Prince Karim Aga Khan was the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims and is considered a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. Born in Geneva on 13 December 1936, Prince Karim took on the role of imam at the age of 20 while studying Islamic history at Harvard University.
The Aga Khan lured the sailing elite to Sardinia
In 1967, he co-founded the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which still attracts sailing enthusiasts from all over the world and remains one of the best international yacht club addresses. Based in Porto Cervo in Sardinia, the club is still one of the most active organisers of prestigious regattas such as the Swan World Cup and the Maxi Yacht World Championships, both of which were founded by Prince Karim Aga Khan in 1980.
The 49.90 metre long "Alamshar" managed 67 knots
The Aga Khan owned several yachts over the course of his life, but "Alamshar" attracted the most attention. The 49.90 metre long glider was delivered in 2014 and named after a thoroughbred from his horse racing stable. The yacht aficionado ordered the design of the massively motorised triple-decker from design studio Pininfarina, and the lines were optimised for speeds in excess of 60 knots. The construction of the power format dragged on for 13 years, with problems with the complex COGAG propulsion system (six gas turbines, three water jets) causing considerable delays. During test runs, "Alamshar" is said to have travelled at 67 knots. This puts her in second place in the ranking of the fastest yachts of all time.
Humanitarian projects in over 30 countries
A spiritual mentor, entrepreneur and billionaire philanthropist, he founded the Aga Khan Development Network, which realised humanitarian projects in over 30 countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. The non-governmental development organisation announced the news of his death with the following statement: "His Highness Prince Karim al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, passed away peacefully in Lisbon, surrounded by his family."
The Aga Khan is survived by his eldest daughter Zahra and his sons Rahim, Hussain Aga Khan and Aly Muhammad.
