Lucky few see inside Russian banking billionaire’s new 77m expedition yacht at invitation-only event

In a normal year, Damen Yachting’s innovative 77-metre (252-foot) SeaXplorer expedition yacht, La Datcha, would have been a star of the Monaco Yacht Show, and probably claimed some awards as well. This year, instead, Russian banking billionaire Oleg Tinkov has held an exclusive invitation-only event for a small number of lucky guests.

It features naval architecture completed by Damen Yachting’s in-house design team and exterior lines by Azure Yacht Design. La Datcha also features complete on-board fuelling, autonomous systems and a bow observation lounge, which offers unique 270-degree forward-facing views, as well as ice-breaking capabilities with an IMO Polar Code compliant hull.  

Additionally, the yacht features outstanding helicopter capabilities. La Datcha is large enough to accommodate two large helicopters with a fully certified primary helideck, a standby deck for a second helicopter and a below-deck hangar, which can accommodate both helicopters for safe stowage. Tinkov is an avid heli-skier and his helicopter requirements mean La Datcha guests will be able to ski in the most remote areas in the world in both safety and luxury.

La Datcha also has one of the largest and best equipped “gear rooms”. This contains extensive storage for boots and cold weather gear that guests will need to wear during private whale watches or trips to see penguin colonies in Antarctica. It also has storage for skis and boots and all the other gear needed for heli-skiing too. As well as the well-equipped sauna La Datcha’s observation deck features a hot tub, providing guests with an exclusive “après-ski” spot.

La Datcha will begin an ambitious global charter itinerary, which is set to include heli-skiing in Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands and dive adventures off Papua New Guinea. Designed to accommodate up to 12 guests, La Datcha features custom superyacht interiors created by architect Vasiliy Shprits, including a saloon and lounge as well as the large beach club containing the sauna, steam room, massage room and gym.

Other notable design features include accommodation for a large crew to be able to operate the extensive collection of toys, aircraft, tenders and equipment. The crew are also required to support the exploratory natures of all charters that start in the Mediterranean and continue on to the Indian Ocean for the winter.

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Source: Forbes