It’s finally happening. After being surrounded by speculation and gossip for a little more than three years everywhere from yachting Web forums to traditional newspapers, Eclipse, the world’s largest yacht, is days away from handover to Roman Abramovich from Blohm + Voss. This photo was taken Friday as Eclipse left the German yard’s dock in Hamburg. She’s still in Hamburg, though if a Norwegian newspaper is correct, she’ll be in their waters around May 17 or 18.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, surely you know that Abramovich, the Russian billionaire who already owns several yachts, commissioned Eclipse. You also know that the exact LOA has been highly debated, since Blohm + Voss didn’t breathe a word publicly about the project, due to a confidentiality agreement. A variety of reports have held it to be anywhere from 509 to 557 feet LOA. My own research based on the superyacht’s IMO number reveals it’s 163 meters, or about 535 feet. That means Eclipse just eclipses Dubai as the largest yacht in the world, by a mere three feet.
Somehow I don’t think Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and owner of Dubai, is going to lose much sleep over his newfound position. And somehow I don’t think Abramovich is going to dwell too much on it, either – even with reports stating that Eclipse was commissioned to outrank Dubai. Certainly the bragging rights are nice… but it’s far nicer to be on the verge of using of the yacht and her various amenities after waiting so long for her to be completed.
Even with those involved in the design and construction of Eclipse keeping their mouths shut, certain assumptions can be made. The owner’s stateroom is likely akin to a penthouse, occupying the full beam (22 meters, or about 72 feet). Like every sizable superyacht, it surely contains a substantial bedroom, office, and en suite his and her head, perhaps even a private observation area, either indoors or alfresco – or both. Guest staterooms are certain to be ample, and the number of crew staterooms must also be plentiful: Some believe there are upwards of 70 crewmembers. There’s also likely a hot tub or two onboard, perhaps even a full-size pool.
As to the rumored features, well… I’ve already debunked the one stating that Eclipse has super-powerful anti-paparazzi lasers. Despite that, several media reports continue to recount their supposed existence – along with that of an escape hatch in the hull, through which a personal sub can take Abramovich in case of attack. Then there are the reports of a missile detection system. Even if a detection and defense system were onboard, the anti-missile weapons and their launching mechanisms would have to be of the magnitude that would occupy a lot of space – space owners don’t typically want to give up. I’m not saying it’s impossible; it just seems improbable.
Regardless, one thing is definitely true: The delivery of Eclipse is coming shortly after the Russian billionaire was said to have taken delivery of yet another superyacht, an expedition-style one named Luna. Measuring 115 meters (377 feet), she was also built in Germany, but at Lloydwerft, a commercial yard. She’s expected to head to Norway soon, too.
So what will Abramovich do with his new megayachts? Probably entertain members of the Cheslea Football Club, since he’s hosted them on his other yachts.
All in all, not too shabby for a guy who started his career selling plastic ducks.
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