Among the handful of fractional-ownership programs offered worldwide, YachtPlus stands out for the brazenly futuristic styling of its planned fleet. The existing fleet just doubled, as the second yacht, Ocean Pearl, launched earlier this week in Italy.
Built by Rodriquez and designed by Foster + Partners, Ocean Pearl bears the same radical styling, metallic paint job, and 41-meter (134-foot) LOA as the first fleet member, Ocean Emerald. She also emphasizes a good deal of deck space, more than that of most other yachts in her size range. Floor-to-ceiling windows help to bring the outside in, where teak soles preserve the casual, beachy feel. This being a yacht designed by Sir Norman Foster, however, there are design elements you would not expect to see, particularly the curvature of the walls in the staterooms. Those curves follow the hull lines, reminding all who cruise aboard that they are on a decidedly different craft.
The all-aluminum Ocean Pearl just hit the water, so sea trials are being conducted as you read this. Because she is built and engineered the same way as Ocean Emerald, she is expected to achieve a 17½-knot top speed and a 16-knot cruise, the latter of which allows for a 700-nautical-mile range. (A pair of Caterpillar C32s power her.) That range should translate to plentiful port visits this summer in the Med and the winter in the Caribbean. Those are the same regions that Ocean Emerald cruised over the past year, which was her inaugural offering. YachtPlus says the owners who bought into the program were quite pleased overall with the yacht and the level of service.
Ocean Pearl and Ocean Emerald will be joined by the third yacht in the fleet, Ocean Sapphire, in a few more weeks. The fourth, still without a name, launches next year. Once that occurs, owners who buy into the fractional program can cruise aboard any of superyachts.
YachtPlus initially only intended these four vessels to be part of the fractional scheme. However, based on client feedback and its ongoing assessment of both the general megayacht market as well as fractional ownership plans, it may add more yachts – and more types of yachts, at that – within the next few years. No word on whether the yachts will be built and designed by the same teams, or even if brokerage yachts will be involved in the program.
In the meantime, though, here’s how the fractional program works. YachtPlus offers a one-eighth share in one yacht for €1,875,000 (about $2,577,000), allowing for 30 nights aboard per year for eight years. A half share (1/16th) is also available, for €975,000 (about $1,340,000). Annual management fees – €200,000 ($275,000) for a full share and €100,000 ($138,000) for a half share – cover things like maintenance, crew salaries, fuel, and port charges. Either way, owners receive 24-hour concierge service for bookings, transportation, onshore trips, hotel reservations, and related items.
For a better look at Ocean Pearl, enjoy this slideshow.
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