First Impression: Argonauta V

Date toured: December 2007

The 62-foot sailing catamaran Argonauta V is built by the Sunreef company and offered for charter through Sunreef Yachts Charter, a sister company that is based in Poland. The charter company has been operating for three and a half years, with charter manager Marta Lukasik scheduled to be accepted as a member of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association in April 2008.
     I met Lukasik when I toured Argonauta V at this month’s industry-only charter show in Antigua, where several reputable charter brokers I trust told me that they have had good experiences booking boats through Sunreef. Their line of sailing catamarans ranges from 62 to 102 feet long, and their first powercatamaran, a 67-footer, is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2008.
     That’s one year after the launch of Argonauta V, which premiered in the Mediterranean this past summer and was about to begin her first Caribbean season right after the boat show in Antigua.
     “There are a lot of catamarans,” Lukasik told me as we looked around the yacht, “but not with this elegant feel.”
     I have to agree. Argonauta V—and, from what I see in the brochure, all Sunreef cats—have a more European, contemporary style than the typical sailing catamarans you find primarily in the Virgin Islands. The woodwork is darker, the fabrics are lighter, and there is a sleekness almost befitting of Italian design.
     Most of Sunreef’s clients are American, Lukasik said, so crew on Argonauta V (and the company’s other yachts) are English-speaking. I didn’t get a chance to chat with the yacht’s crew during the boat show, but Argonauta V appeared to be in good condition, which tells me that they were eager to make a good impression.
     The boat takes eight guests with three crew at a lowest weekly rate of $27,000, which includes some food and other expenses. Contact any reputable charter broker to learn more.—Kim Kavin