On June 23rd, a prolonged, synchronized blast of horns from a magnificent fleet of luxury yachts marked the successful conclusion of the 2022 Newport Charter Yacht Show presented by Helly Hansen Newport and produced by Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. The melodious “hoorah” also signaled the start of the charter season in New England.
Some of the participating yachts had plenty to crow about, such as the 88-foot No Matter What, which was not only new to the show but also a brand-new build (2022) by Sanlorenzo in Italy. She specializes in term charters (New England in the summer and Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands in the winter) and is a clever crossover of a traditional flybridge yacht and a rugged explorer.
No Matter What is perfect for an active on-the-go type, and the yacht’s vast array of water toys includes jet skis, an e-foil, Seabobs, paddleboards, surfboards, wakeboards, scuba equipment, and snorkeling gear.
The 92’ Slipaway’s massive flybridge where “everything happens”;
and the 85’ Lexington’s relatively shallow draft that allows it to berth dockside at certain destinations when other large yachts must anchor out.
Appearing on the Show’s agenda for the first time was “Broker’s Experience Newport!,” an all-day tour coordinated by American Yacht Charter Association and Rhode Island Commerce.
“I even live in Newport and I thought the day was amazing,” said Edmiston Yachts’ Rana Johnson, who represents the 151’ Nadan, a show stopper because of its elegant vintage profile, ultra-luxurious interior, and exclusive affiliation with Over Yonder Cay, a privately owned island nestled in the Bahamas’ Exuma chain.
Perhaps the most anticipated challenge at the Newport Charter Show is the Charter Yacht Chef’s Competition.
The winner of it all was TCB’s Chef Alex Flannery (Tampa, Fla.). He created a high-end surf-and-turf “Taco Tuesday” entry, and the judges – Bruce Newbury, “The Food Dude” – WADK and syndicated radio host and columnist; Kitty McGowan, president of US Superyacht Association and former yacht chef; and Shoreside Support’s New England Manager of Client Relations Cole Bettony – loved his concept and the way he tied together the adult tacos and child’s quesadilla, using all but one of the ingredients in the basket to cater differently to both palates.
“We all know that what makes yacht chartering work is the people: the brokers, the yacht managers, suppliers, shipyard/marina staff, and especially captains and crew,” said Winifred “Winnie” DeCoster, a long-time charter yacht provision specialist who organized the Chef’s challenge and emceed the closing awards. “Part of the charm of the Newport Charter show is the intimate, friendly vibe, where people arrive at set-up only connected with their boat and boat mates and leave with a dock full of friends that they will see all over New England during their summer season.”
If you wish to book a charter on the above mentioned yachts or any other ones, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to help you plan your next vacation!
