Belize! Playground to the Rich and Famous

Lifestyles of the rich and famous

Belize, playground to the rich and famous, attracted Paul Allen, one of the richest man in the world to vacation in Belizean water on board the world’s largest privately owned yacht “Octopus” on the week of January 26, 2010. The magnificent yacht was seen anchored near Half Moon Caye.

Octopus is currently the world's ninth largest super yacht, owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, to whom she was delivered in 2003. Octopus is the third largest super yacht that is not owned by a head of state, measuring 414 feet (126 m).

Paul Allen - worth US$20 billion according to Forbes, the third richest man in America and 7th in the world - owns two other monsters yachts such as Tatoosh ranked 3rd in the World in 2003. Octopus cost Allen over US$200 million and has Permanent crew of 60, including several former Navy Seals. It has two helicopters, seven boats, a 10 man submarine and a remote controlled vehicle for crawling on the Ocean floor. The submarine has the capacity to sleep eight for up to two weeks underwater, one operated by remote control for studying the bottom of the ocean. Side hatches at the water line form a dock for jet skis.

On average, owners must spend a minimum of 10 percent of the purchase price every year to keep these yachts in good working condition and cover crew salaries. Therefore “Octopus” which cost Allen US$200 million requires a US$20 million annual budget. Ahhhhh! The life of the rich and famous!!