When your clients are accustomed to +70 meter superyachts for their private luxury yacht charter vacations, you should probably think twice about recommending a 40 meter yacht for their next getaway…
MOTORYACHT ‘H
Unless that 40 meter vessel is motor yacht ‘H with Captain Phil Frost at the helm.
BEYONCE AND JAY-Z
About three weeks ago, good friends of ours called. They were taking a short trip from their home in the states to visit their daughter who is spending a college semester in France. During the visit, they planned to catch the “On The Run II: Beyonce & Jay-Z” concert in Paris, then spend a few days exploring. They asked, “Since we’re not taking the whole family, is there a smaller, contemporary-designed yacht that you would recommend for a quick getaway in France?” Without hesitation, we said, “Yes, the best available option is the 42 meter Benetti motoryacht ‘H.”
WHO IS SUPERYACHT ‘H?
Built in 2015, motor yacht ‘H is a shining example of the Italian builder’s Fast 140 series, with exterior styling by Stefano Righini, and interiors by HJH Studios. The yacht has it all – a massive sundeck, an impressive skylounge, and a fantastic, young, energetic crew led by can-do skipper, Australian Phil Frost. Phil’s motto is, “Say yes, then figure out how to make it happen!”
GUEST RESPONSES
With just hours to prepare, Phil and his team provisioned and prepared for our clients’ arrival in Bonifacio. Less than 2 hours after getting onboard, our clients sent us two, short, but telling texts. First, the husband wrote, “Having the best time.” Then, his wife wrote, “Oh man, this crew is awesome!”
CLIENTS CALL US
Once back home, the family called us to say the yacht was beautiful and surprisingly comfortable for a 40 meter yacht, and the crew made everyone feel as if they were onboard a 70 meter vessel.
They were so impressed, plans are already underway for a repeat trip in September…
WOULD YOU RATHER…
If you’re considering a private yacht charter vacation in the Med in August or September (or the Caribbean this winter), it’s hard to overstate the value, luxury, and comfort you’ll find with Captain Phil Frost, onboard Benetti motor yacht ‘H…
KISMET
[Side note – Beyonce and Jay-Z decided to do a little boating after the concert as well. They loaded the family onboard motor yacht KISMET (video) before returning to the next leg of their world tour…]
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT
Are you considering chartering a yacht for a vacation or special event? Call or text us at 305-720-7245, and with our Best Price Guarantee in hand, you’ll be on your way to making memories in style! Let us know that you are interested in chartering, and we’re on it!
Motor yacht JO, the 164-foot Benetti yacht charter vessel makes announcement. She plans to spend the winter season in the Caribbean.
AWARD-WINNING YACHT
Voted “Best Family Charter Yacht 2011“ by Superyacht World magazine. The 2004 Benetti motoryacht JO accommodates 12 guests in 6 staterooms.
CAPTAIN COMMENTS
Captain Ian Robertson reflects on this yacht. She is unique in the industry. For instance, the combination of a tranquil environment, and modern amenities.
“There is an atmosphere that radiates calmness, and you feel it from the moment you step aboard,” says Robertson. “The yacht as a whole is meticulously maintained, participating in two yard (maintenance) periods per year. Our owner understands the importance of updating tenders, watersports equipment, and the onboard entertainment equipment on a regular basis.”
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
“There are plenty of watertoys both for children and adults,” says Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters. “The 12 crew members onboard motor yacht JO are among the best family-friendly professionals in the industry.”
FOODIE CELEBRATION
Foodies appreciate the talents of chef David Beltran. He cooks with both passion and flare. His signature dish is “Veal Zurich.” At mealtime, Beltran explains his menus to the guests. To make it fun, he speaks in rhyming couplets. He often interjects a few words in Italian, Spanish, German, and French!
SIMILAR SUPERYACHTS FOR RENT
There are similar yachts available for hire in the Caribbean. For example, 50 meter motor yacht WHEELS and 58 meter yacht SKYFALL. In addition, 45 meter motor yacht ILLUSION.
RATES
Rates for motor yacht JO range. They vary from $175,000 per week for non-premium periods to $225,000 per week for year-end holidays. Running expenses are extra.
There is a big hurdle for large families and groups. These people seek to enjoy a private yacht charter vacation in Malta. The hurdle is partially lifted by the yachting registration authorities in Malta.
Specifically, late December, 2016, Transport Malta made a change. They are the administrative authority that oversees regulations for yachts flying the flag of Malta. They introduced new guidelines for private yachts. In addition, the rule applies to yachts carrying more than 12 guests.
RESTRICTIONS IN MALTA
This issue is long a stumbling block to the charter industry. Most private charter vessels are restricted to carrying no more than 12 passengers. Moreover, even if enough cabins were available to accommodate more than 12 guests. Yacht owners who wanted to bypass this restriction had problems. They were forced to build their vessels to standards established for commercial ships and cruise liners. This added enormous costs to the project. Most yacht owners elected to avoid the extra costs and burdensome regulations. They build luxury charter vessels for 12 or fewer guests.
Maltese authorities saw an opportunity to reduce restrictions on private yachts built to high safety standards, and to allow these safe, well-built and professionally-operated vessels to carry more than 12 passengers. Ivan Sammut, registrar general for the Maltese flag, explain how Malta saw a gap in the market. “You have to evolve to stay relevant in this marketplace,” states Sammut. “Malta hopes to be more than just a European flagging alternative; we have a holistic view of the superyacht market and want to become a turnkey destination for private and commercial superyachts alike.”
NEW CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES
The new certification summary is in the “Guidelines for Pleasure Yachts Carriage Capacities.” It is part of an ongoing Maltese initiative to introduce contemporary standards. Specifically, in the area of private yachting. To qualify, a superyacht seeking to register in Malta and fly the Maltese flag.
Must be over 24 meters.
Not navigate beyond 150nm (nautical miles) from safe haven.
Be in class and in possession of the necessary stability booklet.
Comply with the Maltese Commercial Yacht Code.
Comply with all applicable international conventions.
Carry requisite safety equipment based on the number of persons on board.
Maintain a crew compliment in line with the commercial yacht code.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, views the new regulations as long overdue. “It’s discouraging to turn away a large, extended families of 13 or more from their dream of enjoying the superyacht experience together on one yacht. We anticipate many superyacht owners with vessels that feature cabins and capacity for more than 12 guests to register their yachts in Malta. This is one more contemporary component in the growth of our private luxury yacht charter industry, and we hope other flagging authorities will follow Malta’s lead.”
Danish builder Oceanco unveiled their superyacht project. She is the 120 meter yacht AMARA. In specific, she debuted at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS).
THE CONCEPT
The yard continues to push the boundaries of design. Oceanco yacht AMARA showcases the builder’s new “lifestyle philosophy” concept. She places great emphasis on a family-oriented style of living. Sam Sorgiovanni, the yacht’s designer, describes the resort-style concept of the project. Besides this, Mr. Sorgiovanni says, “…the interior and exterior design work in harmony to create a holistic feeling of a relaxed well-appointed resort.”
THE AMENITIES
Our quick review of the yacht’s initial technical specs discovers an interior with a contemporary style. She has natural tones and light woods. Her design is to embrace the ‘resort’ lifestyle. Plenty of wide open spaces and natural light lend to the relaxed atmosphere. She is an amazing superyacht project.
Amara features many onboard amenties. For instance, 2 theatres, 2 Majilis-style areas (Majilis means “a place of sitting” in Arabic), and a climbing wall. In addition, she has an upper deck waterfall that flows into the main deck swimming pool. There is a wellness areas on the lower deck, including Hammam steam bath and a beauty salon. This gorgeous yacht also has a water slide and a circular relaxation pod that suspends over the water. How unique is she!
The LUXURY YACHT CHARTER QUESTION
Oceanco has a solid reputation for building luxury yacht charter superyachts. For example, 56 meter The WELLESLEY and the massive 95 meter Oceanco yacht INDIAN EMPRESS are in their fleet. Briefly, we lick our chops to be the first to offer this. Motoryacht AMARA promises to be popular for our clients.
“As we are seeing with the 70 meter Heesen yacht GALACTICA SUPER NOVA, also a new concept in resort-style yachts, I believe yacht AMARA will enjoy extensive private use by her owner prior to becoming available for charter. The good news is that we continue to witness growth in the experiential travel sector, especially with an emphasis on wellness yacht charter vacations. The demand for superyachts with resort facilities such as spas and beauty salons is strong, and the eventual owner of AMARA will be in a solid position to capitalize on this growing business trend.”
THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Here’s the Danish builder’s press release via PRNewswire:
Oceanco Unveils Amara – A 120-Meter ‘Resort’ Yacht
________________________________________
ALBLASSERDAM, The Netherlands, February 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ —
Amara, Oceanco’s newly designed and engineered 120-meter private yacht concept, designed in collaboration with Sam Sorgiovanni Designs was unveiled by His Excellency Saeed Harib, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Vice President and Chairman of Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi, and Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show.
Oceanco revealed the lifestyle philosophy of creating a yacht designed for extended families and friends. Amara provides unparalleled living and entertainment facilities for up to 20 guests. The contemporary interior with natural timber, stone and textural carpets and fabrics blend to create an inviting and natural environment.
“In designing the exterior lines of Amara, I wanted to portray a very strong and muscular form that was progressive in design but with a timeless appeal,” says Sorgiovanni. Its long bow accentuates the vessel’s generous proportions. Most importantly, the interior and exterior design work in harmony to create a holistic feeling of a relaxed well-appointed resort.
The lower level deck opens up to reveal an expansive beach club resort that offers 3-way access to the sea; port starboard and aft. Also on this deck is a comprehensive wellness area with banya, hammam, beauty treatment lounge and a cinema experience for 16 persons.
THE RELEASE CONTINUES
A waterfall from the upper deck cascades down into the main deck swimming pool. And the main deck is party central, featuring a stunning pool bar, opening balconies and large entertainment areas.
The upper deck has an outstanding owner’s apartment with a private plunge pool and open-air aft deck dining for 20+ people.
The gym with a capital view is located on the bridge deck. For intimate gatherings there are two Majilis-style areas (meaning, “a place of sitting” in Arabic, per Wikipedia) aboard. In addition, there is a quixotic cabana style open-air cinema on the sun deck. There is something special for young guests and those young at heart. Specifically, there are accommodations for fun sports equipment. These include as a climbing wall and water slides.
Amara reflects Oceanco’s applied evolutionary thinking, allowing clients to shape their way of life onboard. Amara will take you from the crystal waters of the Maldives to the iconic Caribbean islands, from the ancient marvels of the Mediterranean to the golden sands of Sri Lanka, in privacy, safety, and tranquility.
LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […] read more
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read more
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read more
Recent Comments