YachtCharterFleet can exclusively reveal the new superyacht starring in Season 7 of Below Deck, as well as the destination where the hit Bravo TV series was filmed.
After a successful 6th season cruising around the South Pacific islands of Tahiti, it seems that TV’s favourite yacht crew are heading even further afield for the new series: Below Deck season 7 is being filmed in Thailand.
Filming began in the first week of February in Phuket, with the home port identified as Ao Po Grand Marina. This is the second time in the show’s history that Below Deck has been filmed outside of the Caribbean.
Below Deck Season 7 was filmed on board motor yacht VALOR. While the destination is entirely new, the charter yacht starring in the show is a returning favourite, after playing host to Captain Lee and the crew during seasons 4 and 5.
The VALOR is actually an alias, and YachtCharterFleet has previously rounded up all of the real names of the Below Deck superyachts, as well as the cost to rent them. The real name of VALOR is superyacht BG, and she measures 47m, or 154ft.
BG was built in 1990 by Feadship, arguably the world’s most esteemed shipbuilder, and benefits from contemporary and inviting living areas, alongside a host of stand-out features. These include a crow’s nest, water slide and expansive upper deck sunbathing area, all of which are sure to feature on season seven of the Bravo reality TV show.
In summer, the weekly cost to charter VALOR, or BG, is from $157,500 per week plus expenses. In the winter, she costs from $168,000 per week, and she usually charters around Caribbean hotpots such as the Virgin Islands.
The Below Deck franchise is certainly spreading its wings, with a new series focusing on sailing yachts announced last month. YachtCharterFleet was happy to identify the sailing yacht starring in ‘Below Deck Sailing Vessel’ as ‘Parsifal III’ in an earlier article.
YachtCharterFleet was happy to identify the sailing yacht starring in ‘Below Deck Sailing Vessel’ as ‘Parsifal III’ in an earlier article.
Many of the season 6 six crew will be returning for the brand new season, which is set to premiere later this year. As ever, Kate Chastain will be heading up the interior crew, with Captain Lee Rosbach at the helm alongside Ashton Pienaar as deckhand.
It has been suggested that chef Adrian Martin and steward Josiah Carter will also be making a return to the show for their second season. However, at present, it is not known whether the rest of the crew will be joining them in Thailand.
The cruising grounds of South East Asia have long been one of the most desirable charter destinations for those looking to get off the beaten track and explore the resplendent beauty of this region. The world’s finest coral reefs can be found here, along with secluded bays, sandy beaches and sights on shore such as rice paddies and elephant sanctuaries.
Chartering around Tahiti, Below Deck captured the attention of 3.2 million viewers around the globe and reported the highest-rated season in franchise history. It is possible that future seasons of Below Deck will also take place in far-flung destinations, in the hopes of boosting the popularity of private yacht charters in these locations.
Below Deck season 7 was filmed around Thailand, in the Andaman sea and Phang Nga Bay. With so many islands in this region, there are plenty of destinations on the itinerary for season 7. Filming took place over six weeks in all of the following destinations:
The home port for the show is Phuket's Ao Po Grand Marina, an uber-modern yacht harbour with direct access to the most beautiful charter spots in Thailand. It is in close proximity to a number of bars and restaurants, which will provide the perfect setting for partying after a busy charter. Along these docks, the crew will catch their first glimpse of their charter guests arriving.
A Thai paradise, this pair of islands are encircled by long swathes of soft white sand and lapped by crystal-clear waters. Peppering the surrounding ocean, unusual rock formations are responsible for Koh Poda Nok’s ‘chicken island’ nickname. A secret beach on Ko Poda will make the most idyllic backdrop for a beach picnic, while Tup Island sits between the two land masses and offers up waist-deep waters which are primed for charter guests looking to swim and snorkel.
With its buzzing energy, friendly locals, authentic eateries, the Phi Phi islands are one of the most iconic charter destinations in Thailand. Their bays, bordered by large rocks swathed in green, provide a sheltered spot for kayaking and canoeing- or a beach picnic, as Kate Chastain recently posted a picture believed to be snapped on one of Phi Phi’s blissful beaches.
This pint-sized island is set just adrift from mainland Phuket, and has a laid-back energy that draws in visitors from around the globe. While the western side is more overrun, the eastern portion of this island is devoid of tourists, and offers up a haven of barefoot calm and serenity. Charter guests will be able to peruse coconut groves or visit the local pearl shop, and take home a milky white, organically-harvested souvenir from one of the island’s pearl farms.
Perfectly unspoilt, Ko Yao Yai looks lifted from the scene of a glossy postcard. Palm trees sway gently in the wind, and long icing-sugar sand beaches promise an escape from the world. Thriving metropolises of coral gardens line the seabed, interspersed with world-famous dive sites such the King Cruiser wreck and Anemone Reef, as well as the pinnacle of Shark Point marine sanctuary.
This stretch of coast is perfect for dropping anchor and enjoying watersports, while soaking up the beauty of this dramatic, rocky outpost on the southern tip of Phuket. Charter guests can relax on the deck, or take one of BG’s selection of toys out for a spin.
When Below Deck season seven hits our screens, it is likely that an increased influx of yachts available for luxury yacht charters will head to South East Asia. If you would like to discover more, please get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker.
Alternatively, view and compare all superyachts for charter in South East Asia.
More Yacht Information
47m
Feadship
1990 / 2022
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