SHIP
HISTORY
A PRIVATE MEGA-YACHT REFIT PROJECT
Renamed
the M/V BART ROBERTS, the ship was originally a Canadian Coast Guard
Icebreaker. Today, she flies the Cayman flag and is one of the largest private
yachts in the world. This 265 foot, 2,000-ton vessel has a
range of 10,000 nautical miles - making it capable of cruising anywhere in the
world. In 1986, the Canadian Government completely gutted the ship and spent
millions of dollars on a major modernization refit, including engines,
generators, wiring, helipad with hanger, and all new accommodation and
electronics.
In November of 2000, an international investment group won its first major sea battle by winning the bidding war against the Russian government for possession of the ship. The ownership and future operations of the ship are shrouded in as much secrecy as the gentleman ( pirate ) who is the ship's namesake - Bart Roberts. Today the vessel undergoes another multi-million dollar refit under the watchful eye of - TRADEPOWER INTERNATIONAL, a U.S. corporation, Lennart Edstrom, P.Eng. - Project Manager.
Once
the M/V BART ROBERTS is completed, she will have the distinction of being
one of the world’s largest expedition charter yachts, which will be Lloyd’s and
SOLAS certified for a maximum of 36 passengers.
The
25-man crew will be in command of the ship and it’s toys – including but not
limited to:
A
Bell Long Ranger Helicopter, housed in a heated and air conditioned hanger
A
38-foot aluminum landing craft – capable of carrying full-sized vehicles,
four-runners and gold doubloons.
A
34-foot open Fisherman
A
50-foot, four-engine, high-speed catamaran – carries 25 passengers -
capable of speeds in excess of 70mph.
A
deep dive submarine, wave runners, kayaks, dive equipment, etc., etc…….
All
of the above mentioned toys are easily lifted aboard and stowed away in the
large hold or the 65’ X 42’ open fore deck, by means of the ship’s Aurora
25-ton, 75-foot hydraulic crane.
OTHER
FEATURES – Besides the 11 Jacuzzi’s
and private spa, the ship has a 10’x 20’ swimming pool that can be stowed away
when not required by the guests. The accommodations – laid out in “Old World”
décor – includes a 35’x 60’ salon with antique brick floors. The 10-foot ceilings
and a 10-foot stone fireplace with an 8-foot, 1700’s cannon - serving as a mantle
add to the uniqueness. The huge dining table seats 20 guests, and is separated
from the Yamaha Grand piano and bar by a huge fish tank, stocked with man-eating
Piranhas, fitting of a true pirate ship! The 10 huge master staterooms, full-size
movie theatre, gymnasium, hospital, disco, six deck elevator, private office/library
and large stainless steel galley (capable of preparing 3 meals per day for 200
people), also highlights the massive size of the ship.
Where
is the M/V BART ROBERTS headed, once complete?
The
only word that can be documented at the present time is that an international
management company will offer the ship for worldwide charter beginning mid-2002. Other missions for the vessel remain a mystery.
Two
sets of crew are being trained: 1. A world-class charter crew, capable
of pampering the charter clients - no matter where their destination. 2. The
second crew and other missions have not been so easily identified. Reports from the Caribbean say that some crewmembers have been seen training at
night aboard the high-speed catamarans. Speculation has placed the ship doing
secret work for a U.S. defense contractor – or possibly searching secretly for
treasure that Bartholomew Roberts left behind – or perhaps seeking out her own
treasures as she roams the oceans of the world. This site will be constantly
updated. As more information surfaces about this unique and mysterious ship, we
will pass it on to you. Film crews are documenting as much of the project as
allowed….
MV
BART ROBERTS
M
I S S I O N :
CHARTER
YACHT?
EXPLORER
VESSEL?
PIRATE
SHIP?
~
Stay Tuned ~