Pursuing the glorious sun…
Our Yacht Spotlight this month falls on a vessel named after the book Chasing Daylight by Eugene O’Kelly, former KPMG CEO. The memoir details the profoundly inspirational and honest walk of the author, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. The New York Bestseller was written in under four months between his diagnosis and his death in September 2005; the yacht owner was deeply impacted by the book and took a new turn on life ever since, titling his pride and joy with words apt for an optimistic outlook on life.
Speaking to Chasing Daylight’s Captain Dane Tarr, he revealed that the unique vessel, “has been set up accordingly [for the owners who love to fish].”
One of the yacht’s newest developments is that, “with [their] new at anchor stabilisation, [they] are now able to position Chasing Daylight in remote destinations around the Caribbean and Bahamas, and quickly access some of the world’s best spots with ease,” he continued.
The owners’ preferential hobby of fishing appears to be an influential instrument in Chasing Daylight’s establishment and her crew, who have complemented the incredible luxury yacht with an arrangement attractive to fishing enthusiasts.
“As we do every fall, we replace our fishing tender. So this winter we’ll have the new custom 2018 35-foot Everglades centre console with a full fishing tower to help spot the fish,” said Captain Dane. “Another neat feature of our tender, is the dynamic position capability to help keep us on the fish when we find them…we have it all, from custom rods with Tiagra reels, custom carbon fibre spearfishing equipment, deep drop reel, down riggers, and every lure under the sun. We also have a fully stocked bait freezer to ensure we always have the right bait to get the job done.”
Although fishing is a strong allure for guests who will be drawn to Chasing Daylight, the yacht herself boasts a warm, welcoming interior and all the amenities required to bolster this charter beyond the title of ‘luxury.’
Built in 2005 by Westport, the 130-foot yacht cruises at 20 knots and a maximum speed of 26 knots, allowing for comfortable, fast transport between ports.
Comprised of five cabins—accommodating 10 guests and seven crew members—the cabin configuration permits three doubles and two twins.
Guests will relish panoramic views of the striking ocean vistas from the foredeck Jacuzzi and enjoy idyllic relaxation on the large sundeck.
The varied range of sea toys equipped on Chasing Daylight, make for a challenging choice over entertainment. Three-person waverunners, seabobs, waterskis, kayaks, paddleboards, and two tenders with sports-fishing equipment, support the boat’s claim that she was made for aqua amusement.
Chasing Daylight’s crew strive to provide an experience that will make the charter unforgettable. With themed dinners, watersports instruction, and fishing expertise, they receive glowing feedback time and again from their guests.
“Four of our crew were born and raised in the Virgin Islands and therefore get really excited about fishing and exploring our ‘backyard,’” said Captain Dane. “From a very young age, we enjoyed hand lining for snapper, trolling for larger bluewater fish, and freediving for giant Caribbean lobster. I personally love to show my guests how I enjoyed my youth with friends fishing around the islands and catching dinner for the family.”
Arguably, it’s the crew’s earnest profile attached to the vessel’s resume that creates such a hospitable and amicable feel.
“I personally love to fish around sunset on the south drop of St John,” concluded Captain Dane. “Only a few miles off the southern coast of the Virgin Islands, we have a rich fishery perfect for landing massive Bull Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, and even an assortment of Billfish. With a successful fishing trip, the chef and crew enjoy putting on a special grilled seafood feast under the stars on Chasing Daylight’s sun deck. There is nothing better than fresh Mahi Mahi straight from the yacht’s barbecue.”
Look out for Chasing Daylight this season.
For more information: https://y.co/yacht/chasing-daylight
Photography by © Steve Simonsen Photography