The Octopus

A superyacht that could once boast to being the world's largest is expected to dock at Timaru today.

The Octopus, a 127-metre yacht owned by Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen, below, in port and is expected to depart on Monday.

Exactly why the boat is coming to Timaru could not be confirmed yesterday, but it is understood a Timaru port pilot once worked on it.

It was believed to be the largest such yacht built when it was constructed in 2003. It can accommodate up to 26 guests and 57 crew members.

The Octopus also carries two helicopters, fore and aft, a 20m tender, six smaller boats and two submarines. Its on-board amenities include a swimming pool, basketball court, cinema and recording studio. Built by Lurssen Yachts, the interior was designed by Jonathan Quinn Barnett.