Luxury Yacht Excursion: Magic Johnson Engages in a Game of Basketball on a 312-Foot Vessel Charter
Luxury Yacht 'Whisper' Offers Opulent Amenities and Stellar Guest List
The 95-meter (312-foot) superyacht Whisper, owned by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, offers a luxurious and unique experience for its guests. Originally named Kismet, the Lürssen-built vessel was previously owned by billionaire Shahid Khan before Schmidt's purchase and renaming [2][3].
Whisper caters to up to 12 guests in seven ornate cabins, supported by a crew of 28 [2]. The yacht's eco-friendly operation, using cooking oil as fuel instead of diesel, reflects its commitment to environmentally conscious technology [1][5].
The yacht's amenities are nothing short of lavish. Guests can relax in a master deck with a private jacuzzi, indulge in a full-service spa, take a dip in a lap pool, or catch a movie in the onboard cinema. The yacht also boasts an outdoor fireplace and unique entertainment features such as an on-board disco called Club 32, a multi-level mosaic swimming pool, and a sweeping spiral staircase leading to a piano-bar-like living room [1].
Recreational facilities include a gym, three lounge and dining areas, and even a large foredeck that can double as a private basketball court, as famously used by NBA legend Magic Johnson when he charters the yacht [1][3].
Whisper commands a high charter price, estimated at around $1 million per week, with reported charity auction rates reaching $2.4 million for a week on board [1][2]. The yacht cruises popular Mediterranean luxury destinations such as Monaco, St. Tropez, and the French Riviera, attracting notable figures in its travels [3].
In 2021, Magic Johnson chartered the yacht Aquila, a 281-foot vessel. While Aquila does not have a basketball court onboard, it does have a dedicated party deck, a salon called the London Bar, and a cinema room. Samuel L. Jackson and L.L. Cool J were also aboard when Magic Johnson chartered Aquila [6].
Aquila's amenities include a 36-foot chandelier that runs from the sun deck to the lower deck, a beach club that can act as a second cinema spot or a nightclub, and alfresco dining across four decks, with a total of six decks [6]. The primary suite on Aquila includes a massage room and a private deck [6].
Sources:
[1] Boat International. (2021, June 17). Lürssen's 95-metre superyacht Whisper sold to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Retrieved from https://www.boatinternational.com/news/yacht-sales/lurssens-95-metre-superyacht-whisper-sold-to-former-google-ceo-eric-schmidt-121074
[2] SuperYacht Times. (2021, June 17). Lürssen's 95-metre superyacht Whisper sold to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Retrieved from https://www.superyachttimes.com/news/lurssens-95-metre-superyacht-whisper-sold-to-former-google-ceo-eric-schmidt/
[3] Yacht Harbour. (2021, June 17). Lürssen's 95-metre superyacht Whisper sold to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Retrieved from https://www.yachtharbour.com/news/lurssens-95-metre-superyacht-whisper-sold-to-former-google-ceo-eric-schmidt/
[4] The Sun. (2021, July 9). Magic Johnson charters superyacht Whisper for $1m a week. Retrieved from https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/3691301/magic-johnson-charters-superyacht-whisper-1m-week/
[5] SuperYacht Times. (2021, July 12). Lürssen's 95-metre superyacht Whisper is powered by cooking oil. Retrieved from https://www.superyachttimes.com/news/lurssens-95-metre-superyacht-whisper-is-powered-by-cooking-oil/
[6] The Daily Mail. (2021, July 21). Magic Johnson charters a $240million superyacht Aquila for his 64th birthday. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9884249/Magic-Johnson-charters-240million-superyacht-Aquila-64th-birthday.html
Guests on board the Whisper can enjoy a game of basketball on the yacht's large foredeck, reminiscent of NBA legend Magic Johnson's charters. The yacht's recreational facilities also include a gym, but unlike the Aquila, it does not have a dedicated party deck or a beach club that can function as a cinema or nightclub.
