<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/370106/image/large-ee139d517c1d73baeacb63d54e2e588a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/370106">Observed this summer anchored here in Saint-Tropez, south of France, was the 70.16-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a>. Delivered in 2021 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a>, she is the largest yacht built by the Italian shipyard to date. Her exterior and interior were both designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1197" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi (Company)">Team for Design – Enrico Gobbi</a>, while naval architecture is by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arrabito Naval Architects (Company)">Arrabito Naval Architects</a>. With a volume of 1,546 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> accommodates 12 guests across six staterooms, including a grand master suite lined with beige panels and framed by sculptural silver detailing. Lifestyle amenities are extensive, ranging from a spa with sauna, massage room and gym to a cinema, pool and deck Jacuzzi. Powered by triple <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> cruises at 15 knots and reaches a top speed of 17 knots. She is now available for charter with weekly rates from €720,000, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/63203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="&quot;Just call me John&quot;: Meet the Captain behind the 70m yacht Polestar's charter debut (2025-04-29 11:15:00 +0200)">learn more about her charter debut with her captain here.</a>If you would like to see your photo featured each day, then send your submissions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:news@superyachttimes.com" target="_blank">news@superyachttimes.com</a>.

70m Rossinavi superyacht Polestar anchored in Saint-Tropez

Polestar yacht anchored in Saint-Tropez

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The 70m superyacht Polestar, built by Rossinavi in 2021, was seen anchored here in Saint-Tropez, France. 

“I don’t really like being called ‘Captain’ – I’m John. Yes, I’m fully qualified, but my job is to make sure you and your loved ones go home with all your fingers and toes, beaming with smiles and incredible memories, wanting to come back again and again,” shared the rotational Captain of the 70.15-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a>.Designed inside and out by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1197" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi (Company)">Team for Design – Enrico Gobbi</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arrabito Naval Architects (Company)">Arrabito Naval Architects</a>, the 1,546 GT vessel launched in 2021, blends elegance, performance, and guest-focused design. She is now available for summer charters in the Mediterranean with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cecil Wright (Company)">Cecil Wright</a>. <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtCharterMarket.com</a> sat down with John to learn more about his background, the yacht, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a>’s charter programme as they gear up for their first season.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/358374/image/large-abbd1d18335f3cf1fb91cb0241babd2e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/358374">“It’s definitely a nuanced role – juggling personalities, safety, service, and expectations – but I love it. It’s what I do,” he shared. A mariner at heart, John was raised on the Isle of Wight in a yachting family and began his career in 1995. He pursued a Merchant Navy cadetship, earned his Master’s Unlimited license, and brings decades of experience from both commercial offshore work and the superyacht world. In 2019, John returned to yachting, taking senior captain roles aboard iconic 100-metre-plus yachts like the 83.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5598" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savannah83.5m (273'11&quot;)Feadship2015">Savannah</a>, before joining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> as rotational captain to better balance work and family.“I pride myself on being straightforward, easy to get along with, but extremely serious about safety,” he said. His background brings structure, discipline, and clear communication, while still fostering a fun guest experience. “One of the reasons the new owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> wanted me was my decades of captaincy experience, but also because I had been on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5598" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savannah83.5m (273'11&quot;)Feadship2015">Savannah</a>. He loved the vibe onboard and asked if I could bring that energy to his boat. I told him, ‘Absolutely, 100 percent,’” he shared.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/358369/image/large-069676754d3df76989c7c8c5332a960a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/358369">“What he felt – and what really struck him – was the positive vibe on board. There were smiles everywhere. When you have a crew that’s happy, content, challenged, and feels appreciated – a crew that knows they’re being given every opportunity to grow – they want to be there and give their best every day,” said John. At the core of his philosophy is respect: “My father always said, ‘treat people how you’d want to be treated,’ and I carry that with me every day. The crew will give 120 percent, working to their legal limits to make sure guests have the most incredible experience, and they deserve respect for that.”“We’ve built a solid team – there was some turnover at first, but now it’s zero. That’s what we’ve been doing for almost a year now. We had a really successful season last year with this crew, and they’ve all stayed on through the winter,” he added. While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> hasn’t yet begun formal charter operations, preparations are meticulous. The dynamic 17-strong crew undergo intensive training and service drills twice weekly.&nbsp;As John explained: “The longer people stay with us, the more intellectual property they build – the deeper their understanding of how the boat operates and flows.” From an operational perspective, “with solid systems and continuity in place, we’re able to deliver near-perfect service,” assures John. Even details like laundry are finely tuned. “Knowing we have that expertise gives me a lot of confidence in the service we deliver,” stated John.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/358371/image/large-8aa6000d905afad21776f9b18df8c197.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/358371">As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> gears up for its first charter season, the focus is firmly on ensuring every element – from crew readiness to onboard systems – is operating at the highest level. “It’s about refining every detail. “We spend time doing training – not just safety drills, but service training, water sports practice, guest interaction scenarios – everything to make sure we’re delivering at the very top level from day one.” The crew is engaged in rigorous preparation, running mock meals, refining menus, and rehearsing full-service experiences with brokers and charter professionals to simulate real conditions. With provisioning chains, documentation, and all certifications in perfect order, the team is determined to deliver seamless service from the outset.Beyond operations, the emphasis is on cultivating the right onboard atmosphere – what Captain John calls “the magic.” He explained, “You can have the most incredible yacht, but if the vibe and energy from the crew aren’t right, you’ll never achieve that five-star experience.” Building strong team spirit and shifting the mindset from private operations to charter-focused hospitality has been a priority. From perfecting multi-table dinner setups to detailed guest preference profiling – even down to how each guest takes their coffee – every measure is being taken to ensure guests feel cared for without needing to ask. “The only way to really know if we’re ready is by doing it,” John added, calling these live service rehearsals “charter trials” – a final step before the real thing begins.Diverse and dynamic crew“I’m a firm believer in having a mixed-nationality crew,” stated John, who believes diversity fosters collaboration and prevents cliques. Right now, we’ve got a great mix that brings a great culture and energy.” From a guest perspective, it also creates “brilliant ice-breaking moments,” he noted. The British, South African, New Zealand, Australian, Romanian, Ukrainian, and Belgian crew is described by their Captain as passionate, skilled, and enthusiastic, eager to connect with guests and elevate their experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/358370/image/large-634ed7bf5ffa021f5cfc2a546f9e7f08.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/358370">On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a>, guests are “surrounded by people who genuinely love the ocean,” continued John. “That’s really important to me. I hire crew who love being in, on, and around the water, and who bring unique skills that can make a guest’s experience unforgettable. Whether it’s a deckhand taking a six-year-old out for the most exciting day, coming back sun-kissed and sleepy, or a husband learning to Flyboard and nailing that one killer shot to show his friends – those moments are what it’s all about,” shared John.“We even do neon parties on board and all the crew get into it – we’ve got neon gear, body paint, and everything, laser shows, nightclub-style setups, and it becomes a real highlight. We usually end up stealing the show in whichever port we’re in,” he noted. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> knows how to have a good time. The crew love to get involved and entertain – it’s a big part of what makes the experience fun and memorable.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/358372/image/large-42b07ee37450542aa5027b437c0af80d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/358372">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> really caters to everyone.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> is designed to offer something for everyone – from high-energy water sports and beach club parties to serene spa experiences and family-friendly amenities. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> really caters to everyone,” says Captain John, highlighting features like the cinema room conveniently located near the beach club and bar, allowing parents to unwind while children are entertained just steps away. For older guests, the yacht’s exceptional stability – thanks to dual sets of stabilisers — and dedicated wellness spaces for Pilates, yoga, or simply relaxing, ensure a smooth and peaceful onboard experience. “She’s been built to exceptionally high standards in terms of noise and vibration control,” John added. “Honestly, it’s off the scale – incredibly low noise.”The yacht’s diesel-electric propulsion system contributes to that seamless quiet operation, which guests notice right away. But it’s not just performance that stands out – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a>’s intuitive layout is purpose-built for charter comfort. “When you step inside, it all just makes sense,” John said. Guest cabins, the spa, and gym are all easily accessible, while upper decks feature a well-connected VIP area, owner’s deck, and lounge. “Anyone walking on board will walk through once and immediately feel at home,” he noted. That effortless flow eliminates the awkwardness guests sometimes feel on less thoughtfully designed yachts, making <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> as welcoming as she is luxurious.Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/onboard-yacht-polestar" target="_blank">Onboard 70m majestic Rossinavi superyacht Polestar</a>“We’ve got great retention, an amazing crew, strong packages, a fantastic boss, and an exciting program that’s opening up to the charter world,” said John. His vision for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6033" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Polestar70.16m (230'2&quot;)Rossinavi2021">Polestar</a> is clear: to deliver not just a charter, but a complete, world-class experience that showcases the best of life at sea, one where safety, fun, luxury, and professionalism come together seamlessly.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/358373/image/large-3303b29bed3d61122939473e6b1b74c4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/358373">This article was first published in the <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" target="_blank">YachtCharterMarket Newsletter</a>, the weekly newsletter on all things charter. <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" target="_blank">Visit the website</a> to read past editions, or <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to never miss an issue.

Captain John on the Polestar's entrance to the charter market

John discusses his background as Captain, and Polestar’s preparation for her first Mediterranean charter season after years of private operation.


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70m Rossinavi superyacht Polestar anchored in Saint-Tropez