The Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) of Ukraine has accomplished the laborious task of putting the $217 million superyacht Royal Romance for sale. It is indeed a historic moment as many nations are still struggling with seized superyachts, their mounting bills, and unforeseen futures. Bidding for Viktor Medvedchuk’s super yacht Royal Romance opens for representatives to assist in the sale until April 18, 2024. ARMA’s deputy head for European integration, Grigol Katamadze, described the accomplishment and decision as “truly historic” as it is the first example of the sale of seized assets located abroad.
Thanks to a ruling of the Croatian court in December 2022, Medvedchuk’s romance with his yacht ended in order to benefit Ukraine. The rest was spearheaded by Olena Duma, the head of Ukraine’s Asset Recovery and Management Agency. It is ARMA that has been managing the luxury vessel since April 2022.
The Croatian court ruled to transfer the ownership of the Royal Romance to Ukraine in January 2024, with Olena Duma issuing a statement that the transfer would happen “as soon as possible.”
It looks like there is no stopping another ‘transfer’ of the 303-feet ship to a new owner with proceeds going to the benefit of war-ravaged Ukraine. According to ARMA, Documents from potential global bidding organizers will now be accepted until April 18, 2024, with the winner announced on April 23, 2024.
The superyacht Alfa Nero hasn’t been this lucky and was stuck indefinitely between potential billionaire buyers who abandoned her, much like her Russian owner Andrey Guryev, only to witness the auction being stalled by his daughter Yulia, who filed an injunction.
The Royal Romance Superyacht –
The aptly named 2015 Feadship beauty spans six stories with two elevators helping guests and owners maneuver through the gigantic boat. It features a massive 39-foot swimming pool, enhanced by a waterfall flowing over the stern. The Royal Romance, designed by De Voogt Naval Architects with interior design done by Seymour Diamond, boasts an insane 50 multipurpose rooms across its six floors and four decks. She sleeps 14 guests and 22 crew members. The custom yacht was outfitted with a comprehensive wellness area complete with a gym, salon, and spa, and a movie theater for some classic entertainment.
