The Symphony yacht, owned by Bernard Arnault, consistently recognized as Europe's wealthiest individual, recently docked in Havana's harbor, starkly highlighting the contrast between the yacht's opulence and Cuba's severe economic crisis.
French entrepreneur and CEO of the luxury conglomerate LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), Arnault often tops Forbes and Bloomberg's lists of the world's richest, surpassing other billionaires like Amancio Ortega.
Though there hasn't been any official confirmation of Arnault's presence on the island, a French media outlet suggested that the tycoon might have visited Cuba, coinciding with the yacht's arrival in mid-month.
Having apparently left Havana's port, the Symphony was crafted by the esteemed Dutch shipyard Royal Van Lent (Feadship), once holding the title as the largest yacht built by the company.
Measuring 101 meters in length, Arnault acquired the vessel in 2015. Renowned designer Tim Heywood created its exterior, while the interior was styled by Zuretti Interior Design, specialists in luxury yacht decor.
The yacht accommodates 20 guests in eight luxurious cabins, supported by 16 rooms for a crew of 38. Constructed at an estimated cost of $150 million, its annual maintenance ranges from $10 to $15 million, a sum unimaginable for many Cubans.
Features of Symphony: A Floating Palace
The yacht boasts six decks, a glass-bottomed pool with a waterfall, an outdoor cinema, an indoor theater, a private terrace with a sauna and jacuzzi, and a removable golf course with biodegradable balls.
With a top speed of 21 knots, the Symphony is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that reduces energy consumption by 30%, combining traditional engines with modern generators and eco-friendly batteries.
The Symphony's presence in Havana sparked ironic and critical reactions on social media. "Let's seize it and trade it for a power plant," joked one user, referencing Cuba's energy crisis.
Contrasting Worlds: Opulence Meets Poverty in Havana
The arrival of the luxurious yacht underscored the extreme poverty on the island. The crumbling buildings of Old Havana facing the sea bore witness to the stark reality that in today's Cuba, luxury sails just meters away from destitution.
While Arnault's LVMH has no stores in Cuba, he has had occasional ties to the island. In 2015, during the thaw with the United States, the businessman sponsored several international artists at the XII Havana Biennial and organized pre-event art conferences. Additionally, the LVMH group owns Eminente, a premium Cuban rum launched in 2020 and crafted by master rum maker César Martí from Villa Clara.
Understanding the Impact of Luxury in Cuba
Why did Bernard Arnault's yacht attract attention in Havana?
The yacht attracted attention due to its stark contrast with the economic hardships faced by most Cubans, highlighting the disparity between luxury and poverty.
What are some features of the Symphony yacht?
The Symphony yacht includes six decks, a glass-bottomed pool, an outdoor cinema, a private terrace with sauna and jacuzzi, and a hybrid propulsion system that reduces energy consumption.
Has Bernard Arnault been involved with Cuba before?
Yes, Arnault has had previous engagements with Cuba, including sponsoring artists at the Havana Biennial in 2015 and launching a premium Cuban rum, Eminente, under the LVMH group.