The 112′ charter sailing yacht, Takapuna, is new to the Caribbean charter yacht fleet and offers high adventure, spacious accommodations inside and out, and all the toys you’ll need for the best yacht vacation ever.  The sailing yacht’s exterior is impressive – natural teak decks, numerous conversation and lounging areas, and alfresco dining with a panoramic view of the water. One of the features that I really like is fabulous walk down stern for easy access to the water or the tender.

The charter yacht layout is ideal – 4 queen cabins with en suite baths, and three of these cabins can convert to twins which makes it great for a couples getaway, a family yacht vacation, or maybe a girlfriends getaway.  The 5-person crew is led by longtime veteran Captain Marco Heitz and Chef Robyn Pitts… lovely to see them back on a sailing yacht again after a brief stint on motor yacht charters.

I also love the story of the yacht’s history.  It was once owned by comedians Pamela Stephenson and her husband Billy Connolly.  Pamela cast off on a grand adventure in the Pacific, chasing the history of her great-great-grandfather’s mysterious disappearance in 1891.  Their voyage became a TV mini-series called Murder or Mutiny and is a fun read.

January is a glorious month to charter a yacht in the Caribbean – the Christmas crowds have gone home, the Presidents Week and Spring Break vacationers have not arrived – so you’ll savor the quiet of many of the anchorages.

January 2012 Yacht Charter Special: $47,500 all-inclusive; regular rate is $49,000/week plus expenses which usually average 20% more so this is a big savings.