The Kismet: Shahid Khan's Latest Toy
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/3744633311_Q37DsWK-M.jpg)
The 312-foot superyacht Kismet, is the latest toy of Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan. Launched in September, the impressive craft boasts eight staterooms, three decks, a helicopter landing pad and a private sundeck with a pool-Jacuzzi-BBQ area. If you'd like to take it for a spin, the Kismet is available for charter for a cool $1.47 million-a-week. If that's a bit too much or you're just waiting to cash in that winning lottery ticket, here's a few images from the Northbank Riverwalk.
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-dec-the-kismet-shahid-kahns-latest-toy- (http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-dec-the-kismet-shahid-kahns-latest-toy-)
The yacht is quite beautiful ... and impressive. But I must admit that if I found myself overcome with obscene numbers in funds, and if I were to wish dispensing my wealth in such a frivolous and wasteful manner, I would wish to buy a destroyer, perhaps similar to the Adams -- the retired warship soon to make its home on our north bank.
And if I were to gain enough wealth, I would entertain buying a retired aircraft carrier, thus making a greater impact upon any scene. The carrier would allow convenient use of small aircraft for transport to and from work. Of course, the carrier design must allow access past the various bridges between the landing and the sea, so that I could impress the landing environment with convenience.
If I were to massage my connections properly, I could arm the destroyer with guns and missiles, or the carrier with fighter / attack aircraft, and lease my war boat to the various governments for whatever aggression they might wish to exercise upon the enemy.
However, I would refuse to lease this killing machine to our government if they were to use it against a growing enemy ... namely, we the people of the United States. Already, our government has the upper hand in any conflict, which is a spying network exceeded by none.
But, onward to the boat of current interest.
Obviously the mustached fellow is quite wealthy. This is made more obvious to me when I see an individual pushing an old grocery cart down the street collecting aluminum cans. It is made even more obvious when I see another individual walking along with a ditty bag or two, which I can assume contains everything he or she owns. In winter, a blanket might also be draped over the shoulders, used perhaps also as a bed on which to sleep at night.
Obscene wealth, such as possessed by the mustached man, is not necessarily to be condemned, even as one looks upon the sufferings via poverty of many millions throughout the world, and even in this country.
Any segments of condemnation can be partitioned out to any individual or corporation according to the methods through which the wealth was accumulated and is maintained.
Although there are clearly unacceptable, and therefore condemnable, methods of gaining wealth -- one being outright theft -- ; and assuming that there is a measure of censure or criticism that can be applied to anyone gaining an obscene level of wealth ... simply as an assumption that doing so has allowed or caused the descent to poverty or near poverty of many thousands or millions of workers or tax paying individuals, we might offer a method of qualifying that censure, or of removing it.
For example, anyone gaining money ... wealth ... must have a vehicle from which to do so. The vehicle can be a job or a profession. It can be a small business. It an be a large business ... or a business empire.
The continued success of a professional, the small business person, or the large corporation ... in the quest for financial security or wealth, encourages the process of protecting gains from all other entities seeking to take, by whatever means possible, the gains made. The degree to which success in this effort is realized, along with some other dynamics, will determine the level of wealth eventually achieved.
(there is more to this nonsense .. I really do have some good points. But I must get ready to engage the vehicle through which I maintain myself above water ... I shall return)
Shad has worked hard his whole life. He deserves whatever rewards he can acquire.
Hard work is very important, and quite necessary. I suspect that this fellow has worked very hard, much harder than most, and that to suggest otherwise would be totally out of recognition of the reality. I suspect too that he is nobody's fool. But, regarding my purpose in posting ... there is more to the story. I hope soon to continue it ... from my warped perspective of course. :)
Like Forbes magazine said, Khan is the new face of the American dream.
Quote from: spuwho on December 07, 2014, 08:42:58 AM
Shad has worked hard his whole life. He deserves whatever rewards he can acquire.
That's missing the point of Ron's original post.
Just the fact anyone thinks a yacht is what comes when you "deserve" something (via working hard) goes to show how insane the whole thing is.
Quote from: pierre on December 07, 2014, 09:40:42 AM
Like Forbes magazine said, Khan is the new face of the American dream.
The American Dream? I've heard of the AD. Seems as though the original idea of the AD was related to being able to climb out of a certain kind of poverty and immobility, and toward greater social and financial mobility -- and onward to a kind of freedom associated with improving one's quality of life in many realms.
I consider Kahn to be much like Gates and others who've gained extreme wealth through the possession of a unique vehicle they've chanced upon ... or, one could say, via aggressive development of an opportunity to which they were exposed. Once the opportunity was grasped, they possessed the business acumen, and the determination to proceed to maximum control, profits, and stability.
Obviously, as a consequence of the limitations and structures in any economy, the dream realized by a Gates or a Kahn cannot possibly be gained by more than a few. So, as Forbes is said to have claimed, can this really be considered to be anything like a new American Dream -- for the mass of Americans? What nonsense is Forbes perpetuating? Total fucking nonsense. American Dream my ass.
Does anyone else feel sorry for the Baltimore guys who got kicked out of Jacksonville? 2014-412. And they brought their own boats too!
Quote from: stephendare on December 07, 2014, 10:02:24 AM
Quote from: spuwho on December 07, 2014, 08:42:58 AM
Shad has worked hard his whole life. He deserves whatever rewards he can acquire.
Do we really operate this way? I mean is hard work really the gauge for 'deserving' whatever we can acquire?
I agree that it is a gauge for a certain amount of wealth and profit.
But there is a very long debate about how that wealth is actually generated. In Khan's case, its done by thousands of workers----all of whom work just as hard as he does. Some harder, and some have given up their lives for his company and died on the job or been killed in the process.
Do they deserve giant yachts as well?
All of them?
And just because someone works hard, is that really a measure of good done that deserves 'anything'?
Take Osama Bin Laden, for example. Clearly he worked very hard for many years back when we were funding his efforts in the Mujahaddin. He worked hard and he risked his own life, and was on the job for 20 years before he went into the even harder work of international terrorism. Does he deserve whatever wealth he can accumulate?
The question isn't posed out of any disdain for wealth, or the wealthy. Im just curious about the equation.
Hard Work doesn't just end in wealth, but it makes you deserve whatever vast wealth you can accumulate?
I would genuinely like to hear your thoughts on this matter.
Ive been thinking about it for a few years and haven't reached any conclusion. If anyone has a constructive opinion, Id be rather interested in reading what you think.
Great post.
Read Marx 1-3 for more clarification.
Good documentary: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3592152/
Doesn't answer the question to deserve or not to deserve, but analyzes the lives of several self-made billionaires, how they amassed their wealth, what they've done with that wealth, and what continues to drive them.
Khan invented something that hadn't been invented before. He found a solution to a problem. It made him incredibly wealthy. He employs thousands. Deserve has nothing to do with it.
He likes big boats.
Cue sir mix a lot.
And the vilifying of Khan on this site continues
Nice boat. I don't see the problem with him having it. Heck, if people are out there paying $1.5 million a week to charter it, it sounds like the toy may be making money too.
It's a rule of thumb among boat owners that you will spend approximately 10% of the purchase price each year of ownership. That means that Kahn is spending appx. $30million per year to maintain and run it.
Quote from: Dog Walker on December 07, 2014, 03:35:15 PM
It's a rule of thumb among boat owners that you will spend approximately 10% of the purchase price each year of ownership. That means that Kahn is spending appx. $30million per year to maintain and run it.
Yep and therefore the yachts like this one become a business and one hopes to pay for at least part of that yearly up keep with the charters. I also have heard through the years that the market on used yachts like this is pretty bad as the folks who can afford them prefer to get one built or at least will totally revamp a lightly used one. You don't buy one of these for any reason but you enjoy the life style. Khan must and he can afford it so good for him.
Quote from: ben says on December 07, 2014, 09:50:47 AM
Quote from: spuwho on December 07, 2014, 08:42:58 AM
Shad has worked hard his whole life. He deserves whatever rewards he can acquire.
That's missing the point of Ron's original post.
Just the fact anyone thinks a yacht is what comes when you "deserve" something (via working hard) goes to show how insane the whole thing is.
#1. My post had nothing to do with Ron's post. It wasn't visible to me when i posted.
#2. "rewards" for hard work can take on many forms. For some people just knowing they worked hard is enough reward. Some people need yachts. Some people need nice cars. Mother Teresa worked hard her whole life for a reward beyond this world.
What he has wasn't just given to him, he has worked to get them. That may not be your personal approach to life, but who am I to criticize his consumption? He didn't steal it. He didn't inherit it. He earned it.
And yet, even with this wealth, he has no embarrassment asking for taxpayer funds for his business (Jacksonville Jaguars). For shame!
^^wow, it actually took 22 posts in the thread before ya hit with this one. Bravo.
Three years and we can't spell his name correctly?
Quote from: Redbaron616 on December 07, 2014, 06:59:29 PM
And yet, even with this wealth, he has no embarrassment asking for taxpayer funds for his business (Jacksonville Jaguars). For shame!
He bought the Jags with his own hard earned money.
The stadium on the other hand, doesn't belong to him. Isn't this argument well traveled already?
The list of companies in Jacksonville that took some form of taxpayer monies to be here is long, storied and well discussed.
I thought this topic was about his new boat?
It's a phenomenal boat. My daughter and I got a tour on Friday. Whether or not he deserves it, I'll let you guys argue about it.
'Deserves' as in ethically,or 'deserves' as in a fair trade for his Labour?
Quick, redistribute his boat and his wealth for the good of the people! Nothing makes me work harder than stealing my money and giving it to the non-working.
Good on Khan, a self made man, living the American dream.
Quote from: copperfiend on December 07, 2014, 09:25:29 PM
Three years and we can't spell his name correctly?
(http://www.veloster.org/forum/attachments/hyundai-veloster-turbo-discussion/13828d1366324813-veloster-turbo-different-color-range-different-countries-khan.jpg)
Quote from: pierre on December 07, 2014, 12:23:52 PM
And the vilifying of Khan on this site continues
+1000
I don't get why this site loves to vilify Khan (yes Stephen, I know what it means). I, for one, am proud that we have an NFL team here, that is owned by someone that ranks #1 on the "NFL owners likeability ranking" (http://bloguin.com/thisgivensunday/2014-articles/every-nfl-owner-ranked-by-likeability.html (http://bloguin.com/thisgivensunday/2014-articles/every-nfl-owner-ranked-by-likeability.html)). Would you (haters) rather have someone like Donald Sterling being the face of Jax?
I just don't get why so many people in this city have such wealth-envy and view Khan's impressive yacht as something negative. When you go down to Southbeach and drive down Collins Ave and see those mega yachts moored up there, you don't hear people talking negatively, you hear people saying "omg that belong to so and so, they must be in town". How about embracing that we do have a (somewhat) celebrity billionaire that is very much a part of our city and has chosen our city to be a part of his life.
Get over it people! And as far as whomever said "deserve"... do you feel that you "deserve" everything that you have worked hard for and purchased?
Quote from: marty904 on December 08, 2014, 08:36:29 AM
I don't get why this site loves to vilify Khan (yes Stephen, I know what it means). I, for one, am proud that we have an NFL team here, that is owned by someone that ranks #1 on the "NFL owners likeability ranking"
I'm willing to bet that changes some over the next few months
Quote from: stephendare on December 07, 2014, 12:28:25 PM
Quote from: pierre on December 07, 2014, 12:23:52 PM
And the vilifying of Khan on this site continues
You use these polysyllabic words, pierre. Do you know what they mean?
Well aware sir.
I usually enjoy the site but usually just roll my eyes whenever something is written about Shad Khan.
How exactly is Khan being vilified in the article? It's just images of a very nice boat on a perfect day for a walk on the riverfront.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 08, 2014, 11:19:42 AM
How exactly is Khan being vilified in the article? It's just images of a very nice boat on a perfect day for a walk on the riverfront.
I think the "vilifying" comment was directed to other people's comments rather than the article itself. At least that's my interpretation.
The Edgewood Bakery story dropping the same day as the Love Boat rolls into downtown was interesting.
I bet Khan only bought the team so he could run the Edgewood Bakery out of business.
Sneaky.
Quote from: copperfiend on December 08, 2014, 02:31:57 PM
I bet Khan only bought the team so he could run the Edgewood Bakery out of business.
Sneaky.
He's probably got his men loading Cheese Danishes and Croissant Donuts onto the Kismet as we speak...
Quote from: KenFSU on December 08, 2014, 03:07:51 PM
Quote from: copperfiend on December 08, 2014, 02:31:57 PM
I bet Khan only bought the team so he could run the Edgewood Bakery out of business.
Sneaky.
He's probably got his men loading Cheese Danishes and Croissant Donuts onto the Kismet as we speak...
Son of a...
Two yacht-fan links on the Kismet:
http://www.superyachts.com/motor-yacht-9241/kismet.htm (http://www.superyachts.com/motor-yacht-9241/kismet.htm)
QuoteKismet is capable of 17.00 knots flat out.
Kismet offers accommodation for up to 12 guests in 6 suits . She is also capable of carrying up to 20 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.
And
http://www.superyachtfan.com/superyacht/superyacht_kismet.html (http://www.superyachtfan.com/superyacht/superyacht_kismet.html)
According to that site, she is actually Kismet 2, with Khan owning Kismet (1) which he sold in 2013 and the new owner renamed "Global". This site also has a shot of Khan's private jet, a 2012 Bombadier. More info about the jet can be viewed here: http://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N612FG (http://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N612FG)
And now that I've geeked out on the yacht and jet, I almost feel like I've derailed this thread... ;)
Naw...this is how to derail a thread as if run aground on remote Inner City Island 8)
All vessels have limitations.
Too bad Khan will never be able to enjoy Jacksonville's "Marina Mile" aboard Kismet- a short walk to the Shoppes of Avondale, and not far from Edgewood ( www.jacksonvillemarinamile.com ) or points well south on the River that poorer boater folk enjoy.
I'd like to see Khan paddling an 11' Kayak....... ( a most expensive,luxurious model,like mine;self bailing,dual below deck storage compartments with Secure Hatch System,paddle holder,upscale seat with lumbar support adjustments,upper end tech paddle propulsion,Go Pro with direct link to Visit Jacksonville contractor....skip "KISMET"....check out opulent Kayaks for crying out loud)...yep,see Khan on the river,in the cool kayak.....right there next to Kismet,and- tide appropriate of course- paddle underneath the parking lot,(yep,can be and is often done....some dandy fishing in the columns of light shining through the grates.....or just relax,there underneath the parking lot......makes McCoys Creek seem as if Western Wilderness Waterway......) Downtown Waterway Adventure with Nooney- now that would go Viral,better converage,general Promotion than a Big Screen.
Hey,if Khan has the boating gene, he might very well be up for DWA....
8) Sorry-double paddle,er,post
Please back-paddle out from underneath the Parking Lot,back to above/be low post
Bigger & Bigger vessels showing up Downtown!!!
Just moved up from 11'4" to 13' 2". And 15' Grumman Guide Boat always illicits fond cheers from the land locked Landing crowd.Might press ye ol' Necky Looksha in to service.......astronomical 17'
It's great to recreate Downtown in such a fashion and wonder,think that there are individuals that can write a check,so to speak if not literally,to make so many things happen,save us,or not happen.
Ah, bitching about what a man does with part of his money.. I mean, forget that he wants to invest in the city and does great things for charity and is trying to pull together a team in shambles (season ticket holder, proud of it, whatever..make fun of me for that). The self-righteousness of some of the comments on ALL portions of this forum have just become nauseating. I used to really enjoy reading the site and forum but for the most part it's gotten completely nauseating. Flame away at me, I really don't care.
Oh and the Edgewood Bakery issue.. boo-effing-hoo. Do what you are supposed to and you wouldn't be in a situation where you resort to making your child write a letter.
I'm okay with getting a bunch of nonsense comments back from this. I love some of what is written here..but after perusing the forum the last few days, I'm just done. Won't matter much because I was more of a reader than contributor but some you that think you are highly regarding or "popular" around town are sorely mistaken. But I hope at some point things change back for the better and the bitter, judgmental nonsense ends and this formerly lovely place for good-hearted debate and ideas turns a corner.
Take my POV for what you will.
Perhaps Khan is a erstwhile poet, having woven education, idea, entrepreneurialism, opportunity and corporate genius into a prosaic verse of success. The sands of time have certainly smiled on him, though without doubt he has been in many sticky situations, including some really bad tax advice. One might even say he has taken his lashes. Today, the man is a stranger in paradise, I hold no ill will toward him for owning a yacht and would simply add; 'Welcome to our oasis.' Kismet indeed!
SWAG!!! Nice boat.....some interesting comments here though, quite confusing, but Metrojacksonville.com I thought you guys were pro jacksonvile, pro big city, pro not being a small town. Is Khan the richest man in Jacksonville?? Maybe some of the other wealthy of Jacksonville should play the show off game as well. I dont like the idea of Khan being viewed as King of the City when he just got there a couple years ago. Im curious if the boat showed up in say Miami, New York City or Los Angeles waters if locals would have the same reaction.
Seems like a boat the size of the Kismet is a rare happening in London as well....
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/11/04/1415133014539_wps_36_Licensed_to_London_News_P.jpg)
QuoteA rare superyacht believed to belong to one of the world's richest men, has become a regular fixture on the Thames since arriving last week.
The 308ft long Kismet, which was launched in September this year, is widely reported to be the latest toy of Fulham FC owner Shahid Khan.
The Pakistani-American billionaire businessman is the 349th wealthiest person in the world, and the world's richest person of Pakistani origin.
full article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2820891/Superyacht-owned-billionaire-Fulham-FC-chairman-makes-way-London-rent-940-000-week.html
Look at all of those cranes! Wish that was the backdrop behind the Main Street Bridge.....
^ we have a crane now downtown....for the new parking garage ;)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Development/Urban-Construction-12-2014/i-KzHch9j/0/L/P1730743-L.jpg)
QuoteIve been thinking about it for a few years and haven't reached any conclusion. If anyone has a constructive opinion, Id be rather interested in reading what you think.
hahahahahaha as the white night of downtown strolls in with an ever bigger yacht, a larger empire, worth 5 billion and now the proud owner of a ....... bakery on the westside.
And most of you guys want to give him the keys to the shipyards?
Common sense, the least common thing....hahahahahaha