Ask a Russian Oligarch's Superyacht crew anything...
Discussion
QuattroDave said:
What cars do the owners typically arrive to port in?
That should help steer it back into the lounge
Mercedes vans usually. Or a helicopter. Often the high-profile owners will join on anchor to avoid being noticed. Being 'papped' is just for the wannabes and the insta-famous.That should help steer it back into the lounge
I have seen various exotica around owner's villas as you might expect. Most special for me though was a Maserati MC-12.
sagarich said:
With the current situation, have you or your crew been met with any hostility at your current port?
I had expected a lot more questions like this in terms of sanctions, collective guilt etc.Short answer - No.
We are in a port which knows us as individuals very well. We have been regulars for years. Our owner (though not publicly linked to the yacht) is not on the list. He is not political or military, but we all know that nobody amasses this kind of wealth by playing fair. However, we are fully aware that we are essentially a target for anyone who wants to take a cheap shot at the regime, it would not be difficult and is a very real possibility. The fact that we are associated with Russia is justification enough in some peoples minds. It is a concern for some crew members and management are understanding of the fact that they may not want to be here. It is an unusual situation for all of us. Many Russian yachts are leaving the EU to avoid being impounded. The UK DfT statement was very open in its terms effectively stating that any vessel linked to Russia could be held. The EU are being slightly more selective. So far.
sherman said:
If your russian owned. What flag does the yacht sail under or are you now hoisting the jolly roger?
The boat is not 'Russian owned'. The question of ownership is a surprisingly complicated one. For reasons of liability, a boat will be owned by a company set up specifically for that purpose. That means, any liability is limited to the assets of that company, rather than an individual. These assets are essentially the vessel and its fixtures and fittings. These companies are set up offshore and exist on paper only. It means that when somebody asks, 'who owns the yacht' the answer is rarely who you might think. The way around it now is by asking who the beneficial owner is, i.e. the person who uses it. They may only have a tenuous link to the vessel, but to all intents and purposes it is theirs. This is why yachts are being seized by association, rather than any proof of actual ownership. IANAL.Flag answered already earlier.
ChocolateFrog said:
Are Russians universally 
s or just most of them?
I visited Russia many times before working for them, and found them generally nice enough people. The Owners I have been associated with have been very nice on a personal level, but not people you would want to find yourself on the wrong side of. We see them at their most relaxed, and they often drop the tough-guy persona necessary in their professional life when onboard the boats.s or just most of them?ChocolateFrog said:
A more serious question would be what does a typical chief engineers day look like?
I'm imagining it mostly involves liaising with the manufacturer when something goes tits and up and then turning it off and on again.
I'm assuming they're not elbow deep in engine oil very often on a modern yacht.
Paperwork. Reporting. Planned maintenance and refit planning. Some hands-on, but that depends on the size of the vessel and the number in the engineering dept.I'm imagining it mostly involves liaising with the manufacturer when something goes tits and up and then turning it off and on again.
I'm assuming they're not elbow deep in engine oil very often on a modern yacht.
Blib said:
Is the yacht armed?
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.
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 imagineDanL 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.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.
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