Whether as an effort to diversify investments, ego or challenge – many international celebrities have spent millions of dollars for the opportunity to own a superyacht. Unlike athletes who splash their names on a restaurant and cover the walls in memorabilia as a shrine to their athletic glory, celebrity yacht owners rarely view their vessels as a tool for self-promotion. Instead, these yachts serve as a private oasis, a retreat from the constant pressures of the high-profile world of business and entertainment.
When not in use by their owners or families, many of these yachts are available for hire as luxury mega yacht charter vessels.
While a celebrity’s name might pique your interest in considering his or her yacht, it’s the onboard amenities, professional crew, and overall design of the vessel that ultimately lead a client to rent a specific private yacht.
Still, for many people (especially the charterer’s children), it’s fun to say,
“We just spent a week on P. Diddy’s private yacht!“
To that end, we’ve compiled a list of our three favorite celebrity-owned yachts for hire:
1. VAJOLIROJA
Sailing the high seas as the lead character in the blockbusterPirates of the Caribbean movie franchise might explain why actor Johnny Depp has a passion for fine yachts.
Motor yacht VaJoLiRoJa — the boat’s clever name comes from combining the first few letters of each family member’s name, partner Vanessa Paradis, Johnny, and their kids, Lily-Rose and Jack — is a 156′ Mediterranean yacht charter vessel of distinctive character, inspired by the classic gentleman’s yachts of the 1930’s.
The lavishly-styled interior evokes the romance and glamour of a bygone era (with a few pirate-themed hints throughout). Available for hire in the Mediterranean for € 98,000 per week in July and August, and € 84,000 per week the other months.
2. VA BENE
According to the story, legendary rock star Eric Clapton (“Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Cocaine“) chartered motor yacht Va Bene in 2005 and loved the yacht so much, he purchased it from then owner, F1 motor racing CEO Bernie Ecclestone. The 157 ft (47.8m) yacht can accommodate 12 guests in six separate sleeping cabins and has a crew complement of 13 when under charter.
The yacht’s interior is best described as calm and informal, with neutral tones in the décor and an Art Deco theme running through the main guest areas. Clapton, a collector of modern art, has filled the yacht with paintings, sculptures, and ceramic vases.
Motor Yacht Va Bene is available for Caribbean yacht charter hire in the winter and spring at a rate of $189,000 per week. In the summer, the yacht is based in the Mediterranean and is priced at $210,000 per week in July and August, and $189,000 per week all other months.
3. SEVEN SEAS
After her launch in 2010, speculation swirled around Steven Spielberg’s motor yacht SEVEN SEAS as to whether or not she would enter the charter market. At first – she did. Recently, however, Spielberg withdrew the yacht from charter for extended personal use. Hopeful that the superyacht will one day return to charter, we have selected her for our list of the best celebrity-owned (charter) yachts.
At 86 meters in length, her size, shape, and style ensure that motor yacht Seven Seasis one of the most impressive yachts in the world. Built by Oceanco, the megayacht features an infinity swimming pool on her aft deck which can conveniently be transformed into a full helipad or used as a screen for viewing movies while on deck or in the pool. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we will soon see the return of Seven Seas to the rental marketplace!
HOW TO BOOK A CELEBRITY-OWNED YACHT CHARTER
Do you know any other celebrity-owned yachts worthy of mention? Help us expand our list and see if we can come up with the top ten celebrity-owned yacht, even if they are not for hire. Contact us with your nominations HERE.
How can they contribute to furthering the cause of green, eco-friendly vacations?
HOW TO TAKE GREEN APPROACH TO TRAVEL
It’s not hard, and taking a “green approach” to vacations goes hand-in-hand with being a responsible traveler. With a little effort, charter passengers can help reduce the negative environmental impact on the places they visit.
Green travel begins with the understanding and respect for the cruising destination’s culture and an effort to bring benefit the local economy.
Lastly, you do not have to pay more to go green!
A FEW WAYS TO GO GREEN
Let’s look at three simple ways to travel greener on your next sailing vacation:
1. Save Energy a) Re-use towels and linens during your charter. Crews on yachts scramble to clean and change linens throughout a charter. After all, they are dedicated to the highest level of customer service. Simply tell your crew that you are willing to reuse your towels and bed linens more than once or twice during your stay. It is estimated this simple act can save 5 percent on utilities!
YET ANOTHER WAY TO GO GREEN ON A YACHT
b) turn off the air conditioning and lights in your cabin when leaving the room.
MORE WAYS TO GO GREEN
2. Reduce Carbon Output Plan a trip that will reduce carbon emissions. Sometimes it is as simple as considering the distance from the arrival airport to your awaiting yacht. Ask your crew if there is a marina or sandy beach close to the airport. If there is, you can save the cost of a taxi and the related carbon emissions of the vehicle.
HOW TO REDUCE CARBON OUTPUT AND GO GREEN?
For instance, many people arriving for a charter in Tortola, BVI first fly into St. Thomas, USVI. After that, they take a 30 minute taxi to the ferry docks. They then ride a ferry to Tortola. Lastly, they take another quick taxi to a marina, where their yacht and crew await. As a green alternative, you can fly to Beef Island airport in Tortola, adjacent to a large, sandy beach. Your crew can take a dinghy up to the beach to pick you up, and you can literally walk over from the airport!
LAST WAY TO GO GREEN
3. Support the Local Economy You can easily travel greener by learning about your destination. Research the culture, food, and environment of the places you visit. Prior to your charter, ask your crew to cook using native cuisine versus foods and goods that need to be shipped in. When going ashore to shop and sightsee, buy souvenirs and handmade crafts that benefit the local community. Do not buy imported goods. Lastly, Do not purchase souvenirs made from local endangered animals or plants.
Remember, responsible travel habits will reduce the negative environmental impact on the places you visit. These impacts matter long after you and your sailing companions have returned home.
The island of Cyprus continues to gain popularity as a yacht charter destination. Karpaz Gate Marina (KGM) is a new luxury marina in northern Cyprus. It is scheduled to open in early June, 2011.
SEA-ALLIANCE GROUP
Sea-Alliance Group is the marina’s management team. They have announced there will be visiting yachts participating in the Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally (EMYR).
EMYR
EMYR is an annual event. It attracts 55 to 60 sailing yachts. They travel around major ports of call in the Eastern Mediterranean.
THE MARINA
Yacht owners and sailing yacht customers will be the first visitors to use the marina. It is 90% complete at this time. Crew and guests will enjoy exclusive access to the facilities at KGM. Berthing will be free of charge. The marina is planning an evening of entertainment, including a welcoming party with local dignitaries.
Karpaz Gate Marina is the first luxury marina built in Cyprus, and a component of the new Karpaz Bay Resort (KBR). Located on the stunning Karpaz Peninsula in the north-eastern tip of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Karpaz Gate Marina has 300 berths, including 12 berths for superyachts up to a maximum of 55 metres in length.
SHORT-TERM AVAILABILITY
KGM should become an attractive destination for day and weekend trips, and where both large and small boats, and long- and short-term visitors, will be equally welcome. The management team has recently announced the opening of a beach club, scheduled to open in late 2011.
MARINA FEATURES
The resort will also include a children’s playground, a gym, restaurants, hotel, and a food and provisioning market. Onsite services will include a yacht brokerage, ship chandlery, sailing school, and a SCUBA diving center.
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER
To charter a yacht in the Eastern Mediterranean, contact our destination experts HERE.
Envision the World Superyacht Awards 2011’s runaway sweep of every major sailing yacht category.
AMAZING DESIGN TEAM
Ed Dubois and his team of designers at Dubois Naval Architects, Ltd. historical award-winning night. Winners of the coveted Neptune Trophy in five categories, including Sailing Yacht of the Year, as a result.
DUBOIS WINNING SAILBOATS
Sailing YACHT of the YEAR – 49.7 meter Fitzroy sloop sail yacht ZEFIRA
BEST Sailing Yacht over 45 meters – sail yacht ZEFIRA
BEST Sailing Yacht from 30 to 44.99 meters: Alloy sloop sail yachtIMAGINE
Judges’ SPECIAL Award: 58.40 meter Alloy sloop sail yacht KOKOMO
Judges’ COMMENDATION: 57.5 meter Royal Huisman ketch sail yacht TWIZZLE
Dubois speaks of Kokomo, a Mediterranean yacht charter vessel, as,
“…quite simply, the most advanced yacht of her type in the world today.”
OTHER WINNERS
Sail yacht TWIZZLE was our “Yacht of the Week.” She is the first Dubois-designed sailing superyacht to be built at the Royal Huisman Shipyard and at 57.5m, therefore, the largest Dubois-designed ketch built to-date.
Founded in 1977, Dubois Naval Architects has been at the center of world yacht design for many years. As a result, the team seems superbly adept at creating yachts well-suited for sail boat charters. Saturday’s clean sweep of all major categories is a testament to the company’s ability to partner great design and excellence in naval architecture.
Sailing yachts win awards, plain and simple Dubois-designed mega yacht charter vessels include 54.30 meter Alloy sail yacht TIARA, 51.70 meter Alloy sail yacht RED DRAGON, and 37 meter sail Yachting Developments sail yacht, BLISS.
Motor yacht EXUMA profile from mid-March. Above all, the Perini Navi Group, famous for sailboats, built an award-winning 50 meter motoryacht.
AWARD-WINNING
EXUMA received World Superyacht Award Motoryacht of the Year. Additionally, she was named Best Displacement Motoryacht under 500 gross tons.
PERINI NAVI
Yacht EXUMA wasco-designated the winner at the sixth international ceremony in London. Specifically, awarded with 162.5 meter yacht ECLIPSE. The latter was built by Blohm and Voss. In addition to styling by Terence Disdale Design. Similarly, the yacht is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
ARCHITECT
Furthermore, EXUMAwas designed by naval architect Philippe Briand. The vessel is,
“unparalleled in terms of interior space design and deck organization. There are large spaces dedicated to ensuring privacy among guests, and plenty of room to store the yacht’s sizable watertoy equipment inventory.“
EXUMA TOYS
Unique onboard toys are numerous. For instance, a Hovercraft, underwater SeaBob scooter, an electric moped, and an Amphibious Jeep.
Some of the newest and largest yachts for hire win awards. They starred at the sixth annual World Superyacht Awards. This was in London, May 7, 2011.
MOTOR YACHT OF THE YEAR
Sixteen new yachts were honored. Nine are available for hire. These are in popular vacation destinations around the world. The 50 meter EXUMA was co-winner of the prestigious,”Motor Yacht of the Year,” with yacht, Eclipse.
OSCARS OF YACHT INDUSTRY
The Neptune awards are considered the “Oscars of the yacht industry.” A beautiful evening ceremony took place at London’s historic Guildhall. The distinguished guests attend the glittering gala . For instance, over 500 yacht owners and naval architects. Also included were designers, their families, and friends. With this in mind, it was an amazing event.
NEPTUNE TROPHIES
Silver Neptune trophies went to owners of sail and motor yachts delivered in 2010. For instance, Kokomo (sailboat) and Sycara V (motoryacht).
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway and 1-800 Yacht Charters beamed as the final award was announced.
“We are so proud to represent for charter nine of the winning yachts,” said Sheeder. “This is a great testament to the talents and keen eye of our charter department. Our team spends countless hours identifying potential yachts for hire. We look at nearly one hundred vessels each year, hoping to discover 10 to 20 new yachts that exemplify elegant design and luxurious amenities. It is these yachts – the best of the best – that we present to our clients for their yachting vacations.”
AWARD WINNERS
Here is the list of winners, with click-for-brochure charter yachts highlighted in yellow:
BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT
3,000 Gross Tons (GT) and Above
Winner: Eclipse
Judges’ Special Award: Palladium
The summer Mediterranean yacht charter season is just around the corner, and we all have our hearts set on warm weather and sunny beaches. Whetheryou’re planning a bareboat charter or a crewed catamaran charter, the swimsuit hunt has begun, and it’s time to check out the fashion runways for some stylish inspiration.
Let’s take a look at the hottest swimwear trends of the season.
Sexy Cut Outs: The cut outs we often see on cocktail dresses and evening gowns have found their way into this season’s swimwear. Roksanda Ilincic went for a dramatic look with a black strapless piece while Emanuel Ungaro took a feminine approach to the cut out style with a floral one-piece. Emilio Pucci joined the revealing trend with a graphic print suit.
Go for the Gold:Not a fan of vibrant colors? You can still shine with the nude and gold trend of the season. Elie Tahari created a shimmering brocade one-piece corset, along with a gold lamé bikini. Salvatore Ferragamodebuted a classic nude bikini with suede overcoat for a subtle but chic look. #fashion
Retro Chic: Picture a lovely lady, circa 1968, lounging on the deck of a Monaco Grand Prix yacht, or Jackie Onassis and her friends lounging onboard the famous motor yacht Christina O. Those images set the tone for the latest in retro swimsuits. High waists, balconette tops, and gingham highlight the 50’s and 60’s trend that has touched the swimwear scene.
Moschino’s black and white bustier bikini with high-waisted bottoms exemplified the throwback look. Elie Taharai created a textured top with matching hot shorts, while Rochas went with an exaggerated design to highlight feminine style.
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER
Splash in to summer and rent a private yacht for the vacation of a lifetime. Contact our destination team HERE today!
Just as there are “brand” aficionados with powerboats, it turns out the sail yacht enthusiasts have a favorite manufacturer as well: Perini Navi.
The Perini Navi Group builds superyachts under two specific brand names: Perini Navi for the sail boat division, and Picchiotti for the motor yacht division. Founded in 1983, Perini Navi Group has operations in five market sectors:
Large sailing yachts that range from 40 to 60 meters
Large sailing yachts over 60 meters and custom projects
A racing line of sailing yachts
A fast cruising line of sailing yachts
Picchiotti motor yachts from the Vitruvius® series
It is in Viareggio, Italy, where the world’s premier brand of sail yacht projects are draw, developed and constructed.
From master Italian craftsmen, to the use of the finest materials and amenities, these sailing vessels have garnered critical acclaim, and a dedicated following of repeat charter customers.
Over a dozen yachts by this storied manufacture are available in the luxury sailing charter marketplace. Among the standout vessels are sail yacht MALTESE FALCON, sail yacht MELEK, sail yacht SALUTE, and sail yacht PANTHALASSA.
Italian-built superyacht OLAH revved everyone’s engines recently. The owner announced a 25% price reduction AND a secured trackside berth for the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix.
The 47.5 meter yacht originally offered a 5-day race package for Euro € 159,000. She then reduced that price to Euro € 120,000 for 5 nights, including the berth. All running expenses, such as fuel, food, and bar, are extra.
WHO IS THIS ITALIAN SUPERYACHT?
The 2005 Italian megayacht is a regular fixture on the summer Mediterranean yacht charter circuit. She has Walter Franchini Design, with a light and elegant interior by Cristiano Gatto Design. Yacht OLAH (x-KOLAHA) accommodates up to 10 guests. She can host up to 40 guests while in port for race watching and corporate cocktail receptions.
SPECIAL EVENT YACHT CHARTERS
Yacht charters are one of the most popular ways of experiencing special events like the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival, Mipim, or Fashion Weeks.
SailAway is pleased to announce additional superyacht dockage in London. They are available at ExCel London for the London Olympics. These are in addition to those at The Marina at the London Docklands, ExCel is one of the 2012 Olympic Games venues. These berths are beside the ExCel Centre at London’s Royal Docks. Charter guests there have a convenient base for the duration of the Olympic Games.
“We were thrilled in February to announce the availability of dockage at The Docklands,” says Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants, as well as 1-800 Yacht Charters. “Now we can offer additional accommodations, specifically to largest yachts, at the Royal Docks. We understand the adjacent ExCel Centre will host a variety of Olympic events. Those events include Boxing, Wrestling, Fencing, Taekwondo, and Table Tennis.”
London Olympics Dockage Setup
Infrastructure is in place to provide an on-site berth manager. The setup also includes restricted public access, a dedicated parking lot for automobiles, and concierge services.
Sheeder expects heavy demand for these prime berths. She encourages yacht owners to reserve their berths right away.
LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […] read more
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read more
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read more
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