 First Impression: Axantha II
Date toured: May 2012
Axantha II is a 141-foot expedition motoryacht that was launched in 2011 from the JFA Yachts shipyard in France. She is a Vripack design that was built to go around the world, with zero-speed stabilizers and a fuel consumption of just 90 liters per hour at a cruising speed of 10 knots—which means seriously low fuel charges for charter clients compared with most other motoryachts.
Not long after Axantha II launched, her owner decided to build another yacht and put Axantha II on the market for sale. While she is based in the popular West Mediterranean, the owner is hoping to find charter clients who are interested in seeing what Axantha II is capable of doing during extended charters to Corsica, Sardinia, and beyond. If you want to book her for a month, for instance, and cruise both the West and East Mediterranean, then the owner is interested in working with you. Ultimately, the owner is hoping that a charter client will fall in love with Axantha II and want to buy her by the time his new yacht is ready for delivery.
The interior décor is filled with rich American cherry woodwork. Axantha II has a classic feel, one that is at once comfortable and welcoming. There are five cabins belowdecks including a king-bed master, two queen-bed suites, one double-bed cabin with a bunk-style Pullman berth, and one twin-bed cabin. A sixth cabin is on the bridge deck forward of the sky lounge. It’s meant to be a captain’s cabin but can be used as a guest cabin if required.
My favorite feature aboard Axantha II was her sky lounge, which has huge opening glass doors that make the space feel like it is truly indoor-outdoor. Those doors open onto an outdoor deck with guest seating and great views.
The lowest weekly base rate to charter Axantha II is €120,000 for 10 guests with eight crew. Neo Yachting is the management company, and any reputable charter broker can help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin |
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
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
Patty Wilson knows the charter yacht industry inside and out, having managed boats before becoming a broker. E-mail Patty
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.
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
Janet Bloomfield is a proven luxury crewed yacht expert. Professionalism counts: She is a member of MYBA, AYCA, CYBA, and FYBA. E-mail Janet
