The Al Said Megayacht Crosses the Messina Strait
The Al Said megayacht, measuring 155 meters, recently crossed the Strait of Messina, captivating onlookers along the Sicilian and Calabrian coasts.
A remarkable sight recently graced the Strait of Messina, as the Al Said, a megayacht belonging to the royal family of Oman, made its way through the waters just before Ferragosto. Its presence captured the attention of those along the Sicilian and Calabrian coasts.
With an impressive length of 155 meters and a width of 25 meters, the Al Said stands out even among the large commercial and passenger vessels that frequently navigate this busy maritime route.
The yacht's passage intrigued beachgoers and onlookers alike, as it serves not just as a vessel but as a floating residence specifically designed for the Omani royal family.
Al Said: A 155-Meter Floating Luxury
Constructed by the German shipyard Lürssen and delivered in 2008, the Al Said sails under the flag of Oman and is among the most significant vessels in the royal fleet. Its dimensions immediately indicate that it belongs to a different category of yacht. The 155-meter length and 25-meter width position it closer to a ship than a traditional private yacht.
The yacht features multiple decks and houses over twenty cabins, accommodating up to 70 guests, along with a crew that can number up to 170. This means that at full capacity, approximately 240 individuals—passengers and crew combined—could be onboard, illustrating the scale and operational complexity of such a megayacht.
A Vessel for the Sultan of Oman
The history of the Al Said is intricately linked to the Omani royal family. It was commissioned for Qaboos bin Said, who ruled Oman from 1970 until his passing in 2020. Following Qaboos's death, Haitham bin Tariq ascended to the throne, and the Al Said remains a prominent part of the Omani royal fleet.
The yacht's name pays homage to the Al Said dynasty that governs Oman. Its passage near Messina is significant not only due to its size but also because of its storied background. Witnessing a private yacht the length of a multi-story building is certainly a rare spectacle.
The Strategic Importance of the Strait
The Al Said's transit highlights the strategic role of the Strait of Messina in Mediterranean navigation. This narrow body of water separating Sicily and Calabria serves as a natural conduit between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Daily, it is traversed by ferries, commercial ships, and other vessels, alongside private yachts navigating Mediterranean routes.
During the summer months, the presence of large yachts becomes even more pronounced, particularly given the proximity to some of the Mediterranean's most popular destinations. However, in the case of the Al Said, its sheer size makes it particularly noticeable from the shore. 155 meters are hard to miss, especially on a summer day bustling with beachgoers.
A Floating Residence for 240 People
Describing the Al Said merely as a yacht is an understatement. With a declared capacity for 70 guests and 170 crew members, it resembles an extraordinary floating structure.
These figures transformed the yacht's passage through the Strait into a noteworthy event for those observing from the coast. Just before Ferragosto, Messina welcomed an exceptionally unique visitor. There was no special stop or public event; the yacht simply passed through, yet the sight of a 155-meter private ship, capable of hosting dozens of guests with a crew of 170, was enough to draw significant attention.
