Classic motor yacht HAPPY DAY (ex.HAPPY HOUR) was built by Benetti in 1969 and received a comprehensive refit completed in 2018, restoring her beauty while updating her for 21st Century use as an Eastern Mediterranean luxury charter yacht.
Once a gentlemen’s yacht, she has been lovingly restored and updated with a complete engine room overhaul and updates to her navigation and stability equipment, new air conditioners and Wi-Fi and new galley equipment.
Her newly refurbished interiors pay homage to the era in which she was made while adding plenty of modern lighting and contemporary comforts from the lounges and dining room through to the bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. At 31.6m/103.9ft there is plenty of space on board for a group of 8-10 guests, and her four-cabin and lounge arrangement adds refreshing differences on the typical interior layout.
With a crew of five on board, visitors will have stellar service as they cruise from bustling Santorini and Mykonos to the atmospheric ruins and natural wonders of the Cyclades Islands and beyond.
“Clients were looking for a luxurious and comfortable yacht with a kids-friendly crew. Happy Day, with her professional and experienced crew onboard, was a perfect fit for a family charter. Captain Vassilis along with the crew and chef took an excellent care of the guests providing high-standard service as well as delicious Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The family was very sad to leave Happy Day but will cherish the wonderful memories and hope to be back to Greece soon.” Martha Lukasik, Yacht Charter Broker, CharterWorld
Impressive indoor living spaces
During her refit, Frederic Mechiche retained the essence of 60s style with clean geometric shapes that can be found in the lighting and the choice of fixtures, such as the coloured glass vases and asymmetrical coffee tables. The decades are bridged by the colour scheme that uses off-white and a pop of brilliant blue against the earthy tones in the wooden panelling and tables.
Metallic surfaces and modern artwork further enhance the surroundings and add a more contemporary tone, further complemented by warm strip lighting along with the ceilings and natural light pouring in from the broad square windows spanning the length of the main deck.
In the salon on the main deck aft, a loveseat and sofa are placed around a coffee table in an aft-facing L-formation. The minimalist setting also has a pouffe, a cabinet and movable lighting that keeps the setting airy and practical.
Forward of the main salon is a cosy nook where a loveseat, armchairs and a drinks table create a quiet indoor spot for guests to rest after a hearty three-course meal at the forward formal dining table to seat eight.
Another lounge is to be found on the main deck forward, providing guests with plenty of options for splitting up and spending time on personal interests during a cruise.
Serene en-suite cabins
The spacious accommodation continues the calming colour scheme established in the main living areas and sleeps up to 10 guests over 4 en-suite cabins: 2 Master suites, 1 VIP stateroom and 1 twin cabin.
The first Master suite is placed on the upper deck and benefits from elevated views, greater natural lighting and aft doors that open out onto the upper deck terrace. In addition to the king-sized bed there are two fixed Pullman berths.
The second Master suite is on the lower deck and has a walk-in wardrobe and sofa, and the VIP stateroom has a sofa and desk. The twin cabin is also placed on the lower deck and all cabins have AV entertainment, and en-suite bathrooms come with a toilet, sink and shower.
Outdoor temptations
The main deck aft is left clear along the stern and can be used for outdoor exercise. Beneath the hardtop, a beautiful traditional benchtop table and foldaway chairs form a comfortable and casual alfresco dining area that can also be used for outdoor lounging.
A casual alfresco lounge can be found on the upper deck which is perfect for morning coffee or a nightcap before bed: A cluster of armchairs and a sofa is placed around a coffee table, with direct access to the upper deck Owner’s suite. Walkways lead around to cosy beanbags and a second space on the foredeck elevated above the main deck where a group of four can spend the hours in conversation or take time to enjoy personal pursuits.
The sundeck boasts an abundance of sunbathing space where the whole group can spend the day sunbathing or stargazing in peace: The aft and forward sections are covered in plush sunbeds that have a raised headrest for reading and resting while taking in uninterrupted views of the surroundings. Amidships around the sides there are day beds, and the centre has room for yoga mats so that guests can savour the views and fresh air while they exercise.
Updated water toys collection
When luxury yacht HAPPY DAY received her updates in 2018 she received some brand new water toys that appeal to all ages and interests:
- 2 x Seabob S5S
- 2 x Stand up paddleboards
- 2 x wakeboards
- 2 x tubes
- water skis (1 x adult set)
- snorkelling equipment, and
- fishing gear
In addition to the above water toys, there is gym equipment available on request so that guests can keep up with a fitness regime while in transit.
Classic M/Y HAPPY DAY still holds on to her original charm as a gentleman’s yacht while becoming so much more – instead of entering retirement, she has been given a new lease of life and her unique character will provide charter groups of families and friends a desirable retreat as they immerse themselves in the cultures of the beautiful Eastern Mediterranean:
“We all had a holiday of a lifetime and we will never be able to truly thank you for everything you and the crew did. It is safe to say we were all very sad to leave HAPPY DAY but will cherish the wonderful memories. Have a wonderful season and maybe one day in the future we will see you back in Greece.”
– Charter guests, Athens–Corfu, 2019.