Mystery billionaire’s luxury superyacht makes waves during Grand Prix week

A Queensland politician has anchored his $40m superyacht in the Docklands Marina. Who is he? Here’s a hint: his other superyacht is named Australia.

It was hard to miss the sleek, magnificent luxury superyacht that has bobbed around the Docklands Marina in recent days.

It’s a piece of art, oozes wealth and certainly had locals chatting, curious as to who owned the impressive vessel.

It turns out the owner of the mysterious cruiser that has been exploring the bay when not parked in the shadows of the Docklands high-rises is mining billionaire and superyacht enthusiast Clive Palmer.

Mining billionaire and superyacht enthusiast Clive Palmer docks in the Docklands Marina. Picture: Dan Peled

Named Nancy Jean, Palmer purchased the vessel for $8.3m in mid 2020.

He renamed the 32m Sunseeker craft Nancy Jean in honour of his late mother. As well as being renamed it was repainted and matches the colours of Palmer’s other superyacht, Australia.

Palmer reportedly forked out $40 million for the 56m Australia, the pride of his fleet, in late 2020.

While the sizeable and striking Nancy Jean must look like a runabout when parked next to Australia, she was certainly queen of the Docklands last week, being vastly larger than any other boat in the marina. There was no sign of Palmer on board.

Clive Palmer's superyacht Nancy Jean spotted at the Docklands Marina on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

Being in town for Grand Prix week perhaps those on board had plans to take in some Grand Prix action, check out the Flower and Garden Show in Carlton, or catch a show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

There is plenty on in Melbourne this weekend.