Former Singapore PM Highlights Russian Billionaire’s $98M Yacht at Keppel Island
Goh Chok Tong, Singapore’s former Prime Minister, recently took to social media to share his post-political life and stumbled upon a luxurious yacht at Keppel Island. In a Facebook post, Mr Goh mentioned the yacht named Cloudbreak, which reportedly belongs to a Russian billionaire. While the former PM did not disclose the billionaire’s identity, online sources suggest that it is Alexander Alexandrovich Svetakov, a Russian property tycoon with a net worth of US$2 billion.
The Cloudbreak, worth an astounding $98 million, is docked at Keppel Island and has garnered attention from international media due to its owner’s presence on a war and sanction list originating from Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ukrainian government has imposed sanctions on Svetakov and others for allegedly supporting Russia’s military actions against Ukraine.
The Cloudbreak is an impressive 246-feet long yacht registered in the Cayman Islands. Built in 2016 by renowned German boatbuilder Abeking & Rasmussen, it offers luxurious accommodation for up to 12 passengers in six opulent staterooms. The master cabin stands out with its two balconies, providing an unobstructed panoramic view. The yacht features a wellness center, a fully equipped gym, and even a helicopter pad, ensuring ultimate comfort and indulgence for its guests. Powered by two powerful Caterpillar diesel engines, the Cloudbreak can smoothly cruise at 12 knots, with an impressive range of 8,500 nautical miles.
The yacht’s appearance in Pattaya, Thailand, last year drew mixed reactions within the local community. While tourism industry experts and officials welcomed it as a positive sign of high-value tourism resurgence, critics raised concerns about the political tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the US’s intentions to sanction Russian billionaires.
It is worth noting that the Thai government has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, which prevented any risks of seizure for the Cloudbreak during its stay in Thailand.
Mr. Goh’s encounter with the Cloudbreak highlights the allure and opulence of the mega-yacht industry. With the yacht’s ownership in question and its presence raising geopolitical concerns, it serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between luxury, power, and political tensions on the global stage.
While the magnificent yacht captivates admirers with its grandeur, the shadow of international developments casts doubt on the true cost of such extravagant displays of wealth. As the world continues to grapple with ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the presence of luxury yachts like the Cloudbreak raises larger questions about the responsibility of the super-rich in a global context.
