“Girls and a Superyacht in Tenerife” is not a novel, novella, or fictional story that took place on the island. It is a true story that unfolded on December 22, 2016, in the small fishing port of Tajao (Arico), a picturesque spot renowned for its fresh fish straight from the ocean.
Tajao
More information about San Miguel de Tajao, the official name of the village, can be found . Given the uniqueness and unexpected nature of this event, I cannot withhold this story, which occurred before the war in Eastern Europe.
I live among the Canarios in a village in southern Tenerife, untouched by mass tourism. The six million visitors to Tenerife have likely never heard of the Costa Ariquero, even though they pass by it when taking the highway south to Candelaria or Santa Cruz. This little village thrives on its gastronomic offerings and fresh fish, earning Tajao the title of a gastronomic world champion.
A Big Boat
The harbor is vital for supporting the village’s local culinary industry, and it plays a central role in this true story. A massive motor yacht cruised far too slowly and too close to the shore. When navigating a 72-foot vessel across the ocean, it’s best to keep a safe distance from land, but that wasn’t the case here. Something unusual was happening. I was curious, though unaware that this story would take a surprising turn.
Living just 30 meters from the shoreline, I can easily observe anything maritime-related. The ocean seems to flow straight through my sliding door. I can hear the screeching of seagulls and even the conversations of fishermen on their boats. That’s how close I live to the ocean.
The crew attempted to anchor the luxurious vessel but failed due to strong currents, waves, wind, and a lack of skill. Despite their efforts, the anchor chain could not be tightened. It was clear that this yacht, its crew, and its passengers intended to stay.
Film Studio
This was confirmed when the superyacht attempted to enter the tiny harbor—unsuccessfully. Those familiar with this port know that the maximum tonnage for the local Canary fishing boats is five tons. The yacht was at least four times heavier and three times longer than the largest fishing boat docked in the harbor.
“This won’t end well,” I thought, and I headed to el puertito to witness the rest of the story unfold. I had no idea what the purpose of this landing was, but as a reporter, I couldn’t resist documenting it. When I arrived, it felt like stepping from a traditional Canary village straight into a film set. Camera crews, sound technicians, production assistants, stylists, props personnel, and a director were spread across the small harbor, capturing the yacht’s arrival and preparing for interviews against a breathtaking Canary backdrop.
No Comment
Someone special was about to land—a VIP. I wanted to know more and approached the nearest sound technician, who spoke only Russian. And so did everyone else. Was Putin coming to Tenerife after Ukraine? (At that time, Putin had already annexed Crimea.)
I tried to gather information, only to be met with silence. Finally, someone who spoke five words of English told me, “We signed a contract with a production company that prohibits us from speaking… sorry.”
The Day of Their Lives
The yacht couldn’t enter the small harbor, so a solution had to be found. According to the film script, the VIPs needed to land here. I saw them for the first time: five young women, as if they had just stepped out of a Barbie shop—glamorous and delicate. They had to transfer from the motor yacht to a Canary fishing boat to reach the shore. What a spectacle. They seemed so fragile, as if they might break in half. Ultimately, local marineros managed to bring the light and delicate young women to shore with gentle strength using their own fishing boats. Judging by their expressions, this was the day of their lives.
Five Nymphs
Impatient, I questioned nearly everyone, including the striking young women, who were the focal point of the filming. Despite their confidentiality agreements, I eventually learned that these recordings were for a reality show on a Russian TV network. Not just any network, but THT (TNT for Europeans), one of Russia’s top five television networks. Reaching over 100 million people across Russia, it specializes in entertainment aimed at a young audience aged 16 to 30.
On this superyacht were five young women being followed by a 30-member film crew during their vacation in Tenerife. These weren’t ordinary actresses but daughters of wealthy and prominent Russians. They exuded an air of fragility, almost untouchable.
Choosing San Miguel de Tajao for their reality show recordings was a good move, allowing me to recount the story of a large yacht unable to dock in a tiny harbor. Thus, the tale “Girls and a Superyacht in Tenerife” was born.
Guy Devos © Photography
Girls and a Superyacht in Tenerife ©
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE].
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