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Pacific High’s iconic southern Indonesia charter

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Pacific High’s iconic southern Indonesia charter

August 21, 2025
12:02 pm

The fast-growing phinisi build and charter company offers a stunning two-week excursion from Komodo to Sumbawa.

Words: Olivia Michel; Photos: Pacific High & As Credited

Padar Island in Komodo National Park; Photo: Oliver Astrologo

Actively wanting to take guests off the beaten track, Pacific High highly recommends its Komodo to Sumbawa programme, with the following itinerary specifically designed to be enjoyed over two weeks. Such a trip, in such a style, is not meant to be fast-paced and chock full of activities. It is to be enjoyed at length, with leisurely cruises that relish in the art of slow, traditional modes of travel.

Johanna Mérer, Pacific High’s COO and Partner, explains: “These extended itineraries allow our guests to experience Indonesia in all its richness, a journey through culture, nature and marine life, all at the heart of the Coral Triangle.

“With the Komodo to Sumbawa itinerary, we can go beyond the well-known part of Komodo National Park to explore its more remote areas where other boats usually don’t go. Then we venture on to Sumbawa, where encounters with whale sharks are possible year-round, and where guests can discover untouched waterfalls and visit small coastal villages.”

Pacific High’s charter fleet includes the 33m Dewata (pictured in Komodo), 32m Nataraja, 31m Senja and new 36m Sanya; Photo: Oliver Astrologo

DAY 1: LABUAN BAJO
Guests are picked up from their hotel or Komodo Airport and transferred to the yacht. Once comfortably settled, the yacht will leave Labuan Bajo, cruising towards the outskirts of Komodo National Park as guests savour lunch on deck. If time permits, guests can snorkel or dive before sunset cocktails and dinner under the stars.

DAY 2: SEBAYUR

Sebayur Kecil offers an ideal setting for a tranquil castaway day. Snorkel alongside black-tip reef sharks, schools of tuna and green turtles. Spend the afternoon partaking in watersports in serene bays or relaxing on an uninhabited sandy beach framed by the Komodo hills. As the day winds down, relish cocktails and dinner with a panoramic view of a spectacular sunset.

DAY 3: RINCA ISLAND

Not as renowned as neighbouring Komodo, Rinca offers an exceptional opportunity to witness Komodo dragons, along with a diverse monkey population and various bird species. Begin your day by taking a guided stroll through the park with a ranger. In the afternoon, explore underwater sites in the channel between Komodo and Flores, including Tatawa Besar and Kecil. Unwind on a sandy beach or venture into nearby coves for watersports and exploration.

The famous pink sand in Komodo National Park; Photo: Oliver Astrologo

DAY 4: PADAR ISLAND

Nestled between Rinca and Komodo in the central part of the park is the charming island of Padar. On the southeast side lies a serene bay boasting three stunning beaches: black sand, white sand and pink sand. The nutrient-rich waters of Central Komodo attract vibrant schools of fish, creating reefs celebrated as among the best in Indonesia. This bay is an idyllic spot for watersports, leisurely moments on the beach, or a tender cruise into the mangroves to observe the diverse birdlife.

DAY 5: SOUTH RINCA

In South Rinca lies Nusa Kode, where sheer peaks set this landscape aside from central Komodo. This area is thrilling for taking the tender out on a cruise along the dramatic rock formations. There are formidable Komodo dragons that patrol a beach surrounded by dense forest, home to monkeys, deer, wild boar and fish eagles. Underwater attractions include the macro-heaven Cannibal Rock.

DAY 6-7: GILI LAWA LAUT

The islands of Gili Lawa host some of Komodo’s most renowned underwater sites including Castle Rock, Shotgun, Golden Passage and Lighthouse. If you’re seeking adventure on land, a steep trek will reward you with panoramic views.

DAY 8: SATONDA

Formed by the immense eruption of Mount Tambora volcano in 1815, one of the most significant eruptions in history, Satonda boasts a breathtaking saltwater crater lake. It offers an idyllic setting for swimming or water sports on the calm lake. As the sun sets, observe a captivating display as bats flock into the sky during their nightly hunting jaunt.

Charter guests can dive with whale sharks in Sumbawa; Photo: Oceanspirit Photography

DAY 9: SALEH BAY

Our primary objective is to seek out whale sharks. The local squid fishermen have observed a rise in these gentle giants frequenting their grounds to feed on the small fry escaping the squid nets. To maximise chances of encounters, crew take guests on the tender before dawn.

DAY 10: MOYO ISLAND

Located just off the coast of Sumbawa in the Lesser Sunda chain, Moyo stands as a pristine nature reserve celebrated for its stunning reefs, waterfalls, and lush green forests inhabited by deer, wild ox,

boar, and macaque monkeys. Explore the island’s diverse terrain or explore the numerous dive and snorkel sites in the vicinity.

DAYS 11-12: MANTA POINT
Experience a visit to a Manta cleaning station, where you can swim among the graceful ballet of Manta rays circling around. This region showcases one of Komodo’s most dynamic underwater landscapes, featuring vibrant soft and hard coral gardens that host a plethora of fish. Following lunch on board, options include spending the afternoon beachcombing, exploring mangroves and hidden coves on the tender, or simply relaxing onboard.

The 32m Nataraja pictured in Komodo National Park

DAY 13: GILI BANTA

Renowned for its beautiful beaches and stunning marine life, this paradisiacal island invites you to play castaway on its uninhabited shores. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the island or discovering some of the snorkel and dive sites.

DAY 14: LABUAN BAJO & FAREWELLS

Following your final breakfast, the crew will coordinate guest transfers to the hotel or airport, marking the end of your journey.

“Many of our guests come from far away, so once they’ve made that long journey, it makes sense to explore beyond the typical routes,” Mérer concludes. “The beauty of travelling on a yacht is that your

accommodation moves with you.”

pacifichighcruise.com

Note: For a recent profile of Pacific High and its fleet of charter yachts, visit: https://yachtstyle.co/charter-Indonesia-Pacific-High-fleet

Pacific High goes deep in Indonesia

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Pacific High goes deep in Indonesia

August 21, 2025
11:45 am

Pacific High offers guests a true cultural immersion in southeastern Indonesia through its fleet of phinisi charter yachts. Words: Olivia Michel; Photos: Pacific High & As Credited

Pacific High has a growing charter fleet in Indonesia

In 2017, UNESCO recognised the art of phinisi boatbuilding as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’. Constructed from iron wood using historic techniques, Indonesian phinisi boats offer a snapshot from a bygone time of maritime exploration.

These traditional two-masted yachts – also known as ‘Sulawesi schooners’ – have been used for centuries in Indonesia for both travel and trade. Today, they offer the ultimate mode of discovery for charter guests travelling through Indonesia’s Edenic islands.

Pacific High is among companies actively striving to revive the phinisi tradition. The story begins with Yann Martinie de Maisonneuve, who describes a phinisi as “a vessel that seamlessly fuses exceptional craftsmanship with centuries-old maritime history – a living legend on the water”. He was instantly “captivated” at first sight, he recalls.

Yann Martinie de Maisonneuve (left) with Pacific High co-founders Peter and Charlotte Galsgaard

The Frenchman built his first phinisi, the 18m Zirbad, in 2009. This was followed by the launch of the 32m Nataraja in 2015. In 2018, after cruising on board Nataraja, Danish couple Peter and Charlotte Galsgaard joined forces with Martinie de Maisonneuve to create Pacific High.

“Our first encounter with phinisi boats felt like a calling, an invitation to be part of something timeless and meaningful,” Peter Galsgaard remembers.

Detailing the couple’s motivation to help start up Pacific High, he explains: “These vessels are far more than boats; they are a legacy of Indonesia’s rich maritime heritage. As we began to understand the deep cultural significance they hold for the Bugis and Makassar communities of South Sulawesi, we were moved by the stories, the rituals and the sheer craftsmanship involved in their construction.

Crew aboard the 33m Dewata; Photo: Sarah Bakkas

“There’s something profoundly humbling about working with a boatbuilding tradition that has been passed down through generations. Each curve of the hull, each joint crafted by hand, is an art form as much as a functional build. This level of detail and dedication struck a chord with our own values: respect for craft, history and the human touch.”

The three co-founders have spent the last seven years not only launching new phinisi boats built in the traditional way, but also managing them for charter, curating unique itineraries for discerning guests.

Martinie de Maisonneuve says: “In essence, we are reviving phinisi yachts because it’s the ultimate vessel for our mission – to unite people, culture and the thrill of exploration in a way that’s both timeless and visionary.”

The 32m Nataraja can accommodate up to six adults and two children

Charlotte Galsgaard adds: “In reviving the phinisi tradition, we’re not looking backward. We’re honouring a heritage while building something for the future: boats that carry meaning, inspire wonder

and invite others to explore Indonesia’s islands in the most respectful, beautiful way possible.”

MODERN PHINISI CHARTER FLEET

Compared to other yachts, phinisi boats make for the ultimate companion for an Indonesian charter, according to Peter. “In a country like Indonesia, where the best treasures are scattered across remote islands and hidden bays, a phinisi allows you to travel meaningfully and with a deep connection to the land and the people. It’s the most authentic, respectful and enriching way to explore this archipelago.”

The 31m Senja caters for up to four guests; Photo: Oliver Astrologo

The Pacific High fleet now comprises three vessels – Nataraja, Senja and Dewata – actively chartering in Indonesian waters, with a fourth yacht, Sanya, soon to be charter ready. All have been built in Pacific High’s shipyard in Bira, South Sulawesi.

On each of the vessels, guests are looked after by 11 members of crew, with a designated cruise director helping make the most of the experience. Additionally, all the boats carry a variety of water toys, from dive and snorkelling gear to kayaks and paddleboards.

Dining and lounging options aboard Nataraja

NATARAJA (2015), 32M: ‘THE EXPLORER’ Named after a Hindu god, Nataraja is designed to host groups of up to six adults and two children across three en-suite cabins. A dining table, cocktail bar and lounge on the main deck offer indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces, with sunbeds forward for soaking up the sunshine. From US$4,150/night

SENJA (2021), 31M: ‘THE HONEYMOONER’ Senja, meaning ‘dusk’ in Indonesian, is the fleet’s most sought-after vessel. Accommodating up to four guests, she caters to couples and small families. The master cabin has a private terrace featuring a sunbed, dining space and bathing platform with outdoor shower. The foredeck features sunbeds, dining and a bar, while the swim platform provides sea access and a waterside setting for spa treatments. The upper deck can be used for sunbathing, yoga, alfresco dining or outdoor movie nights. From US$5,075/night

Senja is romantically known as ‘The Honeymooner’; Photo: Oliver Astrologo

DEWATA (2022), 33M: ‘THE GETAWAY’ Dewata is named after the Indonesian term for ‘divine being’. Up to six guests can be accommodated, with two 18sqm en-suite master cabins aft on the main deck ensuring comfort for all guests on board. Further relaxation can be found on the private terrace, which offers a dining area, sunbed, swim platform and alfresco shower. From US$4,950/night

SANYA (2025), 36M: ‘THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE’ Meaning ‘bright’ in Sanskrit and ‘sublime’ in Arabic, Sanya is Pacific High’s newest addition, launching in Komodo in August 2025. As Senja’s sistership, she shares identical luxury amenities and exceptional services while bringing fresh elegance to the fleet. Designed with the same thoughtful attention to couples and small families, Sanya accommodates up to five guests. From US$5,075/night

Pacific High recommends its Komodo to Sumbawa programme (click for itinerary).

pacifichighcruise.com

Seeking deeper experiences in Indonesia

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Seeking deeper experiences in Indonesia

May 1, 2025
12:24 pm

Silolona Sojourns Director Tresno Seery believes today’s charter travellers to Indonesia are different to when his mother started the company 25 years ago, as he explains in a Column for Yacht Style.

Silolona in Indonesia’s pristine North Maluku region

In the world of luxury yacht charters, Silolona Sojourns has long been synonymous with unparalleled adventure, cultural immersion and bespoke itineraries. We are pioneers when it comes to traditional phinisi experiences. Our founder, my mother Patti, needs no introduction thanks to her efforts in putting Indonesia on the map for global travellers.

CHARTER-GUEST EVOLUTION

Now, 25 years on, we’re finding that as the travel landscape evolves, so do the desires of our discerning guests aboard Silolona and its sister vessel, Si Datu Bua. Seeking more than just opulence and relaxation, they crave meaningful connections, transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of the destinations they visit.

One of the most significant trends in recent years is the increasing demand for marine conservation-focused experiences. Guests are no longer content to simply admire the ocean’s beauty; they want to actively contribute to its preservation.

Fakfak in West Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost province

We have always operated as a sustainability-first company, and are proud that our guests are becoming ambassadors of the ocean, just like us. We integrate conservation efforts and learning into our itineraries as much as possible – offering guests the opportunity to participate in coral-reef restoration projects, and learn about marine biodiversity surveys, and we even host educational workshops led by marine biologists onboard.

Additionally, Silolona’s crew, many of whom are from local communities, share their intimate knowledge of the ocean, teaching guests about everything from sustainable fishing practices to the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems.

Hand in hand with respecting each destination, and protecting it for future generations rather than contributing to overtourism, our guests are seeking authentic experiences and encounters. They want to engage with the people who call these islands and villages home, something we excel in thanks to our decades-long personal relationships with local tribes.

Guardian at the Ternate Palace in North Maluku

Local and under-the-skin experiences have always been our North Star, and our crew, hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds, play a pivotal role in facilitating these connections.

Their deep-rooted knowledge and strong relationships enable us to hear about and attend otherwise private ceremonies, visit the home of a family, or join a village event, often at late notice. This also adds an element of surprise and unexpectedness to every trip.

CHOICE DESTINATIONS

While some areas of Indonesia have grown more popular than we could have predicted 25 years ago, our guests are more interested in visiting areas that are untouched by mass tourism, and therefore the most remote and unspoiled. For us, the top priority remains to take a select few guests who will be open to learning about and respecting the destination, rather than contributing to further overtourism.

The late Patti Serry (far right) with BBC presenter Kate Humble and the Sultans of Ternate

Two destinations in Indonesia that have recently captured the imagination of guests are Halmahera in North Maluku and Triton Bay in West Papua. North Maluku is an archipelago of volcanic islands and a hidden gem that boasts pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a rich cultural heritage thanks to the deep historical connections to the Ternate and Tidore sultanates.

Here, guests can explore the historic spice trade routes, visit ancient forts, and dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs.

The region’s isolation has preserved its natural beauty and traditional way of life, offering a rare glimpse into a world that feels untouched by time. We’re particularly well-placed to organise trips to this area given Patti’s relationship with the Sultan of Ternate.

A guest swims with a whale shark in Triton Bay, West Papua

Meanwhile, Triton Bay is known for its stunning limestone karsts, turquoise bays and diverse marine life, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Guests can kayak through mangrove forests, hike to hidden waterfalls, and snorkel alongside whale sharks.

These increased requests for a focus on marine conservation, authentic experiences, and remote locations, mirrors what we’re about at Silolona Sojourns. It also reflects a broader shift in the travel industry towards more meaningful and sustainable experiences, which is certainly a positive thing.

Silolona Sojourns remains committed to delivering adventures that are as transformative as they are luxurious, believing that true luxury is measured in the memories created and the impact left behind.

silolonasojourns.com

TRESNO SEERY

Seery is the owner of Silolona Sojourns, a luxury yacht charter operation that delivers extraordinary off-grid expeditions across Southeast Asia, rooted in education and preservation. Born in Indonesia, he is a certified Naval Architect and Engineer, noted for his innovative approach to boatbuilding and luxury yacht management.

Fraser Asia organises three-generation Med charter to savour

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Fraser Asia organises three-generation charter to savour

April 30, 2025
10:01 pm

A family comprising three generations, whose homes reach around the world from Hong Kong, booked their first charter through Fraser Asia. It turned out to be the experience of their lifetimes.
Words: Andrew Dembina; Photos: Victor Lui & As Credited

Victor Lui’s 80^th birthday was the hook for the three-generation family trip

It all began when Hong Kong-born Victor Lui and his wife Alice Lui were visiting their daughter Camillia and son George and their spouses and children in California during the Covid-19 pandemic, in October 2022.

“That was such a difficult time for us as a family, being so far apart with all kinds of travel restrictions,” Victor recalls. “We spent a lot of time thinking about some amazing family adventures we could look forward to.”

While scanning the internet for a potentially memorable travel experience together, the family hit upon the idea of a premium yacht charter experience. It would be one with plenty of bells and whistles, as it would be a celebration for Victor’s 80th birthday.

The whole family group had already experienced cruises over the years. Victor had been a part of his parents’ family cruise holiday to Alaska, and he continued that tradition with his children.

George Lui and his family on the charter

Victor and Alice have also enjoyed cruises to various destinations as a couple. But a private charter completely tailored to their own specific wants seemed perfect for the special birthday holiday.

Neither Victor nor any other member of the family had previously tried a yacht charter or heard too much about the concept. Victor decided, and his family all agreed, that such a customised charter plan would be the trip of a lifetime.

DECIDING ON THE DESTINATION AND CHARTER COMPANY

As a family project, the adults of the reunion in the US discussed ideas on where would best suit the three generations that started from grandchildren ranging between eight and 13 years old.

“George suggested to go to Europe, somewhere nice around the Mediterranean,” Victor recalls. “We had been to Rome but not to that southern part of Italy that’s well known for its natural beauty. We looked into it online together, all huddled around our screens, and the area around Amalfi really did look amazing – but then, so did many places.”

View from the clifftops of Sorrento, one of the shore visits; Photos: Emran Yousof / Unsplash

With the approximate Mediterranean destination in mind, the next step was to find a suitable charter company.

“I wanted to use an international one with a good reputation,” Victor says. “So, after we did a lot of searching, George and I thought Fraser looked great. We read good comments online about their services and people’s chartering experiences with the company. I also noticed they had an office in Hong Kong.

“My birthday was a year ahead of this idea, and so I thought it would be ideal to discuss details face to face with Fraser and then hopefully make a booking in my home town.”

While in California, George contacted Fraser Asia, recalls Laura Verbrugge, Sales Manager of Fraser Asia, the regional branch of the international superyacht brokerage house.

“George told me about it being a trip for his father’s 80th birthday and that there should be a nice party for that, along with the general idea of a charter in southern Italy,” Verbrugge explains.

The family’s charter itinerary map, custom arranged by Fraser Asia

Asked for her advice, Verbrugge recommended that for a first private charter in Europe, the family should cruise the Amalfi coast. She then started to build a few different itineraries with them, giving them the chance to discuss it and make a selection.

“To get an idea about their hopes for the one-week charter, George and I had initial discussions on the types of interests the family had and whether we should include historical sights, such as the Pompeii ruins. We discussed marine activities, the type of yacht they might like, and a lot about the family’s preferences and needs.

“George also told me he was the only family member with some boating experience, as he had previously owned a sailing yacht. However, he also mentioned he had been seasick on European cruises the family did together, so I suggested we reduce island-hopping and other on-water excursions during their charter.”

After initial consultation emails to sketch out the rough parameters of the charter, Victor called the Fraser Asia office following his return to Hong Kong, setting up a face-to-face meeting.

“I was surprised to hear a French voice, speaking English on the phone,” Victor says, with a smile. “It was Laura. I went to the Fraser office in Aberdeen to find out more about of her recommendations.

Capri was another destination added to the itinerary; Photo: Alessio Maffeis / Unsplash

“After that, the service we had from Fraser was great. They took care of so many details. Laura even visited us at our home when more convenient for us. She booked flights for us all to arrive in Italy – reaching there from different time zones – and noted what kind of food we preferred, booked restaurants for us and so on.”

THE SOUTHERN ITALY CHARTER

The family of 10 landed in Milan in the summer of 2023, initially stayed at Lake Como and then flew on to Naples, where the charter trip started.

Given George’s previous ‘sea legs’ comments, Verbrugge chose a yacht with a stabiliser and made sure that cruising between each mooring was limited to three hours. There were a lot of breaks between cruising for swimming, snorkelling or jetskiing off remote beaches and sea caves.

The yacht itself was the 43m (141ft 1in) Behike, a grand four-deck, five-cabin motoryacht by CRN. Toys included paddleboards, iAqua SeaDart water scooters and a host of towable pursuits that could be enjoyed with the help of the yacht’s 45-knot tender.

Fraser Asia arranged the 43m CRN Behike for the family’s Med charter; Photo: Fraser

Outdoor spaces were abundant, allowing for whole-family fun and for privacy for individuals or small groups. These included spaces up on the sundeck, which had a bar and sunlounger area, as well as on the bow loungers, and in an alfresco Jacuzzi.

“There were also great meals and shopping in Capri,” recalls Victor, when asked about some of his outstanding moments during the charter. “Sorrento, with its beautiful high cliffs, was a place I wanted to see, and it really was amazing.

“When we were moored off Capri, we had a good view of the very large yacht belonging to Jeff Bezos nearby, and saw a helicopter land on its helipad. It was later reported that the arriving guest was Bill Gates. So close by to us!”

Docking at Marina Grande in Capri harbour allowed a special onboard party for Victor – arranged by Fraser – with the chef cooking up a storm, and the crew pulling out all the stops, and corks, in celebration of his 80th birthday.

Victor with his grandchildren on his 80th birthday in Capri

“Fireworks were going up into the air and Laura had arranged a photographer who took photos of it all,” Victor says.

Camillia, Victor’s daughter, adds her memories of the trip. “It was such a pleasure seeing the children so happy on the yacht. The kids were in the water a lot – all the cousins enjoying time together within the safety of the swimming net, trying boogie boards, hover boards and jetskiing,” she says.

“They absolutely loved tubing – that was their favourite activity – as well as having fun playing games and enjoying watching TV shows and movies on the many different TV screens in different rooms on the boat.”

Victor and Alice also enjoyed their master suite, the kids playing the piano in the saloon, and the serenity of breakfast on deck at 7am.

Victor and his wife Alice, flanked by children George and Camillia, plus their families

“I made a list of restaurants for the family for lunches onshore and booked two for them,” says Verbrugge. “During the charter, I was in touch with them as often as they wanted me to be.

“They were fairly easy about food, so the chef – one of the crew of nine – cooked a lot of Mediterranean dishes, some Japanese and some fusion cuisine. Victor told me that the lamb dishes the chef cooked were his favourite, along with the ‘perfect steaks’.”

Camillia adds: “The boat was beautiful and had space for all of us to enjoy it and feel comfortable – from the sundeck area to the other open areas, as well as the bedrooms. The crew members were very hospitable and helped us with anything we needed. They were knowledgeable and friendly, which added a lot to our experience.

“The options to go onshore allowed us time to explore and learn about coastal cities and towns. The whole experience suited everyone from an eight-year-old to an 80-year-old and all those in-between.”

George and his wife enjoy the party dinner

After the cruise was over and the families were back in their respective homes, Verbrugge delivered a photo album of that special party the family had enjoyed in Capri, to Victor’s delight.

CHARTER WHETS THE APPETITE FOR MORE

So, would the family like to go yacht chartering again, after that Fraser Asia experience, and if so where would the dream destinations be?

“Yes,” Victor answers enthusiastically, before the question could be fully asked. “To Croatia, for Alice’s 80th birthday, in 2028.”

Camillia is also very interested in more of the same, or similar. “Yes. We would be interested in going to Croatia, Greece, France, Spain and Portugal.”

Victor plans to celebrate Alice’s 80^th birthday in 2028

This Southern Italy charter, as custom-arranged by Fraser Asia, has likely instilled some new holiday habits within this extended family.

fraseryachts.com

Kudanil Explorer offers adventure in Indonesia

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Kudanil Explorer offers adventure in Indonesia

January 20, 2022
3:35 am

Kudanil Explorer’s bespoke charters around remote areas of Indonesia have attracted royalty, sports stars, actors and musicians, justifying Remi Epstein’s bold decision to convert a 1978 ocean-going tug into a luxury expedition vessel that’s “built to go anywhere – safely and comfortably”.

Kudanil Explorer in Raja Ampat, West Papua

What’s nicer than waking up next to waterfall? How about waking up to a waterfall when you’re not expecting to. Remi Epstein recalls this while cruising on Kudanil Explorer, the 50m luxury expedition vessel he owns but usually only stays on for important engagements with customers or agents.

The Frenchman was hosting a major surf operator for a mix of recce and promotion in a remote area of Indonesia, the vast archipelago where the eight-cabin Kudanil Explorer has been chartering through Camper & Nicholsons following an extensive three-year conversion completed in 2018.

Surfing in Raja Ampat

“The surf group were great professionals and shot some amazing footage, but on this occasion, we probably stayed a bit too late. It started to rain and the sea became rough,” recalls Epstein, who lives in Singapore.

“It was dark by the time we reached the unmarked narrow channel that led to the lagoon where we planned to spend the night. However, it was well described in the admiralty pilot book, so we decided it was safe to enter using radar bearings.

“In the morning, when we awoke, we discovered we were near a big waterfall. It almost seemed that the notion of time had disappeared.”

Surfing in Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara; Photo: Armand Perez

Epstein smiles at the memory, adding that they even found a primitive harpoon at the foot of the waterfall. “This is what this ship has been designed for,” he says proudly. “And I think the operator was also impressed. Today he’s one of our major clients.”

FOR THE LOVE OF INDONESIA

For 35 years, Epstein owned a 48ft Dutch-built steel trawler called Morroch 2 and sailed a total of 65,000nm, first in Europe and then in Southeast Asia, where he recalls first travelling through Indonesian waters as far back as 1976.

Kudanil Explorer in Wayag, Raja Ampat

Currently, he owns a 70ft steel motor yacht called Keinvor, which he had built to his specifications in Singapore and typically cruised for three or four months a year (before Covid), sailing extensively in Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia.

He has also used Keinvor to explore potential destinations in Indonesia for Kudanil Explorer, the hardy, 1,000GT ocean-going tug built by the Teraoka Shipyard in Japan and launched in 1978. A ship owner, Epstein provided marine services in offshore oil exploration and production, and bought the 164ft Japanese build from Swire Pacific in 2004.

Remi Epstein, owner of Kudanil Explorer

However, in 2015, he decided to semi-retire and sold all the ships he had except for Kudanil Explorer, as he looked to fulfil his dream of converting her into a luxury charter yacht operating in Indonesia.

“When I bought her, I always thought she could be the ideal platform for a true ‘go-anywhere’ expedition yacht. I always had that project in the back of my mind and finally decided it was time to undertake it,” says Epstein, who had regularly cruised between Singapore and Papua province in the far east of the Indonesian archipelago for two decades.

The 50m charter yacht was originally an ocean-going tug

Designed and built for hard work, not pleasure, Kudanil Explorer was not the most obvious vessel for converting into a luxury charter yacht, yet Epstein’s vision was clear.

Aware he was taking an unusual route into the high-end charter industry, he says his commitment was reinforced when he was able to hire his nephew Thibaud Epstein to lead the charter expeditions.

The 1,000GT 164-footer is equipped to explore remote areas

“Thibaud had been working with me for several years and I knew he could take over. Having a family member in this key position allowed me to take risks I might not have otherwise.”

Other key personnel staying on for the new journey including Captain Wayan, an experienced skipper whose early career included time in the Netherlands with Weissmuller Salvage, one of the world’s biggest salvage companies.

There are multiple outdoor and indoor guest areas, and toys

Having known Wayan since 1992, Epstein hired him in 1998 when he founded his company and has now worked with him for well over two decades. “I have complete trust in his judgment with respect to operating safely.”

CONVERSION EXTRAORDINAIRE

For the technical aspect of the conversion, which involved cutting the superstructure and rebuilding the accommodation, Epstein hired two Asia-based stalwarts he’d previously worked with – British naval architect Simon Jupe and French project manager Bertrand d’Alencon.

Alix Thomsen

For the interior and overall decor, Epstein’s search eventually led him to select young French designer Alix Thomsen, a former fashion designer who moved successfully into interiors, with a portfolio featuring well-known boutique hotels in Paris and the homes of A-List celebrities.

“I asked her to develop a style that fuses a Parisian boutique hotel and an Indonesian home, bearing in mind it was for a ship which had an industrial past,” he says. “She visited me in my home in Brittany to present a preliminary idea. It surprised me, but I thought it was spot on and we went from there.”

Library on the main deck

As is so often the case in yachting, the conversion project proved to be more complex, lengthy and costly than expected. Much of this was because of Epstein’s desire for the yacht to be approved by its original classification society, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Converting a 1978 tug to a commercial expedition yacht complying to 2017 safety regulations required submitting 185 drawings, which were subject to more than 80 comments and clarifications.

The spa is near the saloon on the main deck

Finally, after three years, Kudanil Explorer was finally ready for her new life – and the only ABS classified yacht in Indonesia.

FOUR DECKS, EIGHT CABINS

The conversion was remarkable. The ship’s hardy hull and functional superstructure bely a truly elegant boat onboard, where she offers a remarkable 11,000sqft (1,000sqm) of guest areas.

The large saloon and bar

On the main deck, the saloon includes multiple dining areas and a bar, with the use of wood, bamboo, rattan, plants and flowers providing a stylish tropical vibe. To starboard is the spa, while forward of the saloon is an elegant library lounge and a wine cellar by the stairs.

The upper deck features arguably the yacht’s defining feature – eight almost identical guest cabins, each spanning 330sqft with a sea-facing king-sized bed and a spacious balcony with daybed.

Each of the eight upper-deck guest cabins has a balcony

It’s a unique offering in the archipelago where the yacht is typically chartered by one booking party such as a family or families, an agent or a special expedition group like the surf operator.

“Having a lot of experience of yachting, I had seen that in many yachts, some guests had pretty nice cabins and others much less so,” Epstein says. “I felt it would be better for everyone to enjoy the best possible accommodation and I believe it has been a plus for our guests.”

Al fresco dining on the top deck

The top deck has the key outdoor areas for guests. The covered skylounge restaurant and bar is beautifully designed, with the use of natural materials linking it nicely to the open aft sun deck, which is dressed in sofas, sun loungers, parasols and plants – and will soon feature new furniture as part of an upgrade.

The aft sun deck

Forward, on top of the wheelhouse, is a beautiful, wooden-floored jacuzzi deck, a secluded area with lounging space.

“We generally pride ourselves on space, comfort and unrivalled safety,” Epstein says. “Guests love the mix of the ship’s reassuring sturdiness, the large social areas and the warmth of our crew.”

The jacuzzi deck is the highest guest area

ACTIVITIES AND EXPLORATION

Royal families, NBA basketball players, Indonesian tycoons, Silicon valley entrepreneurs, and famous actors and musicians have been among guests of Kudanil Explorer since she started chartering, typically with a 21-strong crew. Prior to charter activity winding down early last year due to Covid,

Kudanil Explorer had hosted about 40 expeditions, almost all featuring bespoke itineraries reflecting guests’ preferred activities and guidance by the yacht’s management team. Trips are planned in detail, with discussions starting long before the trip does.

Kudanil Explorer is built to explore

“Expeditions have involved surfing trips, diving, flyfishing, fishing, photography and cultural expeditions – or a combination of some or all of these! The real attraction is Indonesia, with its 17,508 islands, which is spectacular for all these activities. It’s the ultimate playground,” Epstein says.

“However, if an opportunity arises and is economically viable, we welcome long-range expeditions in faraway places. The yacht has been built to go anywhere, safely and comfortably, and this is where she really stands out. In the future, we’re considering venturing further, such as Papua New Guinea, to keep off the beaten track and do what she does best: explore new territories.”

Diving is a popular activity

With Thibaud in charge of most charter expeditions, Epstein is only aboard Kudanil Explorer for special occasions and he’s happy to share lasting memories of another recent trip.

Just ahead of the onset of Covid, he squeezed in a cruise with his extended family to relocate Kudanil Explorer from Raja Ampat to Ambon in the Spice Islands, prior to the ship’s annual dry dock in Makassar. The journey provided a fond reminder of just why he chose to risk converting a 40-year-old Safety Standby Vessel into a luxury charter yacht.

Guests enjoy exploring Indonesia

“Many of the family had come from France, others from Thailand and Singapore. It was really unique, cruising at leisure, with amazing diving, exploring and hiking,” he recalls. “We all remember that trip, the time we had together and agree there cannot be a better way to organise a family reunion. Everyone is waiting for the next opportunity.”

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Charter in Asia 2021: Camper & Nicholsons
Camper & Nicholsons highlights some of its top superyachts for charter in Asia, as published in Yacht Style’s annual feature in Issue 60.