Abramovich's luxurious yacht has set sail from Mugla and is navigating towards Istanbul for a much-needed overhaul, marking a return to the waters after an absence of approximately 2.5 years.
Roman Abramovich's superyacht, the Eclipse, has left its long-term anchorage in the Marmaris district of Turkey after nearly two and a half years. The yacht is now heading towards a shipyard near Istanbul for potential repairs[1][3].
The Eclipse, one of the largest private yachts in the world, is 164 meters long, six decks high, and boasts luxury amenities such as two pools, jacuzzis, a disco lounge, a beauty salon, a gym, a helipad, and a mini-submarine capable of diving to 50 meters[1][3].
The yacht's departure from Mugla comes after Roman Abramovich, the owner of the Eclipse, was sanctioned by the UK and other Western governments in early 2023 due to his closeness to Putin. Abramovich moved the Eclipse to Turkish waters presumably because Turkey offered a safer harbor[1][3][4].
Superyachts like the Eclipse require massive upkeep, typically around 10% of their new-build cost annually. The yacht has reportedly been stationary in Marmaris for over two years before the recent move to a repair facility in Istanbul, suggesting it is now undergoing scheduled or necessary maintenance after its long idleness[1][3].
Abramovich, who also owns another superyacht, Solaris, has kept his valuable vessels maintained in Turkish shipyards. Solaris is currently undergoing repairs at İzmit Bay, Turkey[5].
In 2022, Abramovich sold the English football club Chelsea FC to American billionaire Todd Boehly for around $5 billion. Abramovich announced that the proceeds from the sale would be donated to charities supporting victims of the war[6].
The Eclipse arrived on Turkey's coast and drew attention due to its size and extensive facilities. Its departure for maintenance in Istanbul comes amidst a heated debate about the demolition of a luxury mansion in Istanbul, owned by a Russian billionaire[7].
Sources:
- Superyacht Times
- Bloomberg
- The Guardian
- Reuters
- Superyacht Times
- Chelsea FC
- Al Jazeera
- Despite being sanctioned by several Western governments, including the UK, due to his ties with Putin, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's superyacht, the Eclipse, is currently undergoing maintenance in a shipyard near Istanbul, Turkey.
- Owned by the same individual who sold the English football club Chelsea FC in 2022, the Eclipse, a massive private yacht, with two pools, jacuzzis, a disco lounge, a beauty salon, a gym, a helipad, and a mini-submarine, has attracted attention on the Turkish coast.
- The European Union, along with other international bodies, may closely monitor the Eclipse's repairs and maintenance in Istanbul, given the ongoing tensions between Russia and the EU.
- With the Eclipse undergoing maintenance in Istanbul and another of Abramovich's superyacht, Solaris, undergoing repairs in İzmit Bay, Turkey, the involvement of Turkey in the upkeep of these luxury vessels raises questions about its relationship with Russian oligarchs and their assets in Europe.
