Behind the glitz and glam of the latest new builds and the over 80-metre masterpieces lies a segment of the charter market aimed at those with a smaller budget and the same desire for an unforgettable luxury charter. This week, BOAT steps on board Gatsby, a 30.4-metre motor yacht perfect for multigenerational charters and Amalfi Coast cruising...
Fast facts
Yacht name: Gatsby
LOA: 30.4m
Builder: Filippetti Yachts
Year: 2014
Guests: 12
Charter region: Mediterranean
From: £71,690 per week (plus expenses)
Broker: HELM
Why charter Gatsby?
Host to an unusual six-cabin layout, Gatsby packs more than expected into a 30-metre hull. When delivered in 2014, she became the flagship of her Italian builders (boasting 206GT in a neat yet voluminous design) and the only unit from the yard's heritage Navetta 30 series, penned by Italian designer Pietro Mingarelli.
Eleven years on, Gatsby is still as eye-catching as the day of her launch. Vertical windows, curvaceous sweeping lines and well-balanced proportions define this Italian build's all-white profile – her decks decorated with easy walk-around access and several al fresco dining and lounge spots.
Well maintained by an attentive crew of six, the Filippetti-build is now fresh from a 2025 refit, with works including a new galley and engine servicing as well as new interior carpets, lighting and soft furnishings that exude charter comfort.
Interior mood
With a name like Gatsby, it’s no surprise that the 30.4-metre motor yacht draws some inspiration from the glamorous Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s. Rather than being as loud or ostentatious as the jazz-crazed Roaring Twenties is famed to be, Gatsby's interior exudes a subtle and sophisticated nod to the period, updated with a modern minimalist twist.
Dark American walnut is the predominant material used across the living areas and suites of the 30.4-metre, decorating the walls and storage spaces on board for a moody yet welcoming atmosphere. To contrast the rich, deep woods, a cream colour palette and light wood flooring has been used throughout, with splashes of colour accented by soft furnishings. A large creamy leather sofa welcomes guests as they enter the main saloon, while the suites themselves have plush cream carpets that tickle toes.
Opulent marble is also incorporated throughout Gatsby – including within each of the en suite bathrooms and their inviting rainfall showers – as well as the backlit wall centrepiece behind the dining table, which is set in a dramatic orange-brown onyx. Several low lighting options and bounds of natural light from the multiple wide windows bounce from the warm-toned interior on board Gatsby, creating spaces that are bright and balmy by day and snug and inviting by night.
Sleep easy
There is plenty of space for multigenerational families, friends, corporate and celebratory charters on board Gatsby, with her accommodation split across three decks – something not found often on a yacht of this size. Two double and two twin cabins (all en suite) dominate the lower deck, each one decorated with the same creamy leather found in the main saloon, but this time, panelled across its walls and window sills. A variety of low or bright light settings make each suite feel comforting upon entry, with the Apple TVs (which are fitted in every cabin on board) providing easy bedtime entertainment.
Heading upstairs, a grand VIP cabin is nestled into the bow of the main deck, host to a king-sized, forward-facing bed, a sofa space and a sizeable en suite bathroom. The star of the show, however, is the master suite on the upper deck, complete with a walk-in wardrobe, his and hers en suite, a private office space and a private deck forward with sun loungers.
Best deck moments
From the sun-drenched top deck to the aft deck lounge, Gatsby's deck spaces are thoughtfully designed to elevate the onboard experience. Offering seamless indoor-outdoor living, as well as options for those seeking solitude, Gatsby has it all. From the aft, enjoy the spacious opening transom-come-swim platform, which offers direct access to the sea via an easy ladder, before heading up to the main deck aft to enjoy a light snack between sea swims and water toy thrills.
For lunch, savour fresh cuisine at the al fresco upper deck dining table, shaded from the sun thanks to an awning, before snoozing in the afternoon heat on the expansive top deck sunpad. This may be a prime time for solitude for the primary charter guests, who can retreat to the twin sun loungers on their private forward-facing deck.
End the day by watching the sunset from the foredeck sunpads or with a cocktail in hand at the convenient table and sofa. Whether you're entertaining, unwinding, or exploring the water, Gatsby's multi-level deck spaces easily cater to a variety of tastes.
Toys for enjoyment
Tempted by the clear Mediterranean waters? Gatsby offers a range of toys to jump in and enjoy, while a Williams 505 jet tender provides easy access to the shore when at anchor. Her list of toys includes:
- Seadoo Spark Jet Ski
- Two Seabobs
- Two SUPs
- Wakeboard
- Water skis
- Snorkelling equipment
What the editor says...
Why choose Gatsby for a charter along the Amalfi Coast? A voyage down this stretch of the Mediterranean is always going to be beautiful. Yet, it goes without saying that the yacht, the crew and the itinerary from start to finish is what really decides the experience. With Gatsby, the charter begins from your first contact with HELM. A thoughtfully planned itinerary sets the tone for what welcomes you on board. In this case, dock close to shore in the picturesque town of Positano; head north to Amalfi to stroll the quaint cobbled streets; and anchor on the south side of Capri to enjoy the calmer (and more secluded) waters.
Indulge from your first step onboard, with the warm teak decks underfoot leading to the cool air-coned interior and comfortable cabins with beds that make you never want to leave.
The crew are attentive, and the food? Think fresh, locally-sourced and melt-in-the-mouth. Wake to coffee and a light breakfast on the upper deck aft before exploring the local sun-bathed towns by day. Head inland to visit Ravello, famed for its traditional, hand-painted ceramics, or take on the adventurous coastal hike of the 'Path of the Gods'. And when the sun begins to set, return to Gatsby for a cooling swim from the stern, followed by a starlit, three-course dinner.
Going back to her Italian roots, Gatsby’s shallow two-metre draft and 30.4-metre displacement hull make her well-suited to the shallow shores and hidden coves that the dreamy Italian coastline offers. And talking of specs, a comfortable 12-knot cruising speed and 4,000 nautical-mile range make sailing the Italian coast a pleasure – yet she can also reach a top speed of 16.5 knots when needed, powered by twin MTU diesel engines.
An Amalfi Coast charter aboard Gatsby is naturally luxurious – but in a relaxed, understated way that makes you want to do it all again the moment you disembark.
What the broker says…
"The most unique thing about Gatsby is her six cabins, sleeping up to 12 guests. For a 30-metre yacht at this sort of price range it's very unique, especially for chartering along this stretch of coastline, so she's perfect for large parties or multigenerational charters," said HELM co-founder, Simon Morgan.
"The other thing that makes her really special is her upper deck master with its huge master cabin and private balcony. For the primary charterer or even for a honeymoon couple, it's rare on a yacht of this size to get a master thats anywhere near as good."
"Gatsby's of a size that gives a proper yacht feel. The comfort, the fact that you've got six crew (which is also reasonably 'up there' for a 30-metre yacht) while still being the right size for Amalfi's shallow coves and beaches, really impresses. Once you go up another 10 metres, that's not possible to do."
A little about HELM
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, HELM is no stranger to the world of charter. Co-founded by professionals within the industry, the boutique broker was founded from a desire to do better. Ten years on, a team of charter specialists, each brimming with expertise, offer some of the very best experiences across the Mediterranean for every yacht charterer.
"We've always been very boutique," shared Morgan. "We're very client-focused, so we wouldn't push Gatsby on the wrong group. Booking the right yacht for the client is really the most important thing for us. For our brokers, our charter CAs are the focus, so it's all about having that transparency between clients as well as the impartial element of looking at the whole market."
Book Gatsby
Gatsby is available for charter with HELM from a weekly rate of £71,690 per week (plus expenses). She has current availability over July and August with cruising along the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Corsica and the French Riviera.