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• Cars, Jets & Yachts

Flying Fox: The Largest Charter Yacht in the World

Following her spring 2019 delivery, Flying Fox effortlessly vaulted to the title of largest private charter yacht in the world.

By Ellie Brade

It is rare that a yacht the size of the 446-ft M/Y Flying Fox comes onto the charter market. Following her spring 2019 delivery, this one-of-a-kind vessel effortlessly vaulted to the title of largest private charter yacht  in the world. For those seeking the finest on-water experience, Ellie Brade shows why Flying Fox is hard to beat.

It is hard to know where to begin when trying to do justice to Flying Fox . Built in Germany by Lürssen , under the supervision of Imperial acting as builder supervisor and owner’s representative, she features a dove gray hull and distinctive curved exterior lines by Espen Øino, with an interior by Mark Berryman. Her staggering length of 446 ft, a beam of 74 ft and her huge volume mean it is no surprise that one of the yacht’s biggest assets is the sheer amount of space on board, both inside and out.

“ Flying Fox ’s layout has been wisely thought out by her designers to ensure that each area offers guests something unique, whether that is a two-story salon to entertain or a cinema room to be entertained,” says Julia Stewart, director of Imperial, the exclusive charter agent for Flying Fox . “The attention to every single detail has been critically observed to provide guests an unforgettable luxurious experience on board.”

A true passion project developed in close collaboration with her owner, Flying Fox ’s appealing design makes her eminently suited to the yacht charter market. Developed to be a home away from home, the yacht is packed with a near-endless list of features that make it hard to consider the idea of ever leaving.

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The unique curved architecture of the ship

The yacht’s grand exterior glides through the water

“ Flying Fox caters to all types of charter guests thanks to her beautiful looks and limitless amenities,” says Stewart. “If you want to set out on an adventure, there are all the toys and tenders you will need and highly trained instructors to take care of you; if fine food is more what interests you, then the culinary offering is unrivaled; for wellness lovers, the spa is unparalleled.”

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Flying Fox ’s contemporary and functional interior draws on Japanese influences to create a calm and serene environment that makes use of a small palette of colors and materials including bamboo, oak, fine stones and leather. Exquisite mosaic and tile work also feature throughout the decor. Fresh greenery and towering ficus trees and planters are special touches that enhance the entire vessel and effortlessly bring the outside in.

PYC compliant, and able to welcome up to 36 guests in the care of 54 expert crew, Flying Fox has accommodations for 25 guests in 11 cabins. These include a show-stopping master suite complete with 180-degree views, his and hers dressing rooms, a private beauty room and a sitting room complete with its own fireplace — one of five fireplaces on board. The 10 additional guest cabins each have their own sea terraces for a personal view across the ocean. Each cabin is en suite with a 75-in TV screen and media center, and has its own design flair.

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A focal interior point for guests is the sweeping atrium-style, two-level salon, which takes full advantage of the available height and volume to deliver a large seating area that overlooks the main salon, with a real-wood fireplace, below. This light-filled haven invites guests to throw off the weight of the world and relax. Other popular interior spots include the full cinema with D-box seating for 14 guests, an Atmos sound system, media system with more than 3,000 movies, a virtual-reality system and an abundance of games. A private dining room, with another real fireplace and enough seating for all on board, boasts its own aquarium as part of the styling, and is the ideal setting for enjoying formal meals created by the yacht’s talented culinary team.

An emphasis on social living, wellness and relaxation is seen throughout and nowhere less so than the spa. “Covering 4,305 sq ft over two floors, the spa is a state-of-the-art achievement that has been called a ‘little Palace Hotel Merano,’” says Stewart. “From the impressive Jacuzzi set in the middle, through to the hammam, sauna, cryo sauna, dry and wet massage areas, or the fully equipped 970-sq-ft gym, the assets offered are above expectations and run by trained professionals, with proven credentials, or former Olympic athletes.” The cryotherapy chamber is of particular note, as it’s the first to ever be installed on a private yacht, and is able to go down to temperatures of -166 Fahrenheit; it will tick the boxes for those looking for a true endorphin rush. A private medic is also part of the crew on board.

The yacht’s outdoor seating area

An aerial view of the beautiful swimming pool

This dedication to wellness is seen across every deck, with numerous spaces to gather, relax and enjoy the water. The nearly 74-ft-wide swimming platform serves as a base for sunbathing and utilizing the yacht’s vast collection of water gear that includes a large selection of tenders, jet skis and Seabobs. A fully equipped professional dive center is positioned on the port side of the lower deck, with two dedicated folding terraces. “The on-board dive center is the best ever built on a superyacht,” says Stewart. “Run by PADI-certified specialists who have the ability to train guests, it includes an impressive selection of gear of all sizes, its own breathing system that allows it to be completely autonomous and a three-seat decompression chamber.”

If the ocean doesn’t appeal, then head to the main deck, home to a truly impressive 40-ft pool. Placed transversely — a unique approach when compared to most superyacht layouts — the pool has an adjustable floor height that allows users to tailor their swim, with swim and massage jets at alternate ends. The pool is also a popular gathering spot for sunbathing or simply enjoying drinks and the undisturbed views. Other highlights across the four exterior decks include sheltered lounge areas, sun-drenched teak decks, two Jacuzzis — one on the owner’s deck and one on the sun deck forward — and the privately positioned roof deck that delivers escapism and serenity in equal measure.

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Food lovers will appreciate the multitude of dining options found throughout the yacht. “On the cuisine side, Flying Fox is definitely out of this world: not only carrying some of the best chefs, with some having worked with Michelin-starred chefs, but also having impressive galley capacities and incredible areas to dine,” says Stewart. Favorite spots include the bridge deck, with a dining setup, bar and an open kitchen with cooking options, including a full-size rotisserie, tandoori, pizza oven and teppanyaki and churrasco grills, which ensure all tastes and flavors are covered.

While capable of traveling to far-flung destinations, Flying Fox is currently based in the Mediterranean. Access in even the most remote anchorages is easy thanks to the two helipads on board, with the upper deck helipad ranked as ‘18-meter D-Value’ and big enough to accommodate Flying Fox ’s Airbus H175 12-seat helicopter, the largest private helicopter in the world. The upper deck helipad has a double use and can transform into a dance floor like no other for partying under the stars.

The visionary  Flying Fox  yacht dwarfs her competitors — literally and figuratively — and delivers luxury escapism in the highest measure.

The bi-level living spaces within the Flying Fox yacht

The outdoor dining area

  Flying Fox yacht is available to charter from $3.5m per week. Contact: Julia Stewart, Director, [email protected] , imperial-yachts.com

Photos: Guillaume Plisson for Imperial

[See also: Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]

Ellie Brade

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Yacht Charter

Description.

Flying Fox epitomises the zenith of nautical prowess, providing an unparalleled and exclusive experience that is beyond compare; tailored for those who seek the elusive balance between adventure and luxury.

Measuring an impressive 136 meters (446 feet) in length, Flying Fox is a unique vessel, meticulously designed to exceed the exacting standards of even the most discerning voyagers. This megayacht is more than just a vessel; it is a resort built for immersive, adventurous travel experiences and a world of endless possibilities both onboard and in the water.

Imagine a scenario where every guest’s desire can be fulfilled. Flying Fox performs seamlessly for explorers and pleasure seekers alike, meaning guests can partake in any activity they desire, even simultaneously. Some may indulge in the 400 m2 spa, enjoying the first cryotherapy chamber ever installed on a yacht, or experience the artistry of the dedicated beauty salon. Others may engage in kite surfing, sailing or powered watersports, under the supervision of the Water Sports Team. The onboard Dive Instructors offer every PADI course, as well as specialist courses, with closed circuit rebreathers for a world class underwater experience. For those who are already masters of the deep, there is a professional standard IHC deck decompression chamber, allowing remote diving expeditions without compromising safety.

This blend of romanticism and thrill of discovery is made possible by the yacht’s dedicated crew members, each masterfully skilled in their respective domain. With their expert guidance and unwavering attention, guests can immerse themselves in their chosen activities without constraint, reveling in a personalised and indulgent experience that enriches all on board.

Flying Fox is not merely a charter yacht; it is the embodiment of the ultimate experience, where every dream is catered for and the thrill of adventure beckons. To embark on a voyage aboard Flying Fox is to embrace a level of exclusivity and splendor refined to its purest form.

As the cool grip of winter descends on other parts of the globe, Flying Fox will set its course for the sun-kissed shores of the Indian Ocean , where the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Seychelles and the Maldives await. This season promises to be an exceptional opportunity for those who seek to escape the chill and bask in the lap of luxury amidst some of the planet’s most paradisiacal destinations .

Your voyage aboard Flying Fox will be a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, where your every desire will be indulged in the most sublime surroundings. Whether you yearn for the tranquil allure of the Seychelles or the enchanting beauty of the Maldives, Flying Fox is prepared to whisk you away on a journey of unparalleled magnificence. It’s an opportunity to create timeless memories, an opulent narrative that will be cherished eternally. Flying Fox - travel beyond the bounds of the imagination.

Tender & Toys

►► POWERED TOYS  • Lift E-foil  • Seabobs  • Seadoo GTX Jetski x3  ►► INFLATABLES  • Blast bag  • Aquaglide Free Fall Slide  • Aquaglide Sierra  • Ocean Pool - Netted Anti-Jellyfish  • Kayaks - Semirigid type  • Stand Up Paddle Boards - Semirigid type  ►► DIVING / SWIMMING  • OPEN CIRCUIT: A full range of PADI dive courses from Bubble maker through to rescue diver. With a range of specialty courses HDV / Full Face / Nitrox / Deep Water, to name only a few  • CLOSED CIRCUIT REBREATHER: Poseidon Seven Rebreathers are available for the ultimate underwater experience. No bubbles, no noise and full immersion into the sealife.  • HYPERBARIC CHAMBER: Flying Fox has an IHC Hytech deck decompression chambers (DDCs) designed, engineered and built to the latest standards and regulations of the professional diving industry. Allowing for remote diving expeditions without compromising safety.  ►► WIND SPORTS  • KITE SURFING: The largest selection of 2019 Ozone kites any vessel has to offer, you will always have your perfect size ready to go. Liquid Force boards perfectly paired to your riding ability and size, you will be up and riding in no time at all.  • WINDSURFING: We carry a great line up of Severne windsurfing kits, with sizes to cover all wind ranges and abilities  • SAILING: Catch the wind with our two ’Tiwal 3’ inflatable sailboats. Learn how to sail. Alternatively, if you are a skilled sailor you can close haul run into the sunset.  ►► WATERSPORTS TEAM  • TEAM: Our dedicated Water Sports team are experienced instructors in almost all water activities, specialising in Diving and Wind Sports such as Kitesurfing. Their goal is to give you the best experience under and above the water.  • PLAN: Meet with our Water Sports Manager to plan your days activities to get the most out of what we have to offer.  • ENJOY: Step down to the Swim Platform and our team will get you straight into whatever it is you desire. ►► GYM EQUIPMENT  • Arm extension  • Punch bag  • Stair climber  • Pull up bar  • Smith machine  • Chest press  • Treadmill  • Exercise bike  • Bosu abdominal leg raise machine  • TRX straps  • Gymntastic wall bars  ►► PROGRAMS  • Strength (Strength and conditioning, bootcamp style circuit, HIIT training, kettlebells, group circuit training, boxercise, power lifting)  • Mindfullness (Yoga, aqua aerobics, cross fit, stand-up paddleboard yoga, booty baare, zumba)  • Endurance (Shoreside guided running, high performance running, cycling, insanity circuits, skipping, bootcamp-style circuits)

Characteristics

• Helipad • Air conditioning • Deck Jacuzzi • Elevator/lift • Gym/exercise equipment  • Stabilisers at anchor • Stabilisers underway • Wheelchair accessibility • WiFi connection on board

░░░ Main engines: MTU 16V 1163 M84 twin CPP 5 blades  - 350 L/h at 10 knots  - 500 L/h at 11.5 knots  - 900 L/h at 14 knots  - 1,120 L/h at 15 knots  - 1,500 L/h at 16 knots  - 1,800 L/h at 17 knots  - 2,100 L/h at 18 knots  - 2,300 L/h at 19 knots ░░░ Generators: MTU 12V 4000 M33F  - 350 L/h  ░░░ Stabilisers:  - Quantum QC 3600 XT Zero Speed (Forward)  - Quantum QC 3600 Zero Speed (After)

Accommodation

░░░░🌙 MASTER SUITE ░░░░ ►► Master suite on the upper deck Full description from bow to stern:  • Jacuzzi  • Master cabin "Shell"  • Master bathroom  • His dressing  • Her dressing  • Beauty room  • His studio "Knot"  • His office  • PA’s office "Angle Fish"  • Master salon  • Upper deck aft  • Fireplace area 

░░░🌙 GUESTS’ SUITES ░░░

►► 10 VIP Suites on the main deck All VIP suites have their own balcony, office, bathroom and walk in wardrobe All VIP suites have either a pullman bed or single sofa bed which can be transformed into a double bed  • VIP Suite 1 "Sea Horse", 37.5 sqm (convertible twin)  • VIP Suite 2 "Starfish", 35 sqm (convertible twin) • VIP Suite 3 "Hammer Head", 37 sqm (double)  • VIP Suite 4 "Octopus", 42 sqm (convertible twin)  • VIP Suite 5 "Turtle", 45.5 sqm (double)  • VIP Suite 6 "Walrus", 43.5 sqm (double)  • VIP Suite 7 "Crab", 40.5 sqm (double)  • VIP Suite 8 "Whale", 40.5 sqm (double) • VIP Suite 9 "Clownfish", 47 sqm (double)  • VIP Suite 10 "Lobster", 47 sqm (double)

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A Look Inside the World’s Largest Charter Superyacht, the ‘Flying Fox’

The 466-foot-long, pyc-compliant superyacht has room for 22 passengers and 54 crew members..

Senior Staff Writer

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The Flying Fox is not only the world’s largest charter vessel; it’s pretty dang easy on the eyes.

Part of Monaco-based Imperial ’s fleet of charter yachts, the mammoth measures a staggering 466 feet in length and nearly 74 feet in width. Built by German yacht maker Lürssen, the vessel lays claim to the 14th largest interior in the world, according to Superyacht Times . That ample space provides room for 22 guests and a crew of 54. It also holds 11 staterooms, including a private master suite on the top deck with its own jacuzzi, and a number of VIP suites with terraces and ensuite bathrooms.

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Elsewhere, the tastefully appointed Mark Berryman–designed bar area includes a two-story saloon, a wooden fireplace, a huge dining table with enough room for every guest and a movie theater with state-of-the-art A/V capabilities. The boat’s self-proclaimed “curvy and extraordinary” exterior, which was designed by Espen Øino , includes a 39-foot swimming pool, an extra-wide swim platform, beach club, on-deck jacuzzi and sundeck, not to mention a beauty salon and barbecue area. There’s also a 13,000-square-foot spa that offers a hammam, sauna, massage area and a gym. And just for kicks, the yacht also boasts not one but two helipads—because you never know who might be flying in for a visit.

The “Flying Fox”  Imperial

Should you get antsy on the vast deck, no need to get cabin fever. The Flying Fox has a small fleet of nine tenders, a professional dive center and a plethora of recreational toys, including four Sea-Doo jet skis, four Seabobs, kayaks, paddleboards and four Vespa GTS Super 300s in case you need to explore any nearby islands.

Despite its gargantuan size, the boat is no slouch when it comes to performance, either. According to Imperial, the superyacht is capable of a top speed of 20 knots and cruises at 15 knots.

If you want to take out the Flying Fox for a spin, you can request information about the boat from Imperial. In the meantime, see more photos of the vessel below.

Bryan Hood is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. Before joining the magazine, he worked for the New York Post, Artinfo and New York magazine, where he covered everything from celebrity gossip to…

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A Tour of Flying Fox: The World’s Largest Charter Yacht

A Tour of M/Y Flying Fox: The World’s Largest Charter Yacht

Rumoured to be owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos,  Lurssen’s  superyacht  Flying Fox is the largest charter yacht in the world. At 136m in length, it’s a truly incredible vessel, reflected in the eye-watering €3,00,000 weekly charter price. Amongst guests chartering the yacht are the likes of Logan and Jake Paul, and Beyonce and Jay-Z, truly making it a yacht for the elites of the world. We are taking you on a top-to-bottom tour of the Flying Fox, covering everything from guest suites to the tender garage.

Her exterior

The 7,000 square metres of Espen Øino’s undulating exterior contain a remarkable array of spaces, each conceived with originality by Øino, Mark Berryman, and the owner. These ideas were then completed with perfection by Lürssen. Imperial Yachts CEO Evgeniy Kochman, who personally attended over 50 meetings with the customer, studying over the GA for an average of 14 hours at a time, says the owner was extremely involved with every detail, “from the engine room to the observation deck.” The owner’s prior fleet of superyachts was instrumental in determining the design. “It seemed obvious to integrate their facilities into one fully operational superyacht,” Kochman adds.

Inside Superyacht Flying Fox

Guest accommodation.

Flying Fox features 10 spacious guest suites. They are arranged in a row in front of the gym, allowing visitors to go straight from their beds to work out or have a morning swim. These rooms are all of the same sizes and open onto one of the long side decks, which divides into large fixed balconies in various configurations by hidden sliding panels. The spaces are modern and calming, made to induce a state of relaxation for guests chartering the yacht.

On the upper deck, the master suite is located. It continues following the same design sensibilities and embellishments found in the guest suites, creating a cohesive experience throughout the vessel. A 48-square-metre bathroom is centred with an oval bath and a large shower that are all spaced outboard for views through double-fronted sliding doors onto the vast private terrace that runs around the front of the suite.

The owner’s suite is another spectacular space, fitted with his and hers dressing rooms, a cosy living room, and a spa pool, located on the enormous private terrace. Additionally, the suite houses multiple workspaces – a meeting room and the owner’s office, accessed through a studio.

Social living spaces

When it comes to social living spaces, the saloon found to Port on the Upper Deck is the perfect place for friends and family to gather. It’s a leafy space, full of plants including two spectacular ficus trees. The lush plants are all on automated watering schedules to ensure they remain healthy. Bringing a sense of cosiness to the saloon is a real wood fireplace. It works like a typical fireplace, but with insulated ducts that route smoke up the mast with the help of forced extraction.

A dining saloon adjacent to the bridge deck saloon features a large table to seat all the yacht’s guests. A centre tank, complete with vibrant artificial corals, gives a pop of colour while also separating the areas (which can be entirely sequestered using sliding screens). The dining area features an open, outdoor kitchen that allows guests to sit at the counter and watch the chef work, or at the extendable dining table.

The facilities

Alongside all the amazing living spaces, Flying Fox also houses many luxurious facilities for guests to enjoy.

There’s a well-stocked superyacht gym full of the latest gym equipment, a terrace for fresh-air yoga, and a gym “menu” spelling out what’s on offer for more energetic guests. It’s staffed by ex-British military instructors to give guests much-needed motivation to complete their workouts. 

Alongside the gym is the vessel’s impressive 400sqm 2-floor Spa. It features heated limestone floors and louvred oak panelling centrepieces, providing individuals wishing to escape the outer world. 

Perhaps the most breathtaking addition to the yacht is her spectacular pool. The 12-meter swimming pool, which runs transversely on the main deck, is a technological feat and a first for a superyacht of this size. 

Toys and tenders

Flying Fox yacht houses a wide range of toys and tenders in her expansive tender garage. Inside, you can find five tenders and a plethora of toys ranging from flyboards and hoverboards to Seabobs and windsurfs. The facility is also designed to suit the requirements for using gasoline to fuel the tenders. Here is a full list of all the toys and tenders onboard:

Toy Brands on board:

• Seadoo – 3x GTX 300 
• Seabob – 4x F5S
• Poseidon – 4x Se7en Rebreathers + diving equipment
• Zapata – 1x Flyboard
• Awake Boards –  Ravik 3 electric surfboard

Tender Brands on board:

• Windy Boats – Limousine 
• Compass Boats – Work tender
• Nautique – Wakeboarding tender
• Pascoe Tenders – 2x 6.8m tenders

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Russian superyachts find safe haven in Turkey, raising concerns in Washington

PORT AZURE, Turkey – On a hot August evening at a marina on Turkey’s southern coast, the crew of the Flying Fox was hard at work, keeping the 446-foot superyacht immaculate for future guests willing to pay $3 million a week. One crew member leaned over the railing at the stern, wiping the highly polished surface next to the ship’s nameplate. Another was busy with a squeegee, cleaning glass.

The Flying Fox, the world’s biggest yacht available for charter, played host last year to Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who skipped the Met Gala in New York to cruise the Mediterranean and enjoy the vessel’s over-the-top amenities: a 4,300-square-foot wellness center with a Turkish bath and a fully equipped beauty spa, among many others.

Then Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then, the Flying Fox has been caught up in the dragnet of international sanctions designed to hobble the lifestyles of the oligarchs who help sustain Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rule.

Yet, while some superyachts owned by or linked to Russian oligarchs facing sanctions have been seized in ports around the world, the Flying Fox and others caught up in the broader Russia penalties have found safe haven in Turkey, the only NATO member not to impose sanctions on Russia.

The flotilla of Russian superyachts in Turkish waters is raising tensions with the United States, which sees Turkey’s welcoming of the vessels as a symptom of the much larger problem: Russia’s access to Turkey’s financial system, potentially undermining Western sanctions.

Turkey’s strongman leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has criticized Western sanctions against Russia, said in March that Turkey could not impose sanctions because of its energy needs and industry deals. “There is nothing to be done there,” he said.

In all, at least 32 yachts tied to oligarchs and sanctioned entities have sheltered in the country’s waters in recent months, able to move about or moor in its picturesque coves and bays without fear of seizure, according to a New York Times analysis. Ownership records of superyachts for the ultrawealthy are notorious for being hidden behind layers of shell companies. The Times analysis was constructed with news accounts linking Russian oligarchs to particular yachts that were then matched with vessel positions available on commercial sites such as MarineTraffic. In many instances, the yachts were spotted in Turkish waters by a Times reporter.

On Aug. 19, the Treasury Department issued a statement saying that the deputy treasury secretary, Wally Adeyemo, had told a Turkish official that the United States was concerned about Russians using Turkey to evade sanctions.

Three days later, Adeyemo sent a letter to Turkish business groups warning of penalties if they worked with Russian individuals or entities facing sanctions. Turkish banks, he added, risked losing vital correspondent relationships with global banks – and even access to the US dollar – if they did business with sanctioned Russian banks.

In September, several Turkish banks stopped accepting the Mir payment system – the Russian equivalent of Visa or Mastercard. Their actions came after the United States warned that financial institutions expanding the use of Mir or entering into new agreements risked running afoul of US sanctions against Russia.

Nevertheless, Turkish marinas continue to service sanctioned Russians and their superyachts.

The warm turquoise waters, secluded beaches and trendy establishments of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast have long made it a popular and convenient destination for Russian yacht owners and charterers during the summer. Local restaurant menus are printed in three languages: Turkish, English and Russian.

In June, the Flying Fox was singled out by the United States as “blocked property,” and its management company, Imperial Yachts, was also sanctioned. Nevertheless, the Flying Fox has been moored since at least May at Port Azure, a marina in the posh resort town of Göcek. Other superyachts there owned by or linked to sanctioned Russians have been cruising from one postcard-worthy cove to another in the area.

The town’s polluted waters are unsuitable for swimming, an attractive feature for superyacht owners because it keeps away crowds and unwanted publicity. And the vessels can easily steam to pristine waters nearby. If the pampered guests have any unfulfilled needs, small boats roam around the harbor, selling groceries, ice cream, Turkish crepes and even massages.

Port Azure, touted as the first “mega-yacht-only marina” in Turkey, was opened last year by STFA, one of Turkey’s biggest conglomerates. The marina, which prides itself on its website as being a “haven” that makes “problems big and small go away,” has hosted at least eight yachts linked to Russian oligarchs or sanctioned companies this past summer, the Times analysis found.

On June 1, a Turkish yacht broker posted on Instagram a video taken at Port Azure showing a lineup of five yachts collectively worth almost $1 billion, including the Flying Fox; the Lana, recently listed at $1.8 million a week for charter by Imperial; and the Galactica Super Nova, linked to Vagit Alekperov, a sanctioned Putin ally, according to news media reports.

As of Oct. 20 there were at least 13 yachts in Turkey linked to sanctions, the Times analysis found. Of those, four were owned by or linked to sanctioned individuals, and nine have recently been offered for charter by Imperial, the sanctioned Monaco-based company.

A spokesperson for Imperial Yachts said that after the firm was sanctioned in June, its clients terminated their contracts with the company and that it “no longer manages or charters” any of the yachts in Turkish waters.

But until late August, Imperial advertised yachts for charter and for sale on its website, including yachts in Turkish waters. After an inquiry by the Times, the listings were removed from Imperial’s website, which now displays only a notice announcing that the company had been sanctioned. The company spokesperson said that it had “kept its other pages alive as a reflection of its former brand.”

“During the time that the other website pages were visible, Imperial did not engage in any business engagements,” Imperial said in response to emailed questions.

Roman Abramovich, the most visible Russian oligarch recently seen in Turkey, does not use Imperial Yachts to manage the construction of his opulent yachts or staff them after they are put to sea. Four yachts owned by or linked to Abramovich, who has been sanctioned by Britain and the European Union, the Times analysis shows, were in Turkey in August.

Should the United States choose, it has tools at its disposal to enforce its sanctions on the Russian oligarchs, even if their vessels are in Turkish waters and even if the Turkish government is unwilling to cooperate, said Daniel Tannebaum, a former sanctions official who served at the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

One way, he said, would be to place sanctions on companies that service the oligarchs’ yachts in Turkey – the marinas, caterers and fueling companies. In that case, not just Russian yacht owners but also the many American yacht owners now in Turkish waters would have to take their business elsewhere, while the banks that do business with these companies might close their accounts so as to avoid becoming a target.

Superyachts are a significant source of income for the marinas, as well as other businesses in the area. In one example, Turkish news media outlets reported in April that Abramovich’s biggest yacht, the 533-foot-long Eclipse, ran up a fuel bill of $1.66 million in the port town of Marmaris. Its tanks took 22 hours to fill.

One of the four superyachts linked to Abramovich, the 460-foot Solaris, is moored in the Yalıkavak Marina in Bodrum, a trendy resort town in Turkey’s south. While lying idle, it still has 20 crew members who make trips every day to provision it, supply it with water and electricity, and dispose of its waste, according to a port employee with direct knowledge of the matter, who spoke anonymously because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.

Solaris also receives a truckload of food every week through a catering company, he said, adding: “Twenty cases of asparagus – what would you do with so much asparagus?”

Yalıkavak is Turkey’s most luxurious marina, with stores like Prada, Louis Vuitton and Valentino on a promenade lined with palm trees overlooking the harbor. At least three yachts recently offered for charter by Imperial, the sanctioned management company, and three other yachts owned by or linked to oligarchs moored at Yalıkavak Marina this summer, the Times analysis shows.

In an emailed statement, the marina said that even though Turkey has not adopted sanctions, because it recognizes “international concerns,” the Solaris has been kept outside the marina’s boundaries. As for the vessels associated with Imperial Yachts, the marina said that it did not know, as the summer is “quite a busy time” and that it didn’t have a system in place to check whether an individual yacht might fall under international sanctions.

In August, the Eclipse, one of the yachts linked to Abramovich, was anchored in the middle of the bay off Göcek, a 3 1/2-hour drive down the coast from Yalıkavak.

On an early morning in August, Ömer Kırpat, 56, was fishing on the shore in Göcek, sitting under a willow tree overlooking the yachts.

“The bells aren’t jingling,” he said, pointing to the bells attached to his rods to alert him when the fish bite. He showed his bucket with one lone fish inside, explaining that the fish avoid the shore because of pollution and noise from the boats.

Port Azure, the Göcek marina hosting the Flying Fox, was built over the port of a state-owned paper factory where Kırpat worked for 13 years as a security guard until it was privatized in 2001. He used to go there to swim, fish and have picnics every weekend with other factory workers and their families. “It was sparkly clean,” he said. “We caught the biggest fish there.”

He tried to go into Port Azure last year but was chased away. “We’re banned,” he said. “Soon they won’t even allow us to look inside. It’s heartbreaking.”

This article originally appeared in The New York Times .

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Launched in 2019, this unique vessel at 136-metre length with a beam of 22.5 metres provides a comfortable living space as well as a spectacular design. Despite her extraordinary volume Espen Øino International managed to combine a very elegant and graceful exterior with an absolutely striking look. Flying Fox’s balanced proportions provide generous spaces for numerous leisure activities. Highlights of her exterior profile include the sea terraces, platforms and the enormous aft swimming pool, which extends over the width of the main deck. Combining her flowing and dynamic curves with smart designs, each deck invites outdoor enjoyment throughout the day. In perfect harmony with the powerful exterior design, Mark Berryman has created a contemporary interior conveying a calming warm atmosphere with its soft, neutral tones and tactile finishes.

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136m  /  446'2   lurssen   2019.

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The current position of FLYING FOX is at Arabian Sea reported 16 days ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to the port of Duqm, Oman , sailing at a speed of 13.5 knots and expected to arrive there on Mar 17, 11:00 . The vessel FLYING FOX (IMO 9829394, MMSI 533132807) is a Yacht built in 2019 (5 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Malaysia .

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FLYING FOX current position and history of port calls are received by AIS. Technical specifications, tonnages and management details are derived from VesselFinder database. The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of FLYING FOX data.