KAISER is one of the finest motor yachts ever built by Abeking & Rasmussen — the 124-year-old German shipyard whose reputation for precision engineering is unmatched in the industry. Delivered in 2011 as hull 6482 (laid down under the project name Aburas), she is offered for the first time by her original owner — a rare opportunity for a buyer seeking a yacht of exceptional quality with a single, meticulously documented ownership history.
Her exterior architecture is by Donald Starkey: long, low, and purposeful. A deep blue hull meets crisp white superstructure in a silhouette that is both classic and unmistakably modern. Inside, London-based Bannenberg & Rowell — continuing the design legacy of Jon Bannenberg — were briefed to create a "Germanic" interior, and responded by immersing themselves in Bauhaus architecture, Mercedes engineering, and Jugendstil. The result is disciplined architecture, natural materials, and restrained ornamentation across every space on board.
In 2012, KAISER was awarded Best Displacement Motor Yacht (500GT–1,299GT) at the World Superyacht Awards — the industry's most coveted honor. She was most recently refit in 2021, delivers a transatlantic 4,500 nm range at 14 knots, and is built to Lloyd's Commercial Class (LY2) standards, giving her full charter capability.
Donald Starkey's silhouette favours proportion over ornament: a raked bow, unbroken sheerline, and broad decks that stage life at sea without visual noise. Expansive glazing brings horizon light into every salon; aft, wide terraces flow down to the swim platform for effortless water access.
A standout piece of engineering is her advanced slipway system — the tender can be launched or recovered even while underway, a rarity in her size class.
Bannenberg & Rowell's response to the "Germanic" brief is one of the most architecturally disciplined interiors afloat. The palette of Ovangkol hardwood from West Africa, oak, and rosewood meets lighter beli and zebrano, with niello inlays — a traditional blackened-metal technique — threaded through doors and furniture for texture and depth. Subtle references to Jugendstil, the German counterpart to Art Nouveau, appear in the freestanding washstands and decorative metalwork.
Accommodation is arranged for 12 guests across 6 staterooms. The full-beam Owner's Suite is positioned forward on the main deck with a private lounge area, his-and-hers en-suites, and panoramic views. On the lower deck, four guest cabins include a convertible full-beam VIP.
At the 2012 World Superyacht Awards — widely regarded as the Oscars of the yacht industry — KAISER took the category for her class. She was also a finalist at the ShowBoats Design Awards 2012 for Interior Design. Thirteen years later, with her 2021 refit complete, she remains one of the most architecturally distinguished yachts of her size afloat.
Reach out to Josh Gulbranson directly for a private viewing, complete specification dossier, charter history, ownership records, or to discuss purchase terms.
Contact Josh →Original owner since delivery, award-winning design, Abeking & Rasmussen pedigree — this is what Northern European yacht building looks like at its very best.— Josh Gulbranson, Fraser