Each week, we place a spotlight on the world’s finest yachts for charter. This week, BOAT delves into the details of the 80-metre Oceanco Aalto, a yacht which continues to prove herself on the charter market 16 years after her delivery…
Described by Oceanco as “the yacht that marked the start of a new era in our yacht building activities for the growing 80-metre plus sector,” Aalto is nothing short of a significant vessel. Delivered in 2007, the 80-metre was equipped with a series of features that were virtually non-existent on board yachts of that era including a heated swimming pool, a massage room, a helipad and a stabilized pool table.
With interiors designed by Alberto Pinto, exteriors by Nuvolari Lenard and naval architecture by Azure Yacht Design together with Oceanco, her design credentials are impressive and proven in the ever-increasing market as Aalto continues to shine within the charter fleet 16 years later.
Key Features
LOA: 80m
Builder: Oceanco
Year: 2007
Guests: 12
Crew: 24
With a deep blue hull and white superstructure, Aalto is instantly recognisable as a core member of the Oceanco fleet. This arrangement also rings true with her sisterships, Wheels and Man of Steel that present similar characteristics. It marks an important point in Oceanco’s history, which at this stage was one of the primary dominating shipyards in the 80-metre plus space.
Her volume is, quite simply, vast for 80-metres at 2310GT. This is a natural benefit for the charter market offering spaces such as a beauty salon, a gym and cinema. Deck space is also expansive and features a glass-backed pool with a contraflow, seating areas amidships and al fresco dining spaces.
Accommodation on board is for 12 across nine cabins including a huge owner’s suite which takes up almost half of the upper deck, comprising its own office, a walk-in wardrobe and access to a Portuguese deck with two Jacuzzis. It was this that Oceanco denoted as a particular high point in the design along with the VIP cabin on the bridge deck.
“She boasts huge volume and has fabulous charter features including a flexible layout,” says Virginia Putignani, Edmiston charter fleet manager. She has a long list of water toys, a dedicated wellness area – entertainment options on board are endless. The crew are also top-notch, many are long-standing, highly experienced with all sorts of active charter parties, and ready to go the extra mile.”
Light woods, cream furnishings and plenty of natural light define the aesthetic, with Pinto’s patterns and pops of colour throughout. This is one of Pinto’s signature decoration styles beautifully demonstrated above the upper dining area which is crowned with a blue circular ceiling pattern.
Standing in fine condition, the yacht's interiors are still created entirely by Pinto, although to keep her looking fresh, Aalto has undergone interior refreshes over the years including new carpets, new interior and exterior soft furnishings reupholstered and mechanical improvements.
Dining on board Aalto
Hailing from Australia’s Sunshine Coast, Aalto’s head chef Pete Christensen initially excelled as a land-based chef before venturing into yachting. Formerly a renowned Sydney restaurant owner, Christensen’s culinary journey spans continents and he has now been working as a chef for more than 30 years.
Sample menus on board include lunches of grilled San Remo red prawns and soft herbs; celery, apple, walnut and endive salad with creamy yoghurt dressing; pan seared monkfish with thyme and beurre noisette and roasted organic chicken breast with black truffle cream sauce.
Dinners can also range from a multitude of cultures and cuisines, thanks to Christensen’s travels and experience and include seared scallops, thyme beurre noisette and micro leaf salad; grilled monkfish tail with pesto and amberjack ceviche.
Where will Aalto be cruising this summer?
Aalto is available for charter with Edmiston with a weekly rate from €750,000. She will mostly be cruising the Western Mediterranean but holding a Croatian charter licence, the 80-metre can also be relocated to the Adriatic this summer.