Loon, a.k.a the world’s most Instagrammed superyacht, is accepting charter fees in bitcoin for her first Mediterranean season. From Monaco Grand Prix parties to diving in Croatia, the 55 metre superyacht has a full summer ahead…
The yachting industry is currently abuzz with all things crypto; brokers are increasingly offering new listings and charters in bitcoin, while some of the most acclaimed designers have jumped aboard the NFT bandwagon with the launch of limited edition digital designs. For the social media-savvy superyacht Loon, joining the digital revolution by offering charter rates in cryptocurrency is a natural step.
“Forward-thinking and welcoming new ideas has always been a strong part of Loon’s ethos," said Loon’s Australian captain, Paul Clarke. "Accepting bitcoin fits perfectly with these principles and supports inclusivity, especially for the younger generation of charter guests.”
First launched in 2011 to a design by Murray & Associates, Loon has become well-known in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean circuit. Her charter success, particularly with American clients, is partially owed to her activity on social media; lush images of ice-cold cocktails and snapshots of water sports sessions helped Loon gain nearly 55,000 followers together. It is no wonder she has been crowned the "world’s most Instagrammed yacht".
Captain Clarke started Loon’s Instagram account in early 2018. Within six months, after the addition of some unique toys, Loon’s account “really started to go wild,” he explained. In 2019, the crew also gained attention for their humanitarian efforts in The Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, and Loon is now the most followed of any superyacht on Instagram. “Instagram opened up another way for us to share the incredible experiences we have on Loon with the world,” said Captain Clarke.
The glamorous illusion that Loon portrays on social media is of course very real. With an enormous 1,100 GT interior just refitted in 2020, Loon has a host of amenities and activities designed to enhance the charter experience. Deck areas provide multiple spaces for soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the views, from the al fresco lounges and dining table to the shaded hot tub with a swim-up cocktail bar.
Inside, classic-inspired interiors by Claudette Bonville are finished with glossy wood panelling and large windows offering panoramic views. One highlight is the vaulted sky lounge, which can welcome as many as 100 guests for evening soirees. Across the lower levels, six generous staterooms provide accommodation for up to 12 guests, waited on by a crew of 14.
Guests looking to maximise time on the water can dive into the yacht's extensive toy box, comprising a floating FunAir sea pool, an inflatable slide, Jet Skis, a golf setup, SeaBobs and gear for sports such as waterskiing and wakeboarding.
For those hoping to learn a new skill, the crew includes a PADI-certified divemaster as well as professional surfing and kiteboarding instructors. Many of the crew, including captain Clarke, are also keen fishermen. And a resident videographer is on hand during charters to capture experiences in custom-curated videos that guests can share further on their own platforms.
Not one to do things quietly, Loon’s first visit to the Mediterranean this summer will start with a bang as she plans to attend some of Europe’s most highly-anticipated events in the superyacht calendar. Loon has already secured a coveted trackside berth in Port Hercules for the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2022 and will continue her French Riviera cruise with a stop in Cannes during the film festival later that month.
For calmer cruises, island-hopping through Croatia’s stunning cruising grounds is also on the agenda this summer. Here, guests can explore historical sites, enjoy secluded beach parties set up by the crew and make use of the dive shop to discover the country’s incredible underwater offerings.
Loon’s decision to accept charter fees in bitcoin is part of a wider plan to expand her client base and cruising areas. The move coincides with the yacht’s first-ever visit to Europe, where a number of brokerage firms have acknowledged that cryptocurrency is much more widely used than over in the US. “Cryptocurrency expands borders; Loon is expanding her horizons with the upcoming trip to Europe, and we look forward to inviting a new wave of charter guests on board,” said Captain Clarke.
Loon is managed for charter by IYC with a weekly rate starting from $325,000.
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