First Impression: Symphony II

Date toured: December 2006

I gave a good deal of ink to the 112-foot motoryacht Symphony II in a December 2006 posting to the CharterWave blog, as well as in the January 2007 edition of CharterWave eNews. Why? Because even though she’s not the newest, sleekest, fanciest charter yacht out there, she is a good ol’ girl who’s been well maintained and who has a crew so eager to please, they’re even designing onboard art history tours for their guests.
     My time on Symphony II was focused around a lunch that, quite frankly, was not as good as what I find on other yachts in this size range (the chef was fired the next day). The company, however, was outstanding, as I was seated next to Capt. David Linebaugh and got to hear his take on how the yacht’s owner “is trying to make ours the best 112-foot Westport out there.”
     As an example, the captain cited the Crestron entertainment system that the owner invested in, giving every guest cabin its own television and music signals with independent controls. Next, the captain told me about the owner’s personal trainer, who designed exercise equipment and a custom workout video for anyone who wants to try Pilates during a charter. They added barstools on the top deck that swivel under the actual bar when not in use, to add room for cocktail party gatherings, and even changed the typical three helm chairs on the top deck to a two chairs plus a double seat, so guests can watch the crew steer the boat without feeling as if they’re in the way.
     “It’s the little things that add up to a lot,” Capt. Linebaugh said. “You can do a good middle-of-the-road program with the basics, but if you want to stand out and be one of the best, there are a lot of ways to stand out.”
     Another is that onboard art history tour I mentioned, including 21 reproductions of masterworks selected by an art historian and placed throughout the yacht with an accompanying tour for guests to follow if they so choose. What a terrific idea—and further proof, in my mind, that this yacht owner and crew understand they are competing in a marketplace, and that they need to do everything they can if they want to keep your  business coming.
     That’s what I like to see in a charter yacht, and I’m apparently not alone. Symphony II did 16 weeks of charter in 2006, a number that should make other yachts and crews sit up and take notice.
     If you want to book a week of charter for 2007 or beyond, I suggest you call a reputable charter broker right away. This boat is apparently popular for good reason.
     Symphony II is part of the International Yacht Collection fleet. She takes eight guests with five crew at a weekly base rate of $44,500, or about $7,000 per person with typical 25-percent expenses included.—Kim Kavin