Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO is looking for a new billionaire owner for his superyacht, Whisper. According to a report in Boat International, one of the world’s most recognizable superyachts has officially returned to the market for sale. Whisper, the 95.2-meter (312-foot) German-built Lurssen, has been listed for sale with Will Christie of Christie Yachts with an asking price of 149 million Euros (approximately $170 million). As per the report, the listing follows a comprehensive interior refit completed in 2025 by Michael Smith Design. Whisper will be at anchor during the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show and available for inspections in the South of France on September 1 and 2.Delivered by Lurssen in 2014 under her original name, Kismet, the 2,928 GT vessel was commissioned by billionaire sports team owner Shahid Khan to replace his earlier 68-meter superyacht, Atlas. Built around a lavish “caviar and champagne” concept, she features exterior lines and a striking jet-black mast—paired with opulent, Art Deco-inspired interior spaces conceived by Reymond Langton Design. The vessel earned a World Superyacht Award in 2015, with judges lauding her construction quality, exterior profile, and expansive deck layouts.Schmidt reportedly acquired the yacht from Khan in September 2023 and renamed her Whisper. In late 2023, ahead of the delivery of Khan’s 122-meter replacement vessel, the yacht spent just three months on the market before being acquired by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who renamed her Whisper.
What makes Whisper’s sale ‘interesting’
Speaking exclusively to BOAT International, Whisper’s listing broker, Will Christie, said, “Given the lack of boats for sale at the moment that are over 80 metres from northern European shipyards, I think this will be quite interesting to people. With the increase in new-build costs, if you were to build a comparable yacht today, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were getting too far off €400 million and waiting four, maybe five years – so she is an interesting opportunity given the current market conditions and construction costs.“Christie noted that she is the ideal yacht for entertaining, with multiple social areas across all five of her decks. Similarly, she is great for families of all ages, which Christie explained makes her “pretty flexible” when it comes to her next owner. Christie told BOAT that the interior refit aimed to make her interiors “more contemporary and light,” particularly on the bridge deck, which has been transformed from a sports bar deck to a “beautiful Riva-inspired saloon.” Her new interiors are decorated in a mixture of dark wood panelling and light leathers with modern features and marbled areas throughout.
Inside Whisper: 12-meter mosaic pool, private cinema, nightclub and basketball court
Conceived as an extravagant venue for world-class entertaining, the vessel opens into a main saloon marked by intricate carving and marble flooring. An atrium staircase connects the main level to the owner’s deck, framed by customizable, full-height digital video walls. At the foot of the stairs sits an integrated fireplace alongside a bespoke self-playing piano.The main deck also houses a full-beam cinema equipped with a 4K projection system and motorized blackout curtains, allowing the space to function seamlessly as an auxiliary saloon. Outdoor entertainment spaces on the main deck aft include an integrated firepit lounge and an al fresco dining setting configured for 10 guests.Accommodation across the vessel is configured for up to 16 guests across seven en-suite staterooms and a convertible office. The master suite features dedicated private offices, separate dressing rooms, and a central his-and-hers en suite divided by concealed pocket doors, complete with dual rain showers. The master stateroom opens directly onto a private exterior deck fitted with a mosaic-tiled spa pool and provides direct access to the yacht’s certified helipad, which is engineered to convert into an outdoor basketball court, dance floor, or open sun lounge. Additional guest quarters include two VIP suites, two standard double cabins, and three convertible staterooms.
