autoevolution
 

Spanish Billionaire’s Family Superyacht Changes Hands After Decades

The 1998 Alcor was owner by the Spanish billionaire family del Pino 13 photos
Photo: IYC
1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor1998 Heesen Yacht Alcor
This Heesen yacht stayed in the same family for decades despite an unfortunate accident with tragic consequences. This year marks a turning point for Alcor: it found a new owner after more than three years on the market, and it will move away from the famous family name that had previously brought it to the media's attention.
Millionaire and billionaire yacht owners are typically associated, among other things, with the frivolous hobby of going from one superyacht to the next. That is why most superyacht owners are seen as "serial" owners who rarely hang on to a floating luxury toy for more than a few years before switching to something bigger and better. On the other hand, some wealthy owners have kept their beloved superyacht for decades. Most of the time, they are also the ones who prefer to stay away from the limelight, which is why their pleasure craft is rarely spotted and not available for the prying eyes of the public.

Alcor is a somewhat unusual billionaire's yacht. Although it bears the prestigious signature of one of the top superyacht builders of all time, this Heesen is considerably smaller than the typical luxury yachts owned by billionaires and more modest in the sense that it doesn't flaunt any special features, wild customizations, or outrageous amenities. Its main quality is having stayed in excellent condition over the decades. According to brokers, it was "incredibly well-maintained" at the time of its sale earlier this month. It's also an excellent luxury charter vessel, fully worthy of the $70,000 weekly rate.

Alcor was launched in 1998, and it’s only 36 meters long (118 feet). It featured exterior and interior design by Aldo Cichero, and it was designed to accommodate up to 12 guests across six cabins. Although not officially confirmed, it seems that Alcor was owned by the late Spanish billionaire Rafael del Pino since its debut. A decade later, the Spanish entrepreneur linked to the famous Ferrovial empire passed away at the age of 87. Four years earlier, he had become paralyzed after a tragic accident onboard his yacht Alcor. A longtime yachtsman, del Pino was known for his passionate ocean travel. Despite the tragedy, Alcor stayed in the family under the ownership of Rafael del Pino's son, Rafael Jr.

Alcor didn't sell in record time. It stayed on the market for more than 1,000 days until finally changing hands earlier this month for approximately $4 million. The 1998 Heesen is up to standards in terms of amenities, including a modern gym, a private onboard library, and a packed toy box. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, it cruises comfortably at 11 knots (20 kph), while its full-displacement hull translates to greater stability at anchor and wider exterior spaces.

It's unknown whether the billionaire heir of Rafael del Pino has moved on to a new, bigger luxury yacht, but Alcor will always be special for his family.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
About the author: Otilia Drăgan
Otilia Drăgan profile photo

Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories