First Impression: Bahamian Rhapsody

Editor's Note: There was a crew change onboard this yacht in April 2008. See our Editor's Blog post for details and a photo.

I saw something today that I’ve never seen before: an on-deck hot tub aboard a 75-foot sailing yacht!

Usually, that kind of amenity is found only on motoryachts in this size range, but this sailing yacht, Bahamian Rhapsody, has one right there and ready for champagne sipping while watching the world cruise by. I nearly fell right off the deck in amazement in the middle of the 2005 industry-only Antigua charter yacht show.

That hot tub is a heck of a treat onboard a charter yacht with a weekly base rate of $16,000 for eight guests, or about $2,500 per person with 25-percent expenses included. I poked my head around a bit and spent a few minutes with the husband and wife who serve as crew—Capt. Ken and Gisele Lannamann—and they both seemed quite personable.

Bahamian Rhapsody herself is a little older, built in 1987, so don’t expect shiny-new stainless-steel fixtures, but when you combine her price, her crew’s attitude and that very cool hot tub, you get an excellent first impression about the kind of charter experience this yacht is likely to offer.

A few brokers I trust say this yacht is a heck of a value for the money, and you can check with your reputable charter broker of choice for more details. Bahamian Rhapsody is managed for charter by Northrop & Johnson, www.nandj.com. —Kim Kavin