Dougie Coull Photography: 1 Jul 2015

Superyacht 'Eclipse' - owned by the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich - arrived in Greenock today.

A very unusual visitor to our waters she caused quite a stir with the local population, and many cameras and mobiles where on display on the Esplanade after she anchored.

She is currently the world's second largest private yacht and built in 2010/11 at a cost of around €340 million, but is known as the 1.5 billion dollar yacht.

About seventy crew members are needed to operate the yacht and to serve guests.

There are two helicopter pads, twenty-four guest cabins, and two swimming pools.

She is equipped with three launch boats and a private submarine.

I doubt we'll see a larger superyacht on the Clyde, but you never know.

Meanwhile here's a fair selection of images taken throughout the day.

Passing Dunoon

Crew aboard Shows the Scale

Approaching Greenock Esplanade

Heading to Anchor

At Anchor

Tender Runs to Victoria Harbour

A Closer Look

Very Elegant

Evening Illuminations

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

The Holland America Lines cruise ship 'MS Eurodam' made an early arrival at Greenock this morning - appearing before 06:00.

As I was up nice and early I caught a few images as she arrived.

Went home for a change and then back again as an invited guest to take a self tour and enjoy a sumptuous four course lunch.

This was served by a very friendly and attentive restaurant staff - who also treated the diners to an impromptu chorus of a lively song from their country of origin.

My impressions once aboard was that she was very well equipped and the decor carried a degree of old style elegance.

I felt at home as I wandered the decks and took in the ambience.

I found the crew to be very helpful and friendly. We exchanged information as they advised me on locations aboard, and I for my part on how best to get in to town and where to get their shopping done. They only have a few hours ashore so this local knowledge would be invaluable.

One of the chefs I spoke with was keen to try haggis so I pointed her in the right direction and explained how best to cook and serve the entire haggis, neeps, and tatties experience.

I hope she enjoyed.

Then back ashore and some home time before returning to catch her departure late afternoon.

A thoroughly enjoyable experience, and one I hope to manage again.