Jill Bobrow
04/01/2006
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Back-to-back
specialty charter shows were held in St. Maarten and Antigua
last December. The second annual St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition (SCYE)
operated its hub at Port de Plaisance. Complimentary water taxis shuttled guests
from marina to marina within Simpson Bay Lagoon. With so many megayachts
utilizing St. Maarten as a base, this island is a logical place to hold such an
event. SCYE is extremely well organized by a cheerful group of people
anxious to spread the word about the amenities of this island. Thirty-three
motor yachts were on display for the 180 brokers in attendance. Splashy events
included a first-class chef’s competition sponsored by ShowBoats International
and a stunning fashion show put on by The Sacks Group. (Click image to enlarge) ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Directly succeeding this show was the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting (ACYM), operating its 44th annual show with 108 yachts and 235 brokers on hand. A few yachts, not wanting to miss out, were present at both the St. Maarten and Antigua shows. A tenured host to the charter trade, Antigua saw its usual mix of motor and sailing yachts at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Falmouth Harbour Marina and the newly refurbished Nelson’s Dockyard. The quality of yachts was superb. Holding center stage in the harbor, Tatoosh’s helicopter lifted a few chosen brokers out on forays. It is rumored there will be some select charters on the ever-elusive Tatoosh. (Click image to enlarge)
Geared for charter brokers, ACYM presents la crème de la crème of luxury vessels so that the professionals can inspect them, interview their crew, taste tidbits from world-class chefs and take notes on which yacht might perfectly define their client’s desires. It’s the perfect arrangement for brokers and for editors, who were able to inspect—side by side—what’s out there in the charter marketplace. Unquestionably, today’s charter market has something for everyone. The following pages serve up a smorgasbord of charter yachts currently available. If you are on your honeymoon, this is the yacht for you. If you have an active family, this is the yacht for you. If you want a gallery afloat…handicap accessibility…the choices are nearly endless. (Click images to enlarge)
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Hamptons Chic Afloat ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
This winner of a
2002 ShowBoats Award in the Best Refit category
impressed all at the St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition. Not only is her
exceptional interior befitting of a prestigious award, her well-trained chef has
also received honors. At this year’s ShowBoats/Möet &
Chandon Concours de Chefs, Charisma’s chef took
first place in the over-125-feet category. The 153-foot (46.6-meter)
Feadship features classic good looks outside with plenty of deck space; indoors
she is everything a yacht should be: polished, nautical and comfortable. For
those used to vacationing in Nantucket or the Hamptons, the onboard feel is
perfect for you and your family.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Charisma. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact CNI at 954-524-4250 or sm@ftl.cnyachts.com,
www.cnconnect.com.
Charter price per week: up to $160,000 (winter in the
Bahamas/Caribbean, summer in the Western Med).
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Formal Meets Fun on This Feadship
If high art and plenty of space are what you and your charter party are looking for, 180-foot
(55-meter) Huntress may be just
the vessel. An open layout with copious natural light is the result of
collaboration between designer Terence Disdale and Feadship’s De Vries yard.
Fabulous sculpture and various other works of art punctuate her airy interior
that accommodates 10 guests. Outdoors, activities are endless with three tenders
over 20 feet (including one gorgeous custom build at 30 feet), PWCs, sailboats,
kayaks and full fishing capabilities. The experienced and professional crew
aboard Huntress perfectly complements the yacht’s ambiance,
which mixes formal with fun.
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Huntress. (Click image to enlarge) Contact Sapphire Seas at 912-313-2694 or life@sapphire-seas.com, www.sapphire-seas.com. Charter price per week: $230,000 (winter in the Caribbean)/$250,000 (summer in the Western Med).
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A Perini for the Jet Set
Designed to be
the fastest Perini Navi launched, this 177-foot (54-meter) modern aluminum hull
with ketch rigging is surely a sailing yacht for the jet set. Her interior
design is the work of a well-known Parisian and features rich dark woods
combined with polished stainless steel. A chic main salon is the perfect indoor
lounge; up top her bridge and sun decks provide additional entertaining
possibilities. Parsifal III
sleeps 12 guests who will
enjoy everything from an outdoor spa pool and teppanyaki barbecue to innovative
furniture and endless media options. For sailing enthusiasts who settle for
nothing but the best, this recent launch is the definition of a super-sailer.
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Parsifal III. (Click image to enlarge) Contact CNI at 954-524-4250 or sm@ftl.cnyachts.com, www.cnconnect.com. Charter price per week: up to $239,580 (winter in the Caribbean, summer in the Western/Eastern Med).
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The High Life As a modern darling of the charter scene, High Chaparral has hosted some of the entertainment industry’s best known faces. The 164-foot (50-meter) Disdale-Feadship collaboration accommodates 12 guests in high style. Indoor and outdoor living rooms offer countless options from sunbathing to moviegoing. Getting cabin fever? Take a ride on one of her tenders or PWCs, enjoy a snorkeling or diving adventure or head to the gym to work off the gourmet cuisine you will be treated to aboard High Chaparral.
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High Chaparral. (Click image to enlarge) Contact CNI at 954-524-4250 or sm@ftl.cnyachts.com, www.cnconnect.com. Charter price per week: up to $242,000 (winter in the Caribbean, summer in the Western Med).
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Nutrition and Exercise While on Vacation?
Exercise, diet and entertainment—Symphony
II and her crew are
specialized in these important areas that are rapidly becoming a new vacation
focus. The 112-foot (34-meter) Westship motor yacht caters to charter guests who
wish to stay healthy while on board, offering a chef who keeps abreast of the
latest in nutrition (and could accommodate four different couples and their four
different diets) and various exercise options including on-deck yoga with
instructional videos. Themed evenings are also a specialty, keeping children and
their parents entertained.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Symphony II. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact International Yacht Collection at 954-522-2323 or
info@yachtcollection.com, www.yachtcollection.com. Charter price per week:
$44,500. ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Attention, Classicists
Her name might say it all. Lady Goodgirl, a 140-foot (42.7-meter) classic canoe-stern
design from Philip Rhodes, is prim and proper, recalling yachting days gone by.
Originally designed for General Robert Woods Johnson of Johnson & Johnson,
she was launched in 1964 as Pilgrim. Museum-quality maritime art from notables such as Thomas Butterworth,
Thomas Whitcombe and Montague Dawson uphold her "handsome" reputation inside.
While recent charters have included a three-week stint in the Bahamas for the
express purpose of playing bridge, this unique yacht can accommodate a number of
uses for the charter party that enjoys classicism. Should anyone be looking for
a hospitality boat for the next America’s Cup or simply a "yacht club"
environment off land, she’s your girl.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Lady Goodgirl. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact Cavendish White at 44 (0)20 7381 7600 or
yachts@cavendishwhite.com, www.cavendishwhite.com. Charter price per week:
$126,000 (winter in the Caribbean, summer in the Med). ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Sailing Amongst Friends
At 98 feet (30
meters), Solaia offers the ideal personal sailing charter. An
attentive and extremely delightful crew and intimate layout cater well to
couples’ cruising but can be suited to a variety of needs. Built in the
Netherlands by Jongert, Solaia has a
raised-pilothouse configuration providing good flow and plenty of spots to curl
up and read. She maintains the ambiance of a sailboat—in most places on board
you can see from bow to stern. For those who like to sail but still like the
option of a bit of protection from the elements, Solaia is waiting.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Solaia. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact Fraser Yachts at 954-463-0600 or
chartermarketing@fraseryachts.com, www.fraseryachts.com. Charter price per week:
$30,000 (winter in the Caribbean)/ $35,000 (summer in the Med). ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Four Fashionable Decks, All Wheelchair Accessible
In addition to boasting good looks and a one-off reputation from her builder, 153-foot
(46.6-meter) Argyll is completely
handicapped accessible—from her unique cockpit boarding system to the top-deck
sun lounge. The only yacht from builder N.A.Y.S., she was well known upon her
launch for her Ralph Lauren Home décor. Maintaining that style, she features a
variety of social and private spaces such as the enclosed skylounge and the
bridge-deck owner’s suite with personal library. If ever it seemed yachting was
inaccessible to those using a wheelchair, think again.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Argyll. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact Yachting Partners International at 800-626-0019 or
ypi@ypi.co.uk, www.ypi.co.uk; or Northrop and Johnson at 954-522-3344 or
sandy@njyachts.com, www.northropandjohnson.com. Charter price per week: $125,300
(winter in the Caribbean, summer in New England).
Art Gallery Meets Diverse Dining Options ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
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The recently refit Lady Joy is 145 feet (44.2 meters) of versatility. She
is perfect for those who love the outdoors, with extensive alfresco dining
facilities and a battery of water toys. Indoors, modern art contrasts with a
light interior, ideal for escaping from one of several sun decks. Unusual for
her size, this Heesen has a shallow, six-foot draft that allows her access to
many islands and ports that other similarly sized yachts cannot access. Five
staterooms comfortably accommodate 10 guests, but Lady Joy can sleep up to 12.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Lady Joy. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact Sapphire Seas at 912-313-2694 or
life@sapphire-seas.com, www.sapphire-seas.com. Charter price per week:
$125,000 (winter in the Caribbean)/$150,000 (summer in the Western Med). ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Christen the Newest A-List Charter Yacht
A beauty from Benetti, Galaxy was launched in
mid-2005. As enjoyable indoors as she is on deck, her modern design by Stefano
Natucci comprises extraordinary joinery, the absolute latest entertainment
amenities and a posh décor. Special features include a fully equipped gym
providing breathtaking views on the top deck and a central glass elevator. Her
nearly 184 feet (56 meters) can accommodate 14 passengers in six cabins.
Outside, the open teak deck has everything from a bar and grill with dining
facility to a virtual beach for sunbathing—all in close proximity to the
oversize spa pool. This charter just may be out of this world.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Galaxy. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact CNI at 954-524-4250 or sm@ftl.cnyachts.com,
www.cncon
nect.com. Charter price per week: up to $235,950 (winter in the
Caribbean, summer in the Western Med). ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Megayacht-Cum-Boutique-Hotel at Your Disposal
Built and managed by the Greek corporation W.E.M. Lines, RM Elegant could win the award for wearing the most hats
in terms of her flexibility for charter. Her 237 feet (72.2 meters) have been
laid out to accommodate large numbers—think an entire wedding party on charter
or perhaps hosting a family reunion. RM Elegant provides the
ideal configuration for corporate charters as well, featuring a full business
center and large dining areas that could easily be used as boardroom-type
spaces. Plentiful deck space, spacious living areas, a spa, salon and an
industrial galley can handle all the needs for a party of any size.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
RM Elegant. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact W.E.M. Lines at 30 210 6727220 or rm2@wem.gr,
www.rmelegant.com. Charter price per week: from $350,000. ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Fall in Love in the Lap of Luxury
Honeymoon bliss may be found aboard 120-foot (36.6-meter) Touch. The yacht’s superb chef (who received
second-place honors at this year’s ShowBoats/Möet &
Chandon Concours de Chefs in St. Maarten) will prepare your favorite
aphrodisiac, while the stewardess draws a bath in your Lalique-clad bridge-level
master suite. Completely separate from the rest of the vessel with its own
private stairway, this stateroom is the ultimate getaway, right down to the
custom mattresses. The rest of the custom-built 120-footer is lavishly outfitted
in rich finishes and fabrics, and a number of outdoor activities are always at
your beck and call. Take someone special aboard Touch.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Touch. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact The Sacks Group at 954-764-7742 or
info@sacksyachts.com, www.sacksyachts.com. Charter price per week: $60,000
(Caribbean)/ $70,000–$75,000 (Med).; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Turkish Delight
Don’t let the
expedition-like styling of 120-foot (36.6-meter) Private Lives mislead you; this "go anywhere" boat is,
inside, an elegantly finished yacht that offers great volume for her size and
comfortable living spaces appointed with extraordinary art. Two or more couples
chartering together will no doubt fight over who will sleep in the above-deck
guest staterooms with private aft decks. The master stateroom has
floor-to-ceiling windows. Built in Turkey, Private Lives is a true delight.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Private Lives. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact Beadon Yachts at 33 (0) 4 93 01 86 71 or
jacqui@beadonyachts.com, www.beadonyachts.com. Charter price per week: $85,000
(winter in the Caribbean)/ $95,000 (summer in the Western/Eastern
Med). ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Savvy Sailer
A recent interior
redesign has made Midnight even slicker
than she was upon her initial launch. The 122-foot (37-meter) Dubois-designed
sailboat with black hull, mast and spreaders and a silver superstructure is easy
to spot at any marina. On deck, her tender bay doubles as a bow-facing spa pool,
while belowdecks her chic décor holds true to her color scheme and keeps guests
cool when out of the sun. Eight guests are provided for with a full-beam
owner’s suite, two twin cabins and a double stateroom forward. The savvy
sailor will be at home aboard Midnight.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Midnight. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact Dubois Yachts at 44 (0) 1590 626688 or
yachts@duboisyachts.com, www.duboisyachts.com. Charter price per week:
$63,000 (winter in the Caribbean, summer in the Med)/$70,000 (Christmas/New
Year’s, July/August). ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Designed by Bill Langan, known for his superb classic sailing yacht designs, and built by Holland
Jachtbouw, 105-foot (32-meter) Cassiopeia defines
elegant yachting. A navy hull and white superstructure hint at her classic motif
indoors where again those colors are prominent. Similar to Burger motor yachts
from several decades ago, she features a functional, straightforward layout with
a raised pilothouse separating the dining salon from the main salon. Her twin
1,800-hp MTUs produce a cruising speed of 19 knots and a maximum speed of 23
knots. The aft-deck cockpit is fully protected from the elements by an overhang
from the flybridge. For those who picture yachting in ascots and stripes, the
stately Cassiopeia promises to
be the right fit.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Cassiopeia. (Click image to enlarge)
Contact Nigel Burgess 44 207 766 4300 or
london@nigelburgess.com, www.nigelburgess.com. Charter price per week:
$42,000 (winter in the Caribbean)/$56,000 (summer in the Med).
ACYM
268-460-1059
fax: 268-460-1784
info@antigua-charter-yacht-meeting.com
www.antigua-charter-yacht-meeting.com
SCYE Dockside Management
599-542-4096
fax: 599-542-2858
office@docksidemanagement.net
www.charteryachtexhibition.com