F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Explores Antarctica on the Octopus Superyacht

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The frozen tundra of Antarctica was the latest destination for Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Shaun White, as they chartered the luxurious Octopus superyacht belonging to the late Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen.

The 126-meter vessel, valued at $175 million and built by Lurssen, is one of the largest charter superyachts in the world and offers some of the most spectacular experiences on the planet.

Exploring the Least-Explored Continent

The two athletes were recently seen exploring the pristine and remote wilderness of Antarctica, a continent that is not often visited by the famous and affluent.

Instagram posts featuring the white landscape and the iconic yacht in the background caused a stir among their followers, with many commenting on the cost of such an adventure. White even shared a video of himself performing somersaults in the icy waters of Antarctica from the deck of the Octopus.

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A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

Lewis Hamilton also sought to maintain his rigorous training regimen even amidst the remote and inhospitable terrain of Antarctica.

Undeterred by the icy and snowy landscape, he embarked on an ambitious 11km run, traversing past colonies of penguins and seals, an experience he later described as the "best run ever." Hamilton, a devout vegan, also took the opportunity to raise awareness for animal rights and conservation, drawing attention to the region's historical use as a whaling facility.

In an Instagram post, he shared a photograph of the abandoned tanks used to store whale oil, with a caption expressing gratitude for the cessation of such practices. He wrote, "An old whaling facility where they killed whales and stored their oil in these tanks.

Thankful it’s no longer done here!"

Luxurious Amenities on Board

The Octopus yacht offers a wide range of amenities for its guests, including two helipads, an underwater observation lounge with a glass bottom, a movie theater, and a fully equipped diving center.

The vessel can accommodate up to 12 people and includes a 12-seat 4D cinema, a table tennis table, a fitness center, a smoothie bar, a salon, massage facilities, and a large library with a fireplace. In addition to the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Antarctica, the package also includes ski tours and ice exploration.

As White demonstrated in his Instagram video, guests also have the opportunity to dive in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the continent.

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A post shared by Shaun White (@shaunwhite)

The yacht was originally launched in 2003 and was sold to Camper & Nicholson in 2021 for $175 million.

While it was designed for scientific research and oceanographic voyages, the luxurious amenities on board make it an irresistible option for those with deep pockets. The Octopus is available for charter at a rate of $2.2 million per week through Camper and Nicholsons.