You’re looking at Ocean Emerald, the first offering in the YachtPlus fractional-ownership program. In fact, she was commissioned for that very purpose.
Built at Italy-based Rodriquez, the 41-meter (134’5”) megayacht is also the first of a handful of identical boats expected to be delivered to YachtPlus within the next two years. All are from the design studio of renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, who wanted the series to stand apart from traditional-looking yachts.
The unusual profile certainly achieves that, but the overall design also opens deck spaces up to more light. Spiral staircases connecting each deck are constructed of transparent glass, for example, and the master suite, forward on the main deck, is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows. Although it’s hard to tell in the photo below, the aft decks also feature floor-to-ceiling expanses of glass. And yes, those are teak steps cascading from the top deck to a terrace-like series of steps closer to the waterline. The teak flows inside through the saloon for a more casual atmosphere, and the walls of the five staterooms, accommodating 12 people, follow the curved profile of the hull.
Similar to other fractional-ownership companies, YachtPlus is offering a one-eighth share in Ocean Emerald, which entitles owners to 30 nights aboard, split evenly between the Med and Caribbean. Should someone be unable to use their allotted time, they can offer those days or weeks for charter and therefore recoup some of their costs. The buy-in fee is €1.875 million (about $2.5 million), and the annual management fee is €200,000 (about $267,000), with the latter covering things such as yearly maintenance, the salaries for the seven-person crew, and docking and port charges. It also covers the YachtPlus Lifestyle Management service, which arranges museum tours, sightseeing trips, golf outings, and other excursions for owners and their guests. After the eight-year contract is up, Ocean Emerald will be sold, and owners will receive pro-rated earnings from the sale; YachtPlus anticipates each boat will retain 60 percent of its initial €40-million ($53-million) value.
The next YachtPlus offering, to be named Ocean Pearl, should hit the water in a few months. Ocean Sapphire will follow early next year, and the yet-to-be-named fourth megayacht should be ready in late 2010.
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