Le Grand Bleu was built for US telecommunications baron John McCaw and was subsequently sold to the Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, who had it refitted to his own preferences, including the addition of a 16ft swim platform at the stern. According to Internet sources, Abramovich passed Le Grand Bleu to his friend and business associate Eugene Shvidler in June 2006.
The yacht has a crew of 65 and carries a veritable arsenal of tenders and watertoys, both on her aft decks and in her extensive below-deck garage, where there is a large aquarium. Her watercraft include a 22 metre Dubois-designed sailing yacht, Bellatrix; a 21 metre Sunseeker motor yacht; two 11 metre, 60-knot Buzzi sports boats; and a landing craft to carry a 4x4 Land Rover used for excursions ashore.