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Billionaire with ties to northeast florida draws attention following russia’s invasion of ukraine.

Anne Maxwell , I-TEAM and general assignment reporter

Jodi Mohrmann , Manager of Content and Coverage

Eric Wallace , Senior Producer, I-TEAM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A yacht harbored in St. Augustine, a Ponte Vedra Beach mansion listed for sale for nearly $17 million and a four-story office building on Jacksonville’s Southside are some of the Northeast Florida connections to a Soviet-born billionaire who has been in the news in recent weeks following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The News4JAX I-TEAM has been looking into Igor Makarov and his web of international companies for several weeks. The I-TEAM has learned Makarov’s dealings have been involved in multiple investigations, but he has never been convicted of wrongdoing or sanctioned.

Makarov made a fortune in natural gas after the fall of the Soviet Union. He founded his company, ITERA, in Jacksonville in 1992 with several other people, some of whom still live here.

According to a spokesperson for Makarov, ITERA began exporting commodities like sugar, coffee and chicken to former Soviet states at a time when basic goods were in short supply. The spokesperson tells the I-TEAM that when Turkmenistan built up a significant debt, instead of paying ITERA in cash, the country paid in natural gas, bringing ITERA into the lucrative energy sector. The company then became a powerhouse, supplying natural gas to Ukraine and other countries.

In 2013, Reuters and Forbes reported that Russian state-owned oil company Rosneft bought a 49% stake in ITERA for $2.9 billion — Rosneft already owned the other 51% of ITERA. The following year, the U.S. sanctioned Rosneft and its CEO, Igor Sechin, after Russia’s first invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.

A spokesperson for Makarov said, “At the time of the sale, Rosneft was partnered with some of the largest Western-based energy companies in the world. Rosneft was not a sanctioned entity when the transaction took place.”

A few weeks ago, French authorities seized a yacht linked to Sechin, after the European Union sanctioned Sechin and two dozen other people, over the invasion of Ukraine.

As for Makarov, a spokesperson with a New York City-based public relations firm told the I-TEAM, “At no point in time have sanctions by any government been placed against Mr. Makarov or the businesses or projects he operates. There is no indication or reason to believe any will be employed.”

ITERA has been in the spotlight before. In 2006, News4JAX reported that FBI agents spent hours gathering documents at the company’s Southside offices. The raid was one of six happening that day around the country, as federal agents investigated whether Pennsylvania Congressman Curt Weldon helped his daughter’s lobbying firm win lucrative contracts with foreign businesses, including a half-million dollar contract with ITERA. Weldon was never charged, and we never heard anything else about what the FBI found at ITERA.

That Southside building now has a different name on a sign outside — ARETI. That’s the name of Makarov’s current company. A spokesperson said that while Makarov owns the Jacksonville building, ARETI doesn’t have offices there —rather, it’s based in Switzerland.

ARETI, which is ITERA spelled backward, also inspired the name of Makarov’s 125-foot yacht currently docked in St. Augustine, “ARETI I.” The yacht and Makarov were mentioned in an article published by Forbes titled, “Biden And Allies Are Coming For Russian Billionaires’ Yachts: Forbes Tracked Down 37. Here’s Where To Find Them.” The article was published March 1, about a week after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.

In response to a question specifically about the Forbes article, Makarov’s spokesperson reiterated that neither Makarov nor his businesses have ever been sanctioned.

A spokesperson for Makarov told the I-TEAM that ARETI is not engaged in any energy or business projects with either Russia or Ukraine.

Over the years, dozens and dozens of companies associated with the key figures in the original ITERA company and its related companies have been based on the fourth floor of the office building that now has the ARETI name outside. The I-TEAM is continuing to look into those businesses.

Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Anne maxwell.

I-TEAM and general assignment reporter

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Photos: $1 million luxury sport yacht sinks off Florida coast, 2 rescued

T wo people were rescued just before a million-dollar luxury 80-foot sport yacht sank off the coast of Florida Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The incident was reported just after 11:35 a.m. about 3 miles off St. Augustine Beach, Florida, a news release from the Coast Guard said.

The operator of the Atlantis, an 80-foot sport yacht, said their vessel struck an object in the water and was sinking, officials said.

Coast Guard Station Mayport sent a boat crew to assist. The Coast Guard also coordinated with St. John’s County Fire and Rescue, which soon arrived and plucked both people from the yacht with no injuries.

The Atlantis yacht appears to be a 1999 or early 2000s model of the Sunseeker Predator 80. A larger Sunseeker Predator – with the very unique appearance — was featured in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale.

A 2001 Predator that is 5 feet shorter than Atlantis, which sank Saturday, is listed for sale for $975,000.

Sunseeker Predator 80 yacht, built in the United Kingdom, can accommodate up to 6 guests in 4 staterooms, with 2 crew members aboard.

Atlantis has two Caterpillar diesel engines and can reach a top speed of 44 kn or 50 mph, according to data from Boat International.

A data sheet about Atlantis says the vessel is in the top 5 percent by speed in the world.

After Saturday’s rescue, a hazard to navigation was broadcast to alert mariners of the yacht, which could cause damage to other vessels, according to the Coast Guard.

The owner of the Atlantis will arrange for a salvage of the vessel, the Coast Guard said.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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PHOTOS: 2 rescued from sinking $1 million yacht off Florida coast

Luxury 80-foot yacht hit something before sinking.

Brenda Argueta , Digital Journalist

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. – Two people were rescued from their sinking yacht by the U.S. Coast Guard off the Florida coast.

The incident happened Saturday in the Atlantic Ocean off St. Augustine Beach.

The operator of the 80-foot, nearly $1 million yacht, said they hit something in the water and the boat started going down.

The Coast Guard was able to get both people on the yacht to safety.

The @USCG and @SJCFireRescue rescued 2 people, Saturday, from an 80-foot motor yacht taking on water 3 miles off St. Augustine Beach, #Florida . Read more: https://t.co/LiuWY8ByLh pic.twitter.com/fNWgbXlb8d — USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) May 25, 2024

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Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Brenda argueta.

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

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80-foot yacht hits object, sinks off Florida coast; 2 rescued, US Coast Guard says

Source: St Johns County Fire Rescue

A relaxing day on the water off the coast of Florida ended in a rescue for two people after their yacht reportedly struck something and started to sink, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard received an emergency alert around 11:30 a.m. Saturday from the operators of Atlantis, an 80-foot yacht, reporting that it had struck something and was taking on water, the Coast Guard said in a news release. The yacht was located about three miles off the coast of St. Augustine Beach.

Officials with the St. Johns Sheriff's Office and St. Augustine Police Department were the first agencies to reach the vessel and help rescue the two people.

Photos shared by the U.S. Coast Guard showed the stern side of the boat – the rear – beneath the water, while the front side remained above the water. 

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partner agencies for their invaluable assistance during this case," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Ricardo Santacana, command duty officer, Sector Jacksonville, in a written statement.

 "With the weather improving and mariners heading out onto the water, it's imperative for everyone to verify the presence of all necessary safety equipment aboard their vessel. This ensures that responders, as demonstrated in this case, can swiftly locate you and render assistance when an emergency arises." 

The Coast Guard said the yacht's owner would coordinate how to recover the boat from the water. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.

LOOSE CANNON

Biden Has Only One Russian Yacht He Can Seize in U.S.

Relatively modest example docks at st. augustine, florida.

"We are joining with our European allies to find and seize your yachts, your luxury apartments, your private jets," President Joe Biden said Tuesday in his State of the Union Address. "We are coming for your ill-begotten gains."

Make that “yacht.” Singular, as in just one. And are federal marshals really coming to seize Areti from Camachee Cove Yacht Har…

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St. Thomas & St Augustine Sailing Charters

Welcome aboard summerwind: a stunning jeanneau, ds 50-foot sailing yacht, among the largest private sailing vessels available for charter in st. thomas & st. augustine..

Sit back and relax as our expert crew handles every detail, ensuring your journey is smooth and enjoyable. Or, if you’re interested in learning the ropes, we’re delighted to provide instruction on helming, tacking, and gybing as we navigate the Atlantic. By the end of your adventure, you and your guests will have gained a comprehensive understanding of ocean and inland sailing.

Features and Amenities:

• 75-hp Yanmar Turbo Diesel Engine : Powering your voyage with reliability and efficiency.
• Spacious Accommodations : Enjoy the comfort of three staterooms, including a well-designed owner’s stateroom and two VIP staterooms. Private showers and electric flush bathroom facilities ensure convenience and privacy.
• Fully Equipped Galley : Our galley comes complete with a refrigerator, freezer, coffee station, and microwave, perfect for preparing gourmet meals onboard.
• Entertainment Options: Stay entertained with YouTube TV for streaming and a surround sound stereo system providing music throughout the yacht.
• Outdoor Living : Relax and unwind in the spacious salon or stretch out under the stars in the cockpit, which can accommodate up to 10 guests. A BBQ grill is available for hosting memorable cookouts onboard.
• State-of-the-Art Navigation : Navigate with confidence using our Garmin navigation and electronics, including two chart plotters, AIS, Radar, and Autopilot, all installed in 2022.
• Private Chefs: Elevate your sailing adventure with the convenience of private chef availability
• Masseuse : Escape the stresses of everyday life with our onboard massage options

Take a look at some pictures captured in and around Summerwind

Testimonials, what our customers say about us.

Sailing with Marty was my first experience as an adult sailing off the coast. We had a wonderful trip starting in St Augustine. First, we were given some basic information about the boat and safety, the other crew members and our destination. Then we were off. We sailed up to Amelia Island for most of the day and then docked at Fernandina Beach marina. We had a short walk into downtown and had a wonderful meal. It was also a great way to really get to know the other members of the crew. The next morning we set off and sailed north to Cumberland Island. Once on the island, we explored the ruins, had a nice hike and enjoyed dinner on the boat. The next step was amazing. We headed off into the sunset on the boat and sailed all night. It was truly exhilarating sailing through the night. At all times, I felt safe but the excitement got me hooked on sailing. Marty is honest, helpful, and always cheerful; exactly what you want in a captain.

This past summer my husband and I had an awesome time on Summerwind. The weather was warm so it was a great time sailing to downtown St Augustine and simply grabbing a mooring ball eating a yummy lunch with our family and diving off the back for a refreshing dip. The following day we took the boat several miles out in the ocean with all the sails up, music on in the cabin; a complete escape from work etc. At day’s end we sailed right up to Caps On The Water restaurant for my birthday where we enjoyed a seafood dinner and drinks. We can’t wait to plan another visit aboard Summerwind, It was a complete vacation over only a single weekend. Many thanks.

Sailing with Marty is truly a treat... He and his trusty Yacht are one with the mighty ocean. Years at sea and behind the helm show, and pay off in high seas or calm. But don't get too comfortable because he is always game to teach you the ropes and be sure you are part of the adventure. There is nothing more peaceful and fulfilling than a day at sea with Marty. Thanks for the memories!

We had such a peaceful experience taking in the joys of the sea while sailing with Marty. He was willing to let us take on roles to help sail the boat (and willing to let us fail, too!) We brought along our two little children (2.5 years and 10 months) and they enjoyed playing below deck and seeing the beautiful scenery sailing by. We were grateful for Marty’s expertise, generosity and passion for sailing!

I've sailed with Captain Marty several times and it was a joy. One of the trips was a longer sail from Puerto Rico to Saint Augustine, Florida in May, 2013. We had a great time and I felt totally comfortable with Marty as our Captain. His sailing and navigating experience made me feel very at ease while on the water - he is a safety conscious sailor. I would give the trip 5 stars!

Being a novice on boats, this was a very exciting time for me. Marty and the crew made me feel very comfortable aboard the Yacht. We sailed down the Cooper River, under the incredible Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and into Charleston Harbor. I enjoyed seeing the USS Yorktown and the submarines. The view of the city of Charleston and the historic homes was amazing! Marty is very knowledgeable about historic sites. Seeing Fort Sumter from the water was also a memorable experience. I would rate this sail as 5 stars

My family and I have sailed many times over the last ten years with Marty and his crews including wonderful afternoons off the coast of St. Augustine. We have had many fabulous overnight trips to places like Fernandina Beach and Cumberland Island. Summerwind is a beautiful Yacht and she sails like a dream. Some our family’s greatest moments have been sailing on Summerwind with the sails up on a beautiful day with gentle breezes moving along the ocean effortlessly. We strive to create lifelong memories with our family by having experiences together and a day on Summerwind is an unforgettable experience. We give Summerwind and the amazing crew 5 stars and can’t wait for our next sailing Adventure.

Unleash Your Sailing Adventure

We invite you to unleash your sailing adventure on the pristine waters of this captivating coastal city. Embark on a journey of discovery and exhilaration as you set sail on our exceptional fleet, crafted to provide the ultimate sailing experience.

At Summerwind, we offer a range of options to cater to sailors of all levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Whether you desire a leisurely day sail or an extended voyage, our experienced and knowledgeable captains are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of St. Thomas & St. Augustine as you navigate its scenic waterways, lined with historic landmarks and breathtaking natural landscapes. Feel the thrill of the wind in your sails and the gentle motion of the yacht beneath you, as you embrace the freedom and serenity that sailing brings.

Our fleet features a selection of meticulously maintained vessels, including the elegant and spacious Summerwind flagship yacht. Designed for comfort and performance, these yachts provide the perfect platform to indulge in your passion for sailing while savoring the luxuries and amenities onboard.

With Summerwind, the possibilities for adventure are endless. Set sail for a day trip, exploring nearby coastal gems or embark on a multi-day expedition, discovering hidden coves and secluded beaches. Take part in thrilling regattas or simply relax on deck, basking in the warm Florida sun.

Whether you’re seeking a solo escapade, a romantic getaway, or a memorable group experience, Summerwind caters to your every need. Our dedicated crew ensures a personalized and unforgettable journey, tailored to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to embark on your St Thomas or St Augustine sailing charter? Contact us today and let us help you plan your dream sailing adventure, as we navigate the waters of St Thomas or St Augustine, blending the thrill of sailing with the charm and beauty of this historic city. 

Yacht Club celebrates 150 years with plans for youth sailing center

Construction, fundraising is floryan’s focus as commodore.

The St. Augustine Yacht Club is celebrating 150 years in the community, and it is looking to celebrate by raising money to build a youth sailing center.

“It’s a very exciting time right now,” said Kathleen Floryan, who was named commodore of the club during a ceremony on Jan. 20. “We are trying to reach out to the youth, who will be the next generation of sailors.”

Progress continues to be made on the center, as the construction of the facility’s bulkhead began in April 2023 along with the official engineering building plans also getting approved.

Construction of the dock that will be used by the center started in the fall but fundraising continues to be an ongoing task as the funds to make the project a reality is still being worked out.

According to Floryan, any contributions from the community would be greatly appreciated and they are tax deductible.

“The youth learn so much more than just the techniques of sailing, but they learn skills about discipline and being part of a team, which are so important because it’s all about building and strengthening a community through sailing,” Floryan said. “We want to leave a legacy for the next 150 years of the club.”

One of the marquee events marking the St. Augustine Yacht Club’s 150th anniversary this year will include a masquerade ball on Feb. 13 that is open to the public. For more about that event, click HERE .

Many of the events hosted by the club this year will have a historic component, as it looks back on its many years of existence, including the days when Flagler and Carnegie were some of the family names that were members of the club around the late 1800s.

The club has about 350 members and was recently presented with a letter of recognition by the City of St. Augustine in honor of its 150 years of service to the community.

Floryan takes over the role of the club’s commodore after serving as vice commodore last year and will hold the position for the next year.

The duty is the most senior and highest ranked officer and responsibilities include overseeing all of the club’s initiatives and serving as chair of the executive committee.

It is a volunteer position, but one that Floryan is honored to hold because she and her husband love being members of the club and it is a way they can give back and support their passion of sailing.

“We’ve been members since 2006, and we have a 38-foot Hunter sailing yacht named Ariel,” Floryan said.

The yacht won during the 2023 St. Augustine Race Week in the offshore series and the performance non-spinnaker category.

“Sailing is a peaceful escape from the world around us. There’s nothing like feeling the wind in your face and hearing the sound of the water against the side of the boat while watching the porpoises follow along.”

Floryan is involved in the community in many other ways as well, including being the immediate chair of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Ponte Vedra Beach Division and a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

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