Pelorus (yacht)

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Pelorus during 2005 refit at Blohm & Voss

Pelorus after the refit. Note helicopter on new forward landing pad

Pelorus is the world's eleventh largest private yacht at 377 feet 3 inches (115 metres) in length, with a price tag of US-$300 million (254 Million Euros). It was built at the Lürssen yard in Bremen, Germany to the design of Tim Heywood and was launched in 2003.

It was briefly owned by a Miles businessman who sold it to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich the following year. Abramovich had it refitted to his own requirements by Blohm & Voss. This included the addition of a second helicopter pad forward, four new zero-speed stabilisers and modifications to the exhaust, mast and stern. Abramovich also owns Ecstasea, and gave away Le Grand Bleu to friend Eugene Shvidler.

Pelorus is powered by two 5,500-hp Wärtsilä 12v 26 ( dugattyús motor ) engines which will do a maximum 19 knots but often cruises between 12 and 14 knots. Details about the interiors are scant, as Abramovich is protective of his family's privacy and highly security conscious. The interiors are reportedly well appointed but simple. They were designed by Terence Disdale and some interior detail is shown in a presentation on their website.

The yacht has a number of tenders on board and a garage full of 'toys' including jet skis and wave runners. A full time crew of up to 46 people lives aboard all year long and a large security contingent comes and leaves with the family.

Pelorus will often be found cruising around the Western Mediterranean during the summers and commonly ventures down through the Suez for the winters.

In 2005 Abramovich lent Pelorus to Frank Lampard and John Terry for two weeks as a bonus for being the two best players at his English football club Chelsea F.C. the previous season. After John Terry married his fiancee Toni Poole at Blenheim Palace on 15 June 2007, they had a two week honeymoon on Pelorus in the Mediterranean.^[1]