Former Deckhand Turns Superyacht Owner: AK Royalty’s Luxurious 24-Karat-Gold Refit

Aaron Fidler, a former deckhand turned superyacht owner, has refitted his 136-foot Palmer Johnson yacht, AK Royalty, entirely in 24-karat-gold dust. Fidler’s goal was to have a fast, sporty luxury yacht that would turn heads, with a gold exterior, DJ booth, Fendi-inspired interior, and a top speed of 38 mph. Fidler’s journey to yacht ownership was unconventional, starting with studying computer electronics engineering and eventually co-founding a tech company before achieving his dream of owning a Palmer Johnson yacht.

The refit of AK Royalty included not only the gold exterior but also the development of a lighter, fun side to attract day charterers, with various toys and amenities such as a Jacuzzi, AV sound system, and DJ deck. The boat’s engineering systems were upgraded to include backup systems for remote exploration, and the interior was refurbished with gold fittings, Fendi carpets, and faux wildlife sculptures. Fidler and his family plan to cruise the UAE and Oman before heading to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean at the yacht’s top speed of 38 mph.

Fidler’s journey from a deckhand to a superyacht owner, as well as the unique and luxurious features of the AK Royalty, make for an interesting and unconventional yacht ownership story.

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