According to common sense and popular wisdom, it is generally not appropriate to take pleasure in the misfortune of others. However, an exception might be made for the future owner of RoMA, as the sale of this superyacht is a result of the decline of Rene Benko’s real estate empire, Signa Holding. Benko, the founder and former CEO of Signa Holding, has fallen out of favor and lost his billionaire status due to fraudulent bankruptcy and money laundering investigations. Coincidentally, his superyacht, RoMA, has now been listed for sale at a significantly lower price than its estimated value. Previously valued at $45 million, it is now asking for a “mere” $32.2 million or €29.9 million.
However, RoMA is not just notable for its scandalous owner. It is a truly remarkable vessel with impressive features and a rich history. Benko, once Austria’s wealthiest individual with a net worth of $5.6 billion, built an empire on charm and connections. Signa Holding, his real estate company, owned stakes in prestigious properties such as New York’s Chrysler Building, London’s Selfridges, and the Park Hyatt Vienna hotel. Unfortunately, the empire crumbled in late 2023 due to mounting debts and the inability to secure emergency funds.
RoMA, believed to be commissioned by Benko, is a masterpiece in its own right. It stands out for its focus on sustainability and matches larger superyachts in terms of luxury. While the term “iconic” is often overused, RoMA truly deserves this title. It is one of five exceptional builds from Viareggio Superyachts (VSY) and is known as VSY62 or Viareggio 2. With a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and delivery in 2010, it boasts naval architecture by Espen Oeino and interiors by Newcruise and Gehr.
The design brief for RoMA emphasized “elegant simplicity,” although it is anything but simple. This 203-foot (62-meter) superyacht is a sophisticated and opulent private oasis on water, cleverly disguised as a family boat. Its form factor ensures maneuverability and cost efficiency, while also incorporating impressive environmentally-friendly features. All VSY superyachts are truly custom builds, focusing on exceptional features and sustainability. RoMA exemplifies this approach and holds the distinction of being the most awarded chartered yacht in the history of MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association).
The yacht, known as RoMA, has been certified by RINA Green Yacht for its environmentally-friendly features and commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. These features include green anchoring, sewage treatment systems for black and gray water, refrigeration systems that are free of CFCs, and a separator for oily bilge water.
Photo: Northrop & Johnson
Beyond its eco-friendly qualities, RoMA is also incredibly stunning. It exudes an air of simple elegance while boasting luxurious finishes and materials such as natural marble, Macassar ebony, Madras silks, and Townsend fine leathers. The interiors are sophisticated yet not overwhelming, bathed in natural light thanks to expansive glazing. The master suite offers breathtaking 270-degree panoramic views.
Accommodations on board can comfortably house 12 guests in six suites, and there are separate quarters for the 18 crew members. The amenities on RoMA rival those of much larger vessels. They include a private cinema, a grand atrium with a beautiful winding staircase, a fully-equipped gymnasium with a wellness area featuring sauna and massage rooms, a jacuzzi pool on the sun deck with a spacious lounge area, as well as various indoor and outdoor lounge areas.
The yacht also features an impressive tender garage, stocked with scuba diving gear (RoMA is the first yacht licensed as a PADI Superyacht Dive Boat), a wide range of water toys, inflatables (including a 65.6-foot/20-meter water slide), and a matching Anvera 55-foot (16-meter) tender.
Photo: Northrop & Johnson
Powering RoMA are twin Caterpillar engines, each with 2,680 horsepower. This allows the superyacht, with a gross tonnage of 1,090, to reach a maximum speed of 17 knots (19.5 mph/31.5 kph) while cruising comfortably at 14 knots (16 mph/26 kph).
Although RoMA may be an older vessel, it underwent a refit in 2019 and has maintained its original appeal. Its sophisticated elegance stands the test of time, and it is a testament to the notion that you can truly have it all, as the listing suggests, at a surprising discount from its initial valuation.
According to the Source autoevolution.com