The super yacht Yas Nafplio appearance has once again turned heads in the historic port of the Argolid. In late August, the striking 141-metre vessel belonging to a member of the United Arab Emirates royal family berthed in Nafplio, drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Contrary to some early reports, the yacht is not linked to the Saudi royal family. Its owner is Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a senior member of the Al Nahyan ruling family of Abu Dhabi. He is a son of the late founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, and a brother of the current UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
What makes the Yas truly unique is its extraordinary history. Originally built in the Netherlands as the frigate HNLMS Piet Hein (Kortenaer-class) and launched in 1978, the ship served in the Royal Netherlands Navy until 1998. It was then sold to the UAE Navy, renamed Al Emirat, and remained in military service until 2005. Between 2011 and 2015 it underwent a radical conversion at Abu Dhabi MAR shipyards into one of the world’s most distinctive luxury superyachts. Only the original steel hull remains from its warship days; the vessel was lengthened and completely rebuilt with a futuristic exterior and ultra-luxurious interior designed by Pierrejean Design Studio.
Today the Yas flies the Cayman Islands flag. Measuring 141 metres in length and approximately 15 metres in beam, it can accommodate up to 60 guests in 30 lavish suites, supported by a crew of 56. Amenities include a cinema, spa, gym, heated pool, jacuzzi and helipad. Estimated value is around $180 million, with annual running costs reported in the $10–20 million range.
The yacht’s presence in Nafplio coincides with high-level UAE interest in the wider Argolid region. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE National Security Advisor, has been linked to major investment projects near Porto Heli, including the Scarlet Beach development.
The docking of the super yacht Yas in Nafplio is another reminder of how Greek ports continue to attract some of the most exclusive vessels on the planet during the summer season — and how a former warship has been transformed into a true floating palace.
