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A tandem charter is twice the fun.
by Jill Bobrow
photography by Dana Jinkins
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12/01/2006
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First out of the harbor was Mary Jean. At 160 feet (48.8
meters) in length, she is a bit larger than Seven Sins. She has seven
cabins accommodating 12 guests and is catered to by 12 crewmembers. How many
resorts offer a one-to-one ratio of staff to guests? Recently, this yacht
underwent a multimillion-euro refit. Some of the new additions include a gym
on the upper deck and a Jacuzzi on the sun deck. The main salon is spacious,
with loads of loose furniture and a formal dining area for 12. The look and feel
of the décor is both rich and neutral, accented by colorful pieces of
contemporary art. The full-beam master suite is situated forward of the main
salon. All the cabins are equipped with a large flat-screen TV, DVD player,
satellite digibox and Wi-Fi connection.
Dining aboard was never disappointing, but grilled
shrimp and tropical fruit served on the beach was especially
tasty. (Click images to enlarge)
The 135-foot (41.3-meter) Seven Sins, launched last year
from Heesen Yachts in Holland, is new to the charter market. She is a blend of
sleek exterior lines and a warm contemporary interior, with honey-toned
cherry paneling, parquetry floors and handmade wool carpeting laid in a matrix
of rose and teak. The main salon is permeated with light from large windows, and
the formal dining area can seat up to 10 guests. The owner’s cabin has a small
office with a desk, computer and walk-in wardrobe. The bathroom is onyx lined
and has its own spa bath and large shower. The other four cabins are located on
the lower deck. Decorated Japanese style in red and black with shoji screens,
the two VIP staterooms have ensuite bathrooms—one with a marble bath and the
other with a marble shower.
Since Seven Sins is infused with an Asian flair, meals
and table settings tend to follow suit. We spent most days on the sun deck,
which has a row of sun pads and a Jacuzzi aft. We ate dinners on the covered aft
main deck. One night we all settled in the skylounge to watch the
film Anna and the King on the yacht’s 60-inch plasma TV. The
yacht’s décor and our physical surroundings completely transported us to
Siam.
 Five Islands Harbour is a mile wide and two miles long. It is a
complete wildlife paradise—no casinos, nightlife, hotels or shopping—with
magnificent water, birds and beaches. It is the perfect place to take
advantage of being aboard a luxurious motor yacht that offers all the amenities
of a hotel, and more. Here we could truly relax, eat, swim, lounge and break out
all the water toys. (Click image to enlarge)
Our group mixed and matched lunches and dinners between the two
boats. Anchored close by each other, we rode Jet Skis from boat to boat and
shared our clear-bottomed kayaks and other water toys. With both crews
catering to a large party, they decide d to surprise us with a deluxe beach
barbecue. Crew from both yachts secretly set up a true Shangri-la on a private,
deserted beach. Taking the tenders back and forth, they brought ashore one long
table, tents and wicker chairs. The scene could have been out of Africa, but out
of Antigua was special enough. A volleyball net and costumed crew added to the
fun factor. We were all given tropical sarongs to wear, which heightened the
festive atmosphere. It doesn’t take much to create a party when
surrounded by white sand and turquoise water, rum punch and grilled fish.
Top: Seven Sins’ interior is infused with an Asian flair. Bottom: There is a general feeling of serenity aboard. (Click images to enlarge)
We spent our few days on board doing what it’s best to do
aboard floating palaces: We focused on the water, luxuriating in the sea and
surrounds. Food is always a pivotal point on a charter, and the chefs aboard
both yachts were superb. In the evenings after dinner, we partied on the top
deck. Champagne tastes particularly good when sipped in a spa pool.
I can imagine a large family chartering two boats such as these. One boat
could cater to the younger generation, with barbecues on the top deck offering
burgers and fries, while the adults savor a four-course, white-tablecloth dinner
aboard the other yacht. If one is good, two is even better.
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