Severin

By some estimates, three-quarters of the world’s charter business takes place every summer in the Mediterranean. And the stretch of coastline known as the West Med, including the French and Italian rivieras, continues to be the most popular region within this most popular place.

The beauty of the West Med is that it changes constantly—and yet not at all. Many of the towns and buildings have stood for centuries but have evolved, say, from family chateaus into public museums. The Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix continue to be the season’s kickoff events each May, but they lure increasingly impressive superyachts and A-list stars.

Namaste

Antibes, France, is often used as the starting point for charters, thanks to the nearby airport at Nice and all of the yacht services nearby. From Antibes, itineraries can either hug the coastline or head out to islands including Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Multiweek charters can do both, combining the shopping and high-society fineries of St. Tropez, France, with the sunset views that turn mountains in the distance purple when they’re viewed from Calvi.

High season in the West Med—July and August—comes with premium pricing, and some yacht owners insist on bookings of two weeks or longer. If clients want a buzz-worthy yacht, then it’s wise to book six months or even a year in advance. After all, one of the best ways to experience something unique in a classic destination is to be aboard a new yacht.

The post Yacht Charter the Med appeared first on Yachting.

During the summer of 2013, Olivier Fournier visited the French Riviera. The native of Quebec, Canada, was following his dual passions — travel and food — and wanted to see how fine dining along the Côte d’Azur compared with the fare he had sampled in Australia, Greece, Quatar and beyond.

“I went to St. ­Tropez and saw the boats,” he says. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, what is this?’”

Fournier, then 32, abandoned his land-based cooking career for a job in the galley of the 92-foot ­Mangusta Scratch, where he learned as much about himself as he did about the yachting industry. “I liked it,” he says. “I love cooking. I love traveling. You can’t have everything; you have to sacrifice some things. I live in a backpack. I can’t have a wife or kids. But I like it here.”

PEDIGREE: 196-foot CRN built in 2011.
ACCOMMODATIONS: 12 guests in six staterooms including a main-deck master and upper-deck VIP.
CREW: 14.
THIS WINTER: Caribbean charter debut, following her first Mediterranean charter season.
SUMMER 2018: likely Spains’s Balearic Isles.
FOR FUN IN THE SUN: two Castoldi jet tenders, Sea-Doos, a Seabob and more.
MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Burgess Yachts.

His ability to adapt meant that Scratch became his springboard to increasingly larger, and largely respected, yachts. He also worked aboard the 173-foot Oceanco Sunrise and the 178-foot Alloy Tiara, among others. Then, just before the MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona, Spain, this past spring, Fournier became chef aboard the 196-foot CRN Ramble on Rose — a 2011 build that was making her charter debut with a new owner, an all-new crew and a chance to become one of the top yachts available for summer charter in the South of France, right back where Fournier’s yachting journey had begun.

The chef, while still getting to know the Ramble on Rose crew and facilities, had seven days to plan a menu, provision the ingredients and create a meal that would impress the world’s top charter brokers and press. He had to collaborate with the stewardesses on decorations, on board a yacht where they were all still trying to find the place mats, a yacht whose new owner hadn’t even decided which parts of the interior were going to be refit. In Fournier’s case, the work had to start in a galley where he’d barely had time to find the spice rack, and in a city hosting the charter show for the first time, meaning that he had to hunt for the best provisioning.

Most chefs and crew would have aimed for an achievable presentation, perhaps a three-course luncheon with lobster as the main. But the Ramble on Rose crew aimed far ­higher than achievable — creating a dining experience that was inspirational, one that showed their versatility and ability to adapt to whatever charter guests might desire.

The menu of “street food” bites they cooked and served from twin sun-deck grilling stations included 12 courses that were divided into four parts: Asian, Eastern Mediterranean and American, plus dessert. The idea was that any one part could expand into a full meal for charter guests who enjoy various types of cuisine.

The crew found street-style containers to add a fun twist beyond the yacht’s fine cutlery and ­dishes, ­serving ostrich sliders in red-and-white-striped cartons; ­Vietnamese duck ­omelets with upscale skewers; and fresh-made juice blends including pineapple-orange-carrot (a sample of the blends charter guests might order, say, after a morning of snorkeling) in finger-length bottles.

To further elevate the ­Eastern Mediterranean portion of the afternoon, the crew wrapped the sun-deck cushions in pastel silks and added a dangling light overhead, one that looked straight out of a Turkish rug shop. The setting was ideal for serving baba ­ghanoush, hummus and tyrokafteri, all with a complement of yogurt and za’atar (a Middle Eastern herb blend that hinted at Fournier’s experience in that region).

Perhaps most impressive, though, is considering what the Ramble on Rose crew might achieve with more than a few days’ notice. As Fournier put it, “It will be my galley soon.” The possibilities are mouthwatering.

The post Charter File: Savor the Possibilities appeared first on Yachting.

They almost painted her blue. Or pearl. Or — we gasp at the thought — khaki.

Ultimately, the owners of the 160-foot Palmer Johnson ­SuperSport Khalilah chose Cordova Gold, which, paired with her aggressive exterior styling, made her the hottest yacht on the docks during her February 2015 debut at the boat show now known as Yachts Miami Beach.

Today, Khalilah is turning heads in the Mediterranean, where she entered the charter market this past summer. Gayle Patterson, who manages Khalilah for Camper & Nicholsons International, says that within weeks of the news, she was “inundated with inquir­ies.” Clients wanted to charter Khalilah not only for summer, but also this coming winter when the owner may keep her in the Bahamas.

Of course, the yacht’s bombshell exterior gets most people’s ­attention, but Patterson says the interior is just as noteworthy.

“Inside, she has a lot of woods that are natural,” Patterson says. “There are carvings and inlays, natural fibers and fabrics. It’s quite colorful and fun. There’s an eclectic collection of artwork and fabrics, and it all comes together. There are beautiful mosaic bathrooms with lots of different designs.”

PEDIGREE: 160-foot Palmer Johnson built in 2015.
ACCOMMODATIONS: 11 guests in five staterooms including two similar-size, king-berth masters on the main deck.
CREW: 9.
THIS WINTER: possibly the Bahamas.
SUMMER 2018: back to the Mediterranean.
FOR FUN IN THE SUN: a nearly 1,200-square-foot aft deck with oversize sun pads.
MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Camper & Nicholsons International.

Khalilah launched as the largest yacht built of carbon composite, with bold construction elements that Patterson says enhance the charter experience. For instance, not only are the main salon windows sole-to-ceiling, but some glass panels measure more than 21 feet wide by more than 7 feet tall. At the time Khalilah was built, Palmer Johnson’s CEO called them the biggest glass panels on any yacht other than Apple founder Steve Jobs’ 256-foot Feadship Venus.

On charter, those windows allow fantastic views and more.

“You feel as though you’re on a 60-meter yacht because of the [35-foot] beam and the floor-to-ceiling windows,” she says.

And despite Khalilah‘s racy exterior, Patterson says, the interior is built for relaxation, whether guests are ­families with children (they can even bring a small dog, with a security deposit) or groups of adults.

“The galley is quite unusual,” she says, as an example. “It’s on the main deck. Once the doors are open, you can walk through from the main salon. There are chairs there and a bar, so it’s a nice area to hang out. You have a glass of wine, taste some cheese, get the chef to whip you up a nibble.”

And then, recharged, you step back out into Khalilah’s golden glow, ready to dazzle the world.

The post Charter File: Khalilah is the Gold Standard appeared first on Yachting.

The 177-foot Mischief is available for late-summer charter at a reduced rate through Y.CO. The Baglietto-built superyacht has availability from September 12th through all of October.

Y.CO has dropped her rate by €40,000 to charter Western Mediterranean waters. Mischief was built in 2006 and recently refit in 2016 with new AV electronics, carpeting and furniture. In 2017, a new cocktail bar and 3 x 2 meter video wall was added to the main salon.

Her interior was designed by Francesco Paszkowski and includes a full-beam master stateroom.

Fun for Everyone: Mischief has plenty of toys for the whole family to enjoy. Her water toy list includes PWCs, Jetlev, fishing gear, Seabobs and SUPs.

Unique Feature: The Baglietto superyacht has four inflatable pontoons that can be connected to the swim platform to create a floating sundeck.

Quick Specs: She can accommodate 12 guests in six cabins, plus 13 crew. She has a range of 4,500 nm at 15 knots.

Reduced Rate: Mischief‘s current reduced rate is €210,000 ($249,421 USD).

The post Mischief in the Med appeared first on Yachting.

Edmiston says the 114-foot Benetti DXB is dropping her weekly base rate by 20 percent for last-minute Mediterranean charters in late August.

DXB is a 2003 build that most recently was refitted in 2015. She accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms, including a main-deck master.

Interior design is by Francois Zuretti, with Hermes furnishings and classic tones.

Key charter features: DXB has a sundeck hot tub, a new air-conditioning system and outdoor dining.

Where to book: contact any charter broker here.

The post Late-Season Deal on Mediterranean Yacht Charter appeared first on Yachting.

Y.CO is offering the 147-foot Pride for Mediterranean charters. The yacht recently attained her Spanish charter license, meaning guests can cruise to Spain and the Balearic Islands, destinations that offer “picturesque towns, world class nightlife, long, white beaches [and] mouthwatering local cuisine,” Y.CO says.

Built by Viudes Yachts in 2013, Pride may be considered a luxury locale herself. Her full-beam (31 feet) master suite has balconies on either side and an adjoining salon. It’s not the only stateroom with a private lounge space, however; the VIP suite has one too. Furthermore, Pride boasts a bar, BBQ and numerous sun pads and settees on her sundeck. A fold-down swim platform extends her aft deck 9 feet, creating a beach club. Should guests want to keep up their workout regimen, there is also a gym onboard.

She accommodates 12 guests in 6 staterooms, plus 9 crew. Y.CO reports that Pride has a 14-knot top-end.

Pride‘s weekly base rate is 160,000 EUR ($178,392) per week. To learn more, click here.

The post Mediterranean Pride appeared first on Yachting.

Xnoi

The 100-foot Xnoi will spend the summer chartering in Italy and France, taking as many as 10 guests in four staterooms at a lowest weekly base rate of about $58,900.

Perseus^3

The 196-foot Perseus^3 will start the summer in Bermuda for the America’s Cup superyacht regatta, then will cross the Atlantic and offer charters in Spain’s Balearic Isles. She takes as many as 12 guests at a lowest weekly base rate of about $268,000.

Seahawk

The 196-foot Seahawk is offering charters in the South Pacific, with itineraries available from June through August in Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. The lowest weekly base rate is about $268,000 for as many as 12 guests.

Helios

Helios, a 147-footer, will be in Bermuda this June before heading to the East Mediterranean and offering charter itineraries in Greece and Turkey. She takes 10 guests at a lowest weekly base rate of about $139,000.

Looking ahead to winter 2017-18: The 183-foot Rosehearty is taking inquiries for the Caribbean.

The post Perini Navi Yacht Charter this Summer appeared first on Yachting.

Free Spirit

As you read this, the 70-foot Sunreef Free Spirit should be completing her interior refit. She is a 2008 build that accommodates eight guests. Look for her in the West Mediterranean this summer.

Bina

Bina is a 142-foot Mondomarine that got a refit in 2015, inside and out. As you can see in the photograph at right, her interior now has a dark wood sole, light furnishings, and pops of color in the accents. Bina is expected to charter this summer in the West Mediterranean.

Kanaloa

In 2015, Kanaloa — which had a top reputation for charter in the past — completed what Hill Robinson is calling more of a restoration than a refit, bringing the 1996 build back up to par and then some.

Eros

Brooks Motor Craft in Britain launched the 115-foot Eros in 1939. Her current owners bought her in 1992, and they have been working toward a museum-quality restoration ever since. Most recently, they added new upholstery, deck furniture and more.

Never Enough

Never Enough launched in 2006 and has finished several refits since. Her newest addition is a 37-foot Intrepid tender with drop-down dive door. She charters in Florida and the Bahamas.

The post Recently Refit and Ready to Charter appeared first on Yachting.

Joy

Feadship launched Joy in 2016, making her one of the newest Dutch-pedigree yachts available for charter. She accommodates 12 guests with 17 crew, and her features include an elevator.

Seven Sins

Seven Sins is the first-ever Sanlorenzo 52Steel: launched in late January, scheduled to be delivered to her owners in June and open for charter beginning July 1. Check out the glass-bottom swimming pool on the aft deck, in the photograph at right.

Victory

Fraser awarded its 2016 Crew of the Year award for larger yachts to Victory. She accommodates 12 guests and charters with 12 crew, giving her a ratio of 1-to-1 service that allows the crew to set a five-star standard anywhere.

Elysian

Elysian, an Abeking & Rasmussen build, launched in 2009 and used to be known as Elandess. She entered the charter market for the first time late last year, bringing a fun vibe with her colorful interior spaces.

JoyMe

Check out the eye-popping red hull on the 163-foot Philip Zepter JoyMe, in the photograph at right. She is the largest Croatian-flagged charter yacht in the Adriatic, and all six of her guest suites are on the main and upper decks.

READ MORE: 10 Charters to Check Out in 2017

The post Charter: 5 Mediterranean Gems appeared first on Yachting.

Y.CO says the 194-foot expedition yacht Senses will charter in the Maldives beginning in mid-July.

Senses is a true go-anywhere yacht that has chartered in other exotic destinations in the past. She has a 6,000-nautical-mile range and a touch-and-go helipad for charter clients who want to access her in remote anchorages.

Accommodations are for 12 charter guests in seven staterooms. Toys include four tenders (one that hits 70 knots), Quadskis, WaveRunners, Jet Skis, a Jetboard, a Jetlev, scuba equipment and kiteboard gear. Instructors are on board for all of the above, plus paddleboarding.

Weekly base rate: $325,000

Where to book a Maldives charter aboard Senses: contact any charter broker here.

The post Expedition Yacht Senses to Charter in the Maldives appeared first on Yachting.