May 14, 2012

10 Best Charter Yachts with Pilothouse Seating for Guests

Charter broker Michael Sawyer at Infinity Yacht Charters tells us the 114-foot motoryacht Pacific Yellowfin “offers a full-beam bridge with guest seating and magnificent views while cruising the stunning Inside Passage of British Columbia, Canada. There is a generous couch with table, and the actual historic barbershop chair that was used in the memorable barbershop scene from the film Mississippi Burning.”

Charter broker Katie Wray at Worth Avenue Yachts says: “The 157-foot Christensen motoryacht Lady Joy has a nice seating area on the port side of the wheelhouse.”

CharterWave editor Kim Kavin has a number of suggestions this week. First is for the 138-foot Holland Jachtbouw motoryacht Calliope: “I sat in her pilothouse when I was onboard in Italy and had a lovely talk with Capt. Ian Insull. I found the space quite comfortable and beautifully finished.”

Kim also likes the guest seating in the pilothouse aboard the 164-foot Amels motoryacht Malibu: “This pilothouse seating has a small table in front of it so you can enjoy your morning coffee while staying out of the crew’s way, but still with an awesome view.”

The 147-foot McMullen and Wing motoryacht Big Fish also has pilothouse seating with a table for guests: “When I was onboard in French Polynesia, Capt. Winston Joyce-Clare would set the yacht’s charts atop this table and show us guests the itinerary for the day. It was a fantastic space.”

Katya, a 151-foot Delta motoryacht, has nice guest seating in the pilothouse. Kim says: “I met the owner in that very spot, and he told me how he enjoys chatting with the captain there. So the space is built to be comfortable for Katya’s owner, which of course also means it’s a great space for guests.”

Kim also likes the guest seating near the helm of the 62-foot Sunreef sailing catamaran In the Wind: “It’s a trademark of Sunreef designs that there’s a sitting nook for guests right near the helm. I really like the setup because it lets you be in the midst of the action without being in the way of the crew.”

The 161-foot Trinity motoryacht Destination Fox Harb’r Too has a long seating bench for guests in the pilothouse: “I sat there several mornings while cruising in Nova Scotia, and it was both comfortable as well as a spot with a great view. The crew were happy to have guests there, too.”

Kim also likes the guest seating in the pilothouse aboard the 183-foot Benetti motoryacht Four Aces: “I chatted up there several times with Capt. Will Keiser during a charter in Corsica. He’s extremely welcoming, and the space is really comfortable for guests.”

Last but not least this week is the guest seating in the pilothouse aboard the 194-foot Benetti motoryacht Meamina. Kim says: “The captain showed me around this yacht personally, and he was most proud of the bridge. He says he enjoys having guests there to chat, to learn, and to get to know the crew. It felt like a place that I definitely would enjoy hanging out.”