Think Michael Jordan only chased greatness on the basketball court? Think again. His love for competition sails far beyond the hardwood, right into the world of deep‐sea sportfishing. And nothing captures that passion quite like his yacht, the Catch 23. Built in 2018 by Viking Yachts in Riviera Beach, Florida, this 80-foot marvel wasn’t just another luxury buy—it was custom-made for the NBA icon himself.

Crafted on Viking’s 80EB Convertible platform, Catch 23 is more than just sleek lines and high speed. Think some serious fishing muscle and high-end comfort. So let’s have a closer look at this beast.

Design and custom features of Michael Jordan’s $8 million boat

In case you’re curious about the price tag, industry sources peg Catch 23’s value at around $7–8 million in recent years. The most striking element here? The hull itself, wrapped in a bold elephant print that sneakerheads will instantly recognize. Yes, it was inspired by the Air Jordan 3’s iconic design. And if you’re thinking it couldn’t get more personalized, CBS Sports reminds us that Catch 23 carries “his Jordan Brand elephant print along the side and a panther on the stern.” But it’s not just the exterior turning heads.

Step below deck, and you’re greeted by a space that feels like a luxury home– plush seating, teak accents, granite finishes, and an entertainment setup! And looks like the builder certainly didn’t hold back. Because the 60″ HD television and a custom Bose surround-sound system are just unmissable.

Then there’s even a formal dining area and a J-shaped lounge for casual hangouts. And yes, the galley’s fully loaded with premium appliances like Sub-Zero refrigerators and a convection microwave, not to mention a second dinette. Furthermore, when it comes to sleeping arrangements, Catch 23 is just as accommodating.

With five staterooms and five heads—including a full-beam master, two queen-bed cabins, and two bunk-style rooms, each with its own shower—the yacht comfortably hosts 8–10 guests and 2 crew. And if fishing is your thing, the equipment onboard is nothing short of elite.

From a carbon-fiber tuna tower to Rupp “Big Riggs” outriggers with a 48′ span and Miya Epoch US9 electric teaser reels, Catch 23 is clearly built for serious sport. So let’s have a closer look at how well it has done in the competitive scenario.

Michael Jordan’s Catch 23: Tournament Appearances and Media Coverage

His Airness has been making a splash on the water for quite some time now. And Catch 23, has become a regular sight at some of the East Coast’s most prominent fishing events. Back in 2020, the yacht made headlines at North Carolina’s prestigious Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. That’s where Jordan’s crew stunned onlookers by releasing a jaw-dropping 442.3‑lb blue marlin—“a world-record” catch, as CBS Sports put it.

Since then, Catch 23 has kept up a strong tournament presence. Its crew has shown up at the White Marlin Open more than once, and in 2021, they hauled in a 23.5‑lb mahi during the Ocean City White Marlin Open. That catch bagged them the day’s meat-fish prize—$20,000 to be exact. Michael Jordan himself got in on the action, too. At the 2021 “Quest for the Ring” in Atlantic City, he personally reeled in a 70‑lb white marlin, leading the catch‑and‑release division for a while aboard Catch 23.

And the momentum didn’t stop there. According to Viking’s news reports, Catch 23 earned the 5th Top Boat spot in the 2022 White Marlin Open. With Captain Stetson Turney at the helm, the team added several releases and a hefty 76-lb tuna to their accomplishments. It’s no wonder the yacht keeps showing up on leaderboards and in dockside photo ops—it’s become part of the tournament scene’s very fabric.