The 82 metre Oceanco Alfa Nero Makes Tumultuous Re-entry Into The Boating World After Long-awaited Refit

The return of the Oceanco Alfa Nero has been marked by high drama. Known for its notable history of controversy, the infamous yacht has now emerged from its tumultuous past, sailing into fresh horizons. The yacht’s owner faced sanctions tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sparking a chain of legal tussles and its subsequent stasis. However, a refit carried out by Martinique Shipyard, contrived to mark the end of the vessel’s infamous saga. Now, sleeker and more robust than ever, the yacht is available for charter, staking its claim in the sector once again.

The Alfa Nero’s reintegration into the market followed a month-long intensive refit. This included a series of high-intensity upgrades and replacements such as propeller polishing and a new water heater. A complete hull repaint, reconditioned antifouling and anodes, and minor deck repairs added the finishing touches.

The yacht’s revival hasn’t been without controversy. It was mired in international sanctions due to its links to Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev. After being abandoned in Antigua’s Falmouth Harbour, stayed idle, piled up maintenance costs while legal disputes chained it from being sold. Its sale was made possible due to an unconventional legal framework enacted by the Antiguan government, naming it a wreck and an environmental hazard – a strategic move to expedite the sale. The government also retains any remaining sale proceeds to fund after reimbursing debtors, raising a few eyebrows.

While the measures may seem harsh, the yacht posed a potential environmental threat to Antigua, a nation reliant on nautical tourism and vulnerable to seasonal hurricanes. Nevertheless, the comeback of the Alfa Nero is an event marked by its capacity to weather storms, both literal and metaphorical, as it embarks on its new journey in the charter market.