murdoch new yacht

Murdoch's superyacht 'Sarissa' arrives

Dutch carbon-fibre performance sloop with cockpit swimming pool.

Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch’s stunning new carbon-fibre superyacht Sarissa has arrived in Sydney in time for summer. Designed by Bill Tripp and built by Dutch yard Vitters, the cutting-edge yacht was two years in the making and is the largest carbon-fibre sloop built to date in the Netherlands.

Vitters Shipyard's website describes  Sarissa as a spectacular 42.6 m carbon globetrotter and performance sloop with a fully modern hull shape, sail plan, and foils. 

Hydraulic sailing and deck systems are said to provide improved reaction speed, load and stiffness to safely facilitate the sailing performance this modern and technical yacht was designed for.

Other custom technical features are an in-house developed hydraulic steering system with rudder feedback, as well as a unique system of back stays and running stays to operate both her cruising and racing sail configurations. The yacht has a lifting keel.

The mainsheet has been placed on an arch spanning the cockpit to keep the deck clear, while the aft cockpit can be transformed into a swimming pool for the kids.

Sarissa's design was guided by close client input and involvement, says Vitters, adding that the yacht will be used to sail all over the world with the family in tow and will take part in the established superyacht regattas.

The layout and deck plan emphasise a clean and modern look, while the family friendly layout below decks boasts a full-beam after stateroom, three guests cabins and three crew cabins.

The stunning interior is by Rhoades Young Design Ltd using a combination of limed oak, dark Italian walnut, Indian rosewood, carbon, dark leather and brushed stainless steel.

Finished in swordfish blue Alexseal paint, with a Ribling 555 tender in the 'garage', the 163 tonne Sarissa has a 56m carbon mast and will be hard to miss moored at Wooloomooloo in Sydney’s CBD.

Meantime, father Rupert reportedly listed his 184ft yacht Rosehearty , built by Perini Navi in Italy in 2006, for sale in September this year for $29.7 million. This followed his divorce from wife Wendi Deng.

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37 Facts About Novosibirsk

Written by Adelice Lindemann

Modified & Updated: 17 Sep 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Novosibirsk, often referred to as the “Capital of Siberia,” is a vibrant and dynamic city located in southwestern Russia. With a population exceeding 1.5 million residents, it is the third most populous city in Russia and serves as the administrative center of the Novosibirsk Oblast.

Nestled along the banks of the Ob River, Novosibirsk is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scientific advancements, and picturesque landscapes. As the largest city in Siberia, it offers a perfect blend of modern and traditional attractions, making it a fascinating destination for both locals and tourists.

In this article, we will delve into 37 interesting facts about Novosibirsk, shedding light on its history, architecture, natural wonders, and cultural significance. Whether you are planning a visit or simply curious about this intriguing city, these facts will give you a deeper understanding of what Novosibirsk has to offer.

Key Takeaways:

• Novosibirsk, the “Capital of Siberia,” is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong sense of community, offering a high quality of life for its residents.
• From being a major industrial and transportation hub to hosting world-class cultural institutions and scientific research centers, Novosibirsk is a dynamic city with a diverse culinary scene and a thriving IT and tech industry.

Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia.

Situated in southwestern Siberia, Novosibirsk has a population of over 1.6 million people, making it one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the country.

The city was founded in 1893.

Novosibirsk was established as a railway junction on the Trans-Siberian Railway, playing a significant role in the development of Siberia.

It is known as the “Capital of Siberia”.

Due to its economic and cultural significance, Novosibirsk is often referred to as the capital of Siberia.

Novosibirsk is a major industrial center.

The city is home to a wide range of industries, including machinery manufacturing, chemical production, energy, and metallurgy .

It is famous for its scientific and research institutions.

Novosibirsk hosts several renowned scientific and research institutions, contributing to advancements in various fields including nuclear physics, chemistry, and biotechnology.

The Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the largest in Russia.

This iconic cultural institution showcases world-class ballet and opera performances and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts visiting the city .

The city has a vibrant theater scene.

Novosibirsk boasts numerous theaters, showcasing a wide variety of performances from traditional plays to experimental productions.

Novosibirsk is a major transportation hub.

Thanks to its strategic location on the Trans-Siberian Railway, the city serves as a crucial transportation hub connecting Siberia with other regions of Russia .

The Ob River flows through Novosibirsk.

The majestic Ob River adds to the city’s natural beauty and provides opportunities for recreational activities such as boating and fishing.

Novosibirsk is known for its harsh winter climate.

With temperatures dropping well below freezing in winter, the city experiences a true Siberian winter with snowy landscapes.

The Novosibirsk Zoo is one of the largest and oldest in Russia.

Home to a wide variety of animal species, including rare and endangered ones, the Novosibirsk Zoo attracts visitors from near and far.

Novosibirsk is a center for academic excellence.

The city is home to Novosibirsk State University, one of the top universities in Russia, renowned for its research and education programs.

The Novosibirsk Metro is the newest metro system in Russia.

Opened in 1985, the Novosibirsk Metro provides efficient transportation for residents and visitors alike.

Novosibirsk is surrounded by picturesque nature.

Surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the Altai Mountains and the Novosibirsk Reservoir, the city offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

The Novosibirsk State Circus is famous for its performances.

Showcasing talented acrobats , clowns, and animal acts, the Novosibirsk State Circus offers entertaining shows for all ages.

Novosibirsk is home to a thriving art scene.

The city is dotted with art galleries, showcasing the works of local and international artists .

Novosibirsk has a diverse culinary scene.

From traditional Russian cuisine to international flavors, the city offers a wide range of dining options to satisfy all taste buds.

The Novosibirsk State Museum of Local History is a treasure trove of historical artifacts.

Exploring the museum gives visitors an insight into the rich history and culture of the region.

Novosibirsk is known for its vibrant nightlife.

The city is home to numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, ensuring a lively atmosphere after dark.

Novosibirsk has a strong ice hockey tradition.

Ice hockey is a popular sport in the city, with local teams competing in national and international tournaments.

The Novosibirsk State Philharmonic Hall hosts world-class musical performances.

Music lovers can enjoy classical concerts and symphony orchestra performances in this renowned venue.

Novosibirsk is home to the Akademgorodok, a scientific research town.

Akademgorodok is a unique scientific community located near Novosibirsk, housing numerous research institutes and academic organizations.

Novosibirsk has a unique blend of architectural styles.

The city features a mix of Soviet-era buildings, modern skyscrapers, and historic structures, creating an eclectic cityscape.

Novosibirsk is an important center for ballet training and education.

The city’s ballet schools and academies attract aspiring dancers from across Russia and abroad.

Novosibirsk is a gateway to the stunning Altai Mountains.

Located nearby, the Altai Mountains offer breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Novosibirsk hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year.

From music and theater festivals to art exhibitions, the city’s cultural calendar is always packed with exciting events.

Novosibirsk is a green city with numerous parks and gardens.

Residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature in the city’s well-maintained parks and botanical gardens.

Novosibirsk is a center for technology and innovation.

The city is home to several technology parks and innovation centers, fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Novosibirsk has a strong sense of community.

The residents of Novosibirsk are known for their hospitality and friendly nature, making visitors feel welcome.

Novosibirsk is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

The city is dotted with shopping malls, boutiques, and markets, offering a wide range of shopping options.

Novosibirsk has a rich literary heritage.

The city has been home to many famous Russian writers and poets, and their works are celebrated in literary circles.

Novosibirsk is a popular destination for medical tourism.

The city is known for its advanced medical facilities and expertise, attracting patients from around the world.

Novosibirsk has a well-developed public transportation system.

With buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the metro, getting around the city is convenient and efficient.

Novosibirsk is a city of sport.

The city has a strong sports culture, with numerous sports facilities and opportunities for athletic activities .

Novosibirsk has a thriving IT and tech industry.

The city is home to numerous IT companies and startups, contributing to the development of the digital economy.

Novosibirsk celebrates its anniversary every year on July 12th.

The city comes alive with festivities, including concerts, fireworks, and cultural events, to commemorate its foundation.

Novosibirsk offers a high quality of life.

With its excellent educational and healthcare systems, cultural amenities, and vibrant community, Novosibirsk provides a great living environment for its residents.

Novosibirsk is a fascinating city filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene . From its origins as a small village to becoming the third-largest city in Russia, Novosibirsk has emerged as a major economic and cultural hub in Siberia . With its world-class universities, theaters, museums, and natural attractions, Novosibirsk offers a myriad of experiences for visitors.

Whether you’re exploring the impressive Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater, strolling along the picturesque banks of the Ob River, or immersing yourself in the city’s scientific and technological achievements at the Akademgorodok, Novosibirsk has something for everyone.

From its iconic landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to its vibrant festivals like the International Jazz Festival , Novosibirsk has a unique charm that will captivate any traveler. So, make sure to include Novosibirsk in your travel itinerary and discover the hidden gems of this remarkable city.

Q: What is the population of Novosibirsk?

A: As of 2021, the estimated population of Novosibirsk is around 1.6 million people.

Q: Is Novosibirsk a safe city to visit?

A: Novosibirsk is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, it is always recommended to take standard precautions such as avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and keeping your belongings secure.

Q: What is the best time to visit Novosibirsk?

A: The best time to visit Novosibirsk is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. However, if you enjoy the winter chill and snow, visiting during the winter season can also be a unique experience.

Q: Are there any interesting cultural events in Novosibirsk?

A: Yes, Novosibirsk is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the International Jazz Festival, Novosibirsk International Film Festival, and the Siberian Ice March Festival.

Q: Can I visit Novosibirsk without knowing Russian?

A: While knowing some basic Russian phrases can be helpful, many establishments in Novosibirsk, especially tourist areas, have English signage and staff who can communicate in English. However, learning a few essential Russian phrases can enhance your travel experience.

Novosibirsk's captivating history and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. From its humble beginnings as a small settlement to its current status as Russia's third-largest city, Novosibirsk has a story worth exploring. If you're a sports enthusiast, don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the city's beloved football club , FC Sibir Novosibirsk. With its rich heritage and passionate fan base, the club has become an integral part of Novosibirsk's identity.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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How a Murdoch sailed off with Maxwell's yacht: For years the press titans battled for supremacy and now Rupert Murdoch's ex-wife has bought and refitted Robert Maxwell's boat Lady Ghislaine - named after his disgraced daughter and scene of his death

• Disgraced newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell owned Lady Ghislaine superyacht
• He fell overboard in the Atlantic 1991 with his empire on the brink of collapse 
• Lady Ghislaine fell into Rupert Murdoch's family's possession - Maxwell's rival
• The yacht is now named Dancing Hare and owned by Murdoch's ex-wife Anna 

By Paul Bracchi for the Daily Mail

Published: 17:01 EDT, 12 February 2021 | Updated: 00:31 EDT, 13 February 2021

View comments

The Dancing Hare, a 189 ft superyacht, is currently moored in Auckland after traversing the South Pacific and Caribbean Sea.

As displays of conspicuous wealth go, she certainly takes some beating with glass panels encircling the deck, wraparound glass railings, and accommodation for 12 guests — and up to 15 staff — in a master suite, four doubles and a twin stateroom.

The price? £11.8 million; at least that was the asking price when this behemoth was purchased in 2017.

The Dancing Hare, a 189 ft superyacht, is currently moored in Auckland after traversing the South Pacific and Caribbean Sea

Since then, Dancing Hare, flying under the flag of the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific, where she is officially registered, has been spotted sailing around the Galapagos Islands, St Lucia, Fiji, Tonga, and Bora Bora in French Polynesia. 

Those on board, according to online video diaries chronicling the cruiser's progress, enjoyed everything 'from diving adventures with sharks and turtles' to watching 'dolphins swimming off their bow'.

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Yet few outside the boating world will be aware that the white and orange striped flag fluttering in the ocean breeze belonged, in a previous life 30 years ago, to one of the most famous — or rather infamous — yachts in the world.

Back then it had a very different name. It was called the Lady Ghislaine and the owner was disgraced newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell.

On the evening of November 5, 1991, with his empire, including the Daily Mirror, on the brink of collapse, Maxwell's naked 22 st body was found floating in the Atlantic off the Canaries, having fallen overboard from the stern of his yacht earlier in the day.

The Lady Ghislaine was owned by disgraced newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell and named after his daughter

It soon became apparent that Maxwell, who was 68, was not only bankrupt (about £1 billion) but had also pilfered millions from the Mirror's pension fund.

Many believe his bitter rivalry with fellow media tycoon Rupert Murdoch was to blame for his downfall which 'unhinged him' and drove him to cripplingly over-extend himself.

But Maxwell must be turning in his grave for another reason.

For, three decades on, the Lady Ghislaine, Maxwell's pride and joy which he christened after his favourite daughter, Ghislaine — herself mired in controversy and awaiting trial in New York on charges, which she denies, of trafficking underage girls with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein — has fallen into the hands of the Murdoch family after changing hands several times down the years.

The irony is beyond parody.

The latest owner of the twice-renamed, refurbished Lady Ghislaine (which was first renamed Lady Mona K before her current moniker of Dancing Hare) is none other than Rupert Murdoch's ex-wife Anna, a new biography of Robert Maxwell reveals.

Scots-born Anna, 76, is the mother of three of Murdoch's children, Elisabeth, 52, Lachlan, 49, and James, 48, who have all played prominent roles in their father's media conglomerate.

On the evening of November 5, 1991, with his empire, including the Daily Mirror, on the brink of collapse, Maxwell's naked 22 st body was found floating in the Atlantic off the Canaries (pictured on the boat in 1990)

Why, though, of all the yachts, in all the world, would the former Mrs Murdoch — now Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster, having twice remarried since divorcing Murdoch in 1998 — have chosen to buy this particular yacht? Author John Preston offers the following explanation in the very final paragraph of his book, Fall: The Mystery Of Robert Maxwell, which features a photograph of the Lady Ghislaine on the front cover.

He writes: 'In 2017, Rupert Murdoch's former wife Anna decided that she wanted to buy a yacht. Their son James, a keen sailor, offered to help. A few weeks later, he found just what he was looking for — a boat called the Lady Mona K, on the market for $14.5 million [more than £11 million at the time]. His mother went to have a look and liked what she saw.

'It was only after buying the Lady Mona K that Anna learned the yacht's name had been changed years earlier. It had previously been called the Lady Ghislaine.'

But The Times, one of Rupert Murdoch's newspapers, knew about the yacht's history, reporting shortly before the former Mrs Murdoch bought it from a Saudi Arabian lawyer, that the Lady Mona K was on the market and was in fact the Lady Ghislaine 'with a refurbished guard rail'.

This was an open secret in yachting circles.

The latest owner of the twice-renamed, refurbished Lady Ghislaine is none other than Rupert Murdoch's ex-wife Anna (pictured)

So would it be beyond the realms of possibility to suggest there could have been more to the acquisition than meets the eye?

That acquiring the old enemy's once prized possession might have provided an unexpected incentive for the wider Murdoch clan, a kind of posthumous schadenfreude?

The Murdochs would be only human if they had. After all, their rivalry was the stuff of legend.

Anna and Rupert Murdoch were together for more than three decades, during which time Maxwell played the role of the pantomime villain, a Trumpian figure whose clashes with Murdoch, inside and outside the boardroom, dominated the 1980s and spilled over into bitter personal animosity.

The feud was even turned into a Jeffrey Archer page turner (The Fourth Estate), a thinly disguised account of the lives of the two tycoons. Anna had a ringside seat to the rivalry. It began in 1968 when Maxwell moved to buy the News Of The World but lost out to Murdoch — 'an Aussie upstart' — who was looking to crack the UK market.

'Never has a man caught a bigger whale with a smaller hook,' Maxwell said later, alluding to the fact that he felt Murdoch underpaid for the title, a deal which proved enormously profitable for him.

Many believe Maxwell's (left) bitter rivalry with fellow media tycoon Rupert Murdoch (right) was to blame for his downfall

Murdoch would also outbid Maxwell for The Sun the following year and The Times and The Sunday Times in 1981.

When Maxwell finally bought Mirror Group Newspapers in 1984, his Daily Mirror slugged it out with Murdoch's Sun, which culminated in a circulation war waged, to quote one colourful account from those times, 'with bingo giveaways, bare-breasted pin-up girls and screaming headlines'.

In New York, they also owned rival tabloids. Maxwell had the Daily News and Murdoch owned the New York Post.

However, Maxwell's spending spree in America, including paying $2.6 billion for publishing house Macmillan U.S., precisely because he was desperate to go toe-to-toe with Murdoch across the pond, left him heavily in hock to the banks — money he could not repay when profits fell, interest rates soared and recession loomed.

This was the background to his last fateful voyage on the Lady Ghislaine.

Just before 5am on November 5, 1991, Maxwell phoned the crew to complain that his cabin was too cold. The air conditioning was turned off. Sometime afterwards, he walked naked to the stern of the boat, probably to urinate, as he was prone to do. He was never seen alive again.

At about 6am, Kevin Maxwell rang his father. They were due to meet the Governor of the Bank of England in London, where they would have been grilled about the state of their business which left a multi-million-pound hole in the Mirror Group pension pot.

Maxwell did not reply. Around 12 hours later, a helicopter pilot with the Spanish national rescue service spotted the body of a man on his back, spreadeagled.

Was his death an accident? Did he jump? Was he pushed? The first scenario is most likely, but we shall never know for sure.

The Lady Ghislaine was placed in the hands of administrators and purchased, it is believed, for around £10 million by the aforementioned Saudi Arabian who reportedly sold the boat, by now renamed as the Lady Mona K, to Anna Murdoch three years ago.

The yacht, to borrow the description of one commentator, was a 'four-storey, floating symbol' of the brash, self-aggrandising attention-seeking Robert Maxwell himself.

It had a gymnasium and discotheque with decor which was '1970s Playboy Baroque' and where guests wore bootees to keep the deep-pile cream carpets clean. The former Mrs Murdoch, who now lives in Florida with her third husband, property developer Ashton dePeyster, 74, must have gained considerable satisfaction giving her acquisition the 'sophisticated' refurbishment referred to in the sailing press.

The entire interior design was replaced by London-based designer Olivia Outred and the yacht spent seven months at the Balk Shipyard in Amsterdam getting a state-of-the art overhaul.

Nevertheless, the new owner — who is understood to have received a $100 million (more than £70 million) divorce settlement from her first husband — has kept a low profile.

She has not advertised her links with Dancing Hare, which was relaunched in May 2018 with a baptism by a priest and a christening by the captain.

The owners are listed as Moonstone Enterprises, incorporated in Delaware in the U.S. where state laws mean individuals behind such companies can remain anonymous. Monaco-based KK Superyachts, which brokered the purchase of the yacht, are the commercial managers.

At the time of writing, neither KK Superyachts or Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster wished to comment.

But why settle on the name Dancing Hare?

One of Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster's favourite artists is the late figurative sculptor Barry Flanagan who was renowned for his bronze statues of hares which were exhibited in Europe and the U.S.

One such statue was called Dancing Hare. A symbol of everything the Lady Ghislaine was not.

• Additional reporting: Tim Stewart

Share or comment on this article: How a Murdoch sailed off with Robert Maxwell's superyacht Lady Ghislaine - named after his daughter

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THE BASICS:

UTC time zone +7, MSC +4 City telephone code for local calls 383 Currency: Ruble Average winter temperature: -18…-22 C Average summer temperature: +20…+22C The main landmarks, parks, theaters and the main streets of the city are on the right bank of the Ob. The main streets of Novosibirsk are Lenina st., Vokzalnaya st., Sovetskaya st. and Krasnyy Prospekt.