Gigayacht 'Rising Sun' Anchors Off Palma – A Summer Signal for Harbors and Local Trades

Gigayacht 'Rising Sun' Anchors Off Palma – A Summer Signal for Harbors and Local Trades

In the late afternoon, when the sun falls softly over the Passeig Marítim onto the quays and seagulls circle above the waves, she is there again: the 138-meter yacht that stands out in every marina photo. The 'Rising Sun' has anchored off Palma – a signal that the long season at the island's harbors and beaches is beginning, and recently the 79-meter superyacht "Yasmine of the Sea" berthed on the Passeig Marítim.

Familiar Faces on Board and a German Heritage

The ship was built in 2005 in Bremen by the Lürssen shipyard, designed by Jon Bannenberg and originally for Larry Ellison. Since then, the yacht has hosted many prominent guests in private ownership – names like Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, members of the Kardashian family, Barack Obama and the Princess of York are repeatedly linked to stays on the vessel. These international visitors make the presence of the 'Rising Sun' in Palma more than just a photo motif.

On Board: Space, Leisure and Technology

With around 82 cabins across five decks and a total usable area reported to be several thousand square meters, the 'Rising Sun' is among the largest yachts worldwide. On board are a cinema room, wine cellar, a beach club on teak decks, pool areas, spa and sauna facilities, fitness rooms and hot tubs. A basketball court that can be converted into a helipad and a garage for smaller boats complete the equipment. The ship is powered by a strong engine setup with multiple propellers, allowing for high cruising speeds; technical solutions also reduce movement while at anchor.

What Does That Mean for Palma?

When a ship like this docks, it is more than a panorama for strollers: port operators, provisioning suppliers, cleaning and security service providers and local agencies are in demand. In practice, this means short-term berth bookings, additional supply runs and jobs for craftsmen and suppliers. Cafés on the harbor, taxi drivers and small boat rental companies also feel increased demand on days with prominent guests – not only because of direct orders but also due to the attention such a visit generates, a pattern seen even with larger-scale visits such as the US aircraft carrier in Palma Bay.

A Bit of Glamour, a Bit of Everyday Life

Walking along the Passeig you don't just hear the yacht's quiet engines over the sea, but also the sounds of the harbor: the clinking of coffee cups, murmured conversations on the terraces, the cries of seagulls. For residents and tourists alike, it's a mix of curiosity and routine. Many Mallorcans know the scene: in summer, highly technical, expensive ships regularly lie here, changing the bay's appearance visually but also bringing work, as with visits like the "Star Princess" that made a short, spectacular stop in Palma.

Looking Ahead

The 'Rising Sun' will likely cruise along the coast in the coming weeks, including toward the Tramuntana, where the coves are often used as overnight anchorages. For Palma, the presence of such yachts remains a recurring part of the season: a symbol of international connections, demand for specialized port services and small economic impulses in the city. For walkers and photography fans, it's an event that pairs well with an ice cream or a coffee.

Conclusion: The gigayacht is both a visual highlight and a practical economic factor. It brings guests, work and conversation to the shores of Palma – a piece of summer that locals now recognize by the sound of the waves.