Boat International US Edition

/boatinternational @boatint @boatinternational /boatinternational @boatinternational /boatint BOAT International One of the most memorable events I attended adjacent to the Miami International Boat Show last month was in the city's booming art district. It was a kick-off event for an immersive exhibit/event/dining experience from The Bahamas and Hidden Worlds, celebrating the islands’ beauty, fragile ecosystem, and sustainability efforts. Among evocative images of healthy corals, mangroves, and sea life projected onto walls, floors, and tables, chefs dished out sustainable food (lionfish ceviche, anyone?), and bartenders made a great show of crafting cocktails in shiny shakers – all good for the oceans and maybe humans, too. Most of the seven million visitors who visited the Bahamas last year arrived by boat (5.4 million on cruise ships alone). The Bahamas last year upped the tax on yacht charters, which had a…

Olivia Michel Olivia is a freelance journalist based on the Malaysian island of Penang. She continues to write for the yachting and luxury industry, with her work featured in Yachting World, Suitcase and Yacht Style magazines. For this issue, she discovers the most compelling natural phenomena to be seen from a superyacht (page 114). The most remarkable natural wonder you've ever witnessed? The Northern Lights in the Finnish Arctic were mesmerizing. Watching the green and purple colors in the snowy wilderness, I almost forgot how cold I was! And the one you would most love to witness? The glow of bioluminescent plankton ana clear night. An owner who had cruised in the South Pacific once described seeing the phenomenon from on board as akin to sailing through a galaxy –I'd love to experience that Your earliest…

TREASURE SHIP Six years after her launch, one of the world's most famous sailing yachts has joined the charter fleet The 350ft Oceanco sailing yacht Black Pearl is now available for charter. One of the most recognizable yachts on the ocean despite the secrecy that surrounded her 2018 delivery, she boasts three 230ft carbon masts and the world's largest DynaRig, which deploys 30,968 square feet of sail. An all-star team came together for her build, including Dykstra Naval Architects, Nuvolari Lenard, Ken Freivokh and Villate Design. She is available to charter with Superyacht Connections for an undisclosed amount. superyachtconnections.co.uk…

CHARTER SPECIAL Octopus in Antarctica The 414ft Octopus, which is widely considered the first true explorer, has been photographed in Antarctica among soaring glaciers and penguins. It was the last stop on a charter expedition that included Mexico and Brazil. The explorer's adventure-enhancing amenities include two helipads, a dive center and seven tenders. Recently updated and refreshed, she charters with Camper & Nicholsons from $2,200,000 per week. Carbon offset Ocean Independence has introduced a carbon offset program for its charter fleet, working with Swiss specialist ClimatePartner. The charter length and fuel consumption will help determine the offset contribution, which will go toward projects that help reduce emissions and benefit people around the world, for instance the installation of a new hydroelectric power plant. Eco-aware charters Outside the ozone Northrop & Johnson is expanding its services into space…

What mistakes do first-time charterers make? This depends on what type of charter they are taking. But I often hear guests later state that they have overpacked. First-time charterers should ask the most questions and their broker must offer a detailed education on expectations, expenses and itinerary. Fuel and gratuity should not be surprises and should be discussed in advance. What conversations should you have with your captain? The broker and captain should offer a plan B itinerary to ensure that charterers can still have an enjoyable time if conditions require a change in plans. Where is popular this year? Costa Rica, for late spring bookings, perhaps due to extra exposure provided by its tourism authority and the clear updates to its charter regulations and taxes. Have you seen a shift in demand…

Sailers G2 This high-performance 128ft sailing yacht was reborn after a 2018 refit at Pendennis. Her interior by Nauta Design features an open-plan layout and plenty of natural light. She can be sailed in the lightest of airs, handled by a crew of five. From €90,000 per week; superyachtpartners.com Vela This 164ft custom phinisi-style sailing yacht launched in 2022 combines a traditional Indonesian exterior with a modern interior outfitted with a blend of high-end brands from Dedar to Hermès. Her crew includes qualified scuba instructors and she has dive gear for 17 guests, making her an ideal platform for diving trips. From $94,500 per week; camperandnicholsons.com Oceanus Launched in 2022 by Fontaine Pajot, 70ft Oceanus hosts eight guests in four cabins. Her bow lounge, complete with a Jacuzzi, is an unusual amenity for a yacht this…