Day onboard 63.4m SuRi: Captain Tony on her sporty and adventurous charters

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Welcome to Yacht Charter Market, the weekly newsletter dedicated to the world of yacht charter.

In today’s newsletter:

• Top story: Day onboard 63.4m SuRi: Captain Tony on her sporty and adventurous charters

• Charter updates: First yacht of the Ocean Alexander Puro series joins the charter market, alongside 42.2m Sanlorenzo explorer, 49.99m Trinity yacht, and more…

• Charter review: Northrop & Johnson shared a review for 35.97m IC

• Post of the week: Sneak peak at the 2025 @bahamascharteryachtshow

TOP STORY

Day onboard 63.4m SuRi: Captain Tony on her sporty and adventurous charters

The 63.4-metre Halter Marine explorer yacht SuRi is built for adventure. Her unmatched go-anywhere capabilities and standout collection of toys promise an exhilarating and sporty charter experience, made possible by her dynamic crew of 16. Hailing from South Africa, Fiji, Sweden, Croatia, and the United States, SuRi’s crew is led by two rotational captains: Captain Clinton Roos from South Africa and Captain Anthony ‘Tony’ van Willes.

“I’ve always felt connected to the sea – my Dad was a fisherman, and his friends were divers along the Fijian coast,” shared Captain Tony onboard SuRi. Captain Tony’s personal connection to the ocean mirrors SuRi’s adventurous spirit. With a career that began in 1999 as a deckhand onboard the 50-metre Oceanco Lazy Z, his experience and passion bring unique energy. He first joined the crew of SuRi in 2007, before stepping away in 2013. “Last year, I got a call from an old colleague, Captain Roos,” he explained. “I started doing a few deliveries, and I’ve now joined him on his SuRi rotation.”

During the recent ‘A Day Onboard SuRi’ event, hosted by Camper & Nicholsons at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, YachtCharterMarket had the opportunity to speak with Captain Tony about SuRi’s exceptional capabilities, her fascinating history, and her potential for adventure.

From Seattle Crabber to Explorer Yacht

SuRi’s unique character reflects an extraordinary history. Originally built in 1978 as the 166-foot Seattle-based crabber Fierce Contender, she underwent a transformative journey. “In 2007, she was purchased with the idea of converting her into a support yacht,” shared Captain Tony. “The goal was to carry helicopters, smaller boats, and toys – everything from jet skis and e-foils to kite surfing gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and ski boats.”

Under the vision of Stan Antrim and designer Joseph Artese, SuRi’s original pilothouse was preserved while her freeboard was raised and large windows were added. Blending functionality and luxury, this project set a new benchmark for shadow yacht conversions. “The conversion worked brilliantly, turning SuRi into a versatile yacht with everything you need for water sports,” said Captain Tony, who was involved with the project from the start.

In 2011, the owners decided to take SuRi to the next level, adding cabins and transforming her into a fully-fledged superyacht. “We cut her in half and extended her by 11 metres,” Captain Tony recounted. “The new midsection, including glass windows offering views of the ocean floor, was added. The ‘Windows to the Sea’ is one of my favourite features.”

This major refit, completed by Bay Ship & Yacht in California, also included a 7.3-metre aft sun deck extension and a full engine and generator renewal. After the eight-month project, SuRi emerged as a uniquely equipped explorer superyacht, blending robust performance with refined comfort.

Go-anywhere Potential

With a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, SuRi combines exterior design by Joseph Artese Design with naval architecture by Kirilloff and Associates. Powered by two Caterpillar engines, she offers a top speed of 13 knots and remarkable long-range capabilities, supported by a fuel capacity of over 200,000 litres. This makes SuRi ideal for extended voyages, from the idyllic shores of Tahiti to the rugged Patagonian coast and even the icy waters of Antarctica.

Having already completed multiple circumnavigations, SuRi has visited Southeast Asia, French Polynesia, Fiji, the Bahamas, Antarctica, and most recently, Norway. “Antarctica is always a special place to visit, and it would be interesting to see how much it’s changed since I was last there in 2013. Of course, the Pacific is always a highlight for SuRi – Tahiti, Costa Rica, and the Galápagos are incredible places to explore,” commented Captain Tony.

This summer, SuRi will travel to Greenland, while her winter itinerary includes Costa Rica, Patagonia, and Antarctica. “That’s one of the best things about working on SuRi,” he added. “You end up visiting places you might never have imagined. The distances can seem daunting at first, but when you get there, it’s breathtaking and completely worth it.”

An Oasis of Comfort

SuRi’s interior, designed by Jeffrey Botwin, offers an oasis of comfort to match her adventurous spirit. Her bright and airy spaces are characterised by understated luxury, featuring wildlife photography and leather and fur accents that nod to her explorer ethos.

The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in seven staterooms, including a full-beam master suite with a king-size bed, his-and-hers en suites, and a private lounge. Four VIP suites and two convertible cabins complete the guest accommodations, which also cater to families with young children through features like a bassinet and bathtubs in each stateroom.

Wellness is a priority onboard, with a spa, steam room, massage therapies, and a fully equipped gym. The beach club offers a relaxed space at the water’s edge, while the expansive decks provide room for yoga, meditation, and al fresco dining.

Activities and Adventure

“As you can see, we’ve got pretty much every toy imaginable onboard,” said Captain Tony, gesturing to the yacht’s expansive hangar. SuRi boasts an impressive collection of six tenders, including a Munson Packman landing craft, a Mastercraft wakeboard boat, and a centre-console Intrepid, as well as SeaBobs, jet skis, scuba equipment, and more. The crew includes kite-surfing instructors and dive masters, ensuring guests can enjoy these activities safely and expertly. “That’s what SuRi is all about – what we carry,” Captain Tony remarked.

With her experienced crew and extraordinary range of equipment, SuRi offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury. “We’ve got a great team onboard who really come alive during charters,” Captain Tony concluded. “At the end of the day, we just want to enhance the experience, create unforgettable moments, and make people happy wherever they are in the world.”

• To learn more about chartering SuRi visit this website.

LATEST CHARTER UPDATES

New CA: A Salt Weapon

Hill Robinson welcomed the 34.6-metre motor yacht A Salt Weapon to its charter management fleet. Delivered in 2024, this Ocean Alexander 35P – the first of their Puro series – accommodates 10 guests in five ensuite staterooms, with a crew of 5.

• Available for charter along Florida’s west coast and the Bahamas

• Rates start from USD 110,000 per week (+ expenses)

• Learn more at this website

Special Offer: Far From It

Fraser shared a price reduction on 43-metre Far From it, announcing a new low rate of USD 140,000 per week (+ expenses). Delivered by Richmond Yachts in 2008 and refit in 2019, she can accommodate 10 guests in 5 staterooms with a crew of 9. The yacht is currently in St. Marten and charter-ready with a BVI charter permit. 

• Summer charter rates (West Mediterranean) range from EUR 160,000 to EUR 175,000 per week (+ expenses)

• Winter charter rates (Bahamas & Caribbean) range from USD 140,000 to USD 165,000 per week (+ expenses)

• Read the brochure

• Contact Charter Manager Kaisa Pace: [email protected] / +1 954 235 2290

New CA: Moka

YPI welcomes the 42.2-metre Sanlorenzo yacht Moka to their charter fleet. Delivered in 2015, the yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 staterooms with a crew of 9.

• Cruising rates for the Mediterranean range from EUR 190,000 per week (+ expenses)  to EUR 200,000 per week (+ expenses) 

• Read the brochure here

• Contact Charter Manager Harrison MacManus: [email protected] / +33 7 64 78 53 86

Special Offer: Emerald

TWW Yachts is offering a discount for charters aboard 50.4-metre Emerald this winter, in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Delivered by Feadship in 1990 and refit in 2023, the yacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 staterooms with a crew of 11.

• The following special offer is available until 27 January 2025:

  • 15% off for 7-day charters: USD 178,500 per week + expenses (down from USD 210,000)

  • 20% off for charters of 10 days or longer: USD 240,000 per week + expenses (down from USD 300,000)

• Read the brochure here

• Contact Charter Manager Amber Cheshire: [email protected] / +44 7749 494 322

New CA: Champagne Seas

FGI Yacht Group welcomes 49.99-metre Trinity yacht Champagne Seas to their charter fleet. Delivered in 2012 and recently refit, the yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms with a crew of 9. She is available for charter in the Bahamas and Caribbean starting Mid-February with a special introductory rate of 10 Days for the price of 7. 

• Rates range from USD 275,000 USD per week (+ expenses) to USD 255,000 per week (+ expenses)

• Contact Charter Management Director Jennifer McGregor to learn more: [email protected]

Yacht Charter Market: Powered by YachtEye

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Charter Review: 35.97-metre IC

Launched in 2021 by Ocean Alexander, and currently based in Nassau (Bahamas), this tri-deck yacht can accommodate 10 guests in 5 staterooms, supported by a crew of five.

Learn more about chartering IC with Northrop & Johnson here or read her brochure.

POST OF THE WEEK

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