The super elite have another 100m-plus superyacht to consider for a safe, secluded holiday at sea following the recent addition of the brand-new 107m Lana to Imperial’s central agency charter fleet.
Imperial also manages the 136m Flying Fox, the world’s biggest charter yacht, and used its experience in handling owners, builders, crew and charter guests of enormous builds to transform Lana from newly delivered to charter ready in three weeks, an impressive achievement considering the scale of the streamline 3,900GT beauty with a 50ft beam.
“It was an exciting yet challenging project, and there were plenty of sleepless nights and long hours,” says Julia Stewart, Director of Imperial, praising the dedication of her team and the 30-plus crew of Lana. “However, the result is absolutely worth it. Lana is the epitome of class.”
One of three 100m-plus superyachts built concurrently at the Benetti shipyard in Livorno in recent years, Lana can carry up to 12 guests and is currently available for charter in the west Mediterranean from €1.7 million (US$2 million) per week.
This winter, she could potentially venture to Asia via the Indian Ocean, “where we’re able to tailor the perfect itinerary”, Stewart says.
Imperial, which was also the owner’s representative and build supervisor, has carved out its niche among the world’s leading brokerage houses over the past decade, with the Monaco-based company citing its eye for detail, first-class crew and 24/7 support among reasons for its growing list of loyal clients, which also includes owners of 106m and 82m superyachts.
“The past decade has prepared us for projects this big and beyond. Every vessel and shipyard we work with is always different, which makes it interesting, while managing Flying Fox has raised our standards and broadened our knowledge and experience,” Stewart says.
“Lana now ranks among the largest superyachts available and already offers the highest levels of comfort, safety, service and security.”
It seems unlikely when you see her sleek, horizontal lines, but Lana has remarkable 2.7m-high ceilings throughout most guest areas, creating a feeling of enormous space or, as Stewart puts it, “an airy and grand feeling”.
Typical features for a yacht of this size include a forward touch-and go helipad, while highlights for guests include the stunning 120sqm (1,300sqft) beach club and the sun deck featuring an incredible sound system and a gorgeous 8m-long outdoor pool with its own heating system.
The interior of the 12m-wide beach club is accessed through two sliding doors and includes a gym, two saloons with TVs, as well as folding balconies on both sides. Further forward is the spa, which features a Hammam, a dry massage room with a Gharieni massage bed, and a dedicated spa manager to ensure each guest is advised of the most suitable treatments.
“The beach club is probably one of the best features on-board,” Stewart says. “It’s flooded with light and features plush furniture to create a relaxing environment, while the spa offers a serene experience.”
The lower deck also houses a 14m limo tender and 9m sports tender by Italy’s Wooden Boats plus an extensive list of toys including Yamaha and Sea-Doo jetskis, Seabobs, paddleboards and dive gear.
The yacht’s experienced Divemaster can organise dives for all levels, from experienced adults to children.
“Lana hosts some of the most talented crew in the industry with a long list of skills,” Stewart says. “For those looking for adventure, there are brilliant watersports instructors and a Divemaster. If guests want to relax, there’s a yoga instructor, spa manager and a team offering a full range of soothing treatments.”
The highlight of the sun deck is the raised, heated swimming pool, elegantly ringed by teak and surrounded by sunbathing pads, while aft is a covered 16-seat table for al fresco dining.
The sun deck is ideal for a pool party as there’s a great CAT (California Audio Technology) system including eight speakers, two subwoofers and amplifiers. There’s even a viewing deck above with sofas, sunpads and bright-red cushions.
The AV sensations continue indoors, where the main-deck saloon features an 88-inch Samsung 4K QLED TV along with a state-of-the art sound system engineered by US-based James Loudspeaker that features six eight-inch speakers, a central speaker and a 12-inch Sunfire Subwoofer. Forward of the saloon is a full-beam formal dining area with an enormous table for up to 20 guests.
A grand piano is among the highlights of the sky lounge on the wheelhouse deck, while other indoor attractions include a spectacular work of art by Italy’s Luce 5, which features two twisting ‘ribbons’ that start in the foyer as legs for a crystal table and rise in the middle of the curved staircase all the way to the ceiling in the deck above.
“Lana is a unique superyacht with incredibly bespoke exterior and interior spaces, with many ‘on-land’ features rarely seen on a yacht,” Stewart says.
Another unusual feature is on the exterior aft decks, where a large coffee table features a central bioethanol fireplace to provide an ideal way to end the day and start the evening, unwinding with a drink in hand for a fireside chat.
When it’s dinner – or breakfast or lunch – guests are in for a treat, as the galley brigade has three experienced chefs who have worked at famous restaurants ashore. The team can customise a menu for any palette and even host themed dinners, while Asia-based clients can be reassured that their tastes will be catered to, wherever they charter the yacht.
“Above all, chartering a superyacht like Lana is about experiences and gastronomy is one of the most important aspects on the journey, so the chefs are able to adapt the menu according to the tastes and requirements of each guest,” Stewart says.
“Japanese, Thai and Chinese are some of our guests’ favourite cuisines onboard, while our chefs are also experts in cooking Mediterranean food from Greek to French, as well as Peruvian and fusion.”
Before turning in after a big meal, it’s worth finding time for a late-night movie as the 70sqm cinema on the wheelhouse deck is one of the yacht’s signature features. This enormous soundproof room includes another 88in 4K QLED TV, a state-of-the-art entertainment system and Sonus Faber Olympica sound system.
Further along the wheelhouse deck is the secluded full-beam owner’s suite, a 110sqm ‘apartment’ with a huge bathroom and his and hers walk-in closets, creating what Stewart describes as a “luxurious retreat” or “haven at sea”, a level above the seven VIP suites on the main deck.
It’s worth reiterating that all eight guest cabins have a ceiling height of 2.7m, among the highest you’ll find on any charter yacht and offering a true feeling of space and luxury for each guest.
Powered by a diesel electric propulsion system, Lana is also able to travel great distances at a decent clip, with a top speed of 18.5 knots, a cruising speed of 16 and a 5,500nm range at 12 knots. And she’s quickly proving a strong addition to Imperial’s CA charter fleet which grows more impressive by the year.
“Our fleet stands out on the charter market because of our expertise and principles,” Stewart says, “and Lana is the highest calibre of superyacht in her range.”