Not terribly long ago, I sat down and tried to puzzle out how many destinations I’ve visited aboard charter yachts. If I include industry-only boat shows that are held annually, the number of yachts themselves swells well into the hundreds. The destinations are somewhere in the dozens—popular coastlines and islands throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean, of course, but also less-cruised locales such as the Galápagos Islands, French Polynesia and Indonesia. I’ve snorkeled and dived twice with the wildlife in Fiji, explored the historical architecture in Croatia and Greece several times, and donned a warm jacket in Alaska and Norway for views of glaciers and fjords. The amount of fog surprised me as I sat on board and sipped Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc near its bottling place in New Zealand, and I couldn’t believe the amount of boat traffic cruising past the Sydney Opera House in Australia. People often ask me, “What’s the best place to charter a yacht?” My answer is always, “That depends. What do you want to do?”

The beauty of a crewed-yacht charter vacation is that it can be virtually anything that anyone wants it to be—an ultimate, customizable getaway. Me? I’m a fan of wildlife and untouched nature. My favorite charters are in places where the sea lions, fish and whales outnumber the people; places where, when the yacht turns off its lights at night, the lack of light pollution lets the stars glow impossibly bright in the sky. For other charter guests, the best possible itinerary is off the South of France during the Monaco Grand Prix or the Cannes Film Festival, hobnobbing with the titans of civilization in between shopping trips at high-end boutiques and dinner ashore with a view of superyachts docked along Billionaires’ Row. These experiences could not be more different, but they’re equally memorable and all well worth enjoying at least once.

The good news this winter is that notable charter yachts of various sizes and price points are positioning themselves all around the world, giving clients options for just about any type of vacation they desire. The 212-foot Benetti Silver Angel, now part of the Edmiston fleet, is accepting inquiries not only for the Caribbean, but also for the Indian Ocean. The 196-foot Perini Navi Perseus^3, also with Edmiston, is expected to head to New Zealand before offering charter bookings next year in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Closer to home, Fraser says the 131-foot Sunseeker Acacia has completed a refit and is available in the Bahamas, with an inflatable beach club and a toy dock for all-day watersports fun. IYC says the 118-foot Intermarine Savannah XOXO has also completed a refit, with bookings available in Florida and the Bahamas. Y.CO is promoting the 242-foot CRN Andrea in the Caribbean and the Bahamas this winter, with 25 crew at the ready, and with eight staterooms for the 12 charter guests to choose among.

None of these destinations are one-and-done locales. The Cyclades archipelago in Greece offers a different experience from the one that charter guests can try in the Dodecanese island chain. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in the southern Caribbean, feels a whole lot quieter than the busier yacht hubs in the northern islands such as Antigua and St. Maarten. French Polynesia’s Society Islands welcome more tourists than the Tuamotu archipelago, where charter-yacht captains set a course for scuba diving with bigger game. In Croatia, a day exploring Dubrovnik—with Game of Thrones filming sites all around—is different from Korčula’s smaller-scale, but equally mesmerizing, scenery.

The ultimate charter escape can be for a few days, a few weeks or a few months. The only limitations, really, are the boundaries of all the world’s waters.

Qara

New to the charter fleet in the Virgin Islands this winter is the 82-foot Horizon Qara, which is managed by RJC Yachts. Qara is a 2001 build that until recently was kept for private use. The yacht underwent a refit this year and is now being offered for six guests at an all-inclusive weekly rate of $42,000. The captain is Mark Sperber, a native of St. Croix, which is also in the Virgin Islands—which means his local knowledge should be unsurpassed. A 27-foot Sea Hunt tender is part of the charter package.

Sól

Sól is Hull No. 1 of the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, which is an evolution of the popular Sunreef 80 sailing catamaran. Sól is outfitted with solar panels (including on the hullsides) as well as cruelty-free furnishings that did not involve any animals. The chefs are trained in high-end vegan cuisine, along with traditional dishes. Sól was delivered to its owners earlier this year in New England and then made its way down the East Coast for an official premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Charters are already booked for this winter in the Virgin Islands, with Sól as part of the Regency Yacht Vacations fleet.

Arbema

The 236-foot CRN Arbema completed a multimillion-dollar refit last winter, according to the charter managers at Edmiston. Updates included a full paint job, technical upgrades, a new interior and upgraded water toys. Plans for this winter are for charters to start at Christmastime in the Caribbean, with inquiries also being accepted for the Bahamas and Central America itineraries. Guest amenities on Arbema include a master stateroom with a fold-out balcony, a beach club with a gymnasium, and a 48-foot chase boat for fun in the sun.

Virtuosity

Virtuosity is a 187-foot Sanlorenzo that launched earlier this year and is available for its first-ever Caribbean charter bookings this winter. Fraser, which manages the yacht, says the master stateroom is on the upper deck with a private outdoor terrace and a hot tub. Guest amenities aboard Virtuosity also include a glass-bottom heated swimming pool with jets, a fully equipped gymnasium and a nearly 1,200-square-foot beach club. On the bridge deck, there’s a DJ booth ready for parties near a bar.

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Two decidedly different builds from the Sanlorenzo shipyard in Italy have entered the charter market, one booking through IYC and the other listed with Westport Yachts charter management.

The newer of the two yachts is the 145-foot La La Land, a 2023 build that’s now part of the IYC charter fleet. It’s a Lissoni Limited Edition Sanlorenzo X-Space whose owner invested about $3.3 million in options to further enhance the cruising experience.

Accommodations aboard La La Land are for 12 guests in five staterooms—including an owner’s deck with a sky lounge, an alfresco lounge with a freestanding fire pit, a private pantry, an office, a walk-in closet and a head built with a heated sole and steam shower. The master stateroom also has direct access to one of two outdoor hydro massage pools that are on board.

Additional features aboard La La Land include two foldout platforms, a gymnasium, a hammam and a massage room.

The lowest weekly base rate to charter La La Land is about $317,500, with inquiries being accepted for the East and West Mediterranean through September 2024. For winter 2024-25, La La Land is expected to charter in the Caribbean.

Also now chartering is the 108-foot Sanlorenzo Daddy, which is new to the Westport Yachts fleet in the Bahamas this winter.

Daddy is a 2008 build. The charter agent says an extensive 2023 refit has left the yacht presenting in like-new condition. Daddy accommodates eight guests in four staterooms, including a belowdecks amidships master with a king-size berth, espresso machine and fridge. The VIP stateroom is forward with a queen-size berth.

Gathering areas for all eight guests include aft-deck dining, foredeck lounging, and flybridge entertaining with dining, a bar and barbecues. The retractable sunroof has a removable enclosure for extra protection from the elements as needed.

Daddy is also kitted-out for fun in the sun in the Bahamas. The yacht charters with two tenders: a 30-foot Jupiter powered by twin 300-horsepower Yamaha engines, and a 14-foot Walker Bay Venture with a 70-horsepower Yamaha. Watertoys include a two-seat PWC, inflatable paddleboards, tow toys and snorkeling gear.

The lowest weekly base rate to charter Daddy is $65,000. The owner is reportedly eager to secure holiday bookings this winter at a weekly base rate of $70,000, with a one-week holiday minimum.

Are tenders important for yacht charter in the Bahamas? Yes, if you want to make the most of water sports. The area is known for being shallow, which means the mothership can’t get into some areas that a good set of tenders can access for fishing, snorkeling and other activities.

Take the next step: contact a charter broker at iyc.com or westportyachts.com

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IYC has welcomed the 153-foot Dunya KB6 to the charter fleet, with a model on display at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

The actual yacht is expected to be delivered to its owner in 2024, with the charter debut planned for spring 2024, ahead of the Mediterranean charter season.

KB6 is a Greg Marshall design with interiors by Design Unlimited. According to IYC, the interior will be built with natural woods, “environmental feature walls” and a mixture of textures.

Charter-wise, IYC is promoting KB6 for families or couples. The yacht is capable of going to destinations that are off the beaten course, and inquiries are being accepted now for the East and West Mediterranean.

What’s the lowest weekly base rate to book KB6? It’s about $293,500 for 10 guests in five staterooms.

How to book a week on board: contact a charter broker at iyc.com

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RJC Yachts has welcomed the 140-foot Feadship Never Enough to the charter fleet. Inquiries are being accepted for charters in the Caribbean and Bahamas at a lowest weekly base rate of $125,000.

Never Enough is a 1992 build that was most recently refitted in 2019. The yacht accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms, and it charters with seven crew.

A 33-foot Boston Whaler tender that’s fully rigged for fishing is part of the water-sports package, which also includes a pair of personal watercraft, Seabobs, wakeboards, water skis, tow toys and snorkeling gear. The yacht encourages family charters and stocks watertoys that are sized for kids as well as for adults.

What else is new at RJC Yachts? The company recently acquired Churchill Yacht Partners, which was founded in 2004 with a focus on crewed yacht charter. Longtime charter broker Maggie Vale will move from Churchill to the RJC team.

How to book a charter on board Never Enough: Contact a charter broker at rjcyachts.com

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Polestar, which, at 229 feet long, is the largest-ever Rossinavi build, is now part of the Fraser charter fleet.

The 2021 launch accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms. Plans are to offer charters this summer in France and Italy, with the owner considering other locations on request.

For winter 2023-24, Polestar is expected to be available for bookings in the Indian Ocean.

“Polestar showcases the perfect balance of elegance and performance,” charter manager Alexia Eude stated in a press release. “She boasts an impressive range, making her ideal for long-range cruising adventures. Guests can expect top-notch service and expertise while on board this magnificent yacht.”

What’s the lowest weekly base rate to charter Polestar? It’s about $785,000.

How to book a week on board: contact a charter broker at fraseryachts.com

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Y.CO has welcomed the 78-foot Sunreef power catamaran Kokomo to the charter fleet, with bookings available in the South Pacific and Australasia at a lowest weekly base rate of $90,000. Inquiries are being accepted starting in August.

Kokomo is a 2021 build that accommodates eight guests in four staterooms. Maximum speed is 23 knots, and the yacht charters with four crew.

“The team on board are committed to offering an experience which leaves guests feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, with a focus on healthy living and wellness—be it through the clean cuisine the chef prepares, a tailored workout program with the gym equipment or hours of active fun on the water with the impressive selection of toys,” Fleur Tomlinson of Y.CO Charter Management stated in a press release. “The yacht is ready to charter immediately this season and is set to cruise around the lesser-explored parts of Fiji.”

Kokomo’s healthy-living concept is no joke: The yacht has a gym with a reformer, a rowing machine and free weights, and members of the crew include a qualified personal trainer and a sponsored foil-boarder.

How to book a week on board: contact a charter broker at y.co

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It’s always a good day when a new build becomes available for charter, giving guests a chance to check out the latest offering from a prominent builder. That’s the story of Sea-renity, a Horizon FD100 that is marketed as a 2023 build and is now based in the Bahamas for charter inquiries throughout the summer season.

This particular FD100 has an interior that’s unusual, with a substantial amount of light wood that’s paired with black accent items throughout all the guest spaces. The decor was created by the Miami-based JAC design studio. “A lot of boats these days, it’s grays or blues and greens. This is different,” says Sarah Egger, charter manager with Fraser.

At an industry charter-yacht show in the Bahamas earlier this year, brokers also commented about how large the boat felt compared with others that are the same length overall. The extensive use of glazing certainly contributes to that ambience, as does the combination of decor and overall design. “The space on the inside, the volume, it seems much bigger than it is,” Egger adds. “I think it’s the lightness, but it’s also the build. That Horizon has a wider beam.”

As of this writing, Sea-renity had just completed its first few charters with friends of the owners on board, and the new owners had used it as well. Egger says a few of the favorite spaces are the yacht’s three bars—one in the beach club, one on the aft deck and one on the bridge deck next to the hot tub—along with the Portuguese seating and sunning space forward of the bridge. There’s also a beach club aft, which Egger says the owners are planning to fill with an increasing number of water toys. A towed tender is also in the works.

Sea-renity itself has a cruising speed of 13 knots and a top hop of 20 knots, which should be plenty fast for zipping around the Bahamas in style.    

The Horizon FD100

This is a current model available for orders with Horizon Yachts. It can be built as a skyline or tri-deck, which means either an enclosed sky lounge or an open flybridge, respectively. The designer of the Horizon FD100 is Cor D. Rover, whose other work includes yachts as large as the 220-foot Benetti Seasense. He has been working with Horizon Yachts since 2012. As a team, Rover’s studio and Horizon count more than 60 yachts either built or in build now. 

The post Horizon FD100 ‘Sea-renity’ Ready for Bahamas Charters appeared first on Yachting.

Fraser sends word that the 142-foot Christensen Grade I is offering a 10 percent drop on the weekly base rate for Bahamas yacht charter through September.

Typically, the lowest weekly base rate is $140,000. With the incentive rate, that number drops to $126,000.

Grade I is a 1995 build that most recently was refitted in 2018. Accommodations are for 12 guests in six staterooms, and the yacht charters with a 42-foot Yellowfin tender for fishing, snorkeling and other watersports.

According to Fraser, the yacht’s cruising speed is 12 knots with a top-end speed of 17 knots for minimizing cruising time between the islands in the Bahamas.

Where is Grade I is heading for winter 2023-24? The owner is considering inquiries for the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Costa Rica, including during the prime winter holiday weeks.

How to book a week on board: Contact a charter broker at fraseryachts.com

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Here’s an unusual charter opportunity from Fraser: The 172-foot Mie Zosen Big Eagle is heading to Scotland this summer, with the possibility of itineraries also being available in Iceland later in the season.

Big Eagle is a 1980 build that most recently was refitted in 2017. The yacht accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms. Onboard amenities include a hot tub, a sports bar and alfresco dining.

The yacht charters with 10 crew. Features for guest comfort include stabilizers. Cruising speed is 13 knots, which is fast enough to explore a good deal of a cruising region without breaking the bank on fuel.

What’s the lowest weekly base rate to charter Big Eagle this summer? It’s about $228,000.

Take the next step: contact a charter broker at fraseryachts.com

The post Ever Dream About Chartering in Scotland? appeared first on Yachting.

Edmiston has welcomed an unusual model to the charter fleet: the Extra X76 Martita.

Martita launched in 2022 with accommodations for eight guests in four staterooms, including a full-beam master.

The yacht charters with three crew.

Martita has a top speed of 21 knots, which means less time cruising between destinations and more time to enjoy them. Martita’s toys and tenders include a Williams SportJet 395, a paddleboard, kite-surfing gear, inflatables, tow toys and snorkeling gear.

What’s the lowest weekly base rate to charter Martita this summer? It’s about $56,520.

Take the next step: contact a charter broker at edmiston.com

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