Ask a Russian Oligarch's Superyacht crew anything...
Discussion
JaseB said:
RM said:
Most of the Russian linked superyachts are heading to Male in the Maldives, aren't they? With an international airport, plus the facilities required for a superyacht and no extradition.
There were at least half a dozen superyachts (we googled a few) down there already 3 weeks ago, I guess you could see the war coming for at least 3 weeks before that, probably a few people in the know too I imaginejustaninnocenthenchman said:
I've never been on an armed yacht. Apparently it is a paperwork nightmare. When piracy was a real problem yachts would often carry armed security forces as supernumerary crew. They would dump the weapons overboard before arrival at the other end rather than deal with the admin.
Some have non-lethal defences such as water cannons and LRAD.
Some have non-lethal defences such as water cannons and LRAD.
I find this chap’s channel interesting to watch. He’s into his cars too…
Edit - security question at 4:55 or so, firearms at 12:20.
Edited by DanL on Thursday 3rd March 16:03
DanL said:
Here’s a question - are the owners enthusiastic about boats, or do they have these things because it’s just what you do when you’re absolutely loaded / to show off?
Not in my experience. Think of them more as a completely private floating house and it makes more sense. They will play with the tenders and toys, do water sports etc, but not many of them are what I would consider 'boaty people'. For example, if we were buying a new tender, I wouldn't expect the owner to have any input beyond aesthetics. They would never specify a hull profile or prop pitch.What does typical usage involve? Do they like to 'take to the high seas' and journey between land masses on a voyage of self discovery, or is it more a case of being out of range of tele-photo lenses whilst being able to access the shore for other activities?
Also, can you tell us more about your interactions nude or nearly-nude supermodels? Just embellish or fabricate the response if you must, as we'll never know and will (mostly) collectively be ever-so-grateful.
Also, can you tell us more about your interactions nude or nearly-nude supermodels? Just embellish or fabricate the response if you must, as we'll never know and will (mostly) collectively be ever-so-grateful.
HocusPocus said:
How long would it take to steam to the Black Sea sporting a snazzy blue and yellow colour scheme and bristling with SAMS.
Four or five days. If we could get the MANPADS and paint underway. We are lacking in countermeasures or CIWS so might not last too long against Kalibr AShMs.ChocolateFrog said:
Isn't the Maldives threatened by climate change?
My sympathy wanes somewhat in the current light.
Yes, the land is very low-lying. I think the highest point is only a couple of metres above sea level.My sympathy wanes somewhat in the current light.
No sympathy required. Our jobs are solid and this will be over soon.
bolidemichael said:
What does typical usage involve? Do they like to 'take to the high seas' and journey between land masses on a voyage of self discovery, or is it more a case of being out of range of tele-photo lenses whilst being able to access the shore for other activities?
Also, can you tell us more about your interactions nude or nearly-nude supermodels? Just embellish or fabricate the response if you must, as we'll never know and will (mostly) collectively be ever-so-grateful.
Typical usage is Med summer, Indian Ocean winter. Many Russians are reluctant to go to close to US waters, so Caribbean is out. Privacy more important than the travel. In my experience they wont even get off the boat.Also, can you tell us more about your interactions nude or nearly-nude supermodels? Just embellish or fabricate the response if you must, as we'll never know and will (mostly) collectively be ever-so-grateful.
As for the girls - I'm sure you can use your imagination. You would be disappointed by any stories I might share. Guest/crew interaction is usually minimal, and most of our use is family groups, rather than parties.
Macroni18 said:
Can you just resign and leave whenever you wish? Are there any clauses re secrecy in your contracts?
If someone fails to adhere to rules/secrecy etc. is there a chance of them disappearing forever?
Normally 4-weeks notice period. We have to sign various NDAs etc and have a strict social media policy. I guess you could do something to piss the owner off enough that they would do something about it, but in reality, no. Nobody has ever been 'disappeared' or anything like that, and most crew respect their contractual obligations enough that it wouldn't be a problem.If someone fails to adhere to rules/secrecy etc. is there a chance of them disappearing forever?
Divulging some evidence of overtly criminal activity which led to their downfall might be risky, but you could say the same about many yacht owners, regardless of nationality. We are not privy to that kind of information anyway, a lot of crew wont even know the name of the owner, let alone personal details about business interests etc. Besides, they are just here on holiday, not planning their world domination.
How big is the yacht you're on? Does it have a helipad? Typically when not 'entertaining' how many permanent crew? And how much does that increase by when the gaffer and his entourage turn up? How much notice do they give you?
I understand if you need to be a bit vague with some of those answers.
I understand if you need to be a bit vague with some of those answers.
Tyre Smoke said:
How big is the yacht you're on? Does it have a helipad? Typically when not 'entertaining' how many permanent crew? And how much does that increase by when the gaffer and his entourage turn up? How much notice do they give you?
I understand if you need to be a bit vague with some of those answers.
Pretty big, but far from the biggest. Yes, regular heli operations from our own pad. Around 30-40 ish crew on the books, same year-round regardless of guest use, though lower through the winter when non-rotation crew take leave. We will get notice of expected guest use (i.e. we know they aren't going to turn up tomorrow) as a very rough plan for the year. During the summer we will be 90% guest ready the whole season, and expect 24-48 hours notice of intended guest use to finish off the final 10%. I understand if you need to be a bit vague with some of those answers.
Once you've had the same owner for a few years you get a feel for when they will be using the boat. During the off-season it would take us several weeks to get back to a state in which we would be happy receiving guests. Charter boats tend to have more of a plan as the contracts are often signed well ahead of time (and you know when they will leave). Private boats like us can be less predictable, you might know when they are arriving, but often we don't know whether they will stay for a weekend, a week or a month.
justaninnocenthenchman said:
During the off-season it would take us several weeks to get back to a state in which we would be happy receiving guests.
Given that I assume the boat isn’t left to get covered in crap when a guest isn’t on board, this is amazing to me. Is it “just” that the expected standard is amazingly high, or that these boats really do take constant polishing, etc. to be kept looking good?Could you give us an idea of what work has to be done that takes a few weeks to complete?
Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff