StBarts

Abramovich's 'Eclipse' Finally Ready to Set Sail

After a year-long delay our favorite Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich finally took delivery of the world's largest and most expensive yacht, the Eclipse (above), the other day in time to berth her in St. Barths for his big New Year's Eve bash starring the Black Eyed Peas. The yacht, which measures anywhere from 533 ft. to 557 ft. depending on reports, cost somewhere between $500 million – $1 billion, again depending on which news accounts you give credit to. In any case, the Eclipse will cost an estimated $50 million a year to maintain and each fill-up at the gas tanks will run Roman a cool $650,000. The Eclipse, built by Germany's Blohm + Voss with luxe accommodations for 30 guests and 75 crew members, was beset with problems as we noted over the summer. The yacht, which features a military-grade missile defense system, armor plating, bulletproof windows, three helipads, two swimming pools and a wellness center, is said to be paparazzi proof thanks to a special electronic shield.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: abramovich, abramovich+eclipse, abramovicheclipse, Blohm + Voss, eclipse+yacht, eclipseyacht, megayacht, Roman Abramovich, Russian billionaires, st+barts, St. Barths, stbarts, wealth, yacht

Roman Abramovich's Lavish New Year's Eve Plans

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wealth

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich must be feeling optimistic about the new year. The London Times reports that he and his girlfriend Daria Zhukova are planning a lavish celebration on St Barts for New Year's Eve. The beach party for 250 people will reportedly include a performance by Prince, a treat that Abramovich is said to have paid £500,000 for. Abramovich recently bought a home on the island for $89 million. He plans to use the entire Governor Bay area as a party space bringing luxury yachts in and launching fireworks off of one of his own massive boats.

The outdoor party will also include the swimming pool and the outdoor cinema. Abramovich is believed to be spending £3 million on the affair. The guest list is a secret but it has been speculated that Jude Law and Simon Cowell received invites. It's all a far cry from last year when Abramovich canceled his Aspen New Year's Eve bash.

Tags: new years eve, NewYearsEve, roman abramovich, RomanAbramovich, st barts, StBarts