Step into a world of oceanic luxury aboard the SYCARA V, a 224-foot (68.15-meter) superyacht owned by Ray Catena Yacht, founder of Ray Catena Auto Group, a luxury automobile dealership chain selling brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, and Lexus, based in New Jersey. This isn’t his first venture into yachting, either: Catena previously owned two Oceanfast yachts named Mercedes and Mercedes II, and sold his 46-meter Burger yacht Sycara IV in 2017 (she now sails under the name Nadan).
Built by Nobiskrug, a shipyard with over a century of shipbuilding experience and roughly 750 vessels constructed, Sycara V was launched in 2010 and most recently refit in 2017. She measures 68.15 meters in length with a beam of 12 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,538 tonnes, built on a displacement steel hull with an aluminium superstructure, with exterior design by Nobiskrug and interior design by Pure Design and Craig Beale.
Power comes from twin Caterpillar marine engines, propelling her to a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots, with a range of up to 7,000 nautical miles from her 189,000-liter fuel tanks. Onboard, she offers accommodation for up to 12 guests across 7 cabins, with a crew of up to 16, plus a spa, elevator, beach club, and gym.
Valuation estimates place the yacht at $70 million, with annual running costs around $5-10 million, putting her firmly among the more substantial assets in the charter and brokerage market.
A Closer Look at SYCARA V
Commissioned with a vision for private world cruising, Ray Catena Yacht SYCARA V was built to accommodate extended voyages in utmost luxury. With powerful performance capabilities and an interior designed for tranquility, it represents a seamless blend of power, privacy, and elegance.
Key Facts:
| Specification | Details |
| Name | Sycara V |
| Length | 68 m (223 ft) |
| Guests | 12 guests in 6 cabins |
| Crew | 13 crew members in 6 cabins |
| Builder | Nobiskrug |
| Designer | Pure Detail – Craig Beale |
| Interior Designer | Pure Detail – Craig Beale |
| Year Built | 2010 |
| Top Speed | 17 knots |
| Engines | Caterpillar |
| Gross Tonnage | 1,566 tons |
| IMO Number | 1009766 |
| Estimated Price | $70 million |
| Annual Running Cost | $5 – $7 million |
| Owner | Ray Catena |
Sophisticated Interior Design & Layout
The exterior and interior of SYCARA V were both crafted by renowned designer Craig Beale of Pure Design and Pure Detail, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and functionality.
Notable Interior Highlights:
- Accommodation for up to 12 guests in 6 to 7 luxury cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite and convertible VIP suite
- Dedicated owner’s deck with panoramic views, office, and private lounge
- Elevator accessing all guest decks
- State-of-the-art spa and massage suite
- Fully-equipped fitness center and sauna
- Generous saloon areas with indoor/outdoor dining
Top 7 Features of SYCARA V You’ll Love
- Owner’s Deck Retreat: The owner’s private deck is a sanctuary of peace and luxury. It offers breathtaking views, a dedicated office, and a secluded lounge perfect for unwinding or hosting guests.
- Luxury Spa & Wellness Zone: Experience serenity with a full-service spa, including a massage suite, sauna, and high-end fitness equipment—ideal for relaxation at sea.
- Touch-and-Go Helicopter Pad: Conveniently located, this helipad enables fast, discreet arrivals and departures, perfect for jet-setting guests.
- Outdoor Jacuzzi with Panoramic Views: Positioned on the sundeck, the Jacuzzi offers stunning ocean vistas while you soak in complete tranquility.
- High-Speed Elevator: Spanning all guest decks, the lift ensures seamless access throughout the yacht, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
- Beach Club and Water Access Zone: This area includes loungers, gear storage, and easy access to watersports, making it perfect for active guests.
- Cinema Lounge: Relax in the plush, fully equipped entertainment room with high-definition screens and immersive audio for movies or games.
Reviews
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) | German Nobiskrug craftsmanship, steel hull with aluminum superstructure |
| Performance & Range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) | 17-knot top speed, 7,000 nm range — built for true long-range cruising |
| Luxury & Amenities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5) | Spa, gym, elevator, and beach club set her apart in this size class |
| Comfort & Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) | The advanced stabilization system keeps roll minimal at anchor and underway |
| Value for Cost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) | $70M price tag with $5–10M annual upkeep — steep, but standard for the segment |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.6/5) | A standout long-range superyacht in Nobiskrug’s portfolio |
Who is Ray Catena?
Ray Catena is best known as the man behind one of the largest luxury car dealership empires in the United States. A passionate advocate for premium experiences, his investment in SYCARA V reflects his taste for class, comfort, and quality. Through decades in the automotive industry, he has earned a reputation for customer-first values, which translate into his personal lifestyle choices as well. Ray Catena’s yacht ownership showcases his dedication to excellence across all luxury sectors.
What Makes Ray Catena Yachts Stand Out?
Ray Catena Yachts are known for their exceptional attention to detail, commitment to quality, and legacy of prestige. Every yacht under the Ray Catena name carries the hallmark of refined craftsmanship and high-end customization. Ray Catena’s involvement goes beyond ownership; he sets the standard for what clients can expect from luxury maritime experiences.
From expert service teams to carefully curated interiors, Ray Catena represents a seamless extension of the luxury lifestyle he built in the automotive world. Choosing a Ray Catena Yacht means investing in top-tier performance, timeless aesthetics, and unmatched personal satisfaction.
Sustainability & Advanced Technology
Ray Catena SYCARA V integrates responsible yachting with luxury by using:
- Fuel-efficient propulsion
- Waste management systems onboard
- Noise and vibration-damping technology
- Eco-conscious hull design to reduce drag
This makes SYCARA V ideal for long voyages with minimal environmental impact.
Is SYCARA V Available for Charter?
No. SYCARA V is a privately owned vessel and does not appear on the global charter market. The 68-meter (223.6-foot) motor yacht belongs to Ray Catena, founder of the Ray Catena Auto Group, a New Jersey-based luxury automobile dealership network representing brands including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, and Lexus. Catena uses the vessel exclusively for private cruising, and unlike many superyachts in her size class, she has never been listed with a charter broker. This is consistent with Catena’s broader yachting history: he previously owned two Oceanfast yachts named Mercedes and Mercedes II, both designed by John Bannenberg, and sold his 46-meter Burger yacht Sycara IV in 2017 (now renamed Nadan), none of which entered charter service either.
SYCARA V: Build & Specifications
Delivered in 2010 by the German shipyard Nobiskrug, SYCARA V accommodates up to 14 guests with a crew of 13. Her technical profile includes:
- Length: 68.16m (223.6 ft); Beam: 12.52m; Draft: 3.76m
- Displacement: 1,566 gross tons.
- Propulsion: twin Caterpillar marine engines delivering a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
- Range: approximately 6,000 nautical miles, allowing extended ocean crossings without refueling.
Estimated Value & Operating Costs
Industry valuations place SYCARA V at approximately $70 million, which works out to roughly $45,000 per ton of volume, a useful benchmark for comparing her against similarly sized superyachts. Annual operating costs are estimated at $5–7 million, covering crew salaries, maintenance, dockage, insurance, and fuel; some brokerage estimates put the upper range closer to $10 million depending on cruising activity. These figures place her among the top tier of privately held superyachts worldwide, both in build value and ongoing carrying costs.
A note on the data: superyacht ownership records and valuations aren’t always publicly disclosed, so figures here are drawn from established yacht industry databases and brokerage estimates rather than a single official source, and should be treated as informed approximations rather than confirmed figures.
Crew and Guest Experience
The yacht supports a crew of up to 19 professionals, maintaining a near 2:1 crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring unmatched service. Guests onboard Ray Catena Yacht SYCARA V can expect:
- Personalized 24/7 attention
- Bespoke dining and itineraries
- Full spa and wellness treatments
- Seamless water and land-based adventures
Public Appearances & Events
Although Ray Catena Yacht SYCARA V is a private yacht, she has made appearances at notable yacht gatherings such as the Monaco Yacht Show. Her refined profile and modern engineering have garnered attention from industry experts and enthusiasts alike.
FAQs About SYCARA V and Ray Catena’s
Q: Who owns SYCARA V?
A: It is linked to luxury car magnate Ray Catena.
Q: Can I rent SYCARA V?
A: No. Ray Catena SYCARA V is not available for charter and remains a private vessel.
Q: What is the cruising range?
A: It can travel 7,000 nautical miles at cruising speed.
Q: How many guests and crew can she carry?
A: SYCARA V hosts up to 12 guests and a crew of approximately 19.
Q: What makes SYCARA V unique?
A: Her owner’s deck, luxury spa, touch-and-go helipad, and award-winning design.
Final Thoughts: SYCARA V A Benchmark in Yachting Excellence
With its elegant design, advanced systems, and meticulous detailing, Ray Catena Yacht SYCARA V is a flagship of private luxury. Tied to a name known for elite experiences, Ray Catena’s yacht represents the pinnacle of what modern superyachts can offer. Whether admired from afar or explored in detail, Ray Catena Yacht SYCARA V is a symbol of yachting at its finest.
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