Television network Bravo began airing season 11 of Below Deck Mediterranean this week, with episode one kickstarting the latest edition of the reality series on 8 June.
A spin-off of the hit series Below Deck, the show follows a yacht crew over a tumultuous eight-week charter season. This latest instalment begins in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and returns with Captain Sandy Yawn at the helm alongside chief stew and fan favourite Aesha Scott - a duo who are now reunited for a third season. Deckhand Joe Bradley and bosun Nathan Gallager also return for this season.
While season 10 followed the charter life of the 44.9-metre Abeking & Rasmussen motor yacht Bravado, season 11 welcomes a new charter superyacht to the mix. Benetti's 51.8-metre Akira One takes the stage this season, as the latest yacht to host two months of drama on the high seas. Episode one premiered this week packed with tension, as Captain Sandy hit the dock for the first time in her career and two crew members had a major falling out.
BOAT takes a closer look at the latest host of the show...
When was Akira One built?
Akira One was delivered by Italian shipyard Benetti in 1997 and is one of seven yachts delivered from the builder's celebrated Golden Bay series, which was discontinued in 2004. Italian designer Stefano Natucci is responsible for her exterior design, while Ancona-based studio Luxury Projects completed the all-Italian design team for Akira One's original interiors.
The motor yacht underwent an extensive refit in 2022, which saw her exteriors and interiors refreshed and upgraded – the latter of which was reimagined by French designer Francois Zuretti. According to exclusive data from BOATPro, Akira One has had three owners since new and was last sold in 2020.
What are her luxury features?
As with almost every superyacht on the charter market, Akira One is packed with luxury living spaces and amenities for all wants and desires. Her sundeck is a notable highlight, fitted with a large hot tub, expansive sunbeds overlooking the bow, a BBQ station and a large central dining table for al fresco meals. For views over the stern, wide twin lounge chairs offer the perfect spot.
Closer to the water, a large swim platform supplies easy access to her wide array of water toys (ranging from jet skis to windsurf gear), with steps leading up to a large U-shaped sofa for lounging on the aft deck. For a more sheltered al fresco dining experience, the upper aft deck's table for 10 provides an alternative setup.
Heading inside, her main saloon is bright and welcoming, decorated in a colour palette of soft creams, rich woods and pops of earthy tones and navy blue. A formal dining table for 10 is centred by a glamorous glass chandelier, while the lounge offers twin sofas and multiple, matching armchairs. A secondary comfortable lounge can be found on the upper deck, complemented by a fully equipped sit-up bar topped in marble.
On the entertainment side, Akira One is fitted with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, including a PS4 Pro and a newly installed karaoke system.
What about accommodation?
12 guests are accommodated on board Akira One with six cabins (all en suite), providing ample space and comfort. A full-beam master suite on the main deck steals the spotlight, with its king-sized bed, a private study and a generous en suite with a dramatic hot tub. One double cabin is situated on the upper deck, while two VIP cabins with queen-size beds and two twins (one with a Pullman berth) can be found on the lower deck.
What is her technical performance?
Akira One is powered by twin 2,226hp MTU engines, which offer a maximum speed of 18 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots (with "extremely low fuel consumption") and a range of 3,000 nautical miles. She also benefits from zero-speed stabilisers for comfort and stability at anchor.
How much does it cost to charter Akira One?
Akira One is on the charter market with Fraser, available from €176,000 per week.
Other yachts that have starred in Below Deck Mediterranean
- Ionian Princess (45.7m, Palmer Johnson, season one)
- Sirocco (47m, Heesen, seasons two and four)
- Talisman Maiton (54.2m, Turquoise Yachts, season three)
- The Wellesley (now Shalawaty, 56.1m, Oceanco, season five) - for sale with TWW Yachts asking €12,000,000
- Lady Michelle (now Next Chapter, 55m, Benetti, season six)
- Home (49.8m, Heesen, season seven)
- Mustique (now Purpose, 54.9m, Trinity Yachts, seasons eight and nine)
- Bravado (44.9m, Abeking & Rasmussen, season 10)