Ever dreamt of sailing on the Titanic? Well, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer is making that dream a reality by building an exact replica of the iconic ship.
In addition to his Titanic project, Palmer owns a $30 million superyacht named Australia that has had its fair share of mishaps at sea. The 180-foot vessel recently had to be rescued from a sandy bank off Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Palmer’s superyacht boasts two sundecks, multiple bars, a jacuzzi, and other luxuries. However, its run-ins with sandbanks have been less than glamorous, with a previous incident near Sentosa Island in Singapore.
Palmer’s nautical ventures aren’t all smooth sailing. In 2013, his $3.6 million yacht, Maximus, hit a rock near the Gold Coast, causing a scare for passengers on board.
Despite these mishaps, Palmer soldiers on and is now working on financing and building Titanic II. This modern replica will mirror the original layout but include modern safety features like stabilizers and air conditioning.
The launch of Titanic II has been delayed multiple times, now set for 2027. The maiden voyage will retrace the original Titanic’s ill-fated journey from Southampton, U.K., to New York City.
So, there you have it – a billionaire with a penchant for grand maritime projects, from stranded superyachts to a Titanic replica. Let’s hope his next voyage is smoother sailing!