Those seeking to travel to French Polynesia and cruise Asia Pacific in a Superyacht should ask David Jamieson in Fiji, and long-resident Etienne Boutin of Tahiti Ocean for some advice.
They are both part of the Asia-Pacific Superyachts network, and as such know the area well Etienne, recently also opened Noumea Ocean in French-speaking New Caledonia.
Ask about charter vessels in the area and they will be sure to mention
- Ultimate Lady
- Miss Kulani
- Cosmos II
- Senses
- Ethereal
- Ohana
It is also highly possible that their eyes will glaze over when they mention the 33 metre motor yacht Askari, whose central agent is Patricia Codere at Fraser Yachts in Fort Lauderdale.
At Fraser Yachts Pat confirms that Askari is available for charter in the Society Islands or Les Isles Sous Le Vent, where Raiatea and Bora Bora are located, and in the Tuamotus.
Captain Claude Aker, and his chef and wife Emma received the Fraser Yachts award for Best Charter Crew Under 50m at Monaco Yacht Show in 2016. She has been cruising Tahiti since 2006, and has had record bookings for the South Pacific in the past decade.
Askari is the perfect exploration yacht for French Polynesia, accommodating ten guests in comfort, and she has plenty of toys and diving gear to help explore remoter islands of the Tuamotus.
In fact, says marketing executive Marie-Léa Dubourg, Askari is very open to cruising other ports of call anywhere in South Pacific waters.
Built in 1971, Askari remains in good condition. Principal tender is a 17 foot 100 HP Caribe Jet, and there is also a 20 foot Caribe diesel jet RIB. Toys include double and single kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel and fishing gear, waterskis, wake board, kite boards, and jet skis only on request.
For those seeking to scuba dive a dive guide is required at the charterer’s expense, and the vessel carries a Capitano compressor.