Each week we take a closer look at the world’s finest superyachts for charter. This week, BOAT steps on board the 52.3-metre Baglietto Akula, which was delivered this year, to see what makes her an exciting new addition to the charter fleet.
What is the key to a successful charter yacht? It has good looks, lots of space, great crew and tip-top amenities. Akula can quite comfortably tick all those boxes, and she's got the award to prove it, having won a World Superyacht Award in the Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and Below, 45M and Above category.
Having been launched by Baglietto only a few months ago, Akula is an exciting new addition to the charter fleet. She emerged earlier this year as a striking masterpiece of design, with a dark, gun-metal exterior crafted by Francesco Paszkowski. With intrinsically modern lines and expansive outdoor spaces, she’s certainly a head-turner, but we’re looking into the charter potential of this new yacht for charter.
Key Features
LOA: 52.3 metres
Builder: Baglietto
Year: 2024
Guests: 12
Winter Cruising: Caribbean, Bahamas
Akula's imposing presence is underscored by an unusual silhouette and a dark grey hull, sure to command attention from onlookers. But this yacht for charter still has an elegant air, remaining well-balanced and proportionate with oversized windows that infiltrate the hull and superstructure.
Inside, Enrico Gobbi's Team For Design curated her luxurious interiors that offer a sanctuary for up to 12 guests. She has a multi-level beach club and a suite of amenities to elevate the onboard experience. The style complements the exterior, featuring a cool and muted colour palette of whites, creams, and subtle touches of nautical blue and yellow. This kind of timeless elegance proves exceptionally effective for charter yachts, offering a versatile and sophisticated ambience that suits every occasion, from family gatherings to celebratory events.
Out on deck, things are just as impressive with a large main deck pool, al fresco dining tables and a sundeck Jacuzzi. Her sundeck stretches a staggering 24 metres, which is likely to be the largest among any other yachts in her size category. There are shaded lounge areas too, and inside, guests can keep fit in the gym or attend to business in the dedicated office.
Life on Board Akula
The accommodation unfolds across six luxurious cabins, each benefiting from the yacht's large volume. The pièce de résistance, unsurprisingly, is the master cabin, a private sanctuary complete with its own lounge area, opulent en suite bathroom, and a floor-to-ceiling screen that transforms the space into a cosy retreat. The spaces fuse the yacht’s light and modern design, accentuated by striking geometric LED lighting. A sophisticated palette of cream and grey is used here too, with the occasional pop of colour.
There’s also an upper deck bar, where the crew can shake up a dirty vodka martini in a matter of seconds, or perhaps a healthy protein shake after a morning workout. Thanks to her top-notch collection of toys, those who need a little more high-octane entertainment will have their pick of Jet Skis, Seabobs, and inflatables. There's a set of golf clubs, too, with fish food golf balls, which are always a good idea in a quiet bay.
Toys
44' Fjord Open tender
Williams 445 tender
Yamaha FX SVHO three-seater waverunners
Seabob F5SR with cameras
Seaeagle Razor two-person kayaks
Paddleboards
Golf driving gear
Waterskis
Wakeboard
Snorkelling gear
Jousting sticks
Large custom in-water floating pool
Where will Akula be cruising?
Akula is available for charter with IYC with a weekly rate from $295,000. According to BOATPro, she is currently making her way across the Atlantic for her inaugural winter season in the Caribbean. The 52.3-metre yacht is also available in the Bahamas until the 30th April, when she’ll return to the Western Mediterranean.