Boat International

I recall whisperings a few Monaco Yacht Shows ago about the so-called national flagship. Everyone was incredibly tight-lipped about the project, as to take part they'd had to sign the Official Secrets Act NDAs might be about as much use as saying “cross my heart and hope to die” in the superyacht business, but this was next level. The 2Ist century version of the Tower awaited for anyone breathing a word about the brief issued by the Ministry of Defence. Naturally, this irritated me immensely. I really hate not knowing things. Frankly, I was amazed the scheme was even going ahead. For all his, let's say, foibles, only Boris Johnson could have pulled it off. No one else would have the brass balls to push through a £25 o million…

Eddie Jordan Eddie is a businessman, television personality and former Formula One team boss. He is also a regular contributor to BOAT International with his Lippy from the Liffey column (page74). Your favourite celeb encounter? I was sailing around the world in 2013, and when I arrived in Cape Town I heard that Nelson Mandela had just died. The Yacht Club asked us to lay a wreath at the way point between Robben Island and the club as a mark of respect. The night before I met Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene, along with Mike Rutherford from Genesis and Roger Taylor from Queen, so I asked them all to come along. It was a hugely emotional moment that I will never forget Your scariest moment at sea? It was in Greece. We went…

Jewel in the crown Six years after her launch, one of the most famous sailing yachts in the world has joined the charter fleet, says Katia Damborsky The 105-metre sailing yacht Black Pearl is now for charter for the first time. A superyacht for true sailors, she is equipped with three 70-metre carbon masts and the world's largest DynaRig, which sets 2,900 square metres of sail. An all-star team came together for her build, with naval architecture from Dykstra Lateral Naval Architects and design by Nuvolari Lenard, Ken Freivokh and Villate Design. Oceanco delivered the super-secret project in 2018. She is available to charter with superyachtconnections.co.uk, POA. Don't miss our short film about design studio Vripack: boatint.com/vripack…

Octopus on tour The 126.2-metre Octopus has been photographed in Antarctica as part of a crossplanet charter expedition. Widely considered the first true explorer, she was seen cruising past soaring glaciers and getting up close to the region's penguin population. The famous yacht was commissioned for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and comes packed with adventureenhancing amenities, including multiple helipads and pools and a dive centre. Antarctica marks the final leg of her ambitious tour. She charters with Camper & Nicholsons, from $2,200,000 per week. Seepage 14.8for our charter guide to Antarctica and other adventurous destinations. Eco-conscious charter OUTSIDE THE OZONE Northrop & Johnson is offering clients the chance to journey out of this world with Space Perspective, a company that bills itself as “the only carbonneutral space travel company”. The technology uses a SpaceBalloon…

What is the biggest mistake first-time charterers make? For the traditional “plus expenses” motor yacht charter, I often hear guests later state that they have overpacked (brought too many shoes especially). I also feel that a first-time charterer should ask the most questions of their broker, and if they do not, the broker must offer a detailed education on expenses and itinerary. Fuel and gratuity are the biggest expense surprises at the end of a charter and yet these seem quite obvious to those of us in this business – and clearly should be talked about more in advance. What conversations canyou have withyour captain to make the most of a charter? I think it is good practice for the broker and captain to offer a plan A and potential plan B itinerary…

Sailers G2 ▲ After a rebuild at Pendennis, this high-performance 39-metre yacht was reborn. Her interior by Nauta Design features an open-plan layout and is flooded with natural light. Hatches in the cabins open to let in the breeze so you can turn off the air conditioning. No slouch on the racecourse, she can be sailed in the lightest of airs, handled easily by a crew of five. From €90,000 per week; superyachtpartners.com Vela ▼ Sizable for a phinisi-style sailing yacht, this 50-metre custom craft, launched in 2022, combines a traditional Indonesian exterior with a surprisingly modem interior. No expense has been spared in outfitting the yacht, which features high-end brands from Dedar to Hermes. Her crew includes qualified scuba instructors, and she has dive gear for 17 guests. From $94,500 per week; camperandnicholsons.com Clase…