 First Impression: Pacific Wave
Date toured: December 2008
The first thing I noticed after stepping onboard the 72-foot sailing yacht Pacific Wave was that she’s a really, really pretty boat. And I’m not only talking about the design of the boat itself, but also about the general style onboard. Usually, when I tour charter yachts in this size range, I think they’re nice. When I walked around Pacific Wave, I felt a distinct air of elegance that I more typically associate with larger sailing yachts and even some motoryachts.
After interviewing Lynn Griffiths, I came to realize that she is the reason why. Griffiths is not just Pacific Wave’s captain, but is also its owner—and she has put a great deal of time and effort into making her yacht the type of vacation environment that she, herself, would enjoy.
I’m talking about Villeroy & Boch china onboard a boat whose competitors typically serve meals atop Fiestaware. Not that there’s anything wrong with Fiestaware, of course (I rather like the colors, actually). It’s just that I don’t typically find fine china—or Molton Brown spa products, or Egyptian-cotton linens—onboard charter yachts in Pacific Wave’s size range.
“I’ve bought the best quality of everything I can,” Griffiths told me. “We may be the same size sailboat with similar rates to our competitors, but we’re trying to offer what I would expect on my own holiday. We’re trying to offer a better experience.”
Pacific Wave itself is ideal for that challenge, with a staggering 7 feet, 10 inches of headroom in the main saloon and almost as much in the guest cabins. She simply feels more spacious and elegant than many other boats her size, which of course adds to the ambience of being “better.”
The yacht takes six crew, with Griffiths and her boyfriend serving as the two crew. They had yet to perform their first charter during my visit, but have boated extensively in the Caribbean, where Pacific Wave is based, and thus were looking forward to showing their first guests as good a time as they have had over the years.
Nicholson Yachts is the management company, and lists the weekly base rate as $13,500. Any reputable charter broker can help you book a week onboard, and give you more information about feedback from Pacific Wave’s first charter clients.—Kim Kavin
|
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
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
Liz Howard joined Fraser Yachts as a charter broker in 2002 after more than 15 years in the maritime industry. E-mail Liz.
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.
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.
