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 First Impression: Platinum
Date toured: May 2012
Platinum is a 164-foot Benetti motoryacht that launched in 2009 as Alibella. She did not charter until she got her current owner, who renamed her Platinum. He refurbished her engines but otherwise left her pretty much-as is, including the opulent interior décor filled with gold leaf. For anyone who knows the motoryacht Bistango, this yacht was originally built for that same owner in a similar style. My favorite objet d’art onboard was the 24-carat gold panther in the entry foyer. Its Swarovski crystal leash and collar are incredible.
Chief stewardess Angelika Ferol told me the crew take great pride not just in the yacht's unique look, but also in their service and charter reputation.
“It’s all about the guests,” she said. “If you want to go nightclubbing at 3 a.m., it’s no problem. We’re ready with the tender and with an early breakfast at 4 or 5 before bed. When the guests are happy, we are happy.”
One of those crew members is a trained masseuse as well as a sports therapist. She can offer stone, Swedish, and other types of massage to charter clients who prefer to relax onboard.
Platinum’s master cabin is forward on the main deck with a king-size bed. The VIP cabin is on the bridge deck, and four more cabins are on the bottom deck. Those cabins all have either double or twin-size beds. The total number of possible guests is 12.
Also worth noting is that Platinum’s sundeck sunpad area can convert to a touch-and-go helipad as needed. Other amenities include Wave Runners, kayaks, fishing equipment including deep-sea lures, a Kaleidescape entertainment system, satellite television, karaoke, a DJ station with disco lights on the sundeck, and more.
Platinum also is a recognized RYA training center, which means it can issue licenses for guests to ride personal watercraft.
Platinum is expected to complete the summer 2012 charter season in the Mediterranean before moving into the Indian Ocean and Dubai for winter 2012-13. The lowest weekly base rate is €189,000.
Burgess Yachts is the management company, and any reputable charter broker can help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin
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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.
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
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
