ONBOARD Magazine autumn 2023

If I had to give advice to
young musicians coming
through now, it would be to stay
true to your passion and stay
committed to your craft.
In recent times, Joel has donated use of Vendetta to the
International SeaKeepers Society, a group of yacht owners who,
in 1998, founded a programme to help protect the oceans.
The act carries on a rich line of philanthropy, something that
for so long has been a dominant undercurrent to the artist’s
career. Way back in 1978 he founded Charity Begins at Home,
an organisation that funds charities in the tri-state area (of
New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) that serve child abuse,
domestic violence, autism, cancer and other issues.
His concerts still act as a tributary of funds to the project; and
outside of that he has donated across topics as diverse as the
homeless, performing arts and, most recently, the Ukraine conflict.
© E Weather
Yet, of course, it is for services to music for which the artist
is best known. His debut-charting single Piano Man may have
only peaked at no.25 on the US Billboard countdown, and failed
to even break the top 100 in the UK, but 150 million album
sales since have confirmed the Long Island-raised icon as a
generational great.
“It’s been quite the ride,” he concurs. “I feel incredibly fortunate
to have had the opportunity to connect with people through my
music over the years. From the piano bars to sold-out arenas,
the support of my fans has been nothing short of humbling.
“Music has always been my passion, and it’s the love and
appreciation from the audience that keeps the fire burning in me.”
That and a love of the seas. Vendetta may not have the sharp
edges and shimmer of the yachts of the current chart-topping
musicians and producers, but it carries with it all the grace and
beauty of a thousand Billy Joel records.
A recent survey valued Vendetta at $3.8million, but it’s worth
so much more to Joel – it’s priceless. After a complete refit in
2019, the vessel is almost like a brand-new purchase. It’s far
lighter in weight than other yachts of its length (57ft), something
which allows it to skate along the ocean surface at speeds of
up to 50 knots.
Its interior can house up to 12 guests, with a supreme level of
design, craftsmanship and construction, plus a quality of build
that’s a rarity in an industry dominated by production boats.
It’s a set-up Joel would not exchange for even a day on David
Geffen’s Rising Sun or The Edge’s Cyan.
22 | AUTUMN 2023 | ONBOARD