| The world’s top five yachts better watch out; | | | | Built for Privacy |
| the Eclipse is set to be launched in 2008 and is likely | | | | The Eclipse marks a new trend in yacht design, with |
| to quickly sail to the number one spot. Commissioned | | | | the emphasis shifting to focus on privacy and |
| by Russian billionaire Roman Abromovich, the yacht is | | | | subtlety. Abromovich is extremely private and his |
| unique in its design that prioritises privacy. | | | | emphasis on security and privacy is sure to attract a |
| Abromovich is fiercely protective of his family and | | | | multitude of high profile guests to the Eclipse. He is |
| private life, especially since his international profile was | | | | known for his generosity, often lending out his |
| significantly raised with his purchase of the Chelsea | | | | yachts to his Chelsea footballers as rewards or as a |
| Football Club in 2003. The Eclipse is currently being | | | | honeymoon treat. Because of his protective nature |
| built by Blohm and Voss in Germany and, while | | | | over his children and his celebrity guests, privacy was |
| rumours of its length differ, is expected to be the | | | | a large directive for the actual design of the yacht. |
| world’s next Super Yacht, possibly even taking | | | | The enormous central foyer is intended to separate |
| over from the Platinum Star as the world’s | | | | guests, owner and the 30-strong crew for optimal |
| longest privately-owned yacht. | | | | privacy. The owner’s suite is over 5000 square |
| An Addition to the Abromovich Collection | | | | foot and has its own private garden for when the |
| Russian magnate Roman Abromovich’s $300 000 | | | | family needs to escape the pressure of entertaining |
| 000 commission of the Eclipse will increase his own | | | | guests. |
| private yacht collection to four, turning it into the | | | | The unique asset of the 12-seater submarine also |
| largest collection in the world. Abromovich already | | | | adds to the privacy levels of the yacht as, with the |
| owns the Pelorus, Sussurro and Ecstasea, with each | | | | docking port being situated in the hull of the boat, |
| having its own unique, remarkable features. | | | | guests can come and go in complete privacy. For |
| Abromovich also previously owned the Le Grand Bleu | | | | added security, the entire yacht is fitted with motion |
| yacht which used to hold the title of the world’s | | | | sensors and missile detectors, giving guests complete |
| largest privately owned vessel. This yacht was | | | | peace of mind. Flashlight sensors have even been |
| presented to Abromovich’s friend Eugene | | | | installed against paparazzi cameras ensuring the |
| Schivdler in 2006 and is currently for sale again. | | | | privacy of all those on board. |
| The Pelorus is the world’s 11th largest yacht and | | | | Luxury Yachting for the Slightly Less Extravagant |
| before the commissioning of the Eclipse was the | | | | The Eclipse sounds like a fantasy straight out of a |
| largest yacht in Abromovich’s collection. The | | | | James Bond film, but the reality is that yachting the |
| yacht was originally built for another businessman | | | | Caribbean or Mediterranean in pure luxury is not as |
| who sold it to Abromovich after one year. The yacht | | | | impossible as you might think. Incredible yachts like |
| was then modified to its new Russian owner’s | | | | the 271 foot Omega are extremely safe and secure |
| specifications, including an additional helipad, increased | | | | but do not compromise on luxury. All the comforts of |
| security and stabilisers. This is Abromovich’s | | | | a five star hotel are at your finger tips while floating |
| yacht of choice to sail the western Mediterranean | | | | out on the vast blue ocean. |
| and travels down the Suez Canal in winter. | | | | Various yacht brokerage companies offer a range of |
| Unbelievable Features | | | | yachts for purchase and charter. Chartering a yacht |
| Arrive on board the Eclipse by helicopter and choose | | | | through such a broker eliminates any administration |
| to disembark on one of the two helipads that are | | | | involved in owning your own yacht and all your needs |
| closest to your quarters. A lift then takes you down | | | | can be instantly taken care of. From matching you |
| the nine stories to your desired location, where no | | | | with the perfect crew to creating your ideal itinerary |
| doubt a steward will meet you with a crystal flute of | | | | and route, a yacht broker is the ideal way to plan a |
| champagne. Each of the 24 guests that can be | | | | yachting vacation. The type of yachts available for |
| accommodated on board can enjoy the privacy of | | | | charter ranges from enormous Eclipse-like vessels to |
| their own rooms, with each VIP suite having a | | | | smaller more intimate crafts meaning that a luxury |
| balcony from where they can enjoy the fresh air and | | | | yachting trip is actually within reach for most people. |
| sublime views. Exciting features like a disco, a cinema, | | | | More About Yachting |
| an outside pool, hot tubs, a bar, numerous lounges | | | | Whether you prefer a trip on one of the world’s |
| and even a rounded glass room in the stern which | | | | largest yachts or a vacation on a smaller luxurious |
| allows for panoramic views are all on offer to | | | | yacht, a yacht brokerage company can meet your |
| entertain guests. If cruising at 25 knots is not | | | | needs. By chartering a luxury yacht from one of |
| adventurous enough for you, there are 20 jet skis, | | | | these companies you can enjoy the experience |
| numerous pleasure boats and even a submarine to | | | | without having to spend any time maintaining these |
| get guests out on the ocean for some | | | | beautiful vessels. |
| adrenalin-pumping action. | | | | |