yacht with helicopter bristol

American superyacht with own helicopter docks in Bristol

• West Country
• Donald Trump
• Monday 13 December 2021 at 9:40am

A multi-million pound superyacht has arrived in Bristol after being bought by two mystery businessmen.

The 40 metre vessel docked near Wapping Wharf on December 12 after being transported from Avonmouth.

It has been bought by two unnamed businessmen who are based in Bristol.

They said they plan to make the boat their charity headquarters and support local causes.

"Bristol has been good for us and our businesses,” they said in a statement.

“We have been lucky enough to have had great success in Bristol and we want to give something back to the city in the form of what we are good at - a little glamour, fun, connecting people and lots of charity work for good causes.”

Dozens of people watched on as the Harbour Master helped coordinate the ship’s arrival.

It was originally built in Florida in 1987 and later based in New York, where it served as the city’s premier dinner cruise yacht.

Noted guests on board from the time include former US President Donald Trump and billionaire George Soros.

The yacht can sleep up to sixteen people and costs £53,000 to fill up with fuel.

Miss Conduct

Check back soon as more photos are added daily

Two Bristol businessmen and partners brought their American built superyacht and converted it from a dinner cruise venue to make it their forever home and charity headquarters in Bristol.

Built in Florida, her keel was laid in 1987, and she was officially launched and sailed to New York in 1990 coincidentally the same year the current owners met and moved to Bristol. Before her interiors had even been finished the yacht was hired by a film company for the 1989 hit film "Arthur II" starring Dudley Moore and Lisa Minnelli whose power mad father-in law starred as the yacht owner (strictly no coincidence there!)

She was commissioned as a high specification, tri-deck dinner cruise superyacht. Unlike a normal superyacht she had no cabins and few portholes. Instead, she was fitted out with huge kitchens and wine cellars below deck with a huge restaurant and lounge area on the main deck and a circular piano bar on the top deck. Hence her big bum, rather than the traditional superyacht stepped rear open decks. Capable of transporting 175 passengers / crew,  Miss Conduct is truly unique. She operated as the premiere dinner cruise yacht in New York City for some 20 years. Famously cruising around Manhattan Harbour passing the statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the tragically no longer Twin Towers. Her well heeled clientele would fly onboard in their helicopters from their big skyscrapers for a spot of lunch or maybe a business meeting (because that's what some people did in the nineties!). Billionaire George Soros and his polar opposite Donald Trump were regular diners, naturally. 

By the millenium anyone who was anyone seemed to have their own personal superyacht and would entertain on their own yachts and so by 2000 she slipped down the list as the 195th largest private yacht in the world, thus the days of a superyacht restaurant were over. Subsequently, after just one decade of service she was sold on as a private charter yacht where you could hire the entire yacht and crew for day or evening dinner / party cruise. Many famous celebrities and socialites of the day partied and got married onboard. Roll on another 10 years and she required a full repaint and a major update, plus extensive work to her hull as every ship periodically does. So, after just two decades she retired from public service. 

She was quickly acquired by an eccentric Swedish millionaire who bought the yacht for his American wife as their relationship was on the rocks (excuse nautical pun). She stepped onboard in New York and they sailed south to the Carolinas. She wasn't the sailing type and once the yacht berthed on their private island in St. Helena, his wife never stepped foot on board again! After the inevitable divorce, the yacht became surplus to requirements and she languished on his private island for several years, rusting away and falling into decay. The yacht needed another eccentric owner not only with deep pockets but a deep vision because she was too big for your average private buyer. Roll on two years and two businessmen and partners from Bristol who were living in the states at the time spotted her. They were looking to move back home but were having difficulty finding an unusual house in Bristol. After boarding the yacht in St.Helena they fell in love and signed the deal coincidentally on the yacht's 21st birthday! She was patched up and berthed on his island for another few years.

After a period of planning and designing whilst cruising the east coast and inland waterways, the time was right to rip out her huge kitchens, weld in a load of portholes on her dark lower deck to make way for cabins and bathrooms. In the words of the owner "it was sheer madness, we were living aboard this enormous yacht with a helicopter we couldn't fly, a kitchen the size of a huge restaurant, whilst sleeping at night in a tiny crew cabin. Things had to change!" In an act of sanity, she changed course and sailed to a shipyard in Savannah south Georgia where she underwent a major refit. The steel hull was sandblasted to bare steel and sound tested for hull thickness. Any steel deemed not to last for another 30 years was cut out and replaced and certain parts were strengthened in order to make her fit for a transatlantic voyage. The Yacht was heading for a new life in good old England! 

Now 31 years old she is like a brand new ship. After an 8 month refit an experienced captain and crew were recruited and the owners sailed on her across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. The voyage took 28 days at sea but the whole journey took much longer as she stopped off at Bermuda, the beautiful Portuguese Islands of Azores and not forgetting the exotic Barry Island! She then underwent another very long refit and paint job in Sharpness where she was converted from a cheesy, energy guzzling nineties throwback to a 21st Century Eco Superyacht. Over the years some 300 tradesmen and engineers worked on the two multi million pound refits.

This is a Private Yacht - Unfortunately it is not available for hire

Owner of 'Miss Conduct' yacht in Bristol harbour guilty of being 'rogue landlord'

The man who owns and lives on the yacht on the Floating Harbour with a helicopter on its roof has been branded a ‘rogue landlord’ by council chiefs, and fined in court.

Thomas Flight pleaded guilty to committing consumer protection offences against his tenants, and has now been fined £12,000 and ordered to pay the council’s costs for the lengthy investigation, which totalled another £25,000.

Bristol Crown Court heard how council housing officers received a host of complaints about a property management business operating out of number 21 Portland Square in St Pauls between June 2019 and January 2021, although those making those complaints said issues dated back years before that.

Read next: American superyacht used by Donald Trump docks at Bristol harbour

One issue the council told the court was that the business was operating at the end of a web of different names and companies, and no one renting homes or businesses in Portland Square ever really knew who their landlord was, or who was responsible when problems arose.

In June 2021, the managers of the Hidden Corner bookshop and cafe discovered they had been locked down and evicted, and a protest by its staff and customers was held. At the time, the landlords of that business, regarded as one of Bristol’s few LGBTQI+ friendly spaces, were named Presman Limited, but that was just another of the companies set up by Flight to separate him from the tenants.

An investigation by Bristol City Council’s private housing team uncovered evidence of multiple consumer protection offences. The investigation worked to follow the money paid by tenants in rents and deposits, and reached Mr Flight.

“Mr Flight’s identity was hidden from his tenants, allowing him to keep security deposit money instead of returning it, and to avoid responsibility for a number of unfair commercial practices including charging banned and hidden fees to tenants,” said a spokesperson for Bristol City Council.

“Tenants would receive made-up landlord and letting agent information, including false names and addresses. Mr Flight even went so far as to have a fictitious person registered as a director of one of his companies. Tenants who complained were then harassed with demands to withdraw their valid enquiries, until the local authority took up these complaints as part of their investigation,” he added.

In February 2021, Mr Flight was interviewed by Bristol City Council in relation to alleged criminal offences. Following this interview, Mr Flight voluntarily repaid those tenants who had been charged banned fees or whose security deposits had not been returned to them when they should have been. “During this interview, Mr Flight failed to cooperate with Bristol City Council, blaming the situation on an alleged letting agent who couldn’t be traced and is believed to be another of his inventions,” said the council spokesperson.

“At one of Mr Flight’s Court hearings in relation to this case, he supplied further documents to Bristol City Council containing more landlord details that also proved to be false,” he added.

In December 2021, Flight sailed his American-built yacht ‘Miss Conduct’ into Bristol’s Floating Harbour and moored it in a prominent location near the Matthew at Wapping Wharf. The boat, which had been an upmarket restaurant in New York for 20 years, attracted attention immediately - with its glitzy interior and helicopter parked on the roof.

When Bristol Live reported on the arrival of the yacht , the owners declined to be identified. The two men who said they were the owners, including Flight, issued a statement through a spokesperson explaining they'd named the yacht and they were only 'Bristol businessmen'. "Bristol has been good for us and our businesses, we have been lucky enough to have had great success in Bristol and we want to give something back to the city in the form of what we are good at - a little glamour, fun, connecting people and lots of charity work for good causes," they said in an anonymous statement at the time.

Speaking of the yacht's name, they added: "In this particular harbour full of historic vessels our boat is by comparison quite a young girl, so she couldn't named Lady this or Lady that - she had to be a 'Miss" to show some respect to the other boats. We didn't want a posh name, we've done well but we're not posh people.

"Miss Conduct stuck because after our somewhat whirlwind personal life which presented some rather unusual setbacks, opportunities and surprises, the cheeky Miss Conduct just seemed to fit. Our motto is 'if you can't set a good example to others then you must serve as a terrible reminder!'" they added in their statement.

They were described by their spokesperson at the time as "two ordinary (possibly eccentric) people from ordinary backgrounds, who having lived and operated a number of successful businesses in Bristol since 1990, decided that after travelling the world that Bristol was the best city on the planet". "The owners are proud to present her as, albeit a little glitzy, another new Bristol landmark in this great city they call home," they added.

It was only when a judge at one of Flight’s continuing court hearings insisted he give his name and address to the court, did he acknowledge that he was the owner of Miss Conduct and it was where he was living. On Bank Holiday Monday in August 2022, a protest was held on the quayside next to Miss Conduct, where tenants of Flight’s joined with staff and customers of the former Hidden Corner cafe highlighted his malpractices.

Much of the details of the case and the complaints of tenants have not been public due to reporting restrictions involved in the case, but with guilty pleas now and a hefty fine, Flight’s illegal actions can be revealed, and the complaints of tenants dating back to 2016 have been exposed in a Bristol Cable investigation .

Cllr Tom Renhard, Bristol’s housing chief, said Flight’s actions were ‘not acceptable’. “We are committed to protecting people across the city from rogue landlords, especially during the national cost-of-living and housing crises,” he said. “Mr Flight took advantage of tenants and that is simply not acceptable. We will continue to do all we can to pursue unscrupulous landlords where evidence of criminal exploitation is found,” he added.

However, because the offences for which Flight pleaded guilty to are not ones for which he can be banned from being a landlord, he is free to continue letting properties.

• Bristol renters and landlords barred from speaking in council debate on rent controls
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• Farewell Archimedes, the superyacht that showed what Bristol was really like

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Rogue landlord yacht owner turns to Airbnb after fleecing tenants’ of their deposits

Thomas Flight, whose Miss Conduct yacht sits in Bristol Harbour, has been convicted of a series of offences against his previous tenants but his properties are now on the short-term let market.

When Sarah* wanted to know if her rental deposit was protected and why her energy costs were so high, she was shut down with accusations she was paranoid. The property agent managing her flat in St Paul’s started sending her abusive and intimidating emails. 

“May I ask if you’re taking any medication or drugs that may have [a] side effect of paranoia,” read one email. “[She] is a very unstable and dangerous little girl or she has mental health issues,” read another sent to Sarah’s boyfriend, who she shared the flat with.

“The whole thing was just so horrible and confusing,” says Sarah, who rented one of seven flats in her landlord’s Portland Square property between 2016 and 2017. “In the end I did actually end up being paranoid… they were gaslighting us every step of the way.”

In the end I did actually end up being paranoid… they were gaslighting us every step of the way Former tenant

Her landlord’s name was Thomas Flight. She didn’t know his name at the time, because he was hiding behind aliases and fake addresses, deploying ‘agents’ who would intimidate his tenants into paying maintenance fees, before withholding their deposits.

The 56-year-old businessman, who owns and lives on the Miss Conduct pleasure yacht docked in Bristol Harbour, was convicted in January of four consumer protection offences against his tenants between 2019 and 2020.

Flight was ordered to pay £37,000 in fees and costs, but was not banned from letting properties in future. Seven of his nine flats in Portland Square are now on the short-term lets market, rented out on Airbnb. 

A Cable investigation has found that his reckless and misleading practices may have been deployed against more than those tenants whose cases were heard in court. Some of them, including Sarah, are still out of pocket.

We also found that some guests who book Flight’s Airbnb properties have experienced issues having security deposits returned to them.

‘Endless amount of fines’

Olly says he was one of the “lucky ones”.

He and a group of friends rented Flight’s penthouse apartment in Portland Square between 2016 and 2017. They encountered “aggressive” agents who sent “bizarre” and “sometimes threatening” emails. 

Under their tenancy agreement, Olly and his housemates were liable to pay as much as £25 for a single phone call to the property maintenance line, and £15 to send one email. By the time they moved out they had been charged £5,370 worth of damages and fines, which they refused to pay.

“We had an issue with the gas hob – the knob broke and the gas was permanently on – and I thought fuck I need an actual number to deal with this quickly,” he says. “This is what led on to the endless amount of fines for using that number.”

He says the £25 fine for the phone call was doubled every day it wasn’t paid.

After Olly enquired about the return of their deposit, the agent demanded he provide an onward address to post a cheque, threatening to contact their employers if they didn’t do so. 

Olly’s housemate informed the agent they did not have an onward address as they were yet to secure a new tenancy. The agent accused them of lying and taunted them: “Let the games begin… You are out of the flat now and play by my rules and not yours.”

Olly says that unlike other tenants, their deposit was eventually returned, but the ordeal “hugely affected” his mental health at the time.

The agents who handled Olly’s tenancy were from a company named Landlord Support Alliance Bristol (LSA). Its website no longer exists online, and the Cable were unable to trace an official representative of the firm. 

Olly and his housemates were unable to connect the LSA, who said they acted as an intermediary between tenant and landlord, to Flight. Like Flight’s other tenants, they were unaware that he was their landlord.

The LSA’s controversial tenancy agreements were the subject of a BBC investigation in 2019. In a statement at the time, LSA insisted the charges for phone calls and emails were “legal, upfront and clear”. 

But most of these charges were soon made unlawful by the Tenants Fee Act (2019). The Act banned landlords and letting agents from charging unreasonable fees for things like requesting references, administration or credit checks.

The offences Flight was convicted of in January, however, did not relate to fees. He was prosecuted for misleading and reckless commercial practices that are unlawful under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (2008), which protect consumers against misleading trading practices and aggressive sales tactics. 

Luxury Airbnbs

One of Flight’s seven luxury Airbnb apartments in Portland Square is a penthouse suite which can set guests back up to nearly £600 per night. 

There have been calls for regulation of the short-term and holiday lets market in Bristol. Past reporting by the Cable shows that landlords in the city are cashing in on Airbnb lets at inflated prices, while renters have limited access to affordable homes.

An analysis of the reviews left on Airbnb for Flight’s properties in Portland Square showed that while his company is raking it in from holiday lets, some guests are also being subjected to fees and charges that appear unreasonable. 

“The host also made a claim for money from us for things that were already damaged… and claiming £70 just to move some mirrors that we’d needed to move into the bedrooms as they didn’t have adequate mirrors in those rooms,” one review from August last year reads.

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And it’s not just Flight’s Portland Square apartments that are on the short-term lets market.

In May 2021, Louisa booked an Airbnb lodge in Frome for herself and a group of friends. They were unable to go on the trip – coronavirus lockdown restrictions tightened – so she requested to change the date of their booking but the agent refused.

The agent also denied her the return of her £700 deposit. When she tried to escalate her claim, Louisa says the owners of the lodge denied knowledge of her booking and that the email she received from them was “unprofessional, dishonest and aggressive”.

In a Tripadvisor review, she writes: “I would be very suspicious booking this place when they hide behind different names, companies and avoid reviews through other social media.”

Louisa says the company she dealt with when trying to reclaim her deposit was Maxin Limited, which is owned and managed by Flight, and is the same business in which some of his longer-term tenants paid their deposits into.

‘It was so exhausting, I just wanted it to be over’

The address for the lodge in Frome was the same given to Sarah when she enquired about her landlord’s contact details.

Her property agent had demanded she stop making complaints about her flat because her £1,200 deposit had already been “gobbled up” by administration fees for her maintenance enquiries.

After ending her tenancy, she contacted the deposit protection service (DPS) and was told that as her landlord refused to use its services she would need to pursue her deposit in court.

Sarah said she sent a court order to an address given to her, but never got a reply and she gave up.

“Thinking back, by the end of it I was so exhausted and just wanted it to be over,” says Sarah, who, five years later, still hasn’t had her deposit back.

Councils lack the power to take action

In a statement following his court case, Bristol City Council said that Flight had not been banned from letting properties as the offences he pleaded guilty to were not Banning Order offences under the Housing and Planning Act 2016. 

Tom Renhard, the local authority’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Mr Flight took advantage of tenants and that is simply not acceptable. We will continue to do all we can to pursue unscrupulous landlords where evidence of criminal exploitation is found.”

In January, Bristol councillors committed to introducing a public database of enforcement notices given to landlords who break rules, if the government doesn’t bring in a national landlord register

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, tells the Cable: “The massive demand for rentals coupled with the lack of proper regulation means private renting can seem like the Wild West.”

She adds: “Sadly, as we see through our services, it’s not uncommon for would-be renters to be asked to cough up unreasonable fees, or for rogue landlords to try and unfairly pocket people’s deposits.”

Flight refused several requests for comment on the issues raised in this article.

*Names changed to protect identity.

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Exactly how a £75m superyacht gets in and out of Bristol Harbour

The skipper will have to do some careful maneuvering to get out

• 16:24, 7 AUG 2018
• Updated 10:25, 8 AUG 2018

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The 200ft superyacht Archimedes has caused quite a stir since arriving in Bristol on Sunday.

There have been crowds of curious people on the dock ever since, some were delighted , and some outraged . But what is going to happen when it comes time for the massive vessel to leave?

Bristol Live understands the Achilles is scheduled to leave on Thursday, on the high tide in the small hours of the morning.

But manoeuvring such a beast is no easy feat. The yacht will turn around in the harbour between the Arnolfini, the M Shed and the Amphitheatre.

Powerful bow thrusters will enable the 1,100 tonne-vessel to turn on the spot if necessary, enabling its captain to perform a graceful about turn and head back out to the lock gates and the river Avon beyond.

From there, the operation will be a reversal of how the yacht came into Bristol. Deputy Harbour Master Tony Moore described how it arrived.

He said Bristol Pilots were dispatched to navigate the massive yacht up the 10km of River Avon between the Bristol Channel and the Floating Harbour.

As well as the Bristol Pilots the Harbour Masters Office helped the massive vessel into the harbour.

Mr Moore said: “We’ve been working the locks and opening the swing bridges.”

“The harbour lock is 100m and the yacht is only 67m so it was a comfortable fit.”

Mr Moore was pleased to see the massive yacht arrive, but stressed it was just another day on the job for the city’s harbour authorities.

“We welcome any boats in the harbour, not just superyachts, but it’s something different. It’s the summer holidays so its something for the kids to come and see.”

“It’s good for Bristol,” he said.

Weather you love it or loathe it, the Archimedes has certainly provided Bristol with a talking point and there are many who will be sad to see it leave.

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Super High: The Ultimate Guide to Yacht Helicopters

The perfect way to soar your yacht to new heights.

Wide-open waters? Check. Great company? Check. Your sparkly new superyacht? Double-check. There can only be one thing missing in this picture: an impressive helicopter for the ultimate grand entrance.

When you’ve already invested so much into the yacht of your dreams, there’s got to be a little extra room (literally) for a special delivery—you. Read on to discover all of our tips and tricks for your very own tantalizing yacht helicopter.

1. Easier Access

Your yacht is the most lavish way to travel in style, right? So why bother adding one more mode of transportation to your already fully capable vessel, you may be asking yourself. The answer is in the air! Having a helicopter on your superyacht allows you to get to places you never thought possible. While there may not always be a place to dock your yacht in certain luxurious locations, having a helicopter onboard allows you access to even the most exclusive spots. You’ll be able to visit so many more destinations on your well-earned journeys—the sky’s the limit.

Navigate to hard-to-reach locales with this yacht charter: OCTOPUS | 414′ Lurssen

2. Destination: Transportation

Having a helipad onboard your superyacht isn’t just about reaching the most beautiful destinations in the world, although that’s reason enough. It also serves a seemingly obvious need: arriving at your megayacht to begin with. Have a meeting in the city but the yacht is docked at the bay? Hop into your helicopter for a straight shot flight to your weekend getaway, with zero hassles along the way. Having the added transport option makes everything seamless from beginning to end, no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going.

Transport yourself with ease with this superyacht: BOLD | 279’ SilverYachts

3. Glorified Grandeur

Your megayacht is your pride and joy, as it should be. It was no easy feat to attain such a vessel, and having a helicopter aboard only drives that point home. With an aircraft aboard your yacht, the luxury reaches new heights. The upscale feel, exclusive usability, and added ease all bring your adventures to a caliber of their own. There is nothing like a personal helicopter aboard a superyacht to up the wow factor.

Cruise in style with this yacht charter: PLANET NINE | 240′ Admiral Yachts

4. A Whole New View

While endless views of the open water can be a sight for sore eyes, having a helicopter onboard brings on a whole new perspective. Enjoy the best of both worlds with views from both the sea and sky. A perfect vacation has a little of everything, and you’re getting just that with the limitless aerial views in the finest destinations around the globe. Sightseeing will take on a whole other level when your altitude rises!

See the sights with new eyes with this yacht charter: SURI | 208′ Halter Marine

5. Taking Sports to the Extreme

No matter what your sport of choice, a helicopter aboard your mega yacht will only add to the fun and adventure. Big on scuba diving? Get to your dive site with the ease of your helicopter. Love photography? The aerial shots from above will be unmatched. Thrilled by cliff diving? Reach cliff tops with a quick flight. Interested in whale watching? Soaring the skies will give you an eagle eye’s view to spot all sorts of marine life. Even piloting can become a reality and your newest hobby. Every interest can truly be appeased with an aircraft at bay.

Get your game on with this superyacht: TIME OFF | 182′ Support Yacht Damen Yachting

6. Time Is on Your Side

We all know that time is money. With fully packed schedules, every minute is precious. Having a helipad on your superyacht saves so much time that would otherwise be wasted—be it in traffic, at the airport, or getting to your destination. With the ease and flexibility of helicopters, you and your guests can promptly reach your yacht’s location at an unimaginable speed. If flying directly from a city, time that would have been spent in endless traffic is spared. If picking you or your guests up from a nearby airport, the comfort and speediness are unparalleled. Transit times are severely reduced, allowing more time to sit back and relax.

Maximize your time with this yacht charter: SUNRAYS | 280′ Oceanco

7. Safety First

One of the biggest and most important benefits of having a helicopter easily available aboard your superyacht is for safety reasons. With very clear FAA safety regulations for helicopters, this mode of transportation proves to be one of the safest options for getting to and from your vessel. In addition, having a helicopter available in the event of an injury or a passenger getting sick is a critical benefit. Being able to evacuate a guest in an emergency may even be the difference between life and death. Even on vacation, accidents can happen. With the safety of travelers at the top of mind, these advantages are of the utmost importance and can ensure a safe and pleasant trip.

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8. Specialized Design

Helipads add a sense of wonder and aesthetic to your superyacht. However, it doesn’t stop at good looks. Shipbuilders work together with aviation pros and designers to find the ideal location to place a helipad. Teams work by the Commercial Yacht Code of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to meet all necessary standards during construction. With a large amount of space needed to place a helicopter landing deck on a superyacht, attention to detail and impeccable design are paramount. You’ll know you’ve got the best of the best.

Transform big dreams into reality with this yacht: PROJECT METAVERSE | 207’ Delta

No matter how you look at it, having a helicopter on your superyacht changes the game. A helicopter ups the ante in all arenas, from fun to design to safety. Make sure your yacht includes this high-class feature. Contact a Denison yacht broker to upgrade your yacht and you’ll be flying high, too.

Speak with a Superyacht Specialist:

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This 252-Foot Explorer Yacht Carries Not One, but Two Helicopters for Extreme Sports

La datcha's owner plans to heli-ski in the antarctic, which requires both choppers. this ultimate explorer also has a certified emergency room, state-of-the-art scuba center and three-person submersible., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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“ La Datcha is a luxury vessel designed for serious exploration,” says owner’s representative Stefano Feltrin. By serious , he means ends-of-the-earth exploration, and not just a trip around the Caribbean. The just-delivered 252-foot superyacht, the first SeaXplorer from Damen Yachting, will be proving its pedigree in the next few months, with extreme-sports trips planned to Kamchatka, a remote Russian peninsula on the Pacific, and afterwards to Antarctica.

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While the owner will love this unique shakedown cruise, La Datcha is also armed with a raft of custom features geared towards making it one of the most advanced charter yachts to ever hit water.

The Polar Code-compliant boat is capable of being autonomous at sea for up to 40 days. It is also the first yacht to carry two commercially certified helicopters in separate garages. When one helicopter has taken off from the heli-deck aft, the second is maneuvered into position on a custom-built trolley. “It takes only a few minutes to transit the helicopters from parking, to the helideck and then to flight,” Feltrin told Robb Report .

La Datcha has an internal trolley system so its two helicopters can be removed from their separate garages and placed on the helipad for quick takeoff.  Courtesy Damen

The significance of a two-heli setup comes into its own, once the yacht reaches the extremely remote waters of Kamchatka in March. Rarely visited by superyachts, it is a diverse cruising ground rich in wolverines, geysers, volcanoes and, for the owner, heli-skiing.

“The area’s extreme-sport offering is limited by the types of helicopters available, so we’ll be using the boat as a floating helipad and exploring some of the never-before-skied slopes,” says Feltrin.

The owner plans to stay in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands for summer 2021, before heading to Antarctica in November, and then exploring Chile and Patagonia. Safety regulations for heli-skiing in these areas mandate a strict two-helicopter minimum rule. Typically, guests work around this requirement by chartering two boats, which means La Datcha ’s setup gives the boat a real edge as a charter proposition.

The yacht will journey to remote regions like Antarctica, so participants can engage in extreme sports like heli-skiing and nitrox diving.  Courtesy Damen

“The SeaXplorer is a moving platform on which to do outdoor activities,” says Feltrin, CEO of the La Datcha Tinkoff Collection, which also includes a number of shoreside properties. “We’ve taken great care to create a number of redundancy systems on board so that we can operate at all longitudes with proper connections.”

These include a fully certified hospital emergency room, with remote connection to a 24/7 doctor on call and crew with medical training. A three-passenger submarine for diving the waters of French Polynesia and Papua New Guinea. A state-of-the-art scuba diving center equipped with an onboard decompression chamber and enough compressed air and Nitrox to allow all 12 guests to dive together for as long as they choose.

“We can actually be on the water for seven days, never go on land and still manage a full day of diving, every day, for all the guests,” says Feltrin.

Along with a glass observation lounge and other refined interior spaces, La Datcha has a certified hospital emergency room, three-passenger submersible, and state-of-the-art scuba center. It can stay on the water autonomously for 40 days.  Damen

A glass observation lounge is a key feature of the SeaXplorer series, but La Datcha ’s lounge, with its open terrace on the bow and sculpture by Italian artist Gio Pomodoro, is larger than was originally planned.

The exterior is a collaboration between Damen and Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture, while the interior is by Vasiliy Shprits. La Datcha is Shprits’ debut yacht, but the style is consistent with the contemporary and warm interiors he has designed for the owner’s property portfolio.

Key areas on board include a guest staircase with backlit rubber walls that gradually change color throughout the day, and a dual master suite layout designed to accommodate friends and families to charter together while also enjoying the equal-sized master and VIP cabins.

The yacht is the first of Damen’s SeaXplorer series, though modifications were made to enhance the owner’s love of extreme sports.  Courtesy Damen

“The owner was heavily involved in the design of the yacht,” Shprits told Robb Report . “He gave his input for all of the important styling decisions and so feels a real connection to the vessel.”

La Datcha may have been conceived as a charter yacht with an ambitious itinerary, but the owner intends to spend as much time as possible on board with his family in each destination. “We plan to go to Tuscany and spend a week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on the way down to Antarctica,” says Feltrin. “So, for those areas, we’ll drop anchor right in front of the owner’s La Datcha homes.”

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From Sea to Sky: Elevate Your Yacht Charter Experience with Helicopter Tours

Nearly 75% of luxury travelers state that unique experiences are more valuable than any physical item, highlighting a growing trend towards adventures that blend exclusivity with breathtaking novelty. If you’re planning your next yacht charter, imagine elevating this experience by incorporating a helicopter tour of the area, offering a dual perspective of the ocean’s serene beauty and the thrilling vistas from the sky. This addition amplifies the grandeur of your journey and promises moments that will linger in your memory. As you contemplate the boundless possibilities, consider how this aerial adventure could redefine the essence of luxury travel for you and your guests.

Choosing the Right Yacht Charter Location for Helicopter Tours

Choosing the right yacht charter vacation location with helicopter excursions can significantly enhance the overall experience, transforming a great vacation into an unforgettable adventure. By selecting a destination that offers this unique amenity, guests can experience breathtaking aerial views that are inaccessible by any other means, adding an extraordinary dimension to their getaway. Helicopter tours provide an exclusive vantage point of stunning landscapes, secluded beaches , and remarkable landmarks, offering a unique perspective that deepens the appreciation of the destination’s natural beauty. This luxurious addition to a yacht charter vacation amplifies the sense of adventure. It provides unparalleled convenience and access to remote or otherwise unreachable locations, ensuring every vacation moment is filled with awe-inspiring experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Please call or email Doug (our seasoned yacht travel specialist) today at (781) 679-1162 or email at [email protected] .

Benefits of Helicopter Tours

Embracing the skies with a helicopter tour elevates your yacht vacation, offering remarkable vistas and an adrenaline-pumping adventure that’s both exclusive and unforgettable. Imagine soaring above the blue skies, with the world unfurling beneath you in a tapestry of scenic beauty only accessible from the air. This experience, seamlessly integrated into your charter, transforms your journey into a spectacle of luxury and freedom.

Helicopter tours provide a unique perspective that can’t be matched by land or air explorations. You’ll witness hidden coves, sprawling landscapes, and architectural marvels, all from the comfort of your scenic helicopter. It’s an efficient way to cover vast areas, ensuring you get all of the breathtaking sights your destination offers.

This thrilling experience isn’t just about the views. It’s about crafting memories that last a lifetime, adding an exclusive touch to your yacht vacation that sets it apart. The convenience of stepping from your yacht directly onto a helicopter speaks volumes of the sophistication and exclusivity of your adventure. It caters to your desire for freedom, adventure, and luxury, making every moment aboard your charter an exquisite journey from sky to sky.

Planning Your Itinerary

After exploring the skies, it’s time to plan your itinerary to incorporate a helicopter tour into your extravagant yacht vacation seamlessly. Your adventure on the high seas is about to ascend to new heights, offering unparalleled perspectives of the breathtaking landscapes below. Begin by researching helicopter tour companies near your yacht charter, focusing on those that align with your vision of luxury and freedom. Consider the duration of each helicopter tour to ensure it fits perfectly within your schedule, allowing you to savor both the ocean’s serenity and the skies’ exhilaration.

Next, coordinate with your yacht charter company and the selected helicopter tour provider. This collaboration is important for planning smooth changes from deck to air, ensuring your experience is as smooth as the ocean. Remember to check the weather forecast and be aware of any restrictions that might impact your aerial adventure. Finally, communicate your special preferences or requirements in advance. Whether it’s a champagne toast above the clouds or a fly-by of a secluded cove, tailoring your experience ensures that your yacht vacation transcends the ordinary. With careful itinerary planning, your journey will effortlessly combine the elegance of a yacht charter with the thrill of a helicopter tour, crafting memories that remain for a lifetime.

Safety First: Guidelines

Starting a helicopter tour from your yacht offers an exciting ocean and sky perspective, but ensuring the operator is fully licensed and certified by aviation authorities is essential for a safe and unforgettable experience. As you seek to blend the thrills of high adventure with the tranquility of the ocean, remember that your safety is paramount. Choosing a licensed helicopter tour operator ensures adherence to rigorous safety protocols, including pre-flight briefings and thorough emergency procedures that safeguard your well-being.

Before ascending to the blue, verify that the helicopter has undergone regular maintenance and inspections. This step is critical, ensuring the aircraft meets the highest safety and reliability standards, offering you peace of mind as you soar above the waves.

Furthermore, always check the weather conditions and visibility to ensure they are favorable for your aerial adventure. Adverse weather can transform a flight from breathtaking to perilous in moments. Once aboard, giving your full attention to the pilot’s instructions further enhances your safety. Following these guidelines not only ensures a thrilling experience but also positions helicopter tours as one of the most convenient modes of transportation for exploring the vast beauty surrounding your yacht.

Unique Party Themes

Plunge into an unforgettable yacht charter experience with unique party themes like ‘Under the Stars’ or ‘Island Escape ,’ transforming your event into an extraordinary adventure. Imagine the allure of a luxury charter, enhanced by the exclusivity and creativity of themed parties. Whether you’re gliding over crystalline waters or indulging in a destination-themed party, the blend of a yacht experience with a helicopter ride offers an unparalleled perspective of beauty and opulence.

Here’s why incorporating unique themes can significantly elevate your yacht charter:

• Memorable Experiences : Themed parties such as ‘Gatsby Glamour’ or ‘Tiki Paradise’ aren’t just events; they’re immersive experiences that transport guests to another time and place, leaving a lasting impression far beyond the confines of the ocean.
• Enhanced Engagement : From costume contests to themed decorations, these gatherings encourage interaction and participation, fostering community and camaraderie among your guests.
• Social Media Buzz : Unique themes generate excitement and anticipation, encouraging guests to share their experiences online and amplifying your luxury charter’s visibility and appeal.

Embrace the freedom to explore, celebrate, and create unforgettable moments with a themed yacht party that transcends the ordinary.

Capturing the Moments

As you explore the themed parties that set your yacht experience apart, remember to capture the moments from an exhilarating helicopter tour that offers breathtaking aerial views, adding a luxurious layer to your unforgettable adventure. Imagine the superyacht with a helicopter ascending above the sparkling blue waters, providing a unique vantage point to document your charter experience. This is not just about capturing landscapes; it’s about immortalizing the essence of freedom and luxury that your journey embodies.

From the helicopter, you’ll see glamorous cities unfold beneath you, their lights twinkling like stars against the dusk. Volcanoes in the Caribbean, previously majestic from the ocean level, now reveal their true grandeur as you hover above, capturing their awe-inspiring beauty. Each photo and video becomes proof of the unparalleled experiences you’re indulging in, blending the thrill of discovery with the exclusivity your privacy policy safeguards.

This combination of yacht and helicopter elevates your adventure and ensures that the memories you create are as extraordinary as the sights you behold. The resulting collection of moments captured from the skies will forever remind you of the boundless freedom and luxury that defined your experience.

Contact and Booking

To set sail on your unparalleled adventure takes flight, it’s essential to contact reputable yacht charter companies renowned for offering helicopter tour add-ons, guaranteeing a seamless integration of luxury and excitement in your booking process. Imagine soaring above the icy terrain of Antarctica or gliding over crystal-clear waters, where the sky and ocean merge into a palette of breathtaking blues. It’s not just a journey; it’s the ultimate freedom that awaits when you combine yachts for a charter with the thrill of a helicopter tour.

Here are three vital steps to make sure your high-flying adventure is nothing short of spectacular:

• Confirm Availability and Pricing: As you sail on this luxurious voyage, secure your desired experience by confirming the helicopter’s availability and pricing during your yacht charter booking. This pivotal step ensures that your adventure in the sky perfectly aligns with your ocean voyage.
• Provide Essential Information: Smooth coordination is key. Share your preferred date, time, and number of guests with the charter company to ensure a flawless integration of your helicopter tour.
• Customize Your Experience: Don’t hesitate to discuss special requests or customizations. Tailoring your tour can transform a mere flight into an extraordinary exploration of the sky and ocean, bringing you closer to the icy terrains and limitless horizons.

As you dock back from the sky’s embrace, remember this journey has woven the ocean’s whispers with the clouds’ secrets, crafting an unparalleled tapestry of memories. You’ve traversed the cerulean depths and soared above, capturing moments that glitter in the heart like stars. Let the echo of waves and the breeze’s caress constantly remind you of the heights you’ve reached. You’ve lived a tale from ocean to sky in this symphony of luxury and adventure.

Get a Quote

Are you ready to let us show you what we can do for you? We can’t wait! This is as exciting for us as it is for you. We began this business because we love putting the perfect yacht charter together for our clients and getting the best of the best at the right price point thanks to our contacts and experience. 

Use our quick contact form to give us the basics about what you’re looking for and we’ll send you ideas and pricing. Don’t worry if it’s not grand enough or should be scaled back; we’ll take care of that too. When you love the plan, we put it into action. All you have to do is show up and enjoy.

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