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The Wellington Yacht: Specs & Cost

The wellington yacht: what you need to know about the ‘below deck’ vessel.

On the fifth season of the hit TV show Below Deck Mediterranean , the luxury yacht featured was the biggest boat in the series’ history. 1 Captain Sandy Yawn and her crew sailed charter clients around the Spanish resort town of Mallorca in The Wellington yacht. In actuality, the 184.5-foot luxury yacht is called The Wellesley and was only called The Wellington on the show. Outside of the show, the M/Y The Wellesley is available for charter. Don’t worry, there won’t be any reality TV cameras on board! Our team at Yacht Management South Florida Inc. provide a look at this vessel, as well as many other insights on our yacht maintenance blog , to let our current and future clients have a better idea of what's going on in the industry. 

M/Y THE WELLESLEY Details

Built in 1993 by Netherlands based custom yacht builder Oceanco, it went through a major yacht refit in 2016. Coming out to 184.5 feet or 56.2 meters in length, the superyacht has a cruising speed of 14 knots and can reach a maximum speed of 16 knots. Its exterior was designed by Gerhard Gilgenast and its elegant 1920s inspired interior was designed by Donald Starkey. Mahogany bedrooms, Italian linens, and painted portraits of Winston Churchill and Che Guevara smoking cigars are just a few of the details that bring in Jazz Age glamour to the vessel's interior.

"Obviously, they spared no expense when it comes to this. This owner really loves his cigars and his whiskey." – Captain Sandy Yawn 2

Accommodation & Amenities

With one master suite, one VIP suite, 3 triple cabins, and 2 pullman beds, M/Y The Wellesley accommodates up to 12 guests. The vessel can also accommodate up to 12 crew members to ensure a luxury experience for guests. Featuring an impressive collection of leisure and entertainment facilities, this superyacht is perfect for large family outings and corporate charters alike. Special amenities on the vessel include a large open deck space, a club lounge, a spillpool on the sun deck, a waterfall-equipped jacuzzi, a gym, and a cigar room!

The Wellington Yacht Cost to Charter

Charter rates for the M/Y Wellesley , known as The Wellington yacht on Below Deck Mediterranean , are seasonal, with summer charters costing a bit more than winter charters. Summer charters are from €230,000 or $273,500 per week plus expenses. Winter charters are from €220,000 or $259,500 per week plus expenses.

Yacht Management South Florida, Inc. specializes in complete yacht care . As such, we offer premier maintenance services at our South Florida marina including boat bottom cleaning , hull painting, and boat interior restoration . Our certified yacht technicians can also go to your yacht to provide dockside assistance and emergency yacht repair services . Contact us today to learn more about out our extensive maintenance services and first-class management program!

Additional Reading

• Get to Know The Yacht in The “Succession” Season 2 Finale
• List of Famous Yachts in Movies
• Gina Ragusa, Showbiz CheatSheet – ‘Below Deck Med’ Season 5 Yacht Is the Largest Ever On the Series
• Jenny Berg, Bravo – Take a Tour of Below Deck Med's New Yacht, the Largest in the Show's History

For all inquiries, fill out the form below and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible

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Below Deck Mediterranean: Inside The Wellington superyacht now for sale

The Wellesley , star of charter TV show Below Deck Mediterranean , has now been listed for sale by TWW with an asking price of €14,500,000. We take a look inside the 56.2 metre superyacht that starred in season five. 

The yacht, which was renamed The Wellington for the hit yacht-based US reality show, is owned by the property magnate and hotelier behind London's luxury art deco London hotel The Wellesley.

Built by  Oceanco  in 1993,  The Wellesley is a modern charter yacht that features extended deck spaces and  Donald Starkey -penned interiors that replicate the grandeur of the eponymous Knightsbridge hotel.

Every detail on board is connected with the hotel, from the 1920s styling and linen in the six guest cabins to the Arabescato Corchia marble and Hermès amenities in the bathrooms.

The owner's passion for cigars is also evident on board thanks to a bespoke humidor housing a selection of fine cigars, which guests can enjoy in the club lounge or on the connecting outdoor smoking deck.

Designed by  Gerhard Gilgenast ,  The Wellelsey  underwent a complete refit in 2016 and accommodates a total of 12 guests in five cabins.

Read BOAT International's full interview with the owner.

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Billionaire Richard Branson’s cruise ship spotted in Wellington harbour

Richard Branson's cruise ship Resilient Lady sails into Wellington.

Billionaire Richard Branson’s cruise ship is sailing into Wellington this morning, after a rough day in Napier.

Resilient Lady, a 2,700-passenger, adults-only cruise ship, was spotted in the harbour this morning sailing towards the capital.

The ship left Napier earlier in the week after its stop-off was blighted by power outages in Napier’s CBD caused by a cable fault.

More than 200 properties were affected by the power cut.

Virgin Voyages, which runs the Resilient Lady and her sister - Brilliant Lady - has struggled with delays and cancellations to sailings of both ships, citing “global issues”.

The newest ship, Brilliant Lady , was due to sail from Miami on her maiden voyage in December last year but cancelled its sailings saying that the launch had run into unexpected issues in staffing and building.

“Despite careful planning, Virgin Voyages is facing unexpected construction, supply chain and staffing challenges that have delayed the introduction of Brilliant Lady. Virgin Voyages wants to make sure that when the ship launches, it can deliver the standards its sailors have come to expect from an award-winning brand like Virgin Voyages.”

The cruise line said it would offer any affected guests between $500 and $1000 in onboard credit or the option of a full refund.

Latest from New Zealand

'the crime of shipwreck and manslaughter': italian prosecutors confirm investigation into superyacht tragedy, nz’s oil and gas exploration doesn’t feature amid un secretary-general’s demands to polluting countries, kiwi cycling legend nathan dahlberg dies in china, tackling nz’s food waste problem.

It comes after the body of the daughter of tech billionaire Mick Lynch was recovered.

Student riders hit the trails at Whanganui School Championsdhips

Plan now and play later

Harbour City Charters  

Mission hills luxury boat cruises & charters on wellington harbour.

Enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise with stunning views of Wellington Harbour on the capital’s most luxurious motor yacht – Mission Hills.

As a leading charter boat, Mission Hills is perfect for any occasion, large or small – From corporate functions to wedding parties, and island day trips to fine dining cruises, let’s create a journey worth remembering.

Whether you’re looking for a 2 hour boat cruise, or a fully customised day trip, every Mission Hills luxury charter hire includes:

A qualified skipper with chef and deckhands as required

Comfortable spacing for up to 36 guests, delicious catering options and a full cash bar, a full club sound system with mood lighting, optional use of tender (dinghy) and water toys, flexible services.

Let our hospitable crew create an unforgettable boat cruise on Wellington Harbour, just for you. Call Aron today.

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Charter options, 2 hour cruise, $800 + gst per hour, 3 hour cruise, $750 + gst per hour, additional hours, $600 + gst per hour, day cruise / 8 hours, $5,100 + gst, berth at queens wharf, $399 + gst per hour.

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Throw an unforgettable corporate Christmas party your team will love! Cruise Wellington's stunning harbor on a luxurious charter boat. Enjoy delicious food , breathtaking views, and create lasting memories.

Limited availability!

Contact us to learn more about our packages and get ready for a magical celebration.

Wellington’s most loved charter boat; Sweet Georgia, cruises the beautiful Wellington Harbour and further afield to the magnificent Marlborough Sounds.

From small groups to larger parties (up to 80 guests), we cruise throughout Wellington harbour whilst serving a range of mouth-watering on-water dining experiences, paired with local New Zealand wines and craft beer. Come join us with the backdrop of our stunning city scape for a breath-taking sunset cruise or an event created just for you. 

S he is completely self-contained and capable of extended liveaboard operations allowing for all kinds of functions from harbour cruises, conferences, fishing charters, to team-building adventures, vacations and weddings. ​

Food and Beverage

Sweet Georgia is fully licensed with an outstanding selection of fine wines, premium beers and spirits.

We also have several menu options available all of which are customisable to suit your event.

Learn more about our Food and Beverage offerings here.

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Boat & Catamaran charter in Wellington - Yacht Rental

Wellington yacht rental.

Welcome to Yachting.Rent, your go-to destination for unrivaled yacht rental services in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Set at the southernmost point of the North Island, Wellington boasts a striking harbor, dynamic coastline, and an ever-changing, breezy climate that makes it an adventurous spot for sailing enthusiasts. At Yachting.Rent, we pride ourselves on curating unique sailing experiences, blending excitement, luxury, and tranquility.

Our extensive fleet of yachts is meticulously selected to ensure a top-notch sailing experience for our guests. Each yacht meets stringent standards for safety, luxury, aesthetic appeal, and sailing capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, intimate yacht for two or a more spacious vessel to accommodate friends or family, our diverse fleet has something to offer every sailor.

At Yachting.Rent, we’re committed to providing extraordinary sailing experiences. Our yachts are equipped with state-of-the-art navigation technology and outfitted with luxurious amenities for an indulgent journey. Each vessel features tastefully decorated cabins, spacious lounge areas, fully equipped kitchens, and enticing on-deck Jacuzzis, allowing you to relax while soaking in the beauty of Wellington’s scenic landscapes.

Our team at Yachting.Rent consists of experienced professionals with a profound passion for sailing and a dedication to superior customer service. We ensure smooth, secure, and personalized voyages, tailored to your unique needs and preferences. From plotting the ideal sailing route to customizing an on-board menu and organizing distinctive experiences, our team covers every detail of your sailing adventure.

Sailing in Wellington offers a remarkable experience. From your yacht, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the bustling harbor, the rugged coastline, and the city’s iconic landmarks. Every journey with us promises a series of delightful sights and unforgettable moments.

In addition to our charter services, we offer a range of specialized options to enhance your sailing experience. These include private sailing lessons, curated wine tastings featuring New Zealand’s celebrated wines, professional photography sessions to capture your cherished moments, and gourmet catering services for a delectable culinary journey.

At Yachting.Rent, we’re dedicated to providing unmatched yacht rental services that combine luxury, comfort, and memorable experiences. We invite you to explore the captivating beauty of Wellington and experience the exhilaration of sailing with us. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and start planning your dream yacht voyage.

Daniel Goldman

CEO of Yachting.Rent

Boat & Catamaran charter in Wellington

Bali 4.5 – 4 + 2 cab. – Adria Chicha – 2017

Lagoon 450 F – 4 + 2 cab. – Shiva – 2018

Lagoon 42 – 4 + 2 cab. – Hanselli – 2024

Lagoon 42 – 4 + 1 cab. – pirelli – 2024.

Saxdor 320 GTC – Olivia – 2022

Saxdor 320 gto – kali – 2022.

Why Choose Us

Yacht charter in Wellington

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, beckons sailors with its vibrant waterfront, breathtaking landscapes, and rich maritime history. Situated at the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington’s intricate harbor and nearby coastal regions offer an extraordinary setting for sailing enthusiasts and explorers alike. Yachting.Rent is proud to present our distinguished yacht charter services in Wellington, designed to curate a sailing experience that’s as unique as the city’s charming maritime character.

At Yachting.Rent, we offer a vast selection of vessels, ranging from the timeless grace of sailing yachts to the contemporary comfort of catamarans, and the high-octane thrill of motor yachts. Every boat in our fleet is meticulously maintained, equipped with top-of-the-line amenities, and primed to deliver an unforgettable Wellington sailing experience.

Sailing Yachts: For those drawn to the classical charm of sailing, our range of sailing yachts offers a captivating connection to Wellington’s marine beauty. Graceful, elegant, and infused with tradition, our sailing yachts are perfect for those who wish to feel the wind in the sails and the rhythm of the sea.

Catamarans: Offering stability and luxury, our catamarans are ideal for a smooth and comfortable voyage. With generous space for relaxation and socializing, catamarans provide a perfect setting for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply a serene journey across Wellington’s magnificent waters.

Motor Yachts: If speed and prestige are your calling, our fleet of motor yachts offers a dynamic sailing experience. Crafted for performance and designed with finesse, our motor yachts are suited for those who wish to explore Wellington’s maritime wonders with power and style.

Wellington’s coastal treasures extend beyond its famous harbor. Explore the stunning bays of Marlborough Sounds, navigate through the Cook Strait’s thrilling currents, or anchor in a secluded cove along the Kapiti Coast. Wellington’s marine environment is a treasure trove of natural beauty, teeming with wildlife, cultural landmarks, and nautical adventures.

Yachting.Rent’s commitment to personalized service ensures that every aspect of your Wellington sailing experience is tailored to your preferences. Our seasoned crew, renowned for their professionalism and expertise, will guide you through a journey filled with discovery, joy, and the unspoiled beauty of Wellington’s maritime landscapes.

Our seamless booking process, supported by a dedicated customer care team, makes chartering your yacht in Wellington a breeze. Whether you’re planning a romantic escapade, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Yachting.Rent’s fleet offers the perfect vessel to suit your needs, dreams, and sailing ambitions.

Join Yachting.Rent in Wellington, and let the city’s maritime allure unfold before you. Sail through history, explore natural wonders, or simply let the gentle waves of Wellington’s harbor embrace you. Every journey with Yachting.Rent is a story waiting to be written, a memory waiting to be cherished, and a connection to the sea that will linger long after your sails are lowered.

Connect with Yachting.Rent today, and set sail on a Wellington adventure that’s crafted just for you. Your yacht awaits, the horizon beckons, and a world of sailing splendor is ready to welcome you to the heart of New Zealand’s capital. With Yachting.Rent, the sea is not just a destination; it’s a celebration of life, passion, and the timeless call of the waves.

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About Wellington

Why is Wellington a good sailing destination?

Wellington, the captivating capital of New Zealand, is an extraordinary sailing destination that Yachting.Rent is delighted to showcase. Known for its vibrant harbor, dramatic coastline, and intriguing maritime history, Wellington offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that leaves a lasting impression on every sailor.

A striking feature of Wellington is its geographical location, poised at the southern end of the North Island and nestled between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range. This setting offers a variety of sailing conditions, with ever-changing winds that can challenge even the most seasoned sailors, making every voyage a truly adventurous experience.

The natural landscapes of Wellington further elevate its appeal as a sailing destination. The city’s bustling harbor, where modern architecture meets the blue sea, makes for a fantastic starting point. As you navigate the waters, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the rugged coastline, where steep hills plunge dramatically into the sea, and the distant peaks of the South Island on clear days.

Wellington’s rich maritime history adds another layer of intrigue to the sailing experience. The city has a deep connection to the sea, with numerous historical landmarks and a thriving waterfront district that offers a glimpse into its nautical past and vibrant present.

The diversity of marine life in Wellington’s waters also sets it apart as a sailing destination. It’s not uncommon to spot dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds during your sailing journey, making for memorable encounters with nature.

Off the water, Wellington is a city teeming with life and culture. With its world-renowned arts scene, award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, and bustling coffee culture, there’s plenty to explore once you dock your yacht. The city’s compact size and walkability mean that everything is within easy reach.

At Yachting.Rent, we go beyond simple yacht rentals. We offer holistic sailing experiences that let you uncover the charm of exceptional destinations like Wellington. As you sail these waters with us, you’ll enjoy not only the thrill of the voyage but also the unique beauty and character of this unforgettable destination. Reach out to us today to embark on a sailing adventure like no other.

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Video shows moments before superyacht went down in storm off Sicily

Newly released video captures a luxury superyacht being battered by a violent storm before it suddenly sank off Sicily with 22 people aboard Monday.

The grainy images obtained by NBC News and other outlets were recorded on closed-circuit television not far from where the Bayesian was anchored, about a half-mile from the port of Porticello, on Sicily’s northern coast .

The yacht's 250-foot mast, illuminated with lights and lashed by the storm, appears to bend to one side before it finally disappears and is replaced by darkness.

The speed with which a yacht built to handle the roughest seas capsized stunned maritime experts.  

“I can’t remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that, you know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size,” said Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and five of the 22 other people who were aboard the 184-foot vessel remain unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped in the Bayesian’s hull, nearly 170 feet underwater.

Officials confirmed Monday that at least one person, the ship’s cook, had died.  

Superyachts like the Bayesian, which had been available for charters at a rate of $215,000 a week, are designed to stay afloat even as they are taking on water to give the people aboard a chance to escape, Richter said. 

“Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday,” Richter said. “They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed.”

Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters. 

On Tuesday, Italian rescue workers resumed the search for Lynch and the five other passengers still missing: Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife.

“The fear is that the bodies got trapped inside the vessel,” Salvatore Cocina, the head of civil protection in Sicily, told Reuters .

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was one of the 15 people rescued Monday after it capsized.

“It’s extremely rare for a boat of this size to sink,” Richter said.

What’s not rare is the kind of storm that sank it , said Simon Boxall, senior lecturer in oceanography at Britain’s University of Southampton.

“People assume the Mediterranean is this rather calm and passive place that never gets storms and always blue skies,” Boxall said. “In fact, you get some quite horrendous storms that are not uncommon at this time of year.”

The president of Italy’s meteorological society has said Monday’s violent storm may have involved a waterspout, essentially a tornado over water, or a downburst, which occurs more frequently but doesn’t involve the rotation of the air.

Luca Mercalli, president of the Italian Meteorology Society, also said recent temperatures may have been a factor. 

“The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius [86 Fahrenheit], which is almost 3 degrees more than normal,” Mercalli told Reuters. “This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms.”

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who two months ago was acquitted by a San Francisco jury of fraud charges stemming from the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion.

Prosecutors alleged that Lynch, dubbed “Britain’s Bill Gates,” and Autonomy’s vice president for finance, Stephen Chamberlain, had padded the firm’s finances ahead of the sale. Lynch’s lawyers argued that HP was so eager to acquire Autonomy that it failed to adequately check the books .

Lynch had taken Morvill, who was one of his defense attorneys, on the luxury trip. 

Chamberlain was not on the Bayesian.

In what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a car struck and killed Chamberlain on Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

“Steve fought successfully to clear his good name at trial earlier this year, and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family,” Chamberlain’s lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, said in a statement .

Henry Austin reported from London and Corky Siemaszko from New York City.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.

Explore charter yacht THE WELLINGTON, the Season 5 star on ‘Below Deck’

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Written by Rachael Steele

For the fifth season of hit TV series Below Deck , the luxury yacht was bigger and more luxurious than ever before: 56.2m/184.5ft motor yacht THE WELLESLEY was named THE WELLINGTON on the show, and here is the tour through her cabins and cigar room right up to the sundeck – almost as good as being there yourself!

The Wellesley running. Photo credit Martino Motti

The Interiors

Built in 1993 by Oceanco , she received and extensive refit in 2016 that refreshed her appearance inside and out. Luxurious marbles are used across the decks, accompanied by plush leather furnishings and impeccable joinery in a range of high quality wood varieties.

The formal dining room is separate from the main salon for a more intimate dining experience between guests. A high-glass circular table sits in the centre of the room and the seating arrangement can be altered for up to 12 guests.

Main deck formal dining setting

The inviting main salon is one of the first areas guests and visitors will encounter: Velvet sofas and armchairs form a cosy conversation area at the centre of the room, surrounded by mahogany panelling and top notch technology for entertaining day or night. Lighting plays an important part in the ambiance, and in addition to the numerous ceiling spotlights there are table lamps that fit seamlessly with the art deco-inspired surroundings.

What would be the skylounge aboard most vessels is the cigar room aboard this superyacht! Situated on the upper deck aft, famous cigar smokers of the past century adorn the walls of this distinctive gentleman’s lounge. An entire wall cabinet is dedicated to vintage cigars and a choice whiskeys accompanied by crystal glasses. Overstuffed leather armchairs are placed in the centre of the room and the widescreen TV for the latest sports and a large library of films. A desk in the corner lets the room be used as an office by charter guests who need to keep an eye on business matters.

The Exteriors

The main deck aft is unusual in providing a raised aft area extensively furnished with sofas, armchairs and drinks tables for outdoor relaxation in the sunshine or shade. Steps lead down to the grand alfresco dining area, and a staircase leads to the lower deck and the beach club in the stern.

Working out on the aft deck

The upper deck aft is fitted with a massive sunbathing area along the stern that can be covered by a bimini shade for use throughout the day. Farther forward, the seating arrangement provides comfort and great views as guests unwind with drinks and savour the fresh air.

Personalised massage on board

Those looking for the Jacuzzi will find it on the sundeck forward, surrounded by plush sunpads on both sides. Guests can soak up the sunshine on the sun loungers along the stern too, while the expert chef prepares a delectable lunch and cocktails are served from the wet bar.

The Accommodation

The accommodation is placed across the decks, with a Master suite on the upper deck benefiting from elevated views. White panelling and mahogany woods add to the sense of space and elegance with a simple and clean appearance. The room has an abundance of space for a king-sized bed and a lounge in front of a massive widescreen TV, and the en-suite bathroom is just as opulent with marble floors and wall panels.

Guest cabin

The twin cabin aft of the Master suite is the only cabin on board not to have its own sofa, although it does have large plush beds and its own en-suite.

Since the 2016 refit, the main deck forward has changed from an observation room to become the second VIP suite. Here the occupants have a gorgeous light-filled space thanks to the skylight panels arranged in a semi-circular formation, and at night these can be left open for stargazing or covered for complete privacy.

Master suite

The lower deck has the original VIP stateroom amidships and this highly desirable cabin is more the equivalent of a second Master suite: The full beam affords an abundance of space with a king-sized bed at its centre, a wall-mounted widescreen TV, a lounge to starboard and a desk to port. The en-suite bathroom has a bathtub in addition to a shower, and it connects through to the walk-in-wardrobe, which in turn leads back into the bedroom.

A double and twin en-suite cabin are also placed on this deck and both provide a generous amount of space with a sofa and widescreen TV for relaxing in comfort at the end of a busy day.

Additional Benefits

The collection of water toys onboard is vast, encompassing everything from high-speed jet skis and Seabobs aboard this Approved RYA Water Sports Centre, to Scuba diving equipment and inflatable and towable toys. The water slide will be a hit with guests of all ages, and when the group wants to stay on board there is a range of gym equipment including yoga mats for exercise, fresh air and panoramic views.

Transom beach club with tender

Among the crew there are trained jet ski instructors and a professional massage therapist, so guests can spend the morning learning how to use the water toys and exploring along the coast before returning to a delectable lunch and an afternoon of sunbathing and treatments.

Superyacht THE WELLESLEY is available for charter to make your holiday, honeymoon, corporate charter or other special occasion one to remember.

ENQUIRE NOW

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Explore charter yacht THE WELLINGTON, the Season 5 star on 'Below Deck'".

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One person dead and six missing after superyacht with 22 on board is sunk by tornado off coast of Italy

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is among those unaccounted for after the ship was battered by a tornado off the coast of Palermo in the early hours of Monday morning.

Tuesday 20 August 2024 16:20, UK

A man has died and six people are missing after a UK-flagged superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily in a tornado - with a prominent British businessman among those unaccounted for.

Technology tycoon Mike Lynch owned the 56-metre vessel (183ft), named Bayesian.

Mr Lynch, known as the "British Bill Gates", has been in the headlines in recent months over a high-profile fraud case.

In June, he was cleared of all charges by a US jury related to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter Hannah is among those missing after his yacht sank, local media reports.

Follow live updates: People missing after superyacht sinks

Mr Lynch's wife Angela Bacares is confirmed to be among the 15 people who were rescued after the British-flagged yacht capsized at around 4.30am local time (3.30am UK time) on Monday.

One body has also been recovered, after being found close to the vessel, according to local media.

Read more: Everything we know so far about luxury vessel sunk by tornado Lynch's co-defendant dies after being hit by car days before yacht sinking

The boat was hit by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout, that struck where the yacht had been anchored during the storm.

Police divers have been trying to reach the hull of the ship, which is resting at a depth of 50 metres (163 feet) off Porticello, near Palermo.

During the rescue effort, divers saw "corpses through the portholes" of the wreck, Salvo Cocina, the head of the Civil Protection of Sicily, said.

“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he added.

The incident comes days after Stephen Chamberlain, Mr Lynch's co-accused in the fraud trial, died in a car collision in Stretham, Cambridgeshire.

Mr Chamberlain's lawyer said he was out running on Saturday when he was hit by a car.

Most on board yacht thought to be British

The boat had 12 passengers and a crew of 10 people. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Reppublica reports.

Most of those on board were reported to be from Britain - including a mother and one-year-old daughter who are among those rescued.

Speaking to the Giornale Di Sicilia newspaper, Charlotte Golunski said: "For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.

"I held her tightly, close to me, while the sea was stormy. Many were screaming. Luckily, the lifeboat inflated and 11 of us managed to get on board."

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Ms Golunski was reportedly given stitches for a chest injury following the ordeal. The father of the child also survived, Mr Cocina said.

Eight of the 15 people rescued and taken ashore at Porticello were taken to hospital, while the others were taken to a hotel.

The Italian coast guard said the boat had passengers from Britain, the US, and Canada.

Meanwhile, multiple Italian news outlets reported that people on the boat were from Britain, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Ireland.

British-French citizens were also among those on the superyacht, according to reports.

'I saw it sinking with my own eyes'

Pietro Asciutto, a fisherman from Porticello who witnessed the storm, told local media: "I was at home when the tornado hit. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very big. I saw it suddenly sink."

He added: "I think the whirlwind came from Porticello... shortly afterwards I went down to Santa Nicolicchia Bay to get a better look at what was happening.

"The boat was still floating, then all of a sudden it disappeared. I saw it sinking with my own eyes."

Fabio Cefalu, another local fisherman, called rescue services after spotting the wrecked boat off Porticello.

He said: "Around 3.55am we witnessed the whirlwind. After a quarter of an hour, we saw a flare 500 metres away from the dock.

"Around 4:35am we went out to sea for the rescue, however, we only saw the remains of the boat floating. There were no men in the sea. So we immediately called the harbour master's office."

A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: "We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected."

Camper and Nicholsons, which provided yacht management services for the Bayesian, has confirmed the vessel sank at around 4.30am local time.

The company said in a statement: "The Italian coast guard is leading search and rescue operations, and has safely recovered 15 individuals. Efforts to locate the seven missing persons continue.

"Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew."

Online charter sites listed the Bayesian as available for rent for up to €195,000 (about £166,339) a week.

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• Superyacht sinking

How did the superyacht Bayesian sink? Experts say weather was just one factor

Divers searching for 6 missing people locate 5 bodies inside wrecked yacht's hull.

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A complicated search effort is underway deep beneath the surface of the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Italy, where a superyacht sank early Monday during a fierce storm. 

Dive crews are attempting to enter the wreck of the Bayesian, a 56-metre long British-flagged luxury vessel, which is sitting in some 50 metres of water near the Sicilian fishing village of Porticello.

Fifteen of the 22 passengers and crew members on board were rescued. Divers searching for six people considered missing, including British businessman Mike Lynch, located five bodies inside the yacht's hull on Wednesday, and retrieved four of them from the water.

Searchers previously recovered the body of Recaldo Thomas, the ship's Canadian-Antiguan cook, in the water not far from where the Bayesian sank.  

• Diving team finds 5 bodies in Sicily yacht search
• Canadian dead, several others missing after superyacht capsizes off Sicilian coast

Questions have emerged about why a boat designed to handle severe weather sank so rapidly and whether or not some of its features could've been a factor in its demise. Maritime experts say investigations may, in time, reveal what led to the disaster.

"There needs to be an investigation as to why this happened, what went wrong and, you know, how to prevent it in the future cases," said Simon Boxall, an oceanographer and senior lecturer at the University of Southampton in England.

Canadian dead, others missing after superyacht sinks near Sicily

How did the bayesian sink so quickly.

Grainy footage from closed-circuit cameras on the shore broadcast on the website of the Giornale di Sicilia newspaper showed the Bayesian's majestic mast just before it disappeared. 

Karsten Borner, captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, which rescued the survivors who managed to get into a lifeboat, told The Associated Press he was close enough to be able to see the Bayesian as the storm came in.

"A moment later, she was gone," he said.

The survivors told the rescuers they went flat on the water "and were sunk in two minutes."

Boxall said vessels rely on being able to steer and navigate stormy seas, but the Bayesian was anchored and stationary, which likely made it more vulnerable to the storm and, potentially, a waterspout , or mini tornado that creates a whirlwind over the surface of the sea. 

He said it was also dark, meaning "you wouldn't see this sort of very unique event coming towards you."

CCTV footage shows yacht Bayesian as deadly storm strikes

"It's a freak of nature," Boxall said. "I think the fact that so many have survived, so far, is probably a miracle."

Tom Sharpe, a retired Royal Navy commander and defence commentator, told CBC News the weather was likely not the only issue.

He says it's rare that a weather event like this takes down a boat. 

"There's nearly always a sequence [of events]," he said in an interview from Guildford, England, explaining that everything from safety protocols to the culture on board the vessel needs to be taken into account. 

Was the boat's design part of the problem?

The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Italian luxury yacht maker Perini Navi.

Andrea Ratti, a nautical design professor at Milan Polytechnic, told Reuters that a boat the size of the Bayesian could only sink so rapidly by taking on a huge amount of water. 

He suggested that one or more portholes, windows or other openings may have been broken or smashed open by the waterspout, letting in water. There has also been media speculation that a major hatch might have been inadvertently left open.

Reports have also highlighted that the Bayesian featured a 72-metre mast — one of the tallest in the world. 

Ratti said an unusually tall mast is not by itself an element of vulnerability in a storm. 

A second expert, structural engineer Filippo Mattioni, was also skeptical about the suggestion the boat may have sunk due to a broken mast, which likely would have caused major damage smashing against the hull.

Fire department diver Marco Tilotta told the newspaper Il Messaggero that the wreck was "apparently intact," with "no gashes, no signs of impact." However, only half of the hull is visible to divers.

The Bayesian also had a retractable keel — the fin-like structure under the hull that helps stabilize boats and acts as a counterweight to the mast. 

Both Ratti and Mattioni wondered if the yacht had been anchored with the keel up, reducing the vessel's depth under water and making it less stable. Ratti said strong winds might have caused the boat to start oscillating wildly, "like a pendulum," putting exceptional strain on the mast.

Sharpe pointed out that a mast the size of the Bayesian's is designed for a massive sail, and without that sail raised and catching the wind, the gusts likely would've had a negligible impact on the aluminum pole.

• What we know about the capsized superyacht off the Sicilian coast

He instead suggested the anchor may have played a pivotal role.

"My kind of working assumption is that she was probably a bit further in at anchor, and it's very likely, in these sort of conditions, that her anchor dragged," he said. 

In such a situation, he said, a crew is better off steering toward the anchor to stabilize the vessel or raising the anchor and heading out to sea to ride out the storm.

"They might have got caught in that middle ground where they're not on a particularly good anchorage, but the anchor is now controlling the bow of the ship."

Sicily superyacht rescue: What divers are up against | About That

What caused the extreme weather.

Although Sharpe says the weather is unlikely the sole cause of the sinking, he notes the Mediterranean isn't the calm sea often pictured in travel brochures. 

"It can get pretty nasty," he said.

The type of storm that struck Monday is fuelled by warm water and the Mediterranean is warmer than ever, said Boxall, noting there's been about a three and a half degree increase in the 20-year average temperature.

'The ship behind us was gone,' says captain who rescued yacht passengers

Climatologists say global warming is making such violent and unexpected tempests more frequent. 

Luca Mercalli, president of Italy's meteorological society, said the sea surface temperature around Sicily in the days leading up to the shipwreck was about 30 C. 

"This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms," he told Reuters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior Writer

Nick Logan is a senior writer with CBC based in Vancouver. He is a multi-platform reporter and producer, with a particular focus on international news. You can reach out to him at [email protected].

With files from The Associated Press and Reuters

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CCTV footage shows the moment missing tycoon Mike Lynch’s Bayesian yacht is engulfed by storm

Italian officials have said british technology tycoon mike lynch and five others may be trapped in a pocket of air inside the boat, article bookmarked.

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CCTV footage has shown the moment a storm off the coast of Sicily engulfed the Bayesian luxury yacht carrying 22 people.

The superyacht was moored around half-a-mile off the coast of Porticello when it sank at around 5am local time on Monday as the area was hit by a storm.

The tall mast of the craft can be seen in the black-and-white footage, as rain appears to be lashing down in the foreground.

Italian officials have said they fear British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and five others may have been trapped inside the boat. An expert has suggested they could be relying on air pockets to survive.

Follow The Independent’s live blog for the latest updates

Vincenzo Zagarola of the Italian Coastguard said this was the working theory of officials on Sicily because it is believed the boat sank quickly and search and rescue efforts by sea and air have so far delivered no results.

He said: “We think they are still inside the boat, that is our very hard idea.

“Our search and rescue activity by sea and air has gone on for around 36 hours.

“Of course, we do not exclude that they are not inside the boat, but we know the boat sank quickly. We suppose that the six people missing may not have had time to get out of the boat.”

Asked about the likelihood of them being alive, he replied: “Never say never, but reasonably the answer should be not.”

The CCTV footage taken from a villa only 200-metres away shows the £14million yacht slowly disappearing off the coast of Porticello, Sicily, as it is engulfed by a tornado of heavy rain. Lights from the yacht can also be seen in the distance.

One witness described how he went to check his cameras after hearing the news regarding the sunken yacht, according to Italian newspaper Giornale Di Sicilia .

The owner of the villa said: “In just sixty seconds, you can see the ship disappear. Of about twenty cameras installed in the house, only one was not disturbed by the wind and rain. You can clearly see what is happening. There was nothing that could be done for the boat. It disappeared in a very short time.”

Italy ’s fire brigade Vigili del Fuoco said it is developing a plan to enter the wreckage of Bayesian, which is resting on the seabed off the coast at a depth of 50 metres.

It described the operation as “complex”, with divers limited to 12-minute underwater shifts.

The missing tourists are: Mr Lynch; his daughter, Hannah Lynch; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Fifteen of the 22 passengers and crew onboard – including Mr Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares – were rescued after escaping onto a lifeboat.

On Tuesday, an inflated orange lifeboat was docked at the harbour near where search crews are being dispatched.

One body, belonging to the ship’s chef Recaldo Thomas, was recovered at the scene of the sinking on Monday.

Mr Lynch, who founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, was cleared in June of conducting a massive fraud relating to an 11 billion US dollar (£8.64 billion) sale to US company Hewlett Packard.

The boat trip was a celebration of his acquittal.

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Luxury Yacht Sinks After Being Hit by Tornado Off Coast of Italy: Report

O ne person has died and six others are missing after a luxury yacht was struck by a freak tornado off the coast of Sicily at dawn on Monday.

Two Americans, four Britons, including tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, and a Canadian were initially unaccounted for following the tragedy, which occurred between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time, according to Italian media reports.

The 160-foot yacht , Bayesian , sank off the coast of Palermo with 22 on board, including ten crew and 12 tourists, said Italian news agency ANSA . Tourists from New Zealand, France and Sri Lanka are also believed to be among the passengers.

The body of a man, the only personconfirmed dead, was retrieved next to the sunken yacht on Monday, ANSA reported. Palermo's coastguard identified him later that evening as the ship's cook. He has not been formally identified.

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch was among those missing, and his wife, Angela Bacares, was among the 15 rescued, Reuters and PA news reported.

Raised in the U.K. county of Essex, Lynch created tech company Autonomy in 1996 and sold it for $11 billion to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. A year later, the U.S. company took an $8.8 billion writedown in the firm's value after discovering "serious accounting improprieties" at Autonomy and accused Lynch of perpetrating a $5 billion fraud. Earlier this year, Lynch was cleared of all fraud charges in the HP trial.

The tornado struck off Porticello, about 12 miles from the city of Palermo. Witnesses told ANSA that the $18 million yacht was still near the Porticello harbor with the sail down when a violent storm hit the area and engulfed the sailing boat.

The boat sank and the wreck is now over 164 feet deep at the bottom of the sea, reported Italian news media, including ANSA and Il Post .

Fifteen have so far been rescued and taken to hospitals in the Sicilian city, including a one-year-old child who was taken to Palermo's children's hospital.

The 35-year-old British mother of the one-year old child told ANSA: "For two seconds I lost my daughter in the sea." She was able to find her again, and kept her safe during the storm: "I held her tightly, close to me, while the sea was in a tempest. Many people screamed. Luckily the lifeboat inflated and 11 of us were able to get on board," she said.

Crew members and passengers were first rescued by a nearby sailing boat, the Sir Robert BP, and later by the Italian Coast Guard, according to the Il Post .

Rescue operations continue in the area with the involvement of four vessels and a helicopter from the Italian Coast Guard, as well as professional divers.

Authorities suspect that some of the missing people may have been in their cabins when the yacht was struck by the freak tornado and might have been trapped there.

A video shared on social media by Italian authorities shows the Coast Guard's vessels during rescue operations after the incident. The sea appears relatively calm after the sudden storm earlier this morning.

Another clip shared on X shows a helicopter flying over the area and divers trying to reach the wreck.

The yacht, Bayesian , was built in 2008 and refitted in 2020 by Italy's Perini Navi. It had the world's second tallest mast and largest aluminum mast at 246 feet.

Sicilian news channel TRM Web Sicilia reported that the yacht ran luxury cruises across the Mediterranean Sea. The Bayesian had left the harbor in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, before passing the Strait of Gibraltar. The last destination before reaching the Porticello harbor had been Milazzo, another town in Sicily.

Update, 8/19/24 7:20 a.m. ET: This breaking news article was updated to offer more details on the incident.

Update, 8/19/24 10:30 a.m. ET: This article was updated to add that Mike Lynch is among those missing.

Correction: 8/20/24, 7:25 a.m. ET: The person confirmed dead was a crew member, not a passenger as previously stated.

Update: 8/20/24, 7:25 a.m. ET: More details have been added about the person confirmed dead.

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• New Zealand /
• Boat Charter Wellington

Boat Rental in Wellington

Wellington boat rental

Wellington harbour must rank amongst one of the most beautiful in the world on a good day. The weather conditions in Wellington are varied and can change quickly, so be sure that you plan by checking the weather forecast in advance. The same is true for the whole Cook Strait region, so if you are planning to rent a boat, then pick your day, length of boat rental, and destinations before you set off. Weather systems in and around Wellington can change quickly with average wind speeds of 14-16 knots but gusts up to 35 knots. Then there is the possibility of stormy weather. So do your homework with a ‘windfinder’ before you start. For a day or weekend boat rental, there is more than enough to do in Wellington Harbour that is interesting.

Why rent a boat on holiday in Wellington?

New Zealand is renowned around the world for rugby, wine, and for its stunning natural scenery. So if you’re not a rugby fanatic or wine buff, then the landscape on the North and South Islands of New Zealand is for you. On land, you will have a feast of mountains and grasslands to visit, but the world on the water is the other half of nature that you must make sure you see.

Renting a boat in Wellington is easy. You can rent a boat, speed boat or catamaran in Wellington from Chaffers Marina in the central city and the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club is also nearby. You will find international standards of service and well-maintained boat rentals to match your needs and tastes. Just nearby to the East of these Marinas lies Oriental Bay, which is the inner city. It has golden sands with beaches that are good for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Why not rent a boat and add a new, fun dimension to your holiday in Wellington.

How much is speed boat rental in Wellington?

Boat rental options include speedboats, yachts, sailboats, catamarans, and kayaks. Take your pick, but if you want to see a lot in a short time, try renting a speed boat from Wellington Harbour. Wellington harbour caters for speed boat rentals and join-in tours too. A small speedboat for an intimate spin around Wellington Harbour with your loved one will start from around 100 USD per hour. Larger speed boats for a group of friends or a family out will be slightly more expensive, but you may decide to join an organised tour instead. You can take an exciting, high-speed tour for an hour or a more leisurely half-day or whole day tour to take in more of the sights.

How much is catamaran rental in Wellington?

There are multiple boat rental options including, per person for less than 100 USD per day, sailboats, and yachts from 200 USD per day upwards or power catamarans rental at about 500 USD per day. Whether you want to join a fun group with other people or enjoy your private catamaran rental, there are plenty of options from several different marinas in Wellington and nearby. So you can choose your starting point for boat rental.

Rent a boat for a day in Wellington

For one-day boat rental from Wellington Harbour, start by heading East, and you will sail past Evans Bay, at the North end of the airport runway. Then bear South and follow the coast to Seatoun, now owned mainly by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame. When you reach Seatoun head Northeast towards Ward Island, and sail across the harbour entrance, but watch out for the big rail ferries to the South Island and Eastbourne.

Anchor off Ward Island for lunch or go ashore in a dinghy if you fancy a remote picnic. Ward Island has rocks on the Southern tip that is well-charted. If your boat has kayaks, this could be a great place to use them. From Ward Island bear North towards Somes Island. There are a few yacht moorings and a small wharf, and you can drop people off either via wharf or dinghy. It's also suitable for a lunch stop. After lunch head East to Days Bay, a sheltered and popular swimming beach in summer. The water is shallow, and you could anchor there and dinghy in. It's quite safe from strong winds and misses most of the swells.

Rent a boat for the weekend in Wellington

If you are planning boat rental for more than a few hours or a day, comfort may become a new priority. Why not try a catamaran rental and kick back in the comfort of a large, roomy cabin with a spacious deck. There is plenty of room to move around on a catamaran rental, and staying overnight on the waves in a cabin can be blissful. If you decide to set your sails to Days Bay for the day and don't want to turn back, there are cafes and restaurants near the beach, so you could have dinner onshore. If the weather turns rough, it is very close to the Seaview Marina, which is easy to find and sheltered. Then rock yourself to sleep on the waves, wake up on deck with a fresh cup of tea or coffee, and spend a bit longer taking in the sights around Wellington Bay.

Rent a boat for diving in Wellington

There are multiple dive trips available from dive centres in Wellington throughout the year. These range from local day boat trips in the Wellington area, all the way up to multi-day expeditions to other locations in New Zealand and overseas. The types of trips available depend on the destination, but can include wreck diving, cray and spearfishing hunts, shark diving, whale watching, swimming and diving, photography diving, shore dives, boat dives, liveaboards and resort diving. So many options! Dive courses are available, and further afield from Wellington bay dive trips reach Northland (Bay of Islands and Poor Knights) and Fiordland. You can even go to Fiji, Tonga, and the Galapagos Islands! Most diving is scheduled over the winter months to give divers a break from cold water diving. You can dive all year round, but the scallop season opened on July 15th, 2020, and runs for seven months finishing in February.

Party boat rental in Wellington

Lowry Bay yacht club is located at Seaview Marina in Wellington. They cater to weddings and BBQs, so if you are looking to impress someone, why not try party boat rental. There are even Bikini boats with bikini-clad girls at your service serving you drinks and some exceptional hospitality. Another option is to hire a public ferry and sail to the Riverhead Historic Tavern. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, social club, or a special occasion, there are many boat rental options with a variety of hospitality services so you can pick and match what you want for your party on the sea near Wellington.

Boat Rental near Wellington

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DESTINATION Wellington

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• Yacht Charter in Wellington

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Three Superyachts Visit the Dart.

This morning Dartmouth welcomed the 98m long superyacht ‘Aviva’ to our mainstream mooring buoys in the middle of the town. She joined the 66m long yacht ‘Elysian’ and regular visitor ‘Constance’, which is 47m long, to make a spectacular line up on the Dart.

Whilst superyacht calls are becoming more regular, with many yachts calling to pick up new tenders and support boats from local manufacturers Ribeye, as well as to allow their owners, crew and guest to enjoy the beauty of South Devon, this is the first time we have ever had three yachts of this size on the river. Our mainstream moorings, originally designed by the Admiralty for mooring warships, are extremely flexible and able to be configured to accommodate vessels from small yachts to cruise ships.

Aviva has a hybrid propulsion system, and arrived in port this morning entirely on battery propulsion. Arriving from Troon in Scotland, she entered the river under the guidance of our Pilot, turned at the Higher Ferry and launched a tender from the garage at the stern, before being moored by the harbour team.

Weather and circumstances depending, we expect all three yachts to remain in port until at least Thursday, giving plenty of opportunity for local people to see the boats on the river.

Local Notices for Mariners

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Navigation for Nine To Noon

Nine to noon for thursday 22 august 2024, transpower eases generators' water take amid power crunch.

9:05 AM . Transpower has announced this morning it will allow generators to take more water from hydro lakes to help with the electricity crunch.  Read more Audio

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Flight disruption from Whakaari/White Island eruption

9:25 AM . Bay of Plenty reporter Alisa Evans joins Kathryn to talk about the flight disruption across the Bay of Plenty from continued eruption at Whakaari/White Island. Read more Audio

Milestone marked for NZ's first 'wet house' - Te Pa Maru

9:35 AM . New Zealand's first 'wet house' - Te Pa Maru - will celebrate its one-year anniversary next month.  Read more Audio

UK: Superyacht latest, GCSE 'anxiety', Shetlands rocket explosion, Trump and the Queen

9:45 AM . UK correspondent Matthew Parris has the latest on the sinking of the Kiwi-captained superyacht belonging to a British tech entrepreneur.  Read more Audio

Don Schwass, NZ's go-to dog tracker

10:05 AM . After decades of searching for people lost in the wilderness, Don Schwass has found fame in recent years for his finding expertise.  Read more Audio

Book review: Age Less by Greg Macpherson

10:35 AM . Cynthia Morahan reviews Age Less by Greg Macpherson published by Upstart Press Audio

Around the motu: Peter de Graaf in Northland

10:45 AM . Peter details the healthcare crisis engulfing Northland and talks to Kathryn about the mysterious zombie fish turning up in the Kaipara Harbour. Read more Audio

Technology: Starlink's rural impact, dating apps dive, Snoo sub fury

11:05 AM . Technology commentator Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about the latest Telecommunications Monitoring Report and the many gaps between urban and rural areas.  Read more Audio

Parenting: the impact of traditional masculinity on boys

11:25 AM . New York Times contributor Andrew Reiner writes about traditional roles previously assigned to men and boys affects their lives.  Read more Audio

Screentime: It Ends with Us, We Were Dangerous, The Decameron

11:45 AM . Film and TV commentator Perlina Lau joins Kathryn to talk about We Were Dangerous, written by Maddie Dai, who was interviewed on Nine to Noon last year.  Read more Audio

09:05 Transpower eases generators' water take amid power crunch

Transpower has announced this morning it will allow generators to take more water from hydro lakes to help with the electricity crunch. Generators will be allowed to breach consents to access contingent lake storage. Transpower says if conditions worsen,  it may call on the public to conserve electricity use, to help free up supply. Kathryn speaks to Transpower's Executive general manager of operations, Chantelle Bramley, Mercury's chief executive Vince Hawkesworth and energy economist Stephen Poletti.

Photo: muha/123RF

09:25 Flight disruption from Whakaari/White Island eruption

Bay of Plenty reporter Alisha Evans joins Kathryn to talk about the flight disruption across the Bay of Plenty from continued eruption at Whakaari/White Island.

Emissions from Whaakari / White Island increasing in size from 6.20am (bottom right) to 8.10am (top left) on Thursday morning. Photo: GNS

09:35 Milestone marked for NZ's first 'wet house' - Te Pā Maru

Te Pā Maru - New Zealand's first 'wet house'- on Wellington's Taranaki St. Photo: Wellington City Mission

New Zealand's first 'wet house' -  Te Pā Maru - will celebrate its one-year anniversary next month. It's a significant milestone for a project that has been decades in the making, having faced political knockbacks and financial woes since planning began in 2009. However, in September 2023, after a major $6 million refurbishment by Wellington City Mission, the first-of-its-kind facility opened its doors on Wellington's Taranaki St. With 18 ensuite bedrooms and round-the-clock staffing, Te Pā Maru provides homeless men with chronic alcoholism a secure home and access to wraparound services, while allowing them to drink on site. Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge says abstinence is a very high bar for some people, and addiction should not exclude them from access to secure housing. He speaks to Kathryn. 

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge. Photo: Wellington City Mission

09:45 UK: Superyacht latest, GCSE 'anxiety', Shetlands rocket explosion, Trump and the Queen

UK correspondent Matthew Parris has the latest on the sinking of the Kiwi-captained superyacht belonging to a British tech entrepreneur. He looks at business concern over plans for an expansion of union powers, the heightened mental health concerns of GCSE candidates, the spectacular explosion of a rocket during a test at the UK's new Shetland spaceport and was Donald Trump rude to the late Queen?

Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and US President Donald Trump during an event in Portsmouth to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Photo: Photo / AFP

10:05 Don Schwass, NZ's go-to dog tracker 

After decades of searching for people lost in the wilderness, Don Schwass has found fame in recent years for his finding expertise. However, his status as a go-to tracker isn't for locating 'man', but for finding 'man's best friend'. It's the Richmond fish & chippie owner's skills in hunting down wayward hounds that has his phone ringing off the hook. Following Schwass' advice has seen roaming dogs reunited with their owners even after weeks of wandering. It's not only within in Aotearoa that his skills are put to the test, either. Last month, Schwass helped a Queensland family successfully find their dog Turbo, a full five weeks after he went missing. Schwass speaks to Kathryn about how he became the 'go-to dog guy' and why his curious tip for locating lost dogs is: don't try find it. 

Dog-tracker Don Schwass with his own dog Piper. Photo: Supplied

10:35 Book review: Age Less by Greg Macpherson 

Photo: Upstart Press

Cynthia Morahan reviews Age Less by Greg Macpherson published by Upstart Press         

10:45 Around the motu : Peter de Graaf in Northland

Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Peter details the healthcare crisis engulfing Northland and talks to Kathryn about the mysterious zombie fish turning up in the Kaipara Harbour.   

11:05 Technology: Starlink's rural impact, dating apps dive, Snoo sub fury

Photo: 123RF

Technology commentator Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about the latest Telecommunications Monitoring Report and the many gaps between urban and rural areas. Many of those gaps are being plugged by SpaceX's Starlink network, however new research suggests low-Earth orbits could be undermining the progress we've made repairing the ozone layer. The value of dating app companies is plummeting - why are young people turning off them? And a Snoo bassinet uses the latest tech (at a hefty price) to keep babies snoozing - but a decision to introduce subscription fees hasn't impressed parents.

Bill Bennett is an Auckland-based technology journalist.

11:25 Parenting : the impact of traditional masculinity on boys

11:45 Screentime: It Ends with Us, We Were Dangerous, The Decameron

Photo: IMDb

Film and TV commentator Perlina Lau joins Kathryn to talk about We Were Dangerous , written by Maddie Dai, who was interviewed on Nine to Noon last year . Set in New Zealand in 1954, it follows a group of teenage girls who have been institutionalised. She also looks at The Decameron , based on a 14th century book about the effects of the bubonic plague on Florence, and a group of ten elites trying to escape it. And It Ends with Us has attracted a lot of controversy involving its star, Blake Lively. But is it any good?

Perlina Lau is co-host of RNZ's Culture 101 programme 

19m Ex Pilot Launch For Sale by Tender Just Listed

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Celebrate with a private Wellington Party Boat cruise out on the Wellington Harbour.

The Wellington Party Boat specializes in creating an amazing cruise for all events. Such as Hen’s Do Parties, Stag Do’s, Birthday Celebrations or Work Functions.

The Wellington Party Boat has a maximum capacity of 20 people. Providing you with plenty of covered and outside space to enjoy your cruise. Furthermore the full cabin includes an onboard toilet and kitchen. Your private Wellington Party Boat Cruise offers you the opportunity to cruise the Wellington Harbour. Allowing you to take in the sight of Wellington from a different perspective. Watch the sunset, take in the city lights or relax in the sun as you cruise.

Additionally the Wellington Party Boat cruise allows you to BYO your drinks and food. This makes cruising affordable and provides you with flexibility. See below for the details an what drinks you’re allowed to bring on board with you.

Your group can charter the boat for 2, 3 or 4 hour cruises. Whether you’re just wanting to gently cruise, or spend some time swimming & Kayaking. We can cater your cruise to suit you.

Let the Wellington Party Boat team take care of everything with our brilliant party cruise packages. If you don’t want to BYO your food or drinks we can arrange catering and a bar on board. That way you just need to step onto the boat and cruise.

Hens Do’s & Stag Do’s Lastly if you’re looking for something additional to add to your weekend in Wellington, check out the below websites for more Hens Do or Stag Do ideas:

Wellington Stag Do Wellington Hens Do

Wellington Hens Do Cruises

Planning a Wellington Hens Party. Hiring a Party Boat on Wellington harbour is what you’re after! Your choose how long you would like to cruise for or book our Hens Do Package. 

Wellington Stag Do Cruises

Getting the guys organised for a Stag Do is never easy, it’s like ‘herding cats’. BUT we can help make it a stress free event! Book the BYO Wellington Stag Party package for a fun few hours on the Harbour.

Wellington Birthday Harbour Cruises

Perfect, cost effective and hassle free day, out on the Wellington Harbour, NZ, with work colleagues, friends or family. A party boat cruise is all about having fun and celebrating, and its a great way, to keep everyone together, in the same place.

Wellington Corporate Cruises

Looking for a fun Corporate or Christmas Party function space. Cruising out on your Private Charter for a few hours is a great way to celebrate with your colleagues. BYO or choose a fully catered cruise.

BYO or Fully Licensed Bar Available

The Wellington Party Boat has a BYO license. Please note: BYO applies to Beer, Wine, Cider & RTD’s less than 6% only. Strictly NO hard spirits.

BYO Food or Full Catering Available

As part of the BYO license, you are required to consume food.  You can either BYO your own substantial catering or include a Simple Sausage Sizzle or a delicious Cold Meats Platter, let us know what you prefer.

Wellington Party Boat Activities

The BYO Party Boat is a 42-foot cruising catamaran, which offers you the option to sit back and enjoy a scenic cruise or you can swim from the boat. Kayaks are available for use with all charters booked for 3 hours or longer.

Wellington Party Boat

The vessel has a current Maritime NZ survey certificate and is licensed to carry up to 20 passengers. This luxury vessel has air conditioning, four toilets, iPod, DVD and Bluetooth, high-end sound system, microwave, and a full galley with crockery and cutlery. 

Book your Wellington Party Boat cruise now, and we will help create an amazing Hen’s Do / Bachelorette Party / Stag Do / Bachelor Party /  Birthday or Corporate Work Function. Simply scroll down to fill out the General Enquiries form and we will come back to you with all of the details.

For the continued safety and wellbeing of our team and you, our valued customers, all upcoming booked events will remain temporarily postponed. We are still operating in our respective ‘bubbles’ at home, answering ph calls & emails, and pricing & creating mock itineraries for your future Event, throughout New Zealand. We will start scheduling Event's again based on guidance from health and government authorities. Please be mindful, once the COVID-19 issue is resolved, we anticipate there is going to be a high number of groups all trying to secure the same booking times, so suggest you act while things are slow and at least get a plan formulated.

We appreciate your support, and hope you all stay safe and healthy.

From your Wellington Party Boat team.