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Yachting World

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Leonardo Ferragamo: The fashion magnate behind Nautor’s Swan’s remarkable rise

• Toby Hodges
• August 13, 2020

Fashion magnate Leonardo Ferragamo has cultivated Nautor’s Swan into the world’s most respected yacht brand. Toby Hodges find out how he did it...

Photo: Nautor's Swan

If there is one yacht marque that every sailor knows, and can probably recognise even at a distance, it’s Nautor’s Swan. This famous Finnish yard has been owned for more that 20 years by an Italian, Leonardo Ferragamo, who has not only taken it through choppy waters, including a recession and now a global pandemic, but he has helped expand it into the most ambitious, innovative yacht brand in the world.

Swan is as popular now as it has ever been, with an order book to envy. An aggressive investment strategy over recent years has revamped the firm and led to a broad range that now includes cruising and racing yachts from 36-125ft.

But how does someone whose business is in fashion come to own a yacht building company? Ferragamo insists there are strong ties between the worlds of fashion and sailing. “It is about branding, it is about international marketing, about a product that needs to be done because of the substance, the contents, the reliability and the beauty that you can put in a product.”

The ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone is Ferragamo’s eighth Swan. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

When he bought the controlling interest in Nautor’s Swan in 1998, his overriding desire was to create a high-end brand. So how and why did he do it?

I connect with Ferragamo via video, as is the custom during isolation times. He sits at a varnished table in his Florentine home, with books and family photographs backlit on the bookshelf behind him. He has a healthy glow and looks younger than his 67 years.

Leonardo is one of six children born into the Salvatore Ferragamo fashion kingdom. He admits it was a privilege, yet says it never seemed that way. “At all times it felt like we were being pushed to take the hard route in life and always working for your own result,” he says.

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Leonardo’s father Salvatore established a legacy when he became known as the shoemaker of the stars – Marilyn Monroe famously wore his 4in heels in the movie Some Like It Hot . He opened his Hollywood Boot Shop in the 1920s and, after the Wall Street Crash, he founded the headquarters of Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence in 1938, where it remains today (including a museum housing Ferragamo patents). Salvatore died in his early 60s when Leonardo was just seven years old.

Family first

Leonardo is quick to credit the success of the present day Salvatore Ferragamo business to his mother: “My mother had been the driving force of the era after my father’s passing away in 1960, having been left with six kids from 18 years old to two-and-a-half, and a company that was based only on my father, my father’s personality, his creativity, his ability to do business.”

His mother, Wanda Miletti, was over 20 years younger than Salvatore and despite having no practical experience of the business she took control of it, expanding it into the global luxury goods retailer we know today.

Ferragamo empire founder Salvatore Ferragamo, shoemaker to the stars

At this point in our discussion Ferragamo leans in towards me in considered, happy reflection: “She was left with this and she took it in a wonderful way, with modesty, but with a lot of strength, and she was able to be a fantastic mother and a great driver in the company.”

Family is important to Ferragamo. His father was one of 14, he is one of six, and he has four children of his own. He paints a picture of family unity and business acumen from an early age.

“I was number five out of six, with the rest of the family entering into the business as soon as they were out of high school. So the business environment was very dominant in my growing up and I remember that I couldn’t wait until I got out of high school too and start giving a contribution to my family activity.”

Learning the trade

Ferragamo began working in the family firm in 1973, after studying business administration. [As a time reference, this was also the year that the Swan 65 Sayula II ’s triumphant campaign in the first ever Whitbread Round the World Race began]. “I started as an assistant to my cousin who was technical production director – a fantastic person, he is now 90 years old and he puts the same passion in his business as he did when he was a young guy.”

Ferragamo has always been driven. He describes a period 40 years ago when he was helping to create a men’s line of shoes for the American market. “It was a fantastic time because we always felt the challenge of bringing to the world what was inside us, like the style, the sense of quality, the Italian aspect.”

In the late 1980s Ferragamo pushed for the international development of the family company. Up to 85% of turnover was through wholesale in the US. “So that’s when I came up with the proposal to my family ‘let me take care of the rest of the market’. I was basically living on a plane and travelling the world, which I did constantly for at least 15 years,” he explains.

Ferragamo at the helm of Cuordileone . Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

After achieving his export goals at Salvatore Ferragamo, in 2000 Leonardo moved to the family’s other holding company, Palazzo Feroni Finanziaria, which is focussed on real estate, hospitality and a chain of boutique hotels. He remains the CEO today, while he and his siblings are still directors in the Salvatore Ferragamo group. His attention was also being drawn to Nautor’s Swan.

“And then on my personal side I got involved in the nautical sector, acquiring the company that I respected the most, by far,” he stresses. “I was in love with what they were doing and I had the ambition and took the challenge of taking it through difficult times that they were facing….”

In 1998 the challenge was to build up the Nautor’s Swan brand and, says Ferragamo, take the struggling company into the third millennium.

Victory at Copa del Rey in 2019. Photo: Martina Orsini

Ferragamo the sailor

Although his family is originally from Naples, Ferragamo was born and raised in Florence. He started sailing in his teenage years with his older brother Ferruccio on a Flying Dutchman. “I just loved the racing,” he recalls, something which has repeatedly shown itself throughout his custodianship of Nautor’s Swan.

“Thereafter started a period of cruising in a very leisurely way, until I boarded a Swan for the first time.” His first yacht was a secondhand Swan 51, and that was the beginning of his infatuation with Swan yachts. “I became more and more close to the company and the strong desire to get involved in it came up very sharply,” he explains.

Buying a shipyard because you like the product could be likened to buying a restaurant after enjoying the food. And if your experience is in fashion, why gamble with something as far removed as yacht building?

The Nautor’s Swan main factory on the Gulf of Bothnia at Pietarsaari, Finland

“I felt that there were so many areas of improvement and bringing this yard the branding reputation which I thought it deserved. So after a few years thinking about it, it happened.”

“Out of a yard I wanted to create a brand,” Ferragamo explains. “Becoming a brand means you want to control all the key ingredients that are around your product.” Ferragamo placed immediate emphasis on product development.

“It was about modernity, new systems, new constructions, new materials – product is always key. But at the same time it’s also about taking care of your customers… being close to all your customers is very important,” he believes.

Ferragamo with long-time Swan designer German Frers

Ferragamo was also quick to establish a bond with someone he felt critical to the continuity of the yard. German Frers had been the primary designer for Nautor’s Swan since the early 1980s (and remains so today).

“There is no [greater mark of] success for a product than to be recognised, identified when you see it at a distance, when you don’t read the brand name but know it is a Swan. To preserve that identity, that quality, it was paramount to do it with one [designer].”

Strength in the brand

Ferragamo presided over the yard with a respectful approach. Change was not abrupt. He moved Nautor’s main offices in Finland to its current facility by the water in Pietarsaari in 2002. He also looked to strengthen the Swan ‘family’, which he has achieved through events, racing and the development of the ClubSwan line.

He explains how they built on the bedrock of the existing Swan Cup, with other Swan branded events including the Swan European and American regattas.

Ferragamo still enjoys handicap racing, but during his more recent tenure there has been a steady shift towards one-design racing within Nautor’s Swan. He argues that this makes for an efficient purchase and higher resale price – and lower running costs for a high level of racing.

He also champions an owner-driver rule. “Maybe it will take him some time to perform at the best but there is so much pleasure in doing it your own way, learning from your own mistakes and challenging yourself.”

Ferragamo and the Nautor’s Swan founder, Pekka Koskenkylä. Photo: Linda Tallroth-Paananen

Nautor’s Swan’s robust return to the one-design world came in 2016 and for Ferragamo personally this was a second lease of racing life. He wanted to mark Nautor’s 50th anniversary in an appropriate way and rather than just look back at the past, they sought an innovative new product to take them forward. No one can deny that they developed one in the ClubSwan 50.

Together with the ClubSwan 36 , which launched last year, Swan and designer Juan Kouyoumdjian have produced two of the boldest, most radical production yachts to date.

Ferragamo has been actively racing his own ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone and clearly remains besotted. When developing the project, he particularly wanted to introduce a special competition for Swan owners to enjoy. This has become the biannual Nations Trophy, around which a whole league of racing has formed. It had 41 One Design yachts from 14 countries participating in the second edition held last October in Palma.

The names of Ferragamo’s yachts are a reference to, or amalgamation of, his children’s names, including his cruising yacht, the Swan 115 Solleone . Photos: Carlo Borlenghi

I can’t help but to wonder how the racing side equates financially, particularly when we have seen a rapid decline in yacht racing in recent years. Ferragamo concedes that the majority of the Swan business is in cruising yachts, but feels that the racing format they have developed is “something we owe to the sailing industry.”

Nautor’s Swan today

In the past few years Ferragamo and his shareholders have invested heavily in Nautor’s Swan. They have pumped over €10m into the waterside Boatbuilding Technology Centre (BTC) in Pietarsaari, which involved relocating three manufacturing plants to create a more efficient production system.

Its range is perhaps the broadest of any manufacturer, with six new models in production and turnover has responded accordingly, rising by 55% last year thanks to a €120m order book and the delivery of 28 yachts.

Swan 115 Solleone ’s grand saloon

It’s abundantly clear that Ferragamo’s enthusiasm for Swan remains as fervent as ever. “There are areas I feel tremendously at heart and I will always be present in those,” he says of his personal input today.

“One is product development, which is something I feel extremely strongly about. I just love to be involved and try to give a contribution in what is developed.”

Ferragamo sees the secret to his success as growing up in a challenging family: “It was very important – challenging with serious and very deep values and principles.

Victory at the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean in 2017. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

“And I feel my Neopolitan blood has given me the passion and determination to pursue the things I believe in. I only move when I have a strong feeling about what I am supposed to do.

“We say ‘throw your heart over the obstacle’ – so let your determination, your vision, your passion, move you forward.”

Ferragamo in brief

Alle Querce College, Florence, graduated in 1972 University of Imede, Lausanne, Switzerland, Business Administration Degree, graduated in 1980

Current titles

CEO Palazzo Feroni Finanziaria Chairman of Lungarno Alberghi Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, Ferragamo Finanziaria and Executive Vice-President of Fondazione Ferragamo Honorary chairman of Altagamma Founder and chairman of Associazione Partners Palazzo Strozzi Chairman of Nautor Holding, which owns Nautor’s Swan, Camper & Nicholsons and Marina di Scarlino Honorary Member of Academy of Fine Arts of Florence Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland Honorary Consul General of Finland for the regions of Tuscany and Umbria Member of Fondazione CR Firenze

Career highs

“I like to think that I’m a good father, which is an important thing that I will treasure.”

Career lows

“Sometimes you should learn from mistakes and do it again in the proper way rather than moving to something else.”

Favourite yacht

“At the moment it is the ClubSwan 50. It has given me the same passion and adrenaline I had when I was racing the Flying Dutchman. I also have the privilege of my cruising yacht, a 115ft Swan, which I adore.”

Sailing hero

“Olin Stephens. We met when he was in his mid 90s and he had his laptop under his arm with all the files of all the boats he had designed. And of course he was the first designer of Swans.”

Business icon

“As a person? Enzo Ferrari.”

First published in the July 2020 issue of Yachting World.

Nautor's Swan

• Yachts for Sale
• Yacht Builders & Shipyards

Nautor's Swan Yachts for Sale

The Nautor’s Swan shipyard is located in the small Finnish town of Pietarsaari, just a short distance from the Arctic Circle. On this icey stretch of coast, Nautor’s Swan have been building boats since 1966 and the Swan range is known throughout the world. In a build environment where temperatures can fall to minus 30 degrees celsius, and the sea can be frozen for up to five months of the year, advanced engineering excellence is a core part of the yard’s DNA.

Nautor’s Swan handles everything from the design to the finest details in a fully integrated in-house building process. The smaller Nautor’s Swan hulls, for cruising yachts, are hand laid-up and vacuum-infused, while the larger models are constructed in foam-core carbon, which has huge weight-saving benefits.

Swan yacht buyers can also enjoy membership of ‘Club Swan’ – a non-profit organization for past, present and future Swan sailing yacht owners. The Club organizes various regattas, including the ‘Rolex Swan Cup’, the ‘Swan European Regatta’ and the ‘Swan American Regatta’ and these are run in association with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the Royal Yacht Squadron of Cowes and the New York Yacht Club, respectively.

Today, with more than 50 years’ of heritage, Nautor’s Swan is globally recognized as an undisputed leader in the international sailing market.

History of Nautor’s Swan Yachts

The Nautor’s Swan Shipyard was founded in 1966 by Pekka Koskenkyla, a man with an inspiring vision to produce high-quality, high-performance sailing yachts for those passionate about cruising, racing and seeking contact with the ocean and nature. Pekka, educated in the USA, had the foresight to engage Sparkman & Stephens of New York, one of the most acclaimed yacht designers at the time, to design the first sailing yacht. The vessel was built in fiberglass and trimmed with wood – materials which would dominate the production of vessels in the years to come.

The first sailing yacht model from the Nautor’s Swan shipyard was the Swan 36, and this led to the Swan 37 and Swan 43, with the latter winning the Admiral’s Cup in 1969.

That same year, fate’s fickle hand dealt the Nautor’s Swan yard a catastrophic blow. The Assembly Hall caught fire and burnt to the ground, destroying with it a dozen hulls in various stages of production. Pekka was forced to sell stakes in the company to finance the yard’s rebuild and see production resumed.

When the yard was re-established, the larger and more elegant Swan 55 and Swan 65 yachts were born. Partnering cruising capability with racing prowess for the typical owner and recreational yachtsman, the designs were immensely popular. Testament to their racing ability, it was a Swan 65 (named SAYULA II) that won the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973/74.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, Nautor’s Swan engaged naval architect Ron Holland as their designer of choice. Holland designed five boats for the yard, of which approximately 300 units were produced.

The mid to late 80s saw Swan enter another new era of design, this time with the appointment of German Frers. Along with a string of great successes in models under 80 foot (24m), Frers was also responsible for Swan’s first Maxi models; the Swan 80, Swan 90, Swan 100, Swan 105, Swan 110 and Swan 115 – with the 115 seeing the yard cross over into superyacht territory.

Frers’ contribution to Nautor’s Swan also permitted them entrance to the ‘one design’ racing sector, with the design of the Swan 45 in 2001. This was followed by the ‘Club Swan 42’ in 2005 which was developed in association with the New York Yacht Club.

In 2002, a new yard, close to the sea, was opened in Jakobstad. The new yard is dedicated to the assembly of the Maxi Swans, building the Swan 60 through to the Swan 115.

In 2017, Nautor’s Swan opened their Boatbuilding Technology Center. Here, there are facilities dedicated to joinery and high-tech lamination, a post-cure oven, painting halls, and areas for warehousing and logistics. The close proximity of the engineering and manufacturing departments results in an efficiency that is rarely seen.

Nautor’s Swan has been controlled and managed by Leonardo Ferragamo and his group of investors since 1998.

Nautor’s Swan is recognized as a leader in the international sailing market.

The Nautor’s Swan collection

Known today as ‘Swans’, the modern yachts built by Nautor’s Swan owe their success and acclaim to the original Swan 36. This first design, which featured a number of significant innovations, offered a level or performance and safety that equalled that of traditional wooden vessels yet the lighter fiberglass hull provided greater steering ability and enhanced living space. The Swan 36 marked the beginning of what would become one of the most prestigious boat yards in the world.

The Swans of the ‘70s and ‘80s were designed by the award-winning naval architect Ron Holland. German Frers took over as Swan’s naval architect of choice from the mid to late 80s, and he designed many highly successful models under 80 foot (24m) for the shipyard.

Swan’s first Maxi yacht models were also designed by Frers: the Swan 80, Swan 90, Swan 100, Swan 105, Swan 110 and Swan 115. The 115 brought Nautor’s Swan into the superyacht sector and the skills of Frers’ have again been employed for the design of Swan’s latest sailing yacht, the Swan 120.

Whether you’re looking for a pre-owned Swan or considering a new build from the Nautor’s Swan Shipyard, Northrop & Johnson are able to advise on every aspect with brokers who have specific sailing yacht knowledge and experience.

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We are a group of S&S Swan owners and we want to share the knowledge of these magnificent and very strongly built boats with other people.

"S&S Swan Association" is a non profit, stand-alone organization. To become an Association Member you have to be a Sparkman & Stephens designed Swan owner. If you are, please join us .

We are going to put on our web site all the material we are able to get from other Swan owners or lovers (Articles, Stories, Experiences, Photographs, Plans etc.), so, if you have something which you did not find on our pages, please, do not hesitate and send it to us, we need it!.

Steering committee Honorary President: Mr. Pekka Koskenkyla Founder and Administrator: Mr. Matteo Salamon Co-founder: Mr. Stefano Cioni (1958 - 2015) Board Member: Cristina Cossa United Kingdom: Ms. Liz Lotz Advisor: Mr. Lars Ström  (1939 - 2022)  

S&S Swan (download pdf) When should it be considered original

Olin stephens talks about us.

I have been thankful during recent years to have been able to see the growing interest in many older boats including some of S&S design , as I knew it in the years from 1928 until I retired gradually between 1978 and 1980. The earliest of all seem close to my heart because they were so much the product of personal feeling and intuition.

As time passed I learned more and the office grew and the design approach was more rationalized and, I hope, in some ways better but, perhaps, a little less individual. I am especially grateful for the activity of the Association in the way it has allowed me to see again many of these boats and enjoy the aquaintance many of the owners as protectors of my widespread family.

Nowhere has the warmth of feeling been deeper than in Italy. I think of myself as fortunate in many, many ways. One of my happiest of associations has been to frequently visit with new and old friends in the old world, and to realize the activity and kindness in the Italian branch of the S&S Association . May I offer salutations and many thanks? O.J.S. II

Email received

... I am really impressed at the site and at the work you are doing. The information I found (on the website) was really quite important in my desision to buy this boat. 

I do most of my sailing single handed, and have had a Contessa 32 for the last twenty-odd years. Have always admired the 38, and when one came up for sale last fall I checked the web and found the S&S Swan Association .  I think it was the enthusiasm for the boats that comes across so clearly that made me decide to ask for a test-sail, and that was it! Fair winds!

(e-mail signed, the author of this kind message is now the happy new owner of Swante, a magnificent 1976 S&S Swan 38).

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THE NAVAL ARCHITECTURE

The Swan 128, project N. 1400 by Frers studio, consolidates the Argentinean designer’s forty-year collaboration with the Finnish shipyard, particularly active over the last ten years with the production of 13 new yachts, 7 of which over 80 feet (the limit that separates Swan Yachts from Maxi Swan Yachts).

The architect

Germ á n frers.

“The Swan 128 perfectly embodies the Swan concept of the sporty cruiser, a yacht designed for long ocean voyages but also perfectly at ease in major international competitions, without needing to change any of its characteristics.”

Standard Sailplan

The deck plan features a streamlined and sculpted deckhouse, albeit in a semi-raised saloon configuration, that gives the boat an especially sporty feel. Designer Lucio Micheletti focused on volumes, shapes, and details to provide as much lightness as possible without compromising the functionality and protection typical of Swan deckhouses.

Exterior Designer

Lucio micheletti.

A skilful combination of traditional styling and taut forms, an interplay of materials that creates a lively chiaroscuro with a marked dynamic quality (what the architect Micheletti calls ‘quayside speed’). The cockpit offers the typical three-area division that characterises all Swans. The front area, close to the deckhouse and protected by a sprayhood and a bimini top (a retractable model with rigid structure is optional), is dedicated to guests.

The collaboration between Frers studio, the shipyard’s interiors department and architect Misa Poggi has led to an optimal and flexible layout, with a large owner’s quarters in the foreship area and a generous aft crew area.

The interior designer

There is a wide choice of woods, starting from a natural oak base, leathers, and textiles. Architect Misa Poggi together with the Finnish firm’s in-house team are at the owners’ disposal to interpret any desire in layout and style, suggesting tailored materials to make each Swan 128 unique and inimitable.

CONFIGURATIONS

with options

INTERIOR MOODS

• TIMELESS WHITE
• TRADITIONAL NAVY
• SPIRIT OF FINLAND

Timeless Classic

The yacht is fitted with natural materials such as linen, cotton and leather in shades of white, naturally light colours, natural brown and putty tones for leather. These blend with light durmast wood, giving the yacht a sophisticated feel and bringing warm, sunny countries to mind.

TraditionalNavy

Linens and cottons in navy blue and shaded white blend with various shades of tobacco in fabric and leather. There is also the traditional wood used for sailing, namely natural teak, taking those on board back to the long-established seafaring concept of historical sailing clubs.

Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton are featured in different shades of wine, Cowes red and the fundamental shaded white. There is also “drunken” leather and Canaletto walnut, bringing to mind the Admiral’s Cup and Fastnet Race triumphs of sports sailing.

Spirit of Finland

A typical modern Swan interior featuring an under-stated Nordic approach with use of hand-crafted timbers and seaworthy detailing. Light European oak and walnut floorboards are paired with carefully selected performance fabrics in light natural colours and earthy leather accents for a soft touch. A timeless, light yacht interior from the land of the midnight sun.

SPECIFICATIONS

• RIG AND SAIL DIMENSIONS
• TANK CAPACITY

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Swan Yachts Available

Swan Shadow

2023 | 13.23 m (43.40 ft)

Swan 105-002

€ 7,950,000

2014 | 31.89 m (104.07 ft)

Swan 100-201

€ 7,500,000

2005 | 30.21 m (99.11 ft)

Swan 98-001

€ 12,000,000

2020 | 31.05 m (101.87 ft)

Swan 90-001

€ 1,500,000

1991 | 27.28 m (89.50 ft)

Swan 82S-102

White rhino.

$ 2,500,000

2005 | 24.89 m (81.66 ft)

Swan 82-006

Mayang sari.

€ 1,950,000

2003 | 24.93 m (81.67 ft)

Swan 78-007

€ 7,800,000

2023 | 23.99 m (78.70 ft)

Swan 78-003

€ 6,500,000

2019 | 23.99 m (78.70 ft)

Swan 77-007

€ 1,350,000

1997 | 23.47 m (77 ft)

Swan 70-005

Flying dragon.

€ 1,600,000

2002 | 21.04 m (70.04 ft)

Swan 68-004

1993 | 21.30 m (69.88 ft)

Swan 66-710

€ 1,300,000

2010 | 20.12 m (66.01 ft)

Swan 65-103

€ 4,750,000

2019 | 20.11 m (65.98 ft)

Swan 651-014

1988 | 19.98 m (65.55 ft)

Swan 65-001

1973 | 19.68 m (64.57 ft)

Swan 65-002

1973 | 19.75 m (64.10 ft)

Swan 61-003

1986 | 18.44 m (60.52 ft)

Swan 60S-201

€ 1,850,000

2016 | 18.86 m (61.9 ft)

Swan 601-002

2004 | 18.35 m (60.2 ft)

Swan 60-024

Aria di mare.

2001 | 19.12 m (62.73 ft)

Swan 60-019

€ 1,050,000

2000 | 19.12 m (61.84 ft)

Swan 60-017

Swan 60-012

€ 1,100,000

1998 | 19.12 m (62.73 ft)

Swan 60-005

Dream catcher iii.

1996 | 18.85 m (61.84 ft)

Swan 58-014

€ 2,690,000

2023 | 19.11 m (62.70 ft)

Swan 58-009

€ 2,800,000

2022 | 19.11 m (62.70 ft)

Swan 56-022

2000 | 17.19 m (56.40 ft)

Swan 56-014

Femme sauvage.

1999 | 17.19 m (56.40 ft)

Swan 56-008

1998 | 17.19 m (56.40 ft)

Swan 56-003

Swan 56-001

1997 | 17.53 m (57.51 ft)

Swan 55-011

Under Offer

1972 | 16.65 m (54.63 ft)

Swan 55-008

1971 | 16.84 m (55.25 ft)

Swan 53-039

Under offer

1993 | 16.06 m (53 ft)

ClubSwan 50-019

2018 | 16.74 m (54.92 ft)

ClubSwan 50-014

2017 | 16.74 m (54.92 ft)

Swan 48-250

2023 | 14.78 m (48.49 ft)

Swan 48-238

2022 | 14.78 m (48.49 ft)

Swan 48-220

2021 | 14.78 m (48.49 ft)

Swan 48-202

$ 1,295,000

US Duty Paid

2020 | 14.78 m (48.49 ft)

Swan 48-203

2019 | 14.75 m (48.49 ft)

Swan 48-123

1998 | 15.09 m (49.50 ft)

Swan 48-111

Stella maris i.

1997 | 15.09 m (49.51 ft)

Swan 47-016

1978 | 14.57 m (47.8 ft)

Swan 46-039

1986 | 14.36 m (47.11 ft)

Swan 45-048

Ange transparent ii.

2005 | 13.83 m (45.37 ft)

Swan 44-159

2001 | 13.75 m (45.11 ft)

Swan 44-113

Chinook of gunhill.

EU VAT Paid

1991 | 13.40 m (43.96 ft)

ClubSwan 42-035

2007 | 12.98 m (42.58 ft)

ClubSwan 42-010

2006 | 12.98 m (42.58 ft)

Swan 42-037

1985 | 12.80 m (42.00 ft)

Swan 411-13

1977 | 12.44 m (40.81 ft)

Swan 40-119

1993 | 12.67 m (41.56 ft)

Swan 391-050

1987 | 12.20 m (40.02 ft)

Swan 39-030

1980 | 11.99 m (39.34 ft)

1989 | 11.20 m (36.75 ft)

ClubSwan 36-019

2021 | 11.00 m (36.09 ft)

ClubSwan 36-011

2020 | 11.00 m (36.09 ft)

ClubSwan 36-010

Address nautor swan brokerage mediterranean yacht management “le beau rivage” 9 avenue d’ostende 98000 monaco, e-mail [email protected], phone +377 97 97 95 07.

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Moscow Metro and Swan Lake

A few days ago, I went with Elena and Becky on a trip around the Moscow metro, the second most heavily used metro system in the world. I didn’t know much about it before, but it’s an architectural marvel in and of itself, a gorgeous relic from Moscow’s Soviet past and Stalinist architecture in particular. We rode around the central brown line, a circle of 12 stations that Stalin oversaw the creation/renovation of in the 1930s and 40s. All are ornately decorated with different themes (sports, French palatial architecture, Lenin portraits, etc), in a way that was intended to remind the average rider of all the ways their government was giving back to them for their hard work. Apparently, they all have an emphasis on “verticality”, essentially meaning that either the ceilings are very lavish, or the art on the walls is dimensioned to draw the eye upwards, reminding metro-goers of the place of Stalin in their lives. Below are pictures of my favorite stations.

All of the stations are fairly deep underground, hence scarily steep escalators.

Series of mosaics depicting key moments in the formation of the Soviet Union. If I get more time later I’ll dig up the names of these stations…

Bolsheviks unite!

From a station dedicated to different sports.

These gates are meant to emulate a temple, in a departure from pre-WWII atheistic style.

Becky, Elena, and Mother Russia

From a station dedicated to unnamed soldiers: this one is of an infantryman.

Station of Unnamed Soldiers

Station with fancy French ornamentation and ceiling paintings.

I was surprised by the amount of Greco-Roman inspired decoration.

And finally, my favorite: a series of geometrical stained glass windows.

To top off our time in Moscow, last night we managed to get student rush tickets (for 100 roubles, or $3!) to closing night of Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theater. The seats were terrible (it’s hard to explain how bad, but we had to stand for most of the show) but the ballet was incredible. We found out about the existence of student rush tickets/the process to get them very randomly, and as I haven’t found the process documented anywhere else, here’s a quick description: if you go to the Bolshoi at any given day starting at 6 am, you can put your name (and your group’s names) on a list for tickets to the day’s performance (it hosts ballet and opera performances on alternating days). A queue starts forming outside the theater at 2 pm, roughly based on the order of your name on the list, and tickets are handed out at 5:30 pm. Although this rushing system applies to all students, the ticket attendees might give you a hard time by refusing any non-Russian IDs (this actually happened to me, and I was only able to go as Elena’s boyfriend Luke kindly gave his up his ticket for me).

Fun fact: the Bolshoi is featured on the 100 Rouble note, and the insignia in front of the theater on the bill displays a hammer and sickle. Although hammers and sickles are still common sights around the city, the Bolshoi happens to have since switched its insignia to the logo of the modern Russian Federation, the double-headed eagle. Credit to Becky for noticing.

Seating in the Bolshoi: the big box on the right is known as Stalin’s Box. Apparently he fancied himself a connoisseur.

Exterior of the Bolshoi at Night

Random photo of the day: a small bakery at which we bought a jam bun and a small bag of glazed wheat rolls. Tiny bakeries like this are all over the place (including in the metro stations, with fully functioning mini-ovens!), and make me feel perpetually hungry as I walk around.

Bkycho (Delicious)!

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Post navigation, 2 thoughts on “ moscow metro and swan lake ”.

You used the word “Queue”! Goodness, you’re becoming so Eurasian!

When in Rome…

(I actually had no idea that queue was a particularly European word. But I buy it.)

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• ‘People Don’t Want to Be Inside’: How the Outdoors Became Yachtmakers’ Most Coveted Design Element

A new generation of owners looking to breathe fresh life into once-stuffy spaces.

Kevin koenig, kevin koenig's most recent stories, azimut’s new 72-foot yacht has one of the largest flybridges in its class. we hopped onboard..

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Benetti ’s latest design concept and the smaller Oasis deck that preceded it are just two examples of how clients are looking to replace starched salons and prim dining rooms with larger, easier-living exterior spaces. This also includes a preference for foldout rear decks, reimagined bows, and balconies that extend when activated, all of which are in evidence on Bilgin ’s 263-foot Leona , which showcases how to design every conceivable square foot across the yacht toward enhancing the outside environment. 

That trend “has really gained steam,” says Dickie Bannenberg, of yacht-design house Bannenberg & Rowell . “Now it’s all balconies, beach clubs, and shell doors everywhere you look. And it’s not just on 200-foot boats, either—it extends down into production models.” 

Andrew Collett, team principal at U.K.-based design firm RWD , which conceived both the Oasis and the Veranda deck configurations, says the change in tack is driven by a new generation of owners who are “seeking spacious areas that blend indoor and outdoor living, with clear views of the water.” 

The pandemic intensified demand for airier layouts, says Collett, much as tuberculosis impacted modernist architecture in the 20th century, when residential blueprints began to include hospital-inspired sanctuaries with balconies and clean, well-lit interiors. And while he says that some of the aesthetic shift predated the pandemic’s lockdowns, it’s also true that “Covid heightened the appreciation for open-air environments and privacy. Now we’re just aligning with new preferences for health consciousness.” 

As with carbon fiber’s popularity in smaller boats, “the evolution of glass-related technologies makes possible what really wasn’t achievable in the past,” says Bernardo Zuccon of Studio Zuccon , designer of Sanlorenzo ’s 57Steel Virtuosity and many other glass-laden superyachts. “Since structural glass is at times stronger than steel, we’re seeing the extreme enhancement of transparent surfaces. That allows for great versatility in our designs.” 

Glass’s technical renaissance—and how the notion of boundaries has changed thanks to it—is evident on gigayachts including the 297-foot Dar, the 263-foot Excellence, and the 263-foot Artefact, but nowhere more so than the 141-foot catamaran This Is It, with a superstructure and hull made of more than 50 percent of the material. 

Other recent launches, including Sanlorenzo’s SX112, feature entirely open aft decks with cutaway sides, while Sanlorenzo’s X-Space and Baglietto ’s T52 maximize as much exterior square footage as their designers could justify across their tiered decks. 

“People don’t want to be inside,” says Bannenberg. “They want healthy outdoor living, and the designers are adapting accordingly.” Which means, for increasingly innovative superyacht concepts, the sky’s the limit. 

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Private jet and yachts seized as three arrested in £76m luxury care homes raid

Three people have been arrested as part of a sting by the Serious Fraud Office into property developer the Carlauren Group.

Tuesday 12 March 2024 14:09, UK

A private jet and two yachts have been seized, as three people have been arrested, in a £76m raid on a group who ran luxury care homes.

Two sites were raided across St Leonard's, Dorset, and Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, as part of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) probe, supported by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The investigation is looking into the UK registered property developer, the Carlauren Group, which collapsed into administration in November 2019.

When it folded, the SFO said that it led to some elderly residents being forced to move out, and left 600 investors out of pocket.

The Carlauren Group bought 23 properties across the UK, often former hotels including the historic Windlestone Hall in Durham, and allegedly claimed to offer annual 10 per cent returns to investors as it sought to turn the buildings into high-end care homes.

However, the SFO said only nine of these became operational and some continued as hotels instead of care homes.

Alongside that, the group allegedly purchased a number of supercars, including two Lamborghinis and a McLaren 570GT, a private jet and two yachts.

Nick Ephgrave QPM, director of the Serious Fraud Office, said: "This company's abrupt collapse has created turmoil and enormous anxiety for many, with elderly people forced to vacate their homes and investors left with nothing.

"Today's arrests are a major development in our investigation and a step towards getting the answers so many people need."

The group was said to have had 600 people and companies invest in the scheme through the purchase of rooms that were to be rented out to the elderly.

This was inside luxury facilities that boasted of swimming pools, room service and other amenities.

According to the SFO, the rooms were advertised and sold with a guaranteed annual payout and opportunity to sell the asset back for a profit after 10 years

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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California yacht owner threatens to kill dock worker in vicious showdown, cali yacht owner threatens to kill dock worker drops pants for rude salute, 82 3/13/2024 8:09 am pt.

A California yacht owner's vicious beef with a dock worker has reached death-threat levels -- and their exchange was caught on camera and included a nude, and very rude, gesture!

Check out the clip ... it all unfolds when San Diego entrepreneur Ajay Thakore swings by the swanky Marriott Marquis Marina in his rare $4.5M Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht to pick up one of his employees -- but things boil over when dock worker Joseph Holt tells him he can't be there.

Thakore, the CEO of medical advertising firm Doctor Multimedia, flips out on Holt big time ... and starts spewing threats like, "I will kill you, you know I will kill you, I will kill."

And it doesn't stop there -- as Thakore's pulling out of the harbor, he drops trou to make a full frontal salute in Holt's direction. Stay classy, San Diego!

Holt's only retaliation was flipping the bird, and he later told CBS8 that was all he could do to keep his cool and avoid escalating the situation.

Holt says parts of the altercation were not captured on camera, and he adds ... Thakore not only threatened to kill him, but also claimed to have connections who could totally mess up his life.

Holt also says Thakore pulled out $100 bills and tossed them at him, even chucking some in the water.

BTW, Thakore's done some backpedaling since the ugly exchange -- he now says, "The interaction that occurred yesterday was regrettable. What started as a minor misunderstanding escalated into an argument, and I apologize for my actions and to those who witnessed the unfortunate exchange."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

FWIW ... One of Thakore’s employees claims the whole thing began because other dock workers blocked him from boarding the yacht.

Oh, and if that fancy Lambo yacht looks familiar -- it's the same one Chuck Liddell recently tumbled off just last month. Now it's famous AND infamous!

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Who is Ajay Thakore? San Diego Lamborghini Yacht owner threatens dock worker in viral video

A n Indian-origin California business owner Ajay Thakore recently made headlines when he reportedly threatened a dockyard worker at San Diego's Marriott Marina after the latter refused to let the former park his $4.5 million Lamborghini Yacht, as per Times Now News.

The video of the incident has now gone viral online. While the face of the man threatening the dock employee saying "I will kill you!" multiple times remains unclear in the footage, many media outlets, including the New York Post confirmed it was Ajay Thakore, who has previously been part of similar confrontations.

Apart from threatening to kill the dock worker, the man in the video also flashed at the latter, as the yacht moved away from the marina. In the wake of this incident, here's looking at who Ajay Thakore is.

Ajay Thakore also goes by the name Ace Rogers

According to Daily Mail, Ajay Thakore also goes by the name Ace Rogers and he is a wealthy businessman and philanthropist based in San Diego, California. He is the CEO of Doctor Multimedia, a local medical marketing agency, and Gopher Media LLC.

He has previously faced similar controversy in 2021 when he was accused of harassing the employees of a La Jolla pizza joint called American Pizza Manufacturing. Its founder Andrew Melone alleged back then that it all started with Thakore defaming the take-and-bake pizza establishment on social media.

However, things escalated when the Indian-origin business owner reportedly parked two of his cars directly in front of the eatery, blocking its entrance, with texts, "Take N Bake Pizza Sucks" glaring on top of it.

Melone also claimed that an airplane flew over the locality with the banner reading, "Just Say No to Take N Bake Pizza." Not only that but Ajay Thakore reportedly involved another pizzeria in the area Carino's, with planes displaying messages like "Carino's Pizza is Better than Take N Bake."

Additionally, Thakore and his companies filed a $10 million lawsuit against Andrew Melone and his public accusations, claiming that they were "exercising their First Amendment Rights" and protesting against discrimination. The owner of the pizzeria countersued, alleging Thakore had persistently harassed him and his company. The two civil lawsuits are still underway.

Exploring the recent controversy surrounding Ajay Thakore

On the afternoon of March 10, 2024, Ajay Thakore's multimillion-dollar Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht was not allowed to park in the Seaforth Boat Rental lot in San Diego's Marriott Marina. He was reportedly there to pick up an employee. The video of the incident has now gone viral.

It shows a man standing on the edge of the yacht threatening to "kill" the worker identified as Joseph Holt, as per CBS 8. Later, as the boat moved away from the dock, the former dropped his pants and made inappropriate gestures toward the 21-year-old employee. The harasser even threw $100 bills at the guy which fell into the water.

Holt told reporters that he "respectfully" told the driver not to park in the private space and was hoping to have a "conversation" with him about his "cool boat," when "it completely went the other way."

"I really didn't know how to process it. I really was trying to restrain myself from getting fired from my job or stepping out of line. The only thing I did was give him the bird," Holt stated.

The employee also mentioned how Thakore berated him for his minimum wage labor and called him a nobody who did nothing on a "silly job." The expensive boat owner allegedly threatened to have him fired using his "connections" and ruin his life.

The dock worker further continued,

"He had dropped his pants and started to make gestures to everybody watching and me. You can't act that way in public. It's just not okay. Especially threatening my life, at the very least. There were women and children there. That's the most important part."

In contrast, Ajay Thakore's public relations team told CBS 8 that the "interaction" was "regrettable."

"What started as a minor misunderstanding escalated into an argument, and I apologize for my actions and to those who witnessed the unfortunate exchange," the statement added.

Later, Ajay Thakore's employee Jason, whom the former was supposed to pick up during the fiasco, also issued a clarification via his boss' Instagram (@acerogersceo). He said that he was not allowed to get aboard, and was asked to "stand back" and even "forearmed" which is when Thakore allegedly "flipped" as he was protective of him, his fiancé, and his other employees, tagging it as a long-drawn misunderstanding.

In the caption of the post, it was Ajay Thakore who seemed to issue a statement:

"As a leader, I defend my own fiercely with everything I have, and I will never apologize for that. You can choose to believe that I just pulled up to the dock and started yelling, or you can realize that a lot happened before the cameras were rolling and that it takes two sides to escalate a situation."

Notably, in the aftermath of the incident, Port of San Diego Harbor Police were called in, who arrived 10 minutes after Ajay Thakore's boat left the marina. Joseph Holt told the news outlet that the officers didn't take his complaints seriously and were even laughing at him.

The department responded by telling CBS 8 that they were called in to deal with a "possible intoxicated vessel operator" who had departed the area before they got there and that they were unable to do anything with. The statement went on to say that a report had been made and that the police had spoken with the complainant and witnesses.

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Russia Sends Nuclear Fuel Across Arctic on Ship with History of Safety Violations

Weeks after sending crude oil on non-ice class tankers through the Arctic, Russian authorities shipped nuclear fuel across the Northern Sea Route on a cargo ship not specialized in the transport of nuclear fuel. Ship records also show a host of safety deficiencies during past inspections. The nuclear fuel traveled from Murmansk to Pevek to resupply the floating nuclear power plant Akademik Lomonosov.

Norsk versjon

Five years after towing the world’s only floating nuclear power plant into the Arctic, Russia’s State Nuclear Energy Corporation, Rosatom, delivered a fresh batch of nuclear fuel to the facility.

The nuclear material traveled along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) from Murmansk to Pevek aboard the cargo ship Smp Arkhangelsk . 

Ship records indicate that the vessel has a long history of safety violations and deficiencies recorded during inspections over the last decade. The vessel’s owner, Northern Shipping Company, has also been under sanctions by the US since May 2022. 

The transport of nuclear fuel customarily occurs on highly specialized vessels under strict international guidelines. The carrying of nuclear fuel on a conventional cargo ship across the Arctic’s icy waters is a cause for concern, according to industry experts interviewed by HNN. 

The nuclear fuel was manufactured by Rosatom fuel company “TVEL” in Elektrostal near Moscow before it was dispatched aboard Smp Arkhangelsk from Murmansk on September 15. The vessel arrived in Pevek 10 days later and took up position next to Akademik Lomonosov.

Based on satellite images analyzed by HNN the transfer of fuel took approximately 10 days.

A history of deficiencies

The vessel, constructed in 2002 by Damen Shipyard in Romania, has passed through the hands of seven different owners before arriving with its current operator, Northern Shipping Company. 

Port inspections going back more than a decade reveal violations ranging from missing voyage data recorder, lack of rescue boats and defect fire pumps, to inoperative auxiliary engines and MARPOL pollution prevention violations. 

While some of the violations were minor and none were severe enough to necessitate the detention of the vessel, they do paint a picture of an aging ship with ongoing deficiencies. Available public records also do not show any inspections since 2021.

“Considering this a voyage with dangerous cargo, it is pushing the limits,” explains Sigurd Enge, Senior Advisor on Shipping at Bellona Foundation, an international environmental NGO headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

“The risk connected to this vessel, on the Northern Sea Route in October is high, and based on their [safety inspection] track record, is very high,” continues Enge, who is one of the most experienced advisers at Bellona, working on marine safety.

“The Port State Controls with violation indicates that there is a high risk that an incident can occur. And with a history of lack of safety equipment, inadequate propulsion and auxiliary machinery, certificates and fire pumps, an incident can quickly turn into a serious event in terms of firefighting, safety equipment and skills.”

Not following international customs

The transport of nuclear materials in international waters is highly regulated, with a short list of specialized vessels, such as British freighters Pacific Egret or Pacific Grebe , doing the work. Nuclear material must also be stored in highly secured containers. 

The use of a ship not specialized in the transport of nuclear fuel shows limited options available to Russia “as there are ships that carry out this type of loading in Europe, for example,” explains Hervé Baudu, Chief Professor of Maritime Education at the French Maritime Academy (ENSM)

“This is clearly a case where Russia is proceeding in its own waters and territories with the means at its disposal. Admittedly, the ship does not comply with international requirements, but let's hope that the containers carrying the waste or fuel do,” he continues.

Based on the type deficiencies and where they were registered the ship is “not used to international customs and regulations,” explains Baudu. 

Risks related to time of year

The vessel’s lower Arc4 ice-class is also a cause for concern, with Enge calling it “not so reassuring.”

“To operate on the NSR at this time of year involves a risk. In October, the ice conditions can change fast, with new ice formation and strong wind and various temperatures the ice cover can move fast.”

It seems that the authorities are willing to carry out voyages ‘at any cost’. Hervé Baudu, Chief Professor of Maritime Education at the French Maritime Academy

Given the possibility of rapidly changing conditions, including weather and ice conditions, “the risk for dangerous cargo transport with not well-equipped ships is unacceptable,” concludes Sigurd. 

This holds especially true given Russia’s history related to the dumping of radioactive materials and sunken submarines across the Arctic in the Barents and the Kara Sea. 

Pushing ahead despite sanctions

The shipment of nuclear fuel follows the initial transport of crude oil to China across the Arctic on aging non-ice class oil tankers a few weeks ago.

“We are seeing violations of environmental rights with oil tankers from a fleet that is black and potentially dangerous as long as there is war in Ukraine,” elaborates Baudu. 

Enge concurs that sanctions have impacted operations on the NSR.

“The need to use the route for transport eastward makes the government more willing to push the limits for safety and “clean and safe operations in general. It seems that the authorities are willing to carry out voyages ‘at any cost’.”

Rosatom and TVEL did not respond to requests for comment.

Russia Sends Oil Tanker Without Ice Protection Through Arctic For First Time

Putin Green-lights Novatek’s Massive Murmansk LNG Project

• nuclear fuel
• Nuclear waste
• Akademik Lomonosov
• Northern Sea Route

Taxes, Exercises, and Sanctions

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