Luxury Yachts – An Exclusive Club

March 28, 2012

Yachts have always been, and still are, a desirable commodity among the super wealthy.  From William Randolph Hearst and Aristotle Onassis to Paul Allen, private yachts have provided a “home away from home” for some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Perhaps it’s privacy that the more affluent members of society crave.  There is nothing more secluded than a yacht in the middle of a very large body of water.

Obviously, the wealthiest among us are used to the finer things in life. And they make sure that their yachts are equipped with the best amenities money can buy. A Russian Oligarch, Roman Abramovich, has spared no expense on his yacht, the Eclipse.  It is 558 ft. long and is valued at $485 million.  The facilities on board include a swimming pool, a library, a cinema and a garden. It features a master suite that has over 5000 sq. ft. of living space. Abamovich is very concerned about security, so the yacht has been bullet and bomb proofed.  The yacht also has five secret exits in case of attack. If you’re interested in renting it, the Eclipse rents for two million dollars per week!

As if the Eclipse weren’t enough, Abramovich also owns another yacht.  The Polorus is 377 ft long and is worth $300 million, Tim Heywood, the boat design guru, crafted the luxurious interiors.  The yacht has a helipad, jet skis, wave runners, swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and conference rooms. It has 40 permanent staff members and can comfortably sleep up to eighteen people..

Another Russian oligarch, Andrey Melnichenko, owns the Superyacht A.  Because Russia is situated so far north, all the waterways surrounding it can be cold and forbidding in winter.  Hence this yacht was constructed so that it can cut through ice.  The yacht has marble floors in the bathrooms and designer fittings throughout.  This seafaring beauty is valued at a hefty $323 million.

The Rising Sun is another super yacht that offers value for its $200 million price tag.  This yacht has eighty-two rooms spread out over five decks.  It has an incredible 8,000 square meters of living space. The amenities include a gymnasium, spa with sauna, wine cellar, cinema with giant screens, and a basketball court on the main deck.  As can be seen, extravagance is alive and well on the high seas of the world!