Abramovic’s Yachts continue their stay in Mugla
By Moshi Anahory - Flickr: M/Y Eclipse Superyacht berthed at the Detached Mole, Gibraltar, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovic’s luxury yachts, 'Eclipse' and 'My Solaris', continue their prolonged stay in Muğla, Turkey. These maritime marvels have attracted much attention, not only for their grandeur and specifications but also for the geopolitical context that brought them to Turkish shores.
Arrival Amid Sanctions
The European Union's sanctions against Russia, following the military action in Ukraine, triggered Abramovic’s decision to anchor his yachts in Turkey. 'My Solaris' first arrived in Bodrum on March 21 last year, and after about nine months of waiting, was taken to Marmaris and then Göcek. 'Eclipse', on the other hand, was brought to Bodrum from Marmaris and Göcek offshore months later.
Luxurious Craftsmanship
Both vessels are exquisite examples of luxury and opulence. The 'Eclipse', a 164-meter-long and 22-meter-wide, six-storey yacht, is an awe-inspiring sight off the İçmeler coast. With a staggering market value of approximately 1.2 billion dollars, the yacht boasts 3 swimming pools, private movie theaters, diving and water sports equipment, and even two mini-submarines. The attention it attracts is no surprise given its grandeur and magnificence.
Meanwhile, 'My Solaris', sailing under the Bermuda Islands flag, is 139 meters long and 26 meters wide. This yacht, too, doesn't lag in luxury with a helipad and a swimming pool of its own.
Uncertain Duration of Stay
While the yachts continue their wait in Muğla, it remains unknown how long they will stay. The extended stay of these maritime marvels, albeit a spectacle, also signifies the complex intersection of politics, wealth, and leisure.
Protests and Sentiments
The arrival and stay of 'My Solaris' in Bodrum wasn't without controversy. Ukrainian sailing athletes, stranded in Bodrum due to the war and present during the yacht's docking, staged a protest. The athletes, waving Ukrainian flags and chanting "No to war", made their sentiments clear, providing a stark reminder of the turmoil unfolding miles away from the tranquil Turkish shores.
While the saga of Abramovic’s yachts continue, they serve as poignant reminders of the wider geopolitical context. Amid the luxury and leisure, one can’t ignore the intricate relationship between wealth, politics, and the high seas.