The super-yacht Sea Owl was cruising in Mallorca waters this morning despite the unfavourable weather conditions. She is owned by U.S. billionaire, Robert Mercer, who gave his full support to Vote Leave in the campaign for Britain´s withdrawl from the European Union. He has also backed several leading Republican figures including Donald Trump.
The yacht's name and design, including intricate details and whimsical elements, are inspired by owls, reflecting Mercer's personal interest. She can cater for 12 guests in full luxury and has a crew of 18.
According to reports Mercer was an activist in the campaign for the United Kingdom to end its membership of the European Union. Andy Wigmore, communications director of Leave.EU, said that Mercer donated the services of data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica to Nigel Farage, the head of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP).
The firm was able to advise Leave.EU through its ability to harvest data from people's Facebook profiles in order to target them with individualised persuasive messages to vote for Brexit.
Mercer was one of the biggest donors in the 2016 U.S. elections, donating $22.5 million to Republican candidates. Mercer was a major financial supporter of the 2016 presidential campaign of Ted Cruz . Mercer was a major supporter of Donald Trump's 2016 campaign for president.
Additional reading
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/feb/26/us-billionaire-mercer-helped-back-brexit.