Superyacht Royal Romance, which is owned by Russian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, is in better luck than other seized luxury vessels. First, the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) of Ukraine accomplished the laborious task of putting up the $217 million superyacht for sale. They won accolades for this and then their plans went kaput. Dutch auction house Troostwijk Auctions had a period of five working days to present a proposal to ARMA to conclude the agreement, but nothing came to fruition. It may have been a blessing in disguise as ARMA of Ukraine has selected a new auctioneer, US-based Boathouse Auctions, for the sale of the 303-foot motoryacht.
Why Troostwijk Auctions withdrew is confidential, but their loss is now the gain of Boathouse Auctions, who will attract more US billionaires, making them an ideal candidate to auction the Royal Romance superyacht. “ARMA has already received an official confirmation from the American auction house Boathouse Auctions that negotiations with their representatives have been initiated,” explained Olena Duma, Head of the National Agency.
“We are currently discussing in detail all legal issues and legal safeguards for the auction. This is the first time that Ukraine has faced the issue of selling a seized asset of this scale abroad. The yacht must be sold, and the proceeds from its sale must strengthen Ukraine’s defense capability against the enemy.” The Boathouse Auctions page does not show the listing of Royal Romance yet, perhaps because the process is still underway. But it will become hot property once listed, as the vessel flaunting exterior design and naval architecture by De Voogt Naval Architects, with the interior design penned by Seymour Diamond, is a thing of beauty.
It is lavish,and lovely, and sleeps 14 guests in seven stately guest cabins. The owner’s deck comes with separate his-and-hers dressing rooms, a private office, a library, and a saloon juxtaposed to a children’s stateroom to keep offspring close. Luxe amenities aboard the Royal Romance yacht include a large swimming pool, cinema, gym, sauna, and spa area, a hammam, and a cosmetology treatment room—a real treat for any billionaire sans any wait periods and with summer looming over!
Update – The Royal Romance has acquired the status of a Ukranian vessel and will now be sailing under the country’s flag. The head of the State Service of Sea and Inland Water Transport and Shipping of Ukraine said “This is a historic moment for our country. The first seized asset located abroad in the history of Ukraine received state registration in Ukraine. This will contribute to the further sale of the seized yacht and the receipt of funds from the sale to the state budget of Ukraine. We are proud to be a part of this process and are confident that this property will serve the interests of Ukraine,” said Yevgenii Ignatenko, head of the Shipping Administration.”
