Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

  • Landing Page
  • Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
  • Corporate Yacht Charter
  • Tailor Made Vacations
  • Luxury Exploration Vacations
  • View All 3613
  • Motor Yachts
  • Sailing Yachts
  • Classic Yachts
  • Catamaran Yachts
  • Filter By Destination
  • More Filters
  • Latest Reviews
  • Charter Special Offers
  • Destination Guides
  • Inspiration & Features
  • Mediterranean Charter Yachts
  • France Charter Yachts
  • Italy Charter Yachts
  • Croatia Charter Yachts
  • Greece Charter Yachts
  • Turkey Charter Yachts
  • Bahamas Charter Yachts
  • Caribbean Charter Yachts
  • Australia Charter Yachts
  • Thailand Charter Yachts
  • Dubai Charter Yachts
  • Destination News
  • New To Fleet
  • Charter Fleet Updates
  • Special Offers
  • Industry News
  • Yacht Shows
  • Corporate Charter
  • Finding a Yacht Broker
  • Charter Preferences
  • Questions & Answers
  • Add my yacht

Moatize Charter Yacht

NOT FOR CHARTER *

This Yacht is not for Charter*

SIMILAR YACHTS FOR CHARTER

View Similar Yachts

Or View All luxury yachts for charter

  • Luxury Charter Yachts
  • Motor Yachts for Charter
  • Amenities & Toys

MOATIZE yacht NOT for charter*

45.6m  /  149'7 | pendennis | 1999 / 2020.

Owner & Guests

  • Previous Yacht

Special Features:

  • Impressive 4,000nm range
  • DNV (Det Norske Veritas) ✠ 1A1 LC Yacht E0 R0 classification
  • Interior design from RWD
  • Designed for waterfront living with beach club
  • Sleeps 15 overnight

The 45.6m/149'7" motor yacht 'Moatize' (ex. Ilona) was built by Pendennis in the United Kingdom at their Falmouth shipyard. Her interior is styled by British designer design house RWD and she was delivered to her owner in March 1999. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Dubois and she was last refitted in 2020.

Guest Accommodation

Moatize has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 15 guests in 7 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 11 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include beach club, gym and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Moatize is built with a aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by twin diesel Caterpillar (3508 DITA) 960hp engines, she comfortably cruises at 11 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 13 knots with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles from her 71,000 litre fuel tanks at 10 knots. Moatize features at-anchor stabilizers providing exceptional comfort levels. Her water tanks store around 25,000 Litres of fresh water. She was built to DNV (Det Norske Veritas) ✠ 1A1 LC Yacht E0 R0 classification society rules.

*Charter Moatize Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Moatize is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Moatize Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Moatize Photos

Moatize Yacht

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Moatize

SIMILAR LUXURY YACHTS FOR CHARTER

Here are a selection of superyachts which are similar to Moatize yacht which are believed to be available for charter. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

Air charter yacht

50m | Benetti

from $189,000 p/week ♦︎

Alexandra charter yacht

from $194,000 p/week ♦︎

Alta charter yacht

44m | Palmer Johnson

from $185,000 p/week

Amica Mea charter yacht

46m | Hakvoort

from $200,000 p/week

Aqua Mare charter yacht

from $218,500 p/week

Aquarella charter yacht

42m | Devonport Yachts

from $92,000 p/week ♦︎

Aquila charter yacht

41m | Baglietto

from $124,000 p/week ♦︎

Artemis charter yacht

46m | Christensen

from $175,000 p/week

Artemisea charter yacht

45m | Intermarine

from $152,000 p/week ♦︎

Azul V charter yacht

from $136,000 p/week ♦︎

Barents charter yacht

from $168,000 p/week ♦︎

Berilda charter yacht

48m | Feadship

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

  • Like us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Find us on LinkedIn
  • Add My Yacht
  • Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

  • St Tropez Yacht Charter
  • Monaco Yacht Charter
  • St Barts Yacht Charter
  • Greece Yacht Charter
  • Mykonos Yacht Charter
  • Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

  • Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
  • Wheels Yacht Charter
  • Victorious Yacht Charter
  • Andrea Yacht Charter
  • Titania Yacht Charter
  • Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

We use tracking cookies to analyse and track website traffic so we can improve your experience and tailor your content.

ilonka yacht

Built in 1999, the 45m displacement cruising yacht Ilona was a significant custom build for Pendennis at the time, being the first luxury motor yacht to be built at the yard. The vessel was designed by Dubois Naval Architects and with interior styling by Redman Whiteley Dixon. She provides spacious and luxurious accommodation for her Owners, 12 guests and crew.

By taking great care with the design and layout of the yacht, Ilona’s original Owners successfully achieved the impression of spacious grandeur unusual in a yacht of her size. She has, for instance, six guest staterooms, each incorporating en-suite shower rooms finished in verde Rajahstan marble. Other features in the interior include mahogany panelling to the dado rail combined with pale fabrics and carpets and mahogany briar furnishings. The overall impression is of calm sophistication and spacious luxury. She also features a helicopter landing pad equipped with refuelling capability, fitness centre and a top-deck spa bath.

BUILDER Pendennis

YEAR OF BUILD 1999

FORMER NAME Ilona, Christine, Serena M

TYPE Motor Yacht

NAVAL ARCHITECT Dubois Naval Architects

EXTERIOR STYLING Dubois Naval Architects

INTERIOR DESIGN Redman Whiteley Dixon

CONSTRUCTION Aluminium

LOA 45.6m (149.7ft)

BEAM 9.5m (31ft)

DRAFT 2.7m (8.10ft)

MAX SPEED 15.5 knots

DISPLACEMENT 340 tons

PENDENNIS REFIT YEAR 2005

PENDENNIS REFIT LOCATION Pendennis Falmouth

ilonka yacht

Ilona in London

ilonka yacht

Top deck jacuzzi and sunbeds

ilonka yacht

The main salon

ilonka yacht

Spacious dining room

ilonka yacht

The VIP suite

ilonka yacht

Let's Talk

Whether you are looking to build from scratch, restore a classic beauty or make improvements to your current yacht, it all starts with a vision, and a conversation. We're here to discuss your next project, whenever you're ready.

yacht charter croatia white

Yacht Charter Croatia

Hanse 460 – 4 cab. – ilonka – owner’s.

Hanse 460 – 4 cab. – Ilonka – Owner’s

Hanse 460 - 4 cab. - Ilonka - OW

Dates: 18 May 2024 - 25 May 2024

Port: Trogir, Yachtclub Seget (Marina Baotić)

location pin

Specification

Equipment list.

check

Check obligatory and optional extras

OBLIGATORY EXTRAS

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Good to know

Lorem ipsum

It is possible to request alternative check-in and check-out times.

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

Yacht Bible | The Superyacht and Luxury Yacht Directory

The Stunning Ritz Carlton EVRIMA Yacht

zipper boat

Gliding Across Tokyo’s Sumida River: The Mesmerizing Zipper Boat

0L5A3460xGJH.jpg

CROCUS Yacht: An 48 Meter Beauty by Admiral

phi yacht 3

PHI Yacht – Royal Huisman’s $45 Million Superyacht

  • Zuretti Interior Design
  • Zuretti Interior
  • Zuccon International Project
  • Ziyad al Manaseer
  • Zaniz Interiors. Kutayba Alghanim
  • Yuriy Kosiuk
  • Yuri Milner
  • Yersin Yacht

Ilona yacht

  • Superyachts

ILONA Yacht – Luxury on Water $100M Superyacht

The ILONA YACHT is an 82 meter superyacht built by Amels in the Netherlands in 2003 with Redmand Whitely Dixon doing both the exterior and interior design of the yacht.

Ilona yacht

Ilona Yacht Interior

Inside the ILONA yacht, you’ll find five decks connected by an elevator for easy access throughout this elegant vessel.

With a beautiful mahogany interior designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon there is room for 20 guests in 6 spacious cabins and a stunning cinema that can hold 14 people.

Illona yacht tender helicopter

With a crew of 28 in 14 cabins, guests will always feel at home with world-class service and never a shortage of things to do. What was once a helicopter hanger has been turned into a large swimming pool and a helipad was added.

Ilona Yacht Exterior

The exterior of ILONA yacht, also by Redman Whiteley Dixon, features a brilliant white hull, aluminum superstructure, and beige-brown wooden teak decks.

In 2016 she was sent back to Amels for a refit, where the swimming pool was added, among other features. She was refitted again in 2018 by Abeking & Rasmussen.

Ilona yacht overhead drone shot

Redman Whiteley Dixon has a large portfolio, designing 21 yachts and 59 yacht exteriors throughout their career.

Specifications

The ILONA Yacht is powered by twin diesel Caterpillar Engines, reaching top speeds of 19 knots while her cruising speed sits at a comfortable 15 knots with a maximum range of 6000 nautical miles.

Ilona yacht side helicopter

She has a length of 82 meters (269 ft), a beam of 21.1 meters, and a gross tonnage of 1836 tons.

She is in the top 5% of yachts by overall length, and one of only 60 yachts within the 80-90m range and faster compared to other yachts her size.

Currently sailing under the Cayman Islands flag, the ILONA yacht has recently been spotted around Italy and the Mediterranean.

Do you have anything to add to this listing?

  • Caterpillar
  • Redman Whiteley Dixon

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Love Yachts? Join us.

Related posts.

MUSASHI Yacht

MUSASHI Yacht – Stellar $160M Superyacht

lady jorgia yacht drone 1

LADY JORGIA Yacht – Incomparable $90M Superyacht

moon sand yacht

Moon Sand Yacht – A $28 Million Superyacht By Feadship

lionheart yacht 1

LIONHEART Yacht – Enchanting $150M Superyacht

Boat logo

The global authority in superyachting

  • NEWSLETTERS
  • Yachts Home
  • The Superyacht Directory
  • Yacht Reports
  • Brokerage News
  • The largest yachts in the world
  • The Register
  • Yacht Advice
  • Yacht Design
  • 12m to 24m yachts
  • Monaco Yacht Show
  • Builder Directory
  • Designer Directory
  • Interior Design Directory
  • Naval Architect Directory
  • Yachts for sale home
  • Motor yachts
  • Sailing yachts
  • Explorer yachts
  • Classic yachts
  • Sale Broker Directory
  • Charter Home
  • Yachts for Charter
  • Charter Destinations
  • Charter Broker Directory
  • Destinations Home
  • Mediterranean
  • South Pacific
  • Rest of the World
  • Boat Life Home
  • Owners' Experiences
  • Interiors Suppliers
  • Owners' Club
  • Captains' Club
  • BOAT Showcase
  • Boat Presents
  • Events Home
  • World Superyacht Awards
  • Superyacht Design Festival
  • Design and Innovation Awards
  • Young Designer of the Year Award
  • Artistry and Craft Awards
  • Explorer Yachts Summit
  • Ocean Talks
  • The Ocean Awards
  • BOAT Connect
  • Between the bays
  • Golf Invitational
  • Boat Pro Home
  • Superyacht Insight
  • Global Order Book
  • Premium Content
  • Product Features
  • Testimonials
  • Pricing Plan
  • Tenders & Equipment

ilona-motor-yacht-amels-2003-74m-profile-by-night

Built for Australian businessman Frank Lowy, an experienced yachtsman who has circumnavigated the world four times, Ilona set new standards for elegance, technology and innovation when launched in 2003. Within her stylish mahogany-lined interior, designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon, a lift connects her five decks, which incorporate a large owner’s suite, accommodation for up to 20 guests in six cabins, and a 14-seat cinema. Ilona had several refits including extensive modifications.

About ILONA , brought to you by BOAT Pro

ILONA is a 82.0 m Motor Yacht, built in Netherlands by Amels and delivered in 2003.

Her top speed is 19.0 kn, her cruising speed is 15.0 kn, and she boasts a maximum cruising range of 6000.0 nm at 13.0 kn, with power coming from two Caterpillar diesel engines. She can accommodate up to 20 guests in 6 staterooms, with 28 crew members. She has a gross tonnage of 1836.0 GT and a 12.1 m beam.

She was designed by RWD , who also designed the interior. RWD has designed 46 yachts and designed the interior of 65 yachts for yachts above 24 metres.

The naval architecture was developed by Amels , who has architected 70 other superyachts in the BOAT Pro database - she is built with a Teak deck, a Steel hull, and Aluminium superstructure.

ILONA is in the top 5% by LOA in the world. She is one of 66 motor yachts in the 80-90m size range, and, compared to similarly sized motor yachts, her cruising speed is 0.06 kn above the average, and her top speed 0.64 kn above the average.

ILONA is currently sailing under the Cayman Islands flag, the 2nd most popular flag state for superyachts with a total of 1382 yachts registered. She is currently located at the superyacht marina D-Marin Zea Marina, in Greece, where she has been located for 1 week. For more information regarding ILONA's movements, find out more about BOAT Pro AIS .

Specifications

  • Name: ILONA
  • Yacht Type: Motor Yacht
  • Yacht Subtype: Displacement
  • Builder: Amels
  • Naval Architect: Amels
  • Exterior Designer: RWD
  • Interior Designer: RWD
  • Refits: 2014,2016,2018,2021,2022,2023

Yacht featured in

Yachts like this, from our partners, sponsored listings.

Targeting super yachts owned by Russian oligarchs could hit a nerve in Moscow

Poor transparency around ownership of assets can cause challenges, experts say.

ilonka yacht

Social Sharing

With sanctions levied and financial assets seized, Russian oligarchs have been scrambling to get their super yachts out of Western ports in search of safer harbours. 

One yacht, said to belong to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself, abruptly left port in Hamburg, Germany, just weeks before the Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted wide-reaching sanctions. Others were not so quick to leave European ports. 

Authorities in La Ciotat, on France's Mediterranean coast, seized a yacht they say is linked to sanctioned Russian oligarch Igor Sechin, the CEO of state oil company Rosneft. He was Russia's deputy prime minister from 2008 to 2012.

  • Canada slaps sanctions on Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich
  • Analysis With Russia pressing on and Ukraine digging in, how will Putin's war actually end?

Industry watchers say oligarchs everywhere are trying to keep their yachts from being taken.

​​"There's a few yachts that we are watching at the moment in the Atlantic," said Sam Tucker, head of super yachts at the firm VesselsValue, which tracks and estimates the value of these giant luxury yachts. 

"I'm expecting some of them to start doing U-turns in the middle of the ocean," he told CBC Radio's Day 6 .

ilonka yacht

Western countries have imposed a punishing package of sanctions and export control restrictions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Russia's biggest banks were hit, as was the country's central bank. Major state-owned companies and some of the country's wealthiest individuals have seen overseas assets frozen.

The investment bank JP Morgan Chase believes Russia's economy will shrink 35 per cent in the second quarter of 2022 and seven per cent for the entire year.

ilonka yacht

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki says the suite of sanctions is meant to make every aspect of life difficult on Putin and the oligarchs who protect him.

"What we're talking about here is seizing their assets, seizing their yachts and making it harder for them to send their children to go to colleges and universities in the West," Psaki said in a briefing this week. "These are significant steps that will impact the people who are closely around President Putin."

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a>´s Yacht "The Gracefull" inbound Kaliningrad from Hamburg in anticipation of future sanctions due to the conflict in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>. <a href="https://t.co/qdhAUhCH1m">pic.twitter.com/qdhAUhCH1m</a> &mdash; @GDarkconrad

Symbolic target

The yachts themselves are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but experts in Russian sanctions say this isn't just about the dollar value.

"They don't have much value compared to the total net worth of an oligarch," said Bill Browder, a long-time advocate for stiff sanctions against Russian oligarchs, in an email to CBC Radio. 

But they are "a highly symbolic attack on something coveted by the oligarchs."

These ultra-luxurious ships became a status symbol for the oligarchs as they amassed fortunes in the 1990s and early 2000s.

"There is a bit of oneupmanship," Tucker told Day 6 . He says the biggest and most expensive ships are cloaked in secrecy. They have extreme privacy and security features, including bulletproof glass, and some require crew to sign non-disclosure agreements.

ilonka yacht

But Tucker says the biggest security and privacy feature of all is the opaque ownership structure of the yachts. He says precious little information about who actually owns these ships is available.

"[Only] basic information is disclosed — for example, the registered owner — which is often a shell company or a 'special interest vehicle' registered in Monaco, Malta, [or the] Cayman Islands," he said.

Untying those knots is a notorious problem, but one usually confined to taxation issues.

ilonka yacht

"One thing that I think may come out of this whole situation is the increased call for transparency and transparent ownership," said Tucker.

Yachts on the move

So far, only four super yachts have been seized, including a 213-foot yacht owned by Alexei Mordashov in Imperia, Italy.

While authorities sift through the byzantine paper trail of ownership, other oligarchs have scrambled their crews to get the yachts to somewhere safe.

"One of the things I've been trying to figure out is, where do they go [next]?" asked Alex Finley, a former CIA officer living in Barcelona, in an interview with  As It Happens host Gillian Findlay .

This week, Finley tweeted photos tracking a ship said to be owned by Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire who owns the Chelsea Football Club.

  • Anxious Russians flee by the hundreds each day into neighbouring Finland

"A lot of these yachts that we've been looking at are heading towards the Maldives or the Seychelles. A few are in Montenegro, but they look like they're probably going to be on the move," Finley said in the interview .

Here you can see the sterns of both Aurora and Valerie, and in the other pic, the empty slip where Solaris used to be (which is the size of the empty hole in my heart). 7/ <a href="https://t.co/Luvj5vyWXp">pic.twitter.com/Luvj5vyWXp</a> &mdash; @alexzfinley

Neither the Maldives nor the Seychelles signed onto the sanctions, so the ships are probably safe from seizure there. Another major hub is Dubai.

"I think we're going to see Dubai as a big hotspot for these yachts," said Tucker. "It has hot weather all year round and … Russians can fly to Dubai without going through the EU airspace."

Tucker agrees that targeting the yachts is a symbolic move.

"It's really sending the message that they aren't untouchable. We've closed the skies on both sides of the Atlantic so their private jets can't operate, and now we're going after their super yachts," he said.

"I'd be feeling quite vulnerable if I was an oligarch right now."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ilonka yacht

Senior Business reporter for CBC News. A former host of On the Money and World Report on CBC Radio, Peter Armstrong has been a foreign correspondent and parliamentary reporter for CBC. Subscribe to Peter's newsletter here: cbc.ca/mindyourbusiness Twitter: @armstrongcbc

Interview with Sam Tucker produced by Rachel Levy-Mclaughlin

Related Stories

  • U.K. imposes sanctions on Chelsea's Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Your weekly look at what’s happening in the worlds of economics, business and finance. Senior business correspondent Peter Armstrong untangles what it means for you, in your inbox Monday mornings.

Ilona Amels 73.81 m Superyacht

  • Inspiration

Ilona has 7 Photos

Amels Superyacht Ilona

THE MEDITERRANEAN

Amels announces build of 78-metre Espen Oeino superyacht

Amels announces build of 78-metre Espen ...

Similar yachts.

LADY VERA Yacht At MEDYS In Greece

LADY VERA | From EUR€ 700,000/wk

  • Yachts >
  • All Yachts >
  • All Motor Yachts Over 100ft/30m >

If you have any questions about the Ilona information page below please contact us .

Motor Yacht Ilona was a milestone launch by Amels Shipyard of Holland in 2004, being a truly custom yacht measuring 73.81 metres (or 242 ft) in length overall. Yacht Ilona was launched by Amels in Makkum, the Netherlands and she has also refitted in 2006, and subsequently in 2012. Redman Whiteley Dixon designed the yacht's flowing exterior and was also employed to create the yacht's interior design. Yacht Ilona was built with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure. She has a beam of 12.10m (39.70ft) and a 3.60m (11.81ft) draft and she is built to comply to MCA and LR standards. She sails with an Australian flag and Ilona can accommodate a maximum of up 16 guests, in 6 cabins, whilst cruising overnight and she also accommodates up to 28 crewmembers. Each of her twin engines Caterpillar Inc Model 3516B DITA diesel engines produce 2,635 horse power or 1,965 KW giving her cruise speed of 16 knots.

Ilona Specifications

Superyacht ILONA is the forth yacht called ILONA which was built and launched for the same owner who is an Australian citizen. M/Y ILONA is the largest of the four yachts built, so far, and was the inspiration of Amels shipyard in-house team, Redman Whitely Dixon and also the yacht's owner(s). Her exterior design is unique with her flowing, balanced and naturally inspired lines and she stands out as being able to be easily identifiable due to her one of a kind good looks and also her formidable size (being one of the the world's top 100 largest private yachts). In addition to numerous luxury yacht amenities, this boat also boasts a cinema, a massage room and a gymnasium. ILONA has been awarded as the Most Innovative Motor Yacht and The Best Motoryachts Over 43 Meters awards.

Another interesting feature of motor yacht Ilona, and indeed one of the greatest design and building challenges, was how and where to incorporate the yachts large helipad and helicopter hangar. The was eventually successfully achieved through innovative design and creativity and without compromising her structure, lines, look or functionality. ILONA IV has the full retractable system of opening doors, on her aft deck, which has been installed to allow a helicopter to land and be stowed in a fire-proof hangar below deck. Overall, superyacht ILONA is a very successful and exceptional motor yacht which combines excellent sea going capabilities with superb design features.

Yacht Accommodation

Ilona can accommodate a maximum of up 16 guests, in 6 cabins, whilst cruising overnight and up to 28 crew.

Amenities and Extras

We do have available further amenity, owner and price information for the 73.81 yacht Ilona, so please enquire for more information.

Ilona Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht Ilona displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

Quick Enquiry

"One of the most important elements for us at RWD is the personal relationships that we forge with our clients. It is also critical to us to ensure that designing and creating with that RWD partnership is a very, very enjoyable journey. So when visiting our unique studio, this might mean helicoptering in to stay in one of England's very best Country house spa hotels, the nearby Lime Wood, and perhaps enjoying riding in the New Forest, fly-fishing on one of the best chalk streams in the South, all things frankly which have nothing to do with yacht design, but add to the memories of the creation of that yacht. The more pleasurable we can make the whole design experience, the more valuable the journey is." - British superyacht designers Redman Whiteley Dixon.

ilona-yacht

LEANDER G | From EUR€ 385,000/wk

Yacht Cocoa Bean - Profile Underway

COCOA BEAN | From EUR€ 550,000/wk

Finished Exterior

LADY E | From US$ 665,000/wk

  • Work & Careers
  • Life & Arts

Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko berths superyacht in UAE

A yacht owned by Andrey Melnichenko

  • Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko berths superyacht in UAE on x (opens in a new window)
  • Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko berths superyacht in UAE on facebook (opens in a new window)
  • Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko berths superyacht in UAE on linkedin (opens in a new window)
  • Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko berths superyacht in UAE on whatsapp (opens in a new window)

Simeon Kerr in Ras al-Khaimah

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Investigators around the world have been searching for sanctions-hit Russian oligarchs’ yachts. One has been hiding in plain sight.

Italian authorities in March impounded Russian coal and fertilisers magnate Andrey Melnichenko’s $600mn Sailing Yacht A after Russia invaded Ukraine. Another yacht, the $300mn Philippe Starck-designed Motor Yacht A, has been anchored for weeks in the port of Ras al-Khaimah, in the United Arab Emirates.

By placing his yacht in the UAE, Melnichenko has put it beyond the reach of western governments enforcing sanctions on those deemed supportive of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.

Its presence is a symbolic reminder of the Gulf monarchy’s ambivalence towards western sanctions on Russia, allies of Putin and the wealthy businessmen who have often benefited from ties to the state.

While the UAE government is trying to enhance measures against money laundering to exit a global dirty-money watchdog’s watchlist, the economic foundation of cities such as Dubai has long been based on welcoming flows of assets and people.

“Given its non-enforcement of western sanctions, the dilemma for the UAE is how to sustain its place as an open destination for capital while also appearing to be a good global citizen,” said one compliance professional. “It’s a tricky balancing act.”

The government of the Isle of Man said it had in March deregistered Melnichenko’s yachts, including Motor Yacht A, because of western sanctions, saying, “we will continue to act with appropriate robustness should the situation warrant it”.

Marine locator services placed Motor Yacht A off the Maldives in March. The Financial Times then saw the yacht on April 18. On Saturday it remained moored opposite Ras al-Khaimah’s city-centre fish market.

Businessmen in the UAE say Melnichenko, who denies affiliations to the Kremlin, held meetings there in April, but the tycoon has since returned to Moscow. A representative of Melnichenko, who has been placed under sanctions by the EU and UK as well as Switzerland and Australia, referred questions on the yacht to a lawyer who declined to comment.

UAE authorities in Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Abu Dhabi declined to comment.

European officials say they have raised concerns with Emirati counterparts that the UAE could become a financial haven for Russians placed under western sanctions. “We don’t want our allies to become facilitators for the Putin regime,” said one.

Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko attends an event

The UAE government has said it is maintaining a neutral course through the war, calling for an end to hostilities and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Abu Dhabi, which has developed closer ties with Moscow in recent years, has also assured its allies that sanctions-hit entities will not be able to operate in the UAE. The Gulf monarchy, which has long argued that it is not compelled to enforce other nations’ sanctions, is keen to maintain its historical role as an apolitical territory focused on business.

Thousands of wealthy, non-sanctions-hit Russians have relocated to the UAE to escape economic uncertainty and political instability at home, even though they sometimes struggle to access the financial system. “Big banks are more cautious but smaller banks are offering help to those wishing to relocate. It’s just taking a lot of time,” said a Russian businessman.

Very wealthy Russians generally find financial institutions accommodating. Most of the wealthy elite have second passports from countries that sell nationality, such as Malta or Portugal, which facilitates the opening of new accounts with lenders that are warier of Russian passport holders.

Others have turned to alternative routes, such as cryptocurrencies and hawala, or informal money exchange services. The cost of this service has risen from 1 per cent of the transaction value to 5 per cent since the war broke out as demand surges, said one person aware of the trades.

Many in the UAE see a hypocrisy in western concern over the presence of the yacht and the Russians building new lives there. “So it was OK for London to take all the oligarch money but not for Dubai?” asked one lawyer.

Additional reporting by Nastassia Astrasheuskaya in Riga

Promoted Content

Follow the topics in this article.

  • War in Ukraine Add to myFT
  • Financials Add to myFT
  • Russian business & finance Add to myFT
  • Government of Russia Add to myFT
  • United Arab Emirates Add to myFT

Comments have not been enabled for this article.

International Edition

IMAGES

  1. Yacht ILONKA, Pendennis

    ilonka yacht

  2. ILONKA Yacht

    ilonka yacht

  3. ILONKA yacht (was: ILONA)

    ilonka yacht

  4. Yacht ILONKA, Pendennis

    ilonka yacht

  5. Charter Ilonka Superyacht

    ilonka yacht

  6. 46m Pendennis motor yacht Ilonka sold

    ilonka yacht

COMMENTS

  1. 45.6m Ilonka Superyacht

    Ilonka is a custom motor yacht launched in 1999 by Pendennis Shipyard. Pendennis is one of the world's leading superyacht builders, with a heritage spanning 23 years including over 200 Refit projects and 25 custom New Build yachts. Design. Ilonka measures 45.60 metres in length, with a max draft of 2.70 metres and a beam of 9.45 metres.

  2. Yacht ILONKA, Pendennis

    This motor yacht ILONKA is a 46 metre 150 (ft) large aluminium luxury yacht which was produced by Pendennis and designed by Dubois Naval Architects. Accommodating 12 passengers and 11 qualified crew, motor yacht ILONKA is ex 33 Ilona; Christine; Serena M which was her project name and/or actual name. Completed for 1999 the modern interior ...

  3. MOATIZE Yacht

    The 45.6m/149'7" motor yacht 'Moatize' (ex. Ilona) was built by Pendennis in the United Kingdom at their Falmouth shipyard. Her interior is styled by British designer design house RWD and she was delivered to her owner in March 1999. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Dubois and she was last refitted in 2020.

  4. MOATIZE Yacht • Michael O'Keeffe $20M Superyacht

    Over the years, the luxury yacht Moatize has seen a series of ownership changes, each adding a unique chapter to its history. Initially built for Frank Lowy and named Ilona, the yacht was later rechristened as Christine and Ilonka. In July 2019, O'Keeffe acquired the yacht and gave it the name Moatize, after one of his prized racehorses.

  5. MOATIZE Yacht Charter Details, Pendennis of England

    Motor yacht MOATIZE (ex Ilonka, Ilona, Christine, Serena M) is a 46 metre 150 (ft) large aluminium luxury yacht which was produced by Pendennis and designed by Dubois Naval Architects. Accommodating 12 guests in 7 cabins as well as 11 qualified crew, motor yacht ILONKA is ex 33 Ilona; Christine; Serena M which was her project name. ...

  6. Ilona

    Story. Built in 1999, the 45m displacement cruising yacht Ilona was a significant custom build for Pendennis at the time, being the first luxury motor yacht to be built at the yard. The vessel was designed by Dubois Naval Architects and with interior styling by Redman Whiteley Dixon. She provides spacious and luxurious accommodation for her ...

  7. ILONA Yacht • Frank Lowy $100M Superyacht

    The Epitome of Luxury: The ILONA Yacht. Key Takeaways. The ILONA yacht, a symbol of nautical luxury, was built in 2004 at the renowned Amels shipyard.; The yacht's impeccable design and interior are the work of REDMAN WHITELEY DIXON. ILONA can comfortably accommodate 16 guests and a crew; Synonymous with unrivaled luxury and sophistication, the yacht ILONA is a testament to the highest ...

  8. MOATIZE

    M/Y MOATIZE (ex Ilonka, Ilona, Christine, Serena M) provides yacht charters in Directory. More about: MOATIZE. Quick Enquiry. More MOATIZE Images. Bathroom. ... The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not ...

  9. 46m Pendennis motor yacht Ilonka sold

    Built in 1999 by Pendennis, the 45.6-metre all-aluminium motor yacht Ilonka (ex: Serena M, Christine) has been sold in an in-house deal with Edmiston representing both the buyer and seller.. Photo: Benoit Donne During a refit with Azzura Marine in 2008, over 100 specialist technicians worked to rebuild motor yacht Ilonka's main engines, make exterior structural modifications and install an ...

  10. Motor yacht Moatize

    Moatize is a 45.6 m / 149′8″ luxury motor yacht. She was built by Pendennis in 1999. With a beam of 9.5 m and a draft of 2.7 m, she has an aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 509 tons. She is powered by Caterpillar engines of 960 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots. Moatize's maximum range is estimated ...

  11. Sir Frank Lowy's yacht Ilonka offloaded in fleet cleanout

    Billionaire Frank Lowy is simplifying his life with the gusto of a Marie Kondo devotee. The latest possession the 88-year-old Lowy has parted ways with is his 46-metre motor yacht Ilonka. It seems ...

  12. Hanse 460

    - Ilonka - Owner's. Dates: 16 Mar 2024 - 23 Mar 2024. Port: Trogir, Yachtclub Seget (Marina Baotić) SEND INQUIRY. Port: Trogir, Yachtclub Seget (Marina Baotić) Boat ID: 30783562. Year. 2024. ... Yacht Charter Croatia Ltd. Težački put 11, Kaštel Kambelovac. [email protected]

  13. Where Are the Yachts, Jets of Russian Billionaires Like Roman

    Mordashov's yacht Nord, completed in 2020 at an estimated cost of $500 million, has been sailing in the island nation for 10 days. Representatives for Mazepin, 53, and Mordashov, 56, declined to ...

  14. ILONA Yacht

    The ILONA Yacht is powered by twin diesel Caterpillar Engines, reaching top speeds of 19 knots while her cruising speed sits at a comfortable 15 knots with a maximum range of 6000 nautical miles. She has a length of 82 meters (269 ft), a beam of 21.1 meters, and a gross tonnage of 1836 tons. She is in the top 5% of yachts by overall length, and ...

  15. ILONA yacht (Amels, 82m, 2003)

    About ILONA, brought to you by BOAT Pro. ILONA is a 82.0 m Motor Yacht, built in Netherlands by Amels and delivered in 2003. Her top speed is 19.0 kn, her cruising speed is 15.0 kn, and she boasts a maximum cruising range of 6000.0 nm at 13.0 kn, with power coming from two Caterpillar diesel engines. She can accommodate up to 20 guests in 6 ...

  16. Targeting super yachts owned by Russian oligarchs could hit a nerve in

    Roman Abramovich's super yacht Solaris is seen at Barcelona Port on March 3, 2022. (Albert Gea/Reuters) With sanctions levied and financial assets seized, Russian oligarchs have been scrambling to ...

  17. Friot Yacht

    Hanse 460 - 4 cab. | Ilonka - OW. Friot Yacht. Hanse 460 - 4 cab. | Ilonka - OW , About us; Enquiry +44 20 3290 2487; Hungarian. About us; Contact ... Sail category Sailing yacht ; Built year 2024 ; Availability & prices . Availability & Prices-10%. Feb 24, 2024 - Mar 2, 2024 ...

  18. ILONA Yacht

    The ILONA YACHT is an 82 meter superyacht built by Amels in the Netherlands in 2003 with Redmand Whitely Dixon doing both the exterior and interior design of...

  19. Yacht Ilona, Amels 73.81 m Superyacht

    Motor Yacht Ilona was a milestone launch by Amels Shipyard of Holland in 2004, being a truly custom yacht measuring 73.81 metres (or 242 ft) in length overall. Yacht Ilona was launched by Amels in Makkum, the Netherlands and she has also refitted in 2006, and subsequently in 2012. Redman Whiteley Dixon designed the yacht's flowing exterior and ...

  20. Ilona Yacht

    Ilona is a motor yacht with an overall length of m. The yacht's builder is Amels from The Netherlands, who launched Ilona in 2004. The superyacht has a beam of m, a draught of m and a volume of . GT.. Ilona features exterior design by RWD and interior design by RWD. Up to 18 guests can be accommodated on board the superyacht, Ilona, and she also has accommodation for 28 crew members, including ...

  21. A $200 Million Superyacht Belonging to a Sanctioned Oligarch and Art

    In March, German authorities impounded Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov's ship, and Fiji seized a $300 million yacht this spring that had a rare Fabergé egg on board.

  22. Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko berths superyacht in UAE

    Italian authorities in March impounded Russian coal and fertilisers magnate Andrey Melnichenko's $600mn Sailing Yacht A after Russia invaded Ukraine. Another yacht, the $300mn Philippe Starck ...