Independence 2

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.

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

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.

Independence 2

First Impression: Independence 2

Date toured: June 2009

My most recent tour of the 105-foot Broward motoryacht Independence 2 was not my first. I actually had the pleasure of writing this extensive interview with the yacht’s owner in 2003, when he was first getting into the charter business. I liked him and his charter operation then, and I like them both now. The boat has been well maintained, the crew have earned a strong reputation for charter, and the owner continues to believe in the level of maintenance and upkeep that sets boats like Independence 2 apart in her class.
   Built in 1993, Independence 2 is ideal for family charters. Her cabins include one with a king bed, one with a queen bed, and two with twin beds plus bunk-style Pullman berths. Parents, adult children, and grandchildren should be quite comfortable on this boat.
   One of the features I continue to enjoy aboard Independence 2 is the layout of her main-deck dining room. Whereas most motoryachts have a large table in this space that gets used once or twice during a charter, Independence 2 has a table that converts into smaller, cocktail-size tables that are perfect for casual lunches, playing games, or simply sitting and enjoying conversations. It’s a smart design, plain and simple.
   It’s also worth noting that the owner is an avid fisherman, which is why Independence 2 tows a 33-foot tender when she is on charter during winters in Florida and the Bahamas. That’s a large toy for a motoryacht in this size range, one that should make exploring outer reefs and drops as comfortable as possible.
   Capt. Matt Braisted has been in command since 2003 and was still eager for charter business as of this writing. See this exclusive interview for more about his background and experience.
   Independence 2 is part of the fleet at Robert J. Cury & Associates. The weekly base rate is $36,000. Any reputable charter broker can help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin