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I lived ‘below deck’ on a luxury yacht — here’s what you need to know.

Tahiti, St. Thomas and the French Riviera — I’ve yachted in all of these exotic locales, albeit from the comfort of my couch. And, millions of Americans are in the same boat.

In 2013, “Below Deck,” introduced the masses to the most glamorous mode of traveling: yachting. Since then, it’s become a Bravo mainstay with Season 9 of “Below Deck Mediterranean’’ premiering in June.

But how real is the reality show? I spent five nights on a yacht in Croatia to find out.

A woman in a bikini standing on the deck of the 'Adriatic Escape' boat, ready to experience reality TV drama on the high seas in Maldives.

A tip on tipping

My suitcase wasn’t bursting with Benjamins. An agency at your final destination provides cash for the crew’s tip money. While you’re expected to tip $30,000 for a two-night cruise on “Below Deck,” in real life you only have to tip 10% to 15% of your charter fee. That’s about $10,000 for a two-night cruise on a 180-foot charter yacht like Mustique (from $250,000 a week), which stars in the new season.

According to Zvonimir Androić, president of the yacht charter company Via Croatia, more often than not, the tip comes from what’s left over after provisioning.

So, shun the Dom Pérignon and skip the beluga caviar, and you’ll have money to spare.

What’s up, dock?

A luxury yacht, named Adriatic Escape, docked at Split Marina with a weekly rental price of US$52,800

In real life, “Below Deck’s” favorite commercial-break cliff-hanger isn’t nearly as dramatic. Docking in our yacht, Via Croatia’s five-cabin, 100-foot Adriatic Escape (from $52,800 a week), was breezy.

I asked the crew if they hated setting up the slide — a tortuous, Herculean task if you believe what you see on TV.

“It’s not that bad,” a twentysomething Croatian deckhand, as cute as his on-screen counterparts, told me. “That said, we’re definitely not sad if you don’t ask for it.”

Play it cool

Barbie Pascual arranging a table on the set of Below Deck Season 11.

Despite being served meat on more than one occasion, my vegetarian co-guests on board weren’t divas when it came to cuisine — a major source of chef-related stress on the show.

Tantrums aren’t the norm Barbie Pascual, the “Below Deck” stewardess famous for putting up with former “RHONY” star Jill Zarin’s demands for the perfect Diet Coke in the “Real Housewives of Grenada” episode, tells me. “Guests know they are being filmed so their reactions are more extreme than they’d be if the cameras weren’t around,” she says.

Pascual’s biggest tip for first-time yachters? Don’t go skinny dipping, like they do on the show, after dark.

“People forget about currents, sharks, etc.,” she says. “Jumping in the water should always be with the captain’s consent!”

Our humorless Croatian yacht captain was a far cry from “Below Deck Mediterranean’s” affable Captain Sandy Yawn. I think we only saw him twice over the course of four days, and he definitely didn’t join us for dinner.

That was fine by us because the stews and deckhands were always handy with anything we needed — including at chat.

Asking for it

A group of people on the Adriatic Escape boat, available for weekly rent at $52,800

“No” is a word you’ll never hear on a yacht, unless there is a safety issue, Pascual says.

While we didn’t ask our crew to do a striptease or decorate for ‘70s night (two recurring requests on the show), out-there demands aren’t out of the question, as long as you’re willing to pay for it.

For example, Via Croatia is currently retrofitting one of its multimillion-dollar superyachts for an upcoming charter booked by a multigenerational Jewish family from Florida.

“In addition to paying the charter fee, the client is literally buying everything new: pots, pans, silverware, et cetera,” said Androić. “They’re even spending $30,000 on a new tender for the elderly mother-in-law.”

Now, I’m no reality show producer, but a picky primary trying to keep his wife, her elderly mom and their kosher kids happy at sea has the makings of an Emmy Award-winning episode.

Yachting on a budget

Agape Rose, an ultra luxury mini cruiser yacht with various amenities, sailing on Croatia's Adriatic coast.

Charters are cheapest at the beginning and end of a destination’s season. Via Croatia’s yuppiest yacht, the 160-foot, 12-cabin Agape Rose , fetches $200,000 a week in July and August. But it’s just $164,000 a week in April and October. Divide that by 24 of your closest friends and family and it’s just $6,800 a person.

If that’s still too much, consider booking a yacht club suite on one of MSC Cruises ’ Mediterranean voyages.

Sure, you’ll be on a cruise liner, but for $1,659 a person you’ll be treated to seven nights of private butler service with a private pool and restaurant that the pleb passengers don’t even know exists.

A woman in a bikini standing on the deck of the 'Adriatic Escape' boat, ready to experience reality TV drama on the high seas in Maldives.

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How Real Is Bravo's 'Below Deck'?

A charter broker makes waves with the truth behind the reality show.

Bravo Below Deck crewmembers

Reality TV isn't exactly known for its measured and reasoned depictions. Think: the hot-headed cooks on  Top Chef  and  Hell’s Kitchen  or the over-the-top romance on  The Bachelor . But while we may be familiar with what going to a restaurant or on a date is like, not many people can afford the luxury of chartering a fully staffed yacht.  Below Deck , the Bravo reality show now in its seventh season that goes “behind the scenes” of life on the high seas, gives viewers a glimpse into a world they might otherwise only see through celebrities’ Instagram posts.

A post shared by John Legend (@johnlegend) A photo posted by on

The  featured yacht  changes nearly every season and is often available for charter (even by us regular folk...well, rich regular folk), starting in the low six figures (plus expenses), for groups of up to 12 and a crew of nine or more. To get onboard one of these multimillion-dollar vessels, would-be guests turn to a charter broker, a person whose job it is to pair each guest with the right yacht. Lauren Littlejohn, now a charter broker for Ocean Independence, grew up in a yachting family (her father was a captain of a 102-foot yacht that cruised the Great Lakes and Bahamas) and spoke with us about what actually happens below deck.

So kick off your shoes (you can’t wear them onboard anyway), and find out what yacht life is really like.

Ocean Independence M3 

The 147-foot M3, available for charter, has a sundeck Jacuzzi.

The guests onscreen are paying to be there, but don’t get let off the hook on behavior.

Forget the pirate’s life and any notion of international waters. Behavior onboard a yacht is regulated both by the laws of the country you’re in and the country where the yacht is registered, as well as a code of conduct agreed to before setting sail. Rules can range from a typical zero-tolerance drug policy to yacht-specific rules like no red wine (it stains). It all comes down to the contract.

“If any of these written rules or laws are violated, the charter contract is considered in breach and the charter may be terminated immediately,” Littlejohn says. “If one person’s behavior is jeopardizing the charter (whether a guest or crewmember) remedies can sometimes be made with removal/replacement of the person in question.”

Charter brokers talk, so bad behavior on one yacht could keep a guest off another.

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Ocean Independence Avalon

An inflatable three-story slide on the 147-foot Avalon can launch guests into the ocean.

Crew storming off or quitting unexpectedly is really, really frowned upon.

Crewmembers are working nearly 24 hours a day during a charter, then sleeping just feet apart, so it’s no surprise that tensions can run high. Despite the dramatic footage of the show's chief stewardess storming off down the dock in season seven, professionals know they’re agreeing to long hours and sometimes-demanding guests. The show's captain,  Capt. Lee Rosbach,  prefers a deckhand or stewardess to work through the end of a charter. If something goes very wrong mid-trip, guests are unlikely to spot the now-unemployed crewmember again, thanks to staff-only hallways, stairwells, and accommodations.

The most successful charter vessels employ a long-term crew, although some people do prefer the variety of yacht-hopping. “Longstanding crew create repeat clients and consistency. You’ll find some crew members will leave a boat after a season, enjoying more flexibility personally this way,” Littlejohn says. “Crew often miss out on big life events such as friends’ weddings, birthdays, or the birth of children.”

While  Below Deck  hasn't led to an increase in the number of charters, it may have increased the number of crew applications. “There seem to be fewer numbers of experienced crew, and most seem to be making a shorter career out of yachting,” says Littlejohn. “I believe that the poor behavior being so emphasized on TV has possibly tightened up some of the behaviors nowadays; that may also come from captains tightening up their onboard rules.”

Ocean Independence beach charter

Explore untouched beaches on a charter vacation.

If a guest has expensive taste, that’s going to factor into “plus expenses.”

There’s a reason why the chef is one of the highest-paid crewmembers onboard: Everyone remembers the food, so it better be amazing. While noting dietary restrictions happens long before a guest steps on board, it’s difficult to predict guests’ mood and cravings once there. Plus, there’s only one person preparing up to three three-course meals a day. (Yes, breakfast can be three courses.)  Below Deck  crew said they spent between $10,000 and $15,000 to provision the yacht for six weeks of filming  season seven, but that’s just the initial setup. What the guests on each individual charter want to eat could impact the bottom line.

“Because each charter is unique, one might have a group of pescatarians that sip on margaritas all day, while the next may have a group that only requests red meat and wine. This is where the provisioning allowance comes into play,” Littlejohn explains. The yacht budgets a certain amount for basic necessities for every charter—think eggs, bread, basic wine—but an additional percentage of the charter rate is added to accommodate requests and preferences.

It's not uncommon for a chef to leave a Michelin-starred restaurant for a yacht because, as one said, “the view is so much better.” But creating a week's worth of interesting and tasty menus for a dozen people takes skill.

“Chefs have become much more seasonal; some prefer the variety of settings between private estates, restaurants, and yachts,” Littlejohn says. “It is also one of the few positions where the individual isn’t looked down upon for short-term positions.”

Blue, Turquoise, Vacation, Leisure, Sea, Vehicle, Boat, Recreation, Tourism, Watercraft,

Charters are ideal for those who like watersports like standup paddleboarding and riding Jetskis, like on Samara.

That envelope full of cash tips? That’s real.

“That is surprising, but crew is actually often tipped from an envelope full of cash!” Littlejohn says. “It might not come directly from a client [at the end of a charter]—often they may wire the gratuity later—but then it is doled out to the crew in cash.”

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the  Marie Claire  newsletter.

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht charter guest reflects on Season 3 experience

Leisel L. Taylor talks Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 3 stint.

One Below Deck Sailing Yacht charter guest has reflected on her Season 3 experience now that her groups’ two-episode stint has aired.

Real estate broker Leisel L. Taylor was part of the group that primary guest McCordia Young brought aboard Parsifal III. The group appeared pretty tame other than an incident with McCordia and stew Gabriela Barragan, which Below Deck Sailing Yacht fans were not happy about.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht charter guest Leisel L. Taylor reflects on Season 3 experience

In an interview with Travel Noire, Leisel opened up about her groups’ stint on the hit Bravo sailing show. It was a trip of a lifetime for Leisel, McCordia, Aliya, and their friends.

“That was a Beyonce and Jay Z type of vacation. We had our own sailing crew. We had our own private chef, and they just literally catered to us,” Leisel spilled.

The trip was Leisel’s first time on a luxury yacht, and she was not disappointed. Leisel made it clear that the Parsifal III took excellent care of the group.

“It was truly an experience, and the food was amazing. We ate three times a day, and it was basically a four to a six-course meal. Breakfast was like a Four Seasons brunch experience,” she expressed.

Leisel didn’t share too much of her Below Deck Sailing Yacht stint on social media. However, she did share a video of one of her favorite moments from the charter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leisel (lee-sell) Taylor, DMV Realtor (@leisel_taylormade_broker)

How did Leisel end up on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season?

Along with gushing over her luxury once-in-a-lifetime experience, Leisel revealed she initially had no plans to be on Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

Leisel’s best friend was set to be on the trip, though. When one of the guests had to pull out, Leisel’s friend contacted her to see if she was up for the experience.

“One of the guys who was on the trip, he knew I already had my COVID vaccination, so he asked me if I was interested, and I was like why not? My best girlfriend is going to be there, and I get to hang out with some cool people and go to another country? Absolutely!” Leisel explained.

The rest, as they say, is history, and Below Deck Sailing Yacht charter guest Leisel L. Taylor remains grateful she was part of such a fantastic trip.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht airs Mondays at 8/7c on Bravo.

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Below Deck Yachts

Yacht with Below Deck logo

If you’ve never seen the show, it follows the crew of a luxury yacht during peak “charter season.” The original Below Deck, for example, showed off the glitz and glamour of the Caribbean, especially around St. Thomas, the British Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas. The Mediterranean spin-off, on the other hand, highlights European hotspots, including Italy, Spain and Croatia.

The show is undeniably a ton of fun. From the drama in the crew quarters, to the incredible beaches, the show provides an entertaining look behind the curtain.

Yet, the chartered superyachts are the real stars of the show. Each season, Below Deck features a truly stunning super yacht. All of them measure over 150 feet and are decked out in opulent features, staterooms and amenities. And here’s something you might not know: The majority of the Below Deck yachts are available for charter!

Below Deck Charter Yachts

Through five seasons, Below Deck has featured some of the most magnificent super yachts in the world. Some of the yachts have changed ownership since the show, been renamed, or have undergone a refitting. Yet, most look like they did from the show.

But beyond the name and maybe a few changes to the interior, there aren’t many differences. All of the water toys, Jacuzzis and stunning outdoor dining areas are what you’ll find on the yachts available for charter! So which charter yachts are available?

SeasonYachtReal NameLengthCharter Rate
1HonorLumiere163.8’From $175,000/week
2OhanaRhino154’From $140,000/week
3ErosMustang Sally161’Not Available
4ValorBG153.9’Not Available
5ValorBG153.9’Not Available
Mediterranean 1Ionian PrincessIonian Princess150’From €145,000/week
Mediterranean 2SiroccoSirocco154.2′From €180,000/week
Mediterranean 3Talisman MaitonTalisman Maiton177.1′From €231,000/week

Here’s a more detailed look at the yachts featured on the original Below Deck:

Honor – Season 1

Lumiere yacht

Honor (which is now LUMIERE) kicked off the first season, and she put on a dazzling display. The yacht, originally built by Benetti in 1999, is one of the largest yachts ever featured on the show, and it was actually booked for a five-week charter for filming.

HONOR benefited from the new-found fame of the show. She sold after it aired for nearly $15 million, and the new owners completely refit her interiors and renamed the boat. Today, LUMIERE is a masterpiece of nautical engineering.

She features luxurious accommodations for up to 12 guests and an abundance of deck space, including a sprawling sun deck. The yacht also features a wide array of water toys (the slide was a struggle for the crew all season!).

Ohana – Season 2

Yacht Rhino

Season 2 took the crew on a tour of the British Virgin Islands and featured some familiar faces. Captain Lee, Chef Ben, and Bosun Eddie were back, much to the pleasure of fans. Yet, the yacht was completely different.

OHANA (real name is RHINO) was featured on the second season, a stunning 154-footer, with beautiful decks, a horseshoe outdoor bar, and a stunning outdoor sun deck. After the show aired in 2014, Ohana underwent an extensive retrofit.

She now features an updated interior with a decidedly modern, airy vibe, as well as new hardware, including a state-of-the-art stabilization system.

Eros – Season 3

Yacht Mustang Sally

EROS took centerstage in Season 3, and the 161-foot yacht, originally built for the founder of Tim Hortons, was one of the most luxurious featured on the show. The beautiful tri-deck, featured a stately saloon, a sky lounge Jacuzzi, and sleek exterior styling.

EROS – which was sold prior to the third season – has since been renamed and was also remodeled. She’s now known as Mustang Sally, and unfortunately, this is one of the few Below Deck charter yachts that’s not available for charter.

Valor – Seasons 4 & 5

lila yacht broker below deck

The stately VALOR was a fan favorite in Season 4 and 5. Built in 1990 by Dutch-based Feadship, the 154-foot VALOR featured a sprawling aft deck, perfect for sunset dinners and afternoon lounges. Plus, the ship – when featured on the show – had a range of water toys, including dual jet skis and a sleek, boutique hotel-inspired interior.

Like Mustang Sally, VALOR – which is now known as simply BG – isn’t available for charter. Yet, fans will always remember all the drama that took place on board.

Below Deck Mediterranean Yachts

Below Deck Mediterranean premiered in 2016, and through three seasons, the show has featured some of the Med’s best yachts. All of the yachts from the Mediterranean spin-off are available for charter, exactly how you see them on the show.

Ionian Princess – Season 1

Yacht Ionian Princess

Season 1 of Below Deck Mediterranean launched with a bang, featuring one of the strongest premieres for the franchise. Although there was plenty of drama throughout the season as the crew traveled around Greece, the beauty of IONIAN PRINCESS couldn’t be missed. The ship, which was originally built in the U.S. in 2005, featured a sleek, streamlined tri-deck design and gorgeous interiors.

The sun deck – where guests partied all season long – is one of the yacht’s star attractions, featuring a Jacuzzi with world-class views. Her interior, though, is one of the most stunning, featuring a chic design. The yacht also includes six cabins with accommodations for up to 12 guests.

Sirocco – Season 2

Sirocco yacht

Season 2 took the crew to Croatia, aboard SIROCCO. The Dutch-built yacht originally launched in 2006, and thanks to its unique two-tone, third-deck exterior, she was remembered for her striking exterior. All of the yacht’s features made great TV. From her incredible sun deck, to the African chic interior, and all of the many water toys, SIROCCO’s impressive design and amenities stood out.

Today, she’s available for charter throughout the Mediterranean. A few unique features include a sun deck gym, an alfresco party deck, a theatre, and a wide array of water toys.

Talisman Maiton – Season 3

Talisman

Named for an island in Thailand, TAILSMAN MAITON is a stunning tri-deck that cruises the pristine waters of Italy and all of the Mediterranean. The largest to ever be featured on the show, TAILSMAN is truly incredible.

The yacht accommodates 12 guests, in 6 beautifully appointed rooms. There’s a master suite, as well as 1 VIP stateroom, and four smaller cabins. The yacht was built in 2006, but most recently refit in 2016 with a timeless Art Deco aesthetic. The yacht also features a sundeck spa pool with a beautiful bar, a full-service gym, and an observation deck with panoramic views.

How Long Are the Below Deck Charters?

Here’s a little-known secret about Below Deck: The “charter season” on the show is just a few weeks. In fact, the yachts are actually booked for about six weeks, and their regular crews are sent home. In other words, the charters on Below Deck are actually a charter within a charter!

Each of the Below Deck charters last just a few days, and each episode features new charter guests.

Below Deck Yacht Rental Costs

Hiring a yacht from Below Deck isn’t cheap. The majority cost in the neighborhood of $150,000 per week. Yet, that charter rate doesn’t include expenses, including fuel, dockage fees, and taxes.

Yet, for that price, you’ll get a truly world-class experience. The crews of each of these yachts provide first-class service and all of the boats are fully loaded with amenities. There’s nothing quite like it in the world. And by hiring one of these superyachts, you’ll also have bragging rights for chartering a yacht featured on a TV show!

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How to charter a Below Deck superyacht

Want to know how much it would cost to charter one of the luxury superyachts featured on US hit TV series Below Deck ? We take a look inside Below Deck ’s famous superyachts that you can charter for yourself, and find out what they have to offer charter guests on board.

Northern Sun

The star yacht of Below Deck Down Under season two, the 50.8-metre Northern Sun (originally delivered as Hokko Maru ) has lived a full and fascinating life. She was the largest yacht built by Narasaki Shipbuilding at the time and worked as an ice-class research vessel, analysing marine life and ocean currents in the North Japan Sea. As a result, she has the hardy constitution of an explorer, transformed from ship to superyacht under the stewardship of her new owners.

Northern Sun’s main deck is now dedicated entirely to entertainment, from the al fresco dining area to the main saloon with its piano and games table. Other leisure highlights include gym equipment, a dedicated library on the lower deck and an outdoor Jacuzzi, surrounded by sun pads and lounge beds. The owners’ addition of a forward seating area during her refit allows for versatile recreation, whether the mood calls for cocktail parties or quiet, waterside contemplation. 

Accommodation is for up to 12 guests across six cabins, with rich, warm interiors that feature natural materials such as narra and makore wood (commonly known as cherry mahogany). The ex-explorer also – naturally – has impressive stowing capacity. She's able to carry two Laser sailboats, scuba-diving equipment, a waterski and a two-deck-high inflatable water slide, with the broker describing her as a "family-orientated" vessel. 

Charter cost: Northern Sun is managed for charter by Ocean Independence with a weekly charter rate starting from $161,700.

More about this yacht

Yachts for sale, yachts for charter.

60 metre Benetti motor yacht St David is the star of the tenth season of Below Deck, returning to the Caribbean with beloved Captain Lee. A finalist at the 2009 World Superyacht Awards , St David is a full-custom yacht with both interior and exterior design by British studio Winch Design .

She has made appearances at a number of high-profile events such as the Cannes Film Festival and has been spotted at various locations around the world including the Seychelles, Red Sea and Abu Dhabi. Accommodation is for 12 guests in six cabins, with a split-level master suite that lets in plenty of light.

A palatial theme characterises St David ’s social spaces, with features including a generous skylounge and a spiral staircase that leads through all three decks and is lit by a skylight in the spa pool of the sun deck. Elsewhere, St David has expansive water toy facilities and storage, including scuba dive gear, a new 7.2m tender, new Waverunners, and an electric foiling surfboard.

Charter cost: St David is managed by Morley Yachts with a weekly charter rate starting from €325,000.

The star of Below Deck Mediterranean season seven, 49.8 metre Home is the first “green” superyacht to appear on the show. Featuring a ground-breaking combination of a super-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form by Van Oossanen Naval Architects with power provided by a hybrid propulsion system, Home boasts reduced emissions and fuel costs for the eco-conscious charter guest.

Defined by a distinctive vertical bow and large expanses of glass, Home was penned by Omega Architects and launched by Heesen in 2017. Her interiors, designed by Cristiano Gatto in a modern “Ibiza style”, can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins including a full-beam master cabin with a dedicated dressing room and a private office. There is also room for nine members of Below Deck crew on board, including Captain Sandy who has returned to the helm for the seventh season while Home is cruising the coasts of Malta .

The main socialising spot is up on the sundeck, complete with a Jacuzzi and sit-up bar, a shaded lounge and protection from the elements provided by glass screens. Closer to the water, a beach club with an air-conditioned gym is situated next to the swimming platform from which guests can launch the water toys including SeaBobs, Hoverboards, E-foils, Jet Skis and a Flyboard. Home also carries gear for scuba diving, waterskiing and wakesurfing for guests to make the most of their time on board.

Charter cost: Home is managed for charter by Burgess with a weekly charter rate starting from $245,000.

Sailing under her own name around the South Pacific islands of French Polynesia on Below Deck’s sixth series, the 56.4 metre My Seanna (now Starship ) was built by Delta Marine in 2000 and refitted in 2014. The Glade-Johnson designed superyacht reappeared again for season eight, where she was filmed cruising in Antigua. She is now starring in the latest season of the show, season nine, following her recent sale .

Key features include an open air Jacuzzi surrounded by an al fresco drinks bar, a gym, a sauna room, a helipad and a spacious beach club complete with a lounge, flatscreen TV and a small galley for preparing snacks or drinks. Her opulent interiors can accommodate up to 12 guests and 11 crew and even offer a home cinema and piano for entertaining in the main saloon. There are multiple toys carried on board as well, including gear for diving and spearfishing, Seabobs and equipment for underwater filming.

“The thing that I really love about My Seanna is the spacious cabins” says Worth Avenue retail charter broker, Shannon McCoy, who has appeared on episodes of Below Deck . She describes My Seanna as a “well-appointed yacht with a good collection of toys for the guests to enjoy,” offering an excellent layout with a variety of spaces that allows charterers “to have breakfast in a different place every morning or enjoy dinner whether it's outside under the sun or in the formal dining area.”

Charter cost: Starship is managed for charter by Worldwide Boat with a weekly charter rate starting from $275,000.

Lady Michelle

Sailing under her real name, Lady Michelle was the star of the sixth series of Below Deck Mediterranean , which was the latest series from the Med spin off. The 54.8 metre Benetti superyacht is the second biggest yacht ever to feature on the show, following just behind the 56.2 metre motor yacht The Wellington from season five. During season six Lady Michelle hosted charter guests in Ibenik, Croatia with Captain Sandy behind the helm.

First delivered in 2003, Lady Michelle features accommodation for up to 14 guests including a split-level master suite with its own panoramic observation lounge. Her Stefano Natucci interiors offer indoor and al fresco dining spaces, an expansive sundeck with a hot tub and dedicated gym. There’s also a range of toys at the guests’ disposal, from Jet Skis and Seabobs to fishing gear and a waterslide.

Charter cost: Lady Michelle is managed by Burgess with a weekly charter rate starting from $325,000.

The Wellington

Actually named The Wellesley , this 56.2 metre Oceanco superyacht is owned by property magnate and hotelier Khalid Affara and named after his luxury art deco hotel in London. Delivered in 1993, The Wellesley features extended deck spaces and Donald Starkey -penned interiors that replicate the grandeur of the eponymous Knightsbridge hotel. Highlights on board include a waterfall jacuzzi, an outdoor cinema for movies under the stars and a unique private club-style lounge complete with a Winston Churchill inspired cigar room. 

Describing why she makes an excellent charter yacht, James Graham-Cloete, director of charter management from TWW Yachts , says that The Wellesley is “ideal for entertaining family and friends, or hosting corporate events in utter privacy,” thanks to the fact that she “boasts some of the largest open deck spaces of any 56 metre on the water.” Graham-Cloete also adds that, on The Wellesley , “guests are invited to experience the same exceptional personal service, fine dining and attention to detail that has become synonymous with the hotel, on board a private superyacht,” while being looking after by her 14 crew members. “The crew have one of the lowest turnover rates in the industry and one of the best charter records, along with a full-time masseuse on board- making her the ultimate charter yacht!” says Graham-Cloete.

Charter cost: The Wellesley is managed by TWW Yachts with a weekly charter rate starting from €230,000.

Talisman Maiton

Built in 2006 by Turquoise Yachts , with a refit in 2012, the 54.2 metre Talisman Maiton sailed the coasts of Italy in the third series of Below Deck Mediterranean and was also captained by Sandy Yawn. Key features include a generous open plan sun deck with a forward-facing Jacuzzi and bar, al fresco dining spaces and a gym. Inside, she features six individually styled cabins for her 12 guests – including a master suite with its own private office – complemented by a sumptuous interior inspired by a combination of Asian and Art Deco influences. Her toy box is filled with snorkelling and fishing gear, Jet Skis and more for guests to enjoy while on board.

Charter cost: Talisman Maiton is managed by Burgess with a weekly charter rate starting from €273,000.

The 47 metre Heesen -built superyacht Sirocco took centre stage in both the second and fourth series of Below Deck Mediterranean and introduced captain Sandy Yawn, who has become a returning cast member on the show. Launched in 2006 with a refit in 2013, Sirocco features a dark blue hull and was designed inside and out by Omega Architects . She accommodates up to 12 guests and nine crew and offers charterers an eight person Jacuzzi, a gym, plenty of al fresco entertainment areas and a well-stocked toy box comprising Jet Skis, a waterslide and gear for wakeboarding or waterskiing. Worth Avenue retail charter broker Shannon McCoy describes Sirocco as a “very, very popular charter yacht” and with her fleet of water toys and pedigree Heesen design, provides “an excellent platform for a great time at sea.”

Charter cost: Sirocco is managed for charter by Worth Avenue with a weekly charter rate starting from €195,000.

Ionian Princess

Appropriately named for the first season of Below Deck Mediterranean , which was set in Greece, the 45.7 metre Christensen -built yacht was captained by Mark Howard during filming. Launched in 2005 and last refitted in 2016, Ionian Princess features a luxurious Greek-style inspired interior finished with high-gloss sapelle mahogany joinery and custom in-laid stonework throughout. Ionian Princess can host up to 12 guests in six cabins, including two master cabins, and also boasts plentiful dining options and a sundeck equipped with a hot tub and sunpads. She also comes with a fleet of water toys from waterskiing and wakeboarding kit to Jet Skis and kayaks. Thanks to her shallow draft, she can also access hard-to-reach hidden gems in the Mediterranean Sea that other larger yachts aren’t able to. “ Ionian Princess is ideally suited for cruising the Mediterranean, which is the most sought-after region for summer yacht charters,” says her management team at charter brokers Northrop & Johnson.

Charter cost: Ionian Princess is managed by Northrop & Johnson with a weekly charter rate starting from $175,000.

Parsifal III

Parsifal III has been the star of the sailing yacht spin off of Below Deck , captained by Glenn Shephard during filming. The 54 metre Perini Navi was launched in 2005 and was designed by Rémi Tessier . She was most recently refitted in 2020, and offers accommodation for a total of 12 guests and nine crew. Her design has seen her scoop a number of World Superyacht Awards and provides her with excellent performance capabilities at sea; when the weather is on your side, Parsifal III can hit speeds of up to 18 knots under sail. While at anchor, there is still plenty to keep guests entertained with a variety of al fresco and indoor dining spaces, a flybridge hot tub, gym equipment, a swimming platform and a fully-stocked toybox.

Charter cost: Parsifal III is managed for charter by Camper & Nicholsons with a weekly charter rate starting from €195,000.

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82' (24.99m) sportfish LADY LILA Sold

Posted March 29, 2021 in Brokerage & New Build by Morgan Crowe

Northrop & Johnson is delighted to announce the in-house sale of the 82-foot (24.99m) sportfish LADY LILA with Yacht Broker Jim Elliott representing the buyer and Yacht Broker Paul Daubner representing the seller. 

Built by Hatteras in 1995, LADY LILA is an exceptional convertible sportfish that boasts impressive fishing capabilities as well as luxurious motor yacht amenities. The yacht has seen consistent upgrades throughout her life, including a 2008 engine rebuild, and is perfectly poised for her new owners to start enjoying their time on the water.

LADY LILA has an exceptional, spacious cockpit that is perfect for offshore fishing. It features two fighting chairs, two bait tanks and a tuna door. A few steps up from the cockpit is an aft deck with a settee, which provides the perfect viewpoint for watching the action in the cockpit as well as enjoying alfresco meals.

The interior of LADY LILA is inviting with contemporary styling. The main salon has large ultra-leather couches on either side, providing ample seating for socializing and relaxing. Forward is a well-laid out galley with a dinette opposite. The Hatteras sportfish also has an enclosed bridge with seating and a well-equipped helm.

The sportfish offers accommodations for up to seven guests in four well-appointed staterooms. LADY LILA showcases a lovely master stateroom with a king-size bed, two cedar-lined closets, a flat-screen TV with an entertainment system and a pilothouse navigation computer monitor. There is also an en-suite bath with dual vanities and a Whirlpool tub/shower that accompanies the stateroom. Offering guest versatility, the additional staterooms include a queen VIP and two mirroring twin staterooms that can convert into queens. In addition, LADY LILA has accommodations for two crewmembers.

For more information, please email  [email protected] . For yachts for sale with Jim Elliott, click here . For yachts for sale with Paul Daubner, click here .

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COMMENTS

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    The 82-foot (24.99m) LADY LILA is now for sale with Northrop & Johnson. Listed with Yacht Broker Paul Daubner, this convertible sportfish is asking $900,000. Hatteras Yachts built LADY LILA in 1995.

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  8. LADY LILA Yacht for Sale in Newport Beach | 82' (24.99m) 1995 ...

    The Hatteras convertible LADY LILA is all business in the cockpit with two fighting chairs, two bait tanks and a tuna door. The spacious area provides the perfect set up for offshore fishing. A few steps up from the cockpit is a charming aft deck with a settee.

  9. How to charter a Below Deck superyacht - BOAT International

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  10. 82' (24.99m) sportfish LADY LILA Sold - Northrop & Johnson

    Northrop & Johnson is delighted to announce the in-house sale of the 82-foot (24.99m) sportfish LADY LILA with Yacht Broker Jim Elliott representing the buyer and Yacht Broker Paul Daubner representing the seller.