Charter yacht WHISPER raises $2.4 million for children's charity

By Anna Ingles 8 February 2024

Luxury yachts are often synonymous with leisure and indulgence, but they can also serve philanthropic purposes. The new owner of luxury charter yacht WHISPER made a splash at the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contributing to the festivities of a live auction that successfully gathered over $33 million in support of disadvantaged children in Collier County.

The event's highlight was a seven-night Mediterranean voyage aboard the Lurssen charter yacht, which fetched an impressive $2.4 million.

Unfolding at the scenic Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, the glamorous event featured an exclusive collection of 50 lots, including some of the world's most exquisite wines, inspired generous bidding from those attending. The outcome of the auction was a remarkable $33 million haul.

Overview of the outdoor pool at the Ritz Carlton Naples.

Local news source WGCU has reported that the raised funds will be allocated to impactful community nonprofits, aiming to benefit over 300,000 local youths. The six lucky couples who will embark on the luxury yacht charter around the Mediterranean will be treated to the unparalleled luxury of the 95.2m (312ft) motor yacht, which was previously known as KISMET and belonged to the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C.

Overview of the swimming pool and Jacuzzi on the sun deck onboard charter yacht WHISPER

Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi Sundeck

Overview of the sun deck firepit and seating area onboard charter yacht WHISPER

Alfresco dining setup on the aft main deck onboard charter yacht WHISPER

Acquired by Schmidt in 2023, the crewed charter yacht was renamed WHISPER, retaining its grandeur and elegance. Boasting seven lavish guest cabins, each featuring king-sized beds and private en suites, there's no shortage of amenities with designs penned by Reymond Langton and Espen Oeino.

Some of the key features found onboard include multiple lounge areas, alfresco dining areas, an intimate cinema room, a top-tier gym, a full spa and salon, and an impressive array of tenders and water toys, topped off with a spectacular 12-meter pool on the upper deck.

Piano in a lobby onboard charter yacht WHISPER

Club room converted into an intimate cinema room onboard charter yacht WHISPER

For those seeking thrills on the water, charter yacht WHISPER delivers with a fleet of three tenders, including an almost 33-foot Hinckley Limo Tender. The experience is also guaranteed to include the sampling of exceptional wines, befitting the luxury charter yacht's association with the renowned wine festival.

Master cabin onboard charter yacht WHISPER, central berth facing forward with extensive glazing

Mediterranean yacht charters: At a glance

Filled with remarkable moments crafted to captivate every guest on a family yacht charter, the Mediterranean stands as a top-tier destination for luxurious indulgence.

Boasting a plethora of genuine multicultural culinary delights, captivating UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pompeii, and breathtaking beaches spanning from France to Croatia, each yacht charter vacation promises an unmatched experience. The allure stems from the promise of uncovering new flavors and possibilities, making Mediterranean yacht charters an irresistible proposition for charter guests to revisit annually.

For a taste of what the lucky auction winners are set to experience, see our complete Mediterranean yacht charter guide and view some sample Mediterranean charter itineraries handpicked by experts with in-depth knowledge of the region.

Mediterranean yacht charter itineraries

The Glamour of the Mediterranean (10 days)

The Decadence of the West Mediterranean (15 days)

The Glistening Beaches of the East Mediterranean (7 days)

To find out more about yacht rentals for the forthcoming 2024 summer season, and indeed the Caribbean winter season, speak to your preferred yacht charter broker today for availability and details on yacht rental costs.