 First Impression: Tahaa II
Date toured: December 2009
Mondrian is the best word I can think of to describe the 62-foot sailing catamaran Tahaa II. She is essentially a blank white canvas filled with huge pops of neon color, all kinds of bright-orange and lime-green accents paired with flashes of black and stainless steel. As catamarans in this size range go, I honestly have never seen a décor quite like hers.
The name Tahaa II comes from the island Tahaa, which the crew tells me is in the South Pacific and only accessible by boat. This particular two-person crew arrived onboard in September 2009, after the yacht’s French owner decided that he wanted a French-speaking crew. Capt. Rodolphe Merle brings more than a decade’s worth of sailing experience to the program, as well as a fluent command of English based on my conversations with him. Chef Magali Ragot, while a bit shakier in English (she is promoted as being fluent, but I found that not to be true), brings strong knowledge of French and some Asian cuisines to the Tahaa II program.
In fact, I had the pleasure of enjoying a luncheon aboard, and the charter brokers alongside me all raved about Ragot’s appetizer of spinach, garlic cheese, and salmon. At the end of the meal, her tiramisu played off the yacht’s décor by being served with colorful sprinkles on top.
To learn more about Ragot, see this exclusive interview that I nabbed with her that day aboard the yacht.
For more information about Tahaa II, contact any reputable charter broker or management company Sunreef Yachts. The weekly base rate for Tahaa II ranges from €19,500 for two guests to €22,500 for eight guests in the Caribbean, with equivalent prices able to be negotiated in dollars for U.S. residents.—Kim Kavin |
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
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
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
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
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
