Lisa

In the world of luxury travel, super yachts stand out as beacons of opulence and adventure, particularly for those seeking an extraordinary vacation for large family gatherings.

The essence of this article is to guide families through the selection of luxury super yachts ideal for large gatherings, emphasizing features that enhance the onboard experience, such as family-friendly yachts with amenities tailored to all ages. We will delve into top yachts recommended for families, alongside a curated list of activities and entertainment options to ensure everyone finds enjoyment.

Furthermore, this piece will offer insights on planning your yacht trip effectively, highlighting popular destinations like Croatia and the wider Mediterranean region that are perfect for luxury yacht charters.

Whether seeking tranquillity in the Adriatic Sea or adventure on the high seas aboard the largest luxury superyachts, this guide aims to equip readers with the knowledge to plan an unforgettable luxury yacht vacation.

Tips for a Perfect Family Yacht Vacation

Features to Look for in a Family Super Yacht

When planning a family yacht charter, it’s crucial to consider several key features to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all ages. Here are some essential aspects to look for:

Accommodation Options

Prioritising the cabin layout is vital for ensuring everyone’s comfort and harmony during the trip. Many luxury super yachts offer flexible accommodation options, such as convertible cabins that can transform from doubles to twins or vice versa, catering to different family configurations. Larger vessels may even feature additional staff cabins for nannies or caretakers.

Food and Catering

Ensure the yacht’s chef is aware of any dietary restrictions or preferences, enabling them to provide meals that are not only nutritious but also appealing to young palates.

Safety Features

Safety should be a top priority when traveling with children. Look for yachts equipped with safety features like locks, gates, netting, and CCTV systems, providing peace of mind and ensuring a secure environment for your little ones.

Crew Expertise

A crew with experience in working with children can significantly enhance your family’s charter experience. Many crew members have backgrounds as nannies or childcare professionals, making them adept at keeping kids entertained with games, treasure hunts, and themed nights. Some crews are particularly renowned for their family-friendly approach, so inquire about their expertise in this area.

Entertainment Systems

Fully equipped entertainment systems on luxury super yachts often include satellite TV, movies on demand, and sound systems, ideal for large groups and families with kids. High-tech entertainment aboard superyachts is truly special, with options like cinema rooms with plush seats and surround sound, extensive DVD libraries, and even the ability to project films on sails.

Spacious Decks

Spacious decks on luxury super yachts provide ample space for various activities and entertainment options. Imagine docking in a secluded cove, setting up a cinema screen at the bow, and enjoying a movie night under the stars. Board games, video games, and group games are also available, fostering family bonding and friendly competition. With top-class audio systems, decks can be transformed into dance floors for lively parties.

Planning Family-Friendly Activities on a Yacht Charter

Creating a bespoke itinerary that caters to the interests and preferences of every family member is crucial for an unforgettable yacht vacation. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect family-friendly yacht charter

Engaging All Age Groups

Cater to different age groups by offering a range of activities and entertainment options. For younger children, inflatable waterslides, climbing walls, and trampolines provide safe and enjoyable water play. Older children and teenagers may appreciate the thrill of jet skiing, water skiing, or trying out the latest water toys like flyboards or hydrofoil boards.

Onboard facilities like cinema rooms, gaming consoles, and virtual reality experiences ensure endless entertainment for all ages. Encourage family bonding through activities like beach volleyball, football, or tennis on yachts equipped with courts. Provide opportunities for relaxation by offering lounging areas, sunbathing spots, and quiet spaces for reading or board games.

Water Sports

Snorkelling is a popular pastime for guests on many charter yachts because it can be enjoyed by the whole family, with relatively little skill required. Whether you prefer to stay on the surface near the yacht to take in the seascape or explore coral heads and grottos by the shoreline, your yacht crew guides will find the perfect spots to watch the local sea life.

Inflatable waterslides are a popular feature of many charter yachts, offering a thrilling activity straight from the top deck. Children love waterslides as they are child-friendly, safe, and fun, making for fantastic footage for social media if you are so inclined.

For older children and teens, advanced water toys like jet skis, flyboards, and hydrofoil boards offer excitement and new challenges. These toys are perfect for those looking for a more thrilling experience on the water.

By considering these tips and tailoring the experience to your family’s needs, you can create cherished memories and ensure a truly unforgettable luxury yacht charter.

Top Yachts Ideal for Large Family Gatherings in Croatia

FREEDOM

Length: 48.20m	Year: 2019 / 2022	Location: Croatia
Guests: 24	Cabins: 11	Crew: 12

The superyacht ‘Freedom’ is an exceptional choice for large family gatherings, offering ample space and amenities to cater to all ages. Freedom boasts a plethora of onboard activities to keep everyone entertained

Spanning four decks – lower, main, upper, and sundeck – “Freedom” features a versatile sundeck with a pool, large jacuzzi, private bar, fitness studio, and lounge area with a huge TV, perfect for either yoga and fitness or lively entertainment and cocktails.

OHANA

Length: 49m	Year: 2020/2023	Location: Croatia
Guests: 30	Cabins: 14	Crew: 12

The 49m/160’9″ motor yacht “Ohana” by shipyard Custom is a superyacht renowned for its family-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for large family gatherings. Built in 2020, this vessel offers beautifully proportioned decks for exquisite indoor/outdoor living during a luxury yacht charter.

Ohana is the perfect superyacht for families looking to enjoy a luxurious and comfortable charter experience. With its extensive amenities, spacious accommodations, and dedicated crew, Ohana offers world-class onboard amenities and a plethora of water sports gear for unforgettable yacht charter

Top Recommended Yachts for Families in the Mediterranean

RESILIENCE

Length: 64.77m	Year: 2021	Location: Mediterranean
Guests: 12	Cabins: 7	Crew: 15

The 64.76m/212’6″ motor yacht “Resilience,” built by the Italian shipyard ISA, is a superyacht renowned for its family-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for large family gatherings. With interior styling by Team 4 Design, this yacht offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional service.

Resilience is the perfect superyacht for families looking to enjoy a luxurious and comfortable charter experience. With its extensive amenities, spacious accommodations, and dedicated crew, Resilience ensures an unforgettable vacation on the water. Available for charter this summer in the Mediterranean and accepting bookings this winter for the Caribbean.

BOLD

Length: 85.3m	Year: 2019	Location: Mediterranean
Guests: 12	Cabins: 8	Crew: 20

The multi-award-winning 85.3m/279’10” expedition yacht “Bold,” built by the Australian shipyard SilverYachts, is renowned for its luxurious amenities and exceptional service, making it an ideal choice for large family gatherings and thrilling adventures. With interior styling by Vain Interiors, this yacht promises an unforgettable experience.

Bold is the perfect superyacht for families and adventurers looking to enjoy a luxurious and comfortable charter experience. With its extensive amenities, spacious accommodations, and dedicated crew, Bold ensures an unforgettable vacation on the water. Available for charter this summer in the Mediterranean and accepting bookings this winter for cruising in the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific

As families contemplate the infinite possibilities a luxury yacht charter presents, from the sun-drenched Adriatic Sea to the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean, the importance of expert guidance cannot be understated. To ensure your journey is as sublime as the destinations themselves, embracing the expertise of seasoned professionals who understand the ins and outs of these magnificent super yachts is crucial. Contact SYA to plan the ultimate family yacht charter and embark on an unparalleled adventure, where every detail is tailored to your luxury, comfort, and exploration desires, aboard some of the most exquisite yachts found in the Mediterranean and Croatia.

It was a privilege to be part of the Women in Yachting Series by YATCO, to be featured amongst some of the most inspiring Women within the Yachting industry.

Click the butt below to read the Women in Yachting article and also explore other amazing women featured within the series.

Lisa Parkhomchuk is Managing Director at Super Yacht Agent (SYA).

Featuring Lisa Parkhomchuk, Managing Director of Super Yacht Agent (SYA)

What drew you to the yachting world? 

Many years ago, in 2010, I was fortunate enough to be invited for a week’s holiday in the South of France on 42m (138ft) M/Y CALLIOPE an exceptional 2010 Dutch trideck yacht, built by Holland Jachtbouw shipyard, and designed by Bill Langan Naval Architects and Rhodes Young Ltd. interior designers.

Design is my background, and as a previous teacher of 3D design, Sculpture and Architecture, I was excited to go onboard to explore the interior architectural layout, the use of space and spent many hours quizzing the captain to understand how weight distribution and hull design affects performance. It was an amazing experience, the level of service, the quality of the food was exceptional. We cancelled dinners ashore due to the pure culinary delights onboard. I also gained an insight into the service side of a working yacht charter through conversations with the Chef and Chief Stewardess both from my local area, I could clearly see the dedication of the crew in every department was above all expectations. 

I knew at this time this was an area that I would like to explore further, after further charters, my husband and I decided to take up sailing ourselves gaining our skipper license and continuing to enjoy our passion for the seas. 

How did you get your start in yachting? 

By accident really – my husband works within business aviation and his clients were requesting yachts for charter; this was an area that was growing, and I started supporting the arrangements of charters and destination itineraries.

I worked as a Senior Leader within the education sector at the time and wanted a change in career so started training in yacht management, sales and charter then decided to leave to start our company, Super Yacht Agent. 

Who are some influential people in your life that you look up to? 

I am lucky to be able to link strong qualities and values to specific people who have influenced me at different stages throughout my career. I have always admired resilience, being true to oneself and valuing your worth especially as a woman. 

For inspiration, I avidly follow Kelly Gordon who changed her career to become a yacht captain – she gives a great insight into the life of a superyacht captain and is a true advocate for supporting and inspiring yacht crew and mental health in yachting. I also admire Rose Damen who is shining a spotlight of Women in Yachting by bringing women together to share experiences and most importantly, support one another.

What are some challenges you face and how do you overcome them? 

The unforeseen, especially as a company owner and ensuring all the separate parts work in unison with each other.

So, identifying where things can go wrong and ensuring plans are in place, being pro-active, innovative, and most importantly, reflective. 

What advice would you give you someone who is starting in the yachting industry? 

Investing in your knowledge and understanding of the industry and especially your clients is essential and improves your confidence and credibility.

My father always said, “you can never have enough strings on your bow,” so learning, especially from others has always been my mantra.

What is the most rewarding/enjoyable element of your job? 

Finding the perfect yacht for a client and getting great feedback from the clients, captain, and CA’s, and also connecting with new colleagues and expanding my network and knowledge. 

What is your favorite thing about working in the yacht industry? 

Apart from visiting amazing locations, viewing yachts and attending amazing yacht shows, I think the people make the industry; I have met some really lovely people who have been generous with their time and always ready to make things happen. 

What are you currently working on and what keeps you motivated? 

I’m currently selling a 30m (98ft) yacht and also looking for yachts for a couple of clients, so the hunt to get the perfect yacht keeps me motivated, keeping up to date with the market patterns, trends in pricing and how external factors influence current sales is extremely interesting. 

I’m also a strong believer of upskilling my knowledge, so currently undertaking a Diploma in Superyacht Surveying from the Maritime Training Academy in order to carry out more informed yacht viewings and surveys to better support clients in making important decisions whether buying or managing a yacht.

What is a multihull

Definition of multihull

: a vessel with two or more hulls or with multiple side-by-side hulls

Above are illustrations of a typical hull for a motor yacht, sailing yacht with a keel, and a catamaran that features two separate hulls with a centre piece connecting the two hulls. The actual design of a catamaran hasn’t changed for thousands of years.

A little bit of history…….

The origins of the Multihull have been reportedly traced as far back to the 4,000 BC as a means of transport for the great migrations throughout the Pacific and Indian Ocean over thousands of years. Multihulls derived from an Oceania pirogue, more associated by the Polynesians, inherited their seafaring culture from their Austronesian ancestors, who began their migration from Southeast Asia into the Pacific in ocean sailing craft thousands of years ago. Antonio Pigafetta an Italian scholar and explorer described the vessels as flying objects during the World’s first circumnavigation in 1521.

The Polynesians’ used a double canoe made of two hulls connected by crossbeams to provide stability and capacity to carry heavy loads while a central platform laid over the crossbeams provided the needed working, living, and storage space. Sails enabled the canoe to move swiftly through the seas with long steering paddles to help keep it the canoe on course.

The main types ………..

Catamaran (double-hull) A Catamaran is a twin-hulled that can be a sailing yacht, or a motor yacht developed for sport and recreation. The design is originally based on a raft consisting of two logs bridged by planks used throughout Polynesia and Micronesia as seen above by the illustrations by artist Herb Kane.

In 1870 U.S. designer of America’s Cup boats Nathanael Greene Herreshoff designed and built many yachts as well as catamarans and has an amazing back catalogue at his dedicated museum in USA. In 1876 Herreshoff catamaran Amaryllis won the New York Yacht Club’s Centennial Regatta, the win resulted in multihulls sailing vessels being banned at the time from organised competitions, due to its superior performance.

In a letter to the editor of the New York Herald, Herreshoff wrote: “There are two important principles of speed which constantly work against each other. If we increase the power to get more speed, we must increase the stability of the hull correspondingly.

An increased hull has more resistance ….”

“I kept on following this principle, getting the keel higher and higher until, by and by, the keel came out of the water, when, lo and behold! There was the double boat! Nothing else to be done but take a saw and split her in two, spread it apart a little way, and cover all with a deck, and there you are!”

In the 1950s production of the current form of catamaran began which averaged about 12.2 metres (40 feet) in length. Over the next 30 years naval architects across Europe, United States and Australia improved the efficiency and speed to produce very fast catamarans achieving speeds of 32.19 km (20 miles) per hour.

In 1988 the high-performance wing-masted multihull “Stars and Strips” was the first multihull to win the American Cup, today multihulls are the main feature of this prestigious race.

Later the addition of engines made the catamaran a popular motor-cruising boat and are now becoming a growing popular choice for families to charter.

Trimaran (double-outrigger)

Like a catamaran, a trimaran (or double outrigger) originated from the Austronesian culture of Southeast Asia, where it remains a dominant hull design for traditional fishing boats. The design comprises of a main central hull with two smaller outrigger or floats attached by transverse beams.

Victor Tchetchet (1891-1974) inspired by the catamaran design was a pioneering multihull sailboat designer who devised the early trimarans and believed to have invented the term. Ukrainian born and emigrated to America in 1923 further experimented with catamarans and trimarans and in 1945 launched his first trimaran, of 24 ft (7.3 m) length. In 1946 Tchetchet participation in the Marblehead Race Week, helped to reintroduce and started to breakdown the prejudices against multihulls. During his time in the United States, he designed and built many Multihulls with the most notable: T26 (trimaran) – 26 ft (circa 1949) and Egg Nog (trimaran) – 24 ft (circa 1955)

Sailing Trimarans are known for there speed across the water due to how it can displace water over 3 points in comparison to a catamaran 2 points or a monohull one. The design of the trimaran for racing and due to its structure can be more streamlined and hydrodynamic to allow it to basically lift out of the water to increase its speed.

In 2023 the Solo Ultim World Tour is planned, the first single-handed race the world in 100ft foiling trimarans that are capable of sailing at 45 knots.

Entries include the world-famous record-breaking sailors Armel Le Cleach, Charles Caudrelier and Thomas Coville

Trimarans also take on the role as passengers’ vessels, luxury yachts and warships due to the increased speed and stability in the water helping to reduce sea sickness. High speed passenger vessels were devised to cut journey times and the need to provide overnight accommodation especially on popular mainland to island routes.

SWATH (small water area twin hull)

A Swath multihull is a twin hull vessel with slimmer hulls at the water surface to allow it to pierce the water more effectively and the buoyancy hydromantic hull under the water to offer greater stability. The swath hulls are ideal for rougher seas and further limits seasickness, the draft is greater than a catamaran and more power is needed.

What are the benefits

Space

In terms of space the two separate hulls of a catamaran can provide up to double the space than a monohull of the same length. An average monohull yacht of 24 metres will have a bream of 5 – 5.6 metres compared to a multihull of the same length with a beam of 11 – 11.6 metres. The additional space allows for the flexibility of the layout and innovative designs especially in the main saloons. Open plan living spaces can seamlessly flow to the exterior deck’s ideal for entertaining larger groups and families.

Stability and Accessibility

The catamaran and trimaran design acts as a natural stabilizer limiting the side-to-side motion that can cause seasickness.

The difference is even greater when comparing to a sailing yacht that has a keel to support stability. Sailing Catamarans do not have keels so doesn’t have the pendulum affect as seen in the example, the 2-hull structure offers the stability. Multihulls can be more pleasurable to experience especially for families and people who are prone to seasickness. Multihulls have a shallow draft that allows for further exploration and accessibility to beautiful tucked away harbours, coves, and beaches without the use of a tender, unlike monohulls that typically have a deeper draft.

Manoeuvrability

Catamarans are of course wider than a monohull of the same length, so it is important to be able to manoeuvre the yacht within marinas and harbours. Cats have two separate engines, one on each hull to allow the yacht to turn around on the spot. The placement of the engines gives you more control and limits the impact of the tide and wind when navigating through narrow marinas or when underway.

What are the disadvantages

Main disadvantages higher marina costs and availability.

Marina costs and Availability

The advantage of having nearly double the space of a monohull, ultimately means nearly or more double the price for berths in marinas. It can also be difficult to find availability of two berths next to each other in crowded and popular marinas especially in the summer months in the Mediterranean. Pre-planning and pre-booking if possible are essential.

With the advantages and disadvantages considered multihulls can offer an amazing charter experience, so don’t delay and book well in advance. To help with your planning please see a selection of the most luxurious multihulls available for charter.

RELENTLESS II 80

Sunreef Yachts 2022 24.4m / 80ft, 8 Guests 4 Cabins 4 Crew

The newly completed Sunreef 80 Relentless II is available for charter in the Caribbean from 2022. The beautiful and spacious interiors and exteriors are stylish and fresh. Fully equipped with onboard entertainment systems and wide range of water toys. Accommodation consists of a master king suite with a large walk-in shower and 3 spacious queen cabins. The exterior offers Alfresco dining on Aft deck lounge, a Fly-bridge with 360° views, and luxurious sky lounge with a hot tub aboard this fantastic catamaran.

THE BEAST

Custom 2019 39.2m / 129ft 12 Guests 5 Cabins 10 Crew

Eye catching painted exterior ‘The Beast’ is very much a family friendly yacht designed for adventure. Set up with a fully functional fishing boat (baby beast) and a wide range of water toys to cater for all age. The award-winning yacht is extremely spacious with a huge 12 metre beam providing 4,000-square-feet of living space. The balance between industrial and luxury is cleverly realised with the chic muted dark interiors that are both subtle and stylish. The exterior includes a sheltered dining space and large sundeck with a bar and a featured teppanyaki grill that makes this catamaran unique.

HEMISPHERE

Pendennis 2011 44.2m / 145ft, 12 Guests 5 Cabins 10 Crew

One of the largest luxury catamarans, with exceptional volume offers a high degree of luxury. The elegant interior is contemporary and stylish with a wide range of alternative spaces to relax and lounge in. Award winning for interior design and layout has two VIP cabins on the main deck each have access to a terrace lounge forward, two double cabins and one twin cabin. The Water sports facilities on board are unique with the starboard lazarette holds the usual superyacht toys and the port hull contains a dive centre with a full range of equipment capable of both Air and NITROX tank fills.

The Future

Multihulls are a popular choice and developments of concepts of fully sustainable multihulls are the future, below are some examples

BONDGIRL

Hannah Sahra – concept design

M/Y BOnd Girl is a futuristic and stealth like 70m trimaran concept with exterior by George Lucien and interior by Hannah Hombergen.

210 Sunreef Power Trimaran

An ambitious 210ft three-hulled concept, it fully utilizes the space within and between the hulls to reach a living area of nearly 1000m².

References

Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/technology/catamaran

Transpacific project: http://www.transpacificproject.com/index.php/ocean-sailing-craft/

The Philippine Diary Project: https://philippinediaryproject.com/about-the-philippine-diary-project/about-the-diaries/about-antonio-pigafetta/

Herb Kane Illustrator: https://www.herbkanehawaii.com/

Cruising World: https://www.cruisingworld.com/how/how-dock-catamaran/

New York Yacht Club: https://nyyc.org/home

Cup Experience: https://cupexperience.com/amaryllis/

Craft sail blog: https://sailcraftblog.wordpress.com/2016/05/16/the-real-story-of-amaryllis-and-the-first-racing-catamarans/

Sail-World: https://www.sail-world.com/news/239323/Solo-Ultim-World-Tour-confirmed-for-2023

Gitana: http://www.gitana-team.com/en/

Austal: https://www.austal.com/ships/benchijigua-express

Sunreef Kokomo Catamaran: https://www.sunreef-yachts.com/en/news/80-sunreef-power-kokomo-a-private-beach

Pendennis: https://pendennis.com/yachts/hemisphere/

Lomocean: http://www.lomocean.com/projects/pleasure/39m+-+the+beast

Hannah Sahra: https://sites.google.com/hannahsahra.com/hannah-sahra/interior-design/my-bondgirl

Breed Photography: https://www.breedmedia.com/collection