I don’t know exactly why, but I find myself reading articles about yachts and yachting from time to time. I have no desire to own a yacht, unless you count the boat known as the poor man’s yacht - the canoe. I enjoy building, paddling and rowing boats, and my experience has taught me quite a bit about the costs associated with boating. Even a modest cruising sailboat carries with it costs that I am unwilling to pay. Certainly the mega yachts that require a staff of ship hands, cook, and cleaning staff are not in the realm I will ever visit. However, I am interested in boat design and read articles about the shapes of hulls, construction materials, and other items related to yachting. The big news in the yachting world has to do with the seizing of yachts owned by Russian oligarchs following the invasion of Ukraine. These are incredibly huge boats that are displays of wealth.

The super yacht Dilbar, owned by Russian magnate Alisher Usmanov is in Germany for maintenance. It had begun sea trials following repairs, but now is restricted from leaving its anchorage. German officials plan to take additional steps to prevent the use of the yacht. French authorities have seized a massive yacht linked to Igor Sechin, chief executive of Russian energy giant Rosneft. The boat, Amore Vero features five decks of luxury. These ships are examples of extravagant luxurious lifestyles enjoyed by some very rich members of Russian society. They feature swimming pools. Dilbar is said to have the largest indoor swimming pool on any ship. They feature helipads, some have more than one. They require crews of dozens of workers.

Any transactions related to these mega yachts are now prohibited, including hiring of crew, payment of docking fees, maintenance, fuel or other expenses. Other financial sanctions are preventing the moving of money from one currency to another, the use of foreign bank accounts, and other financial tools aimed at putting pressure on Russia’s wealthiest persons. Because these mega-yachts require extensive support services, it is possible for western leaders to shut down their operation.

I can’t help but wonder what becomes of such incredible ships if they are taken away from their owners. It isn’t like there is a big market in used super yachts. There can’t be many customers for items with such huge acquisition and operating costs. Some of these ships are large enough to become cruise vessels, and the cruising industry is struggling during the pandemic.

A million refugees, however, constitute a problem for this world far bigger than what to do with the excessive toys of a few ultra-rich individuals.

I not only follow boating news, but I also enjoy reading about aviation. I grew up in a family of pilots and I earned my private pilot’s license as a teenager. I no longer fly as pilot in command, but have an interest in aviation. Headlining aviation news this week is the reported destruction of the world’s largest aircraft. The Antonov An-225 is a huge six-engined cargo ship that is home based in the Ukraine. Only one of these giant airplanes was ever built, although a second fuselage was built, but never completed into a flying plane. The plane was built in the 1960’s and 1970’s during the cold war and space race. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, Ukrainian officials kept the plane flying, traveling to air shows around the world and hauling massive amounts of cargo.

Photos that appear to show the destruction of the An-225 have caused dismay among aviation enthusiasts. However satellite photos of the giant hanger that houses the An-225 with minimal damage have raised hopes that the damage may be repairable. In the midst of the Russian attack, the plane is not the highest priority, but it has symbolic value to the Ukrainian people. It is a symbol of Ukrainian leadership in the aerospace industry.

As an aviation fan, I am saddened that Russian forces have attempted to destroy the airplane. It has no strategic value in the war, but symbolism is a part of every war, and additional attacks on the plane are not out of the question as Russian troops near Kyiv and the airport that houses the giant plane.

Maybe we are drawn to the news of yachts and a giant airplane because our minds have trouble processing the huge human cost of the war. In a world already overwhelmed with refugees from other crises and wars, an additional 1,000,000 refugees is significant, and there may be even more in coming weeks as people continue to flee for their lives. Modern warfare involves huge civilian casualties and the suffering and grief of innocents is ongoing.

Our local weekly newsletter changed its banner to blue and yellow in support of Ukrainian families. According to US Census data, our county is home to over 2,000 people over the age of 5 who speak Russian, Polis or other Slavic languages, including 511 people born in Ukraine and 348 from Russia. Living on the border between the United States and Canada, we understand how cross-border families have connections to multiple countries. The closing of the border during the pandemic separated families. Folks living here understand that while there may be an official boundary line between Russia and Ukraine and that Russian troops have crossed that border, families are not simply Russian or Ukrainian. The war is dividing families and causing pain and grief for relatives who live in the communities of our county. There are six Slavic churches in our county and some of them have couples with one partner who is Russian and the other Ukrainian.

Members of the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center are planning a series of events this Sunday to educate the public on the war in Ukraine. People are demonstrating their desire to be connected and united with their neighbors in opposition to the war.

I don’t understand the dynamics of the war. Ukraine is not a threat to Russia. Russia seems to be more interested in taking over Ukraine to provide control over a buffer between it and the NATO countries of Europe. But I don’t have to understand to join my neighbors in praying for peace. Prayers continue.