The BVI’s Most Famous Yacht – Necker Belle

Yacht Spotlight: Necker Belle

Photography courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition

It is with incredible awe that we review the famous catamaran Necker Belle owned by Sir Richard Branson – breezing into our spotlight.

As one of the most renowned yachts in the Virgin Islands, the 105ft catamaran with a 46ft beam is named after Sir Branson’s home and favourite hideaway, Necker Island.

With an excellent crew in Captain Beez Evans, Chief Stewardess Thandi Shalili, First Mate Mario Swainson, Chef Venesa Jorgensen, Dive Instructor and Hostess Grace Abel, Deckhand Chris Kruger, and Engineer Shamus Baier—who all confer an indulgent service—the yacht made her debut in France and travelled as far as the Pacific, where she was refitted in 2009 and emerged as Necker Belle in 2010. She made the return journey to the Atlantic via the Panama Canal with the Caribbean as her residency for the foreseeable future.

Offering weekly tailor-made charters around our tropical paradise, Necker Belle is based in the BVI all year, generally moored off Necker Island. The dashingly conspicuous vessel that provokes adulation, possesses an extravagant construction providing a light and airy dynamic of unlimited privacy; this owed to the ingenuity of yacht builder CMN and its subsidiary JMV, naval architect and exterior designer CPA (Chenus, Presles and Associates), and interior designer Allura Marine.

Comfortably sailing at 12knts, days aboard the yacht are expended via enjoyment of the clear waters of the Caribbean, with sun-lovers suspended over the turquoise waters, absorbing the sun’s delicious rays on the forward beam trampoline.

The flexibility of formal or informal dining is a provision, collaborating with the generous atmosphere. Tailored to guests’ desires—often captured in diversity—there is evening entertainment inviting an open air cinema screening on the aft deck as another option for amusement.

Necker Belle can sleep 8 – 12 guests and the cabins consist of one Master Suite with large windows permitting stunning views, ample storage space along with a comfy queen size bed, private bathroom, double basin, and shower room; two double VIP guest cabins which can be split into twins, with a junior version of the Master Suite’s bathroom and shower room; and one en suite double guest room.

Further accommodation is available by converting the saloon to sleep two extra visitors with a privacy screen, separate lavatory, and shower. Adventurous guests can also elect to snooze on Necker Belle’s deck in the upper cockpit area. With the choice of these four stylish cabins—each with state-of-the-art amenities in a flat screen TV and iPod docking station—the comfy saloon area, or the exciting choice of sleeping outdoors on the upper deck under the abundance of stars, visitors are spoilt for flexibility.

Necker Belle is one of the largest all-carbon multi hull yachts of its kind, fitted with technology complementing its smooth aesthetics. The ‘crow’s nest’ is a popular feature with all guests; a custom elevator-style platform that ascends up the mast approximately 82ft above the water – perfection for navigation purposes or an exhilarating view, and the epitome of perspectives seen from a yacht in the BVI.

The lavish yacht also holds a full range of water sports equipment, paddle boards, a sport tender for water skiing and wake boarding, and full apparatus for four divers. Once on-board, the crew can even arrange for a towed 31ft custom contender centre console for sport-fishing – effectively, a comprehensive water sports experience that harmonises with Necker Belle’s overall ethos of luxury and freedom.

The yacht has entertained visitors from all over the globe with unrivalled success and will clearly continue to do so from its impeccable reputation and level of service. They’ve even had the occasional guest from Madagascar – a Lemur from Necker Island jumping on board for a free ride.

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