The 97-metre superyacht embarking on a world-tour

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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: An interview with Michael J. Zerr, the captain of Carinthia VII, as he prepares to circumnavigate the globe with the 97-metre superyacht

• Top charter updates: Prolong that summer feeling onboard Summerdance; New central agency for chartering Aresya; Dreaming of summer onboard Mary-Jane; Book Solandge for the next Med-season; Charter onboard the 63-metre superyacht Soundwave; Cruise the Italian coast onboard Liberty

• YachtEye: Get ready for the Caribbean season!

• Charter Spotlight: 107m Benetti superyacht Mar🌊

TOP STORY

The 97-metre superyacht embarking on a world-tour

Join us as we step onboard Carinthia VII and sit down with her Captain, Michael J. Zerr, while preparing for their upcoming world tour, starting in April 2026.

You’ve captained yachts for over twenty years, what makes captaining Carinthia VII so special?

In 2005, the captain at the time showed me Carinthia VII in Antibes: a moment that sparked a lasting fascination. German-built yachts of her era embody an exceptional level of craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality. Carinthia VII stands as a prime example of what the label “Made in Germany” once proudly represented. The true pleasure of ownership emerges when intelligent engineering ensures reliability, and every component is crafted from robust, enduring materials — designed to withstand intensive use effortlessly.

What do you look for when you choose to join a new yacht?

The yachts choose me. The past five years have been marked by turbulence — shaped by the pandemic and international sanctions. To maintain my unlimited license, it is essential that the vessel meets every requirement of commercial certification and operates to the highest professional standards. Carinthia VII does exactly that — and our guests expect nothing less. I prioritise seaworthiness above all. It’s one of the key reasons I chose to move on from my previous command.

To circumnavigate the globe, how do you assemble your crew? What traits do you look for?

What it takes is a crew of seafarers with both physical and mental resilience — individuals who share a genuine desire to embark on a voyage alongside like-minded shipmates. The drive to be part of such an adventure must outweigh considerations of lifestyle, salary, or rotation. It won’t be easy. But through the hardships, comrades emerge who have truly shared some seaman’s life. If the mindset is right, the journey becomes a lasting achievement — defined not only by endurance, but by the quality of the companionship forged along the way.

What makes Carinthia VII the ideal yacht for a world tour?

There are five elements that make Carinthia VII ideal for embarking on a world tour: her size, speed, redundancy, systems, and crew. 

Carinthia VII is big enough to live on the ocean in luxury, comfort and safety, yet she is small enough to access intimate anchorages. Another important element is her power: powered by an extraordinary 40,000 horsepower, she can swiftly reach top speeds of 26 knots. Her speed is not just impressive, but also essential: In the event of a medical emergency, the ability to reach port fast can be life-saving. Additionally, her speed allows for security too: any attempt at unauthorised boarding becomes highly improbable when Carinthia VII can speed away from anyone and anything. 

Furthermore, with four main engines, four generators and other propulsion systems, Carinthia VII has an unusually high level of redundancy. Her systems, instead, are equipped with traditional yet robust systems which are designed to be serviceable and repairable without reliance on proprietary technology. Especially in remote regions this reliability and self-sufficiency are paramount. What might make Carinthia VII best equipped for circumnavigation is our crew: our core team features industry overreaching backgrounds from Expedition Cruise Ships and the Navy.

What inspired the world tour route? Are there any new locations for you?

We choose the natural westward route. Sail with the trade winds, follow the ocean currents and pattern our timing to be in the regions at the prime travel time. We are working with local knowledge and Fraser to prepare ourselves, also for discovering new cruising grounds. It is in the very nature of our adventure not to settle with the comfort of repetition and discover new anchorages.

What area are you most looking forward to exploring with Carinthia VII?

Japan. I’ve sailed Japan before. Once you overcome the regulatory complexities, typhoons, and other navigational challenges, Japan reveals itself as an immensely rewarding destination — culturally, gastronomically, and nautically. It’s a place that offers depth and refinement for those willing to deal with its intricacies.

The Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean are not included on the itinerary for 2026/2027 - what is the motivation behind that?

We have outgrown the Mediterranean. Our vision of voyaging reaches beyond chasing white beaches and sipping Margaritas in the Maldives. Even palm trees, in time, cast shadows. The opulence of a white floating palace was never the goal. Our principal acquired Carinthia VII as “Armour for Adventure”: A vessel built not for display, but for discovery. Familiar and fashionable destinations cannot satisfy this spirit. The CVII World Tour is driven by the transformative power of travel: to explore new worlds, savour unfamiliar aromas, and engage with diverse cultures. We seek to broaden our horizons and challenge our perspectives. As Alexander von Humboldt once said, “The most dangerous of worldviews is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.”

For more information on the Carinthia VII world tour, or to join her for a leg of the journey, contact Fraser Yachts.

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