The Yacht Prometej and Her BlueCruise Mission

Tobias Reichmuth and Aleksandra Jovanovic are currently on an 18-month world cruise aboard their yacht Prometej. That alone would be a story in itself, but the bigger story is why they acquired Prometej, a former Russian icebreaking tugboat from the 1950s (below) converted into a yacht two decades ago. Ultimately, the 148-footer (45-meter) will help them discover why some global communities are blessed with long life and good health.

With accommodations for 12, the yacht underwent her first conversion in 2005 under prior owners, and yet another refit with different owners in 2022. Reichmuth and Jovanovic acquired her last year, convinced she could conquer the oceans and simultaneously accommodate the super-specific needs they have for their research. Simultaneously, they will welcome scientists aboard the yacht Prometej, plus yachting enthusiasts, too, who share the longevity vision of their mission. That mission is dubbed BlueCruise.

Tobias Reichmuth and Aleksandra Jovanovic

Longevity secrets are deeply personal and professional passions for Reichmuth and Jovanovic. They’re both explorers, for instance. Reichmuth further is an entrepreneur who co-founded Maximon, a company investing in science-based businesses advancing healthy aging solutions. Jovanovic, meanwhile, is the founder of Powercube, a Swiss wellbeing club.

Reichmuth recently sat down with us to share their vision. “This isn’t a sightseeing cruise,” he explains. “It’s a mission-driven, immersive longevity expedition. The ocean is our highway, but the goal is to build a map of real-world best practices that extend healthspan, test them in a controlled yet variable environment, and share those insights.”

Diane M. Byrne: What are your respective boating and yachting backgrounds?

Tobias Reichmuth: We have no real yachting background. I once spent three or four days in Sardinia on a 24-meter motoryacht doing day trips. Next, I bought the 45-meter icebreaker superyacht Prometej! I did not even know if I would get seasick when hitting the “real” ocean. Aleksandra knows a lot about large ships. In her previous role as a raw-material trader, she managed a fleet of oil tankers. That came in handy when we started talking to shipyards to upgrade Prometej. Plus, she had done the Drake’s Passage—without getting seasick!

I should add that we had the support of Ocean Independence when acquiring Prometej. We would not have known enough to start proper due diligence ourselves.

Diane M. Byrne: What made this yacht specifically suited to your mission?

Tobias Reichmuth: This yacht isn’t just a vessel—it’s a mobile, controlled environment for human optimization. We needed a platform that could support a full onboard gym with Technogym equipment for everything from heavy compound lifts to isometric work on rough seas. A place for IHHT (interval hypoxia-hyperoxia therapy) sessions, infrared sauna, cold plunges (often the ocean itself), and full-spectrum red-light therapy. At the same time, we wanted enough space for guests and a co-working space. After all, we’ll spend 18 months on the ship and continue managing our companies. Plus, the yacht’s range and an ice-strengthened hull were important. We will visit the well-known Blue Zones (i.e., the regions where people get significantly older and stay in good health), but also travel through the Northwest Passage and go to Antarctica.

When we found Prometej, I was charmed. It’s a tugboat icebreaker from 1956, which was converted into a superyacht by Italian fashion designer Alberta Ferretti from 2005-07. Prometej’s engines were relatively new, with less than 5,000 hours. We only had to upgrade her seaworthiness with stormproof doors, better navigation systems, and one new generator. The ship has a rich history in the icy waters of the North and Barents Seas, and she looks adventurous. Her strengthened hull measures 2.5cm steel at the bow, her range is around 8,500 sea miles at 10 knots. If the hull gets a scratch, it’s not the end of the world. She’s not a princess, after all.

Diane M. Byrne: What are some of the health-specific features and services you added to the yacht?

Tobias Reichmuth: We transformed the yacht into a floating longevity lab. Key additions include a Technogym-equipped fitness space for everything from strength training to cardio endurance to neuro-motor drills, which I sometimes do with our dog Fritz. The full-spectrum red-light therapy is also very nice on cold, windy days. We have a personalized nutrition program, led by our chef Merlin, working with Larissa from PowerCube Geneva. Every guest and crewmember undergo pre-departure DNA and blood testing at an AYUN Longevity Clinic to create tailored anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial-supporting menus. We’d have loved to install a cryo chamber, but ceiling height got in the way. And when it came to a cryo bed, which would take a lot of space, Aleksandra’s walk-in closet got priority.

Diane M. Byrne: Are specific dates and/or locations available for guests to join the mission?

Tobias Reichmuth: Yes—but you cannot buy a ticket. Your story is your ticket! Tell us what motivates you to join BlueCruise. Let us know what you can contribute to life onboard and what we can learn from you, from longevity rituals to land-based excursions or martial-arts trainings. You can apply via our website.

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