A Floating Tribute Born of Craft and Sentiment
The gleaming 235-foot Stella M cuts a striking figure on the water, her sleek bow and graceful lines immediately signaling her pedigree. Built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship and launched under the project name Sakura, she was inspired by the delicate form of a Japanese cherry blossom. Now, she carries a name rich with personal meaning for her owner, Roberto Irineu Marinho, Brazil’s media magnate, who christened the vessel after his mother, Stella Goulart Marinho. The gesture joins a tradition among yacht owners of honoring loved ones, echoing tributes such as Alisher Usmanov’s $800 million Dilbar, named for his own mother.
Originally constructed on speculation, Sakura made her market debut in July 2023 and sold within six weeks, a remarkable feat in the world of custom superyachts where build timelines often span years. The swift sale was no accident. Her flowing silhouette, conceived by Studio De Voogt, and her serene yet modern interiors by Italy’s FM Architettura, struck an immediate chord with buyers. For Marinho, the appeal went beyond design; it was the rare opportunity to bypass a lengthy waiting list and take possession of a yacht that already embodied his preferred aesthetic.
The choice to rename her Stella M transformed a shipyard project into a deeply personal vessel. While she now serves as a luxurious setting for family gatherings and private voyages, the name on her hull ensures she will also sail as a constant reminder of family history and legacy, a quality that elevates her from an extraordinary yacht to a floating emblem of devotion.
Japandi Minimalism Meets Maritime Grandeur
Step inside Stella M and the design language is immediately clear: a refined fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism, known as Japandi. Clean lines, natural textures, and a muted palette create a calm, uncluttered atmosphere, while every surface speaks of meticulous craftsmanship. Walnut wood is used generously, most notably in a floating staircase that winds through all five decks, its sculptural form offset by an illuminated marble wall. The effect is residential in warmth yet resolutely marine in precision.
Accommodation is arranged across seven cabins for up to 14 guests, anchored by a dedicated owner’s deck. The master suite features wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views, a secluded breakfast nook, and a private hot tub. The main saloon, stretching the length of the deck, serves as the social heart of the yacht, elegantly flanked by formal dining and lounge spaces designed for both intimate gatherings and larger receptions.
Amenities extend far beyond the main decks. A seven-meter swimming pool invites leisurely afternoons, while a dedicated wellness area offers spa treatments, accessed either from the beach club or via the main staircase. Every space has been planned to balance relaxation with functionality, ensuring the vessel can serve as both a family retreat and an entertainment venue for distinguished guests.
Performance, Prestige, and the Man at the Helm
Beneath her serene exterior, Stella M is as capable as she is beautiful. Powered by a hybrid propulsion system, she reaches a top speed of 14.5 knots and cruises comfortably at 12 knots, with an impressive range of 4,500 nautical miles. The hybrid system reduces emissions, underscoring a shift in superyacht design toward greater environmental responsibility without compromising performance. This marriage of elegance and engineering reflects the expectations of a modern owner who seeks luxury balanced with an awareness of the times.
Her rapid sale underscored both her market appeal and her exceptional build quality. Feadship’s sales director, Maarten Janssen, noted that several clients expressed immediate interest when details of the yacht were first released. For Marinho, the combination of timely availability and meticulous execution proved irresistible, allowing him to acquire a vessel that needed no compromise or redesign to meet his standards.
At 77, Roberto Irineu Marinho commands more than just a yacht. As chairman of Grupo Globo, Brazil’s largest media conglomerate, he is part of a family enterprise that has shaped the country’s broadcasting landscape for nearly a century. Worth $3.1 billion, he also owns the Sertaozinho Farm, producer of the award-winning Orfeu coffee brand. Honored with an International Emmy for his contributions to global television, Marinho lives in Rio de Janeiro with his wife and four children, his life and work defined by a blend of public influence and private dedication, much like the vessel that now bears his mother’s name.