A Russian billionaire has installed a special anti-photo shield to thwart paparazzi and curious onlookers on his 557-foot boat, called the Eclipse. While the price tag was supposed to be settled at something substantially lower, the cost of the yacht has ballooned to $1.2 billion, with additions like two helipads, two swimming pools, a mini sub, and missile-proof windows.

If that sounds more or less standard for your billion-dollar yacht, there’s one more addition to get you drooling: Roman Abramovich also requested that a special shield, activated by a guard as necessary, be installed to keep some semblance of privacy in crowded areas. (How about a slightly smaller yacht? That might help, too.) The expensive shield uses lasers to sweep the area and picking up CCDs, then shooting a bolt of light to destroy the photo. Friend and family can still take pictures when the special shield is shut off, though.

Unsurprisingly, the paparazzi is not pleased.  [via wired]

Oceanco’s yacht is bigger and more luxurious than yours, measuring 82 m with an interior designed by Alberto Pinto. The upper deck hosts the owner’s residence, complete with an office, dressing room and bathroom fitted with a Jacuzzi and steam shower. Below are the sky lounge and dining room, with scalloped panels covered in white lacquer for a mother of pearl appearance. But the real attraction is the main aft deck swimming pool. Don’t like swimming? Worry not, as the pool converts into a helicopter landing pad. Edmiston & Company and Merle Wood & Associates are the yacht’s central agents, and they’re asking for roughly $190 million. [via Superyacht Times]

Just one month after being sold for a staggering $100 million (courtesy of the recession), the 289 ft hybrid beast Maltese Falcon is back on our water luxury travel radar. Built by Perini Navi and intended for the mega-rich, this classic styled sailing superyacht comes with a revolutionary sailing system dubbed DynaRig. It includes three self-standing and rotating masts that host 15 sails making for a total sail area of 25,791 sq ft. Unrivaled when it comes to performance, maneuverability and record-shattering speed, the Maltese Falcon can cross the Atlantic crossings in ten days by reaching impressive top speeds of up to 21 knots. Hence why it won the Perini Navi Cup, the world’s most exclusive regatta race. [via Luxist]

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The problem with buying a yacht that once belonged to Bernie Madoff is that you pretty much know it was acquired with dirty money. If that doesn’t bother you, check out National Liquidators’ live action for November 17, which features three boats owned by the Ponzi scheme mastermind turned convicted felon. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll have to pre-bid to participate. The high-dollar item looks to be the Bull, a 55 foot 1969 Rybovich. There’s also the Sitting Bull, a 38-foot 2003 Shelter Island Runabout and Little Bull, a 23-foot 2000 Maverick Boat Company 2400 Center Console. I must say, I’m a little disappointed by what we’re seeing here. For someone who scammed investors out of roughly $65 billion, I was expecting more extravagance. Maybe it was all part of the act. [National Liquidators via Luxist]

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Though we’ve looked at house boats, expensive yachts and floating homes in the past, the SY Thalia redefines luxury in its own special way. The 159-foot ketch is fitted with Liquid Automation award-winning electronics that include 12 entertainment, video and navigation zones — all worth a mere $330k. But other than amazing entertainment systems, the new SY Thalia impresses with its elegant interior. There’s a gym, a study room, a bar, an aft cockpit, a theater, a saloon and three guest cabins to spend the night in. And did we mention the PS3 that has been neatly tucked away in furniture? Not sure if the toy is for sale or just a way to prove what technology can come up with, but we’re completely sold. [via LuxuryLaunches]

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Now that the Brits from YachtPlus has taken the wraps off their Ocean Emerald, the rich have a luxurious new sea toy to play with. Contemporary, technologically advanced and timeless, the 41-meter super-yacht has been built together with world renowned architect Norman Foster. It emphasizes space and light with its 5 lavish suites and the highly flexible layout that reflects quality, excellence and exclusivity in the most luxurious way. A stunning piece of design, the Ocean Emerald will charm it’s owners with four decks, floor-to-ceiling windows, solid teak decks, a panoramic saloon and state-of-the-art lighting systems amongst others. If you’re reading, YachtPlus, feel free to invite us over for a cruise… [via Yatzer]

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Renowned shipbuilder Palmer Johnson teamed up Rolls Royce Marine to create the luxurious Ice Class World Mega-Yacht that only the rich will afford. A concept that promises luxury and comfort while floating on the waves, the superyacht has been optimized to leisurely cruise the most remote regions even in the most challenging conditions. Powered by a sustainable diesel-electric propulsion system, with a helipad with an elevator-equipped hangar and featuring an opulent interior that treats you with teak decks, a gym with spa, a swimming pool and an owner’s suite on the fifth deck with amazing sea views, the new PJ Ice Class manges to impress even the pickiest. [via Autoblog]

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For the green-minded with a large bank account, here’s a nice new toy to play with… Dubbed “Code X”, this luxurious yacht packs a set of Ilmor Formula One engines that thump out 710 hp allowing it to tear the waves at 80 knots.  If you’re not in the mood for speeding and are more interested in a leisure trip offshore, there are two electric motors that get their juice from the on-board solar panels and help Code X to cruise at 9 knots on open water. Featuring a GPS-controlled “Virtual Anchor” system that will keep it stationary regardless of the wind speed or water current, Code X also includes touchscreen controls and a Kevlar/carbon shell with phototropic-shaded screens and windows.  This new 47′ 7” catamaran mixes style and cutting edge technology in the best possible way. [via YankoDesign]

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Luxury Yachts – The world’s wealthiest sea-goers travel in the ultimate luxury.  Their huge luxury yachts feature helipads, multiple swimming pools, a full staff and the latest in nautical technology.  They don’t come cheap– as the ten yachts on this list are worth a combined 1.6 billion dollars.  Want to see how the rich hit the deep blue sea?  Grab your swim trunks, your flippie floppies and your nautical-themed pashmina afghan– and see how the world’s wealthiest do it on a boat.

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