Invited on board at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, the team at YachtCharterFleet discovers what makes the award-winning 90m/295ft classic motor yacht NERO such an icon.
At the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, YachtCharterFleet was welcomed aboard superyacht NERO to discover her superb entertainment offer and sample the culinary delights of head chef Michael Savva.
With a sleek and striking neo-classical exterior, superyacht NERO was impossible not to miss docked at the Falmouth Harbour Marina in Antigua. In fact, her statuesque presence never fails to capture intrigue and, fittingly, she has a fascinating backstory.
Launched in 2008, she was inspired by the Corsair series of yachts owned by the American financier J.P. Morgan at the start of the 20th century. Yet, as a guided tour from Captain Adrian Roche was to reveal, despite embodying all the elegance and charm of the 1920s, she also boasts the state-of-the-art technology and amenities of a modern day motor yacht.
Since YachtCharterFleet stepped aboard, NERO has undergone a complete interior refit led by Italian designer Laura Pomponi of Luxury Projects. The new look retains the yacht’s classic ambience while adding a modern twist.
Entering the yacht via the main deck aft, guests enter the main salon and catch their first glimpse of the new limed oak panelling, which continues throughout the whole yacht. Other changes include new white carpets and the seating has been re-upholstered.
Now the main salon boasts a combination of white settees and armchairs complemented by turquoise-coloured scatter cushions and foot stalls, and matching light fixtures. Overall, the feel is much fresher and brighter, with the hues and ornaments reminiscent of the ocean.
The main deck still serves as the principal socialising area for larger dinner parties. Both the aft deck alfresco dining area and the dining salon can seat 12 guests a piece. Plus, bookended by the main salon and dining room is a library, which is ideal for more casual gatherings.
Fine Dining
Featuring newly upholstered dining chairs, the dining salon was where YachtCharterFleet was treated to a delicious three-course lunch with a classical French-themed menu created by Head Chef Michael Savva.
Served by the professional and friendly Chief Stewardess Svetlana Bukurova, the mouth-watering starter consisted of seared scallops and braised octopus tentacles with white bean and pea puree, crispy wild boar pancetta and caviar.
The main course was presented by the head chef himself. He used the flambé technique to put the finishing touches to a succulent cote du boeuf. This was served alongside buttered white asparagus, potato fondant, artichoke barigoule, parsley puree and Benedictine jus.
Completing the trio of delectable dishes was a beautiful desert, comprising of an indulgent chocolate delice, with a luxurious mousse-like texture, and gorgeous homemade pistachio ice-cream and strawberry coulis.
By day, the sundeck is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun’s rays, but in the evening, it transforms into the ultimate party zone
Party Time
If a larger space is required for hosting an event yacht charter, Nero’s expansive sundeck, known as the promenade deck, will be able to fulfil your wishes no matter what special occasion you may be celebrating.
By day, the deck is the perfect relaxation spot. A new ‘flysail’ shade, capable of withstanding up to 40 knots of wind, now offers protection over the raised spa pool area aft, while there is a central seating area and chaise loungers open to the sun’s rays.
In the evening, however, the deck can be transformed into the ultimate party zone. Invited to NERO’s Bollywood-themed party, YachtCharterFleet can vouch for the sundeck's – as well as the crew’s - effectiveness to play host to a large number of people and put on a fantastic evening of celebration.
Alfresco Entertainment
Wonderfully subtle interior and exterior lighting, and Bollywood-style decorations created a fantastic party ambience. Traditional Indian dancers formed the evening’s entertainment, and an incredible selection of canapés and cocktails were served throughout the night.
Events and corporate charters similar to this can take place when NERO is docked in port, where she is able to accommodate approximately 100 guests. Another feature suitable for hosting large numbers of people is that the whole area from her funnel to the aft mast can be covered with an awning.
Extremely versatile, the deck spaces are also well-suited to a whole array of other activites, from enjoying the company of loved ones to undertaking some yoga on the top deck as the sun rises. Alfresco massages are other another favourite option for charter guests, looking to unwind while on vacation.
Cosy Sungs
When NERO was conceived, the designers wanted to ensure she could adapt from being a grand entertaining platform to a cosy family yacht able to host more intimate gatherings. To this end, she also features smaller, but similarly impressive, areas for dining and socialising.
A snug on the sundeck, newly upholstered in classic blue and white hues, creates a retreat from the midday sun as well as an ideal setting for a comfortable dinner with a small group of guests, and the boat deck aft is a great place for social occassions with an alfresco dining set up, ample comfortable seating and a drop-down movie screen.
Alternatively, there is a light, airy and spacious observation lounge on the boat deck, which can uniquely be accessed from the master suite below or opened up to become part of the yacht’s main guest areas. With sumptuous seating and able to double as a cinema, a plethora of social events can be enjoyed here too.
the new granite-topped bar is lined by a row of six black leather bar stools, creating a sleek and stylish place to enjoy a quiet drink
Refit & Refreshed
One of the highlights of the 2016 refit is a new bar area in the upper deck’s skylounge. Replacing a seating area, the granite-topped bar is lined by a row of six black leather bar stools, creating a sleek and stylish place to enjoy a quiet drink on a private yacht charter.
The exterior bar areas, located aft on both the main and upper decks, have been improved too. New stools mean yacht-goers can sip cocktails as the bar while watching the sun set over the horizon.
There has also been a complete re-paint to NERO’s exterior, meaning her black hull and contrasting white superstructure glisten in the gorgeous sunshine of her cruising grounds even more brightly.
The beautiful new styling continues into NERO’s six sophisticated staterooms. Stretching across the forward section of the main deck is a vast master suite, consisting of a private lounge and office, sleeping quarters, and his and hers marble-clad bathrooms.
Two VIP suites, meanwhile, are located on the lower deck. The largest, featuring twin bathrooms and its own sitting room, can be divided into two en suite cabins, while the second likewise boasts a lounge area but one single bathroom with his and hers basins and showers, and a central spa bath.
In between these two VIP suites are two twin cabins, which can be converted into doubles. Both offer fantastic bathrooms with a bath and shower compartment.
NERO effortlessly adapts from being a grand entertaining platform to a cosy family yacht
If you would like more information on M/Y NERO, please contact your preferred charter broker.
Charter Specification
Nero
Builder
Corsair Yachts
Interior Designer
Neil Taylor, Luxury Projects
Exterior Designer
Neil Taylor
Length90.09m / 295'7 |
Beam12.03m / 39'6 |
Draft4.42m / 14'6 |
Gross Tonnage1413 GT |
Built| Refit2007 | 2021 |
Hull MaterialSteel |
SuperstructureSteel |
ClassificationLloyd's |
Charter Guests12 |
Cabins6 |
Crew20 |
Max Speed16 knots |
Cruising Speed14 knots |
Fuel Consumption650 LPH |
Range 3,800 nm |
Range at 12 Knots |