As season nine of Below Deck gets underway we take a closer look at the superyacht hosting all of the action with an exclusive interview from her charter broker and Captain…
The latest season of superyacht charter TV show Below Deck may be full of colourful characters but there is one star that undoubtedly takes centre stage amidst the drama; charter superyacht Starship. Known as My Seanna during the filming but now renamed Starship following her recent multi-million sale, the 56.4 metre motor yacht was first delivered in 2000 by Seattle-based shipyard Delta Marine.
The GRP and aluminium yacht was built in just two years to a design by Glade Johnson with naval architecture by Doug Sharp. She has undergone a number of refits and upgrades since but remains instantly recognisable with her sleek, silvered hull.
Stepping inside, Starship offers accommodations for 12 guests and 11 crew. Cabins and interior spaces have been finished in a classic style with touches of opulence; richly coloured, dark wood panelling, soft furnishings in cream with gilded edges, ornate chandeliers and exquisite marble and gold features in the ensuites. A piano adds the finishing piece to the lavish saloon in which entertaining takes place and meals and drinks are hosted.
"A short but extensive refit was completed since her sale, to brighten and update the interiors, without sacrificing the opulence which makes this boat who she is," says her captain, Steve Feldman, who has been with Starship since 2003.
Starship has spent much of her life chasing the warmth, cruising through the Mediterranean during the summer months and heading back west over winter for stop-offs from Florida to Puerto Rico. She is currently based in The Bahamas and this season will be taking guests on island-hopping charters between Nassau, Eleuthera the Exumas and the Abacos. To ensure guests can fully soak up the sunshine, there are a multitude of deck spaces on board from al fresco lounges and an outdoor dining table to dedicated sunbathing areas.
A highlight is the sundeck Jacuzzi, surrounded by a cocktail bar, while down below the expansive beach club offers shaded lounge space, access to a sauna and gym, a flatscreen TV and a small galley for prepping drinks and snacks. There’s even an outdoor cinema for movie nights under the stars.
"The owner specifically purchased this yacht with chartering in the Bahamas in mind," details her charter manager at Worldwide Boat, Rod Lindor. "Ample exterior deck space, plenty of storage for toys and most importantly the shallow draft of 2.4 metres are all important elements that make Starship a great charter yacht."
However, on board spaces are not the only important element of a successful charter on Starship. To ensure all guests can make the most of their time on the water, the yacht also boasts a well-stocked toybox filled with towable inflatables, kayaks, trampolines, fishing gear, a beach party set up and gear for waterskiing or wakeboarding. Since the refit, Captain Feldman adds that the yacht offers an "enhanced toy inventory," now offering "four jet skis, four sea bobs, dive gear including a dive master and a 12 metre Intrepid tender outfitted for fishing and diving." For exploring the surrounding coastline or for making a smooth entry or exit, Starship is additionally equipped with a helipad.
"The beauty of Starship is the versatility to accommodate groups of all types; from families and corporate guests to an all adults trip," explains Lindor. "With a mixologist, personal trainer, tea sommelier, and divemaster on board, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy."
With so much on offer, Starship perfectly sets the scene for the action of Below Deck to take place while still offering the ultimate luxury experience for charter guests on board. Lindor attests that her star appearances on the show have been a positive for the yacht, which was already "a bit of a celebrity in the yachting industry" even before her involvement.
"Below Deck has been great overall for the charter industry, as it has brought chartering a yacht more mainstream. Overall the publicity has been beneficial," adds Lindor.
Starship is managed for charter by Worldwide Boat with a weekly charter rate starting from $260,000. Episodes of Below Deck season nine air on Bravo every Monday at 21:00 ET, or can be streamed via Peacock TV the next day.
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