By Trina Howes, Senior Yacht Charter Broker
I have just returned from two weeks inspecting the fleets in Europe for the up and coming seasons in the Western Mediterranean and Greece. I think those chartering yachts during the summer of 2018 are going to be very happy.
“In my opinion, the charter fleet on offer has never been better. The competition among owners and crews to develop the best charter package has never been stronger, and it keeps improving.”
Luxury Yacht Charter Vacation S/Y Seahawk
Most of the yachts were absolutely immaculate and had a really good selection of toys on board adding to what the crew can offer during the charter. The crew were all welcoming and seemed to keen to show off “their” yachts and show what they could offer their lucky charter guests.
The standouts for the Western Med for me were:
Sea Hawk the 2013 58.6m Perini Navi
Seahawk – exterior
This yacht is in immaculate condition with a long list of amenities as one would expect, but the crew just took it over the edge for me. The captain is charming, and all of the crew just lovely, but the absolute star is the chef (sorry Captain). Truly one of the yummiest lunches I have ever had the privilege of eating. Really good, perfectly cooked, clean food which seemed really simple but my guess is, it wasn’t. So flavorful I wished I could go back to her table the very next day. The judges clearly agreed as she won first place in the chefs’ competition a few days later. The owner has used her a lot for the past few years but is now open to full calendars of the charter, so it’s the perfect time to book this world-class yacht for your charter.
More about S/Y Seahawk.
Alfa Nero Oceanco 2007 refit 2017
Alfa Nero
This yacht is just so awesome and still looks like it did 5 years ago when I last saw it and I imagine nearly exactly the same as when it was launched in 2007. From the moment you step on board, you cannot help but be in absolute awe. She hasn’t dated a bit and feels just as modern as the newest in her size on the market. The decks are vast with lots of special places to enjoy moments with your loved ones on board. The cabin configuration is very flexible with the ability to have fewer but vast suites or more staterooms depending on the cabin configuration. The crew are immaculately presented and warm and friendly. Alfa Nero is a very special charter yacht.
Alfa Nero’s rates, availability & more details.
Sherakhan Vuyk en Zonen 2005 refit 2017
Sherakhan – water fun
The owner has just done a refit and she her details are simplified and updated. The crew as always, are outstanding. Loads of toys, lots of space and a flexible owner make Sherakhan a really great yacht for a big group of people. The cabins are all huge with generous bathrooms she is really comfortable for the huge group she can accommodate. The updated soft goods and attention to detail have brought her into the present and she just feels like a good quality, well-built yacht. She is incredibly charter-friendly and perfect if there are more than 12 guests in the charter party. She doesn’t feel like a cruise ship, she feels like a super yacht.
Special mentions are AWOL, ORSO 3 and MAYRILOU – all of these also showed really well for both the quality of the yacht and amenities on board and the exceptional welcome and general attitude of the crew to present themselves and their yacht.
The standouts in the Eastern Mediterranean were:
Pegasus – Feadship 1999 refit 2009
Yacht PEGASUS – Main
This beautiful Feadship has been a private yacht for many years until just recently being opened up for some weeks for charter. The yacht is in immaculate condition and in true Feadship style no space is wasted. The decks are just amazing and they have literally thought of everything. The bridge sundeck is perfect for relaxing out of the sun with a salt water swimming pool close by. On the forward sundeck, there is also a fresh water Jacuzzi. One of my favourite things about this yacht was the adjustable screen on the aft deck which can be raised or lowered to hide the aft deck table. Perfect if you are in port and don’t want the tourists standing at the back to the yacht trying to see who is on board. I really liked Pegasus, it’s one of the most interesting yachts I have seen for a while.
Pegasus’s price & available dates.
Marla – Amels 1999 – refitted 2015
MARLA
Absolute perfect. Again no space wasted and incredibly well thought out yacht with good useable charter-friendly spaces and a lovely crew. This is the perfect package for charter. You will need to book early though as the 2018 Calendar is almost full and they have lots of repeat clients.
Nova – 62ft Lagoon Catamaran 2011
NOVA – catamaran for charter
This is just such a great little yacht. It’s not the perfect layout for four couples but great for a family. If you are three couples travelling together and want to taste some absolutely brilliant cooking this yacht is for you. Truly the chef on board could be working on a huge motor yacht. The food is exceptional.
NOVA’s rates and available dates.
SunCoco 1992 refit 2010
SUNCOCO
This yacht has been around in Greece forever and she still looks absolutely amazing. The crew on this yacht never disappoint. The service on board is faultless, the chef brilliant and the Captain charming. It’s really good value for money and such a lovely yacht.
