St. David was launched in 2008 as the fourth hull in Benetti’s successful 60 metre series. Her original owner wanted Xanadu (as she was christened during her launch) to stand out amongst her other Benetti sisters however, and so, drafted renowned British designer Andrew Winch to create an interior and exterior style never before seen by the established Italian shipyard. We on on board to discover what makes St. David so special.
Behind the façade of what might seem like just another St. Tropez-trapped luxury yacht, is in fact a tale of world cruising and exploration. Having made full use of her long range cruising capabilities under her original owner, St. David has been seen cruising the deep waters of the Pacific, dodging pirates in the Indian Ocean, exploring nearly every island across the Caribbean and living the high life throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Today however she enjoys a far more peaceful itinerary after having been made available as a charter yacht.
Winch Design performed their magic on Benetti’s tested and proven 60 metre platform with a series of dynamic and refreshing exterior touches. Two large aft sweeping arches on sun deck makes St. David instantly recognisable with stylish exterior curved shapes creating the illusion of movement even while she is at anchor. Exterior guest areas have been designed to offer the most of the available deck space provided by her 10.4 metre beam.
St. David gives a new meaning to the term sundeck, with only a few 60 metre superyachts able to offer this many sunny square metres. The deck is divided into two separate areas, forward and aft, with a functional yet trendy bar and service area located midships. This is also where the yacht’s exterior spa and gym areas can be found.
Guests can select between a number of sunpads to unwind on after having enjoyed a relaxing dip in the oversized spa pool. Those large arches not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but also house a massive bimini that slides out at a touch of the button to create a shaded area where guests can indulge in a light lunch while enjoying the cooling midday Caribbean breeze.
Alternatively, St. David offers various other exterior spaces for formal or more relaxed occasions. Her open deck spaces is easily rearranged by her swift and professional crew to cater to any request, or can be left uncluttered, ideal for entertaining larger groups under the topical night sky. Initially intended for private use, it is only once one walk the decks of St. David that you realise she has all along been set up as the perfect charter yacht, with easy access for crew to attend to every guest’s needs without compromising privacy, or more importantly, space.
Once inside, St. David’s interior is reminiscent of the grand hotels of the Italian Riviera, with a selection of high quality Italian fabrics and masonry throughout every guest area. The clear distinction between interior and exterior makes one enjoy these precious elements at a heightened level, just as one would in a hotel overlooking the Amalfi coast.
The neutral theme on board is perfectly complimented by soft pastel colours that bring life to the various guest areas. The glamourous master suite is located forward on a raised private deck and is grand central on board this yacht. Guests are treated a wonderful sunrise each morning through the panoramic forward facing windows, and if that is not idyllic enough, a magical skylight above serves as another source of natural light and doubles as a starlight backdrop while cruising to your next port of call.
A further 10 guests can be accommodated in the five guest staterooms located on the lower deck, consisting of a full beam VIP suite and two double and 2 twin cabins forward.
A beautifully crafted grand spiral staircase links the main deck to the bridge deck two levels above.
As any modern day charter yacht should, a wide array of fun watersports activities are on offer, overseen by highly trained crew. From Seadoo watercraft, SeaBobs, inflatable toys, SCUBA gear and a multi purpose 7.5 metre tender, guests can be assured of hours of fun in the sun when spending time on board St. David.
Fitted with two Caterpillar 3512 B DITA engines, she comfortably cruises at 15 knots, while able to achieve a maximum speed of 17 knots. Crossing oceans is no problem for St. David, with a range of 5,500 nm while maintaining a speed of 12 knots.
Currently located in St. Maarten, St. David is offered for charter through West Nautical at a special weekly rate from EUR 150,000 for the month of April only. Contact them here. Meet the crew and learn more about the yacht on her own dedicated website.