One More Toy

The 155’ Christensen Motor Yacht, One More Toy, available for crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean this winter and the Mediterranean this coming summer has always been known for outstanding cuisine.  Recently, at the 2011 Antigua Yacht Charter Show, Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters was treated to a terrific lunch on board the charter yacht One More Toy, where Chef Eric Sarnow, as usual, created an outstanding meal.  A Chef for over 20 years in some of the finest restaurants in both the U.S. and France, Eric has been featured in restaurant guide books, regional publications, as a guest chef on TV on numerous occasions, won several prestigious awards and has contributed some of his own personal recipes to well known cook books.  As a charter guest on board the charter yacht One More Toy, you will be pampered on board throughout your charter with the cuisine created by Chef Eric.

Lobster in White Wine Butter Sauce

Our meal started with a poached Caribbean lobster tail, napped with a delicate wine butter and cream sauce, which was light and lovely, while full of rich flavor.  The lobster tail was garnished to appear as if there was a small lobster on the plate swimming in a pool of cream sauce.

Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloins with Mango Salsa

The main course was tender pork medallions sautéed in a Caribbean Jerk sauce, with rich Caribbean flavors, a pleasant reminder of exactly where we were, in the cooling Caribbean breezes, floating on crystal clear blue green waters, on the aft deck of the crewed charter motor yacht One More Toy.  To counter the complex spiciness of the Caribbean Jerk sauce was a salsa of fresh local mangos set on top of the pork medallions.  Plates were all completely cleaned by the assembled guests.

Apple Tart Tartin and Homemade Ice Cream

Desert was individual Apple Tart Tatin, with caramelized apples on a delicate crust setting in a caramel brown sugar sauce.  To the side was a scoop of homemade coconut ice cream, the perfect compliment.

Taste buds were tantalized with a myriad of flavors, however all was light enough for one to feel fully satisfied, without feeling over fed under the hot Caribbean sun, which is a testament to a great Chef and shows a complete understanding of food and the environment in which the food is being served.  Lunch on board One More Toy was a taste treat of cuisine that will be sure to please any Charterer that charters One More Toy in either the Caribbean or the Mediterranean for an outstanding charter.  

Exuma

Exuma, the first launch of the new design from the Perini Navi run Picchiotti yard as the first of the Picchiotti Vitruvius series, is now available for crewed yacht charter.  A unique design built for stability during long range worldwide cruising, the on board cuisine produced by Chef Samy Dekli proves that excellent food can be available anywhere at any time.  Missy Johnston of Northrop and Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters recently had lunch on board Exuma, and she reports that the food was terrific.

Chef Samy Dekli has worked for the Owner of Exuma for many years on previous yachts and so naturally moved with the Owner to his new Picchiotti.  Samy hails from France, the land of cuisine, cutting his eye teeth, so to speak, learning French cooking in his family owned restaurant in Paris, attaining the level of Chef at the early age of 18.  Samy has spent over 15 years as Chef on large luxury yachts and has cruised in many worldwide charter locations, which brings a great familiarity with and use of local ingredients throughout his culinary creations.

Wild Mushroom with Black Truffle Risotto

On board lunch was started with a creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto.  The Risotto was topped with shavings of black truffle.  The heat of the risotto released the perfume from the black truffle which was a much appreciated advance heralding of the dish to come.  At the end of the course, which was accompanied by freshly grated Parmigianino Reggiano there was scarcely a grain of rice left in any bowl on the table.

Exuma Fresh Gravlax and Avocado Salad

The next course was a lovely Salmon Gravlax and avocado salad.  Nice thick slices of salmon had been cured on board in a Scandinavian method that Samy has perfected for Gravlax with just the right taste and texture paired with ripe avocado for a lovely light salad.

Exuma Home Made Coconut Icecream

Exuma boasts an on board ice cream maker and Samy knows how to use it.  Dessert was a fresh coconut ice cream garnished with white and dark chocolate.  It is hard to beat fresh homemade ice cream, especially for a cooling dessert in a tropical charter location, made from fresh local tropical ingredients.

Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters looks forward to placing charters on board Exuma and knows any Charterer will be very happy with Samy’s delectable on board cuisine.

Katya

Missy Johnston, of Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters in Newport, Rhode Island was recently treated to a lovely lunch on board the 150’ Delta Motor Yacht Katya, available for crewed yacht charter this winter in the warm tropical waters of the Caribbean.  “What a fabulous lunch” Missy Johnston said.  “The lunch menu was a great combination of fresh flavors, and the food was beautifully cooked and presented.” The Chef on board Katya, now Captained by Don Edwards, is Angela Pennyfather from Queensland, Australia, who has been a Chef on yachts for the last ten years after graduating from one of Australia’s most prestigious culinary institutions.  Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we feel confident that any Charterer will be delighted with Angela’s cuisine on a charter on board Katya. Katya will be available for charter in the Caribbean this winter and in the Mediterranean this coming summer. 

Lunch was presented in three courses, a starter course, main course and lovely desert course.  The starter course was a great fresh vegetable ratatouille with fresh herbs including a nice amount of basil.  Alongside the ratatouille were slices of fresh buffalo mozzarella, and slices of toasted baguette basted with garlic butter.  A bite of baguette with a bit of mozzarella topped with a dab of ratatouille was a great combination of melding flavors for a perfect start to luncheon.

Fresh Basil Vegetable Ratatouille with Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

The main course was fresh orange basted grouper served over a salad of fresh orange slices, fresh fennel slices and great herbs.  The grouper was beautifully cooked, moist and tender with the fresh tropical taste of orange that perfectly contrasted with and provided a hint of sweetness and citrus for the fresh fish.

Fresh Grouper over Fresh Orange and Fennel Slices

For dessert, Angela prepared a homemade coconut ice cream, which was paired with a passion fruit flavored creamy tart filling in a sweet tart crust garnished with fresh blueberries. 

Homemade Coconut Ice Cream with a Passion Fruit Tart

Throughout, each course was paired with a just the right choice of white and rose wines.  And what could be better than this lunch served at the covered aft deck dining table for a great lunch with a great view on board Katya in the Caribbean.  

Mi Sueno

Recently, Carolyn Titus and Missy Johnston of Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters were both on board the new 190’ Trinity launch, Mi Sueno, now available for crewed yacht charter. Just launched this year in 2010, Mi Sueno is the newest Trinity built motor yacht now available for crewed yacht charter in the world, and this new Trinity is spectacular with all of the bells and whistles offering a great luxury yacht charter experience. Mi Sueno will be available for crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean this coming winter and then in the Mediterranean this coming summer. Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we feel that chartering Mi Sueno is a great opportunity to enjoy a quality built motor yacht with great crew and loads of on board extras.

Mi Sueno's Jacuzzi

Mi Sueno has 7 guest staterooms, however charters for a maximum of 12 guests. The 7th stateroom is set aside as a massage room. Recently gym equipment occupied this stateroom as well which has a private ensuite bath, however the gym equipment has now been moved to the open air of the top sun deck. There is also an elevator on board for three of the decks including the accommodations lower deck, main deck and sun lounge deck. On the top sun deck, the large Jacuzzi sits side by side with a separate plunge pool tiled in iridescent glass tiles evocative of the depths of the sea. On the main level on the aft deck, there is a large raised area, which creates almost a deck within a deck as an outdoor living space with large padded outdoor furniture. This is a location where many relaxing hours can be spent.

Mi Sueno

The interior design has a casual feel, for comfortable on board living, and lounging reflecting the yacht name: Mi Sueno. The interior and decks are done in natural teak and light finished woods, highlighted by sun colored accents. Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we were very pleased to see this 190’ new launch Trinity now available for crewed yacht charter and feel that a great charter can be had on board Mi Sueno.

MI SUENO SPECIFICATIONS

190ft (58m)
Sleeps 12 guests in 7 cabins.
Plus 13 crew.

Type: Power
Length: 190ft
Beam: 33ft 2in
Speed (max): 21Knots
Speed (cruise): 17Knots
Builder: Trinity Yachts
Designer: Trinity Yachts
Engine: 2x Caterpillar 3516-CHD 3384hp each Flag: Cayman Islands
Draft (max): 0ft 0in
Draft (min): 8ft 6in
Hull: Monohull
Hull Material: Aluminum
Saloon Headroom:
Master Cabin Location: Main Deck
Master Cabin Headroom: Launch Year: 2010
Stabilizers: At Anchor (0 Speed)
Refit:
Fuel (max):
Fuel (cruise):
Range (max):
Range (cruise):
Crew: Captain Doug Peterson + 12 crew.
Chef: Robert Mitchell
Description:
All staterooms are en suite. Each stateroom is equipped with TV/Kaleidescape central movie/music server with Crestron controls.

KING. Master. Full beam. Main deck. Split level with bed on upper level with panoramic windows. Pop up 60 inch TV
Private lounge sofa, desk, 60 inch TV on lower level, His / hers bathroom port/starboard of entrance aisle, His/shower, hers with Jacuzzi and separate shower,Walk-in closet, Private study with desk, sofa at entrance (can be closed off from rest of the master suite)

BELOW
KING VIP. Full beam aft amidships. Double shower. Sofa, vanity. 42 inch TV
KING. Port amidships. Shower. Chaise lounge. 42 inch TV
KING. Starboard amidships. Tub. 42 inch TV
QUEEN. Port forward. Handicap access. Shower. 42 inch TV
TWIN + 1 x Pullman. Starboard forward (Pullman positioned over the inboard bed).Tub. 42 inch TV

7th stateroom is Gym/Massage Room on Bridge Deck (forward of the Sky lounge). 4 x Pullman berths. Shower/with steam in en suite bathroom. 50 inch TV (Exercise Equipment: See: Tenders & Toys)

WiFi throughout interior/exterior

Custom audio-visual system throughout, Kaleidescape central movie/music server with Crestron controls throughout. Surround Sound in the Sky Lounge, Main Saloon, and Owner’s Stateroom.

Two person wheelchair accessible elevator servicing accommodation, main and sky lounge decks

MAIN AFT DECK
Raised area with ample seating. Service /wet bar. Drop down 50 inch TV

SKYLOUNGE
Oversized windows. Wet bar/5 stools, occasional/game table seats 6, large L-shaped sofa to starboard. 60 inch TV

MASSAGE ROOM. Forward (aft of bridge / Converts to 7th stateroom).

SKYLOUNGE AFT DECK
Dining table seats 14 , 2 x seating areas aft. Drop down 50 inch TV (swivels 360 degrees)

SUNDECK
Forward: Semi-circular wet bar/ 4 stools aft of Jacuzzi with umbrella. Jacuzzi with separate plunge pool forward. Jacuzzi area is walk-around with large sun pads port/starboard, under arch: Casual dining table for 10/12. Drop down 50 inch TV. Powder room, Gas grille (aft of arch)

Amenities:
WiFi / Internet, SATCOM, Cinema, SAT TV, DVD Library, Media Hard Drive, DVD, Stereo, 23ft Novurania 320 HP, Towing Ring, Kneeboard, Wakeboard, Water skis (adult), 4 Waverunners(s), BBQ, Jacuzzi (on deck), Kayaks

Casino Royale

 Recently, Yacht Charter Brokers Carolyn Titus and Missy Johnston from Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters were treated to a cuisine extravaganza while on board the 163’ Christensen charter yacht Casino Royale.  Chef Tarina Shadgett, a New Zealander, created a cuisine sampling menu to show case her outstanding talents with menu creation, food presentation and combining interesting fresh ingredients in a very tasty sample of the cuisine Chef Tarina creates in her on board galley.  We were Wowed by the presentation, service and taste delights to which we were treated in a six course lunch accompanied by great wines. 

Take a look at the taste tantalizing menu below to which our taste buds were treated on board Casino Royale: 

Brokers Lunch /Sampling Menu
 
CHILLED CANTELOUPE SOUP WITH BLOODY MARY SORBET           (not pictured)

SEARED TUNA WITH LEMON & CAPERS

ROASTED HALIBUT ON A LOBSTER CAKE WITH SWEET CORN & CILANTRO SAUCE

THREE PEPPER TERRINE WITH FETA & PESTO

ROAST DUCK BREAST  ON FOIE GRAS WITH BLACKBERRIES

HOT CHILI-CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKE WITH STRAWBERRY & LAVENDER SORBET AND FROZEN CHANTILLY CAKE

Each course was beautifully presented, with a combination of fresh tastes that was hard to beat.  The dollop of Bloody Mary Sorbet on top of the chilled cantaloupe soup melon was a perfect juxtaposition of sweet with savory.  The Black and Blue fresh Tuna was laid on a combination of fresh fennel, and fresh herbs garnished with large caper berries. The fresh roasted halibut rested on a creamy lobster cake napped with sauce.  Layered with feta and pesto, the three pepper terrine was tasted as good as it looked.  The fresh Foe Gras was quickly pan seared to perfection and placed on top of a blackberry sauce topped with a tender piece of duck breast.  And the dessert featured homemade sorbet in a chocolate cup next to a molten chocolate cake with a hint of hot chili pepper, alongside a rich frozen vanilla cream cake.  Throughout the menu was paired with great wine choices and very nicely served by the crew. We were impressed and pleased with the menu, food, and service on board the charter yacht Casino Royale that would be a part of any onboard yacht charter experience with this great Chef, Captain and crew. 

Tarina Shadgett Chef Profile

Tarina is a very accomplished chef, versatile in many different cuisines and styles.  Thirteen years in professional yachting, she has served on board M/Y Georgia, M/Y Lady Anne Magee, and S/Y Atmosphere before joining M/Y Casino Royale in March 2010.

**Photos courtesy of Carolyn Titus of Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters

Launched in 2008, this 163’ Christensen motor yacht, Casino Royale, has just become available for crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean for this coming winter and for crewed yacht charter in the Mediterranean for this coming summer. Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we were just on board Casino Royale for an in depth tour of the yacht and spent time with the Captain, Chef and all of the crew. We are delighted that this lovely Christensen motor yacht has become available for crewed yacht charter and feel that the yacht and crew are a great charter yacht choice for a crewed yacht charter.

Casino Royale

Casino Royale is one of the few yachts available for crewed yacht charter with an elevator between all four decks, from the lower stateroom deck to the top sun deck, including the main deck and sun lounge deck in between. Casino Royale is a great crewed charter yacht for anyone with an issue with stairs, as the elevator allows easy access to all decks, so the full yacht can be enjoyed, and everyone can be together on every deck.

Main Salon

Casino Royale is comfortable for crewed yacht charter for up to 12 guests in 6 guest staterooms, all with a private ensuite bath. Each stateroom is equipped with HD TV with satellite reception and an IPOD docking station. The full width Master stateroom with a king sized bed is on the main deck and includes a study. The full width VIP stateroom also has a king sized bed as do two other guest staterooms. The final two guest staterooms, each have a double bed and a twin bed. Casino Royale offers a variety of accommodation options for various charter guest groups.

Dining Salon

The aft deck on the main deck and the aft deck on the sky lounge deck both offer exterior dining and the top deck offers exterior casual dining as well as a wet bar and a large Jacuzzi. There are a wide variety of living spaces on this yacht and a wide variety of dining spaces as well for interior or exterior dining, and formal or casual dining. A large swim platform on the aft lower deck offers easy water access and enjoyment of the various on board water toys.

Master Suite

There are a total of 10 crew on board including Captain Greg Clark and his wife Marlys, who have been on board large motor yachts offering fun in the sun for many years and in many worldwide yachting locations and offer an excellent charter. They are joined by an outstanding Chef and crew of 8 to attend to every charter need.

Master Suite Jacuzzi

At Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we are very happy to recommend the crewed charter yacht Casino Royale for your next crewed yacht charter.

Yacht Specifications:
CASINO ROYALE

163ft (50m)
Sleeps 12 guests in 6 cabins.
Plus 10 crew.

Type: Power
Length: 163ft
Beam: 29ft 0in
Speed (max):
Speed (cruise): 12Knots
Builder: Christensen Shipyards
Designer: Carol Williamson & Assocs.
Engine: 2 x MUT 12v4000 / hp each Flag: Marshall Islands
Draft (max): 0ft 0in
Draft (min): 8ft 4in
Hull: Monohull
Hull Material:
Saloon Headroom:
Master Cabin Location: Main Deck
Master Cabin Headroom: Launch Year: 2008
Stabilisers: At Anchor (0 Speed)
Refit:
Fuel (max):
Fuel (cruise): 95gph
Range (max):
Range (cruise): 4,300miles

O’Rama in Hydra Island, Greece

Launched 2 months ago, the Golden Yachts motor yacht, O’Rama at 175′ is outfitted for luxury yacht charter with superior accommodations for 12 guests featuring an outstanding crew, crew service and Belgium Chef trained in France. Charter Broker Missy Johnston from Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, Newport, RI shares photos of the maiden voyage, charter accommodations, lifestyle, and cuisine on board this great addition to the Greek yacht charter fleet for luxury charter for this coming summer, 2010. O’Rama is available for charter out of Athens, Greece to cruise the Greek Islands.

O'Rama top Deck Jacuzzi

Master Stateroom sitting area

O'Rama Main Salon

Mayor Kostas Anastopoulos Visits O'Rama while in port

Scampi in cream sauce with wild mushrooms Appetizer

Photos taken by Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charter’s Broker, Missy Johnston, while onboard Luxury motor yacht, O’RAMA, and chartering in Greece.

Great Charter discounts are being offered in both the Eastern and Western Med for last minute travel for specific dates and locations. Unlike discounted pricing offers in theCaribbean this winter, these summer discount charter prices are not being reduced by certain Owners for the season; these discount charter prices are offers for “filling in the schedule”. The discounts are great, but do require flexibility in order to take advantage of the savings.

Normally by now, the Western and are quite Eastern Med heavily booked with charters. This year, the number of charter bookings are probably at about 70-80% of last year, leaving a few weeks here and there free in the charter calendars of certain yachts. Owners interested in more booking more charters have been offering discounts for some of these empty weeks. The discounts are specific to certain yachts and certain dates in certain locations. However if you are a flexible, last minute traveler with an interest in different charter locations, there could be some great pricing offers available for you this summer in outstanding charter locations. Please inquire. Following is a sample of some of these discounted pricing offers.

Another report today here from the June Newport Charter Show which is still a hotbed of activity. Charter Brokers from around the country are in Newport this week to inspect over 40 yachts that will be for crewed yacht charter this summer in New England from Newport and southern New England to Maine and even Nova Scotia. We have welcomed back yachts and crews that have been coming to New England for charter each summer for several years and also been pleased to see some new options just entering charter that will be available this summer for crewed yacht charter throughout the area. Both motor and sailing yachts are both power and sailing yachts are available in all size and pricing ranges. Read the rest of this blog for some of our favorite charter choices that we have seen this week.

We were pleased as always to be back on board Galaxy with Captain Dughall and his wife Poppie as Chief Stewardess today at the Myba Charter Show in Genoa, Italy. Galaxy, at 56 meters, is a beautifully built Benetti, launched in 2005, with 6 guest staterooms for a total of 12 guests, each with ensuite bath. Besides a Jacuzzi on the top deck big enough for at least 8 guests at once, there is also an air conditioned gym with a great 360 degree view, and plenty of sun bathing deck lounges. Having just completed the winter season in the Caribbean for charter, Galaxy is back in the Western Mediterranean for the summer ready for another great charter season.

Galaxy’s Jacuzzi

Dining on Galaxy

We have known Captain Dughall and Poppie for a number of years as they were previously on the charter yacht Talon and always created a great charter experience. Coupled with Chef Hamish, and 10 other crew, the food and service is top notch.

Following is the crew profile for Chef Hamish:

Head Chef Hamish Watson
New Zealand

Hamish is an exceptional Chef; his food is of the very highest standards. He is a fully qualified and experienced London City and Guilds Chef. Amongst his qualifications he has won several awards including NZ South Island Chef of the Year Award, and he came 4th in the Chain des Rotisserie World Championships in South Africa. Hamish is calm, organized, and is a popular crew member. He has travelled many places including Africa where he trekked through the forests to spend time with giant gorillas. He is adventurous and loves his sport. Hamish is a New Zealander and loves to spend time at home with his family and friends.

When we were on board today, Hamish had made Truffled Egg Custards served inside the hollowed shell of an egg perched in an egg carton. Not only was the presentation fun and very inventive, but the Truffled Egg Custard was terrific, with a light consistency that melted on your tongue. This could be a very hard charter experience to pass up, if you are thinking about a charter in the Western Mediterranean for this coming summer.