Akiko

Originally named for a near-flawless grade of diamonds, the multi award-winning luxury charter vessel, AKIKO (ex-VvS1) is a world-class explorer superyacht whose name means “at a distance from home” in the Maori language, with accommodation for up to 10 guests in absolute luxury.

AKIKO is built to Lloyds Class survey requirements and is MCA compliant to endorse her as a safe and capable cruising yacht.

She is versatile enough to enter small bays, anchor behind coral atolls or for game fishing over submarine reefs. Her large beam of 7.8m offers expansive space unusual to a 35m superyacht, and great stability.

From her impressive, sturdy aluminium hull to her luxurious interiors, AKIKO will delight charter guests with her myriad features. On deck, there are several spaces for leisure and relaxation, including a foredeck seating area, large undercover entertaining area on the main deck with barbecue and oversize swim platform for accessing the tender and watertoys.

Above, the bridge deck comprises deck area for stowage of the tender, leading into the master stateroom, while the flybridge houses the skylounge with seating for up to 14 guests in a lounge setting and high-tech AV for enjoying films or go-pro footage of the day’s activities.

INTERIORS

The impeccable interiors aboard AKIKO are the vision of Gregory Marshall, with recent refit work undertaken at McMullen and Wing. The décor is a sublime fusion of timbers, textures and ochre hues, along with large windows to capture the passing landscapes at every angle and LED lighting to set of her remarkable collection of art and sculptures collected from around the world.

AKIKO is a true floating art gallery, with collections from Melanesia, Australian Aboriginal artworks, and rich, vibrant fabrics and furnishings reflecting her New Zealand origins and South Pacific travels.

For her guests’ enjoyment, AKIKO is equipped with Apple TV, Chromecast, Crestron system and iTunes movie bank (with hard drive capacity for approximately 500 movies) and Foxtel (Satellite Television). AKIKO is fitted with stabilizers for comfort in all conditions, is air-conditioned throughout and provides 4G very fast internet.

ACCOMMODATION

Contrasting with her rugged exterior, AKIKO boasts ultra-luxurious accommodation for up to 10 guests. On the bridge deck is the generously sized, full-beam master stateroom which comprises king bed, large windows for 180 degree views, walk-in wardrobe, his and hers basins and large shower.
On the main deck is the full-beam VIP double cabin with king bed, ensuite with bath tub and marble bench top, while on the lower deck are two twin cabins Including one bunk bed and a single each (no Pullman), suitable for two adults or three children, as well as one full-beam double cabin.

All cabins have private ensuites, large windows and authentic Aboriginal art.

WATERTOYS & TENDERS

AKIKO is equipped with an extensive array of watersports equipment to cater for the most active guests during your charter. Watersports and toys vary depending on the cruising location of the charter.

Onboard AKIKO are a 7.5m Smuggler RIB Tender with capacity for 10 guests, two 5.5m Barra boats (in the Kimberley region, west coast of Australia), one 10m Naiad RIB (subject to location and additional charge.)

For hours of on-water fun, there are two 3-person Waverunners (One Waverunner in international destinations such as PNG, the Maldives), two 2-person rigid kayaks, two SUPS, surfboards, inflatables and towables (donuts, sea biscuit), two Apollo AV-2 Evolution Scooters and one Seabob.

Befitting an expedition charter vessel, AKIKO also provides fishing and spearfishing equipment, scuba and snorkelling gear (sets for up to 8 guests, including children), Mares Computers, regulators ScubaPro and dive compressor. Rendezvous diving can be arranged through local operators in each region.

The professional crew of six, including talented onboard Chef, are renowned for their energy and enthusiasm for exploring remote regions, their vast knowledge and 5-star service catering to guests’ every wish. They operate by the ethos that AKIKO delivers the opportunity to revel in spending time with loved ones and appreciating the planet’s natural wonders.

Guest feedback is unanimously positive. One charter guest who experienced Papua New Guinea aboard AKIKO described her crew as “Incredible”.

“They bent over backwards to ensure we had the best experience. The local guide was well-connected and was good at explaining local customs and culture and the Chef produced excellent food. It was an outstanding charter and the holiday of a lifetime.”