Charter yacht of the week: 50m Eleni, the yacht guests keep coming back to

Each week, we shine a spotlight on the world’s finest superyachts for charter. This week, BOAT steps aboard the 50-metre CBI-Navi yacht Eleni - a proven charter favourite that ticks every box - to uncover the unique formula that keeps clients returning season after season.

Why charter Eleni?

This 50-metre CBI-Navi yacht for charter is popular for many reasons. Firstly, her cavernous volume - an impressive 663GT - which belies her relatively modest 50-metre LOA and means guests get “a lot of bang for their buck”, as Captain Nicholas Smith tells BOAT.

Equally important is the crew's longevity. Smith himself has been on board for a decade, alongside many of the yacht’s senior staff, creating a rare sense of consistency, familiarity and level of service that guests value highly - and one that keeps a number of core clients returning to Eleni season after season.

Eleni can be found most years (including 2026) in the West Mediterranean, taking in the highlights of the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and beyond. Her experienced crew are adept at tailoring each charter to the moment: “If guests want the white-glove treatment, we can do that, but if they want to sing karaoke with the crew, we can do that too,” says Smith. From children’s treasure hunts to elaborate beach barbecues and even spirited themed evenings, the team’s flexibility ensures every itinerary can shift seamlessly from refined relaxation to full-on celebration.

Another standout is chef Sean Stevens, who has been with the yacht for around eight years. “He’s somewhat of a ninja in the galley,” says Smith. “The food, the presentation, everything is top-notch.” Stevens is able to turn his hand to any cuisine or celebration, tailoring menus to suit individual preferences and special occasions, and has even been known to produce a four-foot celebration cake for a milestone event.

Interior mood

Eleni ticks every box for a charter holiday, wrapping comfort, volume and elegance into one luxurious package. Penned by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, interiors pair rich dark wood panelling with cream furnishings, linens and soft carpeting, creating a classic look that feels chic and sophisticated without tipping into heavy “club lounge” territory.

On board, the main saloon is cleverly divided into a lounge area aft and a formal dining space forward, separated by a wood-panelled partition that adds both privacy and intimacy. Further forward, an impressive full-beam master suite offers a his-and-hers bathroom, a generous dressing room and an adjoining study. Wide passageways, broad staircases and impressive ceiling heights enhance the sense of volume throughout, allowing guests to move around the yacht with ease.

There is always one place guests naturally congregate on a yacht, and on Eleni it’s the sky lounge on the bridge deck - or, what Captain Smith calls “the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) room”. Here, the wood panelling is lighter, the windows are panoramic and plush corner sofas and armchairs hug the room so that guests can sit back and enjoy the view. Guests can enjoy a drink from the bar in the corner or take it out onto the deck as the heat of the day starts to cool.

Out on deck

Without doubt, one of Eleni’s standout features is her expansive sun deck, at the heart of which sits an indoor–outdoor gym with doors that open fully to embrace the sea breeze. Once guests have finished their workout, a generously sized Jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads is just a few steps away, offering an easy transition from training to relaxation.

Aft of the gym, a relaxed lounge area provides space for evening entertaining, where the crew can set up an inflatable screen for open-air movie nights under the stars.

Toys and wellness

A well-considered selection of toys and tenders ensures Eleni is as well-equipped for adventure as she is for relaxation, with options including a high-performance chase boat, an array of towables, and water sports equipment.

Book Eleni

Eleni is available for charter with IYC with a weekly rate from €195,000