Superyachts Arrive in London for Olympics 2012 Summer Games

The Russian tycoon’s Eclipse is the largest private yacht in the world, featuring 2 swimming pools, 2 helipads, a dedicated disco hall, 30 cabins, a movie theater, a mini-submarine, and her own missile defense system.

Abramovich’s master stateroom is armour-plated and protected by bullet-proof windows and a laser system designed to dazzle long-lens photographers.

Improbable though it may seem, this is gritty East London — with all the spent industrial allure of down-at-heel Beckton to gaze on, for example. Yet some of the world’s richest people used to mega-luxury and the most gorgeous, exclusive hideaways on earth are heading here, just in time for the 2012 Summer Games.

Over the coming weeks the Thames will be transformed into a glamorous floating village of luxury and excess. Up to 100 superyachts are due to arrive and a glittering string of parties are scheduled.

Billionaires who are planning to berth their giant luxury vessels in London for the summer include Microsoft founder Bill Gates whose superyacht Gogypus will drop anchor at the Royal Docks in East London, 5 miles from the Olympic Stadium. Microsoft co-founder, billionaire Paul Allen, is expected aboard his 414′ superyacht Octopus, manned by a 57-strong captains and crew.

Other superyachts believed to be on their way to London include The Maltese Falcon, owned by the Greek millionairess Elena Ambrosiadou, and the 246′ Leander, owned by Donald Gosling, the NCP car park tycoon. Illona, owned by Frank Lowy of the Westfield shopping centers, has already docked near Canary Wharf.

Source: The Economic Times, July 2012