Every month, superyacht owners share where they are and where they’re heading. After launching a professional campaign for The Ocean Race, Konstantin Kobale turned his passion for sailing into a charter business. He explains how 30.6-metre Wally Vantanera combines cruising with competitive regattas, giving guests the chance to experience life on the racecourse.
Konstantin Kobale
Yacht: Vantanera
LOA: 30.6m
Year: 2003
Location: Palma de Mallorca
When did you buy Vantanera?
In August last year. Our background is we are all very keen sailors. In 2019, we launched a professional sporting campaign to compete in The Ocean Race. Long story short – out of that campaign a charter business started to develop with our 21-metre VO65 Sisi, and now Vantanera, which attracts a different clientele.
Did she need much work?
She was on the market for almost two years and not used very much by the owner during that time, so we had an in-depth refit. It was a true boatload of work, fitting new machines, generators and upgrading the interior. We remodelled the bathrooms and changed all cushions, upholstery and carpets.
I think the only things that stayed were the wooden wall panels and the stainless-steel galley, because it was in very good shape; everything else was at least touched up or replaced.
What kind of charters do you offer?
In addition to regular cruising charters, we offer a full race experience. We do one to two training days for the guests to get to know the boat, then, based on their sailing experience and knowledge, we involve them as much as they like – obviously while keeping everything safe and making sure the boat stays in one piece.
What races have you done lately with guests?
After crossing back from Antigua, we had 10 days to turn over Vantanera from delivery mode to race charter mode, and we raced in the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta. It was very successful with very happy guests.
Then just a week later in Greece, we had an extremely nice charter with a different crew for the Cyclades Cup. It takes three days to completely convert her from cruising to racing, so racing sails come on board, and most of the cruising interior gets stowed away off the boat.
Read More/Cyclades Cup 2026: The superyacht regatta where hospitality comes first
What are your clients like?
Super interesting. I think we’ve had five clients who have climbed Mount Everest, as well as people who’ve done three Ironman triathlons, so there can be extreme personalities. On the other hand, you have businesses and friend groups that do team building to get to know each other better.
For the transatlantic back to the Caribbean, a family of five, all keen sailors, have chartered the boat. It’s going to be interesting combining a family cruise and a delivery.
First published in the October 2026 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.
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