Luxury yacht SAFIRA is a sensational modern vessel for exploring the Maldives charter grounds and is especially coveted by Scuba divers and fishing enthusiasts (but not only!) for her specialist equipment and expertise in these areas. With the times being what they are, an interview with SAFIRA’s cruise director, Mohamed Shuailam Nasheed gives insight into having a safe and fulfilling charter in this vibrant Indian Ocean destination even during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Motor yacht Safira

Tell us a little about luxury yacht SAFIRA.

She was built in 2017 and is designed specifically for Scuba diving and fishing expeditions, however, she has a marvellous selection of water toys and activities onboard to entertain a range of interests. M/Y SAFIRA can accommodate up to 18 guests in nine en-suite cabins, which is six more guests than most charter yachts provide for. Her shallow draft is ideal for accessing the best sites and anchorages, and her technology ensures excellent stability, efficient fuel usage and top-quality entertainment systems in the lounge as well as the cabins. The outdoor areas are partly shaded so that the group can choose between lounging, dining, a dip into the Jacuzzi or sunbathing out in the open.

dining area

How easy is it to reach the Maldives charter grounds and luxury yacht SAFIRA?

Maafaru International Airport in the Noonu Atoll is the best place to fly in to; it can accommodate six jets at any one time and there are a passenger terminal and VIP lounge. From here, guests can take private transport to the marina, where the crew of M/Y SAFIRA will be waiting to welcome everyone on board.

The Owner’s private island is just a 2-hour cruise to the West, so guests will have plenty of time to get settled in and have light refreshments before sunbathing and playing on the white sand beaches as well as the water toys.

What safety measures and restrictions are in place for chartering during Covid-19?

The crew can take a PCR test 72 hours prior to the commencement of the charter to verify that they are all Coronavirus free. Furthermore, no crew member substitutions will be made without the prior consent of the charter group, and the provision of a negative PCR result.

Guests who want to avoid all inhabited islands will find plenty of white sand beaches, beautiful anchorages and incredible natural wonders to occupy the group’s time.

What sights would you recommend to first-time yacht charterers to the Maldives?

Regardless of whether it’s your first time in the Maldives or you return year after year, everyone should definitely cross off the Baa Atoll Biosphere from their list. Situated in Hanifaru Bay, the area is most abundant with manta rays and gentle whale sharks from June to November, and normal numbers throughout the rest of the year. The shallow water makes this an excellent place for young snorkelers and beginner Scuba divers to practise and play in a richly rewarding setting.

The Baa Atoll is a popular yachting destination because it has many wonders: Naturally formed straight islands appear like a string of pearls out of the sapphire sea, and near Amilla Fushi there is a Blue Hole surrounded by the coral reef and large fish populations like the butterflyfish.

To the East, the Lhaviyani Atoll is a treat for wreck divers, and there is a spot known as ‘The Shipyard’ where corals completely cover some structures, attracting fish in the thousands.

breakfast

What water toys are available onboard?

• For 2020 our current selection consists of:
• 1 x Jetski
• 2 x Paddleboards
• 1 x wakeboard
• 1 x kneeboard
• water skis
• snorkelling equipment (20 sets)
• Scuba diving equipment (3 sets), and
• inflatable and towable toys

If the group wants any additional water toys included they can be acquired beforehand at an additional fee. For example, a floating pool can be added to the ensemble and additional jet ski rental is $800 USD per day.

There is also a treadmill on board so that guests can keep moving while cruising to the next destination.

double cabin

Tell us more about the crew.

The captain has been on board since the launch of M/Y SAFIRA in 2017 and has been in the industry for 30 years. He has cruised exclusively in the Maldives and therefore has in-depth knowledge of the best that the charter grounds have to offer.

The first mate will be in charge of water sports instructions and safety briefings in addition to navigation and engine room duties.

The charter director is in charge of overall operations of the vessel and reporting/attending to requests by owners and clients.

The chef is from Sri Lanka and has previously worked in a variety of restaurants and other luxury yachts, creating top-quality meals for the whole group. He did his culinary training in the Swiss International Culinary School in Colombo and over the past decade has primarily had American clientele. He specializes in Italian, European, South Asian and Japanese cuisine, and likes to incorporate plenty of spices into his Fusion cooking.

The sous chef will assist the Chef in meal preparation as well as serving guests while onboard or during a beach barbeque.

The dive instructor also works as a deckhand and will maintain of all diving and water sports equipment as well as ensuring that safety protocols are carried for the aforementioned activities while providing divers with expert knowledge on the location.

The experienced stewards and stewardesses have been trained to provide the first-class service, and for charter groups with young children, there can be someone on-hand at all times. Board games, video games and films are available to keep them entertained while the parents enjoy some time to themselves. Snacks can be made available for children and infants at all times, and children can have their favourite meals throughout the charter if the information is sent through beforehand.

double cabin

Any additional information guests should know about when it comes to MY SAFIRA and preferences?

Guests with dietary restrictions or allergies are advised to put these down on the preference sheet so that the chef can prepare ahead of time. Special dietary requirements will be cooked apart from the rest of the group meal using different utensils and served separately to the rest of the clients.

Previous clients have chosen not to spend overnight in any marinas but always at anchor, whereas others have wanted to avoid other yachts and people entirely. The captain can ensure guest privacy and select anchorages ahead of time if given advance notice to ensure ample provisioning.

Lunch and dinner on deserted beaches are possible depending on whether the island is public or private. The owner of M/Y SAFIRA has a private island in the Noonu Atoll that charter guests can use for this purpose, and other private islands along the route might be rentable with prior notice.

For spa massage treatments, a female masseuse can join the crew. However, this will be subject to Covid-19 regulations at the time of charter. 

Safira – a safe holiday for you and your family

Discover more about the mesmerising Maldives charter grounds, or find out more information on luxury yacht SAFIRA.

55m/180ft superyacht PROJECT 708 from Feadship has begun outfitting at the shipyard facilities in Aalsmeer following delivery from the Papendrecht hull-building facility.

55m Vitruvius yacht Project 708 – Photo © Tom Van Oossanen

Feadship Project 708 yacht – © Feadship

The explorer-type vessel features a design from Philippe Briand and Vitruvius Yachts Ltd., with a focus on complete self-sufficiency and exceptional fuel efficiency. She is designed with an ice-class hull for travelling through the North-West and North-East passages, and also comes equipped with sonar for exploring the ocean floor. Her most notable feature is the replacement of traditional stabiliser fins with a gyroscopic system to avoid ice damage. This system would be the largest built to date.

Project 708 © Feadship

PROJECT 708 will have a large collection of water toys on board, including a 6.3-tonne submarine that will be stored on the elongated aft deck, where a crane with a 7000kg lifting capacity will be able to extend out over the side by 8m/26ft. The Owner’s limousine tender will also be on board, and the crane will be utilised in lifting it from onboard to the shore. The interiors are the work of Danielle Boutsen of Boutsen Design, with details yet to be revealed by the shipyard.

Explorer-style motor yacht Project 708 © Feadship

M/Y PROJECT 708 is expected to be completed at the end of 2021.

Sunday, the 1st of November, saw mega yacht NORD, previously known as OPUS or Project Redwood, showcasing her name for the first time as her owner and the family arrived with a helicopter and joined the yacht aboard the tender, NORDIC II. The photos taken by yachting photographer and enthusiast, DrDuu show the yacht with her name at the stern.

142m Mega yacht NORD by Lurssen at the yacht © DrDuu

NORD yacht measures impressive 142 metres (465’88’’) and is currently being built by the German shipyard Lurssen, with striking modern and innovative design by the Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard, who designed both her exterior lines as well as her interiors.

NORD yacht at Lurssen © DrDuu

Given her huge volume, she will be able to accommodate up to 36 guests onboard in 20 large suites, all with private ensuite bathroom facilities. Swimming pool, Jacuzzi, beach club, spa, sauna, helipads are only a few of the highlights we can expect to see aboard, once the yacht has been completed.

Helicopter arriving at the shipyard © DrDuu

yacht tender Nordic II © DrDuu

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Discover the idyllic Caribbean this February and March aboard the 72m charter yacht AXIOMA and make the most of a heavily reduced weekly rate, of almost 50% less than the regular charter fee. Launched in 2013 by Dunya Yachts, she has naval architecture by Tanju Kalaycioglu & Sterling Scott, and interior styling the work of Alberto Pinto. Six cabins accommodate up to 12 charter guests, all of which are double, with 2 able to convert.

Plenty of sunbathing & relaxation areas on board

The yacht’s interiors are bespoke and elegant. A large salon is open to a mezzanine above, creating a beautiful airy ambience. Opposing sofas and cocktail bar make entertaining with friends and family a breeze. Forward, there is a formal dining room, followed by 5 of the guest suites.

Saloon with seating and bar

Above, there is an additional lounge placed aft, and the master stateroom forward, with a full beam layout, lounge and study. This deck is also where the fitness gym, spa and steam room are situated.

Excellent views from the owner suite

On deck AXIOMA has plenty to offer her charter guests, ensuring they get the best of the Caribbean lifestyle. The main level has a comfortable seating area with overhead shade and beautiful infinity pool. Steps lead from here to the aft upper deck and alfresco dining option.

Elegant modern dining area

Atop of this, there is a well-appointed sundeck, complete with a swim-up pool & bar, sunbeds and seating. A fourth deck provides another sunning and relaxing space.

Cinema

Highlights:

• Stunning blue hull
• 4 spacious outdoor deck
• 2 pools
• Extended swim platform
• Salon with mezzanine style upper deck
• On deck guest suites
• Gym
• Spa and steam room
• Wheelchair access
• Elevator
• Zero speed stabilizers
• Wi-fi
• An expansive list of water toys
• RYA approved

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Luxury yacht PROJECT TALA is nearing completion as she undergoes the final outfitting process at the Turquoise Yachts facilities in Istanbul.

53m Project TALA superyacht

The 52.3m/171.6ft vessel has exterior styling by DeBasto Designs and interiors from H2 Yacht Design: The exteriors have a raked bow and matching angles for the aft decks, with taupe added as a contrast to the white hull and superstructure to give PROJECT TALA a sleeker appearance. There is a strong focus on outdoor socialising and entertaining: The sundeck alone is created for all-day outdoor use with sun pads, a hot tub, barbeque grill and bar with a widescreen TV and a day head for convenience.

aerial view

Within, H2 Yacht Design will be creating a traditional setting filled with details and colours, with gold highlights contrasting with the burl veneers and marble floors. The accommodation arrangement provides nine en-suite cabins for guests within the 750 GT interior.

aft view

M/Y PROJECT TALA was recently sold and is currently on track for delivery in March 2022.

28m/91.10ft luxury yacht ORION I from Mangusta is available to charter for the first time in Western Mediterranean locations such as the French Riviera, Balearic Islands and the Amalfi Coast.

Motor yacht ORION I

Built in 2009, this beautiful vessel is ideal for family and friends groups looking to island-hop and make use of her top speed of 36 knots to spend as little time in transit as possible.

The timeless interiors provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is suited as much to special occasions such as birthdays and honeymoons as casual family gatherings, and the combined space can host up to 25 people on board for dockside events. The salon wet bar has a great selection of refreshments for daytime, evenings and special occasions, and will keep glasses filled throughout any social gathering.

Saloon dining area

When guests drop anchor in one of the Western Mediterranean’s fabulous secluded golden sand beaches, the outdoor areas provide plenty of shade for alfresco dining and lounging, and a broad sun-drenched sunbed forward and aft. The collection of water toys includes snorkelling equipment, water skis and a wakeboard for calm moments exploring the shallows and adrenaline-fuelled thrills.

Aft deck aerial view

While up to 12 guests can remain on board while cruising, the overnight accommodation sleeps a total of 9 guests in 4 beautiful en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 1 double cabin and 2 twin cabins, one of which has a Pullman berth suitable for a child. All come with TV entertainment, and the warm and welcoming surroundings provide a comfortable night’s rest in complete luxury.

Through the cruise, the professional crew of 3 will ensure that the water toys are always ready and you never miss a moment of the best sights and experiences your chosen destination has to offer.

Learn more about luxury yacht ORION I and book now to secure your preferred dates for Christmas, New Year and the busy Mediterranean summer season.

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The 76.5m/250.9ft luxury yacht BOARDWALK currently in build at the Dutch shipyard Feadship has been seen leaving the shed at the yard’s facilities in Aalsmeer and is getting ready for her official launch once the mast has been installed. 

Motor yacht BOARDWALK in the Netherlands to be delivered in 2021 – More official photos will be published soon, once the yacht has been launched.

M/Y BOARDWALK also known as PROJECT 707  is the fourth hull from Feadship to be launched in 2020, following on from 99.95m/327.9ft mega yacht MOONRISE, 72.8m/238.8ft superyacht PODIUM and 49.65/162.9ft luxury yacht TOTALLY NUTS.

The vessel was commissioned by an experienced Owner and was designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Her displacement hull is made of steel with an aluminium superstructure, all finished in a cool white that gives her a traditional appearance. Cut-out sections near the bow reveal a forward tender garage, leaving more space in the stern for the crew of guest use. Guests onboard have a total of five outdoor decks for dining and entertainment, with amenities and accommodation yet to be revealed by the Owner or shipyard.

The communications mast is currently being installed before she is officially launched and sent out for sea trials. Boardwalk is due to be delivered in 2021.

In 2019 Damen expedition yacht GAME CHANGER circumnavigated the globe, and the journey of nearly 50,000 nautical miles revealed areas of improvement that would be addressed in a 10-month refit by Icon Yachts.

GAME CHANGER expedition yacht at Icon Yachts

Since her launch in 2017, E/Y GAME CHANGER has received continual enhancement based on usage, and in 2018 a new lounge and dining area were installed on the tender deck. The most recent changes include:

• A new hull repaint
• A jet black repaint of the main deck superstructure
• A new stern extension which adds a swim platform to better suit dive operations, increasing overall length to 72m/236ft
• New interior styling by Struik & Hammerslag
• Optimised Dynamic Positioning System (DPS)
• New stabiliser fins
• A heated beach club with toy storage
• Larger windows for the guest cabins and tender deck
• New Feebe passerelle  for greater mooring flexibility
• A modified, reduced-height crane with lifting block and removable railings for better operations, and
• sound and vibrations dampening.

E/Y GAME CHANGER will now undergo sea trials in the North Sea before returning to her adventures across the world, which can be followed through her official Instagram account.

MORE ABOUT GAME CHANGER

Dutch shipyard Heesen has announced that on the 19th of October 2020 construction began on HULL YN 20067, known as luxury yacht PROJECT SPARTA, which is due for delivery in 2023.

Heesen 20067 – motor yacht Sparta Bow View – Winch Design

During the keel-laying ceremony, the Owner’s team chose a Greek coin featuring Poseidon and a galloping horse to be the good-luck charm to be welded onto the keel.

Keel laying of M/Y Project Sparta at Heesen Yachts

Arcon Yachts of Monaco is acting a project manager in their third collaboration with Heesen, and both the exterior and interior styling will be the work of British studio Winch Design. The 67m/219.8ft vessel is the largest steel-hulled displacement yacht so far produced by the shipyard, and has a volume of approximately 1,200 GT.

keel laying ceremony at Heesen Yachts

A sporty exterior profile is complemented by spacious outdoor living areas, including a large swim platform to relax beside the water. Notable onboard features include:

• A 6.5m/21ft infinity pool on the main deck aft
• A large foredeck sunbathing and alfresco living area
• A bridge deck dedicated to the Owner with two suites
• A sundeck Jacuzzi, bar and sunbathing area
• A lower deck spa wellness centre with gym, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, and
• A spiral staircase encircling a glass lift/elevator that connects all three decks.

keel laying ceremony

The accommodation will provide for up to 12 guests across 6 en-suite cabins: 2 cabins on the Owner deck and 4 further cabins on the main deck. The Owner’s deck has one forward suite with direct access to the private outdoor lounge and the second cabin in the aft with access to its own outdoor lounging and dining area. The Two forward main deck cabins can be joined together to create one large VIP stateroom. A crew of 14 will ensure that everything runs seamlessly.

The good luck coin

A pair of MTU 12V4000 M65R diesel engines will power PROJECT SPARTA through the water at a top speed of 16 knots, and the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) from Van Oossanen Naval Architects provides excellent efficiency, giving the vessel a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Delivery is scheduled for 2023.

Sunseeker luxury yacht MAROMA VI is new to charter in the UK and Northern Ireland; an incredible and often overlooked destination in Northern Europe.

Sunseeker motor yacht – sistership to MAROMA VI

This gorgeous 23.6m/77.5ft luxury yacht from British shipyard Sunseeker was launched in 2018, offering guests the very best of modern comforts in a vessel ideal for extended family groups or friends looking for a week-long adventure.

Whichever season guests choose to charter in, the interiors provide a light-filled environment thanks to the numerous windows and pale contemporary furnishings within. There is plenty of room for a group of eight to spread out to spend time on personal pursuits and private conversation, with air conditioning keeping the temperature within comfortable throughout the year.

Outside, there is even more choice for dining and lounging in the sunshine or shade: The main deck aft, foredeck and flybridge let guests break off for some peace and privacy, or come together to celebrate a special occasion and dance the night away. Sunbeds are abundant on the foredeck and sun loungers on the flybridge aft, for taking in the views of the gorgeous Cornish and Devonshire coast, or the ancient isle of Anglesey in the north of Wales. Explore the Isle of Wight and its multi-coloured sand beach at your leisure, and watch the regattas in the Solent over the summer months.

For your own thrills, there is a great collection of water toys on board to suit all interests and activity levels – contact CharterWorld for more information.

The accommodation sleeps a total of 8 guests over 4 beautifully-appointed cabins: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom and 2 twin cabins. All of the cabins are well-proportioned with TV entertainment and en-suite facilities. There is a professional crew of 2 to provide the first-class service and take guests on an incredible adventure discovering the wonders of the UK coastline.

Find out more about motor yacht MAROMA VI or what’s on offer in the UK charter grounds, and book ahead to secure your preferred dates.

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