborate spa complex and accommodations for up to 12 guests.
The yacht is being offered exclusively through Christie Yachts.
From Shahid Khan to Eric Schmidt
Lürssen delivered the yacht in 2014 to Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It was originally named Kismet, a word associated with fate or destiny in Turkish and Urdu. Khan has commissioned three custom Lürssen yachts, including a newer 400-foot vessel that also carries the Kismet name.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt later acquired the 312-foot yacht and renamed it Whisper. Schmidt led Google as CEO from 2001 to 2011 and subsequently served as executive chairman of Google and its parent company, Alphabet.
The yacht underwent an extensive interior refit during 2025 and 2026 under the direction of Los Angeles-based designer Michael S. Smith. The renovation introduced lighter colors and a more contemporary atmosphere while preserving the yacht’s monumental scale.
An Award-Winning Lürssen Megayacht
Although Whisper has spent more than a decade on the water, it remains one of the most notable yachts delivered by German shipbuilder Lürssen in recent years.
Its exterior was designed by Espen Øino, with original interiors by Reymond Langton Design and naval architecture by Lürssen.
The yacht received a World Superyacht Award in 2015 for its innovative design.
Measuring 95.2 meters, or 312 feet, Whisper offers enormous interior and exterior entertainment areas spread across five decks.
Inside the $173 Million Yacht
The newly renovated interior contains a remarkable collection of private living, dining, entertainment and wellness spaces.
Major features include:
- A double-height main salon
- A dining room with an 18-seat table
- A formal lounge
- A private cinema that can double as a guest salon
- A dedicated spa and wellness complex
- A fully equipped gym with a fold-down sea terrace
- A beauty salon
- Seven guest cabins
- Accommodations for as many as 27 crew members
The seven cabins can collectively accommodate up to 12 guests.
The master suite is one of the yacht’s defining spaces. It features panoramic views, a fireplace, an overhead skylight, two private bathrooms, a walk-in closet and a private Jacuzzi.
A Private Spa at Sea
Whisper offers considerably more than a standard yacht hot tub and treatment room.
Its dedicated spa includes:
- A traditional hammam
- A spa pool
- A cold-plunge pool
- A steam shower
- A private massage room
- An adjoining beauty salon
The gym opens directly toward the water through a fold-down sea terrace, allowing passengers to exercise while overlooking the ocean.
Together, these facilities function like a private luxury resort and wellness retreat at sea.
A 39-Foot Mosaic Swimming Pool
The yacht’s outdoor centerpiece is a 39-foot mosaic swimming pool located on the sun deck.
The pool includes an integrated Jacuzzi and is surrounded by sunbeds and a bar. A skylight incorporated into the pool area allows natural light to reach the decks below.
Whisper also comes with an enormous collection of tenders and recreational equipment, including:
- Jet Skis
- E-foils
- Seabobs
- Kayaks
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Wakeboards
- A ski boat
Passengers can alternate between swimming, water sports, spa treatments, movies and formal dining without leaving the vessel.
How Fast Is Whisper?
Twin Caterpillar engines power the 312-foot yacht.
Whisper can reach a top speed of approximately 16 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of around 13 knots.
At an economical speed of 12 knots, the vessel reportedly has a range of approximately 7,400 nautical miles. That gives it enough endurance for extended ocean crossings rather than short coastal excursions.
The purchase price represents only the beginning of the expense.
Operating a yacht this large requires a professional crew, fuel, insurance, dockage, maintenance and regular technical work—potentially costing millions of dollars each year.
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