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 First Impression: Hurricane Run
Date toured: December 2009
The 175-foot Feadship motoryacht Hurricane Run is the latest in a line of highly successful, top-dollar charter yachts. The same owner launched the 164-foot Amels motoryacht Thunder Gulch (now chartering as TJ Esperanza) in 1999 as well as the 164-foot Feadship motoryacht High Chaparral, which, since becoming available in 2004, has been a favorite charter option for some of the world’s highest-profile celebrities. Capt. Emile Coetzee and chef Mark Hill, who earned accolades for both service standards and utmost discretion aboard the owner’s previous yachts, moved to Hurricane Run when it launched in summer 2009.
Thus, at the time of my tour, Hurricane Run was one of the newest megayachts in the world built by one of yachting’s most celebrated shipyards and run by some of the charter industry’s most respected crew—a tough package to beat, and the reason why her lowest weekly base rate was $320,000 during her first season of availability.
Since designer Terence Disdale had worked on the owner’s previous yachts, I expected Hurricane Run to look a good bit like them: fairly traditional, with décor meant to stand the test of time as opposed to feeling trendy.
 Much to my surprise, I discovered an interior that was far more contemporary. One of Hurricane Run’s four stewardesses aptly described the décor as “nearly futuristic” while I took in details such as rippled pewter in the main salon ceiling and guest cabin doorways (shown in the photograph at right). Where a traditional motoryacht might have a teak dining table and thick, beige carpeting in the sky lounge, Hurricane Run has a limestone table as well as a heated, dark gray limestone floor (shown in the photograph above).
My favorite feature was in the main saloon, where the large, flat-screen television was playing a custom-created version of Google maps. The software cost about €2,000, according to the crew, and was created specifically for the yacht’s owner, who wanted the ability to “zoom in from space” to show Hurricane Run’s location anywhere in the world. The system also can track where the yacht has been, the crew told me, creating an interesting souvenir option for charter clients.
Also worth noting is that, while most other motoryachts in Hurricane Run’s size range have six guests cabins, this yacht has five plus a gymnasium that can convert into a sixth cabin. “Really, it’s a 10-guest boat,” one of the stewardesses told me, noting that the beds in the gymnasium are a twin and a bunk-style Pullman. The five proper cabins include the full-beam master suite, which is adjacent to the gymnasium, plus two queen-bed cabins and two twin-bed cabins.
Camper and Nicholsons International is the management company for Hurricane Run, and any reputable charter broker can help you book a week onboard.—Kim Kavin
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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.
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
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.
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
Liz Howard joined Fraser Yachts as a charter broker in 2002 after more than 15 years in the maritime industry. E-mail Liz.
Michael Sawyer of Infinity Yacht Charters has unique access to charter yachts and crew from Alaska to Mexico. Contact Michael.
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
