Today we shine the spotlight on the Abeking & Rasmussen yacht EXCELLENCE V. She is the 5th vessel in an eponymous line of highly successful superyachts.
THE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE™
German-built, this 60 meter lady combines elegant design with a sense of space. She stretches far beyond her physical dimensions. Indeed, the interior volumes of motoryacht EXCELLENCE Vare far more common on Mediterranean yacht charter vessels in the 70 to 75 meter range. She is a beautiful yacht who delivers The Superyacht Experience™ by 1-800 Yacht Charters to discerning clients.
HER DESIGN
The owner turns to London based Reymond Langton Design to develop a special design approach. For instance, where space is optimally utilized to meet charter guests’ needs. This approach is most evident within the guest staterooms. The master is located on the upper deck. In addition, more staterooms are situated on the main fore deck. These sleeping quarters offer interesting concepts. For example, large windows, spaciousness, and easy accessibility.
THE YACHT EXTERIOR
The exterior of the yacht embodies the sense of space provided in the interior. Her sleek lines, navy blue hull, and white superstructure portray a classic style with a contemporary feel.
Architecturally, major design amenities include:
Beach club to starboard
Port-side gym and massage room
Onboard Cinema
Aft swimming and dive platform
FLEXIBILITY AND COMFORT
A further example of the yacht’s reverence to flexibility and comfort is the tender launching area, which can be directly accessed from the double suite aft of the master stateroom [perfect for discreet getaways, without disturbing other onboard guests].
INTERIOR STYLE
Overall, her interior style is sophisticated and grand. A central elevator connects all five decks, while a spiral staircase provides access to each interior level. Glossy dark wooden wall panels frame the staircase, and natural stone floors complete the elegant feel.
Throughout the saloon and living spaces, soft upholstery and cushions, and curvy furniture are blended together in colors of grays, light beige and hints of red.
HER WARMTH
The same colors, warmth, and intimate feel of the interior flow outward to the exterior lounge areas. Here L-shaped couches actually face outward, allowing guests to enjoy the sweeping panorama from the uncluttered deck areas.
FAVORITE DECK
A favorite deck area is the privacy deck directly outside the master stateroom. Here, the guests can enjoy impressive views from either the large cockpit or the private Jacuzzi tub. Adjacent lounge pads turn this oasis into a private sun deck for the lead charter guests.
For social gatherings, the yacht offers a wonderfully-appointed sun deck featuring a Jacuzzi tub, wet bar, sun pads, and intimate cockpit area.
WATERSPORTS TOYS
For active charterers, the yacht holds 4 sets of SCUBA gear (for rendezvous diving), waverunners, SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards), kayaks, SeaBob, a water trampoline, and many other water sports toys.
Possibilities are endless onboard Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht, EXCELLENCE V. Charterers will simply be amazed by the space, elegant design, and the variety of options for fun and relaxation.
She represents one of the major challenges in yacht design, for instance, creating a look that is distinctive but not outlandish. Trinity yacht MINE GAMES, a trideck superyacht, has just the right balance. Her deck house side windows nest in elongated ovals to create a sleeker superstructure. Her prominent bow and raised bulwarks make her look much larger.
THE NEWS
At last news of a $1.5 million price reduction for the 49.9m superyacht. St. Martin yacht charter enthusiasts need not worry – MINE GAMES remains available for luxury yacht charter. She is available in both the Bahamas and the Virgin and Leeward islands of the Caribbean.
HER BACKGROUND
MINE GAMES is a 2007 build – conforming to ABS class and MCA compliance. She accommodates up to 12 guests. Her accommodations include a master, three doubles, and a twin. Her twin includes a Pullman berth. The yacht cruises at a swift 18 knots.
EXTERIOR AND TOYS
Mine Games is helicopter-capable, and she has a very large swim platform/beach deck. To sweeten the deal, a Triton two-person submarine (a favorite toy for yacht charter guests) is included in the new asking price of $31.45 million.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENT
Jana Sheeder, President and Co-owner of 1-800 Yacht Charters and SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants says of the yacht,
“MINE GAMES has always been a favorite in the yacht charter marketplace. Her submarine, in particular, has made her a standout, and it has been a huge draw for people interested in a new experience during their vacations. Unique toy + gorgeous yacht = winning combination.”
Every once in a while, we find a hidden “gem” at a boat show that we can’t wait to share with our clients. Motor yacht DREW is that type of yacht.
Launched in 2016, she is just the second hull in the new Benetti Veloce 140 series. She made her charter debut at the 29th edition of Yachts Miami Beach, the show that highlights private luxury yacht charter megayachts, and runs concurrently with the Miami Boat Show, now named Miami Yacht Show. Yacht manager, Stacy Moss of Northrop and Johnson invited our company President, Jana Sheeder, onboard for a private viewing and an opportunity to meet the crew. After our inspection, Stacy was kind enough to put together an overview for our readers:
THE YACHT
Benetti’s 140-foot (42.6m) luxury motor yacht DREW was launched in 2016. This sexy, chic yacht is ideal for charter thanks to her impressively voluminous and stylish interior, her exceptional on-deck spaces and her fully stocked toy box with a variety of exciting water sports, tenders and more.
Five staterooms cater to up to 10 guests on board (yacht) DREW. The main-deck 900-square-foot master is located forward and offers a walk-around king-size bed, an 80-inch flat screen, massive windows that provide astonishing views and an en-suite his-and-hers master math with a large European rain shower. The four additional guest staterooms are located on the lower deck. All offer queen-size beds and en-suite bathrooms, among other amenities.
The main salon is a perfect place to entertain. A variety of seating options, a game table and a flat screen TV all are on offer. Just aft, an alfresco dining table for 10 is the perfect spot for breakfast. This space leads to the beach club, which houses all the yacht’s water toys and is a great place to relax, catch some rays or pop in the water.
Motor yacht DREW’s skylounge is equipped with a full bar, day head, incredible views from massive windows and a large wrap-around couch situated in front of an 80-inch flat screen, and dive into a movie. The skylounge aft offers alfresco dining for 10 and incredible views. DREW’s sundeck is divided into two sections, forward and aft. The aft deck has four large chaise lounges, two large removable umbrellas; forward is a large bar with seating for five, a dining table for 10 and a flat screen TV. The Portuguese deck, an extension of the sundeck, is outfitted with U-shaped settee seating for 10, a table, four large sun pads and a Jacuzzi.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 43m/ 140 ft
Beam: 8m/ 27.10 ft
Draft: 2.43m/ 8 ft
Year: 2016
Guests: 10
Cabins: 5
Crew: 8
THE BAHAMAS
The owner of the yacht has decided the Bahamas is the perfect destination for his new yacht, and we couldn’t agree more. Our biggest challenge when arranging a Bahamas yacht charter for a client is the difficulty to find a yacht that can accommodate a large family or multiple couples in the shallow waters of the Bahamas. You see, much of the Bahamian islands reside in shallow, sandy waters. Large megayachts that can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers usually have deep drafts meaning they sit deeply in the water – too deep to navigate in shallow coves. Even though Drew has accommodations for 10 guests, she is only 140ft in overall length, and her draft is just 8 feet. Hence, this Benetti Veloce 140 is the perfect platform for a superyacht experience in the Bahamas!
MAIN FEATURES
“Zen-like” interior
Five stylish staterooms accommodate up to 10 guests
Exquisitely modern interior style
Lounge seating provides ultimate comfort
Spacious, innovative forward covered-seating area with Jacuzzi – brings Portuguese-bow concept to another level
Beach club at water level
Contemporary full-beam master stateroom on main deck
Chic photography and unique artwork throughout
Toy-free decks
Zero Speed Stabilization system
TENDERS/TOYS
Towed tender
18.5’ (5.6m) Williams tender
Sensational waterslide
2 Seabobs
2 Inflatable paddleboards
Inflatable kayak
Snorkeling gear
Wakeboards
Towable toys
Assorted fishing gear – fully rigged
Drone
“Beach set up” tables and chairs
Exercise bike (connects to Wi-Fi for online workouts)
Rowing machine
TRX workout equipment
Medicine ball, core strengthening devices, yoga mats
Weights
CHARTER RATE
Based in the Bahamas for the summer, and most likely the Caribbean for the winter, her weekly charter rate is $160,000/wk plus running expenses, with no price change between low and high seasons or for holidays.
MOTORYACHT DREW WAS JUST SOLD. WE ARE HOPING THAT SHE WILL REENTER THE LUXURY YACHT CHARTER MARKET.
The 203 foot motor yacht ICON has announced. In specific, she plans to position for the winter and spring in the Caribbean.
A 2010 build, motor yacht ICON accomodates 12 guests in 6 staterooms. Further, she features a crew compliment of 16.
Beach club
BEACH CLUB AND MORE
Designed for extensive world cruising, she is a high-volume megayacht yet appears sleek and elegant, with a contemporary design throughout. The yacht offers luxurious accommodations. In addition, she has an amazing “beach club” deck area with an adjacent fitness room. Access these directly from the lower guests cabins.
GREAT CARIBBEAN YACHT CHARTER BOAT
Huge decks spaces, state of the art entertainment systems and an exceptional crew make this a first class Caribbean yacht charter option.
Caribbean winter rates for all weeks, December through April are listed at $475,000 per week, plus running expenses.
OTHER CARIBBEAN YACHTS FOR HIRE
Other yachts for hire this winter and spring in the Caribbean and Bahamas include 191ft motor yacht CARPE DIEM, 183ft sail yacht FIDELIS, and 180ft motor yacht HARBOUR ISLAND.
The world’s largest yachts continue to grow larger and larger each year. The ideas of superyacht owners as to what features and amenities will make their, “floating villas” stand out from the crowd also expand. This demand for over-the-top luxury pushes high-profile yacht designers to continually “reinvent” the ultimate onboard amenities.
No longer is an on-deck Jacuzzi style spa satisfactory. Now, the hot tub must double as a wave-generating swimming pool. That pool needs a backlit waterfall cascading over the edge of the spa into a smaller reflection pool. Along a similar innovation path, our company President, Jana Sheeder, recently toured a new build megayacht with designer Evan Marshall. The Marshall-designed yacht features a sundeck with a sunken-floor lounge area. This area floods with several inches of water. In specific, to create a faux beach atmosphere. The legs of the chaise lounges sit in the cool water! Talk about relaxation!
Company President, Jana Sheeder, and our charter team return from the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Many manufacturers and designers display their latest innovations and concepts there. In addition, our Team takes notes of the latest trends that are becoming more popular with superyacht owners and designers. Here are the top three amenity design trends seen in 2018.
1. OVERSIZED WET BARS
Sundeck bars are larger now. Previously, their smaller size made room for the storage of watertoys on deck. As more yachts keep the tenders and toys in garages, the ability to expand ondeck amenities has seen an increase. This increase results in large outdoor wetbars, built with luxurious stones, polished finishes, and mood lighting. The bars are focal points ondeck. They are places where families and friends gather for extended periods. These areas are perfect for socializing and enjoying the fresh air and sea views.
One of the most magnificent outdoor bars is located on the sundeck of Lurssen yacht SOLANDGE. The large curved bar is positioned to the port side and boasts an opaque lighting design that creates a glamorous evening hang-out. This 85 meter Lürssen superyacht was designed by Espen Øeino and has many other notable design features, including a spectacular superyacht fireplace.
2. LIFESTYLE WELLNESS ROOMS
Fun, unusable rooms are popular on the largest superyachts. Amenities from superyacht gyms and spas, to cinemas and nightclubs. These designs around the owner’s passions and what they think will appeal to yacht charter guests. Designer Tim Heywood reflects on the trend:
“Lifestyle-specific rooms — from casinos to underwater viewing rooms to other ideas such as snow rooms, meditation spaces, art galleries or anything designed to meet an owner’s particular needs — have all featured in my designs. In fact, our first cryotherapy room is in production, and it won’t be the last.”
Interior designers Redman Whiteley Dixon created an amazing wellness area onboard the 63 meter Feadship motor yacht LADY BRITT. The standout room in this area is the Finnish sauna. It opens on to the ocean. #Namaste … Charter guests can heat up, then take a plunge in the cool ocean. The wellness area features space for massage and hairdressing. In addition, the gym’s panoramic sliding glass doors open to the large spa pool on the sundeck.
3. BEACH CLUBS
More designers now relegate tenders and water toys to side-opening garages on superyachts. These prime aft areas redesign with hydraulic balconies and decks. Further, to serve as open-air beach clubs. First-generation beach clubs are little more than extended swim platforms with tender garages. These are emptied of their contents to make room for a lounge chair or two. Newer designs offer bars, lounges, and spa access points. The best of the new generation clubs serve as all-around waterfront entertaining venues.
Rarely do you find beach clubs on sailboats, yet sail yacht AQUIJO is anything but an ordinary sailboat. The editors of Boat International magazine described her club area.
“As the world’s largest ketch, she has more than enough room to accommodate a spacious beach club, complete with a hammam [turkish steam bath], sauna, and a spectacular spa pool that is illuminated by a large skylight. As if all that wasn’t impressive enough, the watertight aft doors mean that (sail yacht) Aquijo’s beach club can still be used when she’s sailing along at her brisk top speed of 20 knots.” Amazing…
In conclusion, your next family adventure is only a mouse-click away. Let 1-800 Yacht Charters “Deliver the Superyacht Experience™” to you and your family. We welcome you onboard a superyacht packed with amazing comforts and amenities. VISIT https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now/ to find the best yacht for your escape. Take advantage of our Best Price Guarantee and 6-star customer service! We stand by at your service. #gratitude
As a kid, I used to love going to the beach on Key Biscayne in Miami. The concession stand had the best snow-cones in town, and the long, paved path along the edge of the beach was the perfect place to ride my bicycle.
Sometimes my dad would rent a public cabana for the day, where we could change into our bathing suits, sit in the shade to escape the sun, or draw the curtains to take a nap – away from the crowds on the beach.
The concept (and benefits) of a cabana has finally made its way into the world of yachting, as more and more of the world’s largest yachtsnow feature “Beach Clubs” – small, private decks that fold out or pop open when the yacht is at anchor.
Located along the sides or aft areas of many new yachts, these beach clubs offer quiet spaces where charter guests can relax, away from the main entertainment spaces of the yacht. Most feature large oversized chairs, couches, and massage tables, as well as entertainment options such as flat-panel televisions and stereos linked to the yacht’s central entertainment system.
Some of the winter Caribbean yacht charter vessels featuring beach clubs include motor yacht SYCARA V, motor yacht IMAGINE, and motor yacht HARBOUR ISLAND.
In an ever-hectic world, expect to see more and more yachts adding private areas for personal retreat and relaxation onboard.
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