Charter Yachts Where Art Takes Center Stage
When it comes to luxury yachting, art is a statement. These charter yachts go beyond beautiful interiors, becoming floating galleries of rare works, bold design, and custom creations that rival museums ashore. Each piece tells a story, and each detail inspires conversation. Step aboard and discover a fleet where creativity and craftsmanship sail side by side.
ALFA NERO | 266’ (82m) Oceanco
A masterpiece by Oceanco with interiors by Alberto Pinto, ALFA NERO is a study in art and engineering. Pinto’s vision fuses pop art, Art Deco, and modern masters into a cohesive design language. The yacht’s expansive main salon houses a grand Pleyel piano, a rare P190 model from the Cariatide series originally designed by Marco Del Re. Finished in black lacquer and etched with a white wave motif, it is both a sculptural showpiece and a functional instrument. Hand-engraved by French technicians at the Alès factory in 2006 and sold in 2008, this one-of-a-kind piece is part of a limited series of just eight examples — and is no longer in production. Bold details abound: scalloped wall panels lacquered in white shimmer like mother-of-pearl; zig-zag woodwork and striped floors energize her spaces; Takashi Murakami artworks inject vibrant bursts of color. Yet her defining feature remains her revolutionary aft-deck infinity pool (the first of its kind), which can rise to become a helipad or dance floor. ALFA NERO is art in motion, redefining what a superyacht can be.
MALIA | 254’ (77.7m) Golden Yachts
Step aboard MALIA, and art becomes interactive. Her foyer hosts a kinetic installation by Brooklyn-based studio BREAKFAST, specialists in digitally controlled sculpture that bridges technology and emotion. As guests walk past, the artwork morphs into shifting shapes and patterns, creating a living dialogue between viewer and piece. Combining computer science, mechanical engineering, and striking aesthetics, this moving sculpture invites reflection on the relationship between the digital and physical. On MALIA, even a stroll down a corridor becomes an artistic experience.
Playful and bold, RIO radiates joy from the moment you step inside. Her interiors, designed by Pulina Exclusive Interiors, pay homage to the children’s film of the same name, awash in vibrant tropical colors that spark happiness. The foyer greets guests with a hand-painted mural of a toucan and leopard, a whimsical introduction to her personality. White slatted, layered, textured backlit walls create a striking contrast against the warmth of rich American walnut floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe her main salon and skylounge in natural light, showcasing views as vivid as the yacht’s palette. Upstairs, a skylounge aft dining area hosts 12 guests around a large round table, complete with a rare Connemara marble service bar that elevates every alfresco meal. RIO is sunshine, artistry, and energy captured in design form.
Designed by Candy & Candy London, SEALION is the epitome of glamor meeting contemporary edge. Her interiors contrast dark Macassar ebony, black lacquer, and jet-beaded finishes with silvery-white art silk carpets, taupe upholstery, and metallic accents. Almond gold plating glimmers on fittings, balanced by the warmth of leather wall paneling. At the aft deck doors stands her custom Schimmel grand piano in Perspex, simultaneously a striking sculpture and a finely tuned instrument. The drama continues with a glass guest lift that glides through her decks, further emphasizing her seamless blend of function and art.
Winch Designs imbued SEA OWL with the soul of storytelling. Inspired by literature, her interiors weave in details that surprise and delight: prose leaping from the pages of curated bookshelves, intricate map replicas across the ceilings, and handcrafted details on every wall. Her centerpiece is the breathtaking Tree of Life: a three-deck-tall sculpture carved entirely from Brazilian mahogany, winding through the central staircase with endless detail. A custom-painted trompe l’oeil elevator adds a touch of whimsy, while sensory delights include a baby grand Steinway and a Kaleidescape system. Every corner of SEA OWL feels like a chapter in a living novel.
SKYFALL | 190’ (57.91m) Trinity
An icon in the charter world, SKYFALL blends urban contemporary styling with unapologetic opulence. Her interior is layered with exotic woods, including Honduran mahogany, European maple burl, Australian Lacewood, and Wenge, creating a rich tapestry of textures. The main deck aft is her showpiece: a dramatic wine cellar and custom humidors line the space, transforming it into a gallery of indulgence. It’s a stage for social gatherings, perfectly suited for an afternoon wine tasting curated by the crew.
VICTORIA DEL MAR | 164’ (50m) Delta Marine
A yacht that doubles as a museum, VICTORIA DEL MAR is home to original artwork by Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, and Joan Miró. Her open-plan main deck salon flows seamlessly into a formal dining space, where guests gather beneath a dazzling blown-glass chandelier. A grand staircase of anigre and zebrawood links all four decks, accompanied by an elevator for ease. For those who appreciate pedigree, her curation of blue-chip art places her among the most culturally rich charter yachts afloat.
KING BABY exudes the raw energy of rock ‘n’ roll. From Keith Richards’ reclaimed doors to a custom electric guitar coffee table and curated vintage hood ornaments, her décor is unapologetically bold. The yacht is lined with classic rock photography painstakingly curated by her owners, transforming her corridors into a backstage pass to music history. Recent refits introduced crisp white hardwood flooring in the formal dining area, a cool contrast to her sultry aesthetic. KING BABY is perfect for groups ready to turn up the volume on their charter. She’s seductive, stylish, and rebellious.
PALOMA | 137’9” (42m) Ferretti Yachts
For true art lovers, PALOMA is a sanctuary of culture. Her collection spans eras and styles; a Sophia Vari sculpture adorns the sundeck bar, a Fernando Botero painting graces the owner’s study, and a canvas once part of the Queen of Spain’s collection hangs in her skylounge. Books, sketches, sculptures, and art-inspired furnishings infuse her with warmth and soul. Her story was beautifully captured in David Seal’s Yachts for Charter video, where three artists spent a day onboard, drawing inspiration from PALOMA and her coastal surroundings to create original works, paired with exquisite meals by her chef. More than a yacht, PALOMA is an immersive cultural experience.
A Floating Gallery of Possibilities
These yachts prove that art at sea is more than decoration. Here, the gallery travels with you, ensuring inspiration is always just a deck away.
When it comes to selecting a charter destination and planning the holiday of your dreams, Northrop & Johnson’s charter brokers will deliver the best selection of yachts for charter around the world.
Read Next
Navigator Newsletter Stay informed on all things yachting and luxury lifestyle with the bi-monthly Navigator newsletters.
