While the Russians were spending $52 billion for the Olympic games now under way in Sochi they also earmarked about $186 million to convert an existing commercial wharf into a megayacht moorage. The 303-foot Tatoosh, owned by multi-billionaire Paul Allen of Seattle, a cofounder of Microsoft and owner of the Seahawks football team and the Portland Trailblazers basketball team, is there,according to media reports that have been confirmed by AIS data. Is Allen aboard? We don’t know because his travel arrangements aren’t reported. Considering his passion for athletics, his presence is likely.

The only other yacht reported at the moorage is a 187-foot Feadship lent by its owner for use by Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the yacht, named Olympia, is not shown there by AIS reporting. But the Russians may have switched off the yacht’s AIS transceivers.

While Allen was celebrating the Seahawks’ victory in the Super Bowl in New Jersey February 2, the Tatoosh was under way for the Russian port. With a cinema, swimming pool, helipads, a basketball court and accommodations for 20 guests and a crew of 30, she’s a great party boat and is a popular yacht in the chartering world.

Tatoosh is one of three megayachts Allen has owned. She has been for sale and there have been unconfirmed reports that Allen has launched a new megayacht. Right now, his 416-foot Octopus is one of the largest private yachts and is known for the submarine it carries.

Despite his yachts and his football and basketball teams, Allen is not considered a playboy. He is supporting a major brain research program, is building a space craft, has developed a pop music museum in Seattle and has created a museum featuring World War 2 aircraft. In 2011 he was named the most generous living American in recognition of his donation of $372 million to a variety of programs.

For obvious security reasons general boating traffic is banned offshore of Sochi – except for yachts like Tatoosh bound for the new moorage.

Before being modified for yacht moorage, the commercial wharf supported construction of the games’ complex. Reports suggest that eventually Sochi will have moorage space for 600 boats