Crypto ‘digital yacht dealer’ releases NFT superyacht collection

‘Digital yacht dealer’ Cloud Yachts is releasing an NFT superyacht art collection created by leading superyacht designers.

NFT (non-fungible token) art has become one of the most talked-about tech trends in recent months – described as a “techno-financial trash fire” by some, and heralded as the future of digital investments by others. NFTs have been applied to just about anything, including music, art, sport, memes, and now yachts. Last year, a collector purchased the digital ‘Metaflower’ yacht as an NFT asset for a record US$650,000.

Unlike bitcoin, for instance, a ‘non-fungible’ token is unique, and can’t be replaced with something else. For example, The Verge explains that a bitcoin is fungible — ‘trade one for another bitcoin, and you’ll have exactly the same thing. A one-of-a-kind trading card, however, is non-fungible. If you traded it for a different card, you’d have something completely different’. 

Designers involved in Cloud Yachts’ new NFT superyacht collection – which the company describes as “the most realistic and futuristic NFT yachts on the market” – include Bannenberg & Rowell, Gregory C. Marshall, David Weiss and Marco Casali. The collection is launching at the Miami International Boat Show.

Zach Mandelstein founded Cloud Yachts in Silicon Valley. The company, which calls itself the ‘first digital yacht dealer in the metaverse’, will be releasing a limited series of 125 NFTs at the Miami International Boat Show from 16-20 February, 2022.

“Our team is honoured to represent some of the world’s best and emerging superyacht designers,” says Mandelstein. “We are months away from having the ability to meet our clients in the metaverse to design their dream yacht using proprietary augmented reality technology.

“We’re aware of the short-term NFT craze so we’ve set our sights on the long-term utility that this blockchain technology offers. Whether it’s by facilitating transactions, revolutionising the new-build experience or something we haven’t yet imagined, we’re enthusiastic to participate in this virtual economy.”

Cloud Yachts has partnered with yachting industry leaders including Informa Markets and Alex Jimenez, the social media influencer known as TheYachtGuy.

Additionally, a 63-metre new-build project will be available for purchase as an NFT. Naval architect Gregory Marshall is pioneering the project with Cloud Yachts, which was priced at US$95 million or 30,148 ETH at time of writing. The client will customise their superyacht in the metaverse using the first-of-its-kind augmented reality technology.

Cloud Yachts says owners of its NFTs will receive VIP access to exclusive events in the superyacht community including yacht shows and superyacht parties.