Eclipse sails into view at Beaulieu-sur-Mer

2011-08-11 12:34

Nice Matin report this morning the sighting off Beaulieu-sur-Mer of Eclipse, the largest yacht in the world.  Russian billionaire Roman Abramovitch - who among other properties owns the iconic Chateau de la Croë in Cap d'Antibes, as well as Chelsea football club - has five megayachts, but this is the one that puts all others in the shade (hence its name).

The superyacht, constructed in Hamburg, is the longest of any type in the world at an astonishing 167 metres, and cost just a handful of euros - 260 million to be precise. And, in a world where the oceans are no longer safe and piracy on the rise, Abramovich is one boat-owner who is clearly taking no risks. Equipped with an anti-missile detection system, this floating fortress is also fitted with bulletproof windows and can accommodate its owner's three Eurocopter helicopters on its two runways. The 70-man crew includes former members of the British elite force the SAS.

Of course, in the highly unlikely event that assailants were to board the vessel, the oligarch and his companion could always escape thanks to the 50m two-man-submarine which clearly comes as standard on ships of this type...

^{Eclipse - photo ©alijengi}

But this war-yacht is above all still, above all, a place of luxurious living, with 24 deluxe cabins and many facilities including a cinema, an aquarium, a nightclub, and a hospital.

Yachts aside, Abramovitch's love of the sea has not been without controversy on the Cote d'Azur, especially given the construction of a jetty immediately below his property here.

Although the mayor of Antibes is opposed to the construction of the pier, which would be built on public property, Abramovich has apparently secured permission - according to some sources - through a promise to restore at his own expense the coastal footpath which runs alongside his house. It should be no problem. Abramovitch has seemingly limitless resources for restoring the Chateau de la Croë, as evidenced by a recent visit by local officials who were invited there for a conference entitled 'The renaissance of an exceptional property'. After architect Alain Raynaud had shown a short film shot inside the Chateau, the local Planning Officer exclaimed: 'I was so dazzled by my visit that I really felt the urge to tell everyone what an exceptional house it is, right here in our community'.

Raynaud's story of restoration is fascinating for anyone who has ever done up a property abroad. 'When we found the property in late 2001, everything was burnt or smashed or torn. Only the shell remained. The idea was to restore the building to the taste of the clients, while respecting the original architecture.'

After months of planning and several thousand drawings and total immersion in town planning laws, permission was granted in February 2004, and since then over 185 companies have worked tirelessly to bring the renovation of the Château to completion, as well as the guest-house and park. 'The proprietor had to have total confidence in people whose language he didn't speak and who didn't speak his,' said Raynaud. 'It could have been a dialogue of the deaf, but actually they've ended up with an exemplary restoration.'

As far as furniture goes, jokes the architect, Abramovich 'ordered it as if he were ordering a pizza - but with a 13-month wait...' To put this in context, every item of furniture, each sofa, armchair, chair, floorlamp, sconce, fireplace and door handle was designed and constructed specifically for this house. Only six chairs were actually purchased - for the staff.

A swimming pool on the roof, overlooking the estate and the Mediterranean; a basement with kitchens worthy of a gourmet restaurant; a fitness centre and - as on the yacht - a cinema: these are just the start of the story. The entire park was in a woeful state, but now it has been entirely replanted with local and Californian species by landscape designer Peter Wirtz, providing an eight-hectare playground for the billionaire's children.

Despite some delays, and thanks to an army of skilled craftsmen, they finished the job more than two months before the fixed date. A final point for all budding developers. 'Invoices for all the companies have now been paid in full. It's quite rare in France and particularly in this area. Roman Abramovich put his trust in us - and that makes him a great client.'

• yachts, celebrities

Share this: FacebookTwitterLinkedIn