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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
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.
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
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon

 

 

 

 

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Aghassi PDF Print E-mail

charter yacht Aghassi main saloonFirst Impression: Aghassi

 

Date toured: December 2008

Editor's Note: In May 2009, Aghassi got a new owner and was taken off the charter market. As of summer 2011, she remained for the owner's private use only.

 

This 145-foot Christensen motoryacht began life in 2002 with the name Primadonna. It was kept for private use until March 2008, when it got a new owner and was rechristened Aghassi. The boat immediately went into charter in the Pacific Northwest, where it spent the summer before moving to the Caribbean for its first winter charter season. I got onboard just before that season began—and was lucky not just to take a tour, but also to enjoy a lovely three-course lunch prepared by chef Shelly Pollard.

When this yacht was Primadonna, it was well-known for its art deco interior. And I do mean serious art deco, with backlighted glass, rope-style decorative lighting, and overheads that shimmer with mirrored reflections. The new owner left much of the décor that was built into the boat, but toned down the art deco theme by changing the loose furnishings.

To me, the changes are for the better. Most people either love art deco or hate it, and the way Aghassi is now decorated, you can all but hate art deco and still feel pretty comfortable onboard. Plus, the owner smartly kept some of the yacht’s most interesting features, including a waterfall in the master shower that was so inviting it made me want to jump right in, fully clothed.

The master cabin is on the main deck, while there are four guest cabins on the bottom deck. Two have queen-size beds and two have twin-size beds that are large enough for adults to sleep comfortably.
I can say based on the experience of my very own taste buds that it would be a crime to charter this boat without asking for chef Pollard’s almond macaroons with white chocolate and raspberry sauce. I’m also told that the chief stewardess is a trained masseuse who was a bartender for five years, if you’re interested in a nice rubdown with a cool cocktail in hand.

Aghassi’s lowest weekly base rate is $150,000 for 10 guests with eight crew. She’s part of the Northrop and Johnson fleet. Any reputable charter broker can tell you  more or help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin