Sanctioned Russian Billionaire’s Superyacht ‘Cloudbreak’ Returns to Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront

Russian-owned ‘Cloudbreak’ superyacht docks in Cape Town amidst global sanctions on its owner.

Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront is once again home to the Cloudbreak superyacht, valued at $120 million (R2.1 billion). Owned by Russian billionaire Alexander Alexandrovich Svetakov, the yacht has docked in the harbour despite the ongoing global sanctions placed on its owner.

Svetakov, a Russian property tycoon with a reported net worth of $2.5 billion, is a key figure in Russia’s business landscape. However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Svetakov faced sanctions from the United States and the European Union. These sanctions are designed to limit the influence of Russian oligarchs by seizing assets like luxury yachts, jets, and real estate, but Cloudbreak has still managed to make its way to South African waters.

Cloudbreak: A Nautical Masterpiece

The 237-foot (72-meter) Cloudbreak is a work of art on the water, built by renowned shipbuilder Abeking & Rasmussen and delivered to Svetakov in 2016. The yacht is currently registered under the Cayman Islands flag and has made Cape Town its port of call multiple times over the years.

Equipped with an array of luxury features, including a helipad, spa, underwater lights, and a beach club, Cloudbreak offers an exclusive getaway experience. The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six lavish cabins, with amenities like a fireplace, swimming pool, and jacuzzi. Charters for the vessel are available, starting at R1.4 million per week.

South Africa’s Position on Russian Vessels

Despite the international sanctions against Svetakov, Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront has no restrictions on the docking of Russian-owned vessels. Donald Kau, a spokesperson for the Waterfront, noted that South Africa, as a member of BRICS, has no national policy blocking Russian-owned yachts from entering local ports.

“Cloudbreak is on its second visit to the Waterfront’s port,” Kau commented. “South Africa has no restrictions on such vessels, and we welcome them as part of the growing number of superyachts visiting the destination.”

The Rising Popularity of Cape Town as a Superyacht Destination

Cape Town continues to be a magnet for superyacht owners, with the V&A Waterfront seeing an uptick in visiting luxury vessels. Kau attributed this increase to Cape Town’s international recognition, high-quality services, and the shift in maritime activity due to geopolitical tensions in regions like the Red Sea.

The Cloudbreak is not the only superyacht to attract attention in Cape Town. The Enigma XK, another sanctioned Russian vessel, spent several months at the Waterfront, sparking concerns from locals about its presence. Nevertheless, the yacht’s berth account has been kept up to date, and the vessel is scheduled for maintenance in January.

Conclusion

The return of Cloudbreak to Cape Town highlights the ongoing global conversation surrounding sanctioned Russian oligarchs and their luxury assets. While the yacht’s visit is legal under South African law, it raises questions about the continued presence of sanctioned superyachts in global waters. As Cape Town remains a popular destination for such vessels, it will be interesting to see how the international community responds to the ongoing conflict and its impact on global maritime activities.

For now, Cloudbreak continues to gleam under the Cape Town sun, a symbol of luxury amidst the geopolitical storm.

Also read: Ramaphosa Pledges Stronger US Ties Amid Trump Threats to BRICS+ Countries