 First Impression: Essence
Date toured: June 2009
Essence is a 1999 Broward motoryacht whose original name was Galaxie. She got her current owner at the end of 2007, and he immediately set about gutting the 88-foot motoryacht's interior. When the refit ended in December 2008, there was new wood (not re-varnished existing wood) throughout much of the interior, new overhead lining the ceilings, new teak decking in the outdoor areas, newly rebuilt engines, and a galley with new, commercial-grade appliances.
“It was, well, a Broward,” the owner told me as we sat in the main saloon, which boasts photographs of his 100-foot sailing yacht as well as his 85-foot Vicem (a motoryacht brand known for exquisite interior woodwork). “It used to look like somebody’s rec room or basement. The showers were plastic, and now they’re marble. Here in the salon, we have all cherry wood now. We wanted it to be contemporary and chic, sophisticated but not stuffy.”
And so Essence is. The yacht received a good deal of attention at the June 2009 charter yacht show in Newport, Rhode Island, after chef Merrilie Insch—as new to the industry as Essence herself—took first prize in the chowder cook-off against a good number of longtime charter chefs. I liked Insch and her partner, Capt. Glenn Brain, quite a bit, and hope that their enthusiasm as a first-time charter crew will translate into the necessary skills as the season wears on.
The owner, in addition to being understandably excited about showing off his newly refit motoryacht, was also optimistic about entering the charter market. He told me that he typically spends about 10 weeks a year aboard his boats, and that Essence will be no different. On top of that personal use, he is hoping to accept 10 to 12 weeks of charter aboard Essence each year.
That’s an energetic goal, what with many of the world’s most popular yachts doing only eight weeks of charter each year (with those bookings being achieved through selective owner use and, typically, through repeat bookings for well-known crew). This owner’s plans, if perhaps optimistic, do indicate that he is eager to get charter clients onboard—and he’s putting his money where his mouth is. The yacht’s weekly base rate will be $32,000, he told me, but the first five charters that get booked will enjoy a discounted base rate of $25,500 for six guests with three crew.
If you want to take advantage of that offer, Essence is expected to become available for the summer after July Fourth in New England, then will head south for her first winter season in Florida, the Bahamas, and possibly the Virgin Islands.
The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals is the yacht’s management company. Any reputable charter broker can give you more information or help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin
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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.
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
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.
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
Liz Howard joined Fraser Yachts as a charter broker in 2002 after more than 15 years in the maritime industry. E-mail Liz.
