When you’re choosing a yacht for your next charter, it’s not only about the vessel. Service is key, but the food is where a good charter becomes a great charter. With vast amounts of talent to be found across the world, BOAT International has tracked down the superstar chefs that always keep guests coming back for more.
Halcyon
Stats: Sanlorenzo, 34m, 2018, 10 guests, 7 crew
Chef: Yudhi Pather
Highlights: A bastion of the Caribbean charter fleet, Halcyon has gained quite the reputation as a top charter vessel spending both summer and winter seasons in these balmy waters. Accommodation is for 10 across five large cabins, each following a contemporary design with white and grey walls and contemporary artwork. But part of what makes this 34-metre such a famous charter vessel is down in the galley, where chef Yudhi Pather resides. Delivering colourful plates packed with flavour, Pather's experience and flair make dining on board a phenomenal experience. With no challenge out of the question, the menus on board are carefully designed to astonish, earning Pather a rightful place as a top charter chef.
Halcyon is available for charter with Ocean Independence with a weekly rate from $110,000.
Orient Star
Stats: CMB Yachts, 47m, 2012, 10 guests, 10 crew
Chef: Mahmut Im
Highlights: Delivered in Turkey in 2012, Orient Star is a custom vessel, built for family entertaining. Her elegant interiors are filled with light and punctuated with natural wood finishes, marble accents and bold artwork. But alongside her brimming toy box and large deck space, one of Orient Star’s key features is down in the galley, where chef Mahmut Im resides. Having travelled the world in pursuit of new flavours, Im works to infuse different styles into his dishes, many of which are from his travels. A wildly creative chef, there isn’t much that would be unobtainable on board, be it a traditional Mexican dessert or the finest canapé dressed in caviar.
Orient Star is available to charter with Camper and Nicholsons with a weekly rate from €180,000.
Bold
Stats: Silver Yachts, 85m, 2019, 12 guests, 20 crew
Chef: Daniel Isberg
Highlights: Built in 2019 by Australian yard Silver Yachts, 85.3-metre Bold is certainly a head-turner with its aggressive military-inspired profile. Bold’s itinerary is known for being exciting and true to her name as a sports activity vessel (SAV) – its own breed of explorer. Her toy box is brimming with inflatables, Jet Skis, sailing dinghies and kite surfers, and there’s even a basketball court on board. But the excitement of Bold is also down to her crew, namely her chef, Daniel Isberg.
Having worked at some of the best restaurants in Sweden, Isberg’s passion for his craft shines through in the form of mesmerising flavours. Described as more of a culinary artist than a chef, his menus include delights such as 10-hour slow-roasted pork belly with a pinot noir reduction.
Bold is available to charter with Hill Robinson with a weekly rate from €875,000.
Tropicana
Stats: Admiral, 32m, 2004 (2020), 10 guests, 6 crew
Chef: Evangelos Vasileiou
Highlights: Built by Admiral (The Italian Sea Group) in 2004 and refitted in 2020, the 32-metre yacht, Tropicana has a particularly intuitive layout designed to maximise space. Accommodation on board is for 10 across five cabins including a full-beam master on the main deck and two well-appointed VIPs. Having come in a close second place at the prestigious Mediterranean Yacht Show chef competition, Evangelos Vasileiou has proved his culinary prowess and is well known for his work in the galley.
Tropicana is available to charter with Fraser with a weekly rate from €55,000.
Invictus
Stats: Delta Marine, 66m, 2013 (2020), 20 guests, 18 crew
Chef: Jack Robson-Burrell
Highlights: Delivered in 2013 and refitted in 2020, Invictus is one of the largest superyachts built in America at 66 metres and a volume of 1,943GT. Split over six decks, her interiors are remarkably elegant with dark wood panelling, high ceilings and a fully-fledged cinema on board. Accommodation is for 20 guests across nine cabins and there is a designated owner's deck on board, with a forward-facing cabin, a study and his and her en suite bathrooms. Invictus is designed for entertaining, with a bar on every deck and formal dining spaces for up to 20 guests. But for a yacht with such excellent entertaining credentials, the food on board is key – something that chef Jack Robson-Burrell strives to prove. Renowned in the field for his excellent flavours, Robson-Burrell can promise delectable dishes on board and exciting menus that suit such a sociable yacht.
Invictus is available to charter with Burgess.
Illusion V
Stats: Benetti, 58m, 2014, 12 guests, 14 crew
Chef: Clement Brasseur
Highlights: Having grown up in the North of France, there is one thing that chef Clement Brasseur can promise guests on board Illusion V - lots of bold flavours, butter and cream. Brasseur excels in fresh, flavoursome and artful cuisine and can also provide a healthy selection on board should you wish. A great vessel for entertaining where afternoons on board are best spent up on the sun deck, which has a Jacuzzi, bar and BBQ, or down by the sea where you can take the Jetsurf or Snuba out for a spin.
Illusion V is available to charter with Camper and Nicholsons with a weekly rate of €350,000.
Arkadia
Stats: Heesen, 50m, 2021, 10 guests, 9 crew
Chef: Cuan Butterworth
Highlights: A fairly new addition to the charter fleet, having been delivered in 2021, Arkadia is the second in Heesen’s 50 Steel series that was inspired by a custom one-off build called Julia (ex Ann G). With bright, elegant interiors and a huge amount of deck space, it’s not surprising that Arkadia is a popular charter yacht. All-action water sports and unlimited sun worship are on the agenda, but she also has a trick up her sleeve, the chef. Creating incredible dishes, chef Cuan Butterworth is a master at experimenting with flavour and exotic ingredients. Every dish that leaves the galley is guaranteed to amaze, gaining Butterworth a reputation as one of the best in the business.
Arkadia is available to charter with Y.CO with a weekly rate from €290,000.