Charter yacht of the week: JeMaSa, from naval ship to world-class adventure charter

Each week, we take a look at the finest superyachts for charter. This week’s choice is JeMaSa, a 52-metre former Australian naval ship that has undergone a remarkable transformation into a go-anywhere adventure yacht. Recently rebuilt on Australia's Gold Coast, she now offers charter guests a unique blend of explorer toughness, expansive deck spaces and calming, wellness-driven interiors – ideal for immersive charters in the South Pacific and beyond.

What’s the story of JeMaSa?

Delivered in 1973, JeMaSa began life as anaval ship known as HMAS Matthew Flinders, a hydrographic survey vessel off the coast of Australia. She was decommissioned in 1998, bought and repurposed as a yacht, and underwent various conversions before being sold in 2005. Under new ownership, the yacht was shipped to Atlantic Drydock in Jacksonville, US, where she was transformed and re-launched as Plan B - a sturdy ocean-going adventure vessel.

Proven, sturdy and capable of cruising the far reaches, the yacht was excellently maintained and seen by her next owner as an excellent platform for a yacht that could cruise to the world’s most remote regions.

After she was sold, Plan B was taken apart once again in 2024 and stripped back to bare metal during a 15-month refit in Australia. She was then reborn as JeMaSa with an increased yacht’s LOA from 49.9 to 52 metres. Australian designer Misha Merzliakov was the chosen interior and exterior designer, while Periscope’s Shaun Phelps was responsible for naval architecture. 

The yacht received new upholstery, wall and ceiling panels, and custom beds and furniture. All guest areas – including the six en suite cabins – benefited from new marble-top bathrooms. JeMaSa’s De Villiers-designed exterior has also been tweaked, with her military-style profile tempered by a bright white superstructure and light grey hull.

What makes JeMaSa an excellent charter yacht?

JeMaSa will operate predominantly in the South Pacific as a one-of-a-kind charter yacht. The 52-metre superyacht facilitates diving, game fishing and access to the world’s most beautiful destinations. She has large decks that offer alfresco dining, starlit movies, and spaces to unwind, while the newly redesigned and rebuilt interiors feature a modern, light aesthetic that utilises organic materials.

The yacht for charter offers a wide range of water toys, from seabobs to paddleboards, suitable for guests of all ages. A successful charter yacht must excel in entertainment, and JeMaSa boasts everything one could wish to find on board.

“She is serene and adventurous,” says Fleur Tomlinson of the Y.CO Charter Team. "Feedback from brokers on a recent fam trip echoed this. She’s clearly about adventure, given her explorer capabilities and toy inventory and build, but also the interiors and guest spaces have been designed with wellness and serenity in mind. Through the use of organic materials and wellness features like massage, sauna, ice bath and gym, there’s a palpable zen feeling on board.”

What are her interiors like?

The interiors on board JeMaSa were completely redesigned by Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design. The brief was to offer a modern and light aesthetic that used as many organic materials as possible. There is a strong emphasis on natural textures, with lots of light woods, tan leather, and stone.

The main salon is light and airy, with a neutral colour scheme and four wooden coffee tables. It has an open plan feel, extending directly through to the central staircase, which connects all four decks. On the upper deck, JeMaSa has an interior dining table, which sits beside folding doors that open up fully on either side.

On deck, an enclosed “glass house” with sliding doors at bridge deck level was created by the glazing experts at The Boat Works. The windows were also replaced with larger-format glazing.

“Feedback from charter brokers who were on board recently for a fam trip in Tahiti repeatedly mentioned the glasshouse as a unique space on board which stood out as a real highlight," adds Tomlinson. It’s a stunning, flexible indoor/outdoor space. One person said that it has to be one of the best dining areas on any yacht.”

Accommodation on board is for 12 guests across seven well-appointed cabins. The feel is unfussy and bright with lots of wood and neutral tones. There are two convertible twin/king cabins and a flexible accommodation configuration, which allows for a lot of freedom depending on the makeup of the group.

Life on board JeMaSa

The refit of JeMaSa is heavily geared towards fun, from the water toys to the cinema or gym. As the yacht for charter is designed for long periods of autonomous cruising, there has to be plenty to do on board.

“Every detail is taken care of," says Tomlinson. "Some feedback recently mentioned the thoughtful addition of Dyson hairdryers in the cabins and the high-quality toiletries that are available because it’s this attention to detail which makes a difference to charter guests.”

JeMaSa has also been earmarked as a top choice for families. “Families that want to really see the world and learn about different cultures and places and do so without sacrificing their usual luxuries and wellness routines. JeMaSa suits extended families or groups that love to dive, explore and enjoy watersports to include everyone down to the grandkids as well.”

Toys and wellness

JeMaSa offers a range of tenders and toys that allow charter guests to explore the coastline and hidden coves. A fully equipped gym and a massage room cater to wellness-oriented charters. There is also a cold plunge on board.

Book JeMaSa

JeMaSa is available for charter with Y.CO with a weekly rate of $355,000 per week. This winter, she will be cruising the South Pacific and Australia. In the summer season, she will be available in South America, Central America, Asia and Australia.