What’s happened to Russia’s super yachts?

At this time of year, many Russian super yachts would be headed to the Mediterranean ports of Monaco or Capri in Italy.

But right now, many of them are docked and under the guard of government sanctions.

The word Oligarch is almost synonymous with superyachts.

But for the past fortnight, Russian superyachts have been engaged in a game of cat and mouse with European and British authorities.

Each vessel costs more than $500 million dollarrs.

Shipping data experts monitor their on board tracking devices and allow the journeys of these vessels to be plotted by authoritities.

Targeting yachts

Right now the UK, the United States and the European Union are targeting Russian linked superyachts – and a number have been impounded.

But the Russians are nothing if not ingenious, and their methods of evading sanctions are becoming known.

Many superyachts are linked to Russian billionaires but ownership is shrouded in secrecy.

The MY Solaris cost $600m, and boasts a pool and a helipad. It has a crew of up to 60 and can accommodate more than 30 guests.

It left Barcelona on March 8.

It docked in Montenegro days after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK. 

But other superyachts haven’t moved. 

One of them is Clio which is linked to Oleg Deri-paska, an industrialist with close ties to Vladimir Putin.

It has its own support vessel and its own helipad – and is currently near the Maldives. 

But it’s hard to hide a superyacht.

The Maldives, the Seychelles and Dubai don’t have an agreement with the US, UK or EU that would allow the authorities to seize the yachts.

A superyacht linked to Vladimir Putin in the past sailed back to Russian waters before the invasion of Ukraine began.

It’s the case for many superyachts, trying to outsmart western sanctions.