The Ocean Breeze has a rather unique and colorful history, being one of eight magnificent yachts commissioned for the former ruler of Iraq, Saddam Hussein. Completed in 1981 and christened “Qaddisat Saddam”, this 269 foot boat has a breathtaking exterior designed by Helsingoer Vaerft.

Ocean Breeze, renamed after the fall of President Hussein, has a lavish interior on an order rarely seen. Her master cabin is a study in luxury with a canopied bed, ornate ceiling tiles, a light and airy atmosphere helped by generous windows and a richly appointed master bath. Twenty-eight people can fit comfortably in the bedroom without spilling over into the sitting area. This suite is the epitome of luxury with its soft carpeting, tastefully treated walls and elaborate ceiling tiles.

Ocean Breeze also has nine double cabins and four twin cabins that, while not on the scale of the master suite, are far superior to the finest room in a five star hotel. Every bathroom on the boat is equipped with gold fixtures and most cabins have Jacuzzi tubs and sauna rooms. The boat is elegantly decorated throughout its interior with gold, silver, marble and fine mahogany wood.

The main salon, as large as a small ballroom, is comfortably furnished with flat screen televisions and modern furniture. The wall to wall windows afford priceless views wherever the Ocean Breeze sails. Since safety was a prime concern, every window on the yacht is made of bullet proof glass.

Guests can swim in one of the large pools, lounge on the deck, see a first run movie in the spacious theater or go to the game room and play ping pong, pool or other games of skill.

This magnificent yacht is also equipped with a Mosque, a secret escape passage, a rocket launching system and a miniature submarine. The Iraqi government is currently offering Ocean Breeze for sale for the price of $34,450,000.

Lady Sarya was built in 1972 by Cantieri Apuania and designed by Rinaldo Gastaldi. At 250 feet, she is one of the world’s largest super yachts. Winter will see her docked at Marina Flisvos near Athens, Greece and in summer this magnificent yacht is often seen in the waters around Porto Cervo and Cala di Volpe.

Originally christened La Belle Simone by her first owner, William Levitt, she was named for the construction mogul’s third wife. Under that name the boat played an important role in the 1978 movie “The Greek Tycoon” a tale of Aristotle Onassis. The current owner, Sheik Ahmed Zaki Yamani (former leader of OPEC) changed the yacht’s name to Lady Sarya.

To look at the Lady Sarya in port or at sea, her graceful lines are reminiscent of a seagull in flight. Clean and sleek, she can slice through the water at 24.2 knots maximum and an average speed of 20.6 knots. With a fuel capacity of 47,506 gallons her range is 4,300 miles. She is easily recognizable by her side by side narrow twin funnels.

Inside, Lady Sarya is fine enough for the most discriminating member of royalty. There is one master cabin, four doubles and one single, all decorated with warm, rich wood, marble and handmade fabrics. The cabins are spacious and charming; the public salons and dining areas are akin to those in the finest international hotels.

Guests can lounge on the deck and enjoy the scenery or take a dip in the generously sized swimming pool. The crew averages about 25 members and is attentive to every need, running the ship like a finely crafted machine while giving service that rivals that of a private staff.

Lady Sarya plies the waters of the Mediterranean almost exclusively as Sheik Yamani rarely takes his sea-going vacations and entertainment elsewhere.