10 CEO Mega-Yachts (PHOTOS, POLL)

With the economy mired in a historic recession, now is certainly not the time to flaunt your world-class mega-yacht (assuming you actually own one). Yet, as Vanity Fair's Vicky Ward pointed out on the HuffPost recently, Andres Piedrahita, the main shareholder of the Fairfield Greenwich Group, recently took possession of a $30 million yacht. This, of course, was after Fairfield Greenwich had siphoned billions into Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme.

Despite the economy, there's no shortage of floating palaces among today's more upmarket business leaders. In fact, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has two huge vessels, while Russian billionaire -- and owner of the U.K.'s Chelsea soccer club -- has three enormous ships.

Which ship is the most ludicrously enormous? Which is barely seaworthy? View our SLIDESHOW and VOTE below (NOTE: all costs are approximate):

Roman Abramovich's "Pelorus," $300 Million

One of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s mini-fleet of yachts, the Pelorus is 377 feet long and was built in 2003.

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Comments

[AMaitrejean]

02:40 AM on 07/31/2009

I am all about people achieving the American dream. But I define the dream as success....not pretentious vulgar waste. And how much does one person actually need? I can't help but think of how many people could be helped with just the price tag of ONE of these "play things".

[sandiegoconservative]

01:29 PM on 07/31/2009

I think YOU make too much and have profited from the American Dream too much. Please send me 20% of your paycheck to make things all equal. Oh, and don't get a new TV, because I have an old one and we should be EQUAL.

[AMaitrejean]

04:22 PM on 07/31/2009

LOL! I assure you, that you know absolutely nothing about me personally. And a $300 MILLION floating city, is gross excess.

[Yanaar Lee]

01:45 PM on 07/30/2009

Send them all the Jurassic Park.... where they belong.

[fed U]

11:20 AM on 07/30/2009

just like in the last bull market and econ recovery, main street gets left in the cold while wall street prospers...

hat tip to http://www.iamned.com

[Wiseup2Day]

09:52 AM on 07/30/2009

What business is it of ours to decide what they pay money for? Hey, how many people were employed to build the ships? How many people were employed to supply the steel? How many were employed to make all the interior appliances, equipment and furniture? How many people are employed to run the ship, maintain it? I could go on...this employs people..don't be so short-sighted..

[Bashley]

05:45 PM on 07/30/2009

I agree. I don't agree with many choices made on Wall Street, but many mentioned in this article got into their respective businesses at the right time and were able to make a fortune. It's no different than a $50k "millionaire" purchasing a large SUV to ride in style. The trappings of our success come at differnt levels for all people.

[RuthieGix]

08:47 AM on 07/30/2009

"Steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot, and they make you king."---Bob Dylan

[StuManChu]

08:11 AM on 07/30/2009

It appears class envy is alive and well.

[ccpostman]

06:36 AM on 07/30/2009

They would make great artificial reefs!

[Sensiblebg]

04:35 AM on 07/30/2009

jealous much on here guys jeez?! If you can afford it then get it..

[Godweiser]

04:18 AM on 07/30/2009

I wish Abramovich would hurry up and take a well-deserved cruise into the Bermuda triangle on one of those floating ego-piles. Feed the kraken, baby!

[ccpostman]

06:44 AM on 07/30/2009

The Kraken I think is in Greece?

[HisPetGoat]

03:42 AM on 07/30/2009

Hey! After I noticed my yacht, Ellipse, missing I started looking for it and I think I see it!

I think that guy Abramanovich must have boosted it and changed the "c" to an "l".

Anyway, it's mine I'm sure. I have a receipt somewhere.

[jrjones529]

01:55 AM on 07/30/2009

capitalism has been good to these folks, no doubt.

[Ishmael1]

01:18 AM on 07/30/2009

All I can say to this article is...

Torpedo, Los!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg2MXszv3O0

[Clayton139]

12:55 AM on 07/30/2009

This needs to STOP !

[lazercat2008]

12:49 AM on 07/30/2009

It's what all the pirates are sailing.

[ccpostman]

06:49 AM on 07/30/2009

No, mostly Sultans, Sheikhs, Kings,and Russian billionaires.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motor_yachts_by_length

[Ishmael1]

12:54 PM on 07/30/2009

Same-same pidgen to me.

[newtom]

12:36 AM on 07/30/2009

Did I miss the outlawing of wealth? These people are rich because (mostly) they invented something people wanted and were willing to pay for. Sounds like "the American way" to me!!! Sure, those are some extravagant boats, but up until a few months ago, we'd be was admiring them for their excess.

If you could, you would too.

[AMaitrejean]

02:44 AM on 07/31/2009

no. no I wouldn't...not to the degree of greed displayed here. but I know my heart is in the right place...thinking of others...not just me.