Dutch shipyard Heesen has announced that it has commenced construction on the 50m/164ft luxury yacht PROJECT OSLO24. The keel-laying ceremony took place on the 4th of October in the presence of the Owner and their family, who witnessed the traditional welding of coins to the keel for good fortune.

M/Y PROJECT OSLO24 is based on the Heesen 50-metre Steel model and has been significantly modified to meet the Owner’s desires: The experienced yachtsman chose the shipyard’s hybrid system for reduced noise and vibrations as well as a cleaner output and greater efficiency on the water.

The interiors will be completed by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, combining an aesthetic of life at sea with elements from the destinations the family intends to visit on the first few cruises. The wood finishes within will contrast dark, light, high-gloss and matte finishes, and a ribbed canneté texture will add the illusion of a forest. This will be accented by furnishings such as soft leather in warm tones.

A pair of MTU V4000 M63 engines designed to IMO Tier III standards will power her through the water and will be sure to take her Owner on adventures across the globe.

Superyacht PROJECT OSLO24 is expected for delivery in the first quarter of 2024.

Taiwanese shipyard Horizon Yachts has announced the launch of the luxury yacht VALIANT, the second E81 model, from its shipyard in Kaohsiung.

The 25.32m/83.1ft motor yacht was designed entirely by the shipyard, which worked closely with the Owner’s representatives to personalise the build. Silver and white oak as well as accents in silvery grey and stormy steel complement the quartz surfaces, as seen in the main salon which is combined with an open galley to create an inviting home environment.

There is a 46-bottle wine chiller beneath the stairs up to the pilothouse, where a C-shaped sofa and table are placed opposite a wet bar.

The outdoor spaces provide sheltered and sun-drenched areas for guests to make the most of every location, and the upper deck aft comes with a corner sofa, barbeque, wet bar and plenty of space for storing the tender and water toys.

The accommodation for the E81 is designed for up to 8 guests over 4 en-suite cabins, however, the Owner of VALIANT opted instead to turn the fourth cabin into a library and office/study.

The launch of M/Y VALIANT comes only a few months after the delivery of the first E81 model to her Owner, and VALIANT will shortly be delivered to her American Owners before she makes her public debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) which will run from the 27th until the 31st of October.

Northern Europe is amongst the numerous extraordinary luxury yacht charter destinations in 2022 and one of the best kept secrets: While the rest of the world flocks to the Mediterranean, the white sand beaches of Sweden and the golden sands of the Netherlands are mostly populated by the locals. Although temperatures don’t climb as high as they do in the Mediterranean, this might prove to be another bonus: No need for a siesta at the height of the day – instead, you can tour the historic Diamond Quarter in Antwerp, cycle along the stunning coast or put your energy to kayaking and paddleboarding through the Norwegian fjords to see the waterfalls up close.

Far to the east of the Gulf of Finland lies St. Petersburg, a fantastical city both familiar and enchantingly otherworldly at any time of the year. The strong cafe culture and wide-open parks reveal the city to be one of opulence today as well as in times gone by. On a whirlwind tour, charter guests should visit the State Hermitage Museum for art and culture, the late 19th Century church ‘Saviour on the Spilled Blood’ which is as lavish inside as its colourful onion domes, and former-palace-turned-museum Peterhof, complete with gardens and an impressive fountain display.

Iceland, Greenland & Svalbard

These Arctic destinations are an unusual choice for a summer luxury yacht charter, but their unique beauty has been gaining more mainstream interest in recent years. The volcanic landscapes in Iceland look as though they have come straight out of science fiction: Windswept black sand beaches and incredible brilliant orange lava creeping across dark lifeless fields. The glacial caves along the southern coast glow like blue and white glass, and waterfalls ensconced in wild forests billow endlessly.

There are natural hot springs to settle into and soak tired muscles while you admire the surrounding snow-capped peaks, and the adventurous can kayak through the bays and dog sled to the best winter sports sites. The summer days are everlasting under the midnight sun, and in winter to see the Aurora Borealis in person is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

In addition to these impressive natural wonders, there is the opportunity to learn about local culture, taste local cuisine and discover the art and history that characterise these amazing countries.

Alaska, Patagonia & Antarctica

Three other destinations in the Pacific are worthy of consideration for explorer yachts that want to roam to the ends of the Earth and come back with a few tales to tell.

One incredible sight follows another as you cruise through the Alaskan wilds, perhaps the greatest being Glacier Bay and its crackling, calving glaciers. Hike along trails, go wildlife watching and learn about the history of the region through national park guides. Head west for the Kenai National Park to spot otters, black bears and eagles, and satisfy your lust for adventure by kayaking, fishing and other sports.

The huge expanse of Patagonia is home to many striking landscapes, among them deserts, grasslands and forests as well as sandy beaches for sunbathing and partying under the stars. See the namesakes of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares reflected in its mirror-like lakes, marvel at the breath-taking Marble Cathedral and find even more scenic locations amongst the archipelagos as you cruise south to the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness whales, penguins and seals living in pace with the seasons. Learn about the experiences of those working at the old whaling stations, take in the famous Drake Passage and kayak through the ice floes to better connect with this powerful environment. Warm-up in the hot springs-fed waters at Deception Island and then return to your luxury yacht for a top-quality meal, entertainment and a perfect night’s rest.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO ON ADVENTURE-FILLED YACHT CHARTERS AROUND THE WORLD

The Viareggio shipyard has a feature unique in Italy: An historic 56m/183.9ft slipway that is still fully operational and most recently used to launch Benetti luxury yacht LUCKY WAVE.

The DIAMOND 44M motor yacht is the third of this model to be built, with three more currently under construction. What has made this design so popular is a sharp, classic exterior profile penned by Giorgio M. Cassetta, which includes a sundeck of 102m²/1,098ft² – the largest in its size category. The resulting arrangement allows for plenty of sunbathing space on board, with a large foredeck hosting an alfresco lounging and dining area with a spa pool near the bow.

The fibreglass hull and superstructure achieve a lightweight draft and enhance stability and manoeuvrability on the water, increasing guest comfort throughout their stay. Additional enhancements include various innovations to reduce the overall noise and vibrations from the engines, allowing for cruising through the night with minimal disturbance to guests asleep in their cabins on the lower and main decks.

The interiors were designed by the Benetti in-house team and make full use of the natural lighting flooding in through the large windows that connect indoor spaces to the outside world.

The accommodation arrangement for the DIAMOND 44M sleeps a maximum of 10 guests across 5 en-suite cabins, with the Master suite placed on the main deck forward and the four remaining guest cabins forward of amidships on the lower deck.

The engines provide a transatlantic range of 3,800 nautical miles at 11 knots, allowing the Owners of LUCKY WAVE to travel as far as they please.

See the city lights glitter along the French Riviera and experience the South of France at its most festive on a Western Mediterranean luxury yacht charter aboard the beautiful and bright motor yacht MIKEL ANGELO.

Built in 2018, this 23.6m/77.5ft Sunseeker yacht is in top shape for winter breaks in the sunny and warm Cote d’Azur. The outdoor areas are versatile, offering shelter from the sea breeze and also granting spacious sunbathing and dining areas along with panoramic views.

Nice is home to the Marc Chagall National Museum, the Promenades des Anglais which has plenty of shops and eateries, and The Old Town, perfect for a leisurely stroll taking in the history and ambience of this port city.

Throughout the winter months, the sea temperatures in the South of France are often a couple of degrees warmer than it is on land, giving you more than enough reason to visit the beaches to top up your tan and explore along the coast. Marseilles and Nice are both centres for culture, the former home to the Notre Dame de la Garde, the colourful Vieux Port and the incredible Palais Longchamp. The nearby Calanques National Park is stunning natural scenery with turquoise blue waters surrounded by white cliffs and forest – the perfect anchorage for a serene night and a magical morning. Cannes and Monaco are just as desirable to visit in winter, with boutique shopping, festivities and shows to keep you entertained in the warmth.

Among the selection of water toys on board M/Y MIKEL ANGELO are two Seabob F5 SRs with cameras, and masks and fins perfect for watching the marine inhabitants around Corsica and the La Maddalena Archipelago.

Although there is room on board for 10 guests while cruising, the overnight accommodation sleeps a total of 8 guests in 4 spacious en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom and 2 twin cabins. All cabins are light and spacious with TV entertainment and air-conditioning to warm or cool the environment to your preference.

Throughout the charter, guests will be looked after by an expert crew of 2.

Secure the contemporary Sunseeker superyacht MIKEL ANGELO for an amazing winter charter in comfort and style.

MORE INFO AND RATES OF M/Y MIKEL ANGELO

Luxury sailing yacht CALMAO, available in the Mediterranean in the summer and in the Caribbean and the Bahamas in the winter, is all about taking life easy as guests admire the gorgeous views of some of the world’s most popular charter grounds. A professional crew of three will provide delectable meals, amazing cocktails and a whole host of water toys at the ready, leaving up to nine charter guests to catch up, unwind and explore.

CONTINUE TO THE FULL YACHT REVIEW ARTICLE …

Summer may be over but there’s still time to top up your tan before 2022 on a Florida and Bahamas luxury yacht charter aboard motor yacht TOP SHELF.

This 26.5m/87ft motor yacht is ideal for island hopping between the shops, bars and clubs and the best beaches hidden amongst the Florida Keys. Discover the legacy of Hemingway and visit the Biscayne National Park for snorkelling, hiking along the shores and taking in the work of local artists in the gallery.

If you want more of nature and less of civilisation, the Out Islands in the Bahamas is one glorious white sand beach after another – and a few pink ones too. Leave your cares behind as you dip your toes into the turquoise blue waves lapping the shores and spend quality time with family and friends away from modern-day distractions.

After a full day under the warm winter sun, the air-conditioned salon will be a welcome change, where plush furnishings and top-notch entertainment systems will entertain the group before an incredible meal is served at the formal dining area.

Both the main deck aft and flybridge offer choices for alfresco dining and lounging, while sun worshippers have the choice of adjustable sunbeds on the foredeck as well as the flybridge.

The selection of water toys offers plenty to entertain family members of all ages and interests: The Seadoo jet ski is new for 2021 and will satisfy adrenaline seekers, while those who want to discover the range of wildlife in the area have paddleboards and snorkelling gear at their disposal. On languid days, the collection of floats are perfect for relaxing in the warm clear waters.

There’s plenty of room onboard for up to 12 guests while cruising, and the overnight accommodation sleeps a total of 8 guests over 4 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 2 double cabins and 1 twin cabin.

Charter luxury yacht TOP SHELF In the Florida Keys and the Bahamas this winter season for a spectacular getaway break to end 2021.

From the beautiful South Pacific Islands to the sun-blessed shallows of the Maldives, there are enchanting and exotic destinations the world over that, by luxury charter yacht, make the best holiday choice for 2021, 2022 and many years ahead.

Now is a superb time to visit these unusual destinations before international travel returns on a large scale, granting you the opportunity to savour these vistas as they were meant to be experienced. Take an explorer yacht to Galapagos, dive amongst stunning coral structures in Thailand and Indonesia, and return to opulent comforts and a talented crew who will have every delectable meal waiting for you.

You need never set foot into civilisation but if you do, you will discover local delicacies and crafts, stunning artwork and architecture that together creates an incredible culture and an adventure for your group.

The Maldives

There are almost 1,200 islands in total, and of these only 200 are settled and 80 more designated holiday resorts. This means that if an escape from the rest of the world is truly what you’re wishing for, it can be granted with ease. In these crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of incredible species to awe every generation of charter guests, from gentle giants such as the whale shark, hawksbill turtle and manta ray to lesser-known wonders such as the bicolour parrotfish with its fuchsia tail fins, and the unicornfish. The reefs, known as ‘gilis’ and ‘thilas’, are as shallow as 2 metres (6.6 feet) below the surface, rewarding snorkellers and Scuba divers of all experience levels.

Fishing enthusiasts will discover plenty of big game fish like giant trevally thanks to the in-depth regional knowledge of your Captain and crew or a dedicated local guide. Once you’re done exploring the seas, settle onto a silky sand beach for cocktails at sunset while your expert chef prepares your day’s catch.

Indonesia

There are few places in the world that receive such high praise for Scuba diving sites as the islands around Indonesia: Beginners are richly rewarded simply for stepping into the water, while experienced divers will come across new challenges in a colourful world of massive corals and marine life as equally flamboyant: Up close, sea horses, nudibranchs and cowry will vie for your attention along with frogfish, royal angelfish and the iconic clownfish. Manta rays, turtles and sharks will circle the reefs and add another aspect of wonder to any underwater exploration.

The world above is just as spectacular, and the Komodo National Park and nearby pink sand beach on Padar Islands are not to be ignored. Find memorable souvenirs within local markets, and the galleries and museums will give you a greater appreciation of the ever-evolving history and culture of the islands. The nightlife in Bali is just as rich, with ambient bars and clubs that make for a cosy social scene.

French Polynesia & Other South Pacific Islands

French Polynesia is one of the remotest places on Earth – far from the other island chains in the South Pacific and a place of peace and beauty. There’s no rush, and you can wake to the calls of native birds and the gentle morning sun before having breakfast alfresco within a wondrous natural anchorage. Sunbathe, explore with the water toys and soak up the serenity as you remember life at a much slower pace.

For a souvenir of your stay, it’s hard to beat pearls direct from the farmers, who harvest a range of colours and grades to appeal to a range of budgets, timeless tastes and on-trend originality.

The Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands to the west are all wonderful alternatives each with their own culture and natural wonders just waiting for you to discover them.

The Galapagos Islands

The unique wildlife found on these shores has been made famous by David Attenborough and his documentary team. A guide will take you ashore and give you insight into the history, geology, flora and fauna that make this far-flung destination so rewarding: Have your cameras at the ready to capture the blue-footed booby, the red-throated frigate bird and the giant tortoises along the shore. In the water, there may be playful sea lions and Galapagos penguins darting through the water in search of food. Snorkel in the clear waters and take your time to observe this unique underwater world.

A luxury yacht charter in 2021 and 2022 can be a simple escape to disconnect from the office or an entire adventure with loved ones and friends. Make dreams come true and contact CharterWorld today for more information on vessels to suit your budget and interests.

Make your next holiday to the Western Mediterranean a family luxury yacht charter aboard the highly regarded 22.7m/74.7ft sailing yacht HELO.

This 2016-built sloop from Oyster Marine was awarded ‘World’s Best Luxury Cruiser’ in Cruising World magazine in 2018, and since her launch, she has taken her Owners and guests on many amazing cruises in the world’s most popular charter grounds. Sail power and motor ensure that guests can roam far and wide, while the onboard amenities and talented crew keep up to seven guests entertained between destinations.

The interiors are brightly lit naturally thanks to large skylights throughout, and the salon is particularly inviting with a neutral colour palette from natural materials and textures. The ample furnishings will seat all guests for a lavish meal, or watch a family film on the widescreen TV to wind down before bedtime.

Relax in the sunshine outside of Saint-Tropez, the Cap d’Antibes or the Gulf of Naples and admire the views while dining alfresco in the cockpit or sunbathing on the spacious foredeck. The aft fold-down swim platform makes another space to lounge, and a swim ladder gives easy access to the sea.

The collection of water toys is ideal for family members of all ages, and the collection includes:

2 x Seabobs
2 x Stand-up paddleboards
a kneeboard, and
snorkelling equipment

The accommodation sleeps a total of 7 guests across 3 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 1 twin cabin, and 1 twin cabin convertible to a double with a Pullman berth suitable for a child. Similar to the salon, the accommodation enjoys an abundance of light through the windows and skylights. The cabins are a cosy haven without feeling compact, creating a place to recharge ahead of the next day’s adventures.

View more images of light-filled contemporary sailing yacht HELO and plan your next Mediterranean luxury yacht charter for winter 2021 and the year ahead.

Feadship luxury yacht SHINKAI has left the facilities in Aalsmeer to the outside dock for final outfitting before her delivery. The Owner has extensive experience cruising the world over and has specifically requested a submarine and dramatic mast for this 55m/180ft full-custom expedition yacht. For the launch and retrieval of the manned submarine, limousine tender and Owner’s car the crane can lift 7,400 kg and has an outreach of 8m/26ft to take the car from the shore.

When it comes to roaming across the globe, E/Y SHINKAI has been constructed with an Ice-Class hull and engineered for fuel efficiency as well as complete autonomy to tackle remote regions safely. The North-West Passage will be among the first adventures in the coming years, and the advanced WASSP sonar system installed onboard will reveal the secrets of the ocean floor wherever she cruises. In a first for a yacht of this size, the hull has been fitted with gyroscopic stabilisers instead of traditional stabiliser fins. These gyroscopic stabilisers are the largest built to date, measuring 3×3 metres (10×10 feet) and weighing 23 tonnes.

Traditional stabilisers on the hull could hinder retrieving the submarine in certain sea conditions, however, the tank deck has been arranged so that fin stabilisers could be added at a later date if desired.

The interior has been designed by Boutsen Design in collaboration with the Owners. Once outfitting has been completed, E/Y SHINKAI will head to the North Sea for sea trials before she is delivered before the end of 2021.