Earlier this month I had the opportunity to join TYBA in Bodrum for their first ever Yacht Charter Show in Yalikavak Marina. The event aims to unite the region's finest charter yachts and gulets at a pre-season event to showcase the very best of what is on offer in the area. Join me as I take you on a quick tour through the event this year which turned out to be a great success, both in terms of yachts attending and feedback from charter brokers and crew alike.&nbsp;<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t517UCOAAGA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

Scenes from TYBA's first Yacht Charter Show

In a new generation of superyacht cruising, Antarctica is emerging as a trending charter destination. Once the calling of only the most intrepid of explorers, Antarctica today is seeing a rise in visitors keen to discover the region’s otherworldly wonders.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269854/image/large-c3b7656b3db11b57e6ae81cfdfa527b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269854">On the surface, Antarctica is seemingly sparse of life, with no government, no permanent human habitation, and a virtually uninhabitable climate. The driest, coldest and windiest of the world’s continents, some may question the appeal of such a journey. However, Antarctica is a place that holds its cards close to its chest, unveiling its beauty only to those who dare to find it.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269855/image/large-219ef3c99f4f013114e361d9946dca6b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269855">For those wary of a non-traditional superyacht charter, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a>’ Jacqui Lockhart, Head of Charter Management Europe, advised “Let the experts assist you in planning an exceptional superyachting experience in Antarctica. It is worth it!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269857/image/large-5aa2ea039d46aec0a1d6089e95c14775.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269857">Out of the comfort zones of many, Antarctica is the least explored region in the world. Jacqui Lockhart is one of the few who have been lucky enough to pay a visit to the continent. “When ashore, you feel like an explorer,” she recounts. “It is the sheer size, remoteness, and beauty that may surprise first-time visitors.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269858/image/large-4a696e0d4642aa95d2c6656888a1b3ce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269858">For a crusade in such an extreme climate, it is imperative that essential processes are undertaken to ensure both safety and comfort. Regarded as the first ‘true’ explorer yacht for many, the 126.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> is the unrivalled yacht for an Antarctic expedition. Able to cruise over 12,000 nautical miles at a time, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> can perform in even the most remote of destinations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269864/image/large-4bdd0ce4d633e2c6438d103d2405338b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269864">Jacqui Lockhart highlights the compatibility between the superyacht and the extreme setting. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> is the ultimate yacht for exploring Antarctica. Having completed successful trips there previously, she has all of the facilities required for visiting this area of the world in complete safety and comfort.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269860/image/large-e23c8bea7973108a56dd9cd1787f26dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269860"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> is constructed to the Polar Code, built in accordance with the full range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, environmental protection and search and rescue requirements relevant to vessels operating in the waters surrounding the two poles. As well as her thoroughly trained crew, expedition services are enlisted to guarantee luxury travel both onboard and onshore remains safe, as well as ensuring the ultimate experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224946/image/large-2fbf251fbfdd0a35dc3ee70a043bb663.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224946">Thinking back to her late-90s build phase, the genesis of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>’ suitability for Antarctica lies in her original design brief, which took inspiration from the 116-metre Finnish multipurpose icebreaker Fennica. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>’ top-tier designers — her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen Yachts</a> penning the naval architecture and Espin Øino designing her exterior — were instructed to replicate Fennica in terms of both capability and appearance. The product: an adept explorer, stylistically consistent with leading exploration vessels with a vast, functional aft deck, Ice Class 1A steel hull and competitive industrial capabilities, destined for legendary status for her far-flung ventures.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269848/image/large-db71d5f51e6ba052dcd4a17a086eb606.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269848">With her record-breaking sale in 2021, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> welcomed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> into its charter fleet, marking the first time the 126.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> explorer yacht has been available for charter. This moment was monumental, symbolising a turning point in the life of the yacht, whose days of infancy were spent behind a strict non-disclosure agreement protecting the privacy of her original owner. A pivotal juncture, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>’ relationship with the outside world, and its relationship with her, changed forever.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228952/image/large-74de828fdb0cc04b7db793bbd955e931.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228952">To celebrate the occasion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> commenced on her two-year round-the-world tour in January 2022. Having sailed many international waters throughout 2022, from Costa Rica and Panama to much of South America, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> set sail for Antarctica in her final leg of the year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259739/image/large-9948ddc51ec0008895b0b3532030400e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259739">A trip of a lifetime, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> makes an unforgettable journey to a destination previously accessible only to researchers and documentary-makers. Not only do guests chartering <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> in Antarctica commandeer a virtually untouched expanse, but they do so on one of the largest superyachts available to charter worldwide.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269850/image/large-ef6891d5bbddece83cefdda75af5ec1a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269850">Taking the term well-equipped to new heights, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> has the prime facilities for squeezing the very best from an Antarctic superyacht cruise. Her debut into the charter market displayed her interior and star-quality features on the world stage for the very first time, and did not disappoint. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269862/image/large-84902247b28301f7beac07b2951ca3b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269862">From one of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>’ eight decks, guests have prime viewing spots for observing this fascinating continent first-hand. Jacqui Lockhart depicted the scenes, saying “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> has so many areas inside and out for comfortable observing. Antarctica is so beautiful and spectacular, with so much wildlife, there is so much to see.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269863/image/large-22b218a4b364d99535dc38f0c481df85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269863">With two helipads and a helicopter hangar, guests have the opportunity to heliski down icy mountains only accessible by air. For those captivated by Antarctica’s frozen waters, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> boasts a large fleet of tenders, allowing guests to get up close to glaciers and icebergs within metres of Antarctic sea life, such as seals, orcas and penguins. Jacqui Lockhart highlighted how remarkable such sites are, explaining “It is such an incredible experience. The icebergs are like works of art.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215528/image/large-4ade2369b214f0d79e16101abe47e89c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215528">Complete with a dive centre and hyperbaric chamber, diving safely in Antarctica is made easy onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>. If the icy water gets too much, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>’ glass-floored observation tank allows guests to marvel at undersea wonders from the safety of the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228970/image/large-59020dc6dcfe6ca6eaf3c5e11b07167e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228970"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228945/image/large-92325f08f8904b2d8b608f5a853e530b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228945"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224952/image/large-a9dea68c8fd80799ceef42bf725e2cfb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224952">Aside from her practical and explorational components, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>’ interior oozes with it-factor. The 9,932 GT superyacht is complete with thirteen guest staterooms and space for her 45 hand-picked crew members across 30 crew cabins. From shooting hoops on her half basketball court, to playing table tennis, relaxing in the cinema room or finding your zen in the spa, charter guests onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> have the facilities of a small town accessible onboard. Dance the night away on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>’ pool-turned-dance floor before the final step: watching the stars from the superyacht’s outdoor Jacuzzi. Ultimately, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> ticks all the boxes for an immense superyacht charter.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269861/image/large-b9fb1f672870554ebd7c93ef845f244e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269861">Onshore and wrapped up warm, Antarctica’s activities are undoubtedly bucket-list worthy. For Jacqui Lockhart, a visit to Port Lockroy is a must-do. Part of the Palmer Archipelago, Port Lockroy is situated on the northwestern shore of Wiencke island, deriving its name from the French politician who funded expeditions that led to the site's discovery in 1904, Édouard Lockroy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269868/image/large-72095098a0dca76d2cf716c04858b2e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269868">In 1944, the British set up a military base at Port Lockroy, which today is a museum, historic site and monument run by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust. Guests can visit the site’s charming Penguin Post Office — Antarctica’s most-visited tourist attraction — and send a letter or postcard home, though it may take weeks to arrive at the final destination. On this side of the island, guests may also catch a glimpse of the gentoo penguins that reside there, whose streamlined bodies and strong flippers propel them under the water faster than any other diving bird.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258345/image/large-652bddac8ae036247fc8c079f13a1013.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258345">Despite an outward appearance as a regular island, Deception Island was named as such due to its trickery. Not an island at all, Deception Island is an active volcano with a sneaky facade. Upon approach, a narrow path of water is revealed, soon breaking into a horseshoe-shaped lake spanning ten kilometres wide. Known as Neptune’s Bellows, the lake is actually a flooded caldera, a result of a volcanic eruption some 10,000 years ago.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269871/image/large-fc8d1c1f5377091376dd4993bc5969ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269871">Despite its fear mongering title, hiking around Deception Island is a popular activity among those on an Antarctic adventure. The glacial island is home to many hiking routes, each varying in intensity, but all sharing the same ethereal views of the fluorescent aqua interior caldera. Adding to the island’s menacing feel are the many abandoned sites and ruins that make up its intriguing history. Whalers Bay, once a bustling hub at the height of the whaling industry, is today the ruinous final resting place of some of Antarctica’s most significant whaling artefacts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269870/image/large-a7e0370f505d2fa8b67abae0e2164450.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269870">Though most of Antarctica is isolated, the Vernadsky Research Centre has a strong life force. Situated within the Ukrainian research base is a bar on-site, where guests can raise their glasses knowing they are sitting in the world’s Southernmost bar.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269869/image/large-9362d9ad48dd4d307fde03e5111c2d29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269869">Jacqui Lockhart recommends cruising around Antarctica for seven to ten days to ensure that nothing is missed, suggesting that “mid-December until mid-February is the prime time of year to get the most out of the region’s natural wonders.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269852/image/large-de372f4ec9fb36bb1b35e6a0f9147e65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269852">This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-44" target="_blank">Issue 44 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Exploring Antarctica onboard the 127m superyacht Octopus

SYT explores everything Octopus and Antarctica has to offer with the help of C&N Head of Charter Management Europe, Jacqui Lockhart.

“The icebergs are like works of art”: Exploring Antarctica onboard Octopus

yachts to charter for the Cannes Film Festival 2023

Chartering a yacht during the Cannes Film Festival, taking place from 16 to 27 May 2023, is the best way to see Cannes come alive with glamour.

Yachts to charter for the Cannes Film Festival 2023: Sun, cinema and soirees

There are two types of superyacht owners: those that live by a laissez-faire philosophy and those that are on a mission to see the world. There are also two types of captains: those who follow the conventions of yachting and those who push its boundaries. Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa, the man at the helm of the 54-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Overmarine Group SPA (Company)">Overmarine</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a>, is the latter type of captain and has been graced with working with the latter type of owner for the past 10 years. In the final stages of completing a massive two year world trip aboard the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Overmarine Group SPA (Company)">Overmarine</a>-built yacht to circumnavigate, Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa is living out his dream of being a superyacht captain, something that became very clear during our call between Thailand and Amsterdam. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/96383/image/large-97e2f1fca230ad5665ce7a7727f70cab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/96383">Living the dreamBut before he embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, he’s been a captain for the past 16 years and started out on a smaller, 20-metre yacht. Step by step, he worked his way up to 30, 40 and, now, a 54-metre yacht. “My goal has always been to become a captain on an amazing yacht. That’s exactly what I am doing now and I couldn’t be happier about it!” he said with a prominent grin. As the first Mangusta yacht to complete an ocean crossing, Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa is helping to redefine the predetermined <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224035/image/large-7d0621b2df1ef727806e5bf1e4e734a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224035">Before serving as the captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a>, Paolo was the captain of the owner’s previous yacht, the 39.65-metre Mangusta yacht Mo Mo, now named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2942" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crazy39.65m (130'1&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2014">Crazy</a> by her new owner, which he worked closely with the owner and the shipyard to supervise the yacht’s construction. While Mo Mo was faster, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a>, who is also fast considering she reaches a top speed of 30 knots, can travel further and wider with a range of 4,200 nautical miles. With this, Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a>’s owner were inspired to travel to further and more remote places than they had with Mo Mo.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224032/image/large-034243d05a880cc56580c271511ff5b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224032">Bon Voyage“It wasn’t our original plan to do a worldwide tour, but after the winter season in the Caribbean in 2019, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a>’s owner asked me: ‘so, where can we go next?’ I told him that we could go anywhere, even Alaska. He said, ‘can we really go to Alaska?’ We then crossed the Panama Canal, went up to California for some maintenance and began to make our way up to Alaska,” Paolo recalled. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a>’s itinerary to Alaska began in British Columbia where they did 1,800 nautical miles of coastline, exploring each nook and cranny along the way. “We saw everything! Killer whales, bears on the shoreline, small icebergs floating in the sea and so much beautiful landscape. It was incredibly special to think that this is a place that so few people, and superyachts visit.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224027/image/large-782b97f316fa190fbbc7f4d127dc691a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224027">After experiencing the Alaskan cold – even during the summer – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a> made her way back down south to Baja California in Mexico. When asked what one of the peak moments of this world tour has been thus far, Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa replied, “In Baja California, you can see probably the most beautiful sunset in the world. I’ve never seen one so beautiful.” Having sailed all around the world at this point, he can certainly be considered an authority on identifying the world’s best sunsets.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224038/image/large-80aebc769fcec0dbe148f9cb1ad407d6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224038">Having explored the incredible coastlines of the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States and Canada, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a>’s owner once again asked Paolo, “Where can we go next?” It was at this point that crossing the Pacific, though a mighty feat, seemed like the natural next challenge. Though a Mangusta yacht had never done a Pacific ocean crossing, Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa knew that the vessel was more than capable so long as they managed the weather forecast. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224034/image/large-d95b2e97fcaa77ccf8a0599352c3f28b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224034">From here, they stopped in the Galapagos which due to its highly protective environmental regulations, required the extensive cleaning of the yacht and a close inspection of the vessel by local authorities to ensure she was cleared to cruise in these famously biodiverse islands. With more crystal clear waters on their minds, they crossed the Pacific to French Polynesia. With the world tour progressing swimmingly, March 2020 hit and the pandemic threw a bit of a wrench into these ambitious plans.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224037/image/large-528d7b589966893f4f46e36f2e01aac7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224037">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a>’s owner was able to fly to French Polynesia and we began our itinerary. After 10 days, we were contacted by local authorities and instructed to drop anchor because French Polynesia was also going into lockdown. We stayed here for 45 days until the lockdown there was lifted and we were able to resume our travels there”. They then made their way to Bora Bora, which Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa described as “ominous” and a “strange experience” because of how trafficked it usually is by tourists. Then it was on to Fiji and Australia where they completed a shipyard visit, and of course more travels on the Gold Coast before heading to Bali.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224039/image/large-81133d5d98145fcf9ea6c458d35faf7a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224039"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a> spent a majority of 2020 in Bali, and completed countless miles with one particular trip totalling more than 3,000 nautical miles. “We were pulling 300 miles some days, which was tiring for the owner but in the end he was super happy. We went to places like Raja Ampat which has unimaginably blue toned waters and incredible wildlife like white tip sharks and many different species of fish,” he recalled. From Bali they stopped in Singapore and arrived in Thailand just a few weeks before this interview was conducted in November 2021.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224040/image/large-ba19f76824b93242423e0fba411435be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224040">“So where can we go next?”You guessed it, as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a> is nearing the end of its odyssey, Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa and the superyacht’s owner have asked and answered this question. “After Thailand we will head to the Maldives this winter before returning to the Mediterranean through Suez’s Canal. In the Med, we will go for some maintenance in Cyprus for a few months before continuing our travels. In May 2023, we will visit Turkey and Greece. We will end our world tour in Genoa where the owner plans to have a big celebration to mark the homecoming of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a> and the end of this immense trip!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/53288/image/large-0fa1dbc5b497f477fbf9dd7489d8b32e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53288">Though the world tour with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6048" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="El Leon54.0m (177'2&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2018">El Leon</a> will be coming to an end later this year – after completing almost 50,000 nautical miles! – she will continue to be a world explorer in the future, explains Captain Paolo Bozzo Costa. “We plan to head back north, but this time to the Norwegian Fjords!,” he said with a sweeping smile on his face.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" target="_blank">Issue 42 of SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Mangusta yacht El Leon

Kayla Dowling spoke to captain Paolo Bozzo Costa of El Leon, whose record breaking journeys have made her the first Mangusta to cross the Atlantic.

Overmarine's 54m El Leon: The first Mangusta to cross the oceans

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is set to welcome its first branded residential resort and boutique marina, Elounda Hills. Greek developer, Mirum Group, recently announced the 138-acre development, which will be situated on the northeast coast and built in collaboration with 1 Hotels. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Marinas International Ltd (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Marinas</a> will provide management, operational and branding services to the Elounda Hills boutique marina.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263260/image/large-df1bae8dc4b19f0037823a6d913f7eb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263260">Phil Ladmore, Commercial Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Marinas International Ltd (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Marinas</a>, said, “We are delighted to be working with Elounda Hills and look forward to providing pre-and post-opening marketing, branding and operational marina management support to ensure the marina becomes a prominent and successful cruising destination. The new marina will benefit from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Marinas International Ltd (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>’ global marketing reach and brand equity, increasing awareness amongst yachting and luxury communities.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263259/image/large-35a27d4431b3f1551292729ba9000911.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263259">Once complete, Elounda Hills will create a new global destination for yacht owners and enthusiasts. Phase 1 of the development is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will include a 137-key hotel and 257 residences, most of which will be serviced by 1 Hotels. Each of these residences offers unobstructed views of the breathtaking Mirabello Bay and the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.The boutique marina will be situated among a private beach club, fitness and wellbeing facilities, shopping boutiques, lively restaurants and bars stretching across 2km of coastline, alongside additional seasonal mooring for superyachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263257/image/large-7b2e393538000fe12effe8a30c25dd88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263257">Crete is the largest and sunniest Greek island, home to spectacular weather, breathtaking scenery and world-class archaeological sites. The boutique resort and marina will be built in the town of Elounda, situated between the city of Agios Nikolaos and the traditional fishing village of Plaka. The Elounda Hills development will offer panoramic views of the historic islet of Spinalonga, a quintessentially Cretan coastal town home to crystal-clear waters and family-run eateries.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263258/image/large-af967dccc5b907ee74341cfed569774b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263258">Angelos Angelidakis, CEO of Mirum Group, said, “We are thrilled to unveil our master plan for Elounda Hills. Although a popular tourist destination, Crete remains largely undeveloped and our vision to create a new international lifestyle destination for the island has been many years in the making.”“Our partnership with 1Hotels adds a new dimension to the real estate offering in Crete and our stellar team of architects, designers, sustainability and marine experts will ensure this project sets a new bar for luxury living in the Mediterranean. We look forward to launching the sales of the residences in the coming months,” Angelidakis added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263256/image/large-04f59124651255c2f4e100a2fa7b0dc4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263256">Mirum Group prides itself on its environmentally conscious developments and the partnership with 1 Hotels will incorporate a sustainable approach that respects and preserves the environmental and cultural contexts of their setting, whilst also promoting the health and wellbeing of their guests and residents. Inspired by the ancient Greek phrase ‘Νοῦς ὑγιὴς ἐν σώματι ὑγιεῖ’’which translates as ‘healthy mind, healthy body’, Elounda Hills is being designed in line with world-leading holistic practices BREEAM and LEED.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263255/image/large-ddeefab2e32fba4e8f5bc625f385d3bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263255">The development will utilise renewable energy sources, water and waste recycling, plastic-free zones and ‘fish to fork’ dining. With the focus to leave a lasting net positive impact on the surrounding environment, the resort and marina will incorporate biophilic design inspired by authentic Cretan architecture and colourful botanical gardens filled with local flora.Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels &amp; Resorts, commented, “We are excited to be part of a special project like Elounda Hills, whose ambitions align perfectly with 1 Hotels. As a mission-driven nature-centric brand, we appreciate the opportunity to be able to cultivate Elounda Hills’ natural beauty and history into a luxury hospitality experience highlighting the best of sustainable design and comfort. We look forward to being part of this new Mediterranean destination as we continue to expand the 1 Hotels brand globally.”

Crete to welcome branded resort and marina Elounda Hills

Crete’s first branded residential resort and boutique marina, Elounda Hills, is set to be a new global destination for yacht owners and enthusiasts.

Crete to welcome first branded residential resort and boutique marina Elounda Hills

As the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a> sailing regatta comes to a close,&nbsp;SuperYacht Times&nbsp;spoke with Graham Newton, Captain of two-time St Barths Bucket overall winner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a>, about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a> glory, the legacy of the regatta, and sailing in the island’s waters.&nbsp;Widely regarded as one of the finest cruising grounds in the Caribbean, if not the world, sailing in St Barths is a thing of beauty. Situated in the French Antilles, St Barths is one of a collection of islands famed for exemplary sailing conditions against a magnificent backdrop of bold, blue-green waters and pristine coastlines.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/28959/image/large-45b45ded11729e2ad9bb0299ca040bbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28959">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a>, one of the world’s most prestigious invitational sailing regattas that welcomes the finest sailors and vessels to the island’s waters, is the pinnacle event. First held in March 1995 and returning year after year, this year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket</a> marks nearly thirty years of the legendary regatta.Read: <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/st-barths-bucket-2023-results" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">St Barths Bucket 2023: Nakupenda winner, with Red Dragon and Prana awarded special prizes</a>The 66.7-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> took home the win in the two most recent editions of the regatta. She was victorious in her class — Les Gazelles des Mers — and won the Overall Bucket Winner title in 2019. After Covid19 put the event on hold for three years, Hetairos returned to St Barths to repeat history in 2022, also winning an additional title of Best Starter, awarded in recognition of the yacht that executes the closest start over the course of the regatta.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/71811/image/large-69584f9a0dd3a99d386cb49ba0467feb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/71811">Captain Graham Newton has been with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> since 2014 and captained her in her two-time Bucket wins. “The first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a> I competed in was in 2002, and I have since done more on various different boats,” Captain Graham Newton recalled. He continued, “I have been with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> since 2014, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a> is a highlight of our programme.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262012/image/large-8ca2c0bde90e6d6fc9b15d7397d9c7fe.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262012">The 66.7-metre ketch-rigged sailing yacht was brought to life by heavyweight <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a>, designed by the Amsterdam-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> in cooperation with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reichel / Pugh Yacht Design (Company)">Reichel Pugh</a> across the pond in San Diego. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> built a super lightweight vessel that gives <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> her great performance and generates so much power,” Captain Graham Newton explained. Shortly into Newton’s time onboard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> underwent a rectification period at the Dutch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a>. “A lot of her systems and her hydraulics were changed. That time in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> really transformed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> into the reliable machine that she is today.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/56544/image/large-0ad7a6e288a9bad34d5cc67f7464f33c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/56544">According to her captain and her track record, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> is a weapon on the water. “She is a powerful beast, and you have to treat her with a lot of respect. If you get it wrong, it catches you out pretty quickly, that’s for sure.” Her emerald green hull stands out against the water, both for its distinctive colour and long, regal waterline.&nbsp;“She is a big, powerful boat, with a long waterline,” Captain Graham Newton explained. “I’ve sailed a lot of miles on her now — probably about 120,000 — and she’s a fantastic boat to sail. She effortlessly eats up the miles, especially out on the ocean.” Indeed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> is the largest carbon composite ketch in the world and a force to be reckoned with out on open water. Her ketch rig and lightweight design allow her to cruise powerfully with an air of effortlessness. “She’s a wolf in wolf’s clothing,” laughed Captain Newton.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220440/image/large-0ba37b7249d9bcf1aad6899073675e2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220440">A native to open water cruising, preparing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> for a regatta takes effort and expertise. “We put a lot of effort into preparing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetarios</a> for the racecourse,” explained Captain Newton. “It takes us about three or four weeks to transform her from a proper cruising vessel to being race ready. This is a long process, we change the sails and remove a lot from the vessel and set up different systems.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/80402/image/large-467ee25945d9b0cae92db14063587e0d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/80402">Indeed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> is often almost double the size of her competitors and when she races must undergo intensive preparation to shift her compatibility from open-water cruising to regattas. “There is a huge amount of workup, training and time and effort put into trying to take home a win,” Captain Newton explained.But when put against more typical purpose-designed performance style vessels, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> is victorious. “In our class, we race alongside other high performance boats. It is a really challenging class to win, and to then win the overall title is not easy. To do it twice in a row, is an incredible achievement,” Captain Newton reminisced. “Her owner had been chasing a grand victory with the boat for a while, so to be able to deliver that to them back in 2019 was fantastic, and then to follow that up with a win last year was pretty special.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220437/image/large-3bf65e9b112b8897a9d3e97ee517a9f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220437">Hetairos</a> has 11 permanent crew members, and welcomes an extra 24 bodies exclusively for racing. “The core of the racing team have been with us for many years,” Captain Newton explained. “Having the core crew the same again and again makes such a massive difference. The race crew that we have are a really nice bunch of people who have a lot of respect for the permanent crew. There are no egos there, everyone is there on merit, and there is a fantastic camaraderie.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220435/image/large-dfacd9d3d71d43c5a89f1866662c0563.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220435">Camaraderie is the life force of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">St Barths Bucket</a>. Looking back to August 1986, one can observe the humble beginnings of the Bucket Regattas, the very first of which was a hastily thrown-together affair in Nantucket, Massachusetts. The originary seeds of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket Regattas</a> were sown in a spirited discussion that took place at a high-society birthday celebration between several yacht owners concerning optimal yacht design and individual sailing prowess.With undisputed bragging rights to last an annum hailed as the grand prize, the following day seven sailing yachts raced on a make-shift 15 nautical mile course around Nantucket Sound. However, participants soon learned that camaraderie formed at sea between like-minded individuals was the greatest prize of all. After a nearby bucket was deemed the perfect commemoration, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket Regatta</a> was born, and the spirit of camaraderie remains the beating heart of the regatta.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/29460/image/large-0ec115066e113aada7f13d410a0a338b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29460">The course itself is demanding, spanning just over 23 nautical miles. “It is a challenging place to sail at times, especially when you go around the island on day one and three in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket</a>. Particularly last year, when it was very windy,” said Captain Newton. “Out on the eastern side of the island you get big seas and it is pretty breezy.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/29482/image/large-bedbc7adaa16fcaec8401eb16f2b4713.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29482">For casual sailing, Captain Newton recommended, “The group of islands off the north coast of the St Barths make it brilliant for sailing, as there are some pretty interesting routes.” Here, sailors can find a rugged sailing ground home to a wealth of secluded bays and uninhabited islands and islets. “It is a pretty spectacular place to sail,” Captain Newton continued, “You get a mix of the flat water on the Leeside and big waves out to the east.”St Barths is a charming and flirty Caribbean island with a reputation for its luxurious feel and glitz-studded, lively atmosphere. “St Barths is particularly busy during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2023">Bucket</a>,” Captain Newton laughed. “It feels like the Caribbean French Riviera. The island is home to spectacular beaches and beach clubs, making it good fun.”

Hetairos yacht captain's interview

SYT spoke with Graham Newton, Captain of two-time St Barths Bucket overall winner Hetairos, about St Barths Bucket glory and sailing in St Barths

St Barths Bucket: Two-time winner Captain Graham Newton on the glory and the legacy of the regatta

Pirate legends and palm tree lined beaches characterise the iconic superyacht cruising destination of Antigua and Barbuda. This premier Caribbean cruising ground offers everything and more. Nestled among coral reefs in calm turquoise waters, Antigua and Barbuda marries an exclusive suave with a secluded remoteness.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258613/image/large-015534fdc8fccbaed8dda7f3eaa62d4b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258613">One of the meccas of Caribbean winter superyacht cruising, Antigua and Barbuda charms visitors with its romantic cruising opportunities. The sovereign state is made up of its two namesake islands, as well as a number of smaller surrounding islands.Hume Jones, Charter Specialist at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a>, told SuperYacht Times, “In my eyes, Antigua is the home of Caribbean yachting, not only being the base for the infamous Antigua Race Week and the Classic Week, but also for being a fantastic home port for the winter cruising season and the perfect springboard for cruising the Caribbean.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213246/image/large-d04f882a9fb7a164161f2a07f6439e5a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213246">Cruising in Antigua and Barbuda is not a trend, but rather, a tradition that dates back centuries. In fact, the region is synonymous with sailing and has a rich maritime heritage that makes up the very fibres of the islands.Alice Newnham, Yacht Charter Consultant at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>, explained, “Antigua has attracted sailors, charter clients and superyacht owners for decades. With some of the Caribbean’s best anchorages and marinas, coupled with some of the most exciting nautical events such as Antigua Sailing Week, it is not hard to understand why Antigua is dubbed the sailing capital of the Caribbean.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258611/image/large-7971b5ed387da70ff93572be7e83120a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258611">In Antigua – the large and in charge island of the archipelagic sovereign state – 365 glorious beaches hug the 54 miles of coastline, influencing the charming local chime that sings ‘a beach for every day of the year’.Alice Newnham of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>, told SuperYacht Times, “Visitors flock to Antigua in their thousands every winter to enjoy the winter sun, and the 365 beaches that encompass this special island.” With beaches that combine quantity with quality, Antigua is a popular retreat destination, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/250222/image/large-1798f09ac7b8f4c7225dba299943a448.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/250222">Hume Jones of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a> highlighted, “Antigua offers so much for yacht charter and cruising. As well as its beaches, Antigua’s anchorages are protected from any direction of wind.”Those who have experienced Antigua and Barbuda first-hand know that the country’s spotless, white sand beaches are a gateway to sweeping scenery rich with succulent, mountainous terrain covered in forest and jungle.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/58312/image/large-31fb2e0c11f40dbfe367bb02a3df04c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58312">Rupert Wakeley, Charter Broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4507" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TJB Super Yachts (Company)">TJB Super Yachts</a>, told SuperYacht Times, “Dipping into Antigua’s hidden gems for a couple of days and exploring what the island has to offer will really surprise you. From zip wiring through the rainforest to off-road buggy driving and swimming with Stingrays, there are bountiful activities you can partake in.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258612/image/large-48263c8f549f24e4002deedf27013595.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258612">Within the untamed natural environment of Antigua and Barbuda are heavy sprinklings of glamour and sophistication, creating an intersection that makes the region perfect for superyacht cruising. Whether guests crave a lively excursion among Antigua’s glitzy gastronomy scene or want to slow the pace and drop anchor in a peaceful, secluded bay, the island nation is a cruising ground that ticks every box.Hume Jones of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a> explained, “There has been a recent upsurge in restaurant openings in Antigua and Barbuda. For example, the amazing Loose Cannon set up by the Michelin Chef Colin McGurran is a refreshing asset to Galleon Beach, with excellent, friendly and efficient service. There is an Indian restaurant, adored by the yacht crew and yacht guests alike called Indian Sunset, that served one of the best Indian dishes I have ever had! For fine dining, I recommend Sheer Rocks and the newly launched Asian-inspired Rokun.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25996/image/large-b0909ee9790c2f9928f62ce020a4498e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25996">The lesser-frequented sister of Antigua, yet only an overnight cruise away, the low-lying coral island of Barbuda provides a feeling of true seclusion. Barbuda retains an untouched charm, but this Leeward Islands underdog has a bounty of secrets awaiting those cruising on a superyacht in Barbuda.Rupert Wakeley of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4507" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TJB Super Yachts (Company)">TJB Super Yachts</a> revealed, “I bet you didn’t know that on the island of Barbuda, there’s a NOBU!” Yes, the dazzling NOBU set up camp on Barbuda, and in 2022 chose Barbuda as the home for the newest jewel in their crown: the first NOBU beach club restaurant with five private cabanas right on the shore. This exclusive dining experience retains the romantic mystique of Barbuda and allows guests to experience NOBU’s finest, toes-in-the-sand service.Bobby Bigio, Charter Broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a>, told SuperYacht Times, “NOBU restaurant in the South of Barbuda offers a relaxed sophistication for the well-heeled to enjoy lunch and a swim.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/57730/image/large-ff5a10dc60e7c5c1cca17bfc6603d479.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/57730">Barbuda’s beaches are generally quieter and calmer than those of other Caribbean islands. For <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a>’ Bobby Bigio, “Barbuda has some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean and offers miles of pristine private sands for yachts to anchor near and explore.” What makes many of Barbuda’s beaches unique is their colouring.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258614/image/large-e06466d6184106452ba4a1b1d2f2f877.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258614">Carrie Freeman, Yacht Charter Consultant at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC&nbsp;</a>highlighted, “The miles of pink sand beaches are a guest favourite.” The peachy shade of the shores of Barbuda is the result of tiny, crushed pink shells washed ashore. The beach that won the namesake Pink Sand Beach is situated on the southwestern coast of Barbuda and is admired for its bubblegum pink shade that glows against the azure water that laps on the shore.&nbsp;For a fresh perspective that satisfies wanderlust, exploring Antigua and Barbuda from above allows guests a spectacular vision of the region. A helicopter tour while superyacht cruising in Antigua and Barbuda enlists guests with the full scope of the biodiversity and serenity of the natural landscape. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258610/image/large-a96a57ae6295bafe260b9b37943ec2a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258610">With thick green jungles, vibrant coral reefs and epic mountain ranges, there is certainly something iconic about an aerial view of this archipelagic nation. The highlight of a helicopter cruise of the region is undoubtedly the lively Soufriere Hills Volcano, which inhabits the southern portion of the island of Montserrat and has, in recent decades, begun to bubble and erupt.While Antigua and Barbuda overflows with a dizzying suite of spellbinding nature, the nation’s patchwork of kaleidoscopic coral reefs cement Antigua and Barbuda into travel folklore. A network of gloriously intact coral reefs fringe Antigua and Barbuda, busy with ocean life unique to the tropical waters of the region, from brightly-coloured schools of fish to flotillas of mellow sea turtles.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/258609/image/large-a91a522c82d55f5b1c1d72c461d267ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/258609">Such thriving sea life makes snorkelling and diving a must-do activity when superyacht cruising in Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda superyacht cruising guide

A premier Caribbean charter destination, superyacht cruising in Antigua and Barbuda guarantees excitement, adventure and beauty.

Caribbean charter: Cruising in Antigua and Barbuda

With the&nbsp;<a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miami International Boat Show - 2023">Miami International Boat Show</a>&nbsp;only a week away, SYT has prepared a Miami travel guide for those who want to make the most of their time in Miami. Top charter brokers share their expert insights into&nbsp;what to do in Miami, what to see, and where to eat, drink and party.Read: <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/miami-international-boat-show-2023-yachts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">The largest yachts attending Miami International Boat Show 2023</a>Planning what to do in Miami can be overwhelming. The Floridian paradise is nothing if not excessive. “Miami, where wealth meets water!” Bobby Bigio, Charter Broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> told SuperYacht Times.Indeed, miles of beaches, endless shopping streets, an eccentric nightlife and a contemporary art scene with a strong, beating pulse are some of the city’s most iconic touchstones. But it is the glamorous chaos of Miami that makes it one of the USA’s coolest and most exclusive cities and a superyachting hotspot.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225539/image/large-5e209a96d46aff0d7648c92d662ff627.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225539">A big, bustling city right on the ocean, Miami has a gateway feel to it — earning it the nickname of ‘The Gateway to The Americas’ — and lets its visitors know through its metropolis-meets-tropical feel.Bobby Bigio of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> highlighted the city’s superyachting appeal, telling SuperYacht Times “A stone’s throw away from world-class superyacht facilities up the coast and only a short cruise to the Bahamas, owners have good reason to base their yachts in Miami.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257381/image/large-e94bec24f52ae17c80f36521ba8e7870.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257381">There are many things to do in Miami, and visitors are spoilt with a charged-up restaurant landscape, overflowing arts and culture events — including Miami Art Basel — and diverse shops and museums.Nicole Haboush, Senior Charter Broker Manager USA at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4507" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TJB Super Yachts (Company)">TJB Super Yachts</a>, told SuperYacht Times “Miami is one of the world’s top cosmopolitan cities, and a melting pot of all who enjoy life to the fullest."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257379/image/large-e68857146b6063090afbb29d88abde3f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257379">Indeed, the city’s ever-growing cosmopolitan downtown is the urban centre of Miami, a highly successful and expanding business hub with soaring coastal skyscrapers beneath a wealth of shops, galleries and restaurants spread for miles.A Miami travel guide would not be complete without an insight into the city’s food scene, which remains strong across each and every neighbourhood.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257383/image/large-2208c69351210f63b146c830153db44c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257383">Sabrina Stedman, Yacht Charter Broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a>, told SuperYacht Times “There is a buzzing food scene in Miami with several great restaurants such as Boia De which serves incredible food in an intimate setting, Hiyakawa in Wynwood for amazing sushi, Leku for delicious Spanish cuisine or Seaspice - a restaurant you can access by boat.”With glamorous grit and deep-set historical roots, there is more to Miami than the glassy skyscrapers and palm trees that first meet the eye. Those intrigued by the cultural side of the city should pay a visit to the Miami Circle, a nationally significant historical site at the mouth of the Miami River in downtown Miami that dates back to prehistoric times.Other historical things to do in Miami include the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the perfect retreat where relaxation meets a historical charm. The 1916 waterfront estate villa features 32 lavishly decorated rooms and is set within 10 acres of winding gardens, oozing a timeless Mediterranean extravagance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257380/image/large-cddf3ac9f5f2f59a1eb3d85d77c80cac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257380">For many, referring to Miami includes the city itself and its across-the-bay neighbour, Miami Beach. Despite their proximity to one another, both are separate communities with separate governing bodies and individual identities.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257387/image/large-58c03c6a94583707f8513c706c45d64c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257387">Existing not in rivalry but rather in unexpected harmony, Miami is the tamer, more sophisticated elder sibling of the duo, while Miami Beach embraces a flirty youthfulness that is a magnet for those embracing the colourful and carefree. First-timers should do themselves a favour by exploring both areas and soaking up the different, yet complimentary flavours of each.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257385/image/large-a2f6db8efc3686e1ede884f41badf438.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257385">Visiting Miami Beach is a top thing to do in Miami, attracting holidaymakers for over a century. Nicole Haboush of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4507" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TJB Super Yachts (Company)">TJB Super Yachts</a> explained, “One of America's most popular tourist destinations and a hotspot for yachting, Miami Beach’s draw is the sunny, stunning balmy weather, long beaches set against art-deco and skyscraper backdrops, and nightlife like no other in the world.”&nbsp;Sun-drenched, art deco frontages line the iconic Ocean Drive, facing fringing palm trees and ocean views.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257389/image/large-2d01830b677d6d478fe7a2930df1141d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257389">The coast of the island-city is naturally compatible with surfing, swimming and sunbathing. Miami Beach - South Beach is the mecca for free-spirited beachgoers who enjoy the pastel-painted beachfront and hippie-meets-boutique ambience.Also in Miami Beach, the century-old golf course, Miami Beach Golf Club, has drawn both golfing veterans and novices alike since 1923. Visitors can enjoy the golf course’s challenging fairways and 18 holes, before cooling down in the popular onsite restaurant.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257377/image/large-392c01836402b8900bbce18726ce6650.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257377">With water on all four sides, Miami holds a natural compatibility with superyachting, illustrated by Bobby Bigio of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a>, “There’s no doubt that Miami is an integral part of the yachting ecosystem.”Indeed, Miami’s Southern Florida location brings with it a year-round balmy climate which means the city’s bountiful miles of sandy beaches get put to good use. Many will argue that despite the many draws of multi-faceted Miami, the city’s glistening beaches take the gold.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257382/image/large-1aaa50964d00338b518b9cbb88c22db2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257382">Miami’s beaches are numerous and diverse; visiting a couple of them is an undisputed thing to do in Miami. From the chic and flashy private beach clubs on Mid-Beach to South Beach’s bohemian surf haven, Miami’s beaches each hold a different character and allure.For Nicole Haboush of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4507" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TJB Super Yachts (Company)">TJB Super Yachts</a>, the remote-feeling white sand nature trails of Key Biscayne “offer a time-out haven for all.” She continued, “Ultimately, sipping on a frozen piña colada on any of Miami’s beaches will have you thankful you chose this city to enjoy some time in.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257388/image/large-5af65456b86b3dadb9a79291481fc1eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257388">When the sun sets, Miami comes alive, and the city’s nightlife reigns as one of the supreme things to do in Miami. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a>’s Sabrina Stedman explained, “Miami’s nightlife hotspots include Miami Sound Bar for whiskey and music, Understory’s weekly jazz night and Miami Beach’s The Faena, where they play live music in the living room.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257386/image/large-3ae9ed8dc8721031129ff04d48b0c137.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257386">Miami Beach is synonymous with nightlife, particularly the South Beach neighbourhood. The bold and beautiful flock to South Beach’s legendary party scene, home to major nightclubs characterised by VIPs and select guestlists.

Miami travel guide

This Miami travel guide explains the top things to do in Miami. Find out what to do in Miami, what to see, and where to eat, drink and party.

Where wealth meets water: Miami Travel Guide

Superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman brings the perfect combination of adventure, sun and city glamour. The region is becoming increasingly popular for superyacht cruising and is welcoming more of the global fleet to enjoy its year-round summer, other-worldly city scapes and spotless beaches. Here is the SuperYacht Times superyacht cruising guide for five days in the UAE and Oman.&nbsp;Day 1: DubaiBegin your UAE and Oman superyacht cruise in Dubai, one of the world's top holiday destinations. Known as the City of Gold, Dubai is a melting pot of luxury, glamour and the ultra-modern. The city is home to world-class infrastructure and a glistening skyline from which the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, towers above the skyline at 160 floors high.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251709/image/large-9e8da947f36c6ae5ba54c5398f12c52a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251709">Dubai is the perfect starting point for a superyacht cruise in the UAE and Oman, with an efficient international airport, world-class marinas and unmatched hospitality. A modern metropolis built in the heart of the Arabian Desert, the city of Dubai is an expanding tapestry of influences and culture with an allure unlike anywhere else.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248522/image/large-cbe9d5c631b38746744edd27f82b5437.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248522">This standout destination flaunts a vibrant energy and magnetic pull. It is this buzz that cements Dubai into travel folklore and can be felt in the city’s overflowing collection of prestige and diverse eateries, bars, hotels and entertainment offerings.Day 2: Dubai to MuscatOn the second day of superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman, depart from Dubai, heading South along the Arabian coast towards Oman, and its capital city, Muscat. Famed for its antiquity, dating back to the 1st Century AD, the city is dotted with 16th Century Portuguese forts such as A Jalali and Mirani which tower over the harbour.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251710/image/large-859997c04cdffd8fbb44a9de6cd1251f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251710">Today the city is a mix of modern buildings, with the marble Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and the ancient buildings. The coast of Oman is dotted with beautiful inlets, with traditional Dhow boats ferrying locals between islands.Day 3: Muscat to FujairahAfter enjoying the peaceful waters of Oman, Fujairah is the next stop on your superyacht cruise in the UAE and Oman. With a large, blissful beach surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, the city of Fujairah is bustling with souks and cafes, as well as the famous Portuguese fort which looks over the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251711/image/large-782ec7f6a0bd56e867fc9ef122195b2f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251711">Day 4: Fujairah to Abu DhabiOn the fourth day of superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman, head to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Your passage will take you past the north of Oman with its unusual island-like peninsulas and dramatic scenery. Abu Dhabi is home to a flamboyant patchwork of old and new, a bubbling glass jungle splattered with reminders of the city’s architectural and cultural history.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/121684/image/large-99e78f72a977191432c1b7daa3c409e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/121684">Only a fifteen-minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi, Nurai Island is a boutique island with something for everyone that offers asylum from the dizzying hives of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This peaceful paradise seduces guests with spotless sand, aqua-blue shores and all the facilities needed for a relaxing getaway. Beachside yoga, island tranquillity, splendid pools and a deluxe spa are only some of the relaxing features served up by Nurai Island.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251707/image/large-c118e9fb9902366b4fb417c5beba5550.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251707">Those who prefer active recovery can opt for some of the many sporting activities on the island, including fishing, swimming and tennis. End a day of inconceivable serenity by watching the reflections of the setting sun on the water over one of Nurai Island’s many immersive fine dining experiences.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/115385/image/large-991f9a089a4886e341cba80409a98f5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/115385">Day 5: DubaiFor the final day of your cruise, return to Dubai. The city perches on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, where guests can plunge into mild, turquoise waters. Jet skiing, parasailing or snorkelling, there is no limit to the watersports possibilities in Dubai.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/248504/image/large-78e2679ac0f7613fc6d94ed49f071eb3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/248504">Spend your day experiencing moments of pure magic on the crystal clear shores of Dubai, using the ocean as your playground with the city’s stunning backdrop watching on. To end a yacht cruise to remember, spend the final evening of your superyacht cruise in the UAE watching the sunset from the world-famous Kite Beach, where kites sink and dip in front of the amber glow of the sun setting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/244635/image/large-83503d7c151dcffcb5d0ef1582d5f09b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/244635">This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 42 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

UAE and Oman cruising guide

Superyacht cruising in the UAE and Oman brings adventure, sun and city glamour. The region is becoming increasingly popular for superyacht cruising.

Superyacht cruising guide: 5 days in the UAE and Oman

Nestled in the Greater Antilles among the Caribbean islands is Jamaica, the tropical paradise where your only limit is your return date. One epic yacht that frequents Jamaica is the 115.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>. Often seen cruising in pristine Jamaican waters, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> is synonymous with the island-country, which is home to a vibrant cultural tapestry, breathtaking beaches and stunning natural backdrops.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254538/image/large-55aca376b71979766563f2de4a5f41b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254538">Despite this, Jamaica’s spellbinding superyacht attractions remain relatively unknown, overshadowed by more traditional winter superyacht destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. What many don’t know? There is not a more perfect way to unlock the region’s treasure trove of hidden secrets than onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254534/image/large-3f3aa0f341b364713547d34eafcee6a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254534">For Chris Callahan, Sales and Charter Broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moran Yacht & Ship (Company)">Moran Yacht and Ship</a>, “Jamaica can stand alone as a cruising destination. The Island has an incredibly lush landscape with picturesque waterfalls and some of the best beaches in the entirety of the Caribbean.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254537/image/large-95cd8b75f6c0844a8319efb3955974da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254537">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> is crafted so harmoniously to exceed all guests would desire from a cruise of Jamaica that it seems a perfect match. She boasts world-class facilities spread across more than 5,000 GT of interior and can cruise for exceptionally long periods of time, allowing guests to discover the region in truly relaxed freedom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254530/image/large-dff552b9d052b1d32afd226d6c073bea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254530">Chris Callahan articulates the splendour of a cruise aboard superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica, stating “She features an incredible winter garden with an abundance of lush plants, which creates the illusion that you are a part of the surrounding breathtaking, tropical landscape.” He continues “When cruising tropical locations like Jamaica, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>’s winter garden unifies land and sea, unlike any other yacht I have ever been on.”Read: <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/lurssen-superyacht-ahpo-interiors-unveiled" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Onboard Ahpo: 115m Lürssen superyacht unveiled for the first time</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254526/image/large-f0425ab47409ddfbd9dab56444eb12de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254526">Upon arrival on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica, guests can't help but soak up the country’s famously contagious laid-back vibe. Known for its vivid and charming culture, Jamaica is a hive of cultural zest, with the capital city Kingston awarded a top destination for culture lovers in 2021.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254522/image/large-22ffb19467cd31cbc54a3e145dc579e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254522">When exploring the country, guests can expect to be met by enthusiastic and warm people who are the true experts of the region. Callahan adds, “Jamaicans are also some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you can find.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254540/image/large-ba997f4ded75a091be3eea0cb0c518f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254540">It is no secret that Jamaica’s beaches are slices of sheer paradise. With 350 miles of glorious coastline, there is an abundance of beaches to choose from. Seven Mile Beach, as its name suggests, is a long, white sand beach located near the town of Negril in Western Jamaica.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254539/image/large-90c0748fc2f0eace228f948fce000d70.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254539">The Westerly region of the island is traditionally Caribbean and remains more tranquil and unspoiled than its neighbouring areas, featuring bountiful undiscovered beaches and nature. In Negril Marine Park, guests are spoiled with pristine scuba-diving conditions, with calm waters, excellent visibility and colourful reefs.The calm ambience of the West makes it the perfect region to enjoy watersports activities. From kayaking to paddleboarding, Western Jamaica is the ideal destination for watersports enthusiasts. Soak up the Caribbean atmosphere and end your day enjoying a cold beer on one of the region’s white-sand beaches.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254533/image/large-3eac8a436ba53c2aa4bab813be565ee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254533">Jamaica’s natural landscape is heavenly terrain for adventurers, with four major mountain ranges - Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains, Don Figueroa Mountains, and Cockpit County - spanning across the island. Callahan notes the Blue Mountains as the perfect place to “try out activities ranging from hiking to mountain biking.”If energy is still to be burned after watersports and exhilarating land-based activities, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> also features a full-beam gym with every piece of equipment one might need. If you are an active individual, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica should be on your shortlist.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254525/image/large-3c9bd3e101d0df2378e1c6cfbc2b79c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254525">To recharge after the day’s unforgettable moments, guests can indulge in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>’s luxury relaxation facilities. Chris Callahan explains “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>’s beach club has been beautifully designed, offering her guests world-class spa facilities. Guests can step from the aft deck into the water and the swim platform is the ideal location to relax with a book.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254523/image/large-149c16ecd9b0d4dc7c0bf37746c8cffd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254523">For the gastronomically inclined, Callahan highlights the country’s impeccable and diverse food scene. He notes “From the roadside fresh-fruit stands to jerk restaurants like Scotchies, there is a lot to love in the culinary sense.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254531/image/large-ca7ef555c7611e7c3aa9668f593b4b7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254531">With so much to discover, Jamaica awaits to captivate those who visit. An ideal superyacht cruise is around ten to fourteen days. As Callahan explained, “Jamaica is a destination where you can spend a lot of time. Ten to fourteen days travelling on the motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica would allow you to really immerse yourself and experience the different parts of this tropical paradise.”Charter motoryacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> in Jamaica and beyond with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moran Yacht & Ship (Company)">Moran Yacht and Ship</a>. Find out more <a href="https://www.moranyachts.com/luxury-yachts/ahpo/?yacht-type=luxury-yachts-charter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-43-newspaper-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Issue 43 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Superyacht Ahpo in Jamaica

Chartering the Lürssen superyacht Ahpo in Jamaica guarantees sunshine, adventure and relaxation: the pinnacle of Jamaican yachting.

Caribbean charter: 115m Lürssen superyacht Ahpo in Jamaica

The first week of 2023 has seen a jump in superyachts visiting the Maldives. According to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg and reported on 6 January 2023, “the tropical getaway saw 18 superyachts in early January, compared with only one two months ago.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253446/image/large-733174e4fa1721d66a0af3eaf5122781.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253446">The report indicates a growing number of the global fleet cruising in the Maldives, with the island chain currently seeing more yachts than Hong Kong and Singapore combined, and slightly outpacing Thailand.Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/hong-kong-yachting-boom" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">How Hong Kong could ignite a yachting boom in China</a> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253452/image/large-db7f18385ebfa97105333b2d6991e7d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253452">Situated in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an archipelagic country that boasts a year-round summer, tropical turquoise waters and crystal-white sandy beaches. The island chain is emerging as an alternative winter cruising destination, off the beaten path from saturated winter cruising hotspots in the Caribbean.Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/travel-with-superyacht-romea" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Travel: Go back to the Maldives with superyacht RoMEA</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253453/image/large-c856cf552f23bdf51cc761bd3ebd84d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253453">Comprising 26 major atolls containing nearly 1,200 picturesque islands, the Maldives makes an ideal cruising ground in the Indian Ocean. Only 200 of the islands that make up the Maldives are occupied, creating an exciting and unique trip perfect for unwinding and rejuvenation and ensuring ultimate guest privacy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253447/image/large-22ac6f245624a0a83286d7203e2b4a9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253447">The report indicates a growing recognition of the nation for its cruising benefits. These include luxury lagoon spa retreats and wine tasting, pristine beaches, and fantastic diving opportunities among rich, colourful coral reefs. A varied archipelagic cruising ground, the Maldives welcomes visitors to enjoy its spotless weather, varied sealife and stellar hospitality.Superyachts currently in the Maldives, include the 65-metre Feadship superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Tanusha</a>, the new 85-metre &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SilverYachts (Company)">SilverYachts</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wanderlust85.0m (278'10&quot;)SilverYachts2022">Wanderlust</a>, the 47.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA Yachts</a>&nbsp;superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1214" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquamarina47.5m (155'10&quot;)ISA Yachts2007">Aquamarina</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/510" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silver Angel64.5m (211'7&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Silver Angel</a>.

The Maldives sees a surge in visiting superyachts

The Maldives has seen a surge in superyachts visiting the island nation in the first week of 2023.

The Maldives sees a surge in superyachts visiting the archipelagic nation

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Extra Yachts (Company)">Extra Yachts</a> has announced the launch of the third 28.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Extra Yachts (Company)">Extra</a> X96 Triplex yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11654" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andromeda28.5m (93'6&quot;)Extra Yachts2023">Andromeda</a> in Italy. The 238 GT composite yacht features generous internal and external volumes and will join her sisterships <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7557" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Myohana28.5m (93'6&quot;)Extra Yachts2019">Myohana</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10838" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anvilugi28.6m (93'10&quot;)Extra Yachts2021">Anvilugi</a>. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/832187659?share=copy" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11654" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andromeda28.5m (93'6&quot;)Extra Yachts2023">Andromeda</a> features external lines from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4541" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Guida Design (Company)">Francesco Guida Design</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a> and interior design by international studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a>. She is characterised by large floor-to-ceiling windows on both her main and upper decks to create a seamless flow between her exterior and interior spaces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272392/image/large-63d62e63875cb53dcfc7fab86dbb536c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272392"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272395/image/large-b8178baab0e55cdd12300484e2c68acb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272395"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272394/image/large-87903659e05b43c9ed3cc2a184880b6b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272394"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272393/image/large-0c762797f92a19fb3e023ac453da00ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272393"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11654" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andromeda28.5m (93'6&quot;)Extra Yachts2023">Andromeda</a> provides accommodation for up to 10 guests across five staterooms. Her full-beam master suite is located on the main deck, while her remaining four guest staterooms are situated on the lower deck. The client was introduced by Igor Cherentaev of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5543" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aberton Yachts (Company)">Aberton Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272396/image/large-c862d7f6e6d2c25eff84a56041f59b5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272396"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272397/image/large-b66ab1dabb428ebbffd32fae2f56501f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272397">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Extra Yachts (Company)">Extra</a> X96 Triplex yacht draws her power from triple 1,000 horsepower <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> IPS engines, propelling <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11654" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andromeda28.5m (93'6&quot;)Extra Yachts2023">Andromeda</a> to a top speed of 17.5 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/36137/image/large-e2847a5b545bac69f34fabe8037e2e97.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/36137">

Third Extra 96X Triplex yacht Andromeda launched

The third unit in the Extra 96X Triplex yacht series, Andromeda was launched in Italy.

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Third 29m Extra 96X Triplex yacht Andromeda launched

In the realm of yachting, a groundbreaking initiative has emerged, illuminating the industry's landscape with its unique approach. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a>, a worldwide alliance of independent agents discovered through recommendations of clients has aligned to form a collective of like-minded professionals with the main goal being to give the client the best service wherever they go. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/264285/image/large-c16d8d7f079d30163e52f61790caa7bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/264285" 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; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">This non-profit network brings together local yacht agents, each with over a decade of experience in their respective territories gifting the yachting industry exceptional experiences and a multitude of yacht services, with each agent offering localised knowledge within their own retrospective territories. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272128/image/large-89fb02d471f7c62f47779a9a77edd569.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272128"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272138/image/large-767f3ee47db0b46d14340449c0045ab8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272138"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a> encompasses regions across the globe and functions as a conduit for extraordinary yachting experiences. Steeped in an ethos of ethics and commitment, this unique network operates independently, unburdened by corporate influence or financial motives. Instead, it thrives on the goodwill of its members, who have earned their reputations through years of dedicated service and word-of-mouth recommendations.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/83HFOfA_3Oc?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> The network's philosophy is epitomised by the principle of "Let's Pay it Forward," illustrating its collective desire to perpetuate excellence and benefit the industry as a whole. Belen Martín, Managing Partner at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/524" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Evolution Yachts (Company)">Evolution</a> and a founding member of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a>, affirms the success of this approach when saying:"<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a> is a group of friends coming together under the same umbrella to provide a service with the same ethics and commitment. We are not an association or an organisation following the guidelines and interests of one corporation or financial backer. &nbsp;On the contrary, we are a goodwill network formed by independent companies with more than 10 years of experience and knowledge to recommend each other´s services to our clients. Each member has grown in their own country thanks to their good service and word-to-mouth recommendations. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">WLoA</a> wants to keep on growing equally and thanks to the good references given by the customers". &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272129/image/large-52f93e0c54cb35a7a7d3e6d1846d15b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272129"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/264284/image/large-ec67d73befbce2d2820be6683cbf536c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/264284">Distinguished by its collective commitment to advancing superyacht experiences, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a> serves as a reliable source for local amenities, provisions, and travel expertise. The network prioritises the crew and captain, striving to make their jobs easier, giving clients the ability to contact managers at all times. Through an array of boutique and niche specialties, these agents offer a wide range of services, including fuel arrangements, and provisioning from local sources and markets, all meticulously planned in advance with a member of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272134/image/large-0446b48cda49e80b8a06e5bbb4ff3353.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272134"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272131/image/large-305e274beb2234701a1cc4c77bd566c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272131">One of the network's standout features lies in its ability to provide destination management, curating bespoke and unforgettable experiences within carefully crafted itineraries. From organising private trips and island tours to arranging drivers, sourcing local cuisine for alfresco dining, and facilitating exclusive access to restaurants and cultural hubs, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a> ensures that owners and guests onboard can create cherished memories, unlike anything they have experienced before.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/264288/image/large-1b750578f4f949dc9ddd4940f67314a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/264288">With an interconnected synergy among all its international agents, this expansive network has fostered years of collaboration and now looks to the future, focusing on supporting captains and crew during their busiest seasons. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a> has recently formed alliances with eleven renowned companies, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Evolution Yacht Agents (Company)">Evolution Yacht Agents</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4013" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Catalano Shipping Services (Company)">Catalano Shipping Services</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7081" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PESTO SEA GROUP (Company)">Pesto Sea Group</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7083" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A+ YACHTING (Company)">A+Yachting</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7082" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="S&D YACHTS (Company)">S&amp;D Yachts Ltd</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7084" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FOUR SEAS YACHTING (Company)">Four Seas Yachting</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7085" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="360º YACHTING (Company)">360º Yachting</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2527" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MGMT (Company)">MGMT Group Ltd</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7086" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DOCKSIDE MANAGEMENT (Company)">Dockside Management</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TRANSSHIPPING AGENTS (Company)">Transshipping Agents</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AMERICAN YACHT AGENTS (Company)">American Yacht Agents</a>. The natural camaraderie between these local entities has blossomed into a network committed to delivering exceptional service, allowing for only one outstanding company per country.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272130/image/large-45dd3c6cd7b1bba18d68c89b897d4a17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272130"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/264289/image/large-c6b74e3648a98b1ee02293125784ec08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/264289" 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; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a> have received many positive testimonials praising their interpersonal services, such as Captain Dughall MacLachlainn, who attests to the exceptional service he received from multiple companies within the network.“Well done, and funnily enough, I have worked with 8 out of the 10 on your website. So I must be doing something right. A number of them are the best agents I have ever worked with in 35 years of yachting from the Pacific to the Med and around about” Captain Dughall MacLachlainn.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272137/image/large-f8cfabeddab145f04ed3d1d388904c87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272137"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/264281/image/large-76073547c8135c98f408c1d286f46c3e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/264281">Key Highlights of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The World League of Agents (Company)">The World League of Agents</a>:Independent Companies:&nbsp;All members of the League operate autonomously, free from any affiliations or obligations to large corporations, enabling them to make independent decisions and collaborate accordingly.In-house Expertise and Infrastructure: The League delivers services and support using its own team, knowledge, and resources, eliminating the need to outsource any aspect of its operations.

World League of Agents Network

A Collaborative Effort to Enhance the Yachting Experience for Captains, Crew, and Guests: World League of Agents. 

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World League of Agents: Revolutionising Yachting with a Non-Profit Network of Experts

Netherlands-based yacht builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> has announced two new orders for a 34-metre yacht, Project 111.11 and a 35.29-metre yacht, Project Samba. The two new projects are based on the hull design of the multi-award winning yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LL34.0m (111'7&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2021">Lady Lene</a> and are being custom-designed to meet the needs of the clients. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272384/image/large-3f79af43b9989549f108404a8d5cf2f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272384">Both Project 111.11 and Project Samba will share the same naval architecture and degree of finish and will each feature a different exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guido de Groot Design (Company)">Guido de Groot</a>. The interior of Project Samba will also be handled by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guido de Groot Design (Company)">Guido de Groot</a>, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6544" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Carla Guilhem (Company)">Carla Guilhem</a> has been entrusted with the role for Project 111.11.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272371/image/large-ac3133626fdd190b8c7f86ee2174cee3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272371">“Both owners have been very involved in the development of the design and specs,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a>’s Head of Sales, Yoeri Bijker. “Our yard is attracting clients who love to immerse themselves in creating something special and are not prepared to settle for an off-the-shelf product. It’s a lifestyle choice and they enjoy the process of developing their perfect yacht as much as they do the ultimate end result.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272374/image/large-b0499096416fbff7deba8cff0e21906d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272374">Project 111.11 showcases expansive windows and an arch rising diagonally from the main deck to the hard top, in a single straight line. The explorer yacht features an asymmetrical semi-full-beam skylounge and a sidewalk from the bridge to aft deck to avoid crew going through the lounge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272375/image/large-5054ab223a1708f935a8b1efe955df97.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272375">Her full-beam master suite is situated on the main deck and includes a large walk-in wardrobe with a chute that leads directly to the laundry station on the lower deck. Further guest accommodations onboard Project 111.11 include two large VIP suites and two twins on the lower deck, all with ensuite bathrooms.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272373/image/large-0a723fa5f5fdebd848006b13cb7e8361.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272373">Project Samba is characterised by her large aft deck, which includes a relaxation area with a large aft-facing sofa and a formal alfresco dining table. Her central staircase with a single large column from the lower to bridge deck also serves as a piece of art and optimises freedom of movement.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272383/image/large-41426e105b5224f565132e67249fe5c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272383">Like Project 111.11, Project Samba features a full-beam master suite on the main deck, with two VIP suites and two spacious twins on the lower deck. The clients for Project Samba were introduced to Van der Valk by Will Noftsinger from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272382/image/large-cb8514d6a30873ca2ab2dd8e9b93076a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272382">The lower deck of Project Samba will feature an impressive beach club with a chill-out area and sauna. Her spacious garage is able to store a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams</a> Sportjet 395 tender, and once launched opens up with more space.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272386/image/large-98fe8b1732021c54820bfc65bba04d83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272386">Performance-wise, both yachts have been adjusted to meet the needs of their highly experienced owners. “The proven hull design and naval architecture platform allows us to offer the choice between a full or fast displacement vessel,” explained Yoeri Bijker.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272385/image/large-03c8c3c42d90d0992dba4cce4a6ff162.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272385">Project 111.11 will be a full displacement vessel with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> 750 horsepower engines and a top speed of 14.4 knots. In contrast, Project Samba’s fast displacement hull and twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> 1450 horsepower diesel engines will ensure top speeds around the 17 knot mark.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272376/image/large-b3991fe8b271d0adac814c64856000fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272376">“Using the engineering packages and part of the cutting files generates significant cost synergies yet allows for an entirely different look and feel. It’s a highly efficient way of building that provides clients with exceptional freedom to customise their yacht above the waterline. Everything you see on the renderings for Project 111.11 and Project Samba has been chosen by the owners as they implement their own style and make a statement of personal taste,” concluded Yoeri Bijker.

Van der Valk two new full-custom yacht orders

Van der Valk has announced two new orders for a 34m yacht, Project 111.11 and a 35m yacht, Project Samba.

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Van der Valk announces two new full-custom yacht orders

As Pride Month takes centre stage, we proudly present a colourful showcase of superyachts adorned in the symbolic colours of the LGBTQ+ rainbow. From bow to stern, join us as we sail through a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, honouring the LGBTQ+ community and embracing the essence of the flag through these handpicked floating yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/9055/image/large-c420d54c56f2b36377b0cf963d0f92ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/9055">Red <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3082" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ipanema49.2m (161'5&quot;)Mondomarine SpA2016">Ipanema</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mondomarine SpA (Company)">Mondomarine</a> | 49.2-metre | 2016The 2016 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mondomarine SpA (Company)">Mondomarine</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3082" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ipanema49.2m (161'5&quot;)Mondomarine SpA2016">Ipanema</a> boasts a ruby red hull as part of an exterior design by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/hot-lab" target="_blank">Hot Lab</a>. This Italian build is an all-aluminium semi-displacement motor yacht with accommodation for up to 12 guests in seven staterooms. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3082" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ipanema49.2m (161'5&quot;)Mondomarine SpA2016">Ipanema</a> can also carry a crew of 12 and reach speeds of up to 20 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241187/image/large-95722d5e6fbb388f18594f31211c4578.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241187">Orange <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7582" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edge26.0m (85'4&quot;)Sarp Yachts2022">Edge</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sarp Yachts (Company)">Sarp Yachts</a> | 26-metres | 2022Launched in August 2022, the first 26-metre <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/sarp" target="_blank">Sarp</a> XSR yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7582" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edge26.0m (85'4&quot;)Sarp Yachts2022">Edge</a> is a highly distinctive motor yacht with a bold exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4720" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Yacht Design (Company)">Red Yacht Design</a>, who are also the minds behind her interior styling. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7582" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edge26.0m (85'4&quot;)Sarp Yachts2022">Edge</a> is able to accommodate as many as eight guests between four staterooms, in addition to a crew of four. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7582" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edge26.0m (85'4&quot;)Sarp Yachts2022">Edge</a> has a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/97990/image/large-231a72331f6e6d9ec11041b9ac4966f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/97990">Yellow <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4941" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Khalilah</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Palmer Johnson</a> | 49.5-metre| 2014The striking metalic 49.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Palmer Johnson</a> superyacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4941" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Khalilah</a> showcases exterior design, crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Palmer Johnson's</a> in-house team, is presented by taut, sporty lines and a reverse bow alongside an eccentric golden yellow palette, enveloping both her hull and superstructure in a radiant glow. Onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4941" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Khalilah</a>, interior design penned by a partnership between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2090" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Luxury Projects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Palmer Johnson</a>. The interior showcases a contemporary yet characterful ambiance that elicits awe. She can comfortably accommodate up to 11 guests across five guest suites. The master suite is adorned with ornately carved wooden features and embossed golden sheets to match her vibrant exterior.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21684/image/large-ac804a809cb3503e1a38e5ede0763a88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21684">Green&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sea-owl" target="_blank">Sea Owl</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a>&nbsp;| 61.87-metres | 2013Built in 2013 by <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/feadship" target="_blank">Feadship</a> for an experienced owner, the 62-metre superyacht <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sea-owl" target="_blank">Sea Owl</a> is one of several collaborations by the Dutch shipyard and renowned British studio, <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/winch" target="_blank">Winch Design</a>. She is known for her Jade mist green hull and matching oyster white superstructure. Her whimsical interior is created for comfortable family living and is inspired by a unique underwater theme.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/249529/image/large-ce2361223a215529f116071d5f4aa1dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/249529">Blue <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenshō75.18m (246'8&quot;)Admiral2022">Kenshõ</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral</a> | 74.85-metre | 2022Showcasing an iridescent blue hull is the superyacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenshō75.18m (246'8&quot;)Admiral2022">Kenshõ</a>. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architecture</a>, the yacht was launched in November at the Italian shipyard. Her interiors, which feature oriental influences and organic shapes, are the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6542" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jouin Manku (Company)">Jouin Manku</a>. With accommodations for 16 guests and 20 crew, she is as striking on the inside as she is on the outside.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/35054/image/large-cf834181e2ab5fe1bb19feebe6480d6c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/35054">Indigo <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rock 1341.4m (135'10&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2004">Rock 13</a> | &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> |41.4-metre | 2004Delivered to her original owner, Roberto Cavalli, in 2004 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rock 1341.4m (135'10&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2004">Rock 13</a> is now with her fourth owner and no longer in the vibrant shade of indigo. Her previous owners invested in refit works in 2016 and 2019 and regular maintenance checks to help enhance her original design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Arch. Tommaso Spadolini (Company)">Spadolini</a> and interior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/905" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Gagliardi (Company)">Studio Gagliardi</a>. Built with an aluminium hull and superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rock 1341.4m (135'10&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2004">Rock 13</a> can reach an impressive top speed of 28 knots and cruises comfortably at 21 knots - thanks to twin diesel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 3700 HP engines<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/25866/image/large-ef9a0049518d1f4eac843da75d306643.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25866">Pink <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pink Shadow58.0m (190'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2023">Pink Gin VI</a> | <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> | 53.9 m | 2017The elegant and innovative <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pink Shadow58.0m (190'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2023">Pink Gin VI</a> with her majestic 54 metres is the largest carbon-fibre sloop rigged sailing yacht in the world, and is a proven performance world cruising yacht with many ingenious and unique features. Built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> in 2017, she has just been relaunched after winter maintenance and class surveys to be able to offer her to the market in as new condition as possible.

Colours of Celebration: Exploring superyachts adorned with the LGBTQ+ rainbow in honour Pride Month

Colours of Celebration: Exploring superyachts adorned with the LGBTQ+ rainbow in honour Pride Month.

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Colours of Celebration: Exploring superyachts adorned in shades of the rainbow for Pride Month

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272389/image/large-5ee0215875430c2d732c596ff1c2b33d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272389">Spotted last Friday anchored in Antibes on the French Riviera is the 66-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5593" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elysian66.0m (216'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2014">Elysian</a>. Built by the German shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and delivered as Ester III to her original owner in 2014, the 1,527 GT motor yacht features naval architecture by her builder, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> is responsible for her masculine exterior. She features prominent styling cues such as her near-vertical bow, sharp-angled surfaces and a two-tone paint job. The interior, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton</a>, can accommodate up to 12 guests in six luxurious staterooms. Behind her silhouette, the 42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Crystal 140 superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mr. D41.93m (137'7&quot;)Benetti SpA2015">Mr. D</a> and the 73-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Siren73.5m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2008">Siren</a> can be seen.

Lürssen superyacht ​​Elysian on the French Riviera 

The 66m superyacht Elysian, built by Lürssen, is seen here anchored in Antibes on the French Riviera.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> has been acquired by the global communications company Viasat. The combined company enhances the scale and scope to continue to drive growth in the increasingly dynamic and competitive satellite communications industry. The employees of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> will retain their roles under the new ownership, and Rajeex Suri and Andy Sukawaty, CEO and Chairman, will join the Viasat Board of Directors.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251466/image/large-5d9ca2aceec40452a7ab1bf77d737e3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251466">The company’s assets, once fully integrated, are expected to increase the pace and scope of innovation in the global satellite connectivity sector, offering new and improved capabilities to customers that will address the ever-increasing speed, flexibility, reliability, coverage and security they demand.“We are thrilled to welcome <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>’s employees, customers, shareholders and partners into the Viasat ecosystem,” said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat. “The combination of our companies brings together the people, technology, innovation, network assets, spectrum resources and global partnerships needed to help connect the world more affordably, securely and reliably. Together, we believe we are positioned to offer customers a multi-layered network that gives them the right connectivity at the right time, place and price.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251465/image/large-65250364f6dfbf29802d99a42e82cf83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251465">“Thanks to all those who worked so tirelessly and thoroughly to complete this transaction,” said Dankberg. “I’d also like to thank the Viasat team and the leadership team at Inmarsat, especially the contributions of Rajeev Suri, Inmarsat CEO, and Andy Sukawaty, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> Chairman. Rajeev and Andy will be joining the Viasat Board of Directors as representatives of the prior <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> private equity ownership consortium. I look forward to their continued contributions to the company.”The combined company will continue to be led by Mark Dankberg as Chairman and CEO and Guru Gowrappan as President. Viasat also reconfirmed that its new global international business headquarters will be in London. Corporate headquarters will continue to be in Carlsbad, California. Further decisions regarding organizational structure and leadership will be determined as part of the ongoing integration process.“Our goal is to be the undisputed leader in satellite communications with a sharp focus on providing the best products and services for our customers,” said Gowrappan. “We are more than the sum of our parts. This combination broadens the global fixed and mobile services available to customers in an industry-defining moment. We intend to move quickly to bring the best from each company together in a way that creates much deeper value for our stakeholders and ensures we deliver on our synergy commitments.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195034/image/large-e11ca4b857f5c9a2b385bfc4f99ce95d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195034">“Satellite communications is a hugely significant and strategic global market for the U.K. space sector, now poised for an exciting next phase,” said George Freeman MP, the U.K.’s Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation &amp; Technology. “The combination of Viasat and Inmarsat creates a global leader in satellite communications here in the U.K. It brings significant investment, hundreds of new highly skilled jobs and will serve as a catalyst for substantial economic growth. Having met both companies, I look forward to working with them as we use the U.K.’s regulatory freedom and leadership to support advanced technologies to boost the space economy’s productivity, profitability and sustainability.”Under the terms of the purchase agreement, at the closing of the transaction, Inmarsat’s shareholders received an aggregate of $551 million in cash, subject to adjustments, and approximately $46.36 million shares of common stock. The cash portion of the purchase price was reduced from $850 million to $551 million after Inmarsat paid a $299 million special dividend to its shareholders in April 2022. The shares issued to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> shareholders at the closing represent an aggregate of approximately 37.6 percent of the total shares of Viasat common stock on a fully diluted basis, with no Inmarsat shareholder receiving shares representing 10% or more. In connection with closing of the acquisition on May 30, 2023, Viasat drew down on approximately $1.35 billion of its committed financing package, including a $617 million secured term loan facility and a $733 million unsecured bridge loan. The lower financed amount reflects in part the reduction in the cash component of the purchase price.

Inmarsat acquired by Viasat

Inmarsat has been acquired by global communications company Viasat.

Inmarsat acquired by global communications company Viasat

The UAE-based property developer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7043" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakheel Marinas (Company)">Nakheel</a> has announced a new marina, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7173" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakheel Dubai Islands Marinas (Company)">Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands</a>. The new marina can accommodate up to 13 superyachts, with 248 wet berths for yachts up to 47-metres and dry berths for trailers up to 20-metres. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251709/image/large-9e8da947f36c6ae5ba54c5398f12c52a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251709">Situated along Dubai’s northern coastline at Dubai Islands, the new marina offers 24 hour dock assistance, club car transfer, waste collection and free wifi, among other amenities. The Dubai Islands Beach is within walking distance from the marina.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7043" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakheel Marinas (Company)">Nakheel</a> also owns the two Palm Jumeirah Marinas on the east and west sides of the Palm Jumeirah and the two marinas can accommodate yachts up to 40-metres. &nbsp;Over recent years, Dubai has seen a major investment in the yachting facilities, with the construction and development of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6804" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai Harbour Marina (Company)">Dubai Harbour Marina</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mina Rashid Marina (Company)">Mina Rashid Marina</a>. With this investment, many European and American companies have opened office in Dubai, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons International</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>, securing the region's position as a major player in the international yachting industry.In 2022, SuperYacht Times acquired the Gulf Superyacht Summit, and in November hosted the first edition of the event. To find out more about the summit, to inquire about partnerships and tickets, you can find all the information of the website here: <a href="https://www.gulfsuperyachtsummit.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">gulfsuperyachtsummit.com</a>

Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands opened

Dubai property developer Nakheel has opened a new marina in Dubai Islands.

Nakheel unveils new superyacht marina in Dubai Islands

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>, a key player in yachting innovation and a part of the renowned <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/361" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Yachts (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>, presents its latest model, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a>, at the esteemed Salone Nautico Venezia. The magnificent backdrop of the Arsenale sets the stage for the awaited unveiling of this new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> model, which continues to redefine the boundaries of yacht design. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272305/image/large-b13ba5d8b03fdf95ea029f0076b49ad1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272305">Crafted by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>-<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/361" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Yachts (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> engineering team, with interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/289" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Vallicelli Design (Company)">Studio Vallicelli Design</a>, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a> embodies unrivalled exterior spaces on the 24.06-metre yacht, revolutionising the concept of a raised pilothouse design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240969/image/large-6f2c8eaeed26d90f395d478ea8d3fc4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240969">Stefano de Vivo, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally's</a> Managing Director, elaborates on the vision behind the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a>: "Our objective was to anticipate market demands by developing a yacht that stays ahead of its time, drawing inspiration from the innovative features that made the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/10773" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY20027.03m (88'8&quot;)">wallywhy200</a> a resounding success. With its impressive 24-metre length and 150 GT, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a> is a versatile vessel, ideally suited for experienced owners who truly appreciate the masterful utilisation of space, expansive living areas, and its unmistakable personality. For nearly three decades, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> has been at the forefront of designing and constructing cutting-edge yachts, spearheading epochal changes in yacht design. We are confident that the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a> will establish itself in diverse international markets."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240970/image/large-d53641cb85dba30603e3c40f5f2013fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240970"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233568/image/large-d3f32291eb15820ba93695365be64ecd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233568">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a> sets new benchmarks for its size with its unparalleled exterior areas. The upper deck offers expansive open space, providing an immense amount of protected area. Onboard, owners and guests can relish a complete dining setting on the sundeck, a sunbathing area, a shaded lounge, and much more – almost the entire length of the vessel is dedicated to outdoor leisure and relaxation. A noteworthy feature of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a> is the floor-to-ceiling glass that dominates its design, enhancing the yacht's allure.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240971/image/large-836df6d7e40c3dea2f8922c27dcce133.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240971">Accommodation on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a> includes a forward master suite on the main deck, reminiscent of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/10773" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY20027.03m (88'8&quot;)">wallywhy200</a>, offering unobstructed 270-degree panoramic views and a striking grand "amphitheatre of the sea" design, courtesy of its unusually high bow. Additional accommodations are located on the lower deck, which can be configured as a VIP, a double, and a twin guest suite or as a two VIP cabin layout. All staterooms benefit from the ample natural light streaming through the vast windows, creating an airy and contemporary ambience onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233570/image/large-8fd9cede24495563e986f9969ea912c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233570">Luca Bassani, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally's</a> Founder and Chief Designer, highlights the primary reason for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150's</a> uniqueness: "It is the simplicity and accessibility of the layout that makes it immensely appealing to a wide range of clients – it provides the ultimate flexible platform for those seeking to expand the boundaries of traditional planing-craft usage. This vessel is the first to offer direct access to the sea at cockpit level without the need for stairs; it is effectively a floating loft on the water."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233571/image/large-f4a10353012d87bcea2a112e2b8faa33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233571">The aft deck of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a> presents a spacious and unobstructed platform featuring a hydraulic multipurpose ladder and a rising platform. Owners can customise this area according to their preferences, accommodating various water toys and a large 3.90-metre tender.Equipped with optional three IPS1350 engines, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/12820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally WHY15024.06m (78'11&quot;)">wallywhy150</a> can achieve an impressive maximum speed of 23 knots, while the standard propulsion of three IPS1200 engines ensures a cruising speed of 17 knots.&nbsp;

Wally debuts wallywhy150 at the Venice Boat Show 2023

Wally unveils the innovative wallywhy150 described as the “floating loft on the water,” at the Venice Boat Show 2023. 



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Wally debuts the wallywhy150 “floating loft on the water” at the Venice Boat Show 2023

The French electrical and electromechanical services company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtelec (Company)">Yachtelec</a> has been acquired by the ship repair and maintenance group AMARIX, the owner of MACOR and ETI Services companies. Amarix has acquired a 100 percent stake in the company which is based at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="La Ciotat Shipyards (Company)">La Ciotat Shipyards</a> in the South of France. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7171" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Yachtelec</a> was founded in 2007 and has worked on more than 700 major yacht projects, with major industry names including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272302/image/large-ea0546e0c00d33ed24f4d6320c131573.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272302">The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is part of a wider strategy to increase the group’s market presence and to leverage the turnkey project capability of the company’s MACOR brand in the international superyacht sectors. MACOR specialises in the repair of mechanical and hydraulic systems and machinery, fabrication, and pipework. Since its formation in 1986, the company’s four business units has worked on more 3,000 vessels and represents some of the maritime industry’s market leading OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), operators and managers.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtelec (Company)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272303/image/large-e4cbb96766566bd6db8ae9ff0b316b1a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272303"></a>“The acquisition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtelec (Company)">YACHTELEC</a> makes complete sense and strengthens the group’s portfolio,” said AMARIX founder Nicolas Martinetti. “With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtelec (Company)">YACHTELEC</a> joining the group’s MACOR and ETI Services brands we close the circle to provide a complete turnkey services solution, covering all mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electromechanical, and electronic systems onboard. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the AMARIX family, now counting 75 employees, and working with them to ensure a seamless transition for our new clients and customers,” he said.Commenting on the developments taking place in the luxury yacht market, Xavier Deval, Amarix Group's Business Director, said: “It is forecast that that the luxury yacht will grow by 8% in the next five years, with the trend being for larger vessels. We are already seeing some yacht refit yards invest in facilities to meet the demand for larger, longer tonnage. But owners are also looking for models with a higher degree of customisation and features, such as state-of-the-art lighting and audio systems. We can now meet this demand. The inclusion of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtelec (Company)">YACHTELEC</a> to our portfolio significantly strengthens our network, almost doubling the number of technical experts and specialists we have in the field.”&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtelec (Company)">Yachtelec</a> Director Remi Colace said: "The acquisition and integration in to AMARIX Group is a great step forward for YACHTELEC, ensuring brands continued development and growth trajectory. This makes us stronger and able to offer more technical packages and expertise to our superyacht customers and more."&nbsp;

Amarix Group acquires Yachtelec

The ship repair and maintenance group Amarix has acquired French electrical and electromechanical services company YACHTELEC. 

Repair and maintenance group Amarix acquires electromechanical services company Yachtelec

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6468" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Next Yacht Group (Company)">Next Yacht Group</a> has announced the launch of the 34.99-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maiora (Company)">Maiora</a> 35 Exuma yacht. The Maiora 35 Exuma yacht is characterised by her impressive performance and expansive interior spaces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/271066/image/large-c7249531e1b5d86d843b54275e5e6845.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/271066">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maiora (Company)">Maiora</a> 35 Exuma yacht showcases a straight bow and fully open stern and is constructed from a composite material. She boasts sleek and stylish lines with a sporty exterior profile and a bespoke interior design.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maiora (Company)">Maiora</a> 35 Exuma yacht has been customised to meet the needs of her owner, with her pilot house positioned forward on the main deck. A second pilothouse can be found on the upper deck, allowing the owner to control her, while surrounded by friends and family.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272292/image/large-2d84df21bffb9ac88fb075dc34d04b3c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272292">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maiora (Company)">Maiora</a> 35 Exuma can accommodate up to 11 guests in 5 staterooms consisting of a full-beam master stateroom, located forward on the main deck and four VIP suites on the lower deck. She also has accommodation for a crew of six.Glass has been used extensively on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maiora (Company)">Maiora</a> 35 Exuma yacht with floor-to-ceiling windows in her main saloon and guest accommodations. Her upper deck features a 47 square-metre saloon, which can be easily converted into over 130 square-metres by opening a door, sliding the “moon-roof” open, and lowering the side glazed surfaces.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272291/image/large-d274b6d0a86d4cca227b2122c1a071d4.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272291">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maiora (Company)">Maiora</a> 35 Exuma yacht is able to store a 6.5-metre tender in the side garage, while a second garage located aft can fit a 3.5-metre service tender and countless toys. She is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 2,000 horsepower engines, which provide her with a top speed of almost 35 knots.

Maiora 35 Exuma yacht launch

Next Yacht Group has announced the launch of the 35m Maiora 35 Exuma yacht.

Travel Inspiration

Scenes from TYBA's first Yacht Charter Show