Flights of Fancy – luxury yacht charters soar with a helicopter

Nothing could be more convenient and discrete than arriving on board your luxury charter yacht by helicopter – a thought that may seem jet-set glamorous, but there are so many other uses of a chopper that mega yachts in increasing numbers are coming complete with this ultimate form of transport and yacht toy.

From touch-and-go helipads to full-scale helicopter hangars, more and more superyachts are combining transport with exploration and far-ranging fun.

Choppers are the quickest way to get to your onshore destination, providing there is space and clearance, such as a mountain hiking trail in the Polynesian Islands, or the rooftop of a 5-star hotel in Cannes for a VIP event in comfort, style and totally dry! It maximises your enjoyment of your charter by saving you time and allowing your crew to show sights you would seldom see.

For sightseeing and safaris, helicopters provide unparalleled views of a location and can be used to scope the next anchorage in your charter itinerary. In the tropics, a chopper is a great way to reach remote and shallow reefs for snorkeling, diving and parasailing – and imagine the glorious aerial shots you can take from above? You could even spot shoals of fish for the divers and anglers, and with a bit of luck, whales and rarer marine life for the nature enthusiast.

Extreme sports buffs will love the opportunity to head to the alpine heights for heli-skiing, or into the wilderness for hunting or trekking

No longer an indulgence, choppers are becoming a must-have aboard the latest generation of mega yachts for charter. Here is our selection of some of the top luxury motor yachts with helipads available for your next luxury yacht charter.

ALFA NERO

A sensational 269ft (82m) Oceanco mega yacht, ALFA NERO has an eye-catching black hull and a staggering 1,200 square metres over four levels, plus exceptional features such as a health and beauty spa, jacuzzi, loads of deck space for socialising and relaxing, limousine tender and high-tech toys. The extra-large swimming pool, complete with glass waterfall siding, converts to a heli pad or spring-mounted dance-floor.

ALFA NERO has accommodation for up to 12 guests in six staterooms, including a master suite, two VIP staterooms, one double cabin and two twin cabins. She is also capable of carrying up to 12 crew onboard for a fully-bespoke charter experience.

CLOUDBREAK

238ft (72.25m) CLOUDBREAK built by Abeking & Rasmussen, is a "high-tech floating chalet", a serious go-anywhere, adventure motor yacht with all the features that make her ideal for charter worldwide.

The owner's passions are surfing and heli-skiing and CLOUDBREAK comes complete with an enviable array of sports and watertoys and a helideck, as well as a sauna, massage room and chilled plunge for total relaxation after a day of hectic activity. Forward of the helideck is a circular room with a cinema screen to view the day's action recorded on GoPro cameras is absolute comfort – whether that's skiing, diving or parasailing.

High-tech lights and speakers mean CLOUDBREAK can convert to a party palace at the flick of a switch!

For her 12 fortunate charter guests, CLOUDBREAK'S facilities are exceptional and include bathrooms with heated flooring, a gym with Ballet Barre, Kenesis, spinning bike, treadmill, balls, bells and bags, plus a superb blend of Scandinavian décor and glazing, designed by Christian Liaigre.

KISMET

With its name derived from an Arabic expression for "fate" or "destiny", the 312.34ft (95m) KISMET was launched by Lurssen in 2014 and is considered one of the most impressive mega yachts available for charter.
KISMET'S external deck facilities include an open fire place on the aft deck, external lounging and eating areas, an oval shaped, multi-level swimming pool with integrated jacuzzi and cinema screen on the foredeck.

Storing her impressive range of tenders and toys in a garage which doubles up as a spot for some waterside aerobics and yoga, luxury charter yacht KISMET is also fully prepared for the that converts to a lounging area and a secondary helipad on the foredeck which doubles as a basketball court.

SYMPHONY

The first Feadship to pass the 100 metre mark, SYMPHONY boasts incredible space over six decks and a massive complement of facilities, tenders and toys. SYMPHONY welcomes 16 charter guests on board and a crew of 28 with ample space due to a beam of 46ft (14.1m)

From the top, her sundeck features an observation lounge, bar and jacuzzi, while the bridgedeck offers a large terrace with outdoor cinema. Her dedicated owner's deck is equipped with double bathrooms, dressing rooms and a sauna, a forward terrace with jacuzzi, a private office and a study, a lounge and a spacious aft deck area for lounging with a dining table for 20.

Other noteworthy features include a 6m contraflow swimming pool with waterfall, ultra-high definition cinema, wellness centre, glass-bottomed swimming pool and fully-operational helipad for charter guests wishing to explore at every anchorage, and arrive onshore in style.

ATMOSPHERE

Expedition motor yacht ATMOSPHERE is a 150ft (45.7m) steel explorer luxury charter yacht built by Asenav in 2006 offering charters in South and Central America or the opportunity of a world tour.

When it comes to remote destinations on her itinerary, ATMOSPHERE offers her charter guests the ability to explore the fjords of Patagonia or the Poles with her two Bell helicopters on board and various tenders and water craft.

ATMOSPHERE has her share of luxury facilities on board as well, including a sauna, jacuzzi plus Thalassotherapy pools for complete relaxation. With 14 cabins accommodating 28 charter guests, and 32 crew with specialist skills, ATMOSPHERE is the ultimate adventure vessel.

SKYFALL

The all-aluminium 57.91m (189.99ft) custom-designed and built luxury charter motor yacht SKYFALL from Trinity Yachts is a go-anywhere charter vessel with a shallow draft, which allows her to access shallow waters that other yachts of her size cannot reach and a touch and go helipad for exploring far afield. There is accommodation for up to 12 guests in seven staterooms, including a split-level Master suite.

All decks offer alfresco dining options, while the sundeck boasts a large Jacuzzi and splash pool surrounded by sun pads and bar. Described as 'urban contemporary with overtones of Zen', the interiors SKYFALL feature an abundance of woods and stones, beautifully etched glass and unusual materials such as petrified tree trunks. Other highlights include an unusual foyer aft boasting a statement wine cabinet and a Tiger's Eye bar top in the sky lounge.

SURI

At 173.8ft (63m) SURI is one of the world's best purpose-built luxury exploration yachts with a collection of toys that enable SuRi to turn any destination into an adventurer's playground. The owner's vision was to share the planet's unlimited opportunities for adventure with like-minded thrill seekers while enjoying the pinnacle of luxury on board SURI.

There is plenty to do onboard, in the water, and also on land with a diverse range of toys and features including a jacuzzi, a media room with windows to the sea, a massage and spa room, a helicopter, sea plane, speedboat, dune buggy and hovercraft.

TRUE NORTH

Cruising the pristine waters of Australia's Kimberley Coast, with its ancient wonders and thrilling combination of coastal and desert scenery, TRUE NORTH is a 118ft (50m) explorer charter yacht for up to 36 guests.

TRUE NORTH offers unique itineraries with the capacity for onshore excursions using the ship's helicopter and adventure boats.

With her activity-based itineraries designed to be "life changing", TRUE NORTH delivers unparalleled access to stunning coastal environments and unequalled opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the authentic Australian experience.

PLAN B

The 164ft (50m) PLAN B was originally launched in 1973 as HMAS Flinders, a research vessel for the Australian Navy, charged with mapping the Great Barrier Reef and the waters of the Australian coastline.

Built with a 5-inch thick steel hull, PLAN B was completely rebuilt into a luxury charter vessel like no other, with cinema, enormous living spaces, designer interiors, and offering guests a close to silent ride plus all the amenities of a true explorer craft.

PLAN B has circumnavigated the globe three times since the completion of its refit and has taken guests to some of the most remote corners of the ocean in absolute comfort and safety.

The deck of PLAN B was designed to the highest safety standards, and not only includes re-fueling capability but also fire-fighting capability and equipment. The superstructure was reinforced to withstand multiples of the weight of the helicopter, and the specially reinforced tied downs are capable of holding the chopper in the roughest conditions. The special surface of the landing pad is both tough and effective and matches the boat.

There is a large welcome area in front of the chopper, and when the chopper is not on board the area makes for additional party space. This deck also serves as the launching pad for the waterslide, and for those adventurous enough to take a running leap from 50 feet above the water!

For full details about all these stunning superyachts and other mega yachts that carry helicopters please contact the experts  at Luxury Charter Group.