First Impression: Kintaro

Date toured: May 2007

If you’re a regular CharterWave reader, then you know my philosophy: Great charters come from far more than just the yacht itself.
     Having said that, I want to make a special note about the 125-foot motoryacht Kintaro. She is a unique yacht in the Greek charter market, one of the only large motoryachts available—if not the sole one—that has a light-wood, low-gloss, contemporary interior done in minimalist style. This is significant in Greece, where most of the motoryachts in this size range have dark wood, traditional interiors. Kintaro is truly unique in her marketplace based on looks alone. Her name, which means “Golden Boy” in Japanese, is certainly fitting.
     I toured the yacht with steward Papastratidis Stamatis, who has worked onboard many Greek charter yachts and speaks fluent English. He explained that the summer of 2007 would be Kintaro’s second charter season, with all of the six original crew members returning under the management of Atalanta Golden Yachts.  
     Kintaro is marketed as taking 11 to 13 guests, though I found that she would sleep 10 adults comfortably plus two children in bunk-style Pullman berths. The formal dining room also is better spaced for seating 10 instead of 12 adults, though a second dining area on Kintaro’s top deck appears to be big enough for a dozen adults to fit comfortably.
     The “13th” guest referred to in Kintaro’s marketing literature would sleep in a single cabin on the main deck that is designed to house a nanny or bodyguard. I don’t suggest using this cabin for a regular guest, as it is small and somewhat isolated.
     Kintaro does boast amenities in keeping with the international charter market, things like individual satellite TV receivers in each cabin (that you don’t find on all Greek motoryachts in this size range). She also has WiFi throughout the boat, according to Stamatis, also an unusual amenity in this cruising destination.
     The yacht’s lowest weekly base rate is 75,000 euros, or about $10,500 per person with 25-percent expenses included. Contact any reputable charter broker for booking information.—Kim Kavin