The 82-metre superyacht Graceful, widely reported by international media to be linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has reportedly headed to Turkey after making its first publicly tracked voyage in almost four years.
The Blohm & Voss-built yacht briefly reappeared on Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking data before switching off its transponder once again. According to media reports, the vessel transited the Bosphorus Strait and is now bound for the Turkish resort of Bodrum.
First Public Voyage Since 2022
The voyage marks the first time since February 2022 that Graceful has left the Baltic Sea. Before the latest journey, the yacht had spent most of the past four years operating with its AIS transponder disabled, making its movements largely invisible to public tracking services.
When the yacht was first spotted in Danish waters in late June, it was escorted by two Russian naval vessels while being monitored by the Danish Navy patrol vessel P521 Freja. The convoy attracted widespread attention because of the vessel’s prolonged absence from public tracking systems.
AIS Switched Off Again
According to reports, Graceful disabled its AIS transponder again shortly after media outlets reported on its movements. Automatic Identification System transmitters are commonly used to broadcast a vessel’s position, course and speed, although military and government vessels may operate under different security procedures.
International media have long linked the yacht to Vladimir Putin, although the Kremlin has never publicly acknowledged ownership of the vessel.
Second Kremlin-Linked Yacht Heads to Turkey
Media reports also indicate that the 71-metre yacht Victoria, which has been associated with members of Putin’s inner circle, has also travelled to Turkey. The vessel is reportedly heading to Bodrum after transiting the Bosphorus.
The movement of both yachts comes amid heightened security concerns following recent Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian military facilities. Some reports suggested that Graceful was escorted by Russian naval vessels throughout much of its journey before disappearing from public tracking once again.
