Chartering a superyacht over 80m

With increasingly more charter yacht options at the larger end of the size spectrum, Alastair Callender explores this segment of the market.

Superyachts are getting bigger. While a 45m or 150ft yacht used to be considered large, nowadays the top-20 largest yachts on the water are all over 110m (360’10”). And with the increasing size of superyachts, it follows suit that more of these behemoths are coming onto the charter market. Today, clients have the choice of a wide variety of charter yachts over 80m (262’5’’), all with the ability to provide extraordinary yachting experiences thanks to the extensive amenities and capabilities of a yacht of this size.

Arguably the most striking aspect of chartering a yacht of this magnitude is the sheer scale – instantly breath-taking for all that step aboard. “Yachts in this size range are truly a spectacle of human ingenuity, design, engineering and craftsmanship,” explains Moravia Yachting’s Alastair Callender, who has experience booking tailor-made charters for clients aboard superyachts well over 80m (262’5’’).

“Yachts in this size range are truly a spectacle of human ingenuity, design, engineering and craftsmanship,”

As the average length of yachts has increased, so too has the gross tonnage (GT). “Gross tonnage in yachting is the equivalent to square footage in the real estate world,” clarifies Alastair. This means all the more space for guest usage and enjoyment, with facilities on board yachts in this size range often incorporating spas, cinemas, helipads, submersibles and more.

“There are so many different amenities for every generation of the family, whether they’re a sports enthusiast or prefer reading a book by one of the onboard swimming pools,” adds Alastair. “There’s a myriad of options and activities for all interests and ages without having to go ashore – these yachts are the destination in their own right.”

One of the largest yachts available to charter, the 126m (414’1″) explorer yacht OCTOPUS is designed to be fully autonomous and provides the perfect platform for exploration. Two helicopter pads, a heated freshwater swimming pool, multiple observation lounges, gym and fitness area, cinema, laboratory, fully equipped technical and free dive centre, and an extensive toy list just scratch the surface of the yacht’s amenities.

Similarly, the 85m (279’10”) BOLD is centred around exploration and activities. Available for charter exclusively with Hill Robinson (the parent company of Moravia Yachting), a large aft deck allows her to carry any toy or tender guests could wish for, including helicopters, tenders, submarines, diving equipment, Sea-Doos, and sailing dinghies. “Explorer yachts are able to be autonomous for several months at a time, allowing clients to become fully immersed in the most spectacular and remote environments that humans can experience on the planet,” explains Alastair.

“Explorer yachts are able to be autonomous for several months at a time, allowing clients to become fully immersed in the most spectacular and remote environments that humans can experience on the planet,”

The 115m (377’7″) charter yacht LADY JORGIA (formerly AHPO) also boasts impressive facilities, particularly for those interested in health and wellbeing. A spa area on the lower deck features a massage room, hammam, Jacuzzi and plunge pool. While the upper deck hosts a swimming pool with counter-current system and an expansive and well-equipped gym with stunning views out over the water on both sides.

While chartering a very large superyacht might mean berthing in certain marinas is not possible, these yachts are also equipped with an array of tenders ready to take guests ashore in complete comfort and luxury. The twin limousine tenders on board the 80m (262’6″) charter yacht EXCELLENCE, for example, can transport guests ashore in a fully enclosed, air-conditioned seating area. Whether heading out for dinner or to a party, a limousine tender ensures guests arrive in style while looking their best.

“Some limo tenders housed on board superyachts are simply exquisite pieces of craftmanship in their own right,” enthuses Alastair, who has won various international awards for superyacht exterior design, innovation, and sustainability. “Furthermore, they provide the most incredible level of comfort between the superyacht and the shoreline. Many tenders are also now custom designed to echo the superyacht exterior styling of their mothership.”

In addition to the extensive amenities, the level of service on this size of superyacht is unmatched due to the expertise and skillsets of the large crew. “From the countless yachts I have been on board over the last 15 years, the true benchmark for customer service has been on board those over 100m (328ft),” reflects Alastair. “The orchestration and attention to detail is simply unmatched from any experience I have witnessed both on land and at sea.”

Charter guests are in for a treat when experiencing the world-class service on board the very largest superyachts on the market. “Often, you have the most experienced and most professional crew available 24/7,” adds Alastair. “Many of these largest superyachts have a fantastic crew offering a myriad number of skillsets. From fitness, watersports and diving instructors, to masseuses, beauticians, hairdressers, security and even doctors. I plan everything down to the ‘nth degree’ of detail for my clients’ tailor-made charter vacations.”

“Many of these largest superyachts have a fantastic crew offering a myriad number of skillsets. From fitness, watersports and diving instructors, to masseuses, beauticians, hairdressers, security and even doctors. I plan everything down to the ‘nth degree’ of detail for my clients’ tailor-made charter vacations.”

Another advantage of chartering a yacht at the larger end of the size spectrum is the potential to accommodate more than 12 guests. “The majority of charter yachts on the market are legally allowed to accommodate a maximum of 12 guests,” explains Alastair. “However, there are a few exceptions to that rule of thumb in the larger size range.” For example, the 90m (295’3″) charter yacht LAUREN L can accommodate up to 36 guests.

And while yachts like OCTOPUS and LADY JORGIA have weekly charter rates of over two-million euros, there are plenty of options in other price brackets. “Chartering this size of yacht is more attainable than some might presume; there are yachts over 80 metres available from €650,000 a week including expenses,” says Alastair.

Sailing yachts in this size range are often available at a lower price point. The 86m (282’2″) AQUIJO and the 81m (265’9″) SEA EAGLE are prime examples, with weekly charter rates of €505,000 and €550,000 respectively.

Alastair and Moravia Yachting are poised to find a charter yacht in this larger size range for each client’s budget and have extensive experience doing so. In fact, Moravia Yachting’s parent company, the Hill Robinson Group, has managed numerous yachts over 80m for many years and is adept at handling enquiries of this scale.

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