World’s 100 Largest Yachts 2008 #15: Indian Empress

#15: INDIAN EMPRESS—311'7"Indian EmpressIf you're going to throw a party aboard your boat, then borrow a page from the book of this yacht's owner, Vijay Mallya, the Indian-born liquor billionaire and Formula 1 team owner. In early May, during the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul, he

By Mike Smith

August 1, 2008

#15: INDIAN EMPRESS—311’7″

Indian Empress

If you’re going to throw a party aboard your boat, then borrow a page from the book of this yacht’s owner, Vijay Mallya, the Indian-born liquor billionaire and Formula 1 team owner. In early May, during the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul, he personally invited several team owners and drivers to enjoy cocktails and watch Indian and Turkish dancers on deck. Not only that, but he arranged for a massive fireworks display to be the backdrop. Unusually cool weather caught many of the guests by surprise—but not Mallya, who had sweaters and blankets emblazoned with “Indian Empress” ready and waiting.

Y: 2000; B: Oceanco, South Africa/Holland; N: Richard Hein/ The “A” Group; H: steel; E: unknown

World’s 100 Largest Yachts 2008