Privately owned superyachts can often become very mysterious if their multi-millionaire or billionaire owners prefer to stay out of the spotlight, which is also usually linked to long-term ownerships. That is why when one of these happens to resurface after a long time and join the market, it’s welcomed with great surprise and delight. In the case of Just J’s, a gorgeous pleasure craft in its size category, it was snatched in record time and for a whopping amount.
The used yacht market can be ruthless and generous at the same time. Some yachts, despite their impressive and even rare qualities, can end up being forgotten on the shelf for years, waiting to be saved. Others are instantly coveted and can find their next owner in record time, even when you’d think that their intimidating price tags could prolong the process.
Just J’s was one of the lucky ones, and it certainly boasts the looks and heritage to back that up. This gorgeous luxury pleasure craft stayed out of the spotlight for the better part of a decade, which is the same time it’s been under the ownership of the Schottenstein family. One of the richest families in America, the Schottensteins are primarily known for leading and propelling some of the biggest fashion retailers in the US.
Jay Schottenstein, in particular, is known as the CEO of American Eagle, but that’s just one of the many ventures linked to this billionaire family. And, since there’s no billionaire in America without an extensive and well-curated collection of luxury toys of all kinds, the Schottensteins have also followed the classic formula of serial yacht ownership, with increasingly bigger and fancier private superyachts.
Photo: Hakvoort
At least two Sunseekers in the 120-foot (36.5 meters) range and a bigger 150-foot (45.7 meters) Delta have been in the family’s possession (according to Superyacht Fan) before they made the big step toward a billionaire-worthy custom-built superyacht. That’s how Just J’s was born, and its name (which hasn’t changed in ten years) is one of those luxury yacht names that hint at their ownership.
Apparently, all the heirs of the Schottenstein fortune (Jay and Jeanne’s children and nephews) have names with the same initial, “J”, which has become a family trademark, hence the “Just J’s” superyacht name. Interestingly enough, with this recent change of hands, it was announced that the yacht will be known, as of this month, as Jubilee – keeping the same trademark initial even under new ownership.
It’s rare to see a superyacht of the size and caliber of Just J’s returning to the market after an entire decade with the same original family. This usually indicates low engine hours (compared to yachts that are shared with charter customers, for instance), as well as excellent maintenance, which are two good reasons to make this a highly coveted find among pre-loved pleasure craft.
Just J’s also comes with the luxurious pedigree of one of the top Dutch shipyards, Hakvoort. Hakvoort has a rich, 100-year-old shipbuilding history and was recently awarded the prestigious Royal designation, a title that is exclusively reserved for companies of Dutch national significance that are believed to play a major role in their respective industries.
Photo: YATCO
Hakvoort’s history dates back to 1919, when Albert Kizn Hakvoort purchased an old shipyard (operating since the 18th century) on the shore of Ijsselmeer Lake. Until 1945, the newly-established shipbuilder focused entirely on wooden fishing boats. By 1980, the Dutch shipbuilder entered its luxury yacht era, moving from wood to large-scale steel construction and expanding its facilities along the way.
Many of the contemporary Hakvoort luxury yachts were either nominees or winners of some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, showcasing the yard’s expertise and world-famous Dutch craftsmanship. The 2007 Perle Bleue is one of the most famous, and winner of the Showboat Award for “Best Yacht Under 50M”.
Just J’s was also a finalist for two of these well-known awards – the World Superyacht Awards (Best Displacement Motoryacht between 500 and 1,299 GT) and Showboat Awards 2017 (Best Exterior Design and Styling). It was also nominated by the International Superyacht Society for “Best Power 40-65 Feet.”
At 200 feet (61 meters), Just J’s isn’t one of the most spectacular superyacht in terms of size, but it certainly has one of the best interior designs in its category. Designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, with naval architecture and engineering by Diana Yacht Design, Just J’s was custom-built for family living at sea in its most indulgent form. Indoor-outdoor spaces, flexible accommodation, and a thoughtful eye for practicality define its layout.
Photo: YATCO
Experts define Just J’s as having the volume and features of a much larger, 70-meter superyacht. Designed to accommodate up to 16 guests, this yacht also has accommodation facilities for a 16-person crew, which is a remarkable 1:1 ratio. Also, it’s not just the number of staterooms, but their configuration that reflects a more luxurious take.
Specifically, the VIP stateroom and all the four guest suites are located on the main deck, allowing every single guest to enjoy gorgeous views. On the other hand, a literal extra deck was added specifically for the master suite. This extra deck above the main deck is designed as a private loft for the owner. It features the master stateroom forward, a dedicated study, two luxurious bathrooms, and a private bar with a sky lounge.
The bridge deck above this extra deck houses the wheelhouse and all the dedicated facilities for the captain. In addition to five staterooms, the main deck also houses a glamorous dining room and a massive lounge. Two more guest cabins can be found on the lower deck, which also includes seven crew cabins forward.
As for the typical luxury yacht amenities, a large (3 x 2 meters/9.8 x 6.5 feet) swimming pool is located on the sundeck, and a conventional gym awaits on the lower deck. Additionally, a large tender and four jetskis can be launched from port as well as from starboard.
Photo: YATCO
One of the most spectacular onboard features, highlighted by the builder itself, is the massive, glamorous custom-designed elevator that connects the decks. Equally notable are the extra-wide side decks that enhance the guests’ immersive experience at sea in a purely contemporary manner. Last but not least, Just J’s flaunts one of the most colorful, vibrant interior designs in its luxury range, with each stateroom styled in a specific color scheme.
As a family vacation pleasure craft, Just J’s wasn’t meant to break the norm in terms of performance. Two Caterpillar 3512C engines ensure a maximum speed of 15.5 knots (28.7 kph) and a range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) at 12 knots.
Just J’s changed hands for the first time in ten years this month, and despite having been exclusively operated by its private owner for so long, it wasn’t shy about asking for a hefty sum: €73,5 million ($83 million). Even more impressively, it managed to convince a buyer to part with that large sum in record time, after just six months on the market, after a decade-long absence.
Photo: YATCO
Rarity was most likely one of the factors that led to such a speedy sale, which also happens to be one of the biggest deals on the used yacht market for 2026, so far. The new owner is currently unidentified for the public, but he or she is most likely another billionaire like Just J’s original owner, and time will certainly tell.
