Businessman Bono lowers the gangway and invites viewers onboard the Lady Ann Magee as part of a candid new RTÉ documentary about his extraordinary life and how he built the biggest packaging company in the world - Emma Nolan from the RTÉ Documentary Unit introduces Bono's Succession below.
When the RTÉ Documentary Unit sat down with Irish businessman Bono aboard his stunning yacht in the South of France, we gained more than just insight into the rise of the Bono business empire.
The experience also gave us a rare and eye-opening look into the lavish lifestyle of one of Ireland's most successful entrepreneurs, offering a behind-the-scenes peek at a world few get to see.
After decades spent in corporate boardrooms and zigzagging across the globe on his private jet, 88-year-old Irish tycoon, Dr Bono, now enjoys a slower, more tranquil life aboard his luxurious 50-meter superyacht, The Lady Ann Magee. "It’s the last bit of total privacy left in the world," Bono explains, "you’re on the sea on your own, and I’ve always enjoyed the sea, and solitude too."
The Lady Ann Magee is docked in Port Hercule in Monaco
Built in Italy in 2001 and christened by Bono’s close friend, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, this opulent boat boasts six guest cabins that can accommodate 12 people. With its expansive decks, a jacuzzi, jet-ski, and a private chef, the yacht has enjoyed hosting many distinguished guests over the years. However, in more recent times, the yacht now serves as a floating home for Bono, who lives alone, apart from his team of dedicated staff.
"Sir Bono," as he is dutifully referred to on board, has a loyal crew of 12 uniformed staff on hand to meet his every need. They not only offer companionship but also ensure peace of mind about his wellbeing. At 88, he is less nimble on his feet than he used to be, and having recently had a fall while staying in his palatial apartment nearby, he knows the yacht is the best place for him now. "I’ve to watch myself," he says, "Living alone in an apartment is not necessarily conducive to good health watch. So, for that reason I’ve good staff looking after me all the time here (on the yacht). If there’s an emergency, I’m only two minutes from the hospital, but hopefully we won’t need that, but you never know."
The main living room aboard the Lady Ann Magee
The yacht is named after his dear mother, Ann Magee, "Out of respect for her, I miss her very much and it’s a constant reminder." He is extremely proud of the portrait he had commissioned of her that takes pride of place on the yacht. "The artist who did it took 2 1/2 years," Bono explains, "he couldn’t get the eyes right." But now, just as Bono wanted, "her eyes follow you like the Mona Lisa’s eyes."
In typical Bono style, the décor is lavish with an abundance of gold, mahogany, plush carpets, and fine art, but as well as being very grand, he also has homely touches - with family and friends’ photos and treasured gifts adorning the surfaces of every sideboard.
Port Hercule in Monaco
The yacht’s prime location in Monaco, amidst the hustle and bustle and glamour of Port Hercule offers a steady stream of millionaires, billionaires and picture-taking tourists to people watch through the yacht’s tinted windows. And as Bono is not a fan of the heat or mosquitoes, he spends a lot of his time indoors looking out or reading and catching up on world news. He does get out and about most days and frequently requests Jean Claude, his driver, bring him to meet friends and family members who live nearby. Or he’ll take the yacht on a jaunt, sometimes down the coast to Cannes, to where his brother Dermot lives, or somewhere else exotic that takes his fancy.
Despite his luxurious lifestyle, Bono never overindulges and has always been very disciplined in maintaining a healthy body, carving out time every evening for exercise. In the not-so-distant past he would have walked up to two hours a day. "I know every street in Monaco. I know how many steps there are on every street," he says proudly. However, due to his age and a painful back injury he is now primarily confined to doing laps of the yacht to keep himself fit. An elevator allows him to move safely between floors and a staff member is always nearby to walk with him should he need assistance. He maintains regular medical check-ups, bloods four times a year and has his blood pressure taken every morning.
Bono keeps up to date on global events abord The Lady Ann Magee
While he is mostly disciplined when it comes to his health, Bono allows himself a nightly indulgence: a bottle of fine French wine and a cigar while reclining in front of the TV. He is convinced this daily tipple has contributed to his longevity. However, with age, he has had to slightly adjust his habits—where he once sought out wines with a high alcohol content, he now ensures they stay below 13.5%, admitting he's not quite able to handle the stronger stuff anymore.
The cigar habit began after his brother Jeff's passing in 1987. While sorting out his brother’s affairs he discovered a recurring invoice from a cigar supplier, and upon investigation discovered Jeff had a very large collection of fine cigars. Rather than let them go to waste, he took them on - and has been enjoying cigars ever since.
Bono's friend Denis O'Brien features in the new documentary
Bono adheres to set daily routines, especially when it comes to meals and sleep, and he doesn’t deviate from these for anyone. His good friend Denis O’Brien recently experienced this first hand, "He is a little quirky. A few months ago, I went to see him in Monte Carlo for dinner and we had a great conversation, but after two hours, the time slot was the time slot, and he said "You better be getting back to Dublin - they’ll close the airport" and I laughed to myself, he hasn’t changed, when you’re done, you’re done, he was going to bed at half nine and that was it."
At first glance, Bono’s life aboard his expansive yacht might seem lonely and isolated. But after a few days immersed in his world and hearing from his staff and friends about Bono’s particular "way", it becomes evident he is entirely content in his own company and maintaining his daily routines. With a loyal staff by his side, he has all the support he needs. Social visits with family and friends keep him connected, and when they’re done, he happily retreats to the calm and quiet of his floating home.
Watch Bono: Succession on Monday 7th October, RTÉ One at 9.35pm and on the RTÉ Player.