Yes, you read that headline right. You can charter in Vancouver, British Columbia, for the Olympic Games in February and March. The opportunity is aboard the 114-foot yacht Pacific Yellowfin, and she’ll be docked at Coal Harbour Marina, in downtown Vancouver.
The word comes from Infinity Yacht Charters, whose principal, Michael Sawyer, is on the board of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA). (CYBA and the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association are the primary trade organizations for reputable charter brokers. Membership requires a strict code of ethics, among other things.)
Pacific Yellowfin has an interesting history. Featuring all-wood construction, she launched from Billings Shipyard in Maine in 1943. She wasn’t a yacht, however. In fact, she was a cargo vessel for the U.S. Army. Her years of service reportedly included participating in the Bay of Pigs invasion and as a hydrographic and deep-sea fisheries-research vessel in California.
Her current owners purchased her in 2000, originally for their own use. They refitted her extensively for superyacht service and to comply accordingly with Canadian regulations. They added charter operation a few years ago, too. The yacht Pacific Yellowfin accommodates 12 guests in four staterooms. Notably, the master (above) features private access to the outside deck. Interestingly, she still runs under the power of her original Atlas engines.
According to Sawyer, Pacific Yellowfin is offering a few different packages for eight adults. For the entire Olympic Games, from February 11 to March 1, the rate is $110,000 plus five percent GST (Canadian Goods and Services Tax). For nine nights, either February 11 to 20 or February 20 to March 1, the rate is $65,000 plus GST. If nine to 12 adults are in your party, or if there are children, rates vary, so inquire with Sawyer. Regardless, if you’ll remain dockside, some of the crew staterooms can accommodate your party.
Also regardless of the package, chartering the yacht Pacific Yellowfin includes dockage, three crewmembers, breakfast, and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages. Bar and cruising (which requires more crew and fuel) are additional charges.
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