the robb report collection > January 2004

The Magnificent Seven

A see-worthy selection of the world's top charter yachts
by Eric Hiss

Pangaea is a steel-hulled expedition yacht perfect for exploring off-the-navigation-charts locales.

Annaliesse
A spectacular new build making her debut this winter, the 280' tri-level yacht Annaliesse is now the ne plus ultra in amenities afloat. In addition to a state-of-the-art gym, wine cellar and sun deck plunge pool, the 36-passenger yacht boasts a spa designed to rival a luxe land-based facility, featuring saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, a beauty salon and treatment areas.
Should business be a part of the equation, a business center and conference room integrated with an internal LAN for computers and peripherals is also available. Water toys are abundant and include a flotilla of six jet skis, scuba gear and wind surfers.
Charter rate: $110,000 per day
Cruising areas: S: Mediterranean; W: ('04) Mediterranean, ('05) Caribbean
Contact: Elite Yacht Charters

Askari
Adventurous souls seeking ports-of-call far from the beaten path will appreciate the sturdy individuality of this 107' heavy steel-hulled trawler. While her rugged exterior and redundant systems beg for exotic passages, a three-year refit and renovation have resulted in tailored interiors and levels of comfort (including a sun deck Jacuzzi) at home on any shiny megayacht. The vessel accommodates 10 guests and befitting her adventurous spirit, the trawler 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).
Contact: Fraser Yachts Worldwide

Big Easy

Big Easy is a 125-foot Trinity yacht that specializes in cruising the glaciers of Alaska and the beaches of Baja California.

Big Easy brings the sleek silhouette of a prestigious tri-level motor yacht to waters not often plied by professionally staffed megayachts. Boasting a skipper experienced in cruising Alaska's storied coastline and a remarkable British chef, the 125' Trinity yacht provides onboard amenities such as a spacious flybridge with cocktail bar, granite and marble ensuite bathrooms and a generous aft deck that can be enclosed during cold weather sails. It's four staterooms detailed 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.
Charter rate: $65,000 - $72,000 per week
Cruising areas: S: Alaska, Mexico; W: Caribbean
Contact: Sacks Yachts

Excellence III
A new addition to the charter fleet, the tri-level motor yacht Excellence III is a superlative example of stylish form meeting function. The striking, blue-hulled 187' Abeking & Rasmussen vessel designed by Donald Starkey features rich detailing throughout, including mahogany paneling and luxe accents such as myrtle and honey onyx. Sleeping 12 guests, the vessel features plasma screen televisions and steam showers in every stateroom.

Vast deck space allows for a cocktail bar and Jacuzzi, while another intelligent use of space includes a sky lounge which converts to a surround sound cinema featuring advanced Linn components. Active cruisers can take advantage of a gym with Precor equipment and full complement of water toys.
Charter rate: $325,000 per week
Cruising areas: S: Western Mediterranean; W: Caribbean
Contact: Edmiston & Company

Felicita West

The 210-foot, aluminum-hulled Felicita West is the latest yacht from Perini Navi. It comes with two tenders, three Lasers and kayaks.

True yachters know what's 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' aluminum-hulled cruising ketch combines generous space, refined comfort and the true sailing performance expected from a Ron Holland design incorporating 19,000 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, two Lasers and sea kayaks.
Charter Rate: $180,000 - $210,000 per week
Cruising areas: S: Caribbean; W: Mediterranean
Contact: Ultra Marine Yacht Charters

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' Halter tri-level accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms, including an owner's suite with private deck. Generously proportioned with over 7,000 sq. ft. of interior and deck space, Pangaea also features a gym, formal dining room and oversized Jacuzzi on the sun deck. Underscoring it's explorer cachet, Pangaea's adventure quotient is also high, with a quiver of state-of-the-art water toys, including three tenders, 16 sets of scuba gear, Sea Doos and underwater scooters.
Charter rate: $175,000 - $195,000 per week
Cruising areas: S: Mediterranean; W: Caribbean, Central America
Contact: Sacks Yachts

Pangaea's interiors include a media room with a state-of -the-art home theater system, an owner's suite as well as six staterooms, and a formal dining room that seats 12. Among its toys are three tenders, one equipped for deep-sea sport fishing, and underwater dive propulsions scooters.

Starship

The 143-foot Starship is the only charter yacht equipped with its own Bell Jet Ranger helicopter.

A star has just been reborn in the tri-level motor yacht Starship, a 143' Van Mill that has just undergone a major refit. An ever-popular diva of the world charter fleet, the vessel features five staterooms and a completely new Claudette Bonville interior 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 (the world's only charter yacht to carry a chopper onboard) Starship features the same veteran crew that earned it such a stellar reputation.
Charter rate: $89,500 per week
Cruising areas: S: New England; W: Caribbean
Contact: Yachtstore

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