The Eclipse is yet another luxury yacht owned by Roman Abramovich, and yet another yacht built by the German shipping company Blohm + Voss. The length of the yacht is 162.5 metres and is due to be delivered to Abramovich later this year, after the finishing touches have been applied and sea trials have taken place. This makes Eclipse the world’s largest private yacht, 11 metres (36 ft) longer than the world’s previous biggest yacht Dubai, which belongs to Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai.
The yacht is rumoured to cost around the R7.5 billion mark, making in the most expensive super-yacht to date. There is no doubt that the Eclipse is worth its price. Take two helicopter pads, 11 guest cabins, two swimming pools, several hot tubs and a disco hall for starters. If that doesn’t confirm it, then we think that three launch boats, and a mini-submarine, that is capable of submerging to 50 meters, will definitely convince you. It does require approximately 70 crew members to operate, but we don’t think that will be a problem for Abramovich.
For security, Eclipse is fitted with intruder-detection systems and a German-built missile defence system. Did we just say “German-built missile defence system”? The windows in Abramovich’s master suite and the yacht’s bridge are also fitted with bullet-proof glass and both are armour plated. The yacht is also equipped with an anti-paparazzi shield in the form of lasers that sweep the surroundings, and when they detect a CCD, they fire a bolt of light right at the camera to obliterate any photograph. According to The Times, these don’t run all the time, so friends and guests should still be able to grab snaps. Instead, they will be activated when guards spot likely professional photographers nearby.
Abramovich’s private fleet now consists of four motor yachts: Eclipse, Pelorus, Sussurro, and Ecstasea.
Tags: Yachts
1 Trackbacks/Pingbacks