ONBOARD Magazine autumn 2023

Don’t go
changing
In the midst of the bustling entertainment world, iconic
musicians and personalities often seek solace away from the
stage’s glare. For Billy Joel, the legendary singer-songwriter
and piano virtuoso, that sanctuary comes in the form of his
beloved yacht, Vendetta, as ONBOARD discovers
Words: Paul Dargan
A name both evocative and powerful, Billy Joel’s yacht,
Vendetta, serves as a floating oasis; one that allows
him to escape the frenzy of fame and reconnect with
the boundless tranquillity of the open sea.
“Oh, Vendetta is my floating haven, without a doubt,” the 74-yearold
New York native begins. “There’s something magical about
the sea. Its vastness and serenity bring a sense of peace that
I can’t find anywhere else.
“It inspires me in my life and my music, and for that reason I’ll
always come back to it.”
Designed by Billy Joel along with Doug Zurn, the naval architect
who commissioned and built the craft in 2005, Vendetta is Joel’s
“other woman”.
“The quiet moments away from the stage are precious to me,”
says the five-time Grammy winner.
“The melodies seem to harmonise with the gentle lapping of
the waves, and the lyrics find inspiration in the water. Being in
that environment just allows my mind to wander, and when I’m
in that zone, nothing can beat it, at all.”
Yachts have become a refuge for an array of prominent personalities
seeking respite from the pressures of public life and the demands
of their professions. Like Joel, who constantly thrills audiences
with his timeless melodies, musicians have often turned to the
high seas for inspiration and relaxation.
These maritime retreats provide a canvas upon which creativity
flourishes, offering an ideal setting to think about the next tour,
the next album, the next social media post…!
“I’m a firm believer in the power of balance, and taking time off
to recharge is essential,” he says adamantly.
“When I’m not on tour or promoting, I really need to remove
myself totally from that world. I think as I’ve become older, the
need to exist away from the industry has become greater.
“Perhaps that’s a reflection of the demands the music world
puts on people in 2023; or perhaps it’s just a marker to the
fact I’m getting old,” he laughs.
“Either way, being out at sea provides the perfect escape – just
me, the ocean, and the horizon. It’s therapeutic, and it gives
me a chance to clear my mind.”
20 | AUTUMN 2023 | ONBOARD