Every once in a while, we find a hidden “gem” at a boat show that we can’t wait to share with our clients. Motor yacht DREW is that type of yacht.
Launched in 2016, she is just the second hull in the new Benetti Veloce 140 series. She made her charter debut at the 29th edition of Yachts Miami Beach, the show that highlights private luxury yacht charter megayachts, and runs concurrently with the Miami Boat Show, now named Miami Yacht Show. Yacht manager, Stacy Moss of Northrop and Johnson invited our company President, Jana Sheeder, onboard for a private viewing and an opportunity to meet the crew. After our inspection, Stacy was kind enough to put together an overview for our readers:
THE YACHT
Benetti’s 140-foot (42.6m) luxury motor yacht DREW was launched in 2016. This sexy, chic yacht is ideal for charter thanks to her impressively voluminous and stylish interior, her exceptional on-deck spaces and her fully stocked toy box with a variety of exciting water sports, tenders and more.
Five staterooms cater to up to 10 guests on board (yacht) DREW. The main-deck 900-square-foot master is located forward and offers a walk-around king-size bed, an 80-inch flat screen, massive windows that provide astonishing views and an en-suite his-and-hers master math with a large European rain shower. The four additional guest staterooms are located on the lower deck. All offer queen-size beds and en-suite bathrooms, among other amenities.
The main salon is a perfect place to entertain. A variety of seating options, a game table and a flat screen TV all are on offer. Just aft, an alfresco dining table for 10 is the perfect spot for breakfast. This space leads to the beach club, which houses all the yacht’s water toys and is a great place to relax, catch some rays or pop in the water.
Motor yacht DREW’s skylounge is equipped with a full bar, day head, incredible views from massive windows and a large wrap-around couch situated in front of an 80-inch flat screen, and dive into a movie. The skylounge aft offers alfresco dining for 10 and incredible views. DREW’s sundeck is divided into two sections, forward and aft. The aft deck has four large chaise lounges, two large removable umbrellas; forward is a large bar with seating for five, a dining table for 10 and a flat screen TV. The Portuguese deck, an extension of the sundeck, is outfitted with U-shaped settee seating for 10, a table, four large sun pads and a Jacuzzi.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 43m/ 140 ft
Beam: 8m/ 27.10 ft
Draft: 2.43m/ 8 ft
Year: 2016
Guests: 10
Cabins: 5
Crew: 8
THE BAHAMAS
The owner of the yacht has decided the Bahamas is the perfect destination for his new yacht, and we couldn’t agree more. Our biggest challenge when arranging a Bahamas yacht charter for a client is the difficulty to find a yacht that can accommodate a large family or multiple couples in the shallow waters of the Bahamas. You see, much of the Bahamian islands reside in shallow, sandy waters. Large megayachts that can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers usually have deep drafts meaning they sit deeply in the water – too deep to navigate in shallow coves. Even though Drew has accommodations for 10 guests, she is only 140ft in overall length, and her draft is just 8 feet. Hence, this Benetti Veloce 140 is the perfect platform for a superyacht experience in the Bahamas!
MAIN FEATURES
“Zen-like” interior
Five stylish staterooms accommodate up to 10 guests
Exquisitely modern interior style
Lounge seating provides ultimate comfort
Spacious, innovative forward covered-seating area with Jacuzzi – brings Portuguese-bow concept to another level
Beach club at water level
Contemporary full-beam master stateroom on main deck
Chic photography and unique artwork throughout
Toy-free decks
Zero Speed Stabilization system
TENDERS/TOYS
Towed tender
18.5’ (5.6m) Williams tender
Sensational waterslide
2 Seabobs
2 Inflatable paddleboards
Inflatable kayak
Snorkeling gear
Wakeboards
Towable toys
Assorted fishing gear – fully rigged
Drone
“Beach set up” tables and chairs
Exercise bike (connects to Wi-Fi for online workouts)
Rowing machine
TRX workout equipment
Medicine ball, core strengthening devices, yoga mats
Weights
CHARTER RATE
Based in the Bahamas for the summer, and most likely the Caribbean for the winter, her weekly charter rate is $160,000/wk plus running expenses, with no price change between low and high seasons or for holidays.
MOTORYACHT DREW WAS JUST SOLD. WE ARE HOPING THAT SHE WILL REENTER THE LUXURY YACHT CHARTER MARKET.
I love yacht shows, but probably for a different reason than most yacht charter brokers. Sure, it’s a chance to see the newest yachts as they enter the market. It is also a special opportunity to sample gourmet treats prepared by Michelin-star yacht chefs. My associates refer to me as a wannabe gastronome.
For me, the real intrigue of attending a yacht show or yacht open house is the chance to watch our company President, Jana Sheeder, as she boards a yacht, inspects the vessel, and meets the crew.
IN HER OWN WORDS
So what sets Jana apart from other charter brokers? What is it that allows 1-800 Yacht Charters to innovate beyond the basic rental of yachts and to deliver what we call, The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients?
I’ll let Jana explain our point of difference.
“Attention to detail and focus on perfection are at the core of our business philosophy. Aristotle is credited with the saying, ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ We truly believe in the famous philosopher’s message. It is easy to fall into the trap of analyzing a yacht’s onboard amenities. Others see features, above benefits. Certainly, items like an ondeck hot tub, an outdoor cinema area, and Hamman spa draw your attention to a yacht, butit’s the small things, some tangible, some more of a feeling, that can make or break the onboard superyacht experience for a client.”
WHAT DOES SHE MEAN?
Here is an example of Jana’s point. Recently aboard a yacht new to the market, 2016 Benetti motor yacht DREW. During Yachts Miami Beach (February, 2017), at our city’s premier luxury yacht charter and sales show. Other guests focused on the yacht’s layout and her unique design components. For instance, the covered seating area and hot tub, positioned on the forward Portuguese deck. It is different, because it is not on the sundeck- where most yachts locate their on deck Jacuzzi. What was Jana looking at? The soap and lotion dispensers in a cabin’s ensuite bath…
“They provide Jo Malone soap and lotion to the guests,” Jana called out to me. Later, she would explain the importance of providing quality skincare products to the charter guests.
“An article about the British Royal Wedding claimed Kate Middleton used Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin to scent Westminster Abbey on her wedding day. I researched the brand and was impressed by the unique, original scents. It may seem strange to the casual observer, but the brand and quality of the soaps and lotions provided to the charter guests can be integral to the overall superyacht experience – especially for the female guests. The fragrances provided by the yacht should be subtle, so as not to clash with any perfumes or colognes worn by the guests. Additionally, the lotions need to have a nourishing texture since the charter guests are exposed to sun, salty water, and outside air much of the time during the cruise.”
As we moved from yacht to yacht, Jana would make notes and take photos of many items and features of the vessel, including the toiletry products displayed in the bathrooms. She would make a star of approval on her list next to brands like Molton Brown,Byredo, and Aesop Resurrection Aromatique.
THE LITTLE THINGS
Here are other small and seemingly inconsequential items we critique during our yacht inspections.
First, floral arrangements. Not so much the fact that flowers are displayed, but rather when they are displayed. We always inquire from the crew if fresh flowers are put out on the morning of the last day of the charter. This one simple act can have a positive impact on the charter guests, as they feel their last day on board is as fresh and inviting as their first day.
Second, bed sheets and thread count. Affluent travelers appreciate an experience that mirrors their lifestyle. The quality of linens, including bed sheets, towels in the ensuites, cloth napkins on the dinner table, etc. must reflect both the yacht’s upscale aesthetic and that of the charterer guests.
LASTLY
Third, personal hygiene. Many of our charter clients enjoy lifestyles that includes the services of personal attendants. For instance, chefs, maids, butlers, and personal assistants. These supernumeraries are well-dressed and well-groomed. Their demeanor and appearance is a reflection of their employers. When client are onboard, the yacht’s crew assumes some of these roles, especially in terms of waitstaff. Jana will often discretely look at the fingernails of the deckhands and the stewardesses. This is to see if their nails are neatly trimmed and manicured. We also take note of the crew’s uniforms. Are they new? Clean? Ironed and pressed?
THE WHOLE VERSUS THE SUM
Many luxury yacht charter vessels have similar layouts and amenities. Taking a holistic approach to small details has helped Jana and her team focus on continually striving for perfection. Jana Sheeder realizes attention to details can mean the difference between a good vacation and a truly memorable superyacht experience.
HOW TO BOOK A SUPERYACHT CHARTER
Does a private luxury yacht charter sound like an ideal vacation for you and your family? Reach out to Jana and our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters. Call our 24 hour hotline for a live chat with one of our charter consultants. Call or text 305-720-7245. We stand by, at your service.
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Small Details Can Make Or Break Your Yacht Charter
Posted on by Jana Sheeder
THE MAGIC OF YACHT SHOWS
I love yacht shows, but probably for a different reason than most yacht charter brokers. Sure, it’s a chance to see the newest yachts as they enter the market. It is also a special opportunity to sample gourmet treats prepared by Michelin-star yacht chefs. My associates refer to me as a wannabe gastronome.
For me, the real intrigue of attending a yacht show or yacht open house is the chance to watch our company President, Jana Sheeder, as she boards a yacht, inspects the vessel, and meets the crew.
IN HER OWN WORDS
So what sets Jana apart from other charter brokers? What is it that allows 1-800 Yacht Charters to innovate beyond the basic rental of yachts and to deliver what we call, The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients?
I’ll let Jana explain our point of difference.
WHAT DOES SHE MEAN?
Here is an example of Jana’s point. Recently aboard a yacht new to the market, 2016 Benetti motor yacht DREW. During Yachts Miami Beach (February, 2017), at our city’s premier luxury yacht charter and sales show. Other guests focused on the yacht’s layout and her unique design components. For instance, the covered seating area and hot tub, positioned on the forward Portuguese deck. It is different, because it is not on the sundeck- where most yachts locate their on deck Jacuzzi. What was Jana looking at? The soap and lotion dispensers in a cabin’s ensuite bath…
As we moved from yacht to yacht, Jana would make notes and take photos of many items and features of the vessel, including the toiletry products displayed in the bathrooms. She would make a star of approval on her list next to brands like Molton Brown, Byredo, and Aesop Resurrection Aromatique.
THE LITTLE THINGS
Here are other small and seemingly inconsequential items we critique during our yacht inspections.
First, floral arrangements. Not so much the fact that flowers are displayed, but rather when they are displayed. We always inquire from the crew if fresh flowers are put out on the morning of the last day of the charter. This one simple act can have a positive impact on the charter guests, as they feel their last day on board is as fresh and inviting as their first day.
Second, bed sheets and thread count. Affluent travelers appreciate an experience that mirrors their lifestyle. The quality of linens, including bed sheets, towels in the ensuites, cloth napkins on the dinner table, etc. must reflect both the yacht’s upscale aesthetic and that of the charterer guests.
LASTLY
Third, personal hygiene. Many of our charter clients enjoy lifestyles that includes the services of personal attendants. For instance, chefs, maids, butlers, and personal assistants. These supernumeraries are well-dressed and well-groomed. Their demeanor and appearance is a reflection of their employers. When client are onboard, the yacht’s crew assumes some of these roles, especially in terms of waitstaff. Jana will often discretely look at the fingernails of the deckhands and the stewardesses. This is to see if their nails are neatly trimmed and manicured. We also take note of the crew’s uniforms. Are they new? Clean? Ironed and pressed?
THE WHOLE VERSUS THE SUM
Many luxury yacht charter vessels have similar layouts and amenities. Taking a holistic approach to small details has helped Jana and her team focus on continually striving for perfection. Jana Sheeder realizes attention to details can mean the difference between a good vacation and a truly memorable superyacht experience.
HOW TO BOOK A SUPERYACHT CHARTER
Does a private luxury yacht charter sound like an ideal vacation for you and your family? Reach out to Jana and our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters. Call our 24 hour hotline for a live chat with one of our charter consultants. Call or text 305-720-7245. We stand by, at your service.
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This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News and tagged gastronome, British Royal Wedding, yacht show, hammam spa, Kate Middleton, yacht inspections, Lime, Lady Bee, what makes us different, motoryacht charter, Basil & Mandarine, company president comments, Jana Sheeder, wedding, it's the little things, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, details, Benetti, fresh flowers, the superyacht experience, Byredo, Yachts Miami Beach, Molton Brown, Aesop Resurrection Aromatique, holistic, Jo Malone, yacht provisions, DREW
Posted on by Jana Sheeder