Life onboard an 80-metre charter yacht

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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: Life onboard 80m charter yacht Batello

• Zairos: FX & Cross-Currency Solutions for Charter & Asset Payments

• Charter Updates: New for charter with Y.CO is Alberry | Man of Steel for charter with Ocean Independence | Starfire: built for global cruising | new Central Agent for 60m Alva | 10% off when chartering My Uilia | Edmiston as new Central Agent for Perla Bianca 

• Superyacht Spotlight: Need inspiration for Valentine day?

TOP STORY

Life onboard 80m charter yacht Batello

The largest yacht at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show this past December, was the award-winning 80-metre motor yacht Batello. Having recently undergone a three-month refit at her builder’s shipyard Oceanco, the yacht is turning heads with her sleek and imposing figure. Captained by Luc Osstyn and Mike Hein, and managed by Anna Granlund, Head of Charter Management Monaco from IYC, the vessel enters its very first season as a charter yacht.

Whilst in Antigua, I had the pleasure of stepping onboard to explore her brand new refit, speak with captain Luc, embarrass myself at pickleball, enjoy a deep sea fishing expedition, and meet her incredible crew.

Onboard Batello

Before even stepping onboard Batello, the 80-metre superyacht has an imposing presence with her dark-blue steel hull and white aluminium superstructure. This multi-deck vessel features naval architecture by Oceanco and Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture, with exterior design by Nuvolari Lenard. 

Stepping onboard Batello, I immediately felt like Cinderella climbing up a beautiful, opaque glass staircase towards the ballroom, except the ‘ballroom’ is her upper deck, which flows seamlessly into her dining area. At its centre sits a table for 14, but can be expanded for larger dinner parties, or reduced to suit smaller groups for more intimate settings. Adjacent is her main saloon, with warm wooden flooring and a plush white carpet, accompanied by ample seating space and a grand Steinway & Sons piano for those of us that are musically talented. 

Batello’s interiors, penned by Alberto Pinto and recently refitted by FM Architettura, are able to accommodate 12 guests across her nine luxurious staterooms, with her flexible layout catering to the various needs of every charter party. Her staterooms feature light varnished wooden interiors and are complimented by pale carpeted flooring, and each have a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower or bathtub, as well as plenty of storage. Each stateroom is accompanied by a colour-based collection of novels, with art to match.

The owner’s suite, sitting at the bow of the vessel, stretches the full 14.2-metre beam, and has private access to two Jacuzzis, one of which can be used for a cold plunge, alongside a cosy reading nook ideal for sipping your morning coffee undisturbed. There is a walk-in closet, as well as a blue-marble bathroom with his-and-hers shower access, sinks and dayheads, as well as a bathtub and heated flooring. Adjacent to the master suite is a private office with ample space for work, meetings, or gaining inspiration whilst staring at a miniature model of Batello.

An active charter yacht

There are plenty of spaces to explore onboard, whether you glide down the spiral staircase, or hop in the glass elevator to any of her five decks. Batello also comes with a built-in spa, including a massage bed, as well as a medical room, equipped with the MedAire Safety Support system. Additionally, the yacht has a hair salon, and a fully equipped gym with sea views. There is also ample space to lounge around on deck, as each level has a dedicated seating area ideal for a meal, sunbathing, or reading a book in the shade. 

For those who like to be active, the Batello crew can also set up a net on and around the bridge aft deck, facilitating a game of basketball or pickleball. During the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, I was kindly invited to  enjoy breakfast and a game of pickleball. Deckhand Jacob carefully explained the rules whilst also refereeing the ongoing game. Whilst I understood the rules, I lacked the skills and it wasn’t long before Jacob had to walkie-talkie his colleagues that yet another ball had gone over the net.

Stepping off the court, my embarrassment was quickly washed away by a ginger shot, followed by a delicious breakfast. Chief Stewardess Elin had carefully designed a menu featuring two paddles, on which a delicious breakfast by Pete (head chef) and Tommy (sous chef) was presented, including proper Italian coffee. 

For guests who, like me, aren’t blessed with hand-eye coordination, the superyacht has plenty more to offer, from a heated pool on her upper deck to an extensive watertoy collection, a slide and climbing wall, being bored onboard Batello is unheard of. Whether you enjoy her Jetski’s, paddleboards, sailing dinghy, seabobs, or sunbathe by the beach club, the yacht is fully equipped to entertain.

Deep Sea Fishing

A standout feature of Batello is her chase boat, Charlie Whiskey, equipped to fish. During the show, Johno, the chase boat captain, took us out for a deep sea fishing excursion. We left the mothership early in the morning, setting off towards the deep blue waters between Antigua and Barbuda. While I had never been fishing before and was unsure of what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised.

The cruising is incredibly smooth, even with her five engines powering us along through the waves. The fishing lines, secured by Todd, Batello’s Chief Officer, and deckhand Brodie, almost caught us a fish, which unfortunately let loose right before reeling it in. Luckily the fish wasn’t on the menu for lunch, and instead, once faring into calmer, more turquoise waters, stewardesses Helen and Sophie had prepared an amazing spread with various salads, grilled vegetables, cheeses and meats, as well as butter imprinted with the Batello logo.

Upgraded & ready for charter

The yacht recently underwent a three-and-a-half month refit at Oceanco in the Netherlands in late 2025. The refit of Batello hasn’t just been great for guests, including an upgrade to her staterooms, saloon and external deckspaces, but also for the crew. 

Captain Luc noted how, “the work that’s been done, the refreshing of the interiors, it’s made a huge difference to the yacht.” While her interiors and exteriors have been updated, and will be further upgraded between charter seasons, much of the refit has been technical. “We cut off the old foremast, put in a telescoping fibre foremast which changed the lines of the vessel to look more sleek and modern,” Luc shared, “and we have made sure the internet is as fast as can be.” An upgrade that is welcome for both guests and crew. 

What makes Batello a standout yacht isn’t solely her upgraded interiors or extensive entertainment, it’s also her ever-enthusiastic crew that really makes the experience onboard the yacht something special. “First and foremost we seek out a positive attitude. I love high-energy people. It goes hand-in-hand with the seven star service we deliver: you need decorum, professionalism, and to be conscientious, but also to have a positive attitude,” the captain shares.

“I’m incredibly proud of the crew here and the improvements we’re continuously able to make onboard,” Luc boasted. “At the end of their [charter] trip, when the guests are so relaxed and happy and they don’t want to leave the boat. Then we’ve nailed it”, the captain shares with a big smile, “that’s what we’re here for.”

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SUPERYACHT SPOTLIGHT

@superyachttimes

Send this to your Valentine to make sure he's taking notes 📝

📸 Video via 60m Amels @yachtcometogether 

✍️ Exterior designed by @espenoeino 
🛋️ Interiors crafted by @winchdesign_wd 

With accommodations for 14 guests in six staterooms, the full displacement yacht offers a 27-metre sun deck with a Jacuzzi, dining area, open-air cinema, swim platform and beach club with an ice bath, sauna, and gym.

Built on @amelsyachting ’ advanced ultra-efficient hull, she features innovative technologies, including a hybrid propulsion system that allows her to reach a maximum speed of 15.5 knots.