At over 55 metres in length, Galileo is one of the biggest charter superyachts in Asia. We step on board the motor yacht costing EUR 280,000 a week to charter.
In a sea of white motor yachts, Galileo’s midnight-blue hull and distinctive plumb bow immediately set her aside from the crowd. The 55.7 metre superyacht not only makes waves for her eye-catching look, but for the fact that she has entered the Asian charter market as one of the biggest boats cruising in the region. As IYC charter manager Monisha Benzy Issac describes, “there are very few pedigree yachts of this calibre operating in this region.”
Built by Italian shipyard Perini Navi, Galileo was first launched in 2011. Shortly after hitting the water, the motor yacht received notable accolades including an International Superyacht Society Award as well as nominations for the prestigious World Superyacht Awards and ShowBoats Design Awards.
Galileo’s move to the tropics comes after being purchased in 2019 by an owner based in Asia. The yacht had already completed two world circumnavigations – helped by an impressive 9,000 nautical mile cruising range and ice-breaking steel hull – but the Indian Ocean and South China Sea are the waters that she will now explore. Destinations including Thailand, Indonesia and the Maldives are all possibilities for charter guests this season.
Galileo’s enviable cruising itinerary is not the only draw, however. Her re-entry to the charter market follows an extensive refit that took nearly two years and has ensured that her interiors and facilities are in prime condition for charter guests to enjoy. “There was quite a lot of change,” details Bali-based interior designer Anita Horn. “The client wanted a whole new, fresher, beachier kind of feel to the yacht, one that emulated his love of surfing. Now, Galileo represents his personality and what he likes – he’s a real creature of comfort.”
A noticeable difference on board Galileo post-refit is the new lazarette, featuring decorative details formed from recycled coconut shells. The area has been “completely upgraded,” explains Issac, providing improved access to water toys, gym equipment and the swimming platform.
This upgrade, together with a flexible cabin arrangement which allows for a permanent surf or dive instructor to stay on board, helps market Galileo as what Issac calls an “adventure charter” yacht. The vessel is certified as an approved RYA sailing and dive centre, and now specialises in surf or scuba diving trips. Even night dives are possible with Galileo’s top-of-the-line diving gear.
A deeper look into the superyacht garage will reveal yet more activities on offer to charter guests. Galileo carries numerous tenders, multiple Jet Skis, a SeaBob, two wakeboards, three pairs of water-skis, a pair of paddleboards, six spear guns and some big game fishing gear. It’s clear that the superyacht is well-stocked for guests to spend time enjoying the clear waters and thrilling surf reefs of Asia.
Another new addition on board Galileo is a full awning to provide shade while dining al fresco. “We know that some Asian clients prefer to be in the shade, unlike some European clients,” explains Issac, noting that Galileo’s refit took the needs and desires of the local market into consideration.
For when the heat gets too much on deck, guests can head inside the superyacht to cool down. Matching her dark hull are Galileo’s rich mahogany interiors. The masculine and moody wood panelling was maintained from the previous owner, as Issac explains that “the designer has achieved a beautiful blend of old and new, ensuring that the new elements harmonise seamlessly with the existing features of the yacht.”
As well as featuring five generous ensuite cabins for up to 12 guests, Galileo has a spacious main saloon for lounging, cocktails or movie nights. The area seamlessly melds into an indoor dining area, where guests can sit down to feast at an impressive 300-year old Javanese teak table. On the lower decks, there’s also accommodation for 11 members of crew, including a personal chef from Australia. “The yacht feels much larger than it actually is, thanks to its 10.3 metre beam, which allows for excellent space optimisation,“ notes Issac.
Walking around the yacht, touches of the current owner’s personality can be found in the artistic photographs and old maps that adorn the interior. “These are all personal collections of the owner and his memories from his travels,” points out Issac.
But while the owner’s tastes and interests may be present within the interior design of the yacht, Issac emphasises that the owner is “very much prioritising charter”. With increasing numbers of charter guests looking to explore Asia-Pacific, now is the perfect time for Galileo to show what her local waters have to offer. As Issac notes: “The traditional cruising grounds remain popular, but I believe clients are increasingly seeking more unique and experiential journeys,” – which is exactly the type of charter experience Galileo has to offer.
Under her new ownership, Galileo’s adventures have included voyages to East Timor, Labuan Bajo, Komodo Island, the Maldives and Thailand. Galileo’s visits to some of these very “remote” destinations “showcases the crew’s expertise in navigating Southeast Asia,” says Issac.
Galileo’s alluring cruising grounds and impressive toybox bring a new level of charter luxury to the Asian market – and with that, a clear indication the superyacht industry in this region is on the up. As Issac notes: “Charter guests are looking for experiences that differ from the typical Mediterranean or Caribbean offerings, and Southeast Asia is gradually gaining more exposure as a cruising destination.”
The superyacht Galileo is available to charter through brokerage house IYC, from EUR 280,000 a week.
(All images: IYC Yachts)
Olivia is a freelance journalist from the UK whose work focuses on superyachts, luxury lifestyle and travel. A former senior digital writer at BOAT International media, her writing has also been published ..Read More
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