klay thompson yacht

Klay Thompson Reveals Name for 37-Foot Boat, Explains Origin

By taylor wirth • published october 9, 2021 • updated on october 12, 2021 at 2:15 pm.

Klay explains why his boat is called the 'Nordic Knife' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

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During his two seasons away from the court, Klay Thompson took his talent to the seas. 

He started out in a kayak, but now Thompson is the proud owner of an impressive 37-foot boat that he's often seen cruising around the bay in. 

Usually on Instagram Live while boating, Thompson's adventures on the water have been nothing short of entertaining. 

That begs the question: Does Klay have a name for his boat? 

He does. In fact, he has a few. 

“I have a few names for it. I call it the 'Nordic Knife' or 'Splash Express,' Thompson told NBC Sports Bay Area's Kerith Burke at Warriors Media Day on the Dubs Talk Podcast. 

“She was made in Finland, so that’s Norwegian I think. She cuts the water like a knife, so I call her the Nordic Knife. People are like ‘why would you name your boat after a weapon?’ I’m like ‘it’s not a weapon it’s just the way she rides.’ It’s so fast. Then Splash Express is when I'm carrying my friends on board and we’re commuting.”

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Thompson has commuted to the Warriors' new waterfront Chase Center arena via the "Nordic Knife." While away from the court for back-to-back seasons after suffering knee and Achilles injuries, Klay's had some extra time on his hands. What better way to relax after two years of strenuous rehab than sailing around such a scenic bay? 

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Fleet Week began in San Francisco this week, does Klay plans on joining in on the festivities? 

“Yeah, no question," Thompson said. "Gotta go out for Fleet Week. There’s a lot of boats out there, but it’s the vibe.”

RELATED:  Curry-Poole backcourt is what Warriors have needed

The Warriors are hoping that Thompson can finally return to the court sometime in the first half of the season. When Klay does return, his adventures on the "Nordic Knife" will be less and less of a spectacle compared to his play on the court. 

The legend of Captain Klay will always live on though. Maybe someday we'll see his fellow "Splash Brother" Steph Curry aboard the "Splash Express." 

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Klay Thompson Finally Found Love. With His Boat.

Injury woes sent Thompson, the Golden State guard, looking for solace. He found it on the water. No bananas allowed.

By Scott Cacciola

SAN FRANCISCO — Klay Thompson commutes to work in a 37-foot fishing boat.

Out on the open water, he can forget about the disappointment and the frustration. He can take solace in the cool breeze. Finally nearing a return to the court for the Golden State Warriors after missing the past two seasons because of injuries, Thompson has found a new hobby that has been especially therapeutic.

“You can’t have a bad day when you’re on the boat,” he said.

So he fishes and explores deserted coves — and uses his Axopar 37 Cabin to avoid Bay Area traffic.

“It’s been so good for my mental health,” said Thompson, the star shooting guard who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the 2019 N.B.A. finals and then tore his right Achilles’ tendon before the start of last season. “When the days would get really tough, I would take a cruise into the city or toward Oakland or just be out in nature. It always helps.”

Thompson has come up with a couple of names for the boat. One is Nordic Knife. (As he recently explained to NBC Sports Bay Area , “She was made in Finland, so she’s Norwegian, I think.”) The other is Splash Express, for whenever friends are on board.

“I fell in love with all the little things,” Thompson said in an interview, “whether it’s navigating, cleaning her, tidying her up — all the stuff you would never think of when driving a car.”

Thompson is well aware that he often refers to his boat as if it were a living, breathing person.

“I know,” he said. “That’s how much I respect her.”

He has gone so far as to adhere to certain seafaring superstitions. Among them: a hard-and-fast ban on bananas, since they are believed to invite bad energy to the boat. It is a difficult one for Thompson. “Because I love bananas,” he said.

Coach Steve Kerr encourages his players to have outside interests, for balance. Stephen Curry golfs. Draymond Green dabbles with broadcasting. Thompson pilots a high-end watercraft with supercharged twin engines and an enclosed cabin.

“Being on the water is a safe space for him,” Curry said. “He’s outside, and he has that freedom to go wherever he wants to go out there.”

Growing up in Southern California, Thompson was not the product of a “family of boaters,” he said. But he has always enjoyed the ocean. He finds the water peaceful and calming, and the goal of acquiring a boat of his own was spurred by Anthony Nuccio, his best friend since preschool. Nuccio would take Thompson fishing on his 1976 Aquasport.

“He kept talking about getting one for years,” Nuccio said. “We would send pictures of boats back and forth to each other.”

For a long time, Thompson made do with a dinghy, which he would board with his bulldog, Rocco . (Thompson did all the rowing.)

It was not until Thompson was injured that he was motivated enough to invest in a full-fledged watercraft. A couple of months after tearing his A.C.L., Thompson was rehabbing with Rex Butler, who is a sports performance specialist and a recreational boater. When Butler learned that Thompson was looking to buy something, Butler showed him photos of an Axopar. Thompson was smitten.

“I loved her lines so much,” he said.

At the time, Thompson was dealing with the anguish of not being able to play basketball. The days were long, and his rehabilitation was difficult. He knew he needed something to take his mind off his troubles. He needed a boat. He conferred with Nuccio, who found a dealer in San Diego named — believe it or not — Kenyon Martin, a brand manager for Seattle Yachts who happens to have the same name as the former N.B.A. power forward .

“I thought you’d be taller,” Thompson told Martin when he met him at his showroom.

Thompson and Nuccio browsed the inventory and then test drove an Axopar. Retail price: north of $300,000, though it was available at a discount because it had been lightly used. Thompson signed a $190 million contract extension in 2019 but still appreciates a deal.

“Wow, this is it,” Thompson said as he took the wheel from Martin.

Martin customized the boat with underwater lights and an infrared camera so that Thompson could operate it at night. Martin also connected him with a boat captain who trained him.

“It’s not like a car where you just flip someone the keys and you’re like, ‘Yeah, you’re good to go,’” Martin said.

Thompson said it had taken several months before he felt confident enough to man the boat by himself. In the meantime, he leaned on Nuccio for guidance. Thompson also learned to spear fish.

“I love to move my body, and I was going through such a strenuous rehab,” he said. “So to be able to do a hobby that felt refreshing to me and see the world in a different way, it was a dream come true.”

Thompson eventually had the boat shipped to the Bay Area, where it became apparent that he was still grasping the nuances of boat ownership. Whenever he commuted to Chase Center, the waterfront arena where Golden State practices and plays its home games, he was leaving his boat in other people’s assigned spots at a nearby boatyard. Mike Brown, an assistant coach for Golden State, overheard that Thompson was causing some hubbub.

“He was just docking his boat wherever he wanted,” Brown said. “And I was like, ‘Klay, you can’t park your boat there!’”

Arvind Patel, the proprietor of the boatyard, enlightened Thompson on the protocols and was so charmed by him that he invited him to dock Splash Express next to his own 60-foot sailboat.

It was the start of an unlikely bromance between Thompson, a five-time All-Star, and Patel, a 70-something grandfather who runs start-ups in Silicon Valley — and does not like to disclose his exact age. (“I’m old,” he said.) Patel has taken an interest in teaching Thompson more about boating, and they recently took a day trip together in search of halibut.

“We caught two nice fish and had a wonderful time,” Patel said. “It’s actually kind of a pure friendship because I’m not that into basketball. I’m into it when the local team is winning. I’m a sunny-day fan. So now, if I need tickets, I say, ‘Hey, Mr. Klay!’”

Teammates have taken up Thompson on his open offer to join him on the high seas. A trip comes with the caveat that they are likely to make a cameo on Thompson’s Instagram feed.

“Got rook on the boat with me,” Thompson said in a recent post , gesturing toward the second-year center James Wiseman behind him. “He don’t know a damn thing, but I’m teaching him the ropes.”

Leandro Barbosa, a former teammate who joined Kerr’s staff last season, has been a regular. Barbosa and Thompson will take their mountain bikes with them and dock at one of the small islands in the bay so they can ride the trails.

Brown has so far resisted Thompson’s appeals to let him take him out.

“I’m not a boat guy,” Brown said. “Maybe if we were in Turks and Caicos.”

Thompson, who could return to the court for Golden State by late December or early January, said he could see himself getting into sailing.

“The ocean and free diving and spear fishing and boating bring me joy,” he said, “second only to winning basketball games, really.”

Scott Cacciola has covered sports for The Times since 2013. More about Scott Cacciola

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Klay reveals two amazing names for his 37-foot boat

By taylor wirth • published october 12, 2021 • updated on october 12, 2021 at 2:05 pm.

During his two seasons away from the court, Klay Thompson took his talent to the seas. 

He started out in a kayak, but now Thompson is the proud owner of an impressive 37-foot boat that he's often seen cruising around the bay in. 

Usually on Instagram Live while boating, Thompson's adventures on the water have been nothing short of entertaining. 

Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.

That begs the question: Does Klay have a name for his boat? 

He does. In fact, he has a few. 

“I have a few names for it. I call it the 'Nordic Knife' or 'Splash Express,' Thompson told NBC Sports Bay Area's Kerith Burke at Warriors Media Day on the Dubs Talk Podcast. 

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“She was made in Finland, so that’s Norwegian I think. She cuts the water like a knife, so I call her the Nordic Knife. People are like ‘why would you name your boat after a weapon?’ I’m like ‘it’s not a weapon it’s just the way she rides.’ It’s so fast. Then Splash Express is when I'm carrying my friends on board and we’re commuting.”

Thompson has commuted to the Warriors' new waterfront Chase Center arena via the "Nordic Knife." While away from the court for back-to-back seasons after suffering knee and Achilles injuries, Klay's had some extra time on his hands. What better way to relax after two years of strenuous rehab than sailing around such a scenic bay? 

Fleet Week began in San Francisco this week, does Klay plans on joining in on the festivities? 

“Yeah, no question," Thompson said. "Gotta go out for Fleet Week. There’s a lot of boats out there, but it’s the vibe.”

RELATED:  Curry-Poole backcourt is what Warriors have needed

The Warriors are hoping that Thompson can finally return to the court sometime in the first half of the season. When Klay does return, his adventures on the "Nordic Knife" will be less and less of a spectacle compared to his play on the court. 

The legend of Captain Klay will always live on though. Maybe someday we'll see his fellow "Splash Brother" Steph Curry aboard the "Splash Express." 

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Klay Thompson's daring yacht jump, an epic moment at sea captured by Quentin Grimes

Klay and Quentin experience memorable experiences before heading into the upcoming NBA season.

T he NBA offseason isn't just a breather; it's the perfect time for stars like Klay Thompson and Quentin Grimes to have memorable experiences before facing the upcoming season. On a sunny day on the high seas, Thompson, known as "Captain Klay," surprised everyone by boldly diving off the top of his yacht into the ocean. Grimes, a point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, captured the jump on video that demonstrates Klay's bravery.

The excitement on the yacht was palpable as Grimes and other companions cheered Thompson's daring leap. But the adventure didn't end there; the crew was fortunate enough to witness an impressive natural spectacle when a pod of dolphins swam alongside the yacht, generating awe and admiration among those present.

A new chapter for Klay Thompson at Dallas Mavericks

While enjoying their vacations, Klay Thompson and Quentin Grimes are also preparing for the new season with the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson, who left the Golden State Warriors after 13 successful seasons, is ready to return to his stellar form, while Grimes is looking to establish himself as a key player off the bench.

Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks during the offseason. Klay played with the Golden State Warriors for a total of 13 seasons and won four of the five NBA Finals alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, coach Steve Kerr and the rest of his teammates.

Now Thompson will return to what was his home for more than a decade, the Chase Center, when Mavericks face the Warriors next season.

The showdown between the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors on Nov. 12 in San Francisco will be an eagerly anticipated event. It marks Klay's return to the Chase Center as part of the team to beat, a moment that promises to be emotionally charged for players and fans alike.

The vacations are almost over, but for Klay Thompson and Quentin Grimes, the real adventure in Dallas is just beginning.

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Golden State Warriors News

Klay Thompson reveals pair of fitting names for his new boat

Klay Thompson has christened his new boat with a title that would put Boaty McBoatface to shame.

The Golden State Warriors star recently took up boating as a hobby during his injury absence. He is also now the proud owner of a 37-foot boat that he often cruises around the waters of the Bay Area in. Thompson has shared many Instagram videos of himself being an entire mood on the new vessel.

Klay thinking back on the Finals while on a boat "That's my last taste of hoops, man. NBA Finals, I miss it." (via @KlayThompson ) pic.twitter.com/8X2ouvEjlU — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 5, 2021

Thompson recently revealed the funny name that he has given to his boat — well actually, he has a couple of them.

“I have a few names for it. I call it the ‘Nordic Knife’ or ‘Splash Express,'” Thompson said, per Kerith Burke of NBC Sports Bay Area . “She was made in Finland, so that’s Norwegian I think. She cuts the water like a knife, so I call her the ‘Nordic Knife.’ People are like, ‘Why would you name your boat after a weapon?’ I’m like, ‘It’s not a weapon, it’s just the way she rides.’ It’s so fast. Then ‘Splash Express’ is when I’m carrying my friends on board and we’re commuting.”

As a Splash Brother himself, “Splash Express” is a particularly fitting name for Thompson’s aquatic ride. “Nordic Knife” is also a pretty solid title, assuming that it is not already taken by Thompson’s former Warriors teammate Jonas Jerebko, who is himself of Nordic descent.

Regardless, Thompson has already found something much more creative than the name of this fellow sports figure’s boat .

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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'Sea Captain Out': Klay Thompson bids Bay Area farewell

San francisco ferry wants klay thompson to captain ship.

San Francisco Ferry wants Klay Thompson to captain ship.

SAN FRANCISCO - Klay Thompson posted a heartfelt farewell to the Bay Area after spending his 13-year-NBA career with the Warriors.

While Thompson, 34, has taken off his Golden State jersey for the last time and is moving on, the four-time league champion has deep ties to the Bay.

'Splash Bros 4 life': Curry pays homage to Klay

Stephen Curry on Tuesday posted a heartwarming tribute to longtime teammate Klay Thompson, wishing him farewell on his new chapter.

He wrote on Instagram, "Oh Bay Area , there are not enough words and images to convey how I really feel about yall . From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for the best times of my life. It was such an honor to put that Dubs jersey on from day 1. I really just wanted to be the best I could be and help bring as many championships as possible to the region. The best part was not the rings though, it was the friendships I made that will last a lifetime . My family and I would like to thank all of the amazing people who work tirelessly to make the  @warriors organization world-class. Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened . Until we meet again. Sea captain out."

Thompson has agreed to join the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks and change franchises.

ESPN and The Athletic first reported the multiteam deal which, as currently constructed, will be executed as the sign-and-trade of a three-year, $50 million contract involving the Warriors, Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets.

The Warriors released a statement in tribute to Thompson on Monday night, saying they "can’t overstate Klay Thompson’s incredible and legendary contributions" to the team and that "the amount of joy and happiness that Klay provided Warriors fans ... cannot be minimized."

Thompson is sixth on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers made list with 2,481, behind Reggie Miller (2,560), Damian Lillard (2,607), James Harden (2,940), Ray Allen (2,973) and Thompson’s now-former "Splash Brother" with the Warriors, Stephen Curry, and his 3,747 career makes from beyond the arc.

The Associated Press contributedto this report.