Ultra rich visitors from across the globe flocked to Seychelles this festive season, to welcome the New Year from the opulent surroundings of some of the world's most luxurious yachts.

The yachts began arriving shortly before Christmas, with about six cruising off Mahé by the time of the New Year celebrations.

Largest among them was a Russian owned 115 metre white motor yacht, which anchored between Mahé and Ste. Anne, where it dwarfed the Meridien Pearl of Seychelles.

Pictured above is a 93 metre blue hulled cruiser, which has been moored off the New Port.

A small flock of private jets parked on the extended parking space at the International Airport marked the arrival of the yacht owners and their guests.

Speaking for local shipping agents Hunt Deltel, Mr Christophe Hoareau said that the yachts had arrived in Seychelles earlier than usual, with the normal Seychelles season falling around March and April, and sighted possible congestion in the Caribbean as part of the reason for this.

Costing roughly US $ 1 million per metre, the collection of yachts currently in Seychelles' waters represent several hundred million dollars worth of floating luxury.

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