If you're looking to watch the America's Cup in style this summer, these luxurious charter yachts – including the world famous Maltese Falcon – offer the perfect seat to view the action.
The 35th America’s Cup kicks off in Bermuda on 26 May – and if you’re serious about watching the action, there’s nothing quite like chartering your own boat from which to enjoy the show.
Some of the yachts available to charter during the race in Bermuda the sort of facilities you’d expect of a fine hotel, from Michelin-starred chefs in the galley to masseuses giving treatments to the guests below decks.
The facilities mean that even non-sailors in the party will have a They are ideal for those who may have non sailors in their party, as well as providing the perfect platform to host parties and champagne receptions after watching all the action from
Katy Stickland of ybw.com takes a look at some of the best options if you and a group of friends or family are looking for an unforgettable experience.
Maltese Falcon
The stunning superyacht Maltese Falcon at full sail (Picture: Credit: Burgess)
One of the most impressive yachts on the planet, any time spent on the iconic Perini Navi Maltese Falcon promises luxury like no other.
The 290ft craft will likely be one of the largest and most impressive yachts attending the America’s Cup as a spectator vessel, and comes with a professional crew of 17 to cater to your every whim.
Michelin Guide 2016-17 listed chef Richard Cullen is in charge of creating exquisite dishes in the kitchen, while the stewards and stewardesses on board are trained to mix signature cocktails.
Her vast deck spaces are ideal for entertaining, and up to 50 guests can be hosted for watching the live racing, for relaxing days at anchor in the pristine waters of Bermuda or for sipping champagne cocktails while watching the sun set.
A bedroom on board the superyacht Maltese Falcon (Picture: Credit: Burgess)
If you like to keep fit, the superyacht’s fitness trainer will put you through the paces with a fitness programme tailored for your needs in the onboard fully equipped gym or if you prefer al fresco training, on deck.
Afterwards, unwind with a luxurious spa experience. The onboard qualified beauty and massage therapist can provide a range of treatments such as aromatherapy, Swedish and deep tissue massage.
People enjoy drinking on board a luxury superyacht – Maltese Falcon A bedroom on board the superyacht Maltese Falcon (Picture: Credit: Burgess)
Guests: 12
Berth number: 5, America’s Cup Marina, Royal Navy Dockyard
Charter rate: EUR 440,000 per week. Special dispensation for 50 guests while spectating the race at anchor
Athena
The fourth largest sailing yacht in the world – Athena (Credit: David Churchill)
The fourth largest sailing superyacht in the world, the 295ft Athena has a phenomenal pedigree and a crew of 19 to look after you and your guests.
Timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating feature throughout to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere for an intimate, opulent getaway.
Athena has impressive leisure and entertainment facilities, making her the ideal charter yacht for socialising and entertaining with family and friends.
A luxury marble bathroom on board the superyacht (Credit: David Churchill)
On board, there is an air conditioned gym, and plenty of superyacht toys to keep guests entertained including a freestyle waterslide, wake board, laser dinghies, kayaks, scuba diving equipment, kite surfer and wakeboard.
A sunbathing area on board a superyacht (Credit: David Churchill)
If you just want to relax, there are plenty of places for sunbathing in style, with uniformed staff bringing you mouth watering cocktails and tasty treats prepared by the onboard chef.
Guests: 1o
Berth number: 4, America’s Cup Marina, Royal Navy Dockyard
Charter rate: USD 350,000 per week + all expenses & berth fee of USD 26,845 per week.
Mondango 3
Delivered in 2014 by Alloy Yachts, the 185ft Mondango 3 is a striking performance ketch designed by Dubois with a sophisticated interior by Reymond Langton.
She is perfect for dinner parties alfresco, with a large aft cockpit which can be sheltered by electric glass panels offering privacy as you entertain.
There is also a further intimate dining area under the flybridge, where staff will serve delicious, beautifully prepared meals.
Alfresco evening dining in style
During the day, enjoy spectacular 270-degree views while you unwind with a cocktail in the sunken spa pool on the aft deck.
For thrill seekers, Mondango 3 comes with a range of superyacht toys such as a floating pool, paddleboards, Hobbie kayaks and towable toys – with trained crew on hand to help you make the most of them.
Hardcore America’s Cup racing fans will find the vast fore and aft deck spaces plus her sizeable flybridge provide plenty of options for enjoying the racing action.
Take in the view from the sunken spa pool
Mondango 3’s voluminous interior is light and airy, yet full of character with unique textures, contrasts and detailing throughout, resulting in a stunningly original contemporary environment.
Accommodation for up to 11 guests in five beautifully appointed cabins is arranged in a full beam master suite amidships, plus a VIP suite, a queen and two twins – all with pale marble ensuites.
Guests: 11
Berth number: 6, America’s Cup Marina, Front Street, Hamilton
Charter rate: EUR 224,000 per week. Special dispensation for 25 guests whilst spectating the race at anchor
Marie
Sailing superyacht Marie on the water with a full sail
This ravishing 180ft ketch was custom-built in the Netherlands to an André Hoek design by Vitters in 2010 and masterfully combines thoroughbred sailing credentials with the highest level of superyacht elegance.
Offering stunning traditional looks, harnessed with modern technology, Marie is served by a dedicated crew of nine who are as passionate about five-star service as they are about sailing.
Professional chef Jemma Harrison has an extensive food repertoire so expect first class dishes alfresco and delicious intimate breakfasts in the private aft owner’s cockpit.
In addition to sailing the big boat, Marie offers the chance to dive into blue, crystal clear water and come face to face with colour fish, with snorkelling and rendezvous diving expeditions, as well as exploring on sea scooters.
Main saloon complete with a Steinway Baby Grand Piano
The piece de résistance is an exquisite sailing dinghy, Marietta, with an electric motor that was custom-built for Marie, based on a 1910 Mylne design. It offers intimate getaways for small groups.
If you’ve got a head for heights, there is a crow’s nest lift that operates hydraulically and can take two guests 123 feet up the main mast for a bird’s-eye view.
Marie’s deck and outside areas is perfect for hosting cocktail parties under the starts, with the main cockpit is a generous area offering casual seating arrangements.
Relax in the onboard steam room
For music lovers, the lower salon features a Steinway Baby grand piano and comfortable sofa seating for a musical soirée.
Artwork and antique armament abound adding colourful eclectic touches to the clean contemporary design of the interior.
If yoga is your thing, classes are held on the deck most mornings as the sun rises and after you can relax in the steam room.
Guests: 8/10
Berth number: 4, Princess Marina, Hamilton
Charter rate: USD 250,000 per week or USD 1,000,000 for the whole period. Special dispensation for 25 guests whilst spectating the race at anchor
H
Expect five-star treatment onboard H, a 140ft yacht that is effectively a floating boutique-hotel. This super-stylish Benetti motor yacht boasts a chic contemporary interior along with extremely well executed deck spaces.
Enjoy sundowners and a panoramic view at the long modern deck bar, lined with stylish Glyn Peter Machin chairs.
Sip champagne cocktails on the sumptuous settees and sample haute cuisine around the large table for alfresco dining.
Foredeck, complete with Jacuzzi
The upper deck offers luxurious surroundings. Loll and soak up the sun on the kingsize sunpads before cooling off in the especially designed deep Jacuzzi. You might need it after a session with the yacht’s own personal trainer in the air-conditioned gym.
H‘s main saloon is lined with large picture windows: for those who love the movies, sink into two large, reclining cinema seats set before a huge screen.
An elegant foyer leads into the expansive, full beam master suite with his and hers walk-in wardrobes and a quiet relaxation area with an ergonomic day bed reclined before its own TV screen. His and hers bathrooms are fitted with heated flooring and connected by a shared shower with a heated seat.
Berth number: 11, America’s Cup Marina, Royal Navy Dockyard
Charter rate: USD 175,000 per week
Genevieve
Sloop Genevieve anchored in the Caribbean
Built in 1996 by Alloy Yachts and refitted in 2015, this beautiful Dubois-designed 121ft sloop marries impressive sailing performance with gracious living, enhanced by her sumptuous Glade Johnson-designed interior.
Wide open deck spaces and a spacious cockpit are ideal to relax under Genevieve‘s huge sails.
In addition to her main saloon furnished with a colour palette filled with shades of earthy tones, Genevieve offers a light and airy deck saloon with wraparound pilothouse windows where you can drink signature cocktails while taking in the panoramic views.
Is there a more perfect spot to sunbathe? (Picture: Alexis Andrews)
At anchor, there is an array of toys to keep water babies entertained, including inflatable kayaks and snorkelling equipment to explore the pristine reefs, plus water-skis and wakeboards.
Two tenders – a Ribtec with 100 HP outboard engine, and a four-metre Achilles with 25 HP outboard engine – are perfect for taking you to alfresco lunches and dinners ashore, where you can sample the famous Bermudan fare.
Attention to detail guarantees a luxurious stay on board
If you can’t bear to leave the luxury all around you, why not try your hand at fishing for your supper?
The onboard chef will cook it to perfection, and you can eat surrounded by timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating features throughout.
Genevieve is a fantastic charter for those who are true salty sailors (with an edge of luxury) at heart.
Guests: 8/9
Berth number: 16, America’s Cup Marina, Front Street, Hamilton
Charter rate: USD 91,000 per week
What’s included with an America’s Cup charter
All these yachts are available for both private charters and corporate hospitality in Bermuda, promising the most luxurious seats to watch all the America’s Cup racing action in May and June. Contact Burgess Yachts for more information.
VIP packages are available on all the superyachts and they include:
- VIP flag allowing access to a “field of play” front row view of the race course immediately adjacent to the electronically defined race course boundary;
- Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers Opening Ceremony;
- Access to exclusive America’s Cup parties/events for two people and the opportunity to purchase more tickets if available;
- VIP access to Club AC for two people on every race day;
- Access to pit lane base tours for two people;
- Access to Post Race Press Conferences for two people;
- Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs and 35th America’s Cup prize giving events for two people;
- America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta entry.
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This article originally appeared on ybw.com
