The story at CNN about a huge yacht being maneuvered through narrow canals in the Netherlands caught our attention. The 310-foot yacht -- currently named "Project 817" before its official launch -- was built at an inland shipyard (!), owned by Feadship, requiring transporting it via canal to the North Sea. Every measurement possible was taken down to the last meter to ensure the vessel would clear the sides of the canals and bridges. (We wonder how much water, if any, was displaced by the ship that spilled into adjacent streets and even homes along the waterway. No answer for that).
The journey of Project 817 took approximately four days, which meant road and bridge closures and people missing appointments all for the sake of some wealthy plutocrat's outrageous toy. The people along the canals must have boundless patience, as super yachts reportedly have to take this route 4 or 5 times a year on their way to Rotterdam and the North Sea.
(click to enlarge)
(photos: Tom van Oossanen)
