Mega Yacht: Eclipse

Overview

Eclipse is the newest and largest mega yacht in a fleet of four owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich (the others are Pelorus, Sussurro and Ecstasea). Eclipse is still under construction and no details have been officially released about her dimensions, but she is rumored to be between 508 and 550 feet, which will make her the largest privately owned mega yacht in the world at the time of her launch date. Eclipse is rumored to be launched in 2009. She is rumored to have been expressly commissioned to "eclipse" Dubai.

Construction

Eclipse is under construction by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems at Blohm & Voss in Hamburg, Germany. The construction is taking place on a dock hidden from public view.

Features

Eclipse is rumored to come equipped with two helicopter pads, three launches, several hot tubs, a private cinema, a swimming pool, and a private submarine. For security reasons, Eclipse will also be fitted with bullet proof glass, motion sensors, and a special missile-detection system. Eclipse's interior designer is London's Terence Disdale Ltd.

Owner

Eclipse is owned by 36-year old Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who made his fortune in oil as well as commodities such as nickel and aluminum, and other investments. Roman Abramovich is best known as the owner of Chelsea Football Club. Roman Abramovich's three other yachts (Pelorus, Sussurro and Ecstasea) are most often spotted in Monaco, Portofino, Cannes, and parts of South America and the Caribbean.

Resources

Read about Roman Abramovich and his use of yachts Eclipse, Pelorus, Sussurro and Ecstasea in the Wall Street Journal.

Article about Roman Abramovich's commission of Eclipse.

The Luxist writes about Roman Abramovich commissioning the world's largest yacht.