ONE OF THE LATEST ‘MUST HAVE’ ACCESSORIES FOR A SUPERYACHT IS THE CHASE BOAT. BUT WHAT EXACTLY DENOTES A CHASE BOAT?
There was a time when the small boat that attended to a larger boat, was called a tender. Confusingly, the names people now attribute to tenders is changing and increasingly they are elaborating on their use by calling them; day boats, sports boats, or even limousines. We have even seen the term fun boat come across our desk! In short nothing much has changed. What has happened, is the desire to carry more than one tender, for various uses.
As space to store them becomes easier to find when designers are drawing large garages so comes the desire to fill those spaces with toys each one having its own usage. As explorer yachts become more de-rigueur, so the need for specialist tenders becomes more apparent. But the chase boat is slightly different in that it is seldom hoisted aboard a mothership.
Traditionally the chase boat was a fast open boat that chased after large sailing yachts competing in regattas. Back then it was quite legitimate to land or take on extra sails or crew to suit the weather and therefore the racing conditions. Today rules prevent such legitimatised tactics but the chase boat name has evolved to cover boats that, while too large to be hoisted upon a superyacht, choose instead to chase it to the destination getting there long before it or following up slowly behind it depending on the owner’s use.
Ironically it is the smaller superyacht that is embracing the use of the chase boat rather than the larger, money is no object, 100 metre plus yachts. Yachts in the 30 to 60 metre grouping seem to have embraced the concept of the chase boat with great gusto. They realise that if constructed well enough the chase boat can act independently of the mothership and still provide a useful function in both guest entertainment and yacht operations scenarios. We know of one captain who sends his chase boat away ahead of the slower mothership instructing the chase boat crew to bag the best anchorage spot at the destination.
As the yacht’s captain approaches so the chase boat vacates the spots and hovers around until the mothership is safely at anchor and then it comes along side. Equally, we know of owners who prefer to travel at greater speeds than their yachts can comfortably cruise at. They, and their families, typically board the chase boat and enjoy it as a day boat returning to the mothership each night in much the same way as a family out motoring returns to their roadside hotel.
Chase boats work well for single season yachts. Yachts that cross oceans to enjoy a second season can find the cost of shipping the chase boat far outweighs their economic usefulness. For the captain of a single season yacht, it is important to consider whether the yacht crew can handle the additional maintenance and logistics that come with operating a chase boat. One captain we know recruits a chase boat crew just for the season. Because his chase boat has its own accommodation, the crew sleep onboard and yet remain on the crew list of the mothership which is where they go to eat and rest.
Here we review what is new and hot in the chase boat market
FASSMER
Fassmer’s yacht solutions are individually designed for you: tenders and boats that match your yacht – and your every desire. They are sleek, luxurious, customised, elegant, plus they’re designed and hand-crafted in Germany. After being a family controlled business for five generations, they have the knowledge and expertise to deliver and range of incredibly well built yachts. Fassmer’s newest landing craft is a custom 10.70m tender boat for ambitious demands. This comfortable, high-speed boat is powered by two inboard diesel engine giving 370hp with jet propulsion and capable of reaching speeds of 30
knots. It is ideal to accommodate guests on transfers, carry goods, support diving parties, go deep sea and sports fishing as well as bringing the BBQ and toys ashore. The boat is capable of operating either to a beach or port. With its large open deck, comfortable seating and wide bow ramp it is an incredibly versatile ship’s boat.
For more details Tel: +49 4406 942 111 or visit www.fassmer.de
FJORD
Ever since the Hanse group re-launched the brand Fjord in 2008, many owners of yachts longer than 50 metres have found in the design of Patrick Banfield the perfect solution to their needs. In fact, the success of these models’ practical and versatile design has shown that these boats are not only the ideal tenders for DOMANI E32 a megayacht, but they are also perfect to complement a superyacht. With the new 38-footer and the successful 40 and 44, as well as the largest model, the 52, Fjord has been able to fill in a gap within the cruising yacht and chaseboat sector.
For more details Tel: +34 670 760 569 or visit www.mariventyachts.com
DOMANI Yachts
A zero emission chase boat for exclusive sailing sensations. With the launch of the new E32 Chase Boat Domani creates a new yachting experience for discerning owners. Different by the distinct design, digitally developed and driven technology. Full electric, with the highest efficiency possible, with extra emphasis on sound reduction throughout. Every Domani is made to order, reflecting her owner’s personality, usage preference and range aspiration; skilfully built, personally selected. Driven by a desire for freedom and distinguished by progressive design –
Domani is about sailing Gran Turismo style; fast, fun and luxurious. A timeless elegance worthy of admiring looks from the quay. Join Domani’s world of zero emission yachting.
For more details Tel: +32 473 66 20 14 or visit www.domaniyachts.com
