La Sultana – one of the last remaining Cold War Soviet spy ships of its type – is now available for charter after being carefully transformed into a classic luxury yacht
One of 12 unique ships built for the Soviet fleet, and used for secret spying in the North Atlantic ocean during the Cold War, is now available for charter after being painstakingly transformed by its owner.
La Sultana, a 65 metres long vessel, was originally named Aji Petri and built in 1962 at the Georgi Dimitrov shipyard in Varna in Bulgaria. It was built as a Black Sea passenger ferry designed to carry cargo and people between the ports of Odessa, Sevastopol, Istanbul and Yalta.
But, in 1970, global political tension made Aji Petri invaluable to the Soviet navy as an environmental research ship and it was sent to the North Atlantic Ocean on behalf of the International Organisation of Telecommunications for unofficial spying on the US and the UK.
After the fall of the USSR, Aji Petri was assigned to a Bulgarian shipping company and resumed service as a passenger ferry between Istanbul and Yalta. Then, in 2007, the La Sultana Group transformed the vessel into a luxury superyacht fit for charter in international waters.
After several years of careful craftsmanship and refitting the engine room, the boat has emerged as La Sultana, an elegant, classic yacht with the latest advanced technology and which can accommodate 12 guests in seven stunning ensuite cabins. All of the suites have distinctive marble baths and showers, as well as Clarins amenities and plenty of space to relax. The Owner’s Suite is an enormous 66 square metres wide.
La Sultana is perfect for families or friends who want to share unique experiences in an authentic, relaxing and very exclusive environment at sea.
Facilities include three tender boats, including two Nantucket Limited Edition Sellerie By Lancel boats and an XPRO 490; a Mini-Moke jeep; an indoor swimming pool; outdoor Jacuzzi; a hammam; a Marina beach club; two jetskis; two kayaks; two windsurfing boards; diving equipment; a wakeboard; six bikes; wifi and onboard entertainment system.
Onboard the six-deck La Sultana are many areas to rest and relax, including a large dining room, extensive lounge area with bar, two outdoor lounges which can be used for dining, and a top deck with outdoor shower.
The interior has been tastefully designed and includes works from famous Moroccan artist Jilali Gharbaoui and a unique sculpture made from seashells and previously displayed at an Hermes store in Paris.
Weighing 823 tonnes, she has a range of 5,000 nautical miles cruising at 11 knots and a top speed of 13 knots.
La Sultana has a crew of 17 people and is now available for charter bookings.
Follow
