22 December 2023 , 11:43
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on the verge of buying a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United - but it won't be the billionaire's most glamorous purchase.
That honour belongs to his amazing superyacht, known as Hampshire II. The stunning vessel is worth a staggering $150million (£120m), although that's still a lot cheaper than United. Ratcliffe's latest purchase is expected to cost a mind-blowing £1.25billion.
It's unclear exactly when the takeover will be completed, although it shouldn't be too much longer. United's current owners, the deeply-unpopular Glazers, put the Premier League club up for sale 13 months ago and Ratcliffe quickly joined the takeover race.
Ratcliffe held off competition from Saudi banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani but couldn't persuade the Glazers to sell all their shares. The Americans will remain in charge of United's commercial operations, with Ratcliffe overseeing the football project.
United fans will hope their team will become just as classy as Ratcliffe's big boat. Hampshire II is 256ft long, 41ft wide and weighs a staggering 1,887 gross tonnes. It can cater up to 14 people with seven guest cabins and 23 crew members onboard.
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The ship, which was built in the Netherlands, has many features. It has a helipad and a beach club at the rear, with stunning terraces and views of the sea. All rooms are luxurious, as expected, and there's a dining table for Ratcliffe to host dinner parties.
Hampshire II was first introduced into the seas in 2012. It was designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon, a British company, and is named after the English county. Redman Whiteley Dixon are actually based in Hampshire in the picturesque village of Brockenhurst.
Hampshire II features a zip line and helipad (Daily Record)What's your thoughts on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's superyacht? Let us know in the comments below!
The superyacht has many unique features. There is a deck that can be transformed into a playing field for sports - such as football - and there's a zip line which goes down from the crow's nest. Ratcliffe's active lifestyle explains his interest in the Red Devils.
United are yet to break their silence on Ratcliffe's takeover, but it's believed the deal has entered its final stages. It's unlikely Ratcliffe will have any input in Erik ten Hag's January plans, as it could take some time for his purchase to be ratified by the Premier League.
Yet there's a chance an announcement will made during the Christmas period. Ratcliffe is set to pump £245m into United once his investment is completed, which will help to renovate or rebuild Old Trafford. That project is expected to cost more than £1bn.
The boat was build in the Netherlands by a British company (Daily Record)Frustratingly for United fans, Ratcliffe's deal means the Glazers are remaining involved for a while yet. But the INEOS chief has a fine sporting background and is expected to bring some respected individuals to Old Trafford to improve United's stuttering team.
Sir Dave Brailsford, who helped Team GB win countless medals in cycling, is Ratcliffe's sporting director at INEOS. He is expected to have a role at United. There's also talk of Newcastle's successful sporting director Dan Ashworth moving to Old Trafford.