Belles of the Genoa Show
The annual Genoa charter show has just come to a close, with yachts all around the harbor honking their horns in unison to celebrate yet another year of excellent boat tours, sample luncheons and discussion about how to make charter even easier and more exciting for vacationers like you!
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In the meantime, there are three yachts we’d like to single out from this boat show that won accolades from reputable brokers all along the docks. They are, in my opinion, the “consensus” belles of the show, though of course there are many yachts here that are excellent vacation options as well.
Among the sailing yachts, the brand-new 183-foot Selene won over pretty much every broker who stepped onboard. As with most new builds from the Italian builder Perini Navi, this one boasts exquisite craftsmanship and elegance. She also has an art deco-inspired interior, something rare on sailing yachts of her caliber. I can’t wait to show you the photos we snapped in our upcoming First Impression of this $270,000-a-week charter yacht.
Among the motoryachts, I heard the most compliments about the brand-new 155-foot Ocean Victory, a $244,000-a-week boat that carries 12 guests. I must admit, I had lunch onboard this yacht one day this week, and the food and service are just as fabulous as the decor onboard. Again, look for our exclusive photos and extended First Impression review soon.
Last but not least, I want to mention the 113-foot Star of the Sea, a 1983 motoryacht that has been refit to top quality over a four-year period. Several brokers I trust, including Tim Clark from Ocean Independence and June Montagne from Northrop & Johnson, singled out Star of the Sea as the best value on the docks for parties of 12 charter guests. The yacht’s low season base rate is just $66,500 (a real steal in the Mediterranean for 12 guests), and the refit allows all 12 guests to sleep in proper beds instead of bunks or tiny twins.
I spent more than an hour interviewing the captain who oversaw the refit of this yacht, as well as snapping exclusive photos that you won’t find in any brochure. I can’t wait to tell you all about him and the result of his years-long labor in an upcoming, exclusive First Impression review here on CharterWave.
Stay tuned for more news about this summer’s most exciting Mediterranean charter vacation options. I’m off to Athens tomorrow and will have all the news about great yachts at the Greece boat show starting Sunday!