 First Impression: Sudiki
Date toured: December 2009
A lot of charter yachts pretend to be something they’re not. On website after website, glossy photographs are published under headlines that scream “Ultimate Luxury Charter Yacht!” and “Most Beautiful Boat Available!” I sigh with disgust every time I see them, knowing full well that they’re often outright lies—and that people searching for charter information online sometimes have no way of realizing the truth.
That’s one reason why it’s so refreshing to meet people like Capt. Duff Walter and his wife, Chris. They have been running charter boats since 1995, and they say, without equivocation, that their 61-foot Gulfstar sailing yacht Sudiki is now “close to where we want her” in terms of maintenance and condition. The 1982 build, they think, was originally sailed in England and around Mediterranean before falling under the ownership of a widow who left Sudiki on the hard for several years. The Walters bought Sudiki after Hurricane Ivan’s aftermath destroyed their 50-foot boat in 2004. The first year and a half that the Walters owned Sudiki, they tore things out and replaced them constantly.
They never stopped cruising, though, and have literally become locals in the southern Caribbean and particularly in the Grenadines, where Sudiki is based for charter. They even own property on one of the islands, where they are well known not just at the marinas, but also inland and up in the hills. I once hitched a ride in their truck far from the local bars and restaurants that most charter guests frequent, and the Walters knew the local taxi drivers and store owners by name.
Thus, if you’re looking to charter in the Grenadines with people who have immersed themselves in the culture of the islands, then the Walters and Sudiki just might be the yacht for you. Her weekly base rate is $6,500 for two guests and $8,500 for four—including food, ship’s bar, and some other expenses.
Nicholson Yachts is the management company, and any reputable charter broker can tell you more.—Kim Kavin
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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
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.
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
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.
Liz Howard joined Fraser Yachts as a charter broker in 2002 after more than 15 years in the maritime industry. E-mail Liz.
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
