United States

Jeffrey Botwin

The 63.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/467" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Halter Marine (Company)">Halter Marine</a> explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> is built for adventure. Her unmatched go-anywhere capabilities and standout collection of toys promise an adventurous and sporty charter experience, made possible by her dynamic crew of 16. Hailing from South Africa, Fiji, Sweden, Croatia, and the United States, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>’s crew is led by two rotational captains, Captain Clinton Roos from South Africa and Captain Anthony ‘Tony’ van Willes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344156/image/large-c35f8eaef2832bf8b03f26a168fb38a9.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344156">“I’ve always felt connected to the ocean – my Dad was a fisherman, and his friends were divers along the Fijian coast,” shared Captain Tony onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>. Captain Tony’s personal connection to the ocean reflects <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>’s adventurous spirit. With a career that began in 1999 as a deckhand on board the 50-metre<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">&nbsp;Oceanco</a> custom yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lazy Z 51.8m (169'11&quot;)Oceanco1997">Lazy Z</a>, his experience and passion bring a unique energy. He first joined the crew of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> in 2007 before stepping away in 2013. “Last year, I got a call from an old colleague, Captain Clinton Roos,” he shared. “I started doing a few deliveries, and I’ve now joined him on his <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> rotation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344125/image/large-1b522f619279910312141e806b07ab08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344125"><a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtCharterMarket</a> spoke with Captain Tony during the ‘A Day On Board <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>’ event hosted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Antigua Yacht Show - 2024">Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024</a> to learn more about her go-anywhere potential, unique story, and more.From Seattle crabber to explorer yacht<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>’s unique character reflects an unconventional history. She began life in 1978 as the 166-foot Seattle-based crabber Fierce Contender. “In 2007, she was purchased with the idea of converting her into a support yacht,” shared Captain Tony. “The goal was to carry helicopters, smaller boats, and toys – everything from jet skis and e-foils to kitesurfing gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and ski boats.”Under the vision of Stan Antrim and designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/868" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Joseph Artese Design (Company)">Joseph Artese</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>’s original pilothouse was preserved, while the freeboard was raised and large windows were added. Blending function and luxury, this project set a new standard for shadow yacht conversions. “The conversion worked out really well, turning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> into a versatile yacht with everything you need for water sports,” attested Captain Tony.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344127/image/large-739034e0746c5a71e40e381b19397870.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344127">“In 2011, the owners decided to convert her further, adding cabins and transforming her into a fully fledged yacht,” recounted Captain Tony, who was working on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> at the time. “We cut her in half and extended her by 11 metres. The new midsection, including glass windows offering views of the ocean floor, was added. The ‘Windows to the Sea’ is one of my favourite features.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2619" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bay Ship and Yacht Co. (Company)">Bay Ship &amp; Yacht</a> completed this major refit in California, with key upgrades also including a 7.3-metre aft sun deck extension and a full engine and generator renewal.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196278/image/large-43b437f2e881b430b858732e4927471c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196278">After this eight-month refit, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> emerged as the unique explorer superyacht she is today, with an enhanced design combining robust performance, comfort, and functionality. Her conversion and refit story translates to the standout features that make <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> unique: her potential to go anywhere in the world, equipment for any sporty adventure, and the comfort of her sophisticated interiors to unwind and recharge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328383/image/large-75e9fe843fba1b4afc0ee2b472682e7c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328383">‘Go-anywhere’ potentialWith a steel hull and superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/868" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Joseph Artese Design (Company)">Joseph Artese Design</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1390" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kirilloff and Associates (Company)">Kirilloff and Associates</a>. She is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines that provide a top speed of 13 knots and long-range capabilities, supported by a fuel capacity of over 200,000 litres, making <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> well-suited for extended voyages, whether along the idyllic shores of Tahiti, the rugged Patagonian coast, or even the icy waters of Antarctica.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344107/image/large-ba367a924f19cd0aefe0964ff3a10640.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344107">Tried and true, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> has already completed multiple circumnavigations, visiting Southeast Asia, French Polynesia, Fiji, the Bahamas, Antarctica, and most recently, Norway. “Antarctica is always a special place to visit, and it would be interesting to see how much it’s changed since I was last there in 2013. Of course, the Pacific is always a highlight for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> – Tahiti, Costa Rica, and the Galápagos are also all incredible places to explore,” commented Captain Tony.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344100/image/large-ba706838ea5a5f7cd3d8eb3816e99d0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344100">Her next summer adventure will take her to Greenland, while winter plans include Costa Rica, Patagonia, and Antarctica. “That’s one of the best things about working on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>: you end up going to places you might not have imagined visiting. At first, the distances can seem daunting, but when you get there, it’s breathtaking and completely worth it,” he shared.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344103/image/large-e82d3e6bbb6e023a0e8518c908e21d44.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344103">“Everyone who’s been on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> has had a great time, and with the adventures we’re embarking on, it’s really another level. Take Patagonia, for example: you can have fun with all the water sports and still sit up here, cruising through fjords and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Then, head up to the ice and glaciers and just take in those incredible views,” he added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344104/image/large-b70b32bcb5da0a28b6ae3bbfdf3bb1d5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344104">An oasis of comfortWith her ‘Windows to the Sea’ and spacious observation lounge – nicknamed the “Sky Lounge” – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>’s interior spaces, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jeffrey Botwin (Company)">Jeffrey Botwin</a>, offer the perfect oasis of comfort from which to fully immerse in the pristine scenery of the exotic destinations she was built to explore. Her bright and airy interiors are characterised by understated luxury, while the minimalistic décor features details nodding to her adventurous spirit, such as wildlife photography, as well as leather and fur accents.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328387/image/large-66facc1b6d7e2c43d2e6f7e02532b893.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328387" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">With a gross tonnage of 1,352, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> accommodates up to 12 guests in seven staterooms, including a full-beam master suite with a king-size bed, his-and-hers ensuites, and a private lounge. Four VIP suites and two convertible cabins complete the guest accommodations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/328388/image/large-ca4845845c093e382af8aa94b87f7dd7.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/328388">On board, wellness is a priority, with a spa, steam room, massage therapies, and a well-equipped gym. The beach club also provides a relaxed space at the water’s edge, while her extensive deck provides space for activities such as yoga and meditation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344159/image/large-10d82083cbf9573ba198720e0d1cd88f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344159"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344158/image/large-08600b88c5bf22744c14ff79846f735e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344158">When asked about the most used spaces on board <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>, Captain Tony indicated that guests tend to spend much of their time indoors “up in the glass salon. With the marquee, they can sit there, enjoy the water sports, and then have lunch in the ‘glass house.’ In the afternoon, they relax on the sun deck as the temperature cools, enjoying cocktails, sitting in the jacuzzi, and unwinding as the day ends."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344160/image/large-07a789fdf9067fa4913be96d46e23716.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344160">Endless possibilities“As you can see, we’ve got pretty much every toy imaginable on board,” said the Captain, gesturing to the immense and overflowing hangar at the heart of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>. “It’s really nice for us to be out at anchor like this. It gives us the space to showcase everything we have. That’s what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> is all about – what we carry,” he added. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344124/image/large-10970a9465df1b5df4878458d446fd66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344124" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The yacht’s extensive toy collection includes six tenders, such as a Munson Packman landing craft, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4493" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MasterCraft UK (Company)">Mastercraft</a> wakeboard boat, and a centre-console Intrepid, along with SeaBobs, jet skis, water skis, scuba equipment, and more. With kitesurf instructors and dive masters on board, guests can enjoy a wide range of activities safely guided by experts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344134/image/large-161fb314fddf76261f7a91dfcfb12fc1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344134"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a>’s experienced crew ensures a memorable charter experience, offering adventure and luxury in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. “Working on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> takes time because there’s so much going on, so getting the feel for everything is important. But the crew has been here for a while now, so they’ve all settled in and adapted. You’ve got to be able to drive a crane if you want to operate the boat, and you should be able to do many different things. There’s always so much happening – whether it’s setting up the slide or knowing the ins and outs of everything you’re doing,” detailed Captain Tony.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344111/image/large-457f401cbf82ed510411910e5857cac1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344111">“The possibilities are endless. We have so much to offer. The crew thrives when people love the experience – it’s exciting for everyone. We’ve got a great team on board, and they really come alive during charters. At the end of the day, we just want to enhance the experience and make people happy, wherever they are, and offer them unforgettable moments,” he concluded.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/344113/image/large-7331294853f133237b1ef2b1df877226.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/344113">An abbreviated version of this article was first published in the <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtCharterMarket</a> newsletter, and this longer read was first published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-52" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">issue 52 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for download here.</a>

A day onboard 63.4m SuRi: Interview with Captain Tony 

Step onboard 63.4m charter yacht SuRi with Captain Tony at the Antigua Show to explore her rich history and unmatched ‘go-anywhere’ potential.

A day onboard 63.4m SuRi: Captain Tony on her sporty and adventurous charters

Largest superyachts attending the Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024

Discover the superyachts measuring over 60-metres in length, attending the Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024.

Largest superyachts heading to the Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/322795/image/large-ea2cbf54695faac1b143834e7a23b68c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/322795">Two weeks ago, the explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi,</a> a 63.4-metre vessel built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/467" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Halter Marine (Company)">Halter Marine</a> in 1978, was spotted docked here in Ålesund, Norway. The yacht, which began her life as an offshore support vessel, has undergone several transformations, the most notable being her conversion into a superyacht in 2007 and a significant refit in 2016. Previously named Fierce Contender, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/868" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Joseph Artese Design (Company)">Joseph Artese Design</a>, with her interiors crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jeffrey Botwin (Company)">Jeffrey Botwin</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1390" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kirilloff and Associates (Company)">Kirilloff and Associates</a>. She is equipped with a comprehensive array of amenities including a fully equipped gym, a Jacuzzi, a cinema, a spa, and a helicopter pad, allowing for convenient transport to and from the yacht. Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuRi63.4m (208'0&quot;)Halter Marine1978">SuRi</a> has a cruising speed of 11 knots and a maximum speed of 13 knots, with an impressive range of 6,000 nautical miles.&nbsp;

63m explorer yacht SuRi in Norway

The 63m explorer yacht SuRi, built by Halter Marine, is seen docked here in Alesund, Norway. 

largest yachts Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2023

As the Antigua Charter Yacht Show approaches, SuperYacht Times takes a look at a selection of the largest yachts attending.