Abramovich's Latest Yacht Fiasco

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Nov 22nd 2005 at 8:08AM

Perhaps one of the reasons I enjoy covering the yacht mishaps of Roman Abramovich is because it makes me feel better about not having a megayacht of my very own. The latest problem comes from his massive Le Grand Bleu which is over 328 feet long. Stuff reports that the yacht may not be allowed to enter New Zealand because of a pet parrot. The New Zealand government is considering a $1 million bond for Abramovich's gray parrot. Sure, that number is pigeon feed to the Russian billionaire but still a pricey fee for one small bird. Bird flu fears may be behind the parrot fear and although the bird is microchipped, it doesn't have GPS so there are potential worries about what would happen if it escaped. The bird could be put into quarantine or have to stay in Auckland. It is not known if Abramovich will be joining his parrot in New Zealand but the yacht will have to dock outside the Hilton Hotel at Princes Wharf because it is too big for Viaduct Harbour.

[picture via Community Webshots]

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

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