Donald Starkey Brief

Donald Starkey Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Westport 164 motor yacht Hull 5011 launched by Westport Yachts

May 17, 2013

The prominent US builder, Westport Yachts, has recently launched its 11th Westport 164 motor yacht Hull 5011 – a sistership to luxury yacht Annastar (hull 5010), delivered in late 2012. Featuring naval architecture by William Garden and Taylor Olson, the Westport 164 superyacht Hull 5011 belongs to the successful 50-metre semi-custom series, designed by award-winning Donald Starkey.

A sistership to Westport 164 Yacht Hull 5011 - luxury yacht Lady Kathryn IV (hull 5009)

A sistership to Westport 164 Yacht Hull 5011 - luxury yacht Lady Kathryn IV (hull 5009)

About Westport 164
Accommodation aboard Westport 164 yacht is offered to 12 guests in 6 elegant cabins. There is a master suite on the main deck, a VIP cabin on the bridge deck as well as two double cabis and two twin cabins, which can be found on the lower deck.

Twin 3,650hp MTU diesel engines can deliver Westport 164 superyacht a maximum speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots. Her range is 5,200 nautical miles at 12 knots.

Below is a gallery for the beautiful charter yachts built by Westport.

British Excellence recognized at World Superyacht Awards 2013

May 10, 2013

Three British Marine Federation (BMF) as well as Superyacht UK (SYUK) members have been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards in the superyacht sector at the 8th annual World Superyacht Awards held in Istanbul. These members have been recognized for their expertise and excellence in superyacht design and construction.

Motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) after refit at Pendennis - Photo by Paul Warchol

WSA 2013 for motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) refitted by Pendennis - Photo by Paul Warchol

The Rebuilt Motor Yacht award went to the 47m motor yacht A2 which was refitted and exterior styling by Pendennis while the naval architecture was a combination of Pendennis and BMT Nigel Gee.

Toby Allies, Sales & Marketing Director at Pendennis said of the win: “A2 was a substantial project for Pendennis, with the vessel stripped back to her bare hull and rebuilt completely over her 16 month period in the Falmouth yard. Being awarded the World Superyacht Award for Best Rebuild is testament to the high level of excellence that is achieved by all our in-house trades and confirms our status as one of the leaders in the worldwide superyacht rebuilds market.”

The Judge’s Special Award for Performance was awarded to the 30m sailing yacht Hamilton, built by Green Marine. Marcel Muller, Managing Director at Green Marine said “We are very happy to have been awarded with this prestigious award. Hamilton is the first racing yacht that could convince the judges to have the qualities of a Superyacht.

WallyCento Yacht Hamilton launched by Green Marine - Image credit YCO

WallyCento Yacht Hamilton launched by Green Marine - Image credit to YCO

“We were lucky to execute this project with a great team of designers, engineers, project managers and builders for an owner who had a clear vision in mind. Only to mention a few of the key players: James Stagg as owners project manager kept the project on a very tight time line and Struik & Hammerslag did a fantastic job on the light weight interior.”

The dedicated award for Three Deck Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yacht went to superyacht Imperial Princess, Princess Yachts International’s first Princess 40M from their M Class range of 100ft yachts.

Imperial Princess superyacht by Princess Yachts

Imperial Princess superyacht by Princess Yachts

Chris Gates, Managing Director at Princess Yachts International, said: “We are extremely honoured that Imperial Princess has been awarded in her category at the 2013 World Superyacht Awards.  The standard of yachts within her class were exemplary and we are delighted to receive this internationally recognised accolade for our Princess 40M.  This is a tremendous achievement for all involved.”

Albert Levy, SYUK Chairman commented: “The consistent recognition of quality in design, construction, refit and engineering consultancy evidences a depth of experience and knowledge at the highest level. This enhances the attraction of the UK’s Superyacht Industry to all who work in it and more especially the owners who have entrusted their projects to, in particular the winners of the Awards, whose teams are to be congratulated for their singular efforts.”

Along with the success of the BMF and SYUK members further British accomplishments were recognised with Overall Motor Yacht of the Year and winner of the Raised Pilothouse Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yacht awards going to luxury yacht Loretta Anne, designed by Dubois Naval Architects Ltd and with interior design completed by Donald Starkey Designs.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

Charter yacht Endeavour won Refitted Sailing Yacht with its interior design created by John Munford and Adam Lay while superyacht Mogambo took Displacement Motor Yacht of 1,300GT and Above with its exterior and interior design by Reymond Langton Design.

The World Superyacht Awards, in its eighth year, took place at the stunning Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey on 4 May, celebrated the finest new superyacht builds delivered to their owners in the last 12 months. News broadcaster, Natasha Kaplinsky presented the coveted silver Neptune awards and five Judge’s Commendation prizes to the superyacht owners and industry professionals.

Classic Charter Yacht Endeavour

Classic Charter Yacht Endeavour

The UK superyacht industry is a significant contributor in the global arena, delivering revenue over £440million and employing around 3,550, according to the latest Superyacht UK statistics. The diverse nature of the UK’s offering to the superyacht sector has allowed the industry to continue providing excellent services thanks to its refit, broking, design, insurance and legal offerings. British excellence within the industry was highly recognised on the international stage at the spectacular awards event where eight British companies were acknowledged for their expertise and success in the industry.

Double awards for Dubois-designed luxury yacht LORETTA ANNE at World Superyacht Awards 2013

May 08, 2013

Designed by the prestigious UK design firm Dubois Naval Architects, the beautiful 47-metre motor yacht Loretta Anne was named ‘Motoryacht of the Year’ at the recent World Superyacht Awards, presented by Boat International Media. In addition, luxury yacht Loretta Anne won in the category of ‘Raised Pilothouse Semi-displacement Motor Yacht’.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois - Photo by Chris Lewis

Built by Alloy Yachts, New Zealand, the Dubois-designed Loretta Anne yacht is the 22nd large Dubois-designed/Alloy-built yacht to launch and she takes full advantage of the combined experience and the first-rate build quality of the shipyard.

As the designers, Dubois has succeeded in combining excellent seakeeping with an efficient hull and attractive, timeless looks.

47m superyacht Loretta Anne

47m superyacht Loretta Anne - Photo by Chris Lewis

As is usual with all Dubois designs, Dubois was responsible for the naval architecture and outboard styling of superyacht Loretta Anne. Donald Starkey Designs finished the interior in the ‘Bahamas beach house’ style requested by the owner.

Loretta Anne is the 11th motoryacht of over 30 metres that Dubois has designed. Probably known primarily as sailboat designers, to win this ‘Best Motor Yacht’ award is particularly gratifying. Dubois delights in the challenge of marrying seaworthiness with practicality and good looks in its motoryacht designs; the same priorities that the studio applies to their wind driven sisters.

Luxurious exterior aboard motor yacht Loretta Anne

Luxurious exterior aboard motor yacht Loretta Anne - Photo by Chris Lewis

Interesting features include the vertical bridge screen of superyacht Loretta Anne, which is both practical and contemporary and, unusually for a two and a half deck yacht, the galley is on the main deck.

The owner and friends, who were in attendance at the Awards Ceremony, were overjoyed with the recognition the Loretta Anne yacht received. An experienced owner, she was heavily involved in the design and features for the latest superyacht Loretta Anne.

Luxurious interior aboard superyacht Loretta Anne

Luxurious interior aboard superyacht Loretta Anne - Photo by Chris Lewis

Below is a gallery for the oustanding charter yachts with design by Dubois Naval Architects.

Alloy Yacht LORETTA ANNE Winner of World Superyacht Award 2013

May 07, 2013

Tony Hambrook and the team at Alloy Yachts are thrilled to announce that the 47m Dubois designed yacht Loretta Anne has been named MOTOR YACHT of the YEAR at the recently running World Superyacht Awards, held in Istanbul. Luxury motor yacht Loretta Anne also won the category of “Raised Pilothouse Semi-displacement Motor Yacht”. She bears a beautiful “Bahamas Beach House” interior, created by renowned Don Starkey Design.

Loretta Anne superyacht by Alloy Yachts

Loretta Anne superyacht by Alloy Yachts

The owner and friends, who were in attendance at the WSA were overjoyed with the recognition the Loretta Anne yacht received. An experienced owner, she was heavily involved in the design and features for the latest Loretta Anne. This is the owner’s third yacht from Alloy.

Luxury yacht Loretta Anne - Dining

Luxury yacht Loretta Anne - Dining

ALLOY YACHTS once again sponsored the Voyager’s Award at the World Superyacht Awards. They were honoured to present this award to the owners of the 37.33m expedition yacht Marama. Last year the owners spent the summer cruising northwards from Seattle, through the West Coast of British Columbia to Glacier Bay in Alaska.

Luxury expedition yacht Marama

Luxury expedition yacht Marama

World Superyacht Awards 2013 Winners

May 06, 2013

May 4 in the fabulous surroundings of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, overlooking the historic Bosphorus waterway, saw the superyacht industry’s finest gather for the eagerly awaited event in the yachting calendar – the eighth annual World Superyacht Awards.

WSA 2013


During a gala evening attended by a distinguished guest list of superyacht owners, their families, friends and luminaries of the superyacht industry, news broadcaster Natasha Kaplinsky presented the prized silver Neptune awards to the owners of the finest sail and motor yachts delivered in 2012.

Seventeen coveted Neptunes and three Judges’ Commendation prizes, custom made for the occasion by Baccarat, were awarded to the winners on the night.

Motor Yacht of the Year, sponsored by Camper & Nicholsons International, was awarded to the 47.00m superyacht Loretta Anne.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

Custom built for an experienced, second-time client of Alloy Yachts, Loretta Anne yacht was designed by Dubois Naval Architects who created an attractively low and sleek yacht.

In practical fashion, the raised pilot house of luxury yacht Loretta Anne is fitted with vertical windows to ensure optimum external visibility, while three sides of the flying bridge can be sheltered by powered, vertically-sliding glass screens. Her modern interior, by Donald Starkey Designs, offers elegance, comfort and sophistication.

Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne - Interior

Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne - Interior

Sailing Yacht of the Year, sponsored by Tansu, went to the 37.33m luxury yacht Pumula, built by Royal Huisman.

Royal Huisman superyacht Pumula - Photo by Cory Silken

Royal Huisman superyacht Pumula - Photo by Cory Silken

Pumula is the epitome of a modern classic sailing yacht. Built to the highest standards, her exterior lines reflect the beauty of a bygone age. A sea-kindly hull with optimum underwater lines and an easily handled rig with carbon-fibre mast, PBO headstay and Kevlar backstay and in-boom furling, guarantee modern standards of performance and handling.

Her interior offers a large owner cabin aft together with two twin-bed guest cabins, while a further double guest cabin lies forward of the deck saloon and lower deck living area. The Rhoades Young Design interior, designed to match her exterior styled by Dykstra Naval Architects, is executed in light oak, subtly aged to meet the expectations of a classic yacht.

Sailing Yacht Pumula - lower salon - Photo by Cory Silken

Sailing Yacht Pumula - lower salon - Photo by Cory Silken

The Voyager’s Award, sponsored by Alloy Yachts, was presented to the owners of the 37.33m expedition yacht Marama. In the summer of last year she cruised northwards from Seattle to Glacier Bay, Alaska in a three-month, 3,200nm voyage.

The thoroughness with which the coastline was explored, the experiences enjoyed along the way and, perhaps above all, the manner in which the cruise was documented with the most enchanting (and technically demanding) photographs and video, immediately captured the hearts of the judges.

38m expedition yacht MARAMA

38m expedition yacht MARAMA

The Legacy Award, sponsored by Proteksan Turquoise Yachts, was awarded to Tom Perkins, for his lifetime services to yachting and, in particular, the development of charter yacht Maltese Falcon – one of the most advanced sailing yachts in the last 100 years.

Maltese Falcon -  (2)

Maltese Falcon - (2)

Boat International Media would like to thank Gold Sponsor RMK Marine and the event sponsors and partners who have helped to make the 2013 World Superyacht Awards such a tremendous success.

Westport delivers 50m motor yacht ANNASTAR

December 18, 2012

The prestigious US shipyard, Westport Yachts, has recently delivered the 10th Westport 164 motor yacht Annastar (hull 5010). With naval architecture by William Garden and Taylor Olson, the magnificent 50-metre superyacht Annastar is designed by renowned Donald Starkey.

Westport 164 superyacht Lady Kathryn IV - a sistership to luxury yacht Annastar

Westport 164 superyacht Lady Kathryn IV - a sistership to luxury yacht Annastar

A total number of 12 guests are provided with maximum luxury and comfort aboard Annastar superyacht. She offers 6 lovely cabins, including a master suite on the main deck, a VIP cabin on the bridge deck, as well as two double cabins and two twin cabins on the lower deck.

Westport 164 luxury yacht Annastar (hull 5010) is run by twin 3,650hp MTU diesels, enabling her to reach a maximum speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots. She has a range of 5,200 nautical miles at 12 knots.

Below is a gallery for the exquisite charter yachts built by Westport.

The spectacular 73m Delta mega yacht LAUREL on display at the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show

August 31, 2012

Launched by the prestigious US builder Delta Marine in 2006, the 73-metre luxury motor yacht Laurel will be on display at the highly anticipated Monaco Yacht Show, held this September. The exceptional superyacht Laurel is designed by renowned Donald Starkey, with naval architecture as well as marine engineering by the Delta Design Group.

Thanks to her huge beam of 12.30m (40’4″), the 73m superyacht Laurel provides beautiful and spacious accommodation to up to 12 charter guests in 7 elegant staterooms. Situated amidships on the main deck, there is a lovely master cabin, fitted with a large king size bed, a day pantry, a study area, two private exterior terraces, two walk in wardrobes, a double shower as well as head. Additional 6 guest suites can be found below decks. Laurel is managed by an impressive crew of 24 professionals.

Delta’s megayacht Laurel can reach a top speed of 18,2 knots and comfortably cruises at 14,5 knots. She is run by twin Caterpillar 3516 main engines with 2,500 horse power @ 1800 rpm. To provide a more comfortable experience while aboard, she is also equipped with A Quantum QC 1800 four fin zero speed system with the unique feature of pitch control.

Luxury yacht Laurel was the first large yacht in the world boasting a completely composite superstructure from the main deck up providing significant weight savings.

Superb charter special for the 57m luxury yacht DIAMOND A in the West Mediterranean

August 23, 2012

Luxury superyacht DIAMOND A (ex Ultima III) is currently running an excellent charter special for the charter bookings taking place in September in the Mediterranean countries, Italy and France.  The 57m charter yacht Diamond A is available at a weekly charter rate of €250,000 plus expenses, instead of her normal rate of € 280,000. This is an outstanding discount of 30,000 euros!

Diamond A -  Main

Diamond A - Main

Built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 1998, Diamond A vessel is an elegant full displacement steel motor yacht, boasting elegant interior by renowned Donald Starkey, with a latest refit in 2010. She has received upgrades on all audio-visual systems, the communication system, superstructure, hull paint, Quantum Zero Speed Stabilizers, as well as some new furniture.

Diamond A -  Main Salon

Diamond A - Main Salon

Twelve guests will find comfortable and luxurious accommodation aboard charter yacht Diamond A, in six cabins, as well as an extra staff cabin. Situated on the main deck, is the beautiful master stateroom, featuring a private lounge and additional stateroom. Furthermore, it has ‘his and her’ facilities with dressing areas and a generous wardrobe space.

Diamond A -  Main Salon looking forward

Diamond A - Main Salon looking forward

Diamond A -  Bridge Deck Dining

Diamond A - Bridge Deck Dining

The VIP stateroom can be found on the upper deck, boasting large en-suite bathroom and a dressing room. One additional staff twin cabin is located on the upper deck. The remaining guest cabins are situated on the lower deck and are all well equipped with double beds, wardrobe space and en-suite facilities.

Diamond A -  Formal Dining

Diamond A - Formal Dining

Diamond A -  Upper Salon (Sky lounge)

Diamond A - Upper Salon (Sky lounge)

Diamond A yacht’s interior is light, spacious and luxuriously appointed, with plenty of communal areas for socialising or relaxation. The exterior spaces include a massive sun deck with areas for al-fresco dining, a Jacuzzi to unwind and places to sunbathe. There are additional areas for dining and relaxation on the bridge-deck and on the aft deck, as well as a table and seating area forward.

Diamond A -  Sundeck Aft

Diamond A - Sundeck Aft

Diamond A -  Jaccuzi

Diamond A - Jaccuzi

To guarantee her charter guests with a pleasurable and comfortable yacht charter experience in the Western Mediterranean, luxury yacht DIAMOND A is led by Captain Owen Jones and guests are looked after by a international, friendly and professional crew of 16. To find out about the availability or for any other information, please contact our charter brokers by following this link.

Diamond A -  Bridge Deck Aft

Diamond A - Bridge Deck Aft

Motor yacht Diamond A

Year:1998 (Refit 2010)  L.O.A.:57.30m (187' 11")  Beam:10.30m (33' 9") 
Max Speed:16 knots  Cruise Speed:14 knots  Engines:Main Engines - 2 x Caterp 
Cabins: Charter Guest:12  Crew:15 

Western Mediterranean Luxury Superyacht Charter

Western Mediterranean is certainly the most popular charter destination when it comes to the summer season in Europe. Italy and France draw visitors from all around the world thanks to their rich history, diverse culture, excellent cuisine and great natural resources. There is plenty on offer, from beautiful, tranquil bays to busy towns and exciting nightlife. You can start your holiday in the South of France, visiting Monaco, Antibes, Nice or Cannes and experience some of the best shopping, nightlife and beach parties. From here you could move south, to cruise Italy’s spectacular coastline and be amazed by some of the most beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. Your charter itinerary could include islands of Sardinia, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, Corsica or Capri. There is so much to discover!

Yachtley motor yacht NOURAH OF RIYAD refitted and lengthened

August 17, 2012

Originally measuring 65 meters in length, the exceptional motor yacht Nourah of Riyad was constructed by the Turkish builder Yachtley in 2008. Designed by renowned Donald Starkey, Nourah of Riyad superyacht was successfully re-launched by Yachtley in May, refitted and lengthened by 5 meters.

The re-launch of the 70m motor yacht Nourah of Riyad

The re-launch of the 70m motor yacht Nourah of Riyad - Image courtesy of Yachtley

Undergoing a five-metre extension, the 70m (231ft) megayacht Nourah of Riyad now also boasts a new swimming platform, beach club, larger areas on the main deck as well as on the upper deck, a new saloon on the sundeck and efficient bulbous, along with several cosmetic changes.

70m superyacht Nourah of Riyad re-launched by Yachtley

70m superyacht Nourah of Riyad re-launched by Yachtley - Image courtesy of Yachtley

Comfortable and luxurious accommodation aboard the Yachtley superyacht Nourah of Riyad is provided to up to 14 guests. There is also space for an impressive crew of 18 professionals.

231ft luxury yacht Nourah of Riyad

231ft luxury yacht Nourah of Riyad - Image courtesy of Yachtley

Thanks to twin Caterpillar diesels, the 70m luxury yacht Nourah of Riyad can achieve a top speed of 19 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots.

Recently delivered 47m Alloy luxury yacht LORETTA ANNE designed by Dubois

June 14, 2012

A sistership to the 40m luxury yacht TATS (ex Loretta Anne IV, Allogante) as well as the 39m superyacht SQN, the recently delivered 47m motor yacht Loretta Anne, previously known as hull AY43, was built by the prestigious NZ shipyard Alloy Yachts and designed by the respected UK-based studio Dubois Naval Architects. With beautiful interior by well known Donald Starkey, the Loretta Anne superyacht is the 22nd design and the fifth motoryacht, developed by the prominent Dubois studio.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois - Photo by Chris Lewis

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne (hull AY43) designed by Dubois - Photo by Chris Lewis

As the designers, the aim of Dubois was to combine excellent seakeeping with an efficient hull and pleasing, timeless looks. Interesting features of the Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne include her vertical bridge screen, which is both practical and contemporary and, unusually for a two and a half deck yacht, the galley is on the main deck.

Loretta Anne superyacht - rear view Credit: Chris Lewis

Loretta Anne superyacht - rear view Credit: Chris Lewis

At 47m, most yachts of this size would have three full decks. However, the pleasing streamlined apperance of the ‘two and a half deck’ model was preferred. The extensive flybridge – far alrger than on a tri-deck yacht of this length – can be made weatherproof with lifting/lowering windows all the way around.

Although the intention is for the 47m luxury yacht Loretta Anne to remain a private vessel, she has been built in compliance to LY2, and is Lloyd’s classed. Powered by Caterpillar engines, she cruises at 14 knots, with a maximum speed of 17 knnots and a range of 3,500nm at cruising speed.

Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne Interior - Photo by Chris Lewis

Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne Interior - Photo by Chris Lewis

Like the Loretta Anne yacht’s predecessor, which has a draft of 2.06m to the underside of her keel, a requirement of the new yacht was to have a shallow draft to allow access to the Bahamas and Belize, which will be her main cruising grounds. This has benn realised with a draft of 2.2m, which will allow the vessel access to many of the shallower anchorages, and gives destination flexibility.

Like the 38.8m and the 40m Loretta Annes, the new Loretta Anne yacht has an interior by Donald Starkey. She features five cabins; three VIP guest suites, along with a fourth which can be converted between a guest cabin and a gym sleeping eight guests plus the owner, in a full beam master stateroom.

Loretta Anne superyacht Dining Credit: Chris Lewis

Loretta Anne superyacht (hull AY43) Dining Credit: Chris Lewis

Loretta Anne (hull AY43) is the 11th motoryacht of over 30 metres that Dubois has designed. Known primarily as sailboat designers, Dubois nevertheless delights in the challenge of marrying seaworthiness with practicality and good looks in its motoryacht designs; the same priorities that the studio applies to its wind driven sisters.