Yachts are getting increasingly popular with Russians, ceasing to be only oligarch’s pastime. A rise in the average income and massive advertising have largely contributed to the trend.
      
      In the early 1990s, Russian nouveau riche were persona non grata on boards, today Russians are welcome, believes Marina Alfyorova, CEO of Ikar Travel company.
      
      The usual sites for this once exotic way of holidaymaking are Turkey, Croatia and Greece, but now ever more tours are being to the Maldives, Seychelles or even South-Eastern coasts in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
      
      The costs of leasing a sailing yacht in the Mediterranean range from 1,100 to 3,500 euro a week. The price usually depends on the size, age of the boat and the timing. As for yacht makes, Russians tend to choose Bavaria, Dufour or some motor super-yachts.
      
      SOURCE: www.turist.ru