Translated from the Maori language, Akiko means “at a distance from home.” The owners of the 112-foot (34-meter) explorer yacht bearing that name want her to be your home afar from home, too. They’re offering her for charter in Australia for the rest of the year, followed by other South Pacific regions.
Akiko wrapped up a refit a few months ago in New Zealand, the same country where she initially launched. Alloy Yachts built her as VvS1 in 2007. McMullen & Wing started an extensive refit in July of last year, relaunching her as Akiko just prior to Christmas.
Starting in May, and through August, you can explore the Kimberley region of Western Australia aboard. More than 2,600 islands comprise the area, with most unnamed and untouched. Abundant reefs make the waters ripe for snorkeling and diving. Those activities are all the easier due to Akiko carrying gear sets of each for 10 guests. If you’re new to diving, it’s no problem, thankfully. Capt. Ben Gillard is a dive instructor, and other crewmembers are dive masters. Another nice fact: Gillard is an Australian native.
With the Coral Coast, Perth, and Montebello Islands, among other Australian regions, on her itinerary for the rest of the year, Akiko is among just a few megayachts chartering Down Under. Her size lets her poke into small bays, and her explorer engineering makes her ideal for venturing to coral atolls. Alternately, you can set off for a day’s fishing, including spearfishing. (Here, too, the crew can lend assistance, just as they can for traditional rod and reel pursuits. Extensive gear for both types of fishing is onboard.)
Just as you would expect of a charter yacht, Akiko carries plenty of watertoys, too. Ask the crew to take you out in the Naiad RIB. While in the Kimberley area, she has a Barra fishing boat aboard, too. Regardless of region, Akiko offers stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, kayaks, and three-person PWCs upon which to play all day.
When it’s time to relax, Akiko still makes you feel connected to the South Pacific through her decor. Colorful paintings and sculptures, plus additional cultural artwork adorn all the rooms.
Akiko is in the central agency of Ocean Alliance. Her year-round weekly rate is US$115,000. That extends through to next year, when she’ll charter in Southeast Asia and Fiji.
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