Now there’s a sight you don’t see everyday! On Saturday and Sunday the 31st of March and the 1st of April, Casa de Campo villa owners and visitors were treated to the magnificent sight of a very impressive megayacht, “Le Grande Bleu” docked directly opposite Casa de Campo’s Minitas Beach and just off the coast of the exclusive Punta Minitas neighborhood. It’s all glamor and fame here in Casa de Campo!
Apparently the 113m (370 ft) “Le Grande Bleu” first arrived at the Marina Casa de Campo on Friday March 30th, but was later spotted outside Minitas Beach on Saturday and Sunday – where due to it’s sheer size it could also be seen clearly from the Teeth of the Dog golf course.
One of the world’s largest private yachts, “Le Grande Bleu” was built in 2,000 by Bremer Vulkan in Germany for John McCaw, Jr., an American businessman, who 2 years later sold her to Roman Abramovich, Russian businessman, billionaire and currently the world’s 68th richest man with an estimated wealth of US$12.1 billion. Which somewhat explains why in 2006, rather than selling “Le Grande Bleu”, Abramovich gave (as a gift) the vessel to his good friend (and fellow billionaire), Eugene Shvidler.
And so it would appear that Casa de Campo was visited by Eugene Shvidler, who is the 164th richest man in the world with a net worth of US$1.8billion, who made his fortune by partnering with Ramon Abramovich to found an oil trading outfit. Eugene Shvidler is currently chairman of Millhouse, LLC, the investment and asset management company he shares with Abramovich and their partners.
“Le Grande Bleu” boasts accommodation for up to 20 guests and 35 staff, a cruising speed of 15 knotts as well as a speed boat and a sail boat for shorter nautical voyages.
“Le Grande Bleu”, photo taken from the Teeth of the Dog golf course
Other Mega Yachts spotted in the Marina Casa de Campo are:
• “Vibrant Curiosity”, a 280ft superyacht – spotted in January 2012 in the waters outside the Marina Casa de Campo. Click here for photos!
The Vibrant Curiosity
• The “Natita”, a 217 foot motor yacht – spotted in January 2012
• The RONIN, the Ronin is 191.9 feet long, has an outdoor basket ball court, 2 tender boats, 2 jet skis, a garage for a Hummer, outdoor dining area with a hot tub, sleeping space for 10, crew of 13 and a full lounge set. Click here for photos!
• The ‘A’, a 394ft Mega Yacht, owned by Andrei Melnichenko was spotted in the waters outside of Casa de Campo in January 2011. Click here for photos!
The “A” megayacht
• The Octopus, a 431ft Mega Yacht owned by Paul Allen, who was allegedly here in Casa de Campo with fellow billionaire Bill Gates in July 2009. Click here to find out more!
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