An explorer style 50m motor eco-yacht, built in 2007 by Mondomarine of Italy, is visiting the Erie Basin Marina currently, and it's created quite a stir in the process - mostly by my dad. He spotted the yacht and asked if I wanted to take a trip down to the marina to check it out. It's not everyday that we get a chance to see an ocean-going vessel outfitted with a gymnasium tie up at the waterfront. Not only did the boat arrive, but it looked as if there was an undercover security guard parked in the parking lot watching to make sure that no one took the liberty of strolling aboard. My dad is under the impression that it was Luciano Benetton who he saw get off the yacht along with his wife. Benetton is the billionaire head of the Benetton fashion empire, and happens to own M/Y Tribu.
According to CharterWorld.com, M/Y Tribu' boasts "an an extensive master suite with circular panaramic views. Adjoining the master is an office, vast walk-in wardrobes, and bathroom/gymnasium. On the main deck there are three double cabins with king beds and ensuite bathrooms and a twin cabin with ensuite bathroom."
As if the visit from M/Y Tribu' was not enough, another smaller (yet still very impressive) yacht was moored directly to the rear of the ship. This one was built in 2008 by Burger Boat Company, one of the premier yacht builders in the world. Called Tò-Kalòn, the 30.79m beauty rested majestically in the harbor and complimented M/Y Tribu' tremendously (see SuperYachtTimes). The sight of these two yachts, back to back, was captivating due to the sheer size of the crafts. I wonder what the owner of Tò-Kalòn thought when he/she pulled up and realized that their yacht was not the biggest in the marina. That must have been quite a surprise.
While it's great to have a lot of boating activity at Canalside these days, it's good to know that the Erie Basin Marina can accommodate a few of the oversized vessels that could never find an appropriate berth anywhere else.
It's been in the marina for at least a week and a half now. I was at the marina the weekend of the 11th and it was there.