Pangaea anchored in Tahiti
This past year’s 42nd annual Nicholson Antigua Charter Yacht Show brought together 140 of the finest charter yachts and hundreds of charter brokers from around the world. Brokers toured each yacht, met with crewmembers and even sampled the cuisine.
To get an insider’s look at this industry-only event, Yachting tagged along. What we discovered is that the world’s charter fleet is growing by leaps and bounds-a testament to the health and vitality of the market. More yachts and exotic destinations are available than ever before, while the level of service once again sets new standards.
Though all the boats were intriguing, Yachting‘s editors handpicked 11 promising newcomers to chartering, all as sleek as they are luxurious. Whether you prefer the Caribbean in winter, the Mediterranean in summer, or someplace altogether different, this new crop offers something perfect.
Halter Marine 191 Pangaea
This 191-foot trideck expedition yacht was refit in 2002 in preparation for a globe-circling voyage (“A Refitting Tribute,” August 2003). With plush accommodations for 12 guests and 12 crew, she has set out to cruise the most spectacular destinations worldwide. Since her full-speed range is more than 7,700 miles, guests can look forward to an eclectic itinerary. She carries a 36-foot Predator sportfisherman, four personal watercraft, two tenders, full dive gear and a parasail. Gourmet dining is balanced by an onboard gym. Hill Robinson Yacht Management, (954) 792-6112; www.hillrobinson.com.
Feadship 170 Dream
Launched last spring, this 170-foot Feadship (“Dream a Little Dream,” December 2003) has all the elegance and fine details expected of the Dutch builder. Dream has an unusual layout for 12. The spacious four-room master suite, which includes sitting and dressing rooms, is on the main deck, while five staterooms are on the lower deck. A VIP suite, off the skylounge, is on the bridge deck. An elevator provides access to all decks, including the sundeck. Dream is equipped with full water toys and dive gear, as well as dual tenders. Fraser Yachts Worldwide, (800) 228-6779; (954) 463-0640; www.fraseryachts.com.
Perini Navi 164 … Is A Rose
The fourth in the 50m series from Perini Navi, this 164-foot ketch is the first with a flush foredeck, which conceals the tenders and provides a spacious forward lounge. Well-equipped by a knowledgeable owner and crew of eight, Is A Rose easily accommodates 10 guests in five spacious cabins. Amenities include a game room and fold-out “beach” for water toys, which include twin diesel jet tenders, canoes, windsurfers and snorkel gear. Perini Navi USA, (401) 683-5600.
North American Yachts 153 Argyll
This 153-footer from North American Yachts is an enlightened concept-she offers access for wheelchairs, including a four-deck elevator and easy boarding. Accommodations for 10 include an upper-deck master suite and four double and twin staterooms. Extra-wide passages and corridors make the skylounge, library and dining saloon fully accessible. Yachting Partners International Ltd., (800) 626-0019; www.ypi.co.uk.
Trinity 150 Mia Elise
A newly built 150-foot trideck from Trinity Yachts with a sumptuous interior by Dee Robinson, Mia Elise has accommodations for 10 in four king-berth staterooms (including an on-deck master suite) and one twin-berth stateroom. She is superbly equipped with water toys, including a 30-foot Intrepid tender, SeaDoo watercraft, water skis and fishing gear. The skylounge has a full bar and a plasma TV, while the sundeck has a jacuzzi. Koch, Newton & Partners, (954) 525-7080; www.kochnewton.net.
Trinity 142 Chevy Toy
This new, 142-foot Trinity trideck has accommodations for 10 guests and eight crew. On the main deck is a full-beam master suite, and the lower deck comprises four guest cabins. The formal dining room is enclosed; alfresco dining is available on the afterdeck and upper decks. The sundeck includes a full bar, a spa and chaises. Chevy Toy carries a 34-foot Intrepid, twin SeaDoos and a pair of Piaggio scooters for jaunts ashore. Camper & Nicholsons International, (954) 524-4250; www.cnconnect.com.
Christensen 141 Walkabout
This 141-foot Christensen, which underwent a refit in 2003, has a remarkably spacious layout thanks to her single side deck. The traditional mahogany interior includes four large staterooms: a master suite with a king berth and his-and-her heads, a pair of VIP staterooms with queen berths, and a double guest cabin. The crew of seven includes a certified dive instructor, and water toys range from kayaks to WaveRunners to full dive and snorkel gear. The Sacks Group, (954) 764-7742; www.sacksyachts.com.
Sensation 131 Sariyah
This 131-foot pilothouse ketch, designed by S&S, has a John Munford interior. With 8,700 square feet of sail, she should be a pleasure to sail. A regular competitor in megayacht races, Sariyah is fit to explore Alaska or race across the Atlantic-she carries dive gear, windsurfers, dual tenders and full medical equipment. Sariyah offers gracious, comfortable accommodations for six guests and six crew. Bartram & Brakenhoff LLC, (401) 846-7355; www.bartbrak.com.
Newcastle 125 Newcastle Voyager
This 125-footer is ready for any destination, from the Arctic to the tropics. The mahogany interior is reminiscent of an English men’s club, and the accommodations, for 10 or 12 guests, are flexible. The spacious master suite is on the main deck, and four staterooms are down; the skylounge can become a VIP suite. Two tenders and three watercraft are among the toys. Cavendish White Ltd., (011) 44 20 7831 7600; www.cavendishwhite.com.
Holland Jachtbouw 116 Whisper
Built by Holland Jachtbouw and boasting an Andrew Winch interior, Whisper is sure to please sailors. A 116-foot descendant of a classic gentleman’s yacht, Whisper was finished with intricate inlays and delicate carvings. The full-beam master suite has a queen berth and a U-shape office, while two additional staterooms and a fourth cabin provide accommodations for eight. With a powerful rig, Whisper should sail beautifully. Little Harbor Yacht Brokers, (800) 225-7973; www.lhyb.com.
CMN 105 Lady Barbaretta
The largest all-carbon fiber multihull ever built, the 105-foot Lady Barbaretta is an astonishing sailboat, with long, slim hulls and a powerful rig. She moves effortlessly at 25 knots-a nearly 46-foot beam keeps her stable. The elegantly modern interior includes four guest staterooms: a main-deck owner’s suite, two VIP cabins and a fourth stateroom in one hull. A draft of less than 6 feet allows her to explore areas usually off-limits to yachts her size. Nigel Burgess, (954) 525-1090; www.nigelburgess.com.
For more information about the yachts in this article, contact: (866) 922-4877; www.yachtingnet.com/yachting/productinfo.
