Charter File: Khalilah is the Gold Standard

They almost painted her blue. Or pearl. Or — we gasp at the thought — khaki.

Ultimately, the owners of the 160-foot Palmer Johnson ­SuperSport Khalilah chose Cordova Gold, which, paired with her aggressive exterior styling, made her the hottest yacht on the docks during her February 2015 debut at the boat show now known as Yachts Miami Beach.

Today, Khalilah is turning heads in the Mediterranean, where she entered the charter market this past summer. Gayle Patterson, who manages Khalilah for Camper & Nicholsons International, says that within weeks of the news, she was "inundated with inquir­ies." Clients wanted to charter Khalilah not only for summer, but also this coming winter when the owner may keep her in the Bahamas.

Of course, the yacht’s bombshell exterior gets most people’s ­attention, but Patterson says the interior is just as noteworthy.

“Inside, she has a lot of woods that are natural,” Patterson says. “There are carvings and inlays, natural fibers and fabrics. It’s quite colorful and fun. There’s an eclectic collection of artwork and fabrics, and it all comes together. There are beautiful mosaic bathrooms with lots of different designs.”

PEDIGREE: 160-foot Palmer Johnson built in 2015.
ACCOMMODATIONS: 11 guests in five staterooms including two similar-size, king-berth masters on the main deck.
CREW: 9.
THIS WINTER: possibly the Bahamas.
SUMMER 2018: back to the Mediterranean.
FOR FUN IN THE SUN: a nearly 1,200-square-foot aft deck with oversize sun pads.
MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Camper & Nicholsons International.

Khalilah launched as the largest yacht built of carbon composite, with bold construction elements that Patterson says enhance the charter experience. For instance, not only are the main salon windows sole-to-ceiling, but some glass panels measure more than 21 feet wide by more than 7 feet tall. At the time Khalilah was built, Palmer Johnson's CEO called them the biggest glass panels on any yacht other than Apple founder Steve Jobs' 256-foot Feadship Venus.

On charter, those windows allow fantastic views and more.

“You feel as though you’re on a 60-meter yacht because of the [35-foot] beam and the floor-to-ceiling windows,” she says.

And despite Khalilah's racy exterior, Patterson says, the interior is built for relaxation, whether guests are ­families with children (they can even bring a small dog, with a security deposit) or groups of adults.

“The galley is quite unusual,” she says, as an example. “It’s on the main deck. Once the doors are open, you can walk through from the main salon. There are chairs there and a bar, so it’s a nice area to hang out. You have a glass of wine, taste some cheese, get the chef to whip you up a nibble.”

And then, recharged, you step back out into Khalilah's golden glow, ready to dazzle the world.