Following the news that Flavio Briatore is appealing a tax fraud conviction over use of 63.22 metre Force Blue, Fraser Yachts has clarified the situation for current and forthcoming charter enquiries and bookings.
"Force Blue was originally seized on 20 May 2010 and legal proceedings are ongoing and have not yet come to a final conclusion," a spokesman for Fraser Yachts told Boat International. "Force Blue has been authorised by the court to carry out charter activities during this period and charters are continuing without interference and very successfully."
Force Blue is now available for charter in the West Med from August 31 with a reduced rate of €195,000 per week, down from the peak price of €245,000 per week.
Delivered by the Royal Denship yard in 2002 and refitted in 2009, Force Blue enjoys a reputation as a multi-faceted charter yacht.
Although classed as an explorer yacht, she has a palatial interior by Celeste dell’Anna giving her all the amenities of a five star hotel. Twelve guests can take their ease in six generous cabins consisting of a master suite on the main deck with a spa pool while below lie a VIP suite, three doubles and a twin convertible to a double, all with entertainment centres and full en suite bathroom facilities.
An experienced crew of 19 include a masseuse/beautician and guests are encouraged to take full advantage of the extensive on board spa facilities including a steam shower, Hammam, mud bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, hydro massage and a massage room. This yacht for charter also features a fully equipped gymnasium, a cinema and an elevator between decks.
The vast deck spaces aboard Force Blue come into their own during static charters at Mediterranean events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival where she can host receptions for up to 350 guests at a time. In addition, the upper aft deck can offer al fresco dining for up to 60 guests. After dinner, this deck can be transformed into a nightclub with a professional DJ station, neon strobe lights and a full sound system.
Force Blue is available for charter through Fraser Yachts.