Meet SEALION: The Yacht Redefining the 62-Meter Charter Experience

Every so often, a yacht comes along that changes what guests expect from chartering. Not by being louder or larger, but by being flawless in every detail. The 203’5” (62m) Viareggio Super Yacht SEALION, built in Italy with northern European quality, is widely regarded as one of the best VSYs ever built. Winner of the World Superyacht Award, International Yacht Award, and SBID Design Award, she has earned her reputation not only for design brilliance but also for consistent, flawless guest experiences. Following a multi-million-dollar rebuild completed in 2023, SEALION has reemerged as a yacht reborn.

“SEALION’s success is the result of a perfectly aligned combination: a beautifully refit yacht, a very involved and proud owner, and—most importantly—a crew who consistently elevate the guest experience,” says Captain Geoff Brown. It’s this balance between craftsmanship and human connection that has propelled SEALION to the top of her class.

Captains Lance Hartley and Geoff Brown, together with Charter Manager Shawn Laird, lead a crew renowned for what Shawn calls their “spark”, a dynamic, intuitive service style that turns every charter into something delightfully unexpected. “I think creativity, brainstorm beyond the normal charter experience, and strive to create experiences charter guests will never have had before. I care deeply about the yacht and her reputation and wanting to blow guests away,” adds Captain Lance Hartley. “This is a culture that has been built in the 3.5 years I have been onboard and is continually being reinforced by the whole team.”

The ambience onboard SEALION is immediately disarming. “The moment guests set foot on SEALION, they’re embraced by an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie — the crew’s spirit of hospitality is simply irresistible,” says Shawn. Geoff echoes this sentiment: “Guests constantly highlight how cared for, understood, and welcomed they feel on board. SEALION’s service feels natural and warm.” It’s this balance of precision and authenticity that keeps guests coming back, describing their experiences as “the best of their entire lives.” Lance recalls, “I had a set of guests this summer who were eager to experience everything the Amalfi Coast had to offer. I suggested something a little different: a private cooking class with a three-star Michelin chef I’ve known for many years, held right in his restaurant kitchen. Intrigued, they agreed without hesitation. When we arrived, the chef welcomed them personally and ushered them straight into his custom display kitchen. For more than two and a half hours, he cooked alongside them one-on-one—five exquisite dishes prepared while they sipped champagne and wine, each course explained with his signature charm. Afterward, he led them through his gardens and into his remarkable underground wine cellar, home to more than 15,000 meticulously curated bottles. To say they were blown away would be a complete understatement.”

For Geoff, the secret is simple: “Select the right people, then train them exceptionally well.” SEALION’s 16-25 person crew operates with one-of-a-kind chemistry. “That chemistry is real — it creates a natural flow on board and allows us to deliver service that feels effortless, sincere, and professional.” It’s this unified sense of purpose that has made SEALION’s reputation nearly untouchable.

Over a two-year rebuild between 2021 and 2023, SEALION benefited from an over $20 million innovative engineering and design renewal. Every wire, system, and finish was replaced or enhanced, creating a yacht that feels brand new. “The goal was to return SEALION to the very highest standard of comfort, reliability, and luxury while preserving the pedigree that makes her iconic,” explains Geoff. Lance describes it best: “The project was, in essence, the creation of an entirely new yacht within the original shell—preserving the vessel’s character wherever possible while modernizing every element and bringing her firmly into 2023. No detail was too small. The ambition was to deliver a truly elevated charter experience in the 60-metre category, and achieving that vision simply wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and patience of our exceptional owner.”

Her double steel hull and NAIAD stabilizers ensure strength and stability in any condition, while her AVIT systems deliver flawless connectivity and entertainment. She’s built as a true ocean-going vessel, engineered for remarkable stability and range. Her robust steel hull and generous fuel capacity give her the strength and endurance to cross oceans and cruise comfortably in any condition.

The yacht’s visual beauty is equally extraordinary. Designed by Espen Øino, SEALION’s silhouette is sleek and balanced, exuding timeless poise. Her interior, a masterwork by Candy & Candy London, captures a combination of glamour and comfort. “Øino’s exterior design gives SEALION her unmistakable silhouette—sleek, timeless, and balanced. Candy & Candy’s interiors retain a warm, tailored residential quality, blending luxury with comfort,” says Geoff. Her interior palette contrasts rich Macassar ebony, dark-stained oak, and black lacquer with metallic silvers and almond-gold accents. Every surface speaks of craftsmanship, from the Perspex details on the Schimmel grand piano to the warmth of the leather wall panels. Even the Grigio Carnico marble en-suite in the master cabin feels sculpted for tranquility.

Her six-cabin layout welcomes up to twelve guests. The main deck master suite is a sanctuary of light and privacy, with panoramic views, a spa-like en-suite, and a walk-in dressing area. A VIP suite on the main deck and two doubles and two convertible twins on the lower deck complete the accommodations, each with an en-suite bathroom. Every space onboard is a destination in itself.

The sundeck, however, is SEALION’s pièce de résistance. “Without a doubt, the sundeck is SEALION’s standout feature,” says Shawn. Expansive and ingeniously designed, the split-level deck with a 12-person Jacuzzi occupies nearly half the yacht’s length, creating a flow between socializing and solitude. The bar and panoramic views make this deck the heartbeat of the SEALION experience. “Its versatility makes it the natural gathering point for dining, sunbathing, relaxation, celebrations, and socializing throughout the day,” Geoff notes.

Below, the fully equipped gym on the main deck provides additional versatility while the skylounge cinema room transforms evenings into whatever you want them to be. “SEALION feels simultaneously luxurious and comfortable — something guests notice right away,” says Geoff. “We always strive to create a bespoke experience, as no charter is alike.” That bespoke spirit extends to every detail: personalized menus crafted by world-class chefs, immersive water toy programs, and themed events tailored to each guest. In fact, SEALION placed in the top three during the Tablescaping and Chef competitions during the 2024 Antigua Charter Show.

“We spend time before each charter understanding special occasions or ideas guests might have,” Geoff explains. “From there, the crew and I design a bespoke experience that goes far beyond expectations.” He recalls one unforgettable moment: “During a 2025 charter, the guests turned our Aquabana setup into an impromptu floating dance floor. Watching everyone laughing and literally dancing on the water — that’s SEALION’s joyful spirit in motion.”

SEALION spends winters in The Bahamas and Caribbean and summers in the West Mediterranean. Her versatility makes her ideal for both regions. “Her elegant exterior lines and refined interior blend seamlessly with the Mediterranean’s sophistication, while her water toys and expansive decks fit the adventurous spirit of the Caribbean,” Geoff says.

Behind every flawless itinerary lies meticulous planning. “It’s incredibly rewarding to represent a yacht that people instantly recognize and admire,” says Shawn. “SEALION’s name carries real weight in the industry, and while that makes things easier in some ways, it also pushes us to keep raising the bar. We never take her reputation for granted.” Geoff echoes that pride: “A yacht of SEALION’s size has countless moving parts—technical, operational, logistical, and human—and seeing all of them align perfectly to create a seamless guest experience is incredibly rewarding.” Lance adds, “The most rewarding part of running SEALION is working for owners who have been exceptional throughout my entire 3.5-year tenure with them. Their support, trust, and commitment have made it possible to build a brand and a vessel that genuinely reflect their vision and pride. That dedication has also translated into remarkable commercial success, with SEALION becoming one of the busiest and most sought-after yachts in her size range on the charter market. Equally meaningful has been the opportunity to build an entirely new crew and onboard culture—one shaped by talented individuals, dedicated partners, and external stakeholders who all share the same commitment to her future. Taken together, these elements make me profoundly proud to serve as Captain of SEALION and excited for everything that lies ahead.”

Even now, SEALION is evolving. “We are currently undergoing several targeted upgrades to keep her at the top of her class,” Geoff says. Her growing digital presence on Instagram and YouTube continues to showcase the yacht’s spirit and crew culture: authentic, joyful, and precise.

“SEALION is more than a yacht — she’s a curated experience shaped by people who genuinely care,” Geoff says. “Whether you come for adventure, relaxation, celebration, or family time, SEALION adapts to you. Our goal is simple: create charter experiences so personal and memorable that guests can’t wait to return.”

Guests can charter the 203’5″ (62m) VSY superyacht SEALION, enjoying winter cruising in The Bahamas and Caribbean and summer adventures in the West Mediterranean, with rates starting at $480,000 per week, plus expenses.

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