thalassa superyacht owner

‘Below Deck Down Under’ Hit With $9 Million Lawsuit, Here’s Why

Below Deck Down Under premiered earlier this month on Peacock. It’s the latest spinoff series in the ever-growing Below Deck franchise. Fans have already been raving about the new series. But someone issued a $9 million lawsuit. They sued the producers for the damages made to the Thalassa superyacht known as the Keri Lee III.

Captain Jason Chambers has a new crew and a new superyacht. He had to get hands-on with his job to ensure nothing terrible happens. In a confessional, Jason revealed a time when he crashed a superyacht into a marina that was next to a group of diners. According to recent court documents, it sounds like something happened with this new superyacht.

Below Deck Down Under producers responsible for damages made to 55-meter vessel

Starcasm obtained the court documents on Monday, March 28. The filings reveal the Below Deck Down Under producers are in a lawsuit with the owner of the My Thalassa, which has changed its name to the My Keri Lee III. Australian native Trevor Lee and his wife, fashion designer Keri Craig-Lee are the owners of the superyacht.

They sued the producers for over $9 million in damages made to their yacht. They claim the damage is with Mountain View Productions, LLC, which produces Below Deck Down Under . The dispute took place in front of a judge in an Australian federal court. The court made the filings public.

The estimate could include the repainting of the exterior. It makes sense since Captain Glenn Shephard crashed the Parsifal III in Season 2 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht . He ended up with a $20,000 bill and a bruised ego. It’s possible that the My Keri Lee III ended up in a worse wreck.

Did Captain Jason Chambers crash the superyacht?

The Below Deck Down Under star is no stranger to boat crashes. Jason was the captain of the 45.6-meter superyacht Moatize when it crashed into a Queensland marina in 2019. He made international headlines when it crashed into an outdoor dining area. Some of the guests scrambled for their life.

Jason spoke to an Australian news outlet to reveal what happened. It’s unclear if Jason was responsible when the My Keri Lee III sustained damage in the lawsuit. The Below Deck Down Under trailer didn’t hint about a potential crash in the preview trailer. What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Sound off below in the comment section.

New episodes of Below Deck Down Unde r drop on Thursdays on Peacock.

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Are Below Deck Down Under producers being sued for damages to Thalassa superyacht?

New allegations claim that Below Deck Down Under producers are being sued for damages done to Thalassa superyacht used during Season 1 of the new Below Deck spin-off.

Below Deck Down Under just dropped on Peacock, making it the first in the Below Deck franchise to become an original series for the streaming service. The show has had viewers buzzing thanks to hot Captain Jason Chambers, arrogant chef, Ryan McKeown, and Below Deck Med fan-favorite Aesha Scott.

Is there a lawsuit against Below Deck Down Under producers for damages to Thalassa superyacht?

The Thalassa serves as the superyacht background for Below Deck Down Under. Trevor Lee and his wife Keri Craig-Lee, the owners of the vessel actually named M/Y Keri Lee III, are suing Mountain View Productions for $9 million.

According to Starcasm, Trevor and Kerri claim substantial damages were incurred while the luxury was rented out to Mountain View Productions. The company is a subsidiary of 51 Minds, the production team that launched the Below Deck franchise.

A court order obtained by the website has revealed Keri Lee Charters Pty Ltd (KLC), Tom and Kerri’s company, alleges the yacht endued $9 million in damages during a charter in May 2021. Below Deck Down Under was filmed from May 2021 to June 2021, so the timing does line up.

Details regarding the damages were not disclosed in the lawsuit. There’s a three-week arbitration happening now and is scheduled to wrap up by April 11.

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Will there be a crash on Below Deck Down Under?

If the damages to the luxury yacht were sustained during filming, then it’s safe to say the footage might air on Below Deck Down Under. However, an accident isn’t featured in the trailer for the show.

Now that doesn’t mean an accident doesn’t occur. The powers that be could be saving the footage as a dramatic surprise for Below Deck Down Under viewers. Then again, since the production company is involved in a lawsuit, the footage may never see the airwaves.

As Below Deck Sailing Yacht fans know, Season 2 of the show featured Parsifal III hitting the dock a couple of times. Season 3 just aired a scary incident where the sailing yacht dragged anchor. Both times, damages were done to the yacht but weren’t extensive enough to end the charter season.

So, to answer the question, is there a lawsuit against Below Deck Down Under producers? Yes, there is, and arbitration is happening now.

Below Deck Down Under airs Thursdays on Peacock.

still disappointed below deck doesn’t want us to watch unless we pay for peacock. they deserve to ‘go under.’

That’s interesting…. I get Peacock on my cable service??‍♀️

i dont have peacock and i watched it perfectly fine, its on 2 different streaming apps…. and none of those are peacock lol

Peacock is offered free through Comcast.

Below Deck Down Under Producers Sued For 9 Million Dollars In Damage To The Yacht

By Angelina

Below deck viewers have always wondered what happens if, and when, a vessel crashes. For season’s we’ve been teased, with crew and editing working together to making you feel that with every ‘pull in’ and ‘out’ of a marina, an accident could happen; it was almost just a matter of when . Now thanks to its newest spin off,  Below Deck Down Under we are getting some insight as to who could foot the bill when one of these superyachts sustains significant damage, and, it’s messy to say the least.

Starcasm reports, the Bravo reality show producers, Mountain View Productions LLC, are being sued by the owners of the Thalassa yacht for over $9 million in damages. I suppose, it was foolish to think it was as easy as yacht insurance?

The 55 foot yacht’s actual name is M/Y Kery Lee III and owned by Australian couple Trevor Lee, a Australian beef entrepreneur and Kery Craig- Lee, a fashion designer. Via their company Keri Lee Charters Pty Ltd (KLC), they are suing MVP, alleging that the vessel was damaged during a Below Deck charter.

Unfortunately for us, the lawsuit is being managed in April by an independent arbitrator and will not be made public. There is however the initial legal dispute as to whether the production company could subpoena the companies that inspected the yacht before and after the damage. Those documents are public and revealed some clues about what could be going on in the lawsuit.

The documents detail that Keri Lee Charters Pty Ltd (KLC) alleges 12.85 million in damages occurred during a May charter. The timing supports their case, as filming happened during the months of May to June in 2021. As for what was damaged, it appears the keel may have been affected as it is noted in the documents, the “keel of the vessel was laid in November 1998 and it was launched in 2002”.

The documents also discuss the paint job on the hull noting, “The vessel was most recently refurbished in 2020. Although the points of claim say that the refurbishment was ‘in or about late 2020 and early 2021’, the on hire survey report records that various areas of the hull paint (exterior) were newly applied in September 2020. I infer that that is likely to have occurred near the end of the refurbishment rather than at the commencement. In order to cover the refurbishment and the lead up to it, I consider that it is justified to require production of the categories of documents sought by items 4 and 5 of the schedule from 1 January 2020.” The judge ruled in the favor of MVP, giving them the ability to subpoena the companies involved in the inspections.

As for the crew, it is not clear who was manning the vessel during the time the damage occurred. For Captain Jason Chambers ‘ part, this would not be the first time he’s had to batten down the hatches while sailing. As the captain explained on the show, he once crashed into a marina with a similar sized superyacht, though thankfully no one was hurt. Video footage of the crash shows the harrowing moment where vessel Moatize malfunctioned and was strategically steered by Captain  Sinbad Jason to avoid a restaurant trawler with people on it. We have a crush, can you tell?

It’s evident this captain is experienced, as he needs to be. Already on the new spin off, viewers have seen the crew navigating some tricky waters. It’s interesting how the different Below Deck spin offs explain the nuances of their environment and Down Under , is no different, treating viewers to the thrill of a more piratey sailing experience. Captain and crew are often referencing the challenges of maneuvering the difficult Australian waters. One of the marinas they frequent, Airle Beach’s Coral Sea Marina, has such extreme tides that at times, it is inaccessible by the superyacht. The waters are also filled with reefs, posing their own unique risks to the team.

If, as their mention in the court documents implies, the Hull and Keel of Thalassa were damaged, from recent knowledge gained from Below deck Sailing Yacht , it sounds like they potentially ran aground. According to  Captain Glenn Shephard , this can be even worse than crashing into a dock.

Interestingly enough however, no footage of such a disaster has been teased in any way on the show. It is possible they could surprise us but Bravo editors run a tight ship, pardon the pun. If something of this magnitude happened is there really a chance it wasn’t filmed or that they wouldn’t tease about it in the season trailer to ensure momentum for the season’s start?

This, along with no noted mention of footage in the court documents, has me worried we may never see the 12-million-dollar drama unfold. Guess we will have to wait and sea .

TELL US- DO YOU THINK WE WILL SEE A CRASH OF SOME SORT? ARE YOU ENJOYING BELOW DECK DOWN UNDER SO FAR? 

[Photo credit: Bravo ]

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Below Deck Down Under producers sued for $9 million in damages to Thalassa superyacht, aka Keri Lee III

Producers behind Below Deck Down Under are being sued by the owner of the M/Y Thalassa for more than $9 million in damages to the superyacht.

The 55-meter Thalassa is actually named the M/Y Keri Lee III and is owned by Australian beef baron Trevor Lee and his wife, Australian fashion designer Keri Craig-Lee.

Trevor and Keri’s company, Keri Lee Charters Pty Ltd, claims that the superyacht sustained damage in the course of a charter with Mountain View Productions, LLC. (Mountain View Productions is headquartered in North Hollywood, California and is a producer of Below Deck Down Under .)

The lawsuit is being handled by an independent arbitrator, per the companies’ contracts, so the original documents do not appear to be available to the public. However, there was a dispute about whether or not Mountain View Productions (MVP) could subpoena the businesses that inspected the superyacht before and after the alleged damage. That dispute was heard by a judge in Australian federal court, and those filings are available to the public.

According to the court order, Keri Lee Charters Pty Ltd (KLC) alleges that the superyacht Keri Lee III sustained damages in the amount of 12.85 million Australian dollars during the course of a charter that took place in May of 2021. That lines up with reports that Below Deck Down Under filmed in May and June of 2021 .

Specifics about the damages allegedly sustained by the superyacht are not available, but it can be inferred that there was damage to the exterior paint and keel.

The judge and the arbitrator in the case wanted to limit the time frame for the documents required to be submitted by the inspectors. The judge specifically mentions in his ruling that the “keel of the vessel was laid in November 1998 and it was launched in 2002” in order to exclude any documents prior to that from being submitted. It is logical to assume that this would be because there was allegedly damage to the keel.

In another part of the filing, the judge talks about the timing of Keri Lee III’ s exterior hull being painted as part of a refurbishment just months prior to the charter in question:

The vessel was most recently refurbished in 2020. Although the points of claim say that the refurbishment was “in or about late 2020 and early 2021”, the on hire survey report records that various areas of the hull paint (exterior) were newly applied in September 2020. I infer that that is likely to have occurred near the end of the refurbishment rather than at the commencement. In order to cover the refurbishment and the lead up to it, I consider that it is justified to require production of the categories of documents sought by items 4 and 5 of the schedule from 1 January 2020.

It would be logical to assume that part of the alleged damage estimates include having the exterior repainted.

MVP were granted the ability to subpoena the information from the inspectors. Arbitration for the case “is listed for a three-week hearing commencing on 11 April 2022 in Brisbane.”

Did Captain Jason Crash Thalassa?

As Below Deck Down Under viewers are aware, Captain Jason Chambers is no stranger to a superyacht sustaining damage while under his command.

Jason was the captain of the 45.6-meter superyacht Moatize when it crashed into a Queensland marina in 2019, narrowly missing a restaurant trawler. Videos of the frightening crash went viral, and Jason spoke with an Australian news outlet to explain what happened.

Hunky #BelowDeckDownUnder Captain Jason Chambers is no stranger to media attention – he made international headlines back in 2019 when he was captain of a 45.6-meter superyacht that crashed into a marina! Get details and watch videos of the crash! 🙀💥⛴️ https://t.co/SOYELKlzSx — Starcasm (@starcasm) March 17, 2022

It’s unclear if Captain Jason was in charge of Keri Lee III ( Thalassa ) when it allegedly sustained the damage mentioned in the lawsuit.

During the inaugural season of Below Deck Down Under , there are multiple scenes referencing the difficulty of maneuvering Thalassa through the shallow waters of Airle Beach’s Coral Sea Marina . The clearance is so close that there are times during low tide that the superyacht is unable to enter or leave the marina.

If the alleged damages are to the keel and exterior paint, then running aground seems like a very likely explanation. Of course, the charters on Below Deck Down Under often visit coral reefs and other potentially dangerous areas, so keel damage risk is certainly not restricted to entering and leaving the marina.

The Below Deck franchise is no stranger to yacht damage, just ask Below Deck Sailing Yacht’ s Captain Glenn Shephard! However, whenever there is some sort of crash (or near crash), it is almost always featured in the season’s preview trailer. There doesn’t appear to be any sort of crash or instance of running aground hinted at in the Below Deck Down Under preview trailer.

Perhaps that could be due to the lawsuit? Or perhaps Peacock wanted to keep that as a surprise? To find out, be sure to tune in to new episodes of Below Deck Down Under streaming on Peacock!

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'Below Deck Down Under': Inside the M/Y Thalassa and the cost to charter the luxury yacht

If you're ready to experience what the high life is like on the open seas, then it's time to tune in to 'Below Deck Down Under'. With the series taking on the beautiful waters of Australia, the young and energetic crew is all set to embark on the M/Y Thalassa, making sure that their guests have the vacation of a lifetime. And, if you're in the mood to splurge and we mean splurge big, then here's how you can have your very own custom 'Below Deck Down Under' adventure!

If you're interested in other shows across the franchise, consider checking out ' Below Deck Sailing Yacht ', ' Below Deck Mediterranean ', and ' Below Deck '.

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What is the cost to charter the M/Y Thalassa?

Formerly known as the 'Keri Lee III' , the M/Y Thalassa is a luxury yacht built in 2001. The yacht's length is 181' / 55.17m, with a cruising speed of 12.5 Knots. It can accommodate up to 12 guests in its 6 cabins, including one master suite, one VIP cabin, and four double cabins. With interior design by Claudette Bonville, the yacht's features include a beauty salon, movie theatre, and gym. It also has a deck jacuzzi, two Yamaha WaveRunners, as well as scuba diving equipment, wakeboards, and kayaks. For those looking to live out the ultimate 'Below Deck Down Under' experience, the yacht can be chartered for $223,000+ expenses for a week.

What can fans expect from 'Below Deck Down Under'?

It looks like fans can expect a whole lot of action on this season of 'Below Deck Down Under'. As per the synopsis of the series, "Set against the stunning backdrop of the tropical Whitsunday Islands and world-famous Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia, the Peacock Original series Below Deck Down Under explores the complex, often explosive dynamics of the crew and a rotating group of demanding charter guests on M/Y Thalassa. This season, Captain Jason Chambers is joined by a familiar face, fan-favorite Aesha Scott as Chief Stew, along with newcomers Chef Ryan McKeown and Bosun Jamie Sayed."

"Stews Tumi Mhlongo and Magda Ziomek are also on board with deckhands Culver Bradbury, Brittini Burton, and Ben Crawley. Setting the tone for the entire crew, the youthful, charming new captain has a hands-on leadership approach and will do whatever it takes to make sure the guests have an unforgettable vacation, including mesmerizing under-water excursions like scuba diving, snorkeling, and some close encounters with marine life. Though the dynamics on board are initially smooth sailing, a boatload of problems bubble up when the Chef immediately falls out of sync with the Chief Stew. The deck team also hits rocky waters when the Bosun's firm management style is called into question by a free-spirited team member with an aversion to rules. Meanwhile on the interior, Chief Stew Aesha learns the hard way that not everyone on her team will be motivated by her friend-first work mentality. Between charters, the yachties blow off steam by taking full advantage of Australia's world-renowned nightlife, where drama, surprising flirtations, and wild adventures heat up their well-deserved nights off," the synopsis further reads. Peacock will be premiering 'Below Deck Down Under' on Thursday, March 17.

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The 5 Most Expensive Superyachts on ‘Below Deck’

You can also check out the 10 priciest vessels to charter, too., rachel cormack.

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Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

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There is certainly no shortage of spectacular superyachts on Below Deck , but now you can see exactly which designs reign supreme.

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Thalassa from the first season of Below Deck Down Under is the series’s second-most-expensive yacht. Originally christened Keri Lee III , the 181-foot superyacht was launched by U.S. shipyard Trinity Yachts in 2001 and refitted in 2016. In addition to meticulous craftsmanship and high-end finishes, she showcases six elegant cabins, a beauty salon, a massage room, a gym, a Jacuzzi, and a movie theater. She is reportedly worth $27 million, according to Rightboat.

That’s not the only fleet member Trinity has in the top five, either. The 161-foot Eros , known as Stay Salty IRL, claimed third spot with an estimated value of $23 million. Delivered by the U.S. yard in 2008, the vessel received a meticulous refit just before starring Below Deck Season 3 to ensure she was up to snuff.

Delta Marine’s 185-foot superyacht Starship , known as My Seanna during filming, ranked as the fourth priciest vessel with a value of $22.9 million. It also costs a lofty $275,000 per week to rent. Rounding out the top five is Feadship’s BG , or Valor in the show. Delivered by the Dutch yard in 2013, the 153-footer features a highly sophisticated exterior styled by De Voogt and a luxe contemporary interior by McMilen Design. It is estimated to be worth $21 million.

You can check out both full lists below.

The top five highest-value yachts on Below Deck :

• Home : Below Deck Mediterranean Season 7, $32.5 million
• Thalassa : Below Deck Downunder Season 1, $27 million
• Eros : Below Deck Season 3, $22.9 million
• My Seanna : Below Deck Seasons 6, 8, and 9, $22.9 million
• Valor : Below Deck Season 4, $21 million

The top 10 most expensive yachts to charter on Below Deck :

• St. David : Below Deck Season 10, $325,000 per week
• My Seanna : Below Deck Seasons 6, 8, and 9, $275,000 per week
• Lady Michelle : Below Deck Mediterranean Season 6, $275,000 per week
• The Wellington : Below Deck Mediterranean Season 5, $273,500 per week
• Parsifal III : Below Deck Sailing Yacht Seasons 1, 2, 3, and 4, $254,000 per week
• Talisman Maiton : Below Deck Mediterranean Season 3, $250,928 per week
• Home : Below Deck Mediterranean Season 7, $245,000 per week
• Thalassa : Below Deck Downunder Season 1, $212,000 per week
• Sirocco : Below Deck Mediterranean Season 2, $194,500 per week
• Mercury : Below Deck Adventure Season 1, $184,000 per week

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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Meet Below Deck Down Under's Captain Jason Chambers AKA "Captain Cutie"

The Below Deck Down Under boss will make you swoon in this exclusive look at the upcoming Peacock original series.

  Below Deck is heading to new waters in the upcoming Peacock original series Below Deck Down Under . And sailing around Australia's tropical Whitsunday Islands will bring new challenges for the yachties as they experience outrageous charter guests, intense crew interactions, and some close encounters with wildlife.

How to Watch

Watch Below Deck Down Under on  Peacock  and the Bravo app .

Luckily, they will have a fearless leader in Captain Jason Chambers to steer them in the right direction through it all. Not only does Captain Jason have more than 20 years of experience in the yachting industry, but it also turns out that the youngest captain in the Below Deck franchise is pretty easy on the eyes as well — and we're not the only ones who have noticed.

In a sneak peek at Below Deck Down Under shared exclusively with The Daily Dish (set to Men at Work's iconic track "Down Under," naturally), we see how the M/Y Thalassa crew reacts to Captain Jason and his good looks. "He is so handsome," stew Magda Ziomek observes in the below video.

It's no wonder Below Deck Down Under 's dashing boss has already been dubbed "#CaptainCutie."

The rest of the Thalassa crew is pretty cute, too, as you'll see in the above clip, including chief stew Aesha Scott (who fans know and love from Seasons 4 and 5 of Below Deck Mediterranean ), Chef Ryan McKeown, bosun Jamie Sayed, stews Tumi Mhlongo and Magda, and deckhands Culver Bradbury, Brittini Burton, and Benny Crawley.

Peacock's New Series Below Deck Down Under Features a Familiar Face Among the Crew

But these yachties won't be sitting pretty for long this season of Below Deck Down Under . With loads of crew drama, unforgettable excursions, and potential emergency situations on the horizon, an epic adventure like no other awaits.

Below Deck Down Under premieres on Thursday, March 17 on Peacock . The first three episodes will be made available on premiere day.

Check out everything this season of Below Deck Down Under has in store, below.

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Below Deck Down Under: Meet the cast of the latest Australian spin-off

A brand new series is here!

Below Deck 's latest spin-off series Below Deck Down Under follows the cast and crew of luxury yacht Thalassa, as they travel the tropical Whitsunday Islands and world-famous Great Barrier Reef in north-eastern Australia.

Captain Jason Chambers is joined by returning Chief Stew Aesha Scott, as well as bosun Jamie Sayed and chef Ryan McKeown. A further two stews and three deckhand complete the team looking after charter guests.

Meet the cast of the new show.

Jason Chambers (captain)

Jason was born and raised in Australia, and is currently the youngest captain in the Below Deck franchise. Described as an adventurer, Jason leads by example and tries to encourage everyone to find joy in their job.

Aesha Scott (chief steward)

Aesha is from New Zealand, and was previously seen on Below Deck Mediterranean . She is described as "bubbly and gregarious", but it's been teased that the new spin-off will see her hit a roadblock as a leader.

Ryan Mckeown (chef)

This chef is no stranger to creating food for high-profile clients. Ryan grew up in Philadelphia in the US, immersed in the hospitality industry.

Tumi Mhlongo (steward)

Tumi is from South Africa, and is described as someone who's always the life and soul of the party. She has a lengthy hospitality career, and got her first job on a yacht after showing off tablescapes on her Instagram account.

Jamie Sayed (bosun)

First-time bosun Jamie, who's from Australia, previously worked as a police officer. He's described as charismatic, but a bit of a stickler for the rules, and gets frustrated when people don't follow safety guidance on board.

Brittini Burton (deckhand)

Brittini, who's from Michigan in the US, is on a voyage of personal discovery. She is eager to learn – and likes to tell it as it is.

Ben Crawley (deckhand)

Ben has progressed quickly in the maritime industry and loves to entertain, despite having a quiet side. Ben, who's from Australia, is also on a spiritual journey following the devastating loss of his parents.

Magda Ziomek (steward)

Magda loves surfing, adventure and, of course, travelling. The model from Poland fell in love with the world of yachting after previously dating a captain. Magda also worked as a fitness instructor on her last boat.

Culver Bradbury (deckhand)

Culver, from Maryland in the US, is the self-proclaimed "entertainment officer" on Thalassa. He's described as someone who's ready for fun, and who always makes the guests his priority.

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.css-15yqwdi:before{top:0;width:100%;height:0.25rem;content:'';position:absolute;background-image:linear-gradient(to right,#51B3E0,#51B3E0 2.5rem,#E5ADAE 2.5rem,#E5ADAE 5rem,#E5E54F 5rem,#E5E54F 7.5rem,black 7.5rem,black);} Reality TV

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From theater to beauty salon, Below Deck’s Thalassa Yacht is a floating fantasy

Below Deck Down Under’s Thalassa Yacht brings a new form of travel to Bravo screens. The spin-off, based in Australia, is quite literally a water baby’s dream – with a movie theatre and beauty salon filling two of its rooms.

We already know that the crew members on Below Deck get a hefty tip , and that’s on top of the pricey five-star service charter guests expect to receive. So when it comes to the yacht’s facilities, they are nothing short of a dream.

Starting from 310K euros to purchase an entire yacht for yourself, the experience will set guests back around $223,000 or more in expenses for a week. The Thalassa, otherwise known as Keri Lee III, accommodates up to 12 guests.

• FIND OUT : Where is Below Deck Sailing Yacht’s Gary from?

Inside Below Deck’s Thalassa Yacht

With room for 12 guests across six cabins, the 2001-built super yacht includes a master suite, one VIP cabin and four double cabins. With four king beds and two doubles, its interior styling by Claudette Bonville shines throughout.

Beauty and hair treatments are on offer for anyone wanting to look their most glamorous, while a movie theater is casually filling up one room so charter guests can have a massive movie night.

A jacuzzi to relax in, a well-equipped gym and a selection of water toys means you will never get bored aboard the Thalassa Yacht. That’s not all, as they also have access to WiFi, air conditioning and five-star food cooked by a chef !

Prices of the Keri Lee III

Seasonal charter rates to ride the Keri Lee III start from $310K a week, plus expenses. Prices remain the same regardless of whether you are on-board during the summer or winter months, on the South Pacific, Asutralia.

However, the expectation is for guests to pay more – when it comes to tips. As reported by The Express , the tipping policy usually implies guests can give the crew 20 per cent of the full price of the yacht fee.

If Below Deck guests don’t want to travel during high season – including summer or winter – it usually costs them $275,000 per week , according to Cheatsheet. But to specifically go on the Keri Lee III , the high season is $350K weekly.

The Chef will decide what you’ll be having for breakfast? Since when? @ 80,000 a pop I should be ordering what I want. #BelowDeckDownUnder — René Purstell (@rene_purstell) March 17, 2022

• GOSSIP: Where and when is Below Deck Sailing Yacht filmed?

Fans react to Down Under’s service

When Below Deck Down Under first hit Peacock, viewers couldn’t believe the breakfast being served for the hefty prices charter guests pay. While the crew aim to provide a five-star service, some fans didn’t think it was of high quality.

Looking through Twitter, it’s clear that many wouldn’t want to pay for the quality of the food served during the first episode. However, the actual service by crew members – like Aesha – was incredibly welcomed.

One fan wrote : “ Aesha is so funny, free-spirited, charismatic and such a breath of fresh air whenever she is on the screen. She is great as chief stew and hope she is around for many seasons.”

Another said : “ This man just cooked burgers, steaks, and tacos for the yacht guests and he has the ego he has??? Lmao .”

“ If I was served eggs & Canadian bacon, burgers, and tacos for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a super yacht in Australia I’d be furious #BelowDeckDownUnder “, a viewer reacted to the episode.

If I paid to charter a super yacht and the chef wouldn’t take breakfast orders and served me mac and cheese, tacos, and hamburgers, I’d be considerably less congenial than these guests. #BelowDeckDownUnder — Drewsifer (@socialdrew) March 18, 2022

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THALASSA Scheepswerf Haak

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A Summary of Sailing Yacht THALASSA

The large superyacht THALASSA is a sailing yacht. This 48 m (158 ft) luxury yacht was built at Scheepswerf Haak Bv in 1980. THALASSA used to be called 956; Relinquenda and Theodore previously. She could be described as a older three masted barkentine (barquentine). Superyacht THALASSA is a grand yacht that is able to accommodate as many as 36 passengers on board and has around 5 professional crew. This gracious sailing yacht has been designed by a naval architect called Scheepswerf Haak.

Construction & Design relating to Luxury Yacht THALASSA

The yacht's general design work came from Scheepswerf Haak. The formal naval architecture drawings are the work of Scheepswerf Haak. Built by Scheepswerf Haak Bv this yacht was completed in the yacht producing country of the Netherlands. She was officially launched in Zaandam in 1980 before being transferred to the owner. Her hull was constructed with steel. The sailing yacht superstructure is made mostly with steel. The measurement of the luxury yacht on deck is 37.17 (122 ft). With a beam of 8 metres / 26.2 ft THALASSA has spacious room. A deep draught of 3.81m (12.5ft) limits the amount of overall ports she can enter into, taking into account their individual depth at low tide. She had refit maintenance and alteration work completed in 1995.

S/Y THALASSA Engineering & Speeds:

The main engine of the ship creates 650 horse power (or 478 kilowatts). Her total HP is 650 HP and her total Kilowatts are 478. Her propulsion units are a single screw propeller.

Superyacht THALASSA Has The Following Accommodation:

With room for a maximum of 36 yacht guests spending the night, the THALASSA accommodates them comfortably. The boat requires circa 5 able crewmembers to run.

A List of the Specifications of the THALASSA:

Further information on the yacht.

In October 2009 THALASSA visited Norderney, in Germany. This sailing yacht also cruised the waters within Lower Saxony during October 2009. She has a wood deck.

THALASSA Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht THALASSA displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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U.S. Eyes $156 Million Yacht in Dubai Linked to a Russian Oligarch

The U.S. Justice Department is taking steps to seize the Madame Gu, a 324-foot luxury yacht, but it will be diplomatically thorny.

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By Kate Kelly ,  Michael Forsythe and Julian E. Barnes

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — On a clear morning in late October, the jewel-blue hull of the Madame Gu, one of the world’s most luxurious superyachts, gleamed, its aluminum rails shimmering in the sun. Workers on the pier said they had recently seen people painting, cleaning and generally keeping the ship with its helipad and six guest staterooms in pristine condition.

In past years, such a scene would not have been noteworthy. Many superyachts come and go from Dubai’s Mina Rashid Marina, best known as the home of the Queen Elizabeth 2, the trans-Atlantic ocean liner-turned-hotel that dominates the waterfront here.

But Russia’s war in Ukraine has turned an otherwise routine tableau into a diplomatic battleground between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, an important American ally that has established itself as a safe haven for Russian money and assets out of the reach of U.S. sanctions.

The $156 million Madame Gu epitomizes the problem. In June, the United States designated the vessel, which is linked to Andrei Skoch, a Russian steel magnate and lawmaker under sanctions, as blocked property. That means the yacht cannot use American companies for its upkeep, employ U.S. citizens or even use the dollar. The Justice Department is now taking steps to seize the Madame Gu, according to people with knowledge of the plan.

But the United States can’t seize property in a sovereign nation without permission from its government. The Emirates, which has taken a friendlier position toward Moscow, is balking at cooperating with the United States to pursue oligarchs, American officials said. The Kremlin is also using oligarch-controlled companies in the Emirates to acquire war supplies that the West is trying to keep out of Russia’s reach, according to a Western official involved in the sanctions effort against Russia.

Emirati officials did not comment specifically on the Madame Gu but said in a statement that they took their role “protecting the integrity of the global financial system extremely seriously.”

A closer examination of Russian assets in the Emirates shows that even before the war in Ukraine, Dubai had become a playground for Russians with links to President Vladimir V. Putin. At least 38 businessmen or officials with ties to the Russian president own homes in Dubai that are collectively valued at more than $314 million, according to the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. Five of those owners are under U.S. sanctions.

Since the Russian invasion, Dubai has established itself as a safe haven for Russian yachts and aircraft unable to sail or fly elsewhere. After Russian jets were barred from the European Union in late February, the Emirates became the destination for 14 percent of all private flights leaving Russia, up from 3 percent before the invasion.

“It’s frustrating when you see huge assets that are sitting out there and it appears that the country is not cooperating,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat of Rhode Island, referring to the Emirates. “It would be nice if there were more common cause against Putin while he’s busy shelling hospitals and schools.”

Mr. Whitehouse is sponsoring legislation that would use proceeds of the sales of seized Russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine. Senior officials at the Treasury and State Departments have also complained publicly about the situation.

U.S. officials view the presence of superyachts in places like Dubai and Bodrum, Turkey , as a symptom of wider Russian circumvention of sanctions and continued access to financial markets. Yachts have also come to symbolize the decadence of Russia’s oligarchs, especially at a time when Russian soldiers are scrounging for body armor and sleeping bags on the front lines.

Pursuing the Madame Gu

Built by the Dutch firm Feadship and put into service in 2013, the Madame Gu has a large helicopter pad on its forecastle with a hangar underneath that can double as a squash court when the chopper isn’t on board. The vessel has berthing for 36 crew members, according to one trade magazine.

Mr. Skoch, a member of Russia’s Parliament who is linked to assets worth billions of dollars, according to U.S. court filings, has had sanctions imposed on him twice by the United States, first in 2018 and then after Russia’s invasion this year. The Treasury Department has cited his “longstanding ties to Russian organized criminal groups.”

Mr. Skoch could not be reached and did not respond to messages left at his office at Parliament.

In an interview in October about the government’s broader efforts to go after the assets of oligarchs, Andrew Adams, a federal prosecutor leading the Department of Justice’s KleptoCapture task force, declined to discuss the Madame Gu. But the United States, he said, is warning companies they must not do business with individuals and assets under sanctions. The government, he said, will pursue oligarch-owned assets whose sale could be used to aid Ukraine.

“Where we know there is an asset that can potentially provide significant remuneration for Ukraine, that obviously is an attractive case to pursue,” he said.

U.S. officials are likely to use the case they made for impounding a $90 million Airbus business jet linked to Mr. Skoch in August as a blueprint for seizing the Madame Gu, said people familiar with the plan.

That means investigators will aim to show that the owner of the vessel, or the companies that have been providing services to it, have intersected with the U.S. financial system.

“If there are U.S. dollars or a U.S. nexus associated with supporting this vessel, massive enforcement actions could take place,” said Adam M. Smith, a former official overseeing sanctions at the Treasury Department. Companies that provide support to entities under sanctions could potentially face their own sanctions, said Mr. Smith, who is now a lawyer at Gibson Dunn in Washington.

This year the United States has carried out two high-profile seizures of yachts tied to Russians under sanctions, working with cooperative governments. The $300 million Amadea was taken in Fiji in May and sailed to San Diego under an American flag. In April, the United States worked with Spanish police to seize the $90 million Tango.

A Problematic Partner

Diplomatically, the Emirates has been reluctant to take a clear anti-Russian position when it comes to the war in Ukraine. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, recently met with Mr. Putin in St. Petersburg, and the Emirati foreign minister recently hosted his Russian counterpart. Yet Sheikh Mohammed has also talked with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, more than once and recently gave the country $100 million in humanitarian aid.

The United States has publicly expressed dismay over the mixed messages.

During a visit to Dubai in June, Wally Adeyemo, the U.S. deputy treasury secretary, warned of the need for vigilance and proactive steps in combating Russian evasion. That same month Barbara Leaf, the State Department’s under secretary for Near East Affairs, said at a congressional hearing that regarding the Emirates, she was “not happy at all with the record at this point” on sanctions enforcement. Mr. Adeyemo reiterated his concerns in a meeting with Emirati officials in October in Washington.

A senior State Department official said in a statement to The New York Times that the agency continues “to reinforce the importance of conducting enhanced due diligence to prevent sanctions evasion and investigating allegations of such activity” to the Emirates.

The Treasury Department declined to comment on the Madame Gu or the relationship with the Emirates.

Last month, the Treasury Department announced it had placed sanctions on an Emirates-based company, Constellation Advisors Ltd., that the American government said was operating on behalf of a nephew of another Russian oligarch, Suleiman Kerimov. Mr. Kerimov, according to American court documents, was the owner of the Amadea superyacht .

American officials are also worried the Russian government is using the Emirates to acquire military supplies for its war in Ukraine. On Nov. 15, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on two Emirates-based transportation firms that had worked with another Iranian firm under sanctions, which in turn had helped transport drones and personnel from Iran to Russia.

Moored in Dubai

Based on a recent visit to Dubai’s Mina Rashid Marina , where the Madame Gu is moored, it is clear that international companies are playing a critical role in its care.

The Emirates-based company DP World, through its subsidiary P&O Marinas , oversees the pier where the Madame Gu is moored. Employees from another DP World subsidiary , World Security, staff the small guard box at the entrance. That makes DP World, which is owned by Dubai’s royal family, potentially vulnerable to American sanctions.

DP World “fully complies with all applicable local and national laws and intends to continue doing the same regarding the Madame Gu and other vessels utilizing our services,” said Adal Mirza, a spokesman for the company. He added that DP World had not yet heard from the United States or other countries that had placed Mr. Skoch under sanctions, including Britain and the European Union.

A generator set that dock workers said in late October was powering the Madame Gu — two container-like structures near its stern — bore the distinctive orange logo of Aggreko , a British company. The generator set was connected to the superyacht by thick cords; one of the containers was emitting grayish exhaust.

At the Mina Rashid Marina, soon after Aggreko was contacted by The Times, workers removed the generator. “Having identified that the generator was being used to power a vessel that is allegedly connected to a sanctioned person, we immediately terminated this rental and have since recovered the generator,” the company said in a statement.

Mr. Mirza, the DP World spokesman, said the Aggreko generator had been replaced with one from a local supplier.

P&O Marinas arranged for the diesel generator to provide power for the Madame Gu because that part of the pier, a holding area, has no shore-supplied electric power, said a port official in Dubai, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the press.

“At the end of the day, if the U.A.E. hasn’t imposed sanctions, it’s not really their job to enforce other countries’ laws within their borders,” said Nabeel Yousef, a Washington-based partner at the law firm Freshfields, where he runs the sanctions practice. Nevertheless, “companies should not take comfort in the fact that their country has not imposed sanctions,” he added, “because even the smallest connection to the U.S. can lead to U.S. penalties.”

There has also been a notable absence onboard the Madame Gu in recent weeks: a flag. Unlike other ships moored nearby, including the Quantum Blue, a superyacht linked to the billionaire Sergei Galitsky, the Madame Gu appears to be stateless, apparently having been deflagged by the Cayman Islands.

Cayman Islands officials didn’t respond to an emailed inquiry about the ship’s status.

If DP World were to face fallout from U.S. sanctions enforcers, it wouldn’t be the first time the company has been the focus of attention in Washington. In 2006, DP World was seeking to manage some terminal operations at six American ports but dropped out of the deal after a bipartisan uproar in Congress.

Anton Troianovski contributed reporting from Turin, Italy, and Oleg Matsnev from Berlin.

Kate Kelly covers money, influence, and policy as a correspondent in the Washington bureau of the Times. Before that, she spent twenty years covering Wall Street deals, key players and their intersection with politics. She is the author of three books, including "The Education of Brett Kavanaugh." More about Kate Kelly

Michael Forsythe is a reporter on the investigations team. He was previously a correspondent in Hong Kong, covering the intersection of money and politics in China. He has also worked at Bloomberg News and is a United States Navy veteran. More about Michael Forsythe

Julian E. Barnes is a national security reporter based in Washington, covering the intelligence agencies. Before joining The Times in 2018, he wrote about security matters for The Wall Street Journal. More about Julian E. Barnes

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A seized superyacht shows up in Everett — minus one Russian oligarch owner

EVERETT — It’s not clear whether Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov had plans to visit Puget Sound this spring — the French Riviera is more the style of the U.S.-sanctioned mining and energy multibillionaire.

But Monday morning, the Amadea, a 348-foot, $300 million-plus superyacht said to be owned by Kerimov, arrived in the Port of Everett to have some work done at a local shipyard. 

A sleek, white shark of a ship with a knifelike bow, raked profile and quarters for 16 guests and 36 crew, Amadea swanned past Everett’s industrial waterfront with a tug escort and all the made-for-TV glamour of an international celebrity fugitive. Kerimov, of course, was not on board.

In 2022, Amadea (“God’s love” in Latin) was seized in Fiji at the request of U.S. authorities who claim Kerimov has enabled Russian aggression in Ukraine and Syria. Money laundering and conspiracy were also alleged.

At the time, the seizure was hailed as a warning to “every corrupt Russian oligarch that they cannot hide — not even in the remotest part of the world,” as a deputy U.S. attorney general put it in a press statement . 

But as any boat owner in this boat-focused community will tell you , seizing a superyacht is one thing. Maintaining its value as an asset is another — especially when the asset is the size of a ferry and equipped with a theater, a gym, beauty salon, teak decks, 30-foot-long pool, helipad and twin 5,766-horsepower diesels. 

“They’re saying it’s costing us $7 million a year to keep it up,” said Chris Petersen, a retired fisherman who runs a metal coatings shop on West Marine View Drive, a few blocks from the port and who, like many here, has been following the superyacht saga since Monday.

Indeed, fuel, maintenance, insurance and salary for the crew of Amadea during its impoundment in San Diego ran around $740,000 a month, according to federal court filings by the Marshals Service. 

In February, the Justice Department told a federal court it intended to halt this “excessive … drain on the public” purse by auctioning off Amadea, which the government claims Kerimov acquired in 2021.

But selling off this excessive drain has been complicated. 

There is litigation challenging Amadea’s seizure because the vessel allegedly wasn’t owned by Kerimov, but by another Russian oligarch, who is not sanctioned, according to court papers. 

Another complication, more relevant to Everett: Amadea’s insurance policy, according to court filings, requires service that can only be done by hauling the vessel out of the water — a job that appears to be slated for the dry dock facilities at Everett Ship Repair, on the port’s East Waterway. 

Few details of the project have been shared. Port officials have referred all questions to Everett Ship Repair, whose vice president of service sales, Lane Richards, politely declined to comment.

But a Justice Department spokesperson confirmed Thursday that Amadea was indeed “in Washington for standard dry dock maintenance.”

And on Wednesday, the vessel in question could be seen berthed, like a slightly lost Imperial Starship, on the south side of Pier 3, adjacent to Everett Ship Repair’s dry dock and the Washington State Ferry Salish. 

All the no-commenting has only added to the atmosphere of maritime intrigue and speculation in a town ordinarily unperturbed by big, secrecy-shrouded ships, including those at the nearby Everett Naval Station. 

Many here wonder why the U.S. government spent the money to bring Amadea all the way to Everett, when there are dry dock facilities in San Diego, San Francisco and Portland; even Seattle is 5 nautical miles closer to San Diego. 

Amadea’s fuel burn “is probably in the 8-to-10 gallons per mile range,” said Dennis Butterfield, a retired car dealership manager and former boat owner, as he kept an eye on the Russian superyacht Wednesday from a viewpoint on Warren Avenue. “That’s the United States government at work, if you ask me.”

Butterfield’s estimate was close: based on vessel specifications featured on the yachting website, YachCharterFleet , the 4,400-ton Amadea burns roughly 11 gallons per mile at a cruising speed of 15 mph.

The Justice Department declined to justify Amadea’s four-day journey from San Diego to Everett.

Such secrecy would likely suit Kerimov, who Forbes once described as “one of the most private Russian billionaires,” and who is also said to have close ties to the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The 58-year-old serves in the Russian Federation Senate, is reportedly worth nearly $11 billion and has owned villas on the French Riviera and elsewhere.

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He may also have owned a rare Fabergé egg, according to accounts of the search of the Amadea after its seizure .

Beginning in 2017, Kerimov was listed by U.S. officials as one of a number of Russian oligarchs “who profit from the Russian government through corruption and its malign activity around the globe .”

In March 2022, after the FBI reportedly linked Kerimov to the Amadea , the vessel was seized under a program known as Task Force KleptoCapture and eventually sailed to San Diego under an American flag.

But Amadea’s more recent trip likely had less to do with the vessel’s checkered lineage than with a shortage of West Coast dry dock capacity, especially for large vessels. 

Unlike the East Coast and the Gulf Coast, ship repair infrastructure on the West Coast is “is woefully undersized,” said Craig Hooper, a former naval ship building industry executive who writes and advises on security and defense issues.

In recent decades, several private shipyards with dry dock facilities have closed and building new capacity faces high costs and regulatory hurdles, Hooper said. As a result, “long transits to an open facility are relatively commonplace these days,” he added. 

In the case of the Amadea, Hooper hypothesized, “the responsible party may have put the job out for bid and an Everett yard was the available, lowest-cost option.”

According to court filings, Amadea’s dry dock work is expected to cost $5.6 million and take two months. 

By that time, federal officials may have sorted Amadea’s other complications. 

Last fall, attorneys for Eduard Khudainatov, the former head of state-owned oil company Rosneft, claimed Amadea isn’t owned by Kerimov, but by Khudainatov. Attorneys argue that since Khudainatov wasn’t under sanctions, the yacht was “not forfeitable, as it neither constitutes nor is derived from any unlawful activity.”

But federal prosecutors contend “that Khudainatov is just a straw owner put forward to disguise Kerimov’s ownership of the vessel,” according to an April 19 filing in a federal court in New York, where the case is ongoing.

In the meantime, Everett will take some pleasure in the Amadea’s august presence. 

Port of Everett officials, though tight-lipped about the vessel’s particulars, were clearly pleased by the message it sends of the port’s growing status as a maritime hub.

“Anything that puts Everett on the international map is a good thing!” said Kate Anderson, port spokesperson, in an email response to an inquiry about the Amadea.

Locals, too, appeared to be enjoying the celebrity by association.

“That magnitude of wealth — it’s just another world,” said Petersen, the retired fisherman.

Others wondered who would be foolish enough to buy a vessel whose ownership was being contested by Russian oligarchs.

But mostly, folks here appeared to sympathize with Uncle Sam’s desire to be rid of the costly, controversial craft. 

That was the sentiment of John Mostrom, who had taken a break from mowing his lawn Wednesday to peer down at the Amadea from the Warren Avenue overlook. 

“They say the two happiest days of a boat owner’s life,” Mostrom noted, “are when they buy the boat and when they sell it.”

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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Below Deck yacht names revealed - and how much it costs to rent the celebrity superyachts

By Editorial Team |   Last Updated 10 October 2023

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Since 2013, Below Deck has been captivating TV audiences across the globe by offering a voyeuristic peek into life on board multi-million dollar luxury charter yachts . Taking readers behind the scenes, YachtCharterFleet identifies the yachts featured on the show, as well as those which have appeared on the celebrated spin-off series Below Deck: Mediterranean , Below Deck: Sailing , Below Deck: Down Under and the latest iteration, Below Deck: Adventure .

Bravo’s hit reality TV series Below Deck chronicles the lives of crew members who work and reside aboard a luxury yacht during the charter season.

Each season features a different crew configuration, and the episodes show how the crew members interact and deal with personal issues alongside their working lives. The seasons are filmed over six weeks, with every episode featuring a new group of charter guests.

Getting even closer to these Below Deck superstars, we take a look at each of the stand-out features of every yacht that has appeared on the show.

Below Deck (US)

Many crew members are recurring on the show;  the longest-standing is Captain Lee Rosbach, who been on the show since 2013. A fan favourite, he has been at the helm of every yacht on Below Deck and seen a number of different crew formations.

The latest Below Deck season 10 is rumoured to be his final swan song, although his legacy on the show is such that whoever replaces him will have very big shoes to fill.

Among the crew members, Chief Stewardess Kate Chastain was an integral member of the team from season two to season seven. Alongside her, Chef Ben Robinson was a permanent fixture of the crew from season one to season four, before stepping out for season five.

Throughout the course of the show, the yachts have played an important role. 

Hiring a Below Deck yacht will cost from €140,000 per week - and that price doesn't include expenses such as fuel. While some of the yachts were given an alias over the course of filming, their real names can now be revealed below; as well as the exact cost to rent them. 

The largest yacht in the show's history, the 10th and 11th seasons of Below Deck  are set around the Caribbean islands of St Lucia  and Grenada onboard the luxurious 60m (197ft) superyacht ST DAVID . Delivered in 2008 by Italian shipyard Benetti, the yacht has an impressive sleek, supercar-inspired profile that instantly turns heads. 

Onboard highlights include her well-appointed sundeck with sunloungers and sunpads where guests can kick back and relax, a spa pool and her al fresco cinema screen set up for unforgettable movie nights.

One of the yacht's most distinctive features is her sophisticated spiral staircase that leads through all three decks and is lit by a skylight in the spa pool of the sun deck. The yacht is very versatile for a variety of charter party configurations, with room for 12 guests across six elegantly appointed cabins. 

STARSHIP (aka MY SEANNA)

Making an appearance on seasons 9, 8 and 6 of Below Deck , the majestic motor yacht STARSHIP (known on the show as MY SEANNA) is a yacht charter favorite.

The yacht has traveled far and wide for the show cruising to the jaw-droppingly beautiful St Kitts and Nevis in season 9, the sun-kissed Caribbean in season 8 and the  South Pacific  islands of  Tahiti in season 6.

Known for being among one of the most opulent yachts on the charter market due to her ornate interiors and glossy fittings that have been brushed in 22-carat gold, it is safe to say that this yacht is one of the most opulently styled and extensively equipped yachts on the water. Refitted in 2021, the Delta Marine yacht can accommodate 12 guests across 6 cabins and is extremely versatile for a variety of yacht charter party configurations. 

VALOR (aka BG)

Appearing three times on the hit show, the 47m (153ft) charter yacht BG (known on the show as VALOR) featured in seasons 7, 5 and 4 of Below Deck , taking charter guests to a variety of sun-kissed and beautiful locations. The yacht's real name is BG, and she was built in 1990 by the world's most revered shipbuilder Feadship . Since then, she has undergone many interiors refreshes to keep her in tip-top condition. 

The yacht traveled around Thailand in Season 7  where the crew and viewers were treated to a truly memorable South East Asian experience. From the iconic Phi Phi Islands to the beautiful beaches of Ko Yao Yai, there were plenty of fascinating landmarks to see on the way. Season 5 took viewers to the tranquil cruising grounds of  Saint Martin whilst season 4 saw M/Y BG in the glistening waters of the  Virgin Islands .

Accomodating 12 guests across 6 cabins, she is also capable of carrying up to 10 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht charter experience.

EROS (aka STAY SALTY)

Season 3 of Below Deck was announced after a hugely successful second-season finale, which was the highest-rated episode of the series. The new season saw the crew head to the Bahamas onboard  superyacht STAY SALTY  known on the show as EROS. 

She is equipped with an array of luxurious amenities including an eight-person sundeck Jacuzzi, barbecue and yacht-wide sound system. She also boasts timeless interior styling with intricate wood panelling and a neutral colour palette which helps create an inviting atmosphere for those on board.

The yacht was sold in November 2013 - just before filming for season 3 began - for an asking price of $17.9 million.

OHANA (aka STAR DIAMOND)

Premiering in August 2014, season 2 of Below Deck returned with 13 episodes documenting life on board the slightly smaller superyacht STAR DIAMOND in the British Virgin Islands . Among many other features, the yacht is equipped with a large sundeck, outdoor bar and luxury accommodation for 10 guests.

After filming the series, M/Y STAR DIAMOND was sold for an asking price of $10.9 million and is now on the charter market with a charter rate of $160,000/week. Extensively refit in 2022, the work on the superyacht has included a complete interior refresh, the yacht now features light, modern styling - an engine rebuild and a cabin conversion.

HONOR (aka BARENTS )

The first season of Below Deck premiered on 1 July 2013 after being announced in April 2012. Chartering around the Caribbean , the starring superyacht was named HONOR for the show but chartered under the name CUOR DI LEONE which translates to ‘Lion Heart’ in Italian. She now goes by the name BARENTS . 

Built by Italian shipyard Benetti in 1999 and refit in 2021, the famous vessel has undergone a complete makeover, bringing her up to modern standards. She can accommodate up to 12 charter guests and features luxury amenities for guests to enjoy including state-of-the-art TVs and a sundeck Jacuzzi.

Following the show, superyacht BARENTS was sold for around $15 million and her new owner commissioned a major refit. A great deal of money was spent on updating her interior with a classic-modern style of design as well as on brand-new exterior furniture and entertainment systems.

Below Deck: Mediterranean

Following on from the success of Below Deck , the spin-off  Below Deck: Mediterranean premiered in May 2016. While the original series takes place during the winter charter season when the Caribbean is at its peak, Below Deck: Mediterranean is filmed during the summer charter season.

Season one of Below Deck: Mediterranean saw Captain Mark Howard at the helm, but the baton was passed to Captain Sandy Yawn from two onwards. Chief Stewardess Hannah Ferrier was another permanent fixture on the show from season one to five, before leaving the show in season six.

As its name suggests, the show is based in the Mediterranean , the world’s most popular yachting hub from May to October. Despite the change in location, the same format and accompanying on-water antics from the crew and guests alike can be expected. Below, all the names of the superyachts which have appeared on the show, and the cost to rent them.

Season 8 of Below Deck: Mediterranean was aired in September 2023 and brought back yet more antics that included some tense franchise firsts. Set in the Ligurian Riviera, the hit Bravo series returns to Italy for the first time since season 3. The series followed the crew from mid-August until mid-September of 2022 onboard the 180-feet superyacht MUSTIQUE .

Holding up to 12 guests across 6 classically decorated cabins, this yacht is the epitome of elegance with its glossy mahogany paneling and cream upholstery. She is replete with water toys, including kayaks, a seabob, waterskis, and Zapata Flyboards, and has expansive deck areas– offering plenty of scope for both crew and guest antics which make Below Deck: Mediterranean so entertaining.

Season 7 of Below Deck: Mediterranean returned to the screens in July 2022 and brought back more drama and wealthy clientele, creating endless entertainment for viewers at home. Set in Malta , a destination never seen before on the show, the series followed the crew over an eight-week charter season onboard the 49m (160ft) superyacht HOME .

Accommodating up to 12 guests across 6 beautifully decorated staterooms, this yacht is described as a home away from home, the perfect platform for guests to soak up the sunshine, kick back and relax. From her convivial sundeck setup replete with a Jacuzzi and glowing cocktail bar to her panoramic sky lounge and state-of-the-art water toys, this yacht certainly had the wow factor that was required for Below Deck: Mediterranean .

LADY MICHELLE (renamed NEXT CHAPTER)

Season 6 of Below Deck: Mediterranean premiered in June 2021 and saw a new vessel,  motor yacht LADY MICHELLE , since re-named NEXT CHAPTER, take center stage. It also saw the return of Captain Sandy and Bosun Malia, plus a brand new crew. 

A floating paradise that turns heads on the water, this heavenly Benetti vessel comfortably accommodates 12 guests across 6 sumptuous staterooms, with additional capacity for up to 12 crew members. She also boasts an open-air cinema, a split-level owner's suite and an impressive array of water toys.

This season takes the crew to one of the most idyllic cruising grounds in the East Mediterranean : Croatia . Abounding with serene golden beaches, crystalline waters and gorgeous coves to explore, it's one of the most popular yacht charter destinations.

THE WELLINGTON (aka THE WELLESLEY)

Season 5 of Below Deck: Mediterranean premiered in the summer of 2020. The show was shot on board the motor yacht THE WELLESLEY , and the superyacht was given the alias THE WELLINGTON over the course of filming. 

The yacht has an elegant 1920's theme, with a chic club lounge complete with a bespoke humidor. She features plenty of marble accents and ample alfresco deck areas, as well as a jacuzzi with innovative spill pool features.

The yachties set course for Spain for this season, cruising around the azure waters of the Balearic Islands . The homeport was Port Adriano on the island of Mallorca .

Featuring in both Season 4 and Season 2 of Below Deck: Mediterranean ,  superyacht SIROCCO  is a yacht charter sensation. An elegant and sophisticated Heesen -built motor yacht, she features plenty of alfresco sunning areas and an 8-person jacuzzi pool; the perfect spot for the charter guests to unwind after a long day exploring.

Season 4 took the crew to one of the most iconic destinations in the Mediterranean ; the South of France . Between the luxury yachting hub of Monaco to the beautiful beaches in St Tropez , this season promises lashings of glitz and glamour. During Season 2 of Below Deck: Mediterranean , M/Y SIROCCO cruised the picturesque waters of  Croatia .

TALISMAN MAITON

Premiering in 2018, season 3 of  Below Deck: Mediterranean saw familiar and new faces head to the sublime cruising grounds of Italy. This time, the crew treated their discerning guests to a world of luxury on board the 54m/178ft motor yacht TALISMAN MAITON .

Built in 2006 and refit to an exacting standard in 2016, the yacht boasts a range of exciting features that make her particularly appropriate for the waters of the Amalfi Coast . Indeed, her entertainment options range from a stunning selection of water toys to a sundeck Jacuzzi and a refreshingly modern interior.

IONIAN PRINCESS

Premiering on 3 May 2016, the very first season of Below Deck: Mediterranean , a spin-off of the increasingly popular franchise, took to viewers' screens. This time the ‘yachties’ took care of their guests onboard the motor yacht IONIAN PRINCESS  in the Mediterranean  destination of Greece . 

The starring yacht IONIAN PRINCESS was delivered from Christensen in 2005 and was later refit in 2016 and again in 2021. Truly opulent, she bears interiors that are sleekly finished with a range of warmly toned woods and plenty of comfortable furnishings. She also boasts one of the largest sundecks for a yacht of her size.

Below Deck: Mediterranean Season 1 yacht IONIAN PRINCESS is not currently available for private yacht charter vacations.

Below Deck: Sailing Yacht

This is the first time the Below Deck franchise branched away from gleaming motor yachts, with the various weather issues that sailing yachts have to contend with adding even more drama and excitement.

The design of luxury sailing yachts  also creates far more confined crew areas than we are used to seeing on the original Below Deck . In general, sailing yachts tend to feature smaller galleys, compact stew stations and cramped crew quarters which are in closer proximity to the guests’ living areas, putting crew under increased pressure to deliver their signature silver service.

In addition, deck crew are placed in a far more demanding role, with sailing yachts requiring increased accuracy and precision to safely maneuver and plenty of deck duties taking place in the midst of guest areas.

PARSIFAL III

An iconic and suitable yacht for the much-loved series Below Deck: Sailing , the 54m (177ft) sailing yacht PARSIFAL III has blessed our screens for all four series of the hit maritime show.

Season 1 saw the sailing yacht cruising around the beautiful islands of Greece , an  East Mediterranean destination that is peppered with an incredible variety of islands. Season 2 was set around the glistening waters of Croatia and in  Season 3 of Below Deck Sailing , M/Y PARSIFAL III came back to where she traditionally charters in the beautiful Balearic island of Menorca . For the latest Below Deck: Sailing Yacht season she ventured around the glittering coastline of Sardinia .

The yacht can comfortably charter up to 12 guests across 5 luxurious cabins with a layout comprising a master suite, two double cabins and two twin cabins.

Below Deck: Down Under

Venturing to the mesmerizing Whitsunday islands in Australia , the much-beloved maritime show released another spin-off of the hit show in April 2022, Below Deck: Down Under . Recorded on Queensland's shores, viewers can see for themselves the impeccable Australian islands and all their beauty as the superyachts, their crew and charter guests travel to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world.  

NORTHERN SUN

Below Deck: Down Under  returns to our screens for its second outing, this time on board the 51m (167ft) explorer yacht NORTHERN SUN , with the coastal paradise of Cairns in Australia’s northern Queensland providing the glittering backdrop.

Headed up once more by the handsome Captain Jason Chambers, he is joined by returning chief stewardess, Aesha Scott, along with a brand new crew, including Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph, Bosun Luke Jones and stews Laura Bileskaine and Margot Sisson.

Promising another round of crew antics and high drama, the bulk of the action takes place on board the classic explorer yacht, primed for adventure and boasting a wealth of luxurious amenities and an eye-catching exterior, charter guests will be in for a treat.

KERI LEE III (AKA THALASSA)

The perfect yacht for season 1 of Below Deck: Down Under , the 55m (181ft) yacht KERI LEE is the prime candidate for anyone looking for a taste of the superyacht lifestyle. Described as being like Downton Abbey on a boat, the yacht is home to an expansive beauty salon, massage room, gym, jacuzzi and movie theater, so there is definitely enough to keep all charter guests entertained.

In the first season of Below Deck: Down Under , this yacht traveled to some pretty spectacular destinations from the Great Barrier Reef , including the Whitsunday's , Hook Island, Block Reef and Henning Island, giving charter guests the opportunity to witness the outstanding beauty and clear waters of the Pacific .

Below Deck: Adventure

Airing its inaugral season at the end of 2022, Below Deck: Adventure brings more drama than ever before as the show takes viewers beyond the deck and off the yacht as thrill-seeking charter guests embark on a range of extreme and unforgettable experiences around the Norwegian Fjords. Some of the activities include paragliding, exploring unique caves and taking extreme helicopter rides, Below Deck: Adventure provides endless entertainment as well as giving viewers a glimpse of the astonishingly beautiful landscapes in and around  Norway . 

In  Below Deck: Adventure season 1, Capt. Kerry Titheradge leads the crew with Jessica Condy as Chef and Faye Clarke as Chief Stew.

As seen in season 1 of Below Deck Adventure , the 49m (164ft) motor yacht MERCURY is a high-quality and highly reliable Dutch-built luxury charter yacht. Delivered by Amels in 2001, the yacht is to the highest standard and pedigree and boasts a wealth of convivial spaces, perfect for relaxing, unwinding and socializing onboard. 

Home to an impressive array of amenities, standout highlights include an expansive Jacuzzi, a large swim platform for easy access to the water and a gym. An advanced stabilization system on board reduces the side-to-side roll of the yacht and promises guests exceptional comfort levels at anchor or when underway.

Interested in a Below Deck yacht rental?

For more details on chartering any of the above yachts, speak to your preferred charter broker . They can provide you with personalized information and advice concerning your vacation, creating an itinerary that perfectly caters to your individual needs.

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BELOW DECK YACHTS FOR CHARTER

60m Benetti 2008 / 2019

56m Delta Marine 2001 / 2021

56m Oceanco 1993 / 2016

55m Benetti 2003 / 2024

54m Turquoise Yachts 2006 / 2016

54m Perini Navi 2005 / 2012

51m Narasaki Shipyard 1976 / 2007

50m Benetti 1999 / 2021

50m Amels 2001 / 2006

50m Heesen 2017

47m Heesen 2006 / 2013

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Feadship launches world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered superyacht.

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Feadship's Project 821 uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to provide clean, emission-free power to ... [+] the yacht in certain situations

Now that Project 821 has emerged from a massive build shed in The Netherlands, few superyacht shipyards can say they’ve made a “bigger” commitment to using alternative energy sources in a superyacht than Feadship .

That’s because this new, 390-foot-long superyacht (designed by RWD with owner’s representation by Edmiston ) can provide carbon-emission-free power from hydrogen while cruising between harbors or, to power the yacht’s the entire hotel load for up to a week without noise or carbon emissions.

"The aim has been to develop a new, clean technology not just for this project, but for the world," said Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship Director / CEO Royal Van Lent Shipyard. The large size of the proposed yacht made it a good candidate to explore pure green hydrogen as the fuel-cell source. For those captivated by cutting-edge innovations, this yacht presents an opportunity for potential acquisition as it showcases the pinnacle of modern technological advancements.”

Feadship's Project 821 is the first superyacht to be powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology in ... [+] certain situations.

Although hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars and fuel cells are not new, nothing like this has been built in the yachting sector. And since there were no regulations for hydrogen storage and fuel-cell systems at class, flag-state or even IMO level, Feadship sought out expert partners from allied industries, Edmiston and Lloyd's Register to develop the appropriately scaled equipment, protocols and safety regulations simultaneously.

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"The value of the research as well the development of class and flag safety regulations for an entirely new type of energy generation is an advancement we are proud to have made available to all," Verkuyl said. Next year, for example, two long-route Norwegian passenger and car ferries will enter into service utilizing the system that Project 821 has pioneered.

According to advance reports Project 821’s fuel cell technology can provide an entire week's worth of silent operation at anchor or emission-free propulsion at 10 knots while leaving harbors or cruising in protected marine zones. Project 821 also features the most efficient waste heat recovery system yet developed.

Meanwhile, with five decks above the waterline, two below, and additional mast yet to be attached, the yacht’s height is commanding. For example, the owners' deck is 121-feet above water. Yet the proportions of the exterior profile created by RWD are flowing, modern and elegant

The full owners' deck above the bridge is essentially an apartment with two bedrooms, twin bathrooms and dressing rooms, a gym, a pantry, two offices each with a fireplace, and a living room. However, the owner accommodation extends beyond a single deck. A unique and completely private vertical corridor extends to the lower deck. This includes both a spacious staircase lined with bookshelves and display nooks and an owners' elevator.

At each deck level, there are inviting private lifestyle destinations to savor such as a coffee corner and games niche on the bridge deck, a library on the main deck, and a private dining room with a sea terrace and adjacent ensuite stateroom on the lower deck. It creates, in essence, a secluded four-level townhouse-by-the sea within the much larger yacht.

Feadship's Project 821 is nearly 400-feet-long.

Jan-Bart Verkuyl says fuel cells will play an important role for yachts in the years to come considering their superior efficiency, low particle emissions and low noise radiation. "We have now shown that cryogenic storage of liquified hydrogen in the interior of a superyacht is a viable solution. Future innovations on fuel cells and onboard reforming of methanol to hydrogen are on the near horizon. For Feadship, the bottom line is that the decarbonization of Feadship's upstream process such as our extensive use of aluminum produced in a more environmentally sensitive way and the production of net-zero carbon-free fuels or hydrogen carriers deserves utmost priority."

Jamie Edmiston (Chief Executive) also shares his experience with this project. "The brief was to build the greenest and most environmentally advanced yacht ever built, without compromise. It was a huge challenge, but one that the team has embraced and delivered on. The yacht we see today, designed by RWD and built by Feadship is without doubt the best yacht ever built. I am proud to have been involved since the inception of this idea.”

Charlie Baker (Director) adds “RWD are immensely proud to have been involved in such a forward-thinking project, as a collaboration alongside Feadship and Edmiston. We hope it inspires other projects to think differently in the future.”

I hope so too!

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Underwater superyachts? A CEO is pitching fantastical ships that can go 800 feet down and stay submerged for weeks

• Austria's Migaloo is offering to build a private "submersible superyacht" for the ultrarich.
• It says the M5 would be able to travel 820 feet underwater and stay submerged for a month.
• Despite the high up-front cost, CEO Christian Gumpold says the firm is in talks with buyers.

Forget megayachts. Forget billionaire basements. If you're unfathomably rich and want a new toy, there's an Austrian company that says it will build you a fully submersible yacht.

And this is no rickety Titan submersible .

The Migaloo M5 concept, the company says, involves a 540-foot base-model superyacht that would travel about 820 feet underwater and stay down there for up to a month.

"The needs of superyacht owners for their vessels are more complex than ever," Migaloo CEO Christian Gumpold told Business Insider, adding: "These wishes do not just include performance, length, or design."

Gumpold said that yacht owners were "looking for privacy, security, and protection for themselves, their guests and their valuables, or for the fulfillment of unique experiences up to scientific desires, as well as for the greatest possible exclusivity."

According to its marketing materials, Migaloo says the vessel's layout and features could be designed around any customer priority, whether that's security, thrill seeking, research, or simply vacation.

The company offers prospective buyers a checklist of options, including LED exterior lighting with a laser show, a helipad, a hot-air balloon, and — for the aspiring Bond villain — an underwater shark-feeding station.

The vessel could feasibly host a wealth of supplemental vehicles, including mini submarines, exploration vehicles, and working boats, it said.

Although at times it's described in the company marketing materials as a "private submersible superyacht" the M5 would technically be able to sail as a submarine — an underwater vessel that can launch itself and return under its own power, rather than having to be launched by a mother ship.

It's envisioned as being able to house up to 20 guests and about 40 staffers.

The Migaloo concept aims to satisfy an increasing desire for privacy and security among the world's richest people.

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The most expensive megayachts ever sold now run into the half-billion-dollar range or more, with at least three $600 million yachts afloat, owned by various oligarchs and oil-state royalty.

Bobbing about underwater in a Migaloo M5, Elon Musk wouldn't have to worry about a jet-tracking student any longer.

Gumpold told BI he had specialized in yacht design since 2008, and he promised that all the complex arrangements of the Migaloo project — working with shipyards, flag states, and classification societies — would be taken care of by his company.

Much of the marketing material for Migaloo runs to possibilities that sound like science fiction, addressing problems that would either apply only to the ultrarich or which the rest of us would be too dead to care about.

Saying it works with the security company Safe, Migaloo claims it could create a "private submersible fortress," offering protection from electromagnetic pulses, cybercrime, piracy, solar flares, asteroids, and polar shifts.

That's on top of a gamut of features that any megayacht owner might expect, including spas, gyms, a gaming room, a wine cellar, an art gallery, and a panic room.

The cost, however, is the ultimate "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" test.

Gumpold told Fast Company that the price depended on the scope of the client's requests, comparing it to the price tag on large superyachts.

According to Fast Company's estimation, there are only 50 people in the world who could afford to purchase a luxury submergible megayacht.

It remains to be seen if and when any prospective buyers will bite.

Gumpold told BI his company was "still in close contact with several potential owners worldwide" and "very close" to executing the first project steps.

But he didn't elaborate on any concrete steps and wouldn't name any of his prospective clients.

With a turnaround time of about four to seven years, it's also going to be awhile before any of them would take to the seas.

Watch: The search is on for clues in the Titan sub implosion

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