In conversation with Captain Liam Devlin onboard 58.22m Unbridled

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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: In conversation with Captain Liam Devlin onboard Unbridled

• Charter updates from: N&J, Fraser, IYC, Hill Robinson, and Worth Avenue Yachts

• Post of the week: @crestcompany.nl shared a reel of 106.7-meter @oceancoyacht Black Pearl in Antigua

TOP STORY

In conversation with Captain Liam Devlin onboard 58.22m Unbridled

Originally from the coastal town of Byron Bay, in Australia, Captain Liam Devlin’s upbringing revolved around the ocean. Surfing, fishing, diving, and spending time aboard his grandfather’s small fishing boat taught him “the joys of being present at sea,” he shared in an interview during the Antigua Charter Yacht Show. While his grandfather educated him on themes ranging from weather and planning to provisioning, “both my father and grandfather inspired me to become a yacht captain and to always strive for self-improvement, with a focus on giving back to others and the environment,” he shared.

Captain Liam Devlin became captain of the 58.22-metre Trinity Yachts motor yacht Unbridled in 2022, shortly after the yacht was purchased by a new owner. Northrop & Johnson sought a captain to transition the yacht from private to charter ownership while maintaining high standards. “There are many great captains in this industry, and I’m honoured by the challenge. I love showing guests the luxury side of yachting, building a strong crew, and especially embracing the challenge of creating a top-tier charter programme. The yacht, owner, and brokerage are the perfect fit for my management style,” he shared.

Though not the first visit to Antigua for Unbridled or her Captain, this year marked the yacht’s first participation in the charter show. Indeed, “the yacht has been around the world and has a long history as a successful, independent expedition yacht with a private owner. However, with her new owner, there has been a shift towards charter,” shared Liam.

The yacht boasts a diverse crew from Australia, the US, and South Africa, each with second skill sets—whether diving, silver service, cocktail expertise, or wellness qualifications. “A crew is not just assembled but carefully built over time to foster a culture of safety and guest satisfaction. Our crew has been exceptional over the past 2 to 3 years, and I continue to build on that foundation with each change. We also have a family of temporary or freelance support to accommodate specific needs. For example, for an upcoming dive charter, we’re bringing back two experienced dive instructors.”

As a well-travelled and proven expedition yacht, Unbridled allows the crew to take guests to remote locations with exceptional standards of service. “Recently, we chartered in Panama and Colombia, including the San Blas Islands, known for their stunning island chains. Guests also enjoy Maine, where the scenery is unparalleled, and it’s not uncommon to go weeks without encountering another large yacht.”

While Captain Devlin acknowledged the challenge of comparing their programme directly with others, he emphasised that Unbridled focuses on creating tailored experiences for each guest. “This means understanding their needs and encouraging them to relax, feel safe, and truly enjoy the moment. Whether it’s high-adrenaline adventures or simply unwinding on deck with a refreshing juice, we cater to a wide range of preferences. From diving and wellness treatments to fine dining, our world-class crew ensures every guest receives exceptional service.”

Popular amenities aboard Unbridled include the yacht’s sixth staterooms, which can serve as additional accommodation or a luxury day spa, gym, or wellness centre. “Our watersports and diving programme are also very popular, and we’ve recently become an accredited PADI dive centre, allowing us to cater to divers from beginners to advanced. Personally, I love sharing fishing trips or underwater conservation activities, like lionfish spearing and coral restoration.”

Diving is a key feature of Unbridled, designed as an expedition diving platform with all the necessary gear, including compressors for nitrox and oxygen, plus 17 sets of diving equipment. “My love for diving stems from growing up in Byron Bay, where I developed a deep appreciation for the underwater world. Guests can experience this in places like the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, and other beautiful dive locations. Our dive destinations this year have included the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the British and US Virgin Islands, Panama, and Colombia. Even the Mediterranean has incredible spots, such as deep dives, wrecks, and coral structures. Belize and Roatan are also top picks, with the Blue Hole in Belize being a dream dive site, and Roatan offering both easy entry-level and more advanced dives alike.”

Looking ahead, Captain Devlin shared his ideal itinerary would likely be in the South Pacific, particularly the Solomon Islands, known for their rich history, stunning environment, and amazing diving. “But personally, I also love places like Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Great Lakes in Canada. I’ve done the Northwest Passage and seen Greenland and Iceland start to open up, offering truly unique experiences. I believe in the cruise ship-style approach, where after dinner we check the weather and, if it’s good, make a smooth passage to a new location overnight. Guests wake up to a fresh experience every day, which is something I really strive for.”

Reflecting on memorable moments during his tenure as captain of Unbridled, one highlight was when they chartered through the Panama Canal, hosting a spa and wellness day for their guests, and a treasure hunt on a remote island. “The guests’ excitement as they finished the hunt was unforgettable,” he shared. Another memorable moment was winning Crew of the Month in November. “Recognising the crew’s hard work is incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to support them as they contribute so much to the yacht and the industry,” he said.

In closing, Captain Devlin shared his passion for his role, stating that being a captain requires much more than just steering the yacht. “We’re ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone on board, creating unforgettable experiences, and contributing to ocean conservation. People sometimes underestimate how much captains care about their work. It’s a job that requires passion, attention to detail, and a commitment to the crew, guests, and the environment.”

• Further reading: Life onboard the 58m Trinity superyacht Unbridled with owner Jim Glidewell

• Learn more about chartering Unbridled with N&J at this website.

LATEST CHARTER UPDATES

Destination: Yolo

The 47.85-metre Odisej yacht Yolo is available for charters in Croatia through Worth Avenue Yachts. Built in 2019, this yacht can accommodate 36 guests in 17 staterooms with a crew of 10.

• Embarkation and disembarkation: can be in Split, Dubrovnik, or Trogir

• Weekly rates range from EUR 65,000 to EUR 75,000 (VAT Included) + APA and expenses

• Learn more here

New CA: Isabell Princess Of The Sea

The 63.8-metre Codecasa yacht Isabell Princess Of The Sea has joined the Fraser Charter Management Fleet. Built in 1990, she underwent a 10 million euro refit in 2023. Accommodating up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms with a crew of 16, she will start her charter season from the West Med after the MYBA charter show.

• Rates for summer charters in the Med range from EUR 290,000 to EUR 320,000 per week + expenses

• Winter rates range from EUR 320,000 EUR290,000 per week + expenses (enquire for location)

• Read the brochure here

• Contact Charter Manager Olga Ekiert

  • M: (+33) 6 07 93 28 97 ( Call, Text )

  • [email protected]

Special Offer: Bold

Hill Robinson is extending a special offer on charters aboard the 85.3-metre SilverYachts explorer Bold following a last-minute cancellation. 

• Now available in the Caribbean, the yacht is offered at a reduced rate of EUR 743,750 per week + expenses, reflecting a 15% discount for one-week charters

• Bold accommodates up to 12 guests across eight cabins

• Learn more here

New CA: Kintaro

IYC welcomed the 38.1-metre Cantieri Di Pisa yacht Kintaro to its global charter fleet. The yacht was built in 2005 and refit last year. She can accomodate 12 guests in 6 staterooms, with a crew of 7.

• Cruising area: East Mediterranean

• Rates start at EUR 85,000 per week + expenses

• Learn more here

Destination: El Rey

Built in 1987 and refit in 2022, the 35.36-metres Deep Sea Marine yacht El Rey is returning to Alaska this summer after two successful charter seasons in 2022 and 2023. Available through N&J, she can accommodate 10 guests in 5 staterooms with a crew of 5.

• Summer 2025:

  • Rate: USD 105,000 per week + APA and expenses

  • Cruising Regions: Alaska, and the Pacific North West

• Winter 2025/2026:

  • Rates range from USD 85,000 to USD 99,000 per week + expenses

  • Cruising Regions: British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Leeward Islands, Mexico (West Coast), Panama, US Virgin Islands, Windward Islands

• Learn more here

• Contact Charter Marketing Manager Nicole Pope

  • M: +1 954 248 0079

  • T: +1 954 522 3344

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POST OF THE WEEK

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