Patrick Dovigi, once known for his scoring prowess on the ice, has added a high‑profile acquisition to his portfolio: the 118.8‑metre superyacht Breakthrough, a vessel that was originally commissioned by Bill Gates.
Built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship, the yacht features a hydrogen fuel‑cell propulsion system that has been marketed as a breakthrough in green maritime technology, though the term “sustainable” is often applied loosely in the luxury yacht market.
Dovigi reportedly paid more than $650 million for the ship after it was delisted by its previous owner, and he subsequently sailed it from European waters to Miami, a journey that consumed roughly 605,000 litres of fuel and cost about $435,000 in expenses.
The purchase places Dovigi among a small group of retired athletes who have leveraged their fame into diversified business empires, a list that also includes former soccer player Mathieu Flamini, who built a biotech fortune, and basketball legend Michael Jordan, whose ownership of the Charlotte Hornets and brand partnerships have propelled him into the billionaire ranks.
The Green Credibility of Luxury Yachts
While the yacht’s hydrogen system garners headlines, critics argue that the environmental impact of constructing and operating such massive vessels remains substantial, and the notion of sustainability in high‑end maritime travel is still a work in progress.
The transaction also underscores the fluidity of the superyacht market, where assets once tied to tech titans can change hands quickly, reflecting both the volatility of billionaire investments and the growing intersection of sports, technology, and luxury.