You have a little more time to enjoy sailing on Richard Branson’s superyacht Necker Belle catamaran, since she is up for sale, according to Yacht Charter Fleet. The weekly charter rate for Necker Belle is $110,000, so harry up if you want to spend a week on the luxurious catamarana before new owner snaps her up. The 2003-launched Necker Belle was built by French Shipyard CMN before being purchased by Branson in 2007. Two years later, this superyacht underwent a refit by the Azzura Shipyard in Australia, which transformed her from the mundane into a special luxury catamaran.
This very comprehensive refit strengthened the vessel, upgraded her steering to a new hydraulic system and repositioned the helm stations, re-rigged her with a carbon mast and re-engineered the structure of the mast base.
At the same time the superyacht’s interior was treated to a totally new electrical system and wiring, a complete overhaul of the engine room, and a completely new scheme of interior decoration in which all surface materials were replaced or refurbished to provide a relaxed beach house atmosphere.
The charter yacht was in fact designed to be a reflection of Branson’s very own island, as he comments on the official website: “As the name implies, the experience on board is not unlike a mobile version of Necker Island, my home and favourite hideaway.”
She can accommodate 10 – 12 guests in four staterooms comprising of a master suite, a double cabin and two twin cabins, all with en suite shower rooms, flat screen TV and iPod docking stations, and all fully air-conditioned. In the evening an area of the main saloon can be converted to sleep an additional two people, with a privacy screen, separate toilet and shower. Being a catamaran she is very stable and offers fantastic space. Her contemporary and spacious interior is furnished with maple and bamboo generating a cool, calm and relaxed atmosphere throughout.
On top she provides charter guests with a friendly professional crew of 7 and a good selection of water toys for outdoor fun. Live out your James Bond fantasies on Necker Nymph, a 3-person aero submarine that can dive down to a depth of 30 metres, fly underwater and explore ancient shipwrecks and exotic marine life amongst vibrant coral reefs.
Sailing catamaran has a range – 1,500 nautical miles under cruising speed and a tonnage of 171 tons.
