cruise on a yacht

Yacht cruise destinations

Relax on an award-winning luxury yacht as you sail the world’s oceans.

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Discover our yacht cruise destinations

Emerald Azzurra, Calvi, Corsica

Gustavia Harbor, St. Barts

Guadalope, Caribbean

Discover the oceans we sail

Mediterranean & adriatic sea.

Featured Itineraries

Loyalty Members Cruise with Ken Muskat - Grenadines & Windwards Yachting

Island hop through the Caribbean by luxury yacht

Grenadines & Windwards yachting

Eastern Caribbean with St. Barths

• Luxury Yacht Cruises
• Yacht Cruising Guide

Your guide to luxury yacht cruising

Your Guide  to yacht cruising

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MSC YACHT CLUB

Step into the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive private sanctuary onboard only accessible by key card. Here, you can discover elegance with luxury suites offering a 24/7 butler service. Enjoy curated menus in a private restaurant and unwind on the secluded pool deck. An elevated experience awaits you on a vacation that’s a step above.

WELCOME TO A WORLD OF LUXURY

Experience unparalleled service from the moment you check in. Gain access to priority embarkation and disembarkation, your own concierge team, a dedicated butler available 24/7, and premier room service delivered to you at any hour.

Enjoy access to areas that are exclusive for MSC Yacht Club guests during your cruise vacation. Delight in fine dining at our dedicated restaurant, unwind on a private sun deck, and admire captivating sunsets from the Top Sail Lounge.

When you choose MSC Yacht Club, you unlock unique exclusives, all-inclusive packages, and VIP access available only to you including entry to Ocean House Beach on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private island in the Bahamas.

Allow us to indulge you

Step into a world where your suite is just the beginning and where every detail is meticulously attended to.

AT YOUR SERVICE

Our butlers are prepared to meet your needs, whether that be bringing a late-night treat-or turning down your room. From the minute you step on board, your dedicated butler will be by your side for a memorable experience.

Ask your MSC Yacht Club concierge to secure the best reservations at all our incredible venues, including specialty restaurants, and consider it done. Revel in VIP seating for entertainment, partake in private shopping trips, and enjoy curated excursions.

Your journey with us is tailored to perfection, guaranteeing every moment is marked by exceptional comfort and convenience.

EXTRA TOUCHES

Allow our dedicated MSC Yacht Club team to bring your ultimate cruise vacation to life. We prioritize every detail, from the perfect pillow selection from our exclusive Dorelan® menu to a fully stocked personalized mini bar at your fingertips.

Any questions you may have can always be answered by our 24-hour concierge service, available to you from the moment you step on board.

EXCLUSIVITY AWAITS

Immerse yourself in elegant spaces and experience elevated design in a beautiful setting.

TOP SAIL LOUNGE  

The Top Sail Lounge is the ultimate place to rest and relax after shore excursions or days at sea. Throughout the day, take in crystal-clear panoramic views of the ocean while enjoying crafted drinks, gourmet finger foods, and desserts. At night, relish in exclusive access to live music and after-dinner drinks.   

When you visit the Top Sail Lounge, you'll have the time to unwind and watch the world sail by.

PRIVATE SOLARIUM

Recharge on a sundeck featuring dipping pools and whirlpool baths where you can cool off and lounge for total relaxation. Take in the sun and the ocean breeze with your preferred poolside beverage delivered right to your chair.

YACHT CLUB RESTAURANT 

With a dedicated restaurant on each ship, the MSC Yacht Club offers an elevated menu. Enjoy fine dining served with five-star service and a selection of beverages and wines from around the world.  

You can savor the finest flavors in a space meant for you—no reservations needed.

MSC YACHT CLUB’S OCEAN HOUSE

The MSC Yacht Club experience continues on land at the private Ocean House Beach on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. A serene space with ocean views, beachfront cabanas, and complimentary amenities.

COMFORT AWAITS

MSC Yacht Club offers guests luxurious onboard accommodations for the ultimate in comfort. Explore our wide range of staterooms to enhance your MSC Cruises luxury experience.

The Owner's Suites feature a spacious living area, a walk-in closet, a large balcony with a private whirlpool, and a panoramic glass wall. 

Every Royal Suite has a separate living area and all the comforts you would expect in first-class accommodations. 

These two-deck suites offer a separate living space with a double sofa bed, walk-in closet, and a balcony with a private whirlpool. 

These suites are ideal for families with children. They come with a separate sitting area and a bathroom with a bathtub.

These suites have also their own private balcony and all the comforts you expect in first-class accommodations. 

Guests on our newest ships can enjoy all the comforts of the MSC Yacht Club with an interior suite.

ALL-INCLUSIVE, ALL THE TIME

PREMIUM BEVERAGE PACKAGE

Our Premium Extra Package is included as an MSC Yacht Club benefit. Delight in a wide selection of beers, cocktails, wines, top-shelf liquor, and an array of non-alcoholic beverages.

HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

Stay connected with a premium internet package from anywhere on board, an exclusive benefit for guests. Unlimited Wi-Fi allows you to browse on up to two devices.

THERMAL SPA ACCESS

Experience ultimate pampering at the MSC Aurea Spa, where you can enjoy complimentary access to the serene Thermal Suite, enhanced further by an exclusive 10% discount on all treatments.

explore further

Discover the best of both worlds as a guest of MSC Yacht Club. Enjoy VIP access to amenities throughout

your journey, from dining to captivating entertainment, while experiencing the personalized touch that

extends from your suite to every corner of the ship.

SIGNATURE DINING

Savor the flavors of exquisite specialty restaurants such as Butcher's Cut, Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki, HOLA Tacos, and Ocean Cay.

Elevate your dining experience with exclusive perks like priority reservation times, premium seating, and the luxury of a personal butler escort if you choose.

TOP-TIER ENTERTAINMENT

As an MSC Yacht Club guest, there’s always more to discover. Get priority access to our show-stopping Broadway and Vegas-style shows brought to you by Carousel Productions at Sea.

Plus, you can always explore the myriad of entertainment areas on board, from thrilling water parks to trying your luck at the state-of-the-art MSC Casino.

PREMIUM WELLNESS

Unleash your active side by checking out our sports facilities, including outdoor walking tracks, basketball courts, and a fully-equipped gym boasting Technogym® equipment.  

For those seeking an even more tailored experience, indulge in specialty classes and personal training sessions, reserved by your MSC Yacht Club concierge team.

discover more

Journey to the ultimate destinations on board the MSC Yacht Club, whether it’s crossing places off your bucket list or delighting in quick weekend getaways.

CARIBBEAN CRUISES

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

NORTHERN EUROPE CRUISES

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MSC Cruises

MEET US IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Whether the sophistication of Cannes is calling or you crave the seclusion of a secret cove in Malta, our new Rivieras and Adriatic voyages unveil jewels of the Mediterranean.

Featured Voyages

Greek Isles featuring Santorini and Yalikavak

Available dates.

Greek Isles featuring Mykonos & Hydra

Lesser Antilles featuring Curaçao & Martinique

Explore Our World-class Suites

Designed by style visionary Prosper Assouline, each of the suites aboard our yacht features decor inspired by the sea and sky. The largest of their kind within the yachting class, these residential accommodations will make you feel at home with spa-like bathrooms, experience-enhancing amenities, spacious private terrace decks, and panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Exceptional Design

Inspired by the bygone era of yachting, our spectacular, all-suite yacht will debut several industry firsts. Like a cutting-edge transverse marina perfect for leisure, lounging, and late-night revelry. Expansive suites that can be connected both vertically and horizontally. And every comfort you could dream of, meticulously curated to elevate every aspect of your voyage.

Discover a World of Difference

Embark on a journey of unmatched luxury, where every yacht moment is elevated, and your every need is anticipated. Explore the world’s wonders by yacht, visit iconic isles, and discover remote locales. Combining legendary service and marvels of innovation, this is Four Seasons Yachts.

The Regions

Exploration meets exclusivity.

Explore our yachting destinations as you embark on a journey of discovery. Gain entry to harbours, uncover secluded coves, immerse yourself in tightly knit coastal communities, and unearth the essence of some of the world’s most iconic isles and off-the-beaten-path gems.

Welcome to the Adriatic Sea, a maritime sanctuary where history, culture, and natural beauty sail in harmony. Here, the enduring legacy of Venetian grandeur, the enchanting Croatian coasts, and the captivating allure of Montenegro’s landscapes intertwine to deliver unforgettable memories. From the storied cloisters of Dubrovnik’s Old Town to the secluded coves of the Dalmatian Islands, each destination beckons with a bespoke journey of discovery.

Embark on a voyage along the Rivieras, where the French appeal, Italian charm, and Spanish vibrancy come together against a backdrop of stunning beaches and awe-inspiring mountains. Step into a world of ancient heritage, gastronomic delights, and refined luxury, with summer days soaked in dolce far niente and evenings sparkling with Mediterranean glamour.

Grand Atlantic

Traverse the Atlantic in a voyage of cultural contrasts and experiential dichotomies. From Medieval architecture and volcanic landscapes in the Canaries to tiki huts and waterfall-laced rainforests in the Lesser Antilles—with leisurely sea days in between—this journey combines the best of all worlds.

Grand Mediterranean

Embark on a luxurious Mediterranean odyssey where each port of call promises a beguiling blend of rich history, stunning views, and cultural wonders. From the cerulean waters of the Atlantic to the enchanting shores and charming towns of the Adriatic, discover the allure of coastal gems steeped in tradition and beauty.

Lesser Antilles

Secluded beaches and pastel ports await in the Caribbean, where culture-rich capitals, hidden coves, and dense archipelagos provide the ultimate yachting playground. With its year-round sunshine and blue skies, calm waters, and abundance of lagoon-like marinas, the Caribbean is a tropical dream come true.

Greek Isles

Yachting the Greek Islands is a foolproof way to upend the typical rules of leisure. While Mykonos and Santorini may be the marquee names, an archipelago of lesser-known isles awaits, offering a quieter, equally captivating slice of Hellenic bliss defined by unhurried taverna feasts, and azure bays where solitude is the sweetest luxury. Here, you'll find the concept of philoxenia—the art of Greek hospitality—lingering in the soul long after departure.

Our Stories

Featured stories to inspire your journey.

Within the pages of these stories, the genuine passion of our yachting endeavor comes to life, unveiling the meticulous consideration woven into every aspect, from design and itineraries to the overall experiences and beyond. Whether you are in the reflective stage, have confirmed your sailing, or are on the verge of embarking on your journey, these narratives beckon.

From Dubrovnik to Valletta, A Soulful Mediterranean Journey

Venture Beyond The Beach To Find Greece's Best-Kept Secrets

Curating the Quintessential Rivieras Circuit

The Loft Suite: A Tranquil Haven on Four Seasons Yachts

Unparalleled Luxury: The Signature Suites Experience on Four Seasons Yachts

All suite configurations, floor plans, and features depicted in these artistic renderings are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

• Inspiration

Yacht Charter Locations

Mediterranean Yacht Charter

GRANDE AMORE | From EUR€ 136,000/wk Special

Nautor Swan launches flagship 23m motor ...

Charterworld - the luxury yacht charter specialist, charterworld is a private yacht specialist with access the entire world's yacht fleet, at the best price, so get in touch..

Find out more about the CharterWorld company here or read recent client recommendations . We have every crewed luxury superyacht charter in the world, from large motor yachts to sailing yachts and crewed catamaran. For best value private yacht vacations start your holiday of a lifetime here with the company you can trust.

Summer Hot Spots 2024:

The mediterranean ...         south of france    |   italy     |   sardinia    |   spain   |   croatia   |   greece, mykonos | greece, st tropez | france, amalfi coast | italy, dubrovnik | croatia, browse yachts by type, browse all charter yachts, motor yachts, sailing yachts, on sale: yacht specials, mediterranean specials, popular yachts, new latest yachts, feature yachts, mar | from eur€ 1,800,000/wk.

TATIANA | From EUR€ 775,000/wk

MALTESE FALCON | From EUR€ 490,000/wk

Where To Charter A Yacht?

Matching the right location for you is paramount. There are immensely interesting and diverse places all over the world to charter a crewed superyacht, but the most popular spots are:

A Mediterranean yacht charter which makes for the ultimate vacation with it’s fine culture, finer boats and beautiful azure waterways. The Med’ is an extremely varied location with many beautiful countries to visit, such as France, Italy, Sardinia, Monaco, Greece, Croatia and more.

Caribbean yacht charters are all about exotic natural islands, beautiful tropical beaches and of course luxury charter yachts. St Barts, St Martin, The Virgin Islands and Antigua draw some superb mega yachts to the Caribbean for your vacation. You can see the full list of destinations here .

We offer all the mega yachts and superyacht charters worldwide , as well as in the Mediterranean including Italy , France , Greece , Spain, Croatia , & Turkey.  Additionally, we have great discounted luxury yachts , sailing and motor yachts in the Caribbean , including the Bahamas , British & US Virgin Islands, St Lucia, St Barts, Grenadines, Antigua, as well as the Pacific Northwest, the South Pacific , Asia and Australia & New Zealand and elsewhere.

Currently Popular Itineraries

CROATIA & MONTENEGRO - 14 Days

SPAIN & BALEARICS - 7 Day Itinerary

SARDINIA & CORSICA - 7 Day Itinerary

IONIAN ISLANDS & CORFU - 8 Days

All the luxury sailing and motor yacht charter boats worldwide:.

Go here to discover all the worldwide charter locations...  including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, North and South America, Pacific Northwest.

Apart from The Mediterranean & Caribbean their are many other hot spots - go here for the full list.

WHISPER | From EUR€ 1,200,000/wk

95 meter CUSTOM | From EUR€ 1,200,000/wk

Luxury Yacht Builders and Designers

The world has a fantastic array of very interesting luxury yacht builders and superyacht designers . At CharterWorld we have the definitive information on the ever evolving yacht builders and designers, as well as the latest superyacht news relating to the latest new yacht designs and new build yacht launches.

Luxury Yachts: Luxury crewed superyacht charters, both power motor and sailing boats, in all the areas of the world from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Asia to the South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand to the Indian Ocean.

Sailing charters & vacations: CharterWorld provides full charter yacht rental sailing vacations & holidays including flights, accommodation and sightseeing. Sailing charters and sail boats from luxury catamarans to crewed boats, classic yachts as well as new ones.

Power/Motor boats: Luxury power & motor boat charter yachts are available either as crewed yachts, classic or new. They include performance open style motor yachts, right through to expedition (explorer) yachts.

For your reference, CharterWorld provides a  charter and superyacht news section as well as a  superyacht directory for easy access to the complete world of interesting yachts , not just luxury charter yachts. This comprehensive list is organised by the yachts naval architect designer , by year and by the country the builder launched them in.

Why CharterWorld? - The complete list of charter boats worldwide, at the most competitive prices. - Free, independent and professional advice. - Access to the latest specials and discounts in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. - CharterWorld saves time and money on any luxury yacht vacation.

New to Yachting or Superyacht Charter Vacations? If you haven’t enjoyed the advantages of this type of luxury holiday, then this section has plenty of articles about how it all works and what to expect. Of course you can also just contact us and an experienced broker will personally guide you through and explain everything. Additionally, the yachting news section keeps you abreast of developments in the industry.

Latest Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

55m superyacht YN20555 is launched by ...

Van der Valk Shipyard announce 35m ...

Abeking & Rasmussen’s 41-meter ...

Latest yachts added to the database, bolubo ii | from eur€ 18,585/wk.

DATE NIGHT | From US$ 75,000/wk

ROBIN'S NEST II | From US$ 60,000/wk

CRAZY LOVE | From US$ 80,000/wk

SUMMER FIREWORKS SERIES

Celebration Cruises and our 2024 Summer Fireworks Series is an amazing time to sit back, enjoy a nice, relaxing cruise and end your evening with an incredible fireworks show.

Our Fireworks Cruises are highly sought after and are sure to sell out. Be sure to make your reservations now! This cruise departs from our Bagnell Dam location in Lake Ozark.

There is a full service bar on board where you may purchase drinks.

Board 8:00 PM Depart 8:30 PM Return 9:30 PM after the fireworks **Please arrive early for boarding**

$45.00 Per Adult $30.00 Per Child ages 3-10 years Children 2 years and younger are complimentary

NOON NARRATED CRUISE

Noon Narrated Cruise with Optional Lunch. This cruise departs from Bagnell Dam in Lake Ozark, Missouri. You’ll enjoy a 1.5 hour cruise on the lake. While enjoying the view of the Lake of The Ozarks, there will be narration of the lake and history.

Board 12:00 Noon Depart 12:30 PM Return 2:00 PM

$40.00 per adult – cruise only $20.00 per child, ages 3-10 years – cruise only Two years and younger are complimentary – cruise only

Lunch Choices: BBQ Pulled Pork Lunch Parmesan Encrusted Chicken Chicken Tender Meal

Adult – $58.00 Child – $38.00 (3 – 10 Years)

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Classic Italian Lasagna Vegetarian Lasagna Teriyaki Salmon Crab Cake Lunch

Cruise and lunch – adult $62.00 Cruise and lunch – child  $42.00

Lunch is optional and must be booked at time of reservation. No outside food or beverages are permitted to be brought on board the boat.

No strollers or coolers are permitted. We will safely store your stroller for you, during the cruise. This is a non – refundable cruise. No refunds will be given.

EVENING SUNSET CRUISE

Evening Sunset Cruise with Optional Dinner. This cruise departs from Bagnell Dam in Lake Ozark, Missouri. You’ll enjoy a 1.45 hour cruise on the lake.

$40.00 per adult – cruise only $20.00 per child, ages 3-10 years – cruise only Two years and younger are complimentary – cruise only

Dinner Choices:

Pulled Pork with Ribs Parmesan Encrusted Chicken Vegetarian Lasagna Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Chicken Tender Meal Classic Lasagna

Cruise and dinner for meals listed above:

Adult – $63.00 Child – $43.00 (3 – 10 Years)

Crab Cake Dinner:

Cruise and dinner for adult – $72.00

Dinner  is optional and must be booked at time of reservation. No outside food or beverages are permitted to be brought on board the boat.

No strollers or coolers are permitted. We will safely store your stroller for you, during your cruise.

This is a non – refundable cruise. No refunds will be given.

LAKE HOPPER WATER SHUTTLE/BAR EXCURSION

The highly sought after BAR EXCURSION is back for 2024!!  Join Celebration Cruises on our Lake Hopper Water Shuttle, as we head out for a six hour, lake front Bar Excursion.  You will be making stops at the Shady Gators and Coconuts! The drinks will be cold as you enjoy lake front, swim up bars.  Boarding will be from our dock, located at the Bagnell Dam in Lake Ozark, Missouri Drinks will be available for purchase on board the boat. Lake Hopper Water Shuttle is fully equipped with a bathroom.

Board 10:30 AM Depart 11:00 AM Return 5:00 PM Please arrive early for this 6 hour excursion.

No outside food or beverages are permitted on the boat. No coolers are permitted on the boat.

$60.00 per guest

This is a non – refundable excursion, No refunds will be given. Should we not have enough passengers for this excursion to take place, we will call all reserved passengers and a full refund will be given.

Hopper Bar Excursion

Lake Front Restaurant and Bar Excursion

Celebration Yachts

Port: Near Bagnell Dam 1009 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Lake Ozark, MO 65049 Cruise the Lake Along Historic Bagnell Dam and the “Lake Ozark Strip.”

Join Celebration Cruises at the Bagnell Dam. You’ll experience a unique, and enjoyable cruise while viewing the beautiful homes and scenery, on Lake of the Ozarks. You will enjoy a yachting experience and atmosphere with unsurpassed service from the professional crew.

Celebration Cruises offers a 4 season, climate controlled interior cabin for your cruising comfort. We cruise daily, rain or shine; the weather does not prevent you from having a fantastic cruise experience. With easy access parking at a convenient location in the heart of Lake Ozark by the Bagnell Dam.

We offer an exceptional venue for all your events; from social to corporate functions. Celebration Cruises provides the environment and crew that will surely set your event apart from others. Making it an occasion that will be remembered.

Celebration Cruises is ADA accessible.

What Our Customers Are Saying

The Johnsons approve of this cruise tour We came from Omaha Nebraska and it was well worth it! Don J Nebraska

Jessica the bartender was absolutely awesome! We sat in the bar area and were well informed by the captain in his narration, but also informed by Jessica. We loved the cruise and wished it was a four hour cruise. Tami G Missouri

Wonderful experience!!! We LOVE LOVE LOVE the Celebration cruise staff - EXCELLENT service and food just an overall Lisa C. Lake Ozark, Missouri

The dinner was really good We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Carrie L Iowa

Good pricing Well organized, good service, and very pleasant staff. The cruise was enjoyable and relaxing. Good pricing. I would recommend it to others. Daniel B. Mississippi

Another fantastic meal and cruise Love this trip and thank you to the crew especially Nat who makes the cruise so special. This was our 2nd time and we tried the evening dinner cruise. we had out-of-town guests and we love it. The food is good, the atmosphere is relaxed and your staff is so efficient and polite. Tresa C

Perfect evening! Had an amazing night with great food and fantastic service from everyone that works there. Jessica W. Iowa

Will go again and highly recommend it! Very friendly owners and employees! Also knowledgeable about the lake! Terri S. Rhode Island

We definitely enjoyed it!! My husband and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary with a candlelight dinner. The food was great and the staff was amazing! Everyone was so friendly. The tour itself was so beautiful. Denise G. Ohio

Lobster tail was incredible My wife had the surf n turf. Lobster tail was incredible. Decks were nice and relaxing to watch the sunset after dinner. Don A. Missouri

Thank you for an amazing time. This was our second year doing this cruise. The crew treats you amazing too. Charlie P Brooklyn, NY

The entire experience was great! From getting tickets online, getting to the launch, and coming on board. The crew was amazing. Maggie Salt Lake City

The boat ride and the staff were wonderful! The boat ride and the staff were wonderful! We took the cruise as part of our anniversary weekend. Kristina W. Illinois

The food was delicious! We had an amazing time and will definitely be back. The crew went above and beyond with their customer service. Meet some amazing people. The crew was very interactive. I would recommend this cruise to anyone coming to the area. Melissa P. Iowa

Great Staff and Pretty Christmas Music "We took the Deck the Dock cruise...the best! It was so beautiful from the decorated boat to the beautiful homes all decorated for Christmas. We had great appetizers too, and a well stocked bar!! Great staff and pretty Christmas music...really felt like Christmas all the way! Thank You!" Barbara Bruer

Great Time! "We had a great time on the Deck the Dock cruise. We know it is a charity for the shelter and we just love being on the water and let someone else do the driving." Judy Patterson

Very Nice Cruise "Very nice cruise and lunch. Enjoyed a beautiful day. Everyone was very friendly and helpful." Carol Blocksridge

It Was Amazing! "It was amazing! So happy that my wife and I was able to go aboard and spend our last day at the lake. Was a great experience will do again! Thanks you!" Bryant Williamson

Gorgeous Scenery It was a delightful trip full of gorgeous scenery, courteous and friendly staff, and lovely accommodations. From the receptionist on the phone to the captain to the other crew members we felt welcome and appreciated. Charles Frazier

Wonderful Evening! Wonderful Evening! The crew was so nice and friendly and I have nothing but good remarks to say. We had such a great time we weren't ready to get off the boat! Definitely something we will do again in the future! Cheri Gibson

Thank you for a very pleasant evening cruise! We did not know what to expect when we booked this cruise. When we arrived We were greeted by some very nice people. The ship was very clean and the crew was fantastic. We were on the dinner cruise and had dinner aboard. It was delicious. Kirk Koppenhaver

A Wonderful Night of Celebration! This was a birthday present for my husband as we had talked about a cruise several times. From the first steps on board the staff were extremely outgoing and friendly. They have an intimate bar with full service before the cruise. Ours was a happy hour cruise and the food couldn't have been better. It was a lovely night and the views from the vessel were fun. It was very relaxing and we would highly recommend this venue to anyone. Thanks for a wonderful night Celebration. Lynn Warner

A Relaxing Experience! My family and I took a cruise on Celebration II yesterday. It was a great and relaxing experience. The staff was very pleasant and accommodating - especially Nancy.  Capt. Bob steered us from Bagnell Dam to Horseshoe Bend and back, giving anecdotes and history lessons along the way.  I'll definitely be back. Court Hinton

Perfect Cruise! Perfect cruise for our class reunion. (Wish it had been 3-4 hours to visit longer). Food was good especially the chocolate chip brownie. The crew was friendly and accommodating. Thank you from Osage class of '76. Cheryl Wisdom

Enjoyed it very much! Thank you for getting us something to eat as I thought we had purchased a meal, but didn't. Very courteous staff and enjoyed comments while on the lake. Just enough narration to make it informative. My wife thanks you for the golf cart ride up the hill after the cruise. Nice boat! Very clean and in good condition! Thank You! Tom Corporon

FANTASTIC EVENING Had a fantastic evening, enjoyed a great ride, met new friends. Had fun listening to the music and people watching. If you're there for a good time, you'll have fun. The crew bent over backwards to make sure it was a good time for all. Thanks again! Daryl Ball

Great Cruise Experience! We had a great cruise experience. Captain Steve and his personality made the cruise the greatest. Hear that Captain Steve, you didn't even have to bribe us! The Gallaghers

BEST SERVICE EVER! I have been on several dinner cruises in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, FL, and none of them compared to the outstanding service we received. I will definitely be back! Food was awesome, the servers were great, the manager was great!! I mean they genuinely cared...BEST SERVICE EVER! Thanks Rico & Wife Rico LaGuerre

We had the best experience ever! My husband and I just got off, and we had the best experience ever! They were professional, so polite and absolutely wonderful! Everyone on the staff team took their time to ask us how everything was and took time to make our experience the best they could! Our captain was funny and made it great, and Shona, Nat, and I think Dustin were fantastic! Shona really took her time to go above and beyond for us! I will go again and again!!! Starlie Lea-Ann Lehigh

Your journey starts here.

A HANDCRAFTED AMERICAN LEGACY

With a rich history and unrivaled passion, Cruisers Yachts creates American-made boats for the world.

The Cantius Series

The GLS Series

The FLY Series

Elevating to Further Horizons. Cruisers Yachts, a premier American manufacturer of luxury yachts, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of their all-new groundbreaking FLY series. 

Find a Cruisers Yachts Dealer

American Luxury Meets Innovation

WHY CRUISERS YACHTS?

OUR CORE BELIEFS

No other boatbuilder in the world can match the level of innovation, seaworthiness, and luxury seen on a Cruisers yacht. Our lineup, which includes models from 34 to 60 feet, has everything a boater could wish for, be it the unmatched comfort and seaworthiness of the Cantius Series or the sizzle and excitement of our GLS Series. Cruisers Yachts does it all.

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

FACTORY TOUR

About Cruisers Yachts

No other boatbuilder in the world can claim the pedigree, passion, and innovation that is found at Cruisers Yachts. We draw from over 70 years of experience to create high-quality, American-made boats that push boundaries when it comes to both substance and style.

Regardless of what you want out of your boat, Cruisers Yachts has you covered. With over 600,000 square feet of facilities, plus our own test tank, Cruisers Yachts guarantees products manufactured with unmatched expertise and attention to detail. We have the capacity to build boats up to 73-feet length overall, and in nearly any style. Whether you desire the comfort and luxury of our much-loved Cantius line, or the performance and flair of our groundbreaking GLS models, Cruisers Yachts has everything you could want. We welcome you to have a look around, and get to know more about our boats, and our people.

Yacht Crew Job Board

With Bluewater's expertise in crew training and yacht crew recruitment, finding your ideal yacht crew vacancy is simple. We offer yacht management services to a variety of exclusive superyachts. Our team excels in sourcing top-notch yacht crew positions, spanning from 25-meter private yachts in the Bahamas to 50-metre charter yachts in the Mediterranean to luxurious 100+ metre superyachts navigating the globe extensively.

47 yacht crew jobs available now.

Yacht Crew Training

Alongside sourcing the latest yacht crew jobs worldwide, Bluewater offers a range of specialised yacht crew training courses. Whether you're new to the superyacht industry seeking entry-level qualifications, an experienced deckhand or engineer aiming to advance your career, or a dedicated crew member looking to enhance your resume with certifications like HELM (Human Element Leadership and Management), Yachtmaster, or OOW (Officer of the Watch), explore our comprehensive yacht crew training options.

Working on a Luxury Yacht

Working as a crew member on a superyacht is undeniably one of the most rewarding yet demanding professions, calling for hard work, dedication, and professional training. The opportunities within the yachting industry are vast, and at Bluewater, we are committed to helping every crew member discover their ideal yacht crew position. Our recruitment division focuses on finding the perfect yacht for crew members and provides unparalleled professional support. Our recruitment experts guide crew members through every step of their yachting career journey, ensuring they receive the best possible assistance.

Manage Your Yacht Career

Whether you're seeking a yacht crew position as a deckhand, engineer, onboard masseuse, stewardess, chef, chief stewardess, purser, first officer, or captain, take control of your yacht career. Create a profile and join one of the world's largest yachting communities for free.

47 JOBS FOUND

• Permanent 4:2
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, FHL2
• Experience: -
• Salary: €4500
• Qualifications: Minimum MEOL (MCA) or III/1 STCW
• Experience: 2+ year’s experience
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14 Great Pocket Cruisers in 2023

• By Victor Tan
• Updated: July 20, 2023

Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.

Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet

The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hood 35 LM: high-tech, family-friendly pocket cruiser
• Galeon Yachts 375 GTO: mid-size boat with plenty of below-deck space
• Aquila 42: sleek power catamaran ready to entertain
• Azimut Verve 42 : small, yet mighty yacht ready for open water
• Hinckley Yachts 35: luxury picnic cruiser with range
• Beneteau Gran Turismo 45: sleek cruising yacht with all the amenities
• Solaris Power 48 Open: eye-catching power yacht with 360-degree views
• Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS: luxury cruiser yacht with powerful outboard options
• Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
• Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
• Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
• Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
• MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
• Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power

When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.

This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.

Quick Specifications

Galeon Yachts 375 GTO

Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.

The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.

The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.

Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran

Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .

The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .

Azimut Verve 42

Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.

With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.

Hinckley Yachts 35

The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.

This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.

It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.

The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.

Solaris Power 48 Open

The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.

The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.

Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS

Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.

For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.

Back Cove 34O

Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.

Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.

Picnic Boat 40

Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.

Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.

There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.

Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.

The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.

Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.

Boston Whaler 350 Realm

From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.

At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.

There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.

The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.

The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.

Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.

Greenline 39

Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.

If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.

Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.

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Video shows moments before superyacht went down in storm off Sicily

Newly released video captures a luxury superyacht being battered by a violent storm before it suddenly sank off Sicily with 22 people aboard Monday.

The grainy images obtained by NBC News and other outlets were recorded on closed-circuit television not far from where the Bayesian was anchored, about a half-mile from the port of Porticello, on Sicily’s northern coast .

The yacht's 250-foot mast, illuminated with lights and lashed by the storm, appears to bend to one side before it finally disappears and is replaced by darkness.

The speed with which a yacht built to handle the roughest seas capsized stunned maritime experts.  

“I can’t remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that, you know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size,” said Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and five of the 22 other people who were aboard the 184-foot vessel remain unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped in the Bayesian’s hull, nearly 170 feet underwater.

Officials confirmed Monday that at least one person, the ship’s cook, had died.  

Superyachts like the Bayesian, which had been available for charters at a rate of $215,000 a week, are designed to stay afloat even as they are taking on water to give the people aboard a chance to escape, Richter said. 

“Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday,” Richter said. “They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed.”

Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters. 

On Tuesday, Italian rescue workers resumed the search for Lynch and the five other passengers still missing: Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife.

“The fear is that the bodies got trapped inside the vessel,” Salvatore Cocina, the head of civil protection in Sicily, told Reuters .

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was one of the 15 people rescued Monday after it capsized.

“It’s extremely rare for a boat of this size to sink,” Richter said.

What’s not rare is the kind of storm that sank it , said Simon Boxall, senior lecturer in oceanography at Britain’s University of Southampton.

“People assume the Mediterranean is this rather calm and passive place that never gets storms and always blue skies,” Boxall said. “In fact, you get some quite horrendous storms that are not uncommon at this time of year.”

The president of Italy’s meteorological society has said Monday’s violent storm may have involved a waterspout, essentially a tornado over water, or a downburst, which occurs more frequently but doesn’t involve the rotation of the air.

Luca Mercalli, president of the Italian Meteorology Society, also said recent temperatures may have been a factor. 

“The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius [86 Fahrenheit], which is almost 3 degrees more than normal,” Mercalli told Reuters. “This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms.”

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who two months ago was acquitted by a San Francisco jury of fraud charges stemming from the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion.

Prosecutors alleged that Lynch, dubbed “Britain’s Bill Gates,” and Autonomy’s vice president for finance, Stephen Chamberlain, had padded the firm’s finances ahead of the sale. Lynch’s lawyers argued that HP was so eager to acquire Autonomy that it failed to adequately check the books .

Lynch had taken Morvill, who was one of his defense attorneys, on the luxury trip. 

Chamberlain was not on the Bayesian.

In what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a car struck and killed Chamberlain on Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

“Steve fought successfully to clear his good name at trial earlier this year, and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family,” Chamberlain’s lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, said in a statement .

Henry Austin reported from London and Corky Siemaszko from New York City.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic

As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly.

• Share full article

By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced

Emma Bubola reported from Porticello, Italy, and Michael J. de la Merced from London.

Two months after being cleared in a bruising legal battle over fraud charges, the British tech mogul Mike Lynch celebrated his freedom with a cruise. He invited his family, friends and part of his legal team on board his luxury sailing yacht, a majestic 180-foot vessel named Bayesian after the mathematical theorem around which he had built his empire.

On Sunday night, after a tour of the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and volcanic islands in the Eolian archipelago, the boat anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy. It chose a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago for its protection from the mistral wind and, in more recent times, by the yachts of tech billionaires. The boat was lit “like a Christmas tree,” local residents said, standing out against the full moon.

But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.

Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.

In all, 22 people were on board, 15 of whom were rescued. Six bodies — five passengers and the ship’s cook — had been recovered by Thursday afternoon, including that of Mr. Lynch, an Italian government official said, adding that the search was continuing for his daughter.

It was a tragic and mystifying turn of events for Mr. Lynch, 59, who had spent years seeking to clear his name and was finally inaugurating a new chapter in his life. Experts wondered how a $40 million yacht, so robust and stable could have been sunk by a storm near a port within minutes.

“It drives me insane,” said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company, Perini, that made the Bayesian. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, 52, a former vice president of finance for Mr. Lynch’s former company and a co-defendant in the fraud case, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.

Since June, the two men had been in a jubilant mood. A jury in San Francisco had acquitted both on fraud charges that could have sent them to prison for two decades. There were hugs and tears, and they and their legal teams went for a celebratory dinner party at a restaurant in the city, said Gary S. Lincenberg, a lawyer for Mr. Chamberlain.

The sea excursion was meant as a thank-you by Mr. Lynch to those who had helped him in his legal travails. Among the guests was Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a scion of a prominent New York family of lawyers who had represented Mr. Lynch for 12 years. He and his wife, Neda, 57, were among the missing.

So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox.

The body of the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered. All the other crew members survived. Among them was Leo Eppel, 19, of South Africa, who was on his first yacht voyage working as a deck steward, said a friend, who asked not to be identified.

Since the sinking, the recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a movie.

Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.

On Wednesday afternoon, a church bell tolled after the first body bag was loaded into an ambulance, a crowd watching in silence.

The survivors were sheltering in a sprawling resort near Porticello, with a view of the shipwreck spot, and had so far declined to comment.

Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said that the yacht had most likely been hit by a fierce “down burst” — when air generated within a thunderstorm descends rapidly — or by a waterspout , similar to a tornado over water.

He added that his agency had put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about storms and strong winds. Locals said the winds “felt like an earthquake.”

Mr. Costantino, the boat executive, said the yacht had been specifically designed for having a tall mast — the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world. He said the Bayesian was an extremely safe and secure boat that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing.

But he said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, is to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

The New York Times attempted to reach the captain, James Cutfield, who had survived, for comment through social media, his brother and the management company of the yacht (which did not hire the crew), but did not make contact.

So far none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened that night.

Fabio Genco, the director of Palermo’s emergency services, who treated some of the survivors, said that the victims had recounted feeling as if the boat was being lifted, then suddenly dropped, with objects from the cabins falling on them.

The Italian Coast Guard said it had deployed a remotely operated vehicle that can prowl underwater for up to seven hours at a depth of more than 980 feet and record videos and images that they hoped would help them reconstruct the dynamics of the sinking. Such devices were used during the search and rescue operations of the Titan vessel that is believed to have imploded last summer near the wreckage of the Titanic.

After rescuers broke inside the yacht, they struggled to navigate the ropes and many pieces of furniture cluttering the vessel, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for Italy’s national firefighter corps.

Finally, as of Thursday morning, they had managed to retrieve all but one of the missing bodies, and hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin. “Can a human being be underwater for two days?” Mr. Cari asked.

What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s death was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name.

He earned a fortune in technology and was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates. But for more than a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.

He was accused by Hewlett-Packard, the American technological pioneer that had bought his software company, Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his company’s worth. (Hewlett-Packard wrote down the value of the transaction by about $8.8 billion, and critics called it one of the worst deals of all time .) He had been increasingly shunned by the British establishment that he sought to break into after growing up working-class outside London.

He was extradited to San Francisco to face criminal charges, and confined to house arrest and 24-hour surveillance on his dime. In a townhouse in the Pacific Heights neighborhood — with security people he jokingly told associates were his “roommates” — he spent his mornings talking with researchers whom he funded personally on new applications for artificial intelligence. Afterward, he devoted hours to discussing legal strategy with his team.

Despite his persistent claims of innocence, even those close to Mr. Lynch had believed his odds of victory were slim. Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted in 2018 of similar fraud charges and spent five years in prison.

During Mr. Lynch’s house arrest, his brother and mother died. His wife, Angela Bacares, frequently flew over from England, and she became a constant presence in the San Francisco courtroom during the trial.

After he was finally acquitted, Mr. Lynch had his eye on the future. “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said.

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Pallanza, Italy.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

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Experts puzzle over why Bayesian yacht sank. Was it a 'black swan event'?

The Bayesian set off on a leisurely cruise around Italy's southern coast on a sunny day in late July.

The luxurious super yacht − which boasted one of the largest masts in the world and carried a crew of business moguls, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his family and a chair of Morgan Stanley − set sail from the Amalfi Coast, bound for Sicily.

Less than a month later, the ship had sunk 160 feet under the water , leaving its cook dead and six of its passengers, including at least two Americans, missing and prompting a massive search that has drawn international attention.

Now, experts are trying to piece together why in the early hours Monday the Bayesian was quickly pulled under the waves amid a storm that saw at least one tornado spin up over the water.

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A perfect storm led to Bayesian sinking, experts say

The combination of unlikely factors that could have contributed to the ship's fate constituted a "black swan event," Matthew Schanck, chairman of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, told USA TODAY.

The Bayesian was well-built: A 2008 product of Italian ship maker Perini, it was constructed in accordance with international maritime standards and commercially certified by the U.K.'s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, according to Schanck.

The bout of bad weather that swept the area when the ship went down was also out of the ordinary in the northern Mediterranean, "which isn't renowned for prolonged, significant stormy weather," he said.

"The fact that those two elements have then resulted in the foundering of a super yacht is pretty extraordinary," Schanck said. "These things don't happen every day."

After the ship sank just before 5 a.m. local time, 15 people, including a 1-year-old, were pulled from the water. Some were rescued from a life raft by the crew of a ship docked nearby.

Ricardo Thomas, the ship's cook and a native of Antigua, was found dead, according to authorities.

As of Tuesday, six people were missing, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter. Several missing passengers were involved in Lynch's trial on fraud charges, including Jonathan Bloomer, a Morgan Stanley chair who served as his character witness, and one of Lynch's attorneys. Lynch, accused of fraud after he sold his company to electronics giant Hewlett-Packard, was acquitted of all charges weeks ago.

Who is Mike Lynch? UK entrepreneur among those missing after superyacht sinks off Sicily

Tornado formed over unusually hot water

Storms in the area that night may have whipped up a water spout, a tornado over the water , according to local meteorologists.

It was likely triggered by the water's unusual warmth, said Rick Shema, a certified consulting meteorologist who served in the Navy.

"The water spout was an uncommon occurrence," he said. "But again, these things happen, especially in warmer water."

At 83.7 degrees, water in the area was more than 3 degrees hotter than average on the day the Bayesian sank, likely the result of climate change, Shema said.

"Hurricanes can form at 80 degrees. This was almost four degrees higher than that," he said.

The water spout may have spun up when cooler air dropped from mountainous places nearby onto the hot water, he said. "A water spout is a vortex, basically like a tornado, spinning real fast, sucking up water and moisture as the column rises," he said.

Although water spouts only reach around 120 mph, as compared with tornadoes on land, which can reach up to 300 mph, "you don't need 200 mph to sink a ship," he said.

"Even an average tornado, 120 miles an hour, that's a lot of wind," he said, "which would heel the boat over for sure."

Water spouts spring up suddenly, Shema said. Before they strike, winds can be slow, but "once the water spout comes over, bam, it's on," he said.

Before sunrise, the ship's crew may not have seen the water spout coming. "The visibility was probably a big factor," he said.

With the windows of the yacht opened, as they likely were in the hot weather, the water spout could have triggered water that flooded through the portholes, Shema said, causing the ship to sink.

Tragedy strikes: Scramble to find survivors after Bayesian yacht sinks off Sicily coast

Search continues, but shift to recovery phase approaches

Italian authorities said the Bayesian was probably at anchor when the storm struck, meaning it couldn't maneuver and ride the waves, according to Mitchell Stoller, a captain and maritime expert witness. Other ships in the area that turned on their engines rode out the storm, he said.

"When you're at anchor and you see weather, you start your engine and you put the wind on the bow. You don't let it get on the side," he said.

Schanck said another key question concerns the position of the keel, a heavy weight underneath the boat that acts as a counterbalance to keep it upright, when the ship sank. When lifted, "that's going to affect the stability of the vessel, because, obviously, you've now raised the center of gravity of that vessel," he said.

The Bayesian was floating over 160 feet of water at the time, deep enough that the keel would likely be deployed. But the fact that "the vessel heeled over so heavily makes me question that," Schanck said.

The cause of the disaster may not be known until the ship can be examined in more detail, experts say. Prosecutors in a nearby town have already opened an investigation.

Schanck said investigators will have plenty to work with once the operation moves into a recovery phase.

"The vessel is intact and in good condition on the seabed," he said. "There's a lot of eyewitness accounts from other vessels in the area and the shore."

As the search entered its second day on Tuesday, the rescue effort may shift in that direction soon. "I suspect, later on, today or tomorrow, we'll probably see some mention of a recovery operation being stated," Schanck said.

The decision to would depend on whether rescuers find signs of life in the ship and air pockets or survivable spaces, Schanck said. At this point, survivors on the water's surface looks unlikely. "My professional opinion is that the casualties will be located within the vessel," he said.

"There is a risk versus benefit in all maritime search and rescue incidents," he said. "Where we start transitioning to a recovery phase, that line shifts."

Contributing: Reuters

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at [email protected]. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

A couple left their home to move onto a residential cruise ship — see inside their cabin on Villa Vie Odyssey

• Angela and Stephen Theriac purchased a cabin on the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey .
• The ship plans to sail around the world every 3 ½ years. Its launch has been delayed by three months.
• The cheapest dual-occupancy cabin starts at about $100,000, with an additional $3,500 monthly fee.

Angela Theriac hit a turning point in 2018.

In a span of six months, her mom and oldest brothers died, her husband faced a health scare, and she underwent two surgeries.

She said her perspective shifted: She decided to stop taking life for granted, grinding every day at work, and wondering if she'd ever have time to see the world.

"You know what?" Theriac, 53, a retired schoolteacher, recalled saying at the time to her husband. "Let's go for this big adventure and live life to the fullest."

That mission drove Theriac and her husband of almost 30 years, Stephen Theriac, 53, to purchase a cabin in March on a residential cruise ship called the Villa Vie Odyssey . They bought the cabin just one week after learning about it in a YouTube video.

"Sometimes, you just got to be adventurous and do it," Stephen, a retired deputy sheriff, told Business Insider.

Mikael Petterson, the founder and CEO of Villa Vie Residences, told BI in an email on Monday that Villa Vie Odyssey would embark "any day now." The 509-cabin residential cruise ship plans to circumnavigate the world every 3 ½ years, sailing to 147 countries and 425 destinations along the way.

Petterson declined to provide a specific sail date, saying the ship is still waiting for "the green light from DNV . It's impossible to say which day exactly." DNV is a certification and risk-assessment firm for the maritime industry.

Villa Vie Odyssey promises amenities, including three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a pool, and a golf simulator.

The ship's comprehensive itinerary is a dream for retirees like Angela and Stephen, who say cruising is a "big passion." Destinations include Australia; South America; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Singapore.

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Before moving to Nicaragua in 2011, the couple spent most of their lives in Florida and frequently took advantage of their proximity to some of the busiest cruise ports in the US .

They estimate they've boarded 50 cruises over the past 25 years, with the longest lasting 39 days.

"I really enjoy seeing new places, learning of new cultures, trying different food, and drinking different microbrews," Stephen said. "It's a great lifestyle."

The couple told BI they paid for the smallest, least-expensive cabin on the never-ending cruise , partly funded by an inheritance from Angela's mother.

(The couple said they signed a nondisclosure agreement and could not tell BI how much they paid for their accommodation. However, the cheapest dual-occupancy interior cabins start at about $100,000 with an additional $3,500 monthly fee.)

The Theriacs said they've already been to popular cruise destinations like the Caribbean and Mediterranean. They're excited to go further — New Zealand for Stephen and tropical destinations like Bali, Indonesia, and Fiji for Angela, a self-proclaimed "water girl."

They said they have plans to rent their home in Nicaragua to a close friend.

The Odyssey cabin features twin beds and a vanity

The couple started decorating their floating condo with pillows, artwork, and "personal touches emphasizing storage," Angela said. "Our room is our bedroom, and the ship is our home."

But there's a caveat — while they can spend their days aboard the ship, they're not yet allowed to stay overnight.

The never-ending cruise was initially scheduled to set sail in May from Belfast, Ireland, following Villa Vie's acquisition of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' more than 30-year-old Braemar vessel, now renamed Villa Vie Odyssey. However, Villa Vie has said issues like the aging ship's rudder stocks and recertification have since delayed its departure by three months.

Like many other would-be Villa Vie residents, the Theriacs flew to Belfast for the initial springtime departure date. Since then, the couple said they've been staying at hotels — including some a flight away in Liverpool, UK, where they say the nightly cost is cheaper — and spending time on other cruises.

Petterson said the Florida-based Villa Vie also provided residents with shuttles to and from the ship, food, drinks, excursions, and lodging — or a daily per diem for those who "choose to do their own thing."

But the couple has been patient and understanding of the delays — because, according to Stephen, "it's a now-or-never kind of thing."

"We're still in pretty good health and financially fine," Stephen said, reflecting on the sight of "80-year-olds getting off Princess ships in walkers." "I don't want to be that old and try to see the world. I want to do it now while I can still enjoy it."

Villa Vie would be the first ship of its kind in 22 years

Villa Vie isn't the only startup that has faced difficulties while trying to launch a never-ending voyage.

The residential-cruise industry has been plagued by issues since the inauguration of The World, the only ship of this kind, in 2002.

Startups trying to launch floating condominiums have since popped up as quickly as they've sunk — from Miray Cruises' Life at Sea Cruises , which shut down two weeks before it was supposed to embark in November, to Storylines , which has delayed its departure by seven years to 2026.

Miray's former CEO, Kendra Holmes, recently launched GlobeCruises, a concept similar to Life at Sea's three-year cruise , scheduled to sail in April.

GlobeCruises and Villa Vie are the only options vying to join The World in its extended voyage around the globe.

Are you sailing on a residential cruise ship like Villa Vie or have a tip? Contact the reporter at [email protected] or on X @brittanymchang .

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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Luxury yacht sinks off Sicily, leaving U.K. tech magnate Mike Lynch, 2 Americans among those missing

By Anna Matranga

Updated on: August 20, 2024 / 7:47 PM EDT / CBS News

Rome  — Six people, including two U.S. nationals, a British technology entrepreneur and one of his daughters, were still missing Tuesday after a large luxury sailing yacht sank off the coast of the southern Italian island of Sicily during a violent storm. The 184-foot Bayesian had been anchored about half a mile off the port of Porticello, near Palermo, with 22 people on board — 10 crew members and 12 passengers.

The vessel sank at about 5 a.m. local time (11 p.m. Eastern, Sunday) after being hit by a possible waterspout spawned by the storm. Italian media said the winds snapped the boat's single mast, unbalancing the vessel and causing it to capsize.

Fifteen of those on board managed to escape the yacht and were rescued by a Dutch-flagged vessel that was anchored in the immediate vicinity. They were brought ashore by Italian Coast Guard and firefighters.

One body — an unidentified male — was recovered, but six people remained missing, including British software magnate Mike Lynch, once described as Britain's Bill Gates. 

Lynch was acquitted in June of fraud charges in the U.S. that could have landed him with a decades-long prison sentence. In an unusual twist, Lynch's co-defendant in that fraud case, who was also acquitted, died Saturday after being hit by a car while out jogging in England.

Lynch's teenage daughter Hannah was also among those missing, along with Lynch's American lawyer Chris Morvillo, a former assistant district attorney in New York, and his wife Neda. British banker Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, was also still missing Tuesday.

Among the survivors was a 1-year-old British girl who was being treated at a nearby hospital along with her parents. They were doing well, according to Italian media.

"For two seconds I lost my child to the sea, then I immediately was able to grab her again in the fury of the waves," the girl's mother, identified only as Charlotte, was quoted as saying by Italy's ANSA news agency. "I held on to her tightly in the stormy sea. Many were screaming. Luckily the life raft opened up and 11 of us managed to get aboard."

"It was terrible," she told ANSA. "In just a few minutes the boat was hit by a very strong wind, and sunk soon thereafter."

Karsten Borner, the captain of the Dutch vessel that came to the rescue, told ANSA he had been anchored near the Bayesian.

"When the storm was over we noticed that the ship behind us was gone, and then we saw a red flare, so my first mate and I went to the position and we found this life raft drifting, and in the life raft was also a little baby and the wife of the owner."

Recovery efforts were back underway Tuesday, with speedboats, helicopters and divers continuing to search for the missing — as well as for answers, as to how a state-of-the-art superyacht could disappear in a flash. 

According to Italian media, Fire Brigade divers reached the boat and saw bodies trapped inside some of the cabins, but they had been unable to recover any of the victims from inside the vessel by Tuesday, due to obstructions. The Bayesian appeared to have sunk in an area with a depth of about 160 feet.

Witnesses said the boat sank quickly. 

"I was at home when the tornado hit," fisherman Pietro Asciutto told a local news outlet. "I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I suddenly saw it sink... The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes."

The director-general of Sicily's civil protection agency, Salvatore Cocina, confirmed to CBS News partner BBC News  that three of the six people still missing Monday were British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, whose company Autonomy Corporation PLC was acquired in 2011 by HP ; one of his daughters, Hannah Lynch, who is believed to be 18; and the boat's chef, Ricardo Thomas.

CBS News has seen corporate documentation showing a company called Revtom, solely owned by Lynch's wife Angela Bacares, who was among those rescued from the accident, as the owner of the yacht that capsized off Sicily. 

While the yacht was a privately owned pleasure boat, the waters around the island have claimed many lives over the last decade.

Dozens of migrants have died attempting to reach Sicily and smaller Italian islands in the region. Sicily sits only about 100 miles from the east coast of Tunisia in north Africa, and the Mediterranean crossing has been a frequent site of both nautical rescues and disasters as smugglers routinely send small boats overloaded with desperate people into the sea.

Alex Sundby , Joanne Stocker and Chris Livesay contributed to this report.

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