In the revered waters of Malta’s Grand Harbour, two of the world’s most extraordinary superyachts have become temporary neighbours, berthed side by side at the prestigious Grand Harbour Marina in Vittoriosa, Cottonera.
Artefact – an 80‑metre hybrid marvel owned by Mike Lazaridis, known as the father of the smartphone and the pioneering co‑founder of BlackBerry, and Vibrant Curiosity – an 85‑metre floating palace owned by Reinhold Würth, the German industrial entrepreneur that owns the prestigious Würth Group. Together, the combined value of the two super yachts exceeds €300 million, offering a rare spectacle of opulence, engineering, and entrepreneurial might in Malta’s maritime tapestry.
Artefact
Built in 2020 by German shipyard Nobiskrug, Artefact was crowned Motor Yacht of the Year in 2021. Roughly 80 metres in length, it features an interior by Reymond Langton and exterior design by Gregory C. Marshall. Fuelled by a cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, enhanced with solar panels and lithium batteries, the yacht achieves around 30% more fuel efficiency than comparable models.
Notable design elements include 70 tons of curved glass, a Tai Chi room, a movie theater, and a 14‑seat cosmic dining table. Its estimated value is approximately €150 million, with annual operating costs between €10–15 million.
Owner: Mike Lazaridis, the tech entrepreneur credited as the architect behind the BlackBerry smartphone and a leading figure in quantum computing.
Vibrant curiosity
Launched in 2009 by Netherlands-based Oceanco, Vibrant Curiosity was designed inside and out by Nuvolari & Lenard, with naval architecture by Azure Naval Architects. At 85.47 metres long and displacing about 2,822 GT, she was refitted in 2015 to maintain her immaculate standard.
Amenities include a helipad, elevator, beach club, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and a striking atrium with triple-deck glass. Accommodation spans up to 18 guests across 9 cabins, served by a staff of 26. The yacht is valued at around €150 million, with annual running costs of roughly €15 million.
Owner: Reinhold Würth, the German billionaire who chairs the Würth Group – global leaders in assembly and fastening materials, with a net worth estimated at €34 billion. Würth is also a celebrated collector of fine art.
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