Looking for the ultimate staycation? A rare opportunity to charter a luxury yacht in British waters has just become available, as 25m (83’) motor yacht CHESS opens for bookings in a number of increasingly popular UK destinations including Cornwall and the Channel Islands.
Travel restrictions and COVID-19 disruptions may have made a dent in your summer plans this year. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds, experience six-star luxury and put your mind at ease in a hygienic, self-contained environment, then a private yacht charter is the ideal solution for you.
It’s not often that the opportunity to charter in British waters comes up; but you can now discover a secret side to England on board Sunseeker's 25m luxury yacht CHESS.
There's still plenty of last-minute summer sun to enjoy in the UK, with highs of 18 degrees and upwards on the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. September getaways also promise fewer crowds and higher seawater temperatures when compared to the start of the summer season, and September is a fantastic time for whale-watching and dolphin-spotting.
The YachtCharterFleet team had the pleasure of being hosted on board CHESS around Southampton and the Isle of Wight.
Not only did we familiarize ourselves with the yacht and acquaint ourselves with her terrific crew, we also discovered that the coasts of the UK are studded with hidden gems that are perfect for exploring by boat.
CHESS is the largest yacht from British yard Sunseeker to be available for charter in UK waters. She is part of Sunseeker's popular 82 range, and she features interior styling by Ken Freivokh and exteriors courtesy of Don Shead Yacht Design.
Built in 2005 and refitted earlier this year, the yacht is in excellent condition and ready to welcome guests on board right now. Her 3 dedicated members of crew have all been trained in the latest COVID-19 health and safety measures, so you can rest assured knowing you're in a safe haven at sea.
She is perfect for jam-packed itineraries and zipping between destinations, as she is able to reach a maximum speed of 30 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 22 knots.
She underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2020, leaving her in excellent condition and ready to welcome guests on board right now.
CHESS is a great yacht for family fun and groups of friends, as she offers the unique capacity to host 12 guests underway and eight guests overnight. This flexibility allows your charter party to invite more people on board during the day, whilst still enjoying spacious, luxury accommodation overnight.
She has a total of four cabins, each of which benefits from an en suite and TV. The forward VIP is well-appointed, with plenty of natural light, mirrored wall panels, cream carpets and a generous en suite and integrated storage solutions. Walnut finishes throughout contribute to her timeless feeling, while her coffee and cream colour palette adds a refined touch.
CHESS has the capacity to host 12 guests underway and eight guests overnight, offering increased flexibility and convenience.
The Owner’s cabin shares similar themes, and features brand new wall panelling, a vanity desk and discreet lighting panels which offset the sophisticated wood furnishings. A large en suite with his and hers sinks and a walk-in dressing room ensure the space is practical and comfortable for the principal charterer.
There are two additional twin cabins with Pullman berths, and one cabin has an adjoining en suite which can function as an independent head for increased convenience.
The social areas of the yacht have a contemporary and elegant ambience, with a large main salon with cream sofas, seamlessly adjoining a relaxed dining area to starboard and an open galley to port. The helm station of the yacht is located further forward, and there is a small seating area so guests can join the Captain while navigation takes place.
The decision was made not to use the aft portion of the sundeck for tender storage, therefore opening up the area for kicking back, relaxing and soaking up the views.
Crowning the yacht is a generous sundeck with a bar, grill, large seating area and an inviting sunpad spread. The decision was made not to use the aft portion of the sundeck for tender storage, therefore opening up the area for kicking back, relaxing and soaking up the views.
Opportunities for unwinding continue on the foredeck, where the yacht plays host to another large sunpad block- perfect for enjoying a morning cup of coffee while underway.
There is formal alfresco dining for eight on the main deck aft, which enjoys shade from the sundeck above. All of her exterior decks have been finished in teak, which enhances the luxury atmosphere on board.
Luxury yacht CHESS offers easy access to the ocean, thanks to a hydraulic swim platform that can be lowered and raised into the water, and retractable bathing steps that allow you to hop in and out of the sea. A selection of kayaks add to the fun.
One of the best things about this opportunity is how flexible this yacht can be. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Jurassic coasts of Devon or you’re thinking about travelling further afield and seeing the shores of Normandy in Northern France, CHESS is open to a number of different itineraries.
She is currently based in Ocean Village in Southampton. She is in a prime location close to the Isle of Wight, where guests can spend their days meandering through the quaint streets of Cowes, exploring the Royal Family’s stately Osborne House, or learning how pearls are harvested at Isle of Wight Pearl- followed by high tea on the property. The Needles (pictured above) are also great for watersports, so be sure to take the kayaks on board CHESS out for a spin.
It’s not often that the opportunity to charter in British waters comes up; but you can now discover a secret side to England on board CHESS.
Heading south, guests can explore the beautiful coasts of Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. The sandy beaches and turquoise waters would have you mistaking these cruising grounds for Caribbean, and there’s plenty of opportunities to see incredible sights here; from the Minack Theatre in Penzance to the famously pretty fishing village of Mousehole, there’s a reason Cornwall is so sought-after among holiday-makers.
Jersey and Guernsey are equally beautiful, and you’ll find countless bays and beaches where you can snorkel at sea or enjoy hiking trails on land. CHESS can also take her guests further afield to Ireland, and even Amsterdam if there’s any interest; she’s truly ready for adventure.
In the future, CHESS will be relocating to sunnier spots. Her itineraries haven’t yet been finalized, but she is expected to have availability in Portugal’s Algarve region or Gibraltar.
While both of these destinations are not typical yacht cruising grounds, there’s plenty of potential for superb itineraries with a focus on rest, relaxation and soaking up some sun.
The price of chartering M/Y CHESS in is £32,000 p/week plus expenses in the low season and £37,000 p/week plus expenses in the high season.
Another unique element of CHESS is her day rate of £5,000 p/day plus expenses; not many charter yachts offer a day rate, so she’s perfect if you want to get a taste of the yachting lifestyle for a shorter period of time.
CHESS still has some availability in the coming weeks; so whether you’re after a last-minute getaway with family, a buzzy social event with your friends or a corporate charter with work colleagues, CHESS represents an unmissable opportunity for a yacht charter with a difference.
To find out more about making a booking, please reach out to your chosen yacht charter broker.
More Yacht Information
25m
Sunseeker
2005 / 2021
