Spanish mayor worries billionaire is playing ‘real-life Monopoly’ after he docked his $150,000,000 superyacht and went on a buying spree

Published on Mar 04, 2026 at 7:48 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody

Last updated on Mar 04, 2026 at 7:48 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Mason Jones

A high-stakes game of Monopoly broke out on the Spanish coast after a billionaire anchored his $150,000,000 superyacht in Barcelona and initiated a significant property acquisition strategy.

Leonid Mikhelson arrived at the shoreline aboard his 280-foot vessel, Pacific, a ship notable for a metallic hull that appears to shift between silver and blue tones.

Residents in the quiet town of Arenys de Mar observed the vessel for 10 days as Mikhelson’s representatives reportedly conducted private meetings with municipal officials regarding local investments.

The sudden arrival of such a high-profile guest triggered a series of events that would change the coastline in ways no one expected.

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The town turned into a Monopoly board

The mayor of Sant Vicenç de Montalt reported that the investment team began inquiring about purchasing a vast array of local assets immediately upon arrival.

He stated that the billionaire treated the local landscape like a game of Monopoly.

His representatives even attempted to place deposits on beachfront establishments before learning that Spanish coastal land requires specific government tender processes.

This direct approach surprised local leaders, as the investor reportedly sought to acquire multiple high-value properties simultaneously.

The superyacht remained visible from the shore throughout the duration of these discussions.

The scale of the proposed investments was substantial for a town that typically maintains a quiet profile.

Mikhelson’s group scouted various plots in the Supermaresme community, where entry-level lots often command prices around $2.5 million.

They also expressed interest in a castle-style hotel at Castell de l’Oliver and surveyed several other development sites.

For a billionaire with these resources, the local luxury market provided numerous opportunities for immediate expansion.

The superyacht served as the primary base of operations for the team during their stay. A single private investor can impact local economies in a very short timeframe.

What is next for the Pacific superyacht

This superyacht frequently travels to the world’s most prominent maritime hubs.

The vessel includes two helipads, a swimming pool, and a cinema to accommodate the billionaire and his party.

It has previously visited Florida, Indonesia, and Australia before arriving on the coast of Barcelona.

Powered by twin MTU diesel engines, the ship maintains a top speed of 21 knots, which is impressive for a hull of this displacement.

Recent tracking data indicates the vessel has moved back into international waters following its stay in Spain.

The owner was previously linked to the completion of a larger project known as Project Alibaba, which has since been renamed Dragonfly.

This new vessel measures 466 feet and represents a significant step up in scale from the current $150 million superyacht in Mikhelson’s history.

The presence of such a vessel in a small harbor is often a leading indicator of upcoming shifts in local property ownership.

Barcelona continues to be a primary destination for individuals looking to secure large-scale European assets.

The arrival of a superyacht often precedes a period of intense commercial activity in the surrounding area.

While the ship has departed, the local market continues to process the impact of the Monopoly style acquisitions proposed during the visit.

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Callum has vast and varied experience, presenting a radio show and founding his own magazine, to name just a couple of his accolades. Most days, he can be found liaising with the most prestigious car brands in the world to lead SB website’s daily news output.