On-Board CHAKRA

Taking three months to complete, the latest round of work included a 13-metre extension and, now measuring 80 metres in length, excluding a six-metre bowsprit, she is one of the largest yachts on the charter market, offering accommodation for 12 guests in 21 cabins.

Superyacht CHAKRA certainly has a commanding presence on the water, turning heads with the sheer scale of her traditional profile. But, surprisingly, in contrast to her classic lines is a modern interior with a fun, free-spirited vibe, which never fails to put charter guests at ease.

Arriving by tender, YachtCharterFleet stepped aboard CHAKRA via her newly lengthened swim platform before ascending a central staircase to the main deck aft. Once used as a place to store the tenders, this space now serves as an alfresco dining area for 32 guests.

A central bar backed by the old emergency steering wheel is joined by two long glass tables with transparent chairs. The setup is ideal for corporate and event charters, and its sheltered position provides protection from adverse weather conditions.

Staircases to port and starboard rise to the upper deck. As below is reserved for dining, this level acts as the greeting area usually found on the main deck aft. With a number of seating arrangements, the space is a perfect place to entertain guests before or after dinner is served.

From the upper deck aft, guests can enter CHAKRA’s huge main salon for the first glimpse of her new interior styling. Although the original dark wooden wall panels are still in place, they are now offset by a sumptuous pale-coloured carpet and white upholstery for a light and airy feel.

Adding to the sense of space and openness are the long expanses of sofas lining the bulwarks to port and starboard, leaving the centre of the salon totally uncluttered. White armchairs and marble-topped coffee tables are scattered about, and four light grey pouffes surround a chess board.

There are also a number of vibrant artworks and sculptures, including glass impressions of pop art prints. This adds a hint of playfulness to the surrounds, which continues across the entire interior.

Situated further forward is a dining salon, which can be closed off from the main salon if desired. Handsome wooden floorboards border the room and at the centre is a grand rectangular table capable of seating 18 guests on white high-back dining chairs.

Above the table is a unique glass light fixture, matching the smaller fittings on the wall. A range of interesting artworks also stand out and, overall, the mood is perfect for a formal dinner party while on vacation with enough space around the table to invite extra guests on board.

A corridor runs forward to port, opening onto the main lobby where a staircase provides access to the other decks and a doorway to the forward section of the main deck reveals six staterooms, including the master suite, spanning off another long corridor.

Stretching across the forward-most part of the main deck, the spacious master suite offsets the original dark wooden panels and cabinetry with pale carpets and white bed linen. Some blocks of the panelling, however, have been painted white to brighten up the space.

A large bed facing aft is the main focus, with two navy blue leather armchairs and a white chaise long to port, and two occasional chairs and a nest of transparent tables offering a second place in which to unwind to starboard.

As well as the sleeping quarters, the suite is made up of a private office, huge dressing room, and a huge en-suite clad in white and grey marble and boasting his-and-hers sinks, a large shower and a feature bath tub.

The suite radiates a masculine vibe, but an element of fun is provided by a number of tongue-in-cheek artworks. Two garden gnomes, for example, lounge on a side cabinet and the faces of two traditional-style oil portraits have been obscured by spray paint in the office.

The full-beam VIP suite aboard CHAKRA provides a respite from the masculinity of the master

Situated on the upper deck forward, the full-beam VIP suite aboard CHAKRA provides a respite from the masculinity of the master. The original woodwork has been painted a soft duck egg blue and, with light grey accents, a dreamy haven has been created for one or two lucky guests.

The suite is entered from behind the bed, which faces forward towards a widescreen TV and a curve of windows. Mirrored bedside cabinets match the reflectiveness of a unique desk, seemingly made from a patchwork of silver metal pieces, and two grey armchairs form a seating area.

There are a few similarities to the master suite, however. One is the spa-like en-suite, which uses the same grey-veined marble, and the second is the eclectic art collection with a few playful additions.

The VIP suite shares the forward half of the upper deck with six double cabins while, back on the main deck, there are five double guest cabins placed alongside the master suite. Then, completing the line-up, are four twin cabins and one double cabin on the lower deck.

The huge scale of CHAKRA means that none of the guest accommodation is located below the waterline, so all can wake up to sea views and reap the benefits from natural light. Plus, with 18 staterooms, there is an incredible amount of flexibility when it comes to the sleeping arrangements.

Tranquil colour palettes of turquoise, grey and white are used across the guest staterooms, providing peaceful retreats with en-suite bathrooms and widescreen televisions.  

Those staying on the lower deck will also have easy access to a massage room and beauty salon with hair dressing facilities. Of course, all charter guests on board are able to enjoy these amenities.

The aft third of the upper deck, where a skylounge would usually be found, has been broken into two sections. The first is a bar and lounge area, and this flows aft into a club area where sofas line the bulwarks in a similar style to the main salon.

Taking design cues from the VIP suite, these two areas have had their original woodwork painted the same duck egg blue colour creating a bright, peaceful and serene atmosphere. But, at night, the space transforms into the social hub of the yacht.

More quirky pictures and ornaments decorate the connecting areas of the yacht, enhancing the relaxed, casual feel. What's more, with cosy nooks and more sociable seating arrangements found throughout, the interior suits both taking some time out with a good book, as well as getting together with larger groups.

The club area open outs onto the upper deck aft. Shaded by the overhang of the sundeck above, a circular table sits at the centre, offering an alfresco dining option for a small group.

An assortment of conversation areas made up of sofas and armchairs line the perimeter, making the area perfect for entertaining. Sip coffee here during the day or watch the sun set with a glass of champagne in the evening.

The bridge deck, meanwhile, offers the ultimate in outdoor relaxation. Aft is a step-up Jacuzzi, where guests can take a dip and then dry off on the surrounding sunpads. Respite from the sun is provided by a Bimini, under which is a selection of chaise loungers and a bar for refreshments.

Forward of this alfresco area is an enclosed gymnasium stocked with Technogym equipment. In a prime position and boasting full-length windows, the gym enables guests to work out while taking in ocean views.

Wraparound decks lead forward, past the gym, to an open space ideal for yoga, as well as a comfortable seating area, which is well-primed for more intimate gatherings when compared to the other outdoor lounging areas on board.

One of the largest yachts on the charter market, CHAKRA undeniably wows with her commanding presence on the water. But much of her allure is created by the juxtaposition between her traditional exterior looks and the playful accents throughout her contemporary interior.

The designer of her latest refit has certainly done a fine job of combining the old and the new. CHAKRA’s original high-quality craftsmanship remains on show alongside the new look furnishings and an array of distinctive artworks and sculptures.

The fun and quirky touches create a laidback environment in which guests can truly relax, but she is still lavished in luxurious finishes and state-of-the-art amenities. She is also incredibly versatile, suited to both entertaining on a grand scale and providing intimate snugs for all the family to enjoy.

For further details on M/Y CHAKRA, please speak to your preferred charter broker.