One of the biggest yachts in the world, Roman Abramovich’s “Eclipse”, has been anchored in Župa bay in Dubrovnik for the whole of September and October. The most interesting part? It stands anchored for free.
For something so obscenely large and outrageously expensive, the word “free” wouldn’t normally come to mind. To make things a bit more interesting, Dubrovački Dnevnik reports that Abramovich’s yacht is anchored for free because it is permitted by law.
"In this part of the Župa Bay, where the yacht is anchored, anchoring is allowed. The law says that all anchoring is allowed, if it does not state prohibited, and in this area it is not forbidden. Because the Eclipse fulfills the requirements of security of anchoring in this place, and that the service by maritime traffic is not bothered or it threatens the ecology, and the yacht crew resides at all times to respond to unforeseen circumstances, anchoring on the site is legal,” explained Mato Kekez, Dubrovnik Harbor Master.
The area where the boat is anchored, adds Kekez, is not under the jurisdiction of either the Port Authority or the County Port Authority of Dubrovnik.
"If someone is charged with anchoring there, according to current Croatian laws, that would be illegal,” adds Kekez.
"Of course it would be good to consider whether to charge for anchoring at Župa Bay, but I repeat, currently in the area, anchoring is not prohibited, and it does not fall under competence of any institution, with none of these institutions entitled to charge anchoring,” concludes Kekez.
His word was confirmed by the director of the County Port Authority of Dubrovnik Željko Dadić, who also points out that none of the institutions dealing with marine issues has jurisdiction over the area.
And so it goes, a man worth $8.3 billion USD, with a yacht worth $500 million USD (in 2011), has found a loophole in Župa Bay - an ideal place where he can anchor his Eclipse without having to pay a thing when the yacht is not used or is not in charter.
Image of Eclipse by TCN's Paul Bradbury near Cavtat this summer
