The largest private yacht in the world, the Eclipse, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, remained at a pier in New York City this week.
It is unclear why the 533-foot-long vessel, estimated to have cost some $1.5 billion, docked in New York this week, but its arrival piqued the curiosity of locals. Abramovich is known to avoid the media spotlight.
A spokesman did not give reason for why Abramovich’s yacht is docked in New York, but several workers and officials told CNBC that the boat will remain there until April. There has been speculation that he is using the vessel as a temporary residence because it is more secure than living in a New York City home.
The Eclipse, constructed by German firm Blohm + Voss, is outfitted with a team of more than 60 crewmembers, security cameras, sensors, pools, two helicopter pads, and a submarine. It is just nearly 2 feet longer than the second-largest yacht, the Dubai, which is owned by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed.
It was reported in 2009 that Abramovich, who made his money through investments and is the owner of the English Premier League Chelsea Football Club, installed an “anti-photo shield” that prevents any photograph from being taken in the vicinity of the yacht.
