Aaron Fidler would be the first to claim to possess the Midas touch among yacht owners. Palmer Johnson AK Royalty, his recently refitted 136-foot model, is wholly encased in 24-karat gold dust. Fidler additionally colored the Jet Skis and SeaBobs to complement the ensemble.
Presently, the former deckhand owns a superyacht. Fidler knew precisely what he desired when the time came to purchаse his ideal yacht: a swift, athletic luxury vessel that complemented his gold, Lamborghini. Additionally, he desired for the new yacht to attract attention. He reasoned that if the gold did not captivate observers, the boat’s DJ booth, Fendi-inspired interior, and a maximum speed of 38 mph would.
Yacht ownership was attained by Fidler via a circuitous path. His computer electronics engineering degree was rendered obsolete by the rapid advancements in technology at the time of his graduation.
He lived in various regions of Europe, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Atacama Desert in Chile after graduating from college. A few months after meeting individuals in South America who informed him about the yachting industry, he secured a position as a deckhand on the South Florida-based yacht Solemates.
After advancing through ever-larger vessels to the position of senior engineer aboard a 180-footer, Fidler began devising products for the marine industry utilizing his engineering expertise. Originally designing circuits to enhance telephone connections between vessels and piers, he and his brother eventually co-founded the technology company Furrion.
The duo initially embarked on the marinization of commodity goods, including televisions and entertainment systems. Subsequently, they acquired a Numarine 78HTS and implemented the initial artificial intelligence concierge system, which advised visitors on attire and provided forecasts and recommendations for onshore restaurants. Annual revenue was $350 million when the Fidlers sold Furrion in 2021.
Fidler states, “My objective throughout all those years of laborious effort was to own my boat.” “At all times, I yearned to possess a Palmer Johnson.” They crafted the most exquisite and alluring vessels. I knew AK Royalty was the one when it was introduced to me.
A year was spent renovating the 136-footer (initially named Plus Too and constructed in 2009) that Fidler transported from France to Dubai, where he presently resides.
A significant portion of the six-month, multimillion-dollar renovation was devoted to changing the exterior color from white to gleaming gold. “It required considerable investment of time, money, and effort to achieve the ideal combination of marine paint and 24-karat gold dust that shimmers in the sun’s reflection,” he explains.
Then, through Burgess Yachts, a lighter, more enjoyable aspect of AK Royalty was developed to attract day charterers who desired to experience it from the vessel’s home port of Dubai. The attractions include, among others, a dive compressor center, an inflatable slide, a flight board, and a 12-person floating trampoline. A six-person Jacuzzi is located on the sun deck, while an iPad-controlled state-of-the-art AV sound system and a DJ deck are located on the aft deck.
The propulsion systems of the vessel were renovated, including the air conditioning and generators capable of supplying power to other vessels while off-grid. Fidler states, “I desire every backup system necessary to explore remote regions in comfort.”
The remodeled interior is appointed with plush furnishings, Fendi carpets, and gold fixtures. Consistent with its ostentatious exterior, the ship is replete with silver tiger sculptures that adorn nearly every chamber.
The original his-and-hers bathroom in the master suite was ripped out and remodeled into one large marble-clad ensuite with a steam shower, sauna, and full-sized bathtub.
Fidler and his family are using the vessel to cruise the UAE and Oman. Next year, the plan is to head to the Red Sea before crossing to the Mediterranean. “I don’t like traveling slow, so I tell the captain to go everywhere at warp speed,” says Fidler.