 First Impression: 360°
Date toured: May 2011
The 155-foot ISA motoryacht 360° is a 2003 build that got a new owner in September 2009. He did a major refit that included new hull paint, the addition of Quantum zero-speed stabilizers, a cabin enlargement, new interior furnishings, a new audiovisual system, new helm electronics, an engine refit, and new marble in the guest cabins. The result is a yacht that, while once neutral and a bit dated, is now contemporary and downright fashionable.
She’s also the new flagship of the growing charter fleet at Neo Yachting, which, as of this writing, manages 13 yachts for charter. And what a flagship she is. My take on 360° is that she has actual sex appeal, with things like cheetah-print carpeting in the sky lounge, shimmery silver pillows in the main salon, and zebra-pattern fabric on the formal dining room chairs. This is a yacht with personality—and a fun personality, at that.
The refit was largely completed in July 2010, and the owner used the boat the rest of that summer. Remaining work was done during winter 2010-11, which makes summer 2011 the yacht’s first real season of charter since the refit began.
“It’s hard to describe the new interior because each detail is so special,” a stewardess said of the interior décor, which is by Los Angeles-based Colacion Studio and Laidlaw Schultz. “Every chair, every table, every item is its own design.”
The captain and crew are eager to book charters with families, which is what the cabin layout aboard 360° best supports. The master cabin is on the main deck with a private steam room and gym equipment. Belowdecks are four additional cabins: a full-beam VIP with a king-size bed, a cabin with a queen-size bed, and two cabins with twin beds.
Also worth noting is something that’s rare aboard charter yachts of any size: a fake fireplace in the sky lounge. Should you be chartering at the chillier end of the pre- or post-season in the Mediterranean, this will be a great feature.
360° is marketed as taking 10 guests with nine crew. The lowest weekly base rate is €150,000. Any reputable charter broker can tell you more or help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin |
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
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
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.
DJ Parker has been a leader in the charter industry since 1980. She is currently president of the American Yacht Charter Association. E-mail DJ
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
