Starck Motor Yacht ... What's up with these Russians?

Described by the Wall Street Journal's 'Wealth' columnist as the ugliest yacht in the world, the $200 million 'Motor Yacht A' designed by Philippe Starck and built by Blohm+Voss shipyards is 119 meters long and weighs approximately 5,500 tonnes.

The keys belong to 36-year-old Russian banking and energy billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.

The 400ft long superyacht is said to have its own discotheque featuring a glass roof which is situated directly under the swimming pool.
There is a large 'owners' suite' as well as six luxury cabins for up to 14 guests and enough room for a staggering 42 crew members.
Other details of the interior have been kept strictly secret by its German boat builders Blohm and Voss along with its renowned designer Philippe Stark.
But it is rumoured to have a helicopter hangar, as well as two 30ft speed boats kept in hatches on both sides of the hull.
Mr Melnichenko's boat is 23ft longer than the 377ft Pelorus, the largest of four superyachts owned by Chelsea FC boss Abramovich.
He bought the boat from a Saudi businessman in 2003 before giving it an extensive face-lift.
However fellow Russian Mr Melnichenko is believed to have topped this with his new cruiser, simply called 'A'.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1035345/Rival-oligarchs-latest-toy-wont-float-Abramovichs-boat--superyacht-bigger-his.html#ixzz0nMGMtjvw

Unconditional love

The times they were a changin

Found these pictures the other day... reminded me of the the life we had back in the sixties and how similar it is to what we are going through today.
We were in a futile war, the economy was tanking, and social injustice/racism was thriving. For us kids in those days... about the only job we could find was as a soldier.
One difference though... In those days we killed our leaders. Now we just assassinate their character.
These are some of the guys that helped us change those times through writing,song, and inspiration. Except for Popeye, who was the real hero and philosopher just because he was, what he was.

I wonder how many folks can remember who these guys are today. Not many young people will.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As for the crew Istaboa, we are safely back at Rocky Point. the recent rains have turned everything—incredibly and beautifully—green. We weren't affected by the floods but Nashville was really washed out.
Not so good news on the Mother thing, but I think we have caught a break on the business front. We will see.

Adios,


Istaboa

Update: Oil Spill

So as not to add to the hysteria:

Our friends along the Northern Gulf Coast have reported they are being told to move their boats up the Tenn-Tom Waterway or have them hauled out.  If that's so, there is going to be a mass exodus that will overwhelm all the marinas as far up as the Tennessee River. And, who knows for how long?

After further investigation, the report we heard was in fact, not fact. The official statement is, if needed, the inlets will be blocked off to all traffic. This will probably work for the smaller inlets.... but Mobile Bay is not an inlet.

Sorry about the misinformation.

Istaboa

What a horrible mess we humans have made

How's that Drill—Baby—Drill thing working out for ya?

We are really hoping this is being over-sensationalized in typical American media fashion. 

But unfortunately it's looking bad.

Our friends along the Northern Gulf Coast have reported they are being told to move their boats up the Tenn-Tom Waterway or have them hauled out.  If that's so, there is going to be a mass exodus that will overwhelm all the marinas as far up as the Tennessee River. And, who knows for how long?

Now there is the threat that the spill will find it's way into the Gulf Stream which will take it around the tip of Florida and along the east coast. If that's true, the affects could be felt along the whole Eastern Seaboard, even on the other side of the pond.

With the reported amount of oil that is being spewed, our bets are on American ingenuity backed by the powers of capitalism (BP Money) to stop this flow of oil (BP Money) soon. Just not soon enough.

Sadly,

Istaboa

All the way to Memphis

Sadly, those responsibilities we spoke of earlier have come to a head. Mother back in hospital and business decisions to be made and acted on.  But we have enjoyed our relaxing/brief stay on Istaboa.  Hopefully we can get things back in order and fly back to take Istaboa over to the islands for a while. It's sad to see her tied up at the dock for so long.

So until later,

Adios,

Istaboa

Very interesting blog

Crew of Emily Grace in the Galapagos

          Tom, Kim and Emily

Mystic, CT, United States

Tom lives aboard his Nordhavn 46 with his Admiral Kim and daughter Emily. They sold their CT home and began their 5-year cruising adventure in July 2008.

We've been keeping up with this crew for a while now. What an adventure they must be having. What an education for Emily as they take their Nordhavn around the world... Alone.

Worth your time to link over. Emily Grace

Oh crap...

My battery just died

Very colorful girl...

                                                  Probably a great personality.