Charter yacht of the week: Latiko the 44m motor yacht that loves to explore

Each week, we shine a spotlight on the world’s finest superyachts for charter. This week, BOAT steps aboard the 44-metre Benetti motor yacht Latiko - a yacht that really comes into her own on a Mediterranean adventure.

Why charter Latiko?

A yacht often stands out not only for its features, but for the strength of its crew - and captains Wil Poynton and Paul McWilliams are very much the driving force behind this vessel’s success on the charter market. “We look after her like she’s our own,” Poynton explains, adding that the pair know the yacht inside out, maintain her to an exacting standard and often resolve issues before they arise.

Their long-standing partnership has also fostered a loyal base of repeat guests, some of whom have returned every year for more than a decade. “There are bigger boats they could choose from,” he says, “but, with Paul and I here each season, they tell us they love the atmosphere on board.”

Every type of group is tailored for - from large gatherings to families to honeymoon couples, and the crew can cater for every style of holiday - from slow, low-key meanders up a coast to big bucket-list cruises where many nautical miles (and sights) are covered. “It depends on the feeling that we get from our guests when they come on board - we read the mood and adapt to it,” says Poynton.

Latiko operates the Mediterranean during the summer and, thanks to an owner who loves to explore, her experienced captains have built up extensive cruising knowledge, ensuring they know all the best spots to take her. The charter yacht also tows a large 12-metre chase tender so that if necessary, the vessel can anchor off secluded bays and guests can still be transferred ashore in dry, comfortable conditions.

Interior mood

Latiko’s interiors are flooded with natural light, with a warm and highly liveable feel throughout. A recent refit introduced new soft furnishings in olive, terracotta and smoky grey tones, alongside chic Ottoman-inspired prints, textured throws and layered fabrics.

Among the standout spaces - and one of the reasons why the owner fell in love with the boat, according to Poynton - is the forward master cabin, complete with wraparound windows that allow guests to wake each morning to panoramic views. Fore of the cabin is a private deck which is only accessible from the master cabin, complete with sunpads, a small table and chairs. “On warm calm nights, we can have the door open to allow the sea breezes to come through,” he says.

Out on deck

The decks aboard Latiko are undoubtedly a highlight, particularly the circular dining area aft of the bridge deck, where retractable doors allow the space to be either enclosed or opened fully to the elements. It is here that charter guests naturally congregate in the evenings.

By day, there are plenty of areas for guests to disperse across the yacht: the main deck aft, shaded by the bridge deck and set with a dining table and seating, makes an inviting spot for breakfast or brunch. On the sun deck, a large Jacuzzi aft of a covered dining area is a popular focal point, as is the seating area beyond. Forward of the bridge deck, a a bank of sunpads offers the perfect reading spot in the sun cooled by the sea breezes.

Book Latiko

Latiko is available for charter with Fraser with a weekly rate from €175,000.