Sixteenth-century maritime explorers came home with extraordinary tales to tell from voyaging to lands far and wide. Fast forward to 400 years later and the world may be a very different place, but the ocean, which covers almost 3/4 of our planet’s surface, is still a stunning adventure playground just waiting to be discovered by more modern-day explorers. Everywhere you travel, there are unbelievable sights and unique experiences to be relished. From immersive itineraries that delve deep into a destination’s culture to rugged adventures in some of the world’s least populated spaces, yacht charters are the platforms for endless possibilities.
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Immersive yacht charter itineraries
Authentic experiences that encourage your guests to immerse themselves in local culture, discover landmarks and historical sites, or glimpse rural life are all guaranteed to make an indelible mark on their memory. Every cruising ground has a wealth of culture, ranging from natural phenomena to historical acclaim, and a superyacht allows you to go off the beaten track to see sides of destinations that few can access. For example, while cruising aboard the Phinisi-style Lamima through the biodiverse waters of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, guests can get up close to the deserted beaches where wild Komodo dragons forage, or even head ashore with an expert ranger to see them in their natural habitat.
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While cruising Raja Ampat, take advantage of Lamima’s PADI diving center and the two experienced Dive Masters on board and explore the underwater world — these waters have the highest recorded marine biodiversity on Earth. “For a truly rewarding experience while navigating these waters aboard Lamima, meet with conservationists and aid them in protecting the manta ray population of this region,” says Gayle Patterson, director of yachting at Pelorus Yachting. “Alternatively, while cruising the Wayag Archipelago, join conservation rangers in feeding blacktip reef sharks.”
New destinations are joining the world cruising map as more and more owners position their yachts in places well beyond the typical cruising grounds of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. One country’s coastline that has become increasingly popular over the past few years is the twin Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica, which is where the motor yacht Kontiki is heading following a stint of adventurous charters on the Pacific coast of Ecuador.
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“A yacht charter along Costa Rica’s rich coast is all about nature and the great outdoors,” says charter broker Holly Huffstetler of Edmiston & Company. “Ashore, you can kayak through the jungle and cycle along the palm-fringed coast to discover its amazing wildlife, adrenaline-inducing activities and gorgeous beaches.” Alternatively, head to Ecuador and explore the country with Kontiki’s experienced local crew. “Offering unrivaled access to the natural treasures and heritage of this part of South America, Kontiki’s crew includes a guide who works closely with native communities, ensuring the most authentic and sustainable experience possible,” says Huffstetler.
You don’t have to venture to such far-flung cruising grounds to have an authentic experience: The more frequented Mediterranean coastlines offer endless opportunities for cultural and natural wonders. While cruising the sun-drenched Greek Islands, charterers can step ashore to explore historic sites; on board, they enjoy the privacy and luxurious amenities a superyacht provides.
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“With scores of small coves, most of which are only accessible by boat… guests can enjoy peaceful anchorages and water sports with an itinerary interspersed with time ashore discovering ancient sites,” says Popy Kaia, charter director with Fraser Greece. “We have worked closely with O’Ptasia’s Captain Berdos to put together an exciting itinerary exploring the archaeological wonders of the area, which includes the ancient Greek treasures located in the Cyclades, with secret archaeological and historical sites only known to serious regional experts.”
Sailing yacht charters
The popularity of sailing yachts has risen in recent years, thanks in part to a new generation of clients entering the industry who recognize the environmental advantage. This in turn has trickled down to the charter market; the latest sailing yachts coming out of the yards offer innovative designs with all the luxury trimmings found on board a motor yacht, but with the additional benefit of being able to get closer to the ocean and feel at one with nature.
Many of the most popular sailing yachts feature open-plan interiors, while outdoor areas are increasingly focused toward spaces that allow for a more intimate experience with the sea as well as ample shaded areas to escape the midday sun. A perfect example of this is the superlative sailing yacht Sea Eagle. Launched in 2020, she underwent a refit in 2022 to make her more amenable for the charter market, and that she certainly is.
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Her aft deck is open plan for use as a sundeck, alfresco gym or open-air cinema, with open steps leading down to the swim platform and her many water toys. Forward on the aft deck is an outdoor dining area protected by a long overhang for shaded lunches. She can deliver distance as she comfortably cruises along at 21.5 knots in light winds — ideal for her current round-the-world tour. Sea Eagle has already ventured through the Panama Canal to Central America and is available to charter in French Polynesia this summer before she heads to Australia and New Zealand for winter.
Another unique sailing yacht taking the charter market by storm is the brand-new ArtExplorer which, at just over 150 ft in length, is the world’s largest aluminum sailing catamaran. Built by the Italian shipyard Perini Navi, her philanthropic owner’s brief was for large open spaces that could be used for exhibitions. Following a stint on the charter market in the Mediterranean this summer season, ArtExplorer will be undertaking a two-year voyage as a floating art gallery — bringing art to communities around the world.
“This is something that has never been seen before in the yachting industry,” Fraser charter manager Quentin Bourgeois says. “With her 65-sq-m (699-sq-ft) sheet of solar panels, lithium batteries for zero emission, state-of-the-art exhaust filters and a fully automated sail plan that allows for speeds of up to ten knots in light winds, ArtExplorer is a testament to her owner’s vision, Perini Navi’s technical capabilities and their combined pioneering vision to create a superb vessel that is both luxurious, purposeful and environmentally sound.”
The high-performance flybridge ketch Twizzle also returns to the charter scene this summer season. The perennially popular charter yacht is a fine example of the trend for indoor-outdoor living spaces that eliminate the barrier between interior and exterior lounging and dining areas. Launched in 2010, the award-winning sailing yacht was well ahead of her time, encapsulating a new twist on standard yacht themes with versatile living and clutter-free decks and a large swim platform — all of which add to her universal appeal to this day.
Fresh from a refit, her classic and timeless yet ultra-contemporary interior combined with minimal clutter, maximum technology and stellar craftsmanship ensure that Twizzle remains unique in the world of sailboats. She is the perfect sailing yacht for charters along the Mediterranean coastlines this summer season.
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Against the current
The waters of Northern Europe are not the first that come to mind when thinking of a summer yacht charter, but for those seeking adventure off the beaten path, Norway’s majestic fjords and west coast islands offer scenery that is off the scale. The best time to cruise here is from June to August; it almost never gets dark then, and the sea and air temperatures are at their warmest — which, as it happens, is just in time for the newly refit Samadhi to show off her new creature comforts.
Fresh from a refit at the Feadship yard in Holland, Samadhi will be heading directly north for charters in the Baltic region from July through the summer. Take advantage of the new sauna and spa, which sound lovely for colder-climate charters, or brave the cold plunge pool before a treatment in the new massage room. While cruising through the deep blue waters of Sognefjord, enjoy spectacular views of sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls, cocktail in hand, while sitting in the raised hot tub — or take a detour into the striking Unesco World Heritage site at Geirangerfjord, escorted by Samadhi’s crew of 16, who can wax lyrical on all the surrounding nature and wildlife found here.
It’s not all about nature though. Seaside cities such as Bergen and Stavanger offer culture and history throughout their quaint cobblestone streets lined with clapboard buildings housing restaurants and lively bars, while back on board, Samadhi has a toy box packed to the brim with toys for thrill seekers.
Beyond the horizon
All eyes are on the first opening of the larger NEOM in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the soft opening of the luxury island development Sindalah. Planned to become the premier yachting destination in the Red Sea, Sindalah and the surrounding cruising grounds offer a new season to complement the summer season in the Mediterranean. Blending centuries-old customs with modern riches, the vibrant culture of the hidden Saudi Arabia has been kept behind a shrouded veil, but the once-forbidden Kingdom is opening its borders to show off its treasure trove of unique landscapes and cultural sites.
“With its numerous archaeological wonders, including six Unesco World Heritage sites, unrivaled marine biodiversity and pristine beaches, it is only a matter of time before this undiscovered cruising ground attracts the superyacht crowd,” says charter director Natascha Weber of Northrop & Johnson. “For those looking to experience something genuinely unique and off the beaten track, the over 1,000 miles of coastline along the Red Sea really is a great starting point.”
Based in Jeddah, the exceptional Sunrays has just about every amenity required to really explore above and below the waterline of the Red Sea. Complete with a dive compressor and replete with dive gear for qualified scuba divers, she is also an approved RYA water sports center, and her ample toy garage includes everything from SeaBobs to E-foils to Jet Surfs. For those preferring to stay dry, Sunrays’s multiple tenders can take guests ashore to explore NEOM’s new developments, including Sindalah; however, with the numerous facilities found on board, including spa, beauty salon, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, gym and steam room, you may run out of time to step ashore.
Also based in Jeddah, the small but perfectly formed sportster motor yacht JYC is available to charter in the Red Sea, snorkeling equipment at the ready. Like a beach house on water, she features four decks of living space with spacious alfresco living areas for relaxing and entertaining, and a beautiful contemporary interior that offers a welcome retreat from the heat of the Middle East. However, it is JYC’s multilingual crew who are the main attraction. “Offering an in-depth knowledge of the best snorkeling spots in the Red Sea, they are well-versed in everything this up-and-coming cruising ground has to offer,” says Jonathan Hind, managing director of Burgess Dubai.
This article appears in the 03 Jun 2024 issue of the New Statesman, Summer 2024
