Russian billionaire's mega yacht sails into Leith for the Tattoo

Published on Wednesday 12 August 2009 09:45

IT WOULDN'T be out of place in a James Bond film. But, equipped with a helicopter, aquarium and even, it is rumoured, a missile detection system, Le Grand Bleu is instead the ultimate floating holiday home.

The world's 16th largest super-yacht – formerly owned by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich – sailed into Leith at noon yesterday, sparking excitement about who might be on board.

The 370-foot mega yacht is now thought to be owned by Russian oil billionaire, Eugene Shvidler, who is an old friend of Mr Abramovich.

It is understood that whoever was on board sailed into the Capital to watch the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with security guards protecting the huge craft near Ocean Terminal while its passengers were in town.

One insider who knows the yacht told the Evening News: "It's absolutely huge. It has the best features, including a glass bottom room and a massive sail boat on deck, as well as a massive Sunseeker – a really fast yacht like those you see in Bond films. They cost millions and need cranes to lift them off. The sides of the boat fold down to unload jet-skis."

She added: "It has a sauna, steam room and a swimming pool, with an aquarium at one end and then the bar. From the bar you can see right through the aquarium to the pool. The master cabin has a 180-degree view."

Le Grand Bleu is one of the largest private yachts in the world and weighs in at 5,500 gross tonnes.

Among other things, the yacht has its own sewage and wastewater treatment plants, complies to strict nitrogen and sulphur exhaust emissions limits, and makes its own water.

It was built at the Vulkan yard in Germany and was launched in 2000.

Security features include a submarine for detecting limpet mines and a missile detection system.

In June 2006, it was rumoured that Mr Abramovich gave the yacht to Mr Shvidler as a gift.

It is understood when the Chelsea owner had the yacht it was one of two he owned. One stayed in the Mediterranean, while Le Grand Bleu travelled around the world."

STORY OF THE BLEU

LE Grand Bleu is one of the largest private yachts in the world, measuring 370 feet, weighing 5500 tonnes, and said to be worth 150 million.

It was built in Bremenand was launched with a crew of 50 in 2000. The yacht, which costs around 6m a year to operate, was previously owned by Russian billionaire and Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.

In 2006 he gave Le Grand Bleu to his friend, Russian oil billionaire Eugene Shvidler, who it is believed is still the owner.