First Impression: Kelly Sea

Date toured: June 2008

One of the interesting things about my job is that I get to see yachts in all kinds of places and environments. In the case of the 112-foot Westport motoryacht Kelly Sea, I got onboard during a massive lightning and thunderstorm in Newport, Rhode Island. The black skies and howling winds were far different than what you see in any sunny-sky boat brochure, and they challenged the crew to make me feel comfortable as I slipped off my soaking-wet shoes and wiped the raindrops from my face.
     And rise to the challenge, this crew did. Chef Neil Minnaar welcomed me into the yacht’s country-kitchen style galley and offered me some freshly made sushi that was part of the boat’s Asian theme that day. Meanwhile, Capt. Palmer Cole chatted with me for a solid half-hour about how he got into the business (read my full interview with him by clicking here) and how he likes to entertain charter guests.
     That kind of crew enthusiasm is key, especially on a yacht like a 112 Westport, because there are a good number of them available for charter nowadays. What sets one apart from the next usually isn’t the interior layout or décor, but the crew—and I must say, based on the time I spent with them, I really liked Kelly Sea’s crew of four. They’re fun-loving and friendly, and unusual in that they’re all male, without a single stewardess onboard.
     The yacht itself was built in 2006 and was in good condition from what I saw during my tour. It has the same layout as most other 112-foot Westports, taking eight guests. She’s expected to be in the Virgin Islands this winter at a lowest weekly base rate of $49,500 for eight guests, including use of a 32-foot Boston Whaler tender.
     International Yacht Collection is the management company. Contact any reputable charter broker for more information.—Kim Kavin