Before the invasion of Ukraine, billionaire Roman Abramovich had it all. Best known for his successful ownership of Chelsea FC, a Premier League football club, from 2003 to 2022, the Russian-Israeli businessman was also famous for owning a vast number of assets, including the world’s second most expensive superyacht, Eclipse.
Estimated to be worth anywhere between $600 million and $700 million, the epic 533-foot Blohm+Voss superyacht not only features some of the best amenities but also military-grade security systems, which was demonstrated in an incident that took place in 2018.
In an unusual encounter that highlights the growing tension between drone technology and privacy, Droneworks Studios co-founder Justin Oakes found his drone intercepted by sophisticated counter-drone measures while attempting to film Abramovich’s superyacht. Oakes, who was vacationing in the area, spotted Abramovich’s vessel and decided to capture aerial footage using his DJI Phantom drone.
What happened next was unexpected. Believed to be one of the best drone pilots in the US, Oakes completely lost control of the UAV, with his controller’s screen going dark while the drone continued its flight path. The incident lasted several minutes, during which Oakes attempted to regain control by cycling his controller’s power.
The situation became more intriguing when Oakes observed several people on the yacht’s bow, one apparently wielding an anti-drone device while others attempted to capture the drone. Despite the apparent intervention, Oakes managed to regain limited control of his drone and quickly activated its ‘Sport’ mode to retreat from the area, though he still lacked visual feed from the drone’s camera.
The encounter, which was later shared in a video featuring YouTube personality Casey Neistat, underscores the sophisticated security measures that wealthy individuals are increasingly employing to protect their privacy. While the exact nature of the counter-drone system employed on the Eclipse remains unconfirmed, the incident reflects a broader trend in the ongoing tussle between recreational drone technology and counter-drone security measures. As consumer drones become more prevalent, those seeking privacy are turning to increasingly sophisticated methods to protect their personal space, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals and valuable assets.
Eclipse – a modern engineering marvel
Launched in 2010 by German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss, this 533-foot masterpiece held the title of the world’s largest private yacht for several years. Eclipse’s sleek design, attributed to naval architect Terence Disdale, combines elegance with cutting-edge technology.
The Eclipse boasts an array of indulgent features, including two helicopter pads, a dedicated disco hall, and a 16-meter swimming pool that can be transformed into a dance floor. The yacht’s opulent interior includes 18 guest cabins, lavish suites, and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring ultimate comfort for up to 36 guests and a crew of 70.
Beyond luxury, the Eclipse is renowned for its advanced security and innovation. The yacht is equipped with a missile detection system, bulletproof windows, and an anti-paparazzi shield that employs lasers to block digital photography.
Additionally, it features a mini-submarine capable of diving to depths of 50 meters, offering its owner a discreet means of transportation or exploration. Its propulsion system combines diesel engines with an Azipod drive, ensuring exceptional performance and efficiency for transoceanic voyages. The Eclipse is more than a superyacht; it is a symbol of unparalleled craftsmanship, seamlessly blending luxury, security, and technological sophistication.
Who is Roman Abramovich?
Roman Abramovich is a Russian billionaire businessman and oligarch who gained international prominence as the owner of Chelsea Football Club. Born in 1966 in Saratov, Russia, he built his fortune in the 1990s through oil industry ventures and commodities trading, particularly with his ownership of Sibneft, which was later sold to state-owned Gazprom. Following the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Abramovich faced international sanctions and was forced to sell Chelsea FC. Despite the controversy surrounding his connections to Russian leadership, he has played a role in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. His present net worth is estimated to be close to $9.7 billion, according to Forbes.
