Throughout history, profound love has often been the driving force behind some of the world's most magnificent creations. From sprawling castles to custom superyachts, numerous husbands have channeled their admiration for their wives into building lasting tributes. These are not mere gifts but monumental testaments to partnership and enduring affection.
Iconic Monuments of Love: From Boldt Castle to Ashton Memorial
The trend of creating grand tributes for beloved wives has a rich history. In the early 1900s, millionaire hotelier George Boldt began constructing the stunning Boldt Castle in New York as a gift for his wife, Louise. Similarly, in Lancaster, England, industrialist Lord Ashton erected the Ashton Memorial in memory of his second wife, Jessie. This tradition extends to the automotive world, where personalization reaches its peak. A bespoke Bugatti Chiron “Alice” was commissioned as a Valentine's Day gift for a wife named Alice, and the French luxury car brand “Monica” was named by industrialist Jean Tastevin after his wife, Monique.
Bravo Eugenia: A $250 Million Superyacht Born from Family Love
In a modern continuation of this tradition, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones created one of the most personal and expensive tributes: the superyacht Bravo Eugenia. Named in honor of his wife, Eugenia “Gene” Jones, who has been his partner through decades of ups and downs, this vessel is a floating testament to their family's bond. Built by Oceanco at their Alblasserdam shipyard in the Netherlands and delivered in 2018, the yacht's cost is estimated between $225 million and $250 million.
In a September 2019 interview with Yachts International magazine, Jones revealed the project's heartfelt origins. “Creating our Bravo Eugenia was a project born out of true love for our family,” he stated. He emphasized that the build was a collective family effort, with Gene overseeing every step. “Building and designing her became a family affair on every level... our entire family, including our children and grandchildren, visited Oceanco on many occasions, contributing to the yacht’s development.” Jones was personally involved from the keel-laying to the christening.
Engineering Marvel and Luxurious Amenities Onboard
The Bravo Eugenia is a masterpiece of naval engineering and design. With a length of 109 meters (357 feet and 7 inches) and a beam of 16.3 meters (53 feet and 7 inches), it boasts a gross tonnage of 4,500 GT. Its exterior was crafted by Nuvolari Lenard, while the British firm Reymond Langton Design handled the opulent interiors. Powered by a hybrid propulsion system featuring twin 604hp electric motors and MTU diesel engines, it has a top speed of 18.5 knots.
The yacht is built for ultimate luxury and entertainment, accommodating 14 guests in 7 suites and housing a crew of 30. Its specialties are vast and include:
- A dedicated movie theatre and an elevator for easy access between decks.
- An expansive spa complex with a sauna, steam room, and plunge pool.
- A large aft pool, a deck jacuzzi, and a fully-equipped gym.
- A beach club, a tender garage, and not one, but two helicopter pads.
- Additional features like underwater lights and a beauty salon complete the experience.
The Sea as a Backdrop for Lasting Family Memories
For Jerry Jones, the superyacht represents more than luxury; it's a vehicle for creating irreplaceable family moments. When asked what he loved about being at sea, he spoke of the “power and presence of the water” and the “natural beauty of the world’s greatest landscapes as a backdrop.” He believes combining an intimate family experience with the ocean's majesty creates a “magical journey” that yields instant, lifelong memories.
Looking ahead, the billionaire's plans for the Bravo Eugenia are simple yet profound: “To see as much of the world as possible from the perspective of the sea.” He values the yacht's flexibility to reach diverse destinations, touch different cultures, and facilitate the creation of unique, lasting family experiences. This superyacht, like the castles and cars before it, stands as a powerful symbol where immense wealth intersects with a very personal, boundless love.
