The 'Money can't buy everything' post from August 11th mentioned that an unnamed Russian oligarch had just purchased the Villa Leopolda from the widow of Edmond Safra for an amazing $745 million. At the time there was speculation that the buyer might be Roman Abramovich. For the record, he denied this.
However, now Abramovich has made a big splash - not satisfied with his current stable of yachts (the 282-foot Ecstasea, the 377-foot Pelorus, and the 163-foot Sussuro) he is having a new 550-footer built. Apparently it is to be called the Eclipse, and besides being one of the world's largest private yachts, it will boast a complement of security features, including:
However, now Abramovich has made a big splash - not satisfied with his current stable of yachts (the 282-foot Ecstasea, the 377-foot Pelorus, and the 163-foot Sussuro) he is having a new 550-footer built. Apparently it is to be called the Eclipse, and besides being one of the world's largest private yachts, it will boast a complement of security features, including:
- A missile detection system
- Bulletproof windows and armor plating
- An escape submarine
- Two helipads
- A crew that includes former SAS and Special Boat Service members...
