Feature: The Magnificent Seven
01/01/2004
The modern world offers many ways to get from Point A to Point B, but few are as redolent of romance, history and sublime relaxation as a passage on a grand yacht, where the journey truly is the adventure. We have searched the seven seas and come up with a selection of our favorite vessels afloat. Exceptional features—full spa, coveted itineraries, and unparalleled design and performance—mark these yachts as best of breed. Before you navigate the world of chartering, however, take the time to speak with experts in the field to ensure smooth sailing.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Pangaea is a steel-hulled expedition yacht perfect for exploring off-the-navigation-charts locales. (Click image to enlarge)Pangaea
Ushering in a new gilded age of exploration, the steel-hulled
expedition yacht Pangaea is ruggedly designed for far-flung global journeys
while providing a refined shipboard experience. The 184-foot Halter trilevel
accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms, including an owner’s suite with a
private deck, and has a crew of 12. Generously proportioned with over 7,000
square feet of interior and deck space, Pangaea also features a gym, formal
dining room and oversize Jacuzzi on the sun deck. Underscoring its explorer
cachet, Pangaea’s adventure quotient is also high, with a quiver of
state-of-the-art water toys, including three tenders (one is a 36-foot Predator
sportfish equipped with tournament fishing gear), 16 sets of scuba gear, SeaDoos
and underwater scooters.
Charter rate: $175,000 per week
Cruising areas:
Summer—Mediterranean; Winter—Caribbean, Central America
Sacks Group
954.764.7742
www.sacksyachts.com
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The 210-foot, aluminum-hulled Felicita West is the latest yacht from Perini
Navi. It comes with two tenders, three Lasers and kayaks. (Click image to enlarge)
Felicita West
True yachters know what is in a name, and the Perini Navi marque is
beyond reproach, especially when speaking about new build Felicita West, the
largest of the storied vessels yet introduced. A quintessential sailing yacht,
the 210-foot aluminum-hulled cruising ketch combines generous space, refined
comfort and the true sailing performance expected from a Ron Holland design
incorporating 10,000 square feet of billowing sails. Below, she features a
full-beam owner’s stateroom, four luxurious suites and impeccable joinery and
styling resulting from a collaboration between Nuvolari Lenard and the Perini
Interior Design team. A long list of water toys includes two tenders, three
Lasers and sea kayaks.
Charter rate: $180,000 to $210,000 per
week
Cruising areas: Summer—Caribbean; Winter—Mediterranean
Ultra Marine Yacht Charters
888.858.7212 and 212.423.9280
www.ultramarineyacht.com
Excellence III
A new addition to the charter fleet, the trilevel motor
yacht Excellence III is a superlative example of stylish form meeting function.
The striking, blue-hulled 187-foot Abeking & Rasmussen vessel designed by
Donald Starkey features rich detailing throughout, including mahogany paneling
and such luxe accents as myrtle wood and honey onyx. Sleeping 12 guests, the
vessel features plasma screen televisions and steam showers in every
stateroom.
The vast deck space allows for a cocktail bar and Jacuzzi,
while another intelligent use of space is a sky lounge that converts to a
surround-sound home theater featuring advanced Linn components. Active cruisers
can take advantage of a gym with Precor equipment and a full complement of water
toys.
Charter rate: $325,000 per week
Cruising areas: Summer—Western
Mediterranean; Winter—Caribbean
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Edmiston & Company
310.777.6535
www.edmistoncompany.com
Askari
Think of 1960s steel-hulled trawlers as the Hummers of the high
seas. These heavy-duty beasts are ideal for those seeking exotic ports of call
way off the beaten path. Trawlers can go great distances, have incredible range
and are, in effect, like expedition vessels. Askari ‘s three-year refit and
renovation has resulted in tailored interiors and levels of comfort (including a
sundeck Jacuzzi) at home on any megayacht. The 108-foot trawler accommodates 10
guests and, befitting her adventurous spirit, features a wide array of water
toys, including Laser sailing dinghies, sea kayaks and dive
compressors.
Charter rate: $56,000 per week
Cruising area: Open (recent
passages include Panama, South Pacific, Australia)
Fraser Yachts Worldwide
954.463.0600
www.fraseryachts.com
Annaliesse
A
spectacular new build making her debut this winter, the 280-foot trilevel
Annaliesse is now the ne plus ultra in amenities afloat. In addition to a
state-of-the-art gym, wine cellar and sundeck plunge pool, the 36-passenger
yacht boasts a spa that rivals any deluxe land facility, with saunas, steam
rooms, cold plunge pools, a beauty salon and treatment areas. A business center
and conference room integrated with an internal LAN for computers and
peripherals is also available. Water toys include a flotilla of six Jet Skis,
scuba gear and wind surfers.
Charter rate: $110,000 per day
Cruising
areas: Summer—Mediterranean; Winter 2004—Mediterranean, Winter 2005—Caribbean
Elite Yacht Charters
310.552.7968
www.eliteyacht.com
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The 143-foot Starship is the only charter yacht equipped with its own
Bell Jet Ranger helicopter. (Click image to enlarge)
Starship
A star
has just been reborn in the trilevel motor yacht Starship, a 143-foot Van Mill
that has recently undergone a major refit. An ever-popular diva of the world
charter fleet, Starship features five staterooms and a new interior by Claudette
Bonville to complement other recent enhancements, including a steam room in the
master stateroom and a Jacuzzi on the flybridge. Known for its extensive toy
box, including a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter (it is the world’s only charter
yacht that carries a helicopter onboard), two kayaks, two 17-foot sailboats, two
Waverunners and water skis, Starship features the same veteran crew that has
earned her such a stellar reputation.
Charter rate: $89,500 per
week
Cruising areas: Summer—New England; Winter—Caribbean
Yachtstore
954.791.1737
www.yachtstore.com
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Big Easy is a 125-foot Trinity
yacht that specializes in cruising
the glaciers of Alaska and the
beaches of Baja California. (Click
image to enlarge)
Big Easy
Big Easy brings the sleek silhouette of a prestigious trilevel motor yacht to waters not often plied by professionally staffed megayachts. With a skipper experienced in cruising Alaska’s coastline and a British chef, the 125-foot Trinity yacht provides such onboard delights as a spacious
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flybridge
with a cocktail bar, granite and marble en suite bathrooms and a generous aft
deck that can be enclosed during cold weather sails. Its four staterooms in
leather and hardwoods feature full entertainment systems and accommodate eight
passengers. Exploration of Baja’s empty beaches and Alaskan glaciers is made
easy with an armada of water toys, including two high-performance tenders. ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Charter rate: $65,000 to $72,000 per weekCruising areas: Summer—Alaska, Mexico; Winter—Caribbean
Sacks Group
954.764.7742
www.sacksyachts.com