Russian President Medvedev Buys $42 Million Megayacht

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Feb 1st 2011 at 3:01PM

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has spent $42 million on a secondhand superyacht complete with whirlpool baths, an artificial waterfall and a cinema. The 177 foot-long explorer-style Sirius (above), above, was built in 2009 and has accommodations for 12 guests in six staterooms along with 12 crew. The Kremlin bought the yacht from Turkey's Proteksan-Turquoise shipyard as a replacement for the current presidential yacht, which is due to be decommissioned, the London Telegraph reports. The craft's other luxury features include a deck Jacuzzi for 6, spacious sunbathing areas, a gym, a sheltered lounge area and an alfresco dining area for 14 with barbecue and bar. Ironically, Medvedev has been critical of Russians flaunting their wealth.

Sirius can reach a maximum speed of 18 knots, powered by twin Caterpillar 3512B diesel engines, each rated for 1,911 horsepower. Her range is 5000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots, making a transatlantic trip possible. Kremlin spokesman Viktor Khrenikov was quoted in the Russian press to the effect that the yacht will be given a presidential upgrade at an unspecified cost, no doubt with some Abramovich-style security features as well. "Everything necessary for a president for work and relaxation has been thought of," Khrenikov says, noting, "The president could use her during the 2014 Olympics [in the Black Sea port of Sochi]."

Gallery: Dmitry Medvedev's Superyacht 'Sirius'