SOLEMATES

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 60 Meters 196.9 Feet
Beam: 11.43 Meters 37.5 Feet
Draft: 3.5 Meters 11.5 Feet
Number of crew: 15
Built: 2010
Builder: Lurssen
Naval architect: Espen Oeino
Flag: Cayman Islands
Hull construction: Steel
Hull configuration: Displacement
WiFi

Engines: 2x Caterpillar engines 3512B 1454 kW

Cruising speed: 14
Fuel Consumption: 110 US Gall/Hr

Number of cabins: 6
Cabin configuration: 6 Double
Bed configuration: 6 King
Number of guests: 12

Tenders + toys: 2 VIKAL-tenders
1 tender equipped as rescue boat
2 Waverunners
2 Sea Bobs
Diving Equipment
Fishing Gear
Power Surfboard
Golf Clubs with tee box & biodegradable balls
Two, two person kayaks
Water Trampoline
Towable Banana Boat
Mobile BBQ

AMENITIES

DECK & SYSTEMS

DIVING

SOLEMATES Crew Profile

Captain: Andrew Johnstone

Captain Andrew Johnstone has a true dedication to the sea. His maritime career is well marked by his excellent reputation and longevity in his career. Thirty years at sea started with a nascent interest in sailing and racing in Andrew?s youth. Family holidays were launched from his hometown of Victoria, British Columbia and spent cruising the waters of Vancouver Island. Applying the same dedication and determination that he continues to display today, Andrew paid his way through university by working his summers on oceanographic research ships as a deckhand. His education completed, Andrew spent the briefest time in an office job, where it took him none too long to figure that stuck behind a desk is not where he?s mean to be. His future fate was sealed when he made the decision to take a six month ?sabbatical? and booked a one way ticket to St. Thomas.

Having very methodical and meticulous inclinations, Andrew first started his yachting career as an engineer for eight years but later morphed into a deck officer on the urging of an old Captain. Now, having since circumnavigated the globe twice, his passports certainly have been through lots of wear and tear and numerous stamps to say the least! His favourite cruising areas are Papua, New Guinea - great diving for this Dive Master - and the picturesque and remote islands of New Hebrides.

Life after yachting? Andrew seeks to retire with his wife to his property in the Dominican Republic where he can enjoy his wildlife photography hobby, play many rounds of golf, and whittle away the twilight hours in his woodworking shop.

We are so pleased to have welcome Andrew aboard. He has a solid history of keeping a stable and safe environment on his yachts as well as maintaining a professional and happy crew, thusly creating an ideal backdrop in which you can relax and surrender yourself completely to your holiday aboard Solemates.

Chief Officer: Wade Riley

Wade surveyed the bevy of sparkling yachts from his helm at the Disney ferry docked at Castaway Cay Bahamas, and thought to himself, ?How do I get on one of those?? He?d already travelled far from his home in Shelley Beach, Australia, to Disney?s island always striving for the next challenge ahead, Wade entered yachting in 2003 as a deckhand and headed off for his first Mediterranean season. Many charter ?milk runs? later and a few detours via Central America and the South Pacific, Wade joins Solemates excited to participate in its journey to more exotic locales. But what?s his favourite place in the world? The local beach at home with its golden sands and clear water. Why? His family and friends are close by! Wade is fully appreciative of all that life has to offer and commits himself 110% to all he does whether its swimming nonstop 12 miles for charity, fishing for Alaskan Salmon, or dressing up in character for chartered events (think Easter Bunny, Santa, a pirate - the list goes on!). Solemates is very happy to have Wade on board along with his expertise and enthusiasm.

Bosun: Kieran Gilchrist

A true Englishman, Kieran has been involved in yachting for two years working on Paul Allen?s stable of yachts, Meduse, Tatoosh and Ocotopus. His cruising has been worldwide, circumnavigating Africa, exploring the Pacific and avoiding pirates in the Indian Ocean. Studying Geography and the Environment at Sussex University a career in yachting was not the most natural progression but one Kieran couldn?t resist upon hearing about it from a friend. Perhaps his interest in yachts was sealed as a kid when he was a successful Sea Scout learning about the open ocean on the Isle of Wight. On the sporting field Kieran is an accomplished Rugby player and has been known to be quite handy at cricket: As previously stated, an Englishmen to the bone.

Lead Deckhand: Simon Matthews

Born in Cape Town on the Southern tip of Africa, Simon had an affinity for the water at an early age. Whether it was surfing, sailing or waterskiing; water was top of his recreation list. Simon also has a creative streak, studying art and graphic design both at school level and later getting a BA in Brand Comms (Graphic Art and Photography). Besides freelancing, Simon taught art classes in silkscreen printing and started a small clothing label using this trade. It was however in 2008 that he decided to pursue a career in yachting and has not looked back since. He has added Yachtmaster and Divemaster to his skill set and has done two Atlantic crossings on both sail and power vessels. Although removed from his studio environment Simon is never without one of his cameras - above or below the water and always ready to capture that next shot.

Lead Deckhand: Travis Joffe

Travis can tell you that the ocean is a dynamic and compelling entity. Since the age of 12, Travis has been an avid surfer having learned in the locale of his coastal hometown Ballito, South Africa. At the age of 16, he became a qualified lifeguard and worked as such through his university years. He then went on to pick up fishing, scuba diving and wakeboarding on weekends and holidays from his work as an architect. With each new activity and interaction, his affinity for the ocean grew until it eventually beckoned him to put his initial career on hold in order to ride the waves on something bigger than his surfboard. Having now a year in the industry under his belt, Travis is thrilled with his career move and remains ever enthused!

Deckhand: Andrew Mead

A sailing instructor for seven years out of Perth Australia, Andrew yearned to stretch his sea legs farther afield. Full of encouragement from his sailor friends, he headed off to the Mediterranean to put his boat handling and maintenance skills to the test; his strong water sports background an added plus for an industry based on fun and adventure on the water! Kiteboarding, snowboarding, diving ? you name it - he does it. In his time off, Andrew is a consummate traveler having already been to five out of seven continents while South America and Antarctica currently remain on his bucket list. His presence is a further testament to the kindred and adventurous spirit alive in Solemate?s crew and guests alike.

Chief Engineer: Michael Donelly

Pitching in with repairs around the home, it was evident at an early age that Mick had a natural talent and penchant for fixing and building things. He dabbled in carpentry prior to further refining his skill set in 8 years as an Engineer in the Royal Australian Navy. Working in a ?hands on? management role, he was responsible for 15+ naval vessels. In 2004, life took an interesting turn when Mick took his first yacht job via a friend?s recommendation. Most recently, Mick spent several months completing an extended refit of a one of a kind 44m ?race yacht? powered by twin 1,925hp Caterpillar diesel engines and one Vericor gas turbine: a technical feat to which he completed to great success. In his free time, Mick enjoys any outdoor activity, especially, exploring unblemished paradises epitomized by the likes of the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands of Fiji of which is his current favourite destination. But what always remains is Mick?s love of simply spending time with his immediate and extended family. Having already worked with Mick on a previous vessel, Capt. Andrew and the rest of the crew are happy to welcome Mick to Solemates.

2nd Engineer: Ben Hanlon

Ben hails from the seaside town of Brighton and spent much of this youth traveling and snowboarding. In between his busy activity schedule, he managed to acquire a BTEC National Certificate in Engineering, and went on to work as a special machinist and automation maintenance worker. Wanting to feed his love of adventure and travel, he decided 3 years ago to transfer his skills into the yachting industry. His experience and skills extend to electrical systems, general IT knowledge as well as audio/visual troubleshooting (which means ? he?ll be more than helpful if you can?t figure out the remote for the television). Ben is a wonderful addition to Solemates as he helps ensure the smooth running of the vessel.

Chief Stewardess: Charlotte Southon

With a zealous enthusiasm for innovation and perfection, Solemate?s Chief Stewardess Charlie lives to surprise! Charlie started her high end hospitality career well equipped having graduated with honors from Bornemouth University with a Tourism Studies degree. From there, she worked for reputable luxury tourism companies such as Abercrombie & Kent, and Neilson, whose Chamonix base manages fifty ski resorts. Since 2005, Charlie has been on the high seas further honing her front of house and operational skills to become a true experienced and professional Chief Stewardess. Her passion is clear, effervescent and contagious. She and the rest of the Solemates team endeavor to provide you with the ultimate in onboard service tailored specifically to your special needs and sense of fun.

2nd Stewardess Crystal Masters

Crystal: synonymous with elegance, fine quality and a dangerous degree of brilliance. Adj. clear & transparent; crystal water . Solemates second Stewardess shares not only the name of the infamous champagne but also the attributes ? silky, spirited and soulful. As a lady of many facets Crystal is sure to add flair, fun and an intricate eye for sophistication to Solemates immaculately run interior. Five years on the open seas has not extinguished her joie de vivre with fine sunsets, sandy beaches and epic locations on the never ending horizon. In her flute of champagne she holds many aces, namely a degree in Biology & Business, a love affair with back country horse riding and an insatiable appetite for the great outdoors. Crystal is sure to crystallize your Solemates experience.

Stewardess: Sian Williams

Having grown up in a small coastal surfing town in Tasmania, Sian has a natural affinity for beach landscapes; and after having gone off to college for a degree in tourism, what else was there to do to satiate her wanderlust but to travel? And so she did, until she eventually had to join the work force. But after having worked many years in high end hotel hospitality, Sian?s best friend regaled her with tales of exotic beaches discovered just beyond the horizon via a career in the superyacht industry. So again, what else was there to do? In 2008, Sian joined the industry full force and has since put her service skills and smile to work on two busy charter vessels prior to joining Solemates. When asked what she looks to gain from her career, she says only to create lasting memories and make life long friends.

Stewardess: Claire Nadauld

Claire has recently joined the yachting industry and Solemates is her first yacht. After spending several years in the film industry and props department, she naturally has a flare for decorative designs. Claire brings to the interior team a fresh mind and eagerness. Born and raised in Sunny South Africa, she feels most at home in and around the ocean. Not shy of travel and trying her hands at new things, it was only a matter of time before she entered the exciting world of luxury yachting and with it expanding her life knowledge and experience. Her fun loving and down to earth nature makes her a

new and welcomed part of the team.

Stewardess: Olivia Bunny

Olivia was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia. When not in training to deliver one?s Easter Eggs she can be happily found upon Solemates. Prior to yachting, Olivia completed a degree in Japanese. After completing her degree she moved to a remote village in rural Japan, where she taught English at the local schools for two years. Her curiosity then got the better of her, and she decided it was time to see more of the world. Olivia?s love affair with the ocean, combined with her passion for travel is what led her to join the yachting industry. Her other loves are music, old SLR cameras and chocolate.

Head Chef: Dennis Ekisola

Dennis has spent 9 years as a chef in Michelin Star restaurants in Spain and Germany and has since been head chef on the 80m Oceanco Amevi the 62m Feadship Secret and the 60m Lurssen Capri for several seasons. Dennis has excellent contacts in the Med and Caribbean enabling him to work with the best products available on the daily markets. His culinary commitment goes far beyond his work on board which reflects his interest in new cooking methods and trends from the world?s leading restaurants. He also has his own food photography company which gives him the opportunity to capture his culinary creations.

2nd Chef: Thomas Earle

Tom?s love for the culinary arts started simply and warmly in his mother?s kitchen and has grown into a profound devotion. After 3 years of culinary training with distinction, Tom and his happy-go-lucky demeanor went on to do some serious work at the 5 star Claridges Hotel in 1997 starting off as first commis later promoted to chef de partie. Reading his CV is akin to reading a celestial map, having worked for a solid list of Michelin starred establishments since his time at Claridges. Tom has run some rather large kitchens at a fairly young age and now searches for a different experience and a new challenge. We are just as excited as he to follow him on his new adventure aboard Solemates.

SOLEMATES Specifications

SOLEMATES Menu

SOLEMATES Testimonials