Genoa Charter Show
If the society world has its debutante balls, then the yachting world has Genoa.
Officially titled the International Yacht Charter Meeting, it’s best known among charter brokers and their clients simply as the Genoa Charter Show.
Now 17 years old, it brings together the finest charter yachts of the Mediterranean and charter brokers from around the world. It’s a mating ritual that allows charter brokers and their staffs to inspect the yachts, sample the cuisine, mingle with the crews, and generally assess each yacht.
Based on their experience the brokers then use this insider information to tailor their perfect yacht charter vacations for their clients. Want a yacht with a Cordon Bleu chef and a scuba-certified crew? No problem. How about a yacht that has easy access for the less than nimble? You bet. Prefer casual to formal? Easy.
This year, no fewer than 11 yachts new to chartering were debuted at Genoa. Several were brand new, one is more than half a century old, and several had extensive refits for chartering.
Here’s a look at the new yachts we found in Genoa:
Antarctica: A John Munford-designed 146′ Feadship originally built in 1996 but refitted in 2003, she is ideal for adventurous charterers. With a double master cabin and four twin cabins, she has comfortable accommodations for longer voyages. Amenities include full scuba gear for six, twin Novurania diesel tenders, and an Iridium phone. Crew of seven.
Cassiopeia: Built in 2004 by Holland Jachtbouw, this 105-footer has 17-knot cruising speed. With a teak interior and light furnishings, she handles six to seven guests in two doubles and one twin with an additional Pullman berth if needed. Scuba diving and a pair of three-person jetskis are tended by the friendly crew of five.
Delphine: This 258-footer was originally built for Horace Dodge in 1921, but she was restored to Great Gatsby elegance over six years, ending in 2004. She easily handles 26 guests in a master and VIP suite, plus nine doubles and one cabin for four. Steam powered, she has a crew of 24. Amenities include a swimming pool with jet stream, massage bath, Turkish sauna for six, fitness room, hair stylist, and a Steinway piano with pianist. She is available in both the Med and the Caribbean.
La Mascarade: Unique as the world’s only 30 meter (92′) Feadship, La Mascarade was built in 1997 with the attributes of a 150-footer. The bright and relaxed whitewashed oak interior is by Terry Disdale, and she has a full-beam master suite on the main deck, plus a lower-deck full-beam VIP stateroom and two double cabins. The crew of seven is scuba-certified.
Parsifal III: A brand-new 177′ ketch from Perini Navi, Parsifal is said to be the fastest Perini Navi ever launched. Her upbeat contemporary interior has an owner’s suite with a sitting/entertaining area and can be divided into two independent double cabins. There are also two double suites and two twin cabins. Guests can enjoy the on-deck plunge pool, Teppanyaki barbecue, crow’s nest elevator, 10,000-DVD library, and a great selection of water toys. She winters in the Caribbean and summers in the Med.
Sarina: A brand-new Benetti, this 87-footer has an elegant and simple interior with a master suite on the main deck plus a VIP double and three twin cabins on the lower deck for eight guests. Designed for alfresco enjoyment, she has aft deck and sundeck dining plus a bridge hardtop that can be enclosed. A Zodiac tender and WaveRunner pull a multitude of water toys.
Serendipity Blue: Launched early in 2005, this 85′ Falcon has the very latest equipment and amenities. Designed for charter with a spacious layout, she has the master suite aft, plus a forward VIP stateroom and two twin cabins with Pullman berths. Located year-round in the western Med, she features a waterski boat, jetski, sea kayak, and snorkel gear.
Seven Sins: Seen in detail elsewhere in this issue, Seven Sins is a newly launched 136′ Heesen tri-deck. The full-beam master suite is on the main deck, and four spacious staterooms (two VIP and two twins) are on the lower deck. She features the Heesen signature garage that includes a sauna and steam room in addition to a 20′ tender and numerous water toys. She will summer in the Med and winter in the Caribbean.
Shalimar: From the KaiserWerft yard, the 101′ Shalimar was built in fiberglass in 2003. A fast planing yacht with a top speed of 24 knots, she has a glossy cherry interior with accommodations for eight guests. The owner’s suite on the main deck has incredible panoramic views, while additional cabins include a VIP and two twins. The striking teardrop saloon windows provide an airy feel, and the top deck is partially covered and fitted with a Jacuzzi.
Smooth Operators: This classic 115′ Feadship was built in 1961 with understated elegance and classic lines. With a master, VIP and two twin cabins, she can handle up to nine guests. Her summer season will be in the western Mediterranean from an Antibes base, while winter will find her based in Naples for cruising as far as Sicily.
Titan: Originally launched as a Royal Navy ship by Brooke Marine in England, this 185-footer was extensively rebuilt in 2004 to sleep 22 guests, including an 850 sq. ft. master suite with a separate lounge, four junior suites with sofas, and two twin cabins. Finished in English contemporary styling, she features a cinema, library, gymnasium, and sky lounge bar. A number of tenders and watertoys are included. All of these yachts are available through the charter broker of your choice.
