In a Past Life, This Superyacht Was a Spy Ship
Courtesy of La Sultana With its stately interiors and Old World charm, it's hard to imagine the La Sultana once led a secret life. But the 213-foot vessel, originally named Aji Petri and built in Bulgaria in 1962, went from a Black Sea passenger ferry to a spy ship overnight.
In 1970, the Soviet navy commandeered Aji Petri for use as an environmental research ship in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its unofficial mission, on behalf of the International Organisation of Telecommunication, was to spy on the United States and Britain. 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.
Today, the ships life has taken a much more luxurious turn: In 2007, the La Sultana Group purchased the vessel and set about transforming it into a superyacht.
In addition to two outdoor areas, La Sultana now boasts seven cabins, a dining room, lounge, a helipad, hammam, and swimming pool. Keep scrolling to see it up close.
In 1970, the Soviet navy commandeered Aji Petri for use as an environmental research ship in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its unofficial mission, on behalf of the International Organisation of Telecommunication, was to spy on the United States and Britain. 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.
Today, the ships life has taken a much more luxurious turn: In 2007, the La Sultana Group purchased the vessel and set about transforming it into a superyacht.
In addition to two outdoor areas, La Sultana now boasts seven cabins, a dining room, lounge, a helipad, hammam, and swimming pool. Keep scrolling to see it up close.
Courtesy of La Sultana
Mahogany, cherrywood, and cedar wood were used throughout.
Courtesy of La Sultana
The six-deck vessel offers several rest areas: a large dining room, two outdoor lounges, and a top deck with outdoor shower. 
Courtesy of La Sultana
This extensive lounge area features a bar. 
Courtesy of La Sultana
Guests who charter La Sultana have access to seven cabins, all ensuite with marble baths and onyx fixtures. 
Courtesy of La Sultana
At 213-feet wide, the yacht offers plenty of room to stretch out. 
Courtesy of La Sultana
Interiors feature works by Moroccan artist Jilali Gharbaoui. 
Courtesy of La Sultana
This winter, the yacht will be available for charter in the Caribbean. 
Courtesy of La Sultana
Guests have access to two Nantucket Limited Edition Sellerie by Lancel boats, an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, a Marina beach club, two jet skis, two kayaks, two windsurfing boards, diving equipment, a wakeboard, six bikes, plus ship-wide Wi-Fi. Onboard entertainment is also included. 
Courtesy of La Sultana
A dial embossed with Cyrillic letters hints at the vessel's past. 
Courtesy of La Sultana
Chartering the yacht costs about $$$,000 per week, excluding VAT and Advance Provisioning Allowance. From: Esquire US
By Jill Krasny
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