This summer, the 32nd edition of the Newport Charter Yacht Show will immerse its guests into the world of luxury yacht chartering, with an emphasis on New England as a premier cruising destination. Set to run in Newport, Rhode Island from June 23-26, the four-day event, managed by Newport Exhibition Group and held at the Newport Yachting Center on the city’s historic waterfront, represents the only charter yacht show of its kind in the U.S., featuring an exclusive selection of motor and sailing yachts that vary in size from 80 feet up to the superyacht length of 150 to 225+ feet.
The 155-foot sailing yacht Asolare will be attending the 2014 Newport Charter Yacht Show - Photo courtesy of Nicholson Yachts
All of the yachts are currently being marketed for summer vacation excursions in New England, and from that perspective the Newport Charter Yacht Show’s mission is to help each of them showcase the best of their offerings, including accommodations, amenities, menu options, recreational programs and capabilities of the captains and crew aboard, to charter industry professionals and discriminating consumers (attending with brokers).
“We are moving at a record pace this year,” said Newport Exhibition Group Show Director Nancy Piffard, explaining that yacht registrations are already up 40 percent from last year, and a large selection of those vessels fit the superyacht criteria. “New England is a highly sought after vacation spot, especially in the summer months, and the charter market has always been steady, but recently we have seen even more activity, especially from yachts that are new to our waters. They have come to the right place to be in front of the country’s finest brokers and agents.”
Superyacht Asolare features a light-filled interior - Photo courtesy of Nicholson Yachts
Among the newcomers to New England and the show is the luxury sailing ketch Asolare, which at 155 feet is the largest sailing vessel entered to date. “It took four years and about one million man hours to build Asolare, which is absolutely fascinating,” said its Captain Roy Wadeson (Newport, R.I./Palma Mallorca, Spain), adding that the yacht – a Bruce King design built in 2003 by Hodgdon Yachts in Maine – is made entirely out of wood, and its Andrew Winch interior is adorned with over 500 hand-carved designs.
“Asolare is currently en route from St. Martin to Newport and plans to spend the summer season cruising New England,” said Wadeson, who along with a majority of his crew from his previous command were hired for their extensive chartering experience shortly after Asolare (originally named Scheherazade) was purchased last year.
Asolare Yacht sleeps six guests comfortably - Photo courtesy of Nicholson Yachts
Asolare yacht’s light-filled interior sleeps six guests comfortably in its two identical staterooms and master suite. It also offers a private aft cockpit area, “his and her” bathrooms and two ensuite cabins that serve as an office or library. Other distinctive features include an open deck plan and an upper saloon with curved glass windows that offer a 180-degree view of the horizon. “She is an incredible yacht that sails beautifully, and we are looking forward to an exciting year,” said Wadeson.
Also new to the Newport Charter Yacht Show and the area is the 142-foot motor yacht Chevy Toy, which will be showcasing an upgraded look when it lowers its gangway to welcome show participants aboard.
The 142-foot motor yacht Chevy Toy will be attending the 2014 Newport Charter Yacht Show - Photo courtesy of International Yacht Collection
“Right now we are undergoing a major refit to the interior and upgrading most of the technology onboard, including zero-speed stabilizers and a state-of-the-art Kaleidoscape System,” said Captain Greg Russell (Camden, Maine), who has participated in the Newport Charter Yacht Show multiple times over the past 12 years as captain of two other yachts.
The yacht, designed by Criteria Marine and built in 2004 at Trinity Yachts in Florida, features sleek marble and mahogany finishes throughout, and its five palatial bedroom suites can accommodate up to ten guests. The yacht’s three decks include an oversized sunbathing area and hot tub, plus a slew of water toys and equipment to add to the fun in store for luxury yacht charter guests.
Luxury yacht Chevy Toy features sleek marble and mahogany finishes throughout and three decks - Photo courtesy of International Yacht Collection
“We want to do the best advertising for the yacht that we can, and this show is valuable to us as far as exposure, especially in New England,” said Wilson, adding that Chevy Toy will spend its summers chartering along the Northeastern Seaboard and its winters in Caribbean and Bahamian waters.
The 140-foot charter yacht Capricorn follows a similar itinerary to that of superyacht Chevy Toy, and with major updates being implemented on both the cosmetic and technical sides, it will be bumping up the “wow” factor for its second visit to the show. “The interior saloon has been redone; a helipad and zero-speed stabilizers have been added; and before the show we hope to have the built-in bar completed on Capricorn’s sundeck,” said Captain Eddie Persichetti (Rehoboth, Mass.), adding that the yacht, originally built in 2002, boasts eye-catching designs and details on all four of its levels, including panoramic windows surrounding the main level, six staterooms dressed in eclectic art, a private theater and much more.
The 140-foot motor yacht Capricorn will be attending the 2014 Newport Charter Yacht Show - Photo credit to Billy Black
Persichetti has been running superyacht Capricorn with his Wife Merry since January 2013, and the duo manages six other crewmembers onboard. “Merry and I strive for a family atmosphere with our team. If we have 12 guests onboard for a seven-day charter and one of the stewards or stewardesses is busy with another task, you might see me down in the staterooms turning down beds. Our goal is to train people and implement uniform systems onboard while also having fun.”
It is that enthusiasm that makes the entire chartering experience with luxury yacht Capricorn delightful. “Whether it’s pirate-themed parties in the British Virgin Islands or luxury lounging in New England, the team will make sure our guests are having fun while receiving five-star service,” said Persichetti. “We always tell guests that whatever they desire, we can do.”
The Newport Charter Yacht Show also weaves into its luxury chartering tapestry several on-land exhibits and activities, including industry-focused seminars, culinary and crew competitions, and the traditional “Yacht Hop” where captains and crew host themed cocktail parties.
For an intimate view of Newport as a cruising destination, brokers and agents have the option of participating in a land Familiarization Tour on Sunday, June 22. A trolley will take guests by several beautiful and historic landmarks while a professional guide shares information on the many things to see and do while chartering in Newport.
Sponsors and Partners (to-date)
Supporting Partners to-date are the American Yacht Charter Association, Come Sea U.S., U.S. Superyacht Association, Florida Yacht Brokers Association, Yacht Insider’s Guide and AvPorts- Quonset Airport. Active Interest Media’s Power & Motoryacht and Yachts International magazine are the official media partners.
IGY Marinas is the Lanyard Sponsor. G Travel – USA is the show’s Exclusive Crew Travel Supplier, Newport Shipyard and Engineered Marine Coatings are sponsors of the Captain & Crew Reception on Sunday, June 22nd and on Monday, June 23rd Maagical St. Maarten will sponsor the Welcome Reception. Marsh Insurance will sponsor a daily continental breakfast in the main show tent, CD Consultants is the Wednesday evening Happy Hour Sponsor.
