 First Impression: Paramour
Date toured: October 2008 The 139-foot CMN motoryacht Paramour, which was originally built in 2002, looked like a brand-new yacht when I got onboard at the end of 2008. That’s because she got a new owner in 2005, and he had spent the past three years investing between $5 million and $7 million in refitting virtually everything that I saw, including tearing out all the wood paneling in the interior. Paramour did some charters in between her yard periods, with her most recent work (rebuilding an engine) finishing just before the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. That means the upcoming winter season will be her first full charter season of availability since the work began, and the crew told me they were excited about showing the yacht off to charter guests. Capt. Ronald Woods II said that all the crew have charter experience, though I didn't get to meet any of them during my time onboard. Chief stewardess Coty Strabley and four other crew members came from the 130-foot Feadship motoryacht Golden Rule, which was private until going into charter earlier this year. “We’re young an energetic,” Woods told me. “None of the stewardesses are over the age of 27. Our crew is this boat’s best feature, and that’s saying a lot given all the work that just went into this boat.” He called Paramour “very European” in describing its exterior design. “She’s sleek and contemporary,” he said, “and she has great deck space. When we’re docked stern-to in the Mediterranean, there’s a ton of deck space for sitting and dining.” The master stateroom is on the main deck and features a steam shower, something you don’t see onboard a lot of charter yachts. On the bottom deck are three queen-bed cabins plus a twin-bed cabin whose mattresses push together to form a king-size bed, if desired. All of the queen-bed cabins have bathtubs in addition to showers, also unusual aboard a charter yacht. Woods says the owner is as eager as the crew for charter bookings. “He has no need to use this boat in the next year,” Woods said. “He wants as many charters as he can get.” If you want to be one of them, contact any reputable charter broker. Paramour is part of the fleet at Fraser Yachts Worldwide, with a lowest weekly base rate of $150,000 per week in the Caribbean.—Kim Kavin |
Michael Sawyer of Infinity Yacht Charters has unique access to charter yachts and crew from Alaska to Mexico. Contact Michael.
Sharon Bahmer is an expert at booking charters in the Americas, from Alaska to Brazil. She's also a member of FYBA and CYBA. E-mail Sharon
Ed Hamilton has worked in every part of the charter industry over the last 37 years and heads one of the largest, most respected charter brokerages.
Liz Howard joined Fraser Yachts as a charter broker in 2002 after more than 15 years in the maritime industry. E-mail Liz.
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.
