BARBARA - work hard, play harder

BARBARA is setting a new benchmark in the charter market. It’s not just that this yacht has more toys than most, it’s the way she operates that makes the difference. We talk to Captain Luke and his crew to get the inside story…

The moment you step on board 88.5m (290.4ft) BARBARA for your charter, you will know that this vacation is going to be special. Not only does this elite yacht offer all the luxury and service that you would expect, BARBARA is run by an extremely experienced and pro-active team who make it their job to work hard so that you can play as hard as you like.

The level of consideration for every detail - from your food to the watersport activities - is exceptional. When you book a charter on board BARBARA, you are in for a treat.

BARBARA’s crew are natural multi-taskers. As well as their day jobs, they are photographers, deep sea fishermen, kite-surfers – and one is a semi-pro surfer. These skills are a valued add-on to the charter experience.

‘The crew use the watertoys themselves, so they are very knowledgeable in the equipment we have on board,’ explains Captain Luke. ‘We deliberately hire crew who are passionate about watersports – so it’s second nature to them to pass on their enthusiasm. It means that guests have the chance to learn a new sport or ramp up their skills.’

The yacht has an impressive toy store that allows guests to all get on the water at the same time. As well as e-foils, waverunners, SeaBobs, kayaks and paddleboards, there’s an aquapark, trampoline and inflatable climbing wall for all the family. ‘The children also love the towable inflatables,’ says Deckhand Ruel. ‘We have three tenders, so there is capacity for everyone to stay on the water as long as they want.’

Safety is a word that you will hear frequently on BARBARA. This translates into there being one crew member in a support vessel for every one guest on the water. Plus the yacht is RYA certified to ensure that guests get full instruction in each piece of equipment.

‘BARBARA is the safest operation I’ve ever been on,’ says Captain Luke. ‘We have procedures and check lists for everything. That gives our guests the security of knowing they are in very experienced and safe hands.’

‘We have a chase boat with a walkaround deck which is set up for deep-sea fishing,’ adds Captain Luke. ‘Guests go out with Trav and Dylan, two deckhands from New Zealand who have spent their whole lives fishing – it makes an exceptional day out for charter guests, especially if they can bring home fish for their dinner.’

‘We prep the fish and often make sashimi and sushi, or add it to the dinner menu in some way,’ says Chef Tony. ‘It depends on the fish but when it’s so fresh it’s always delicious.’

Before you even step on board, BARBARA’s crew are prepping for your arrival. Chief Steward Jessica explains, ‘It’s all in the preparation. Every Friday is cocktail training, based on the tastes and requests of the party coming aboard. We want to be able to mix their drinks the way they like them, so we practise.

‘The upside of this is that the crew get to enjoy the results,’ Jessica adds. ‘It’s good way for us all to get together and unwind at the end of the week.’

For guests who want a more relaxing day, the spa is very popular. ‘Our spa manager, Phon, is always learning the latest treatments,’ says Jessica. ‘The welcoming rituals and singing bowls are all part of the wellbeing practice that guests can expect. Phon also has a mobile manicure-pedicure station, so she can take the nail service to the guest.’

If you want to improve your photography captures, talk to Trav, Steve and Wilton about a tutorial on land, water or underwater. BARBARA has dedicated equipment for guest use – including underwater camera and a drone. ‘Every day we film the guests activities and play it back on the yacht’s screens for them,’ says Captain Luke. ‘Then, when they leave guests leave with the gift of a video of their trip as a keepsake.’

At the end of the day guests gravitate to the owner’s deck aft. The large dining table there is ideal for a large party to sit together and chat over a leisurely meal. Alternatively the sun deck is a more intimate space, with a motorised table that raises to dining height when needed. The sun deck also has a basketball net to keep the children entertained, and an outdoor cinema screen with Starlink streaming service to watch any movie or TV.

Guest can look forward to exceptional dining. ‘There’s nothing these chefs can’t do,’ enthuses Captain Luke. ‘Their skills really complement each other’s – together they cover all cuisines.’

‘Guests are keen to try our menus,’ says Chef Tony. ‘Asian menus are always popular, but really it’s anything from haute cuisine to pizza – it’s up the guests. Of course, the children like cakes, muffins and brownies – we can make them in a few minutes, on request.’

To maintain these standards of service at all times, BARBARA works on a strict rotation schedule that swaps out the whole crew every 60 days. 'The crew's enthusiasm and involvement are the heart beat of life on board BARBARA,' explains Captain Luke. 'To make sure that we always bring our A game, rotation allows the crew to stay fresh and to give one hundred percent.'

Charterers looking for a high-energy vacation on an immaculate yacht with a passionate crew, look no further. BARBARA is available for limited charter periods this season so talk to your broker today.