There’s nothing quite like a crazy cloudburst to ruin a day out on deck. The owners of the 200-foot (61-meter) Top Five II commissioned their yacht for that very reason. At the time, they owned a 157-footer (48-meter), and having 70 friends and family enjoying a party on the various decks was no issue. That is, until the deluge came. The challenge of all of them trying to escape into the sun lounge made the owners realize more room would be prudent.
The megayacht departed Royal Hakvoort earlier this fall for North America. Capt. Johannes Buis, who’s worked with the owners for many years, says, “I was flying around for two years looking for boats to buy before we decided to build.” With the shipyard and Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, they created “a boat with equal spaces inside and outside, built for different weather,” he continues. “The idea with Top Five II is that you can still sit outside when the wind’s blowing 30 knots thanks to glass panels. Plus there’s air con on all the decks outside.”
The air conditioning will be appreciated this winter in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. That’s where the megayacht is booking charters via Worth Avenue Yachts. Guests also will appreciate the upper-deck lounge, which handily accommodates a crowd, downpour or not. Better yet, it’s in proximity to the pool (above) and a capacious alfresco dining area, complete with a bar and a huge grill. “The skylounge is the biggest the designers have ever seen in the 200-foot size, because of the ceiling height,” Capt. Buis points out. Those ceilings are 7’9” (2.4 meters), not just on this deck but also on the main deck. Paul Costerus, senior designer and partner at Sinot, agrees. “Without a doubt, the most exciting feature is the immense ceiling heights—a specific request,” he says.
While the main deck has a lovely saloon (above), the owners’ suite just forward of the skylounge is a sight to see. Principle charter guests will delight to waking up to 270-degree views of their anchorage, for example. It may be irresistible to step outside to the private terrace, with its own hot tub, too, before meeting up to friends for breakfast below.
Although five guest staterooms are aboard, Top Five II actually has a convertible media room for further guests. The five standard staterooms are on the main deck, while the flexible cabin is below decks. As a media room, however, it’s a big draw, with a bar plus plush sofas. “All the areas are designed for both an owner or for charter use,” Capt. Buis says.
Contact Worth Avenue Yachts to check that charter availability this coming season.
Royal Hakvoort Shipyard hakvoort.com
Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design sinot.com
Worth Avenue Yachts worthavenueyachts.com
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