Anyone here into boating?

[shack]

If so...do you have one like either of these? :D I took these photos last week where the two were docked side by side at the main docks at Nassau, Bahamas. These are not the best photos. It was late (nearly dark) after a bad thunderstorm and because of the configuation of the docks and other vessels, these were the best angles I could get. These two were docked here because they could not fit in the Marina at the Atlantis because the maximum length they can accomodate is a mere 220 feet.

First is the "little" boat. It is the Reverie. One of the largest yachts ever built in Italy by Benetti. It is 230 feet long, 7 decks, 8 guest cabins (plus two personal staff cabins), indoor and outdoor dining rooms, spa, exercise room, A/V room, a full service galley, several salons...and more. It is powered by two 2,000hp Caterpillar engines. If you are interested it is available for charter at only $685,000 per week. That includes the services of the crew of 27.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3586961145_e5426d25cf_o.jpg


Next is the "larger" vessel. Le Grand Bleu. It is 370 feet in length. It was built in Germany by Kusch Yachts in 2000. It is powered by two 3,600-hp Wartsila engines. Ownership of this yacht is interesting. It was previously owned by John McCaw Jr., an American businessman who sold her to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2002. In June 2006, Abramovich GAVE Le Grand Bleu to friend Eugene Shvidler (the current owner). Not much is know about the interior as the owners are somewhat secretive in that area. Notice the "little" 40 foot "runabout" tendered along side of the ship. It takes two large hoists to lift it onto the deck.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3587769620_8e6fc7e731_o.jpg


There is quite a lot of info on both these yachts on the internet as they are two of the largest yachts in the world.

BTW the previous owner of Le Grand Bleu (Abramovich) is currently having a larger vessel built that is rumored to be around 550 feet in length. This would go along with his other two Mega Yachts he currently owns.

Here are a few other photos I found on the interent that give a different perspective:

[F1nut]

I was going to say that I'm into sailing, but never mind......

[audiobliss]

Wow. I think I'll add mega-yacht to the list of things to buy when I strike it rich. :D

[tom t]

i love boating. a buddy of mine has a carver in connecticut. i would be happy with the 40 footer

[Polkersince85]

I just looked at my little 16 footer, they might could use it as a lifeboat.

[lightman1]

Nice...but can ya fish off them. If not, they're useless to me....

[skrol]

My family had boats on the Chesapeake since I was two years old. I always figired I'd get one of my own some day but it hasn't happened yet. I told my wife that when I go through my midlife crisis, I will be faithful but I want a boat. I'll even name it after her.

[wingnut4772]

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[ben62670]

Nice...but can ya fish off them. If not, they're useless to me....

Amen

[wizzy]

Let's rent the first one for the next PolkFest ...

[ben62670]

My dad said the two greatest days would be when I bought my boat, and when I sold it... Well they stole it. (no insurance)

[SWFalken]

<a href="http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm73/SWFalken/?action=view&current=maltese-falcon-yacht-main.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm73/SWFalken/maltese-falcon-yacht-main.jpg" border="0" alt="Maltese Falcon"></a>I think that this must be be the ultimate luxury vessel ever to sail. This is the Maltese Falcon, she is 289ft. Perini Navi built yacht.

[megasat16]

The only common thing I share with these rich Billionaire is the word "Mega" in the front.

Well, I could buy a small RC boat to start off with.

[F1nut]

One of the world's fastest mono hull sailboats, the "Puma" Volvo Open 70 with a top speed around 40 knots.

At speed....
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x210/23tl/VOR10173_600x400.jpg

Crusing into Boston.....
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x210/23tl/_DSC1825_150x100.jpg

For scale.....
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x210/23tl/VORsing08RT-21514_600x400.jpg

Land ho.....
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x210/23tl/VOR10390_600x400.jpg

[steveinaz]

I wish I had a boat, does that count? :D

[venomclan]

I am in the marine industry. Sad thing is that the 2nd largest US boat builder just filed for bankruptcy today: Genmar.

[shack]

After doing a little more research, it seems the guy that gave away the Le Grand Bleu (Roman Abramovich) has a couple more toys. Here is his 377 foot Pelorus Mega Yacht.


http://modelshipmaster.com/products/Super_yachts/pelorus_.jpg


There is the little boat...the 288 foot long Ecstasea...


http://www.agent4stars.com/yachts%20pic/ecstaseafronthigh709.jpg


And the "runabout"...the 163 foot long Sussurro which is used as a tag-along to one of the larger yachts.


http://iopy.free.fr/photos/20030111-1.jpg


He also has a Boeing 767/300


http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/4/4/2/0859244.jpg


And he just took posession of a new Airbus A340-600...


http://www.airplane-pictures.net/images/uploaded-images/2007-8/6343.jpg


He needs his his 3 Eurocopter Helicopters to get back and forth between the planes, the yachts and his estates.

And then there is an English Soccer team...the Chelsea Football Club

Of course 3 yachts just aren't enough...so he is having a new one built...the 550 foot Eclipse. Which has some interesting "extras".


http://www.futurenerd.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/megayacht.jpg


If the old addage that "he who dies with the most toys...wins" is true...this guy is definitely in the running.

[megasat16]

Damn....Sounds like this guy is the real badass from James Bond series. :D

[shack]

Damn....Sounds like this guy is the real badass from James Bond series. :D

There are of course rumors of ties to the Russian "mafia" and other "shady" dealings. But that seems to be par for the course in the Wild Wild West known as Russian capitalism.

[fatchowmein]

I was going to say that I'm into sailing, but never mind......

Ditto. Haven't done it much but there's something peaceful and serene about gliding through the water without any engine noise - just the wind and water.

Doesn't mean I wouldn't enjoy a trip in a Sea Ray Sport Yacht!

[audiobliss]

Holy crap. That guy is insane. I want his kind of income!!!

[megasat16]

There are of course rumors of ties to the Russian "mafia" and other "shady" dealings. But that seems to be par for the course in the Wild Wild West known as Russian capitalism.

Any pictures of the chicks that dude hangs out with? It'd be interesting. :D

[Toolfan66]

Nice...but can ya fish off them. If not, they're useless to me....

Agreed!! being on a boat with a cold one in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. "Nothing Better IMO" well there is always naked woman of course;)

Larry.