All big boats are willy waving. When I was putting together a big yacht and crew for the owner, I asked him what he wanted to get out of spending so much money on a Racing Yacht. He said, " I just want to get my name in the papers."
I used to work on this.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Mirqab_(yacht)
She's 50m shorter than Azzam - but still big enough. Yachts of this size are more like private crusie ship than a typical yacht. We spent most of your time in curise ship terminals or out at anchor. WHen at anchor you have a choice of 6 tenders to get a shore, or use the chopper!
I dont remember our MPG stats but a million ltrs of fuel would last a three month cruise.
Surley it good to see rich people sending there cash!
It stimulates the economy and encourages investment in to cutting edge tech. And just cos this guy has spent a fortune on a yacht dosent mean he is less likely to have also given shed loads to charity.
And these guys drop a shit load of coin at every port they visit.