Yacht Charter Update at 2013 Antigua Show – Day Four

Despite the torrential rain, day three in Falmouth Harbour was busy and exciting.  With a focus on the 60 meter and larger yachts, the tours where long and full of excellent charter information.  First stop was M/Y ILLUSION a 1983 Feadship with a 2005 interior refit and a 2010 5m stern extension including a beach club, Jacuzzi and gym.  The Bannenberg décor is subtle and earthy with a fun, artistic twist.  Each guest stateroom is named after the featured artist showcased- the Warhol  VIP, the Picasso twin cabin, and Matise to name a few.  With her classic Feadship lines and modern interior ILLUSION is a great family boat.  Her deck space lends to entertaining large groups but it can also be broken down to offer a more intimate setting.  There is a great crew vibe as well- a good mix of professionalism, longevity and fun ensures charter guests will be well looked after and entertained!

Next was the 60 meter Lurssen SOLEMATES built in 2010 owned by the gentleman who started Reebok shoes….hence the SOLE!  A pedigree yacht in every sense- she is ideal for a group of couples with a 6 King cabin layout.  Earth tones with exquisite marble and schist stonework throughout give a very relaxed and comfortable feel despite her large interior volume.

She also offers full diving aboard with two PADI trained Dive masters and a Dive Instructor.  All the toys for endless activities on the water and easy water access from both athwart ship tender garages or her fixed swim platform.  A sophisticated yacht that is sure to please.

As the day went on the boats proved to be more amazing.  Next stop was LADY S the 68 meter Amels.  OMG- this yacht wins the Award for most Lavish Interior.  Bright white furnishings accented by the trademark Hermes chain carries throughout the yacht.  Each cabin is made unique by the different color Hermes accents, fine art and vintage Lalique.  The owners have spared no expense outfitting LADY S with the finest accoutrements.  Five different Hermes china sets, over fifty different napkin rings, placemats and festive pieces for entertaining.  The Audio visual is all at the touch of an iPad mini conveniently located throughout the yacht and in all cabins.  I would venture to guess if you want it….it’s already there!  Her top-notch crew led by Captain John King, ex- Royal British navy, and Chief Steward Lindsey Nicholas bring out the heart and soul of this stunning yacht.

M/Y BATON ROUGE, despite her imposing exterior, offered a warm and relaxed ‘beach house’ inspired interior.  The 62 1/2 meter yacht built by ICON was launched in 2010 and cruises the Mediterranean and Caribbean.  Although the main aft deck is purposed as the tender and toys storage area, her upper deck levels well than make up for the loss of space with fantastic outdoor dining areas, sunbeds and comfortable shaded areas.  A young upbeat crew add to the overall charter appeal.  In my opinion, this yacht’s interior and custom pieces make her a wonderful laid back family boat for charter.

A must see, the American built 66m Delta INVICTUS launched this summer 2013 is a testament to American quality and design.  With an experienced yachting family overseeing every step of the build project, M/Y INVICTUS is one of a kind.  Upon entering the main salon you immediately sense the grandeur of this yacht.  9’ ceilings, a 44’ beam and the masculine black marble (faux) fire place are an immediate WOW factor.   With over 700,000sq of interior volume, her formal décor gives the feel of a grand estate.   Her Parisian Night Club inspired skylounge is a large but intimate space for fun evenings and sophisticated entertaining.  By no means a typical yacht, M/Y INVICTUS is full of well thought out design elements for effective, refined service.

Although the yacht is formal with a masculine touch, our favorite crew member Victor brings home a warm family feel!  Victor, a mini-poodle was quite the star onboard and I was lucky enough to receive some puppy love upon request!

Moving on to the 72m Lurssen, TITIANA (ex APIOSE) wins our Award for Best Charter Yacht for Fitness and Health.  This spectacular yacht is complete with all the bells and whistles but offers health minded individuals a fantastic platform for maintaining their goals!  Clean eating, a full Gym, Skinny Girl cocktails and a like-minded fit crew, complete with Yoga Instructor will keep any fitness freak happy while they relax and unwind.  The owner’s cabin boast a Zen massage room for private massages but it doesn’t stop there, on the upper deck is a full Spa offering all the services for hair, nails and makeup.  This yacht is an obvious choice for those who do not like to sacrifice their work-outs on vacation.

That night was the Antigua Yacht Club Dock-Hop giving the crew and opportunity to showcase their entertaining abilities with themed inspired parties onboard.  Disco proved to be popular and we saw lots of glitter and leg warmers…..on the deck crew!  M/Y SWAN, the Italian built Bennetti  went with a Gangster theme complete with Black Jack tables and Martini’s.  The Yacht Hops are a great way to see the true ability and personality of the hard working crew and the limitless possibilities onboard yachts.