YOU’RE WORTH IT
For our fi nal full day on the water Paul suggested we mosey
slowly back round the coast, stopping off at the small resort of
Playa Son Moll for a bit more playtime on the toys. It was an
inspired call, if the water looked blue and inviting in Alcudia,
it was almost iridescent turquoise
in Moll. It wasn’t quite as warm as it
looked, but with a full sun and blue
sky to offset the fresh breeze, we threw
ourselves into it, quite literally in the
case of the boys who
took turns jumping
off B4’s surprisingly
tall sidedecks. With
no let up in the
action until the
Seabob’s batteries
gave out, we made
our way up to the
fl ybridge for one last
feast of cold meats,
cheese and fresh
salads washed down
with yet more rosé. Then we were off
again, stopping off briefl y to admire
the pretty little harbour of Porto
Cristo before pressing onto Porto
Colom, where we’d booked a mooring
buoy for the night. Determined to
complete the culinary full house, we
went in search of a paella restaurant,
recommended to us by Paul and once
again ate until we dropped.Chatting with Paul and Victoria in B4’s cosy saloon later
that night, it’s clear that no two charter experiences are quite
the same. It sounds like we were a little unlucky with the
uncharacteristically chilly wind and water, missing out on
the usual balmy calm days and bath-warm seas that are the
norm in this corner of the world. However, by going with
Paul’s sensible recommendations and making the most of
the boat’s facilities and Victoria’s remarkable ability to
conjure up heavenly meals from a relatively small galley
we felt utterly spoilt from start to fi nish.
Sometimes boating is as much
about the challenge and sense of
achievement as it is about actual
enjoyment but on a crewed charter
it’s all about fun, relaxation and
indulgence. Paul and Victoria’s
genius is in working out what
the guests want and adapting the
experience to suit their preferences.
I loved every minute of it but much
more importantly, my wife and
guests were blown away by it.
If you ever want to convince
someone just how luxurious, effortless and enjoyable boating
can be, there is no better way than a week or two on B4. It’s not
a cheap option, especially once you’ve factored in the extra costs
of fuel, berthing, supplies and crew tips, but boating rarely is and
when divided between eight of you, the numbers don’t look quite
so scary. More importantly it will be an experience of a lifetime
that you and your guests will never forget. The only question
now is whether I can ever again convince our friends to come
on board our own little Karnic. Somehow I don’t think it will
feel quite the same after our time on B4.CHARTER DETAILS
Boat name B4
Boat model Princess 72 Motor Yacht
Home berth Cala d’Or, Mallorca
Cabins 4 cabins, 4 bathrooms
(plus crew)
Guests Sleeps 8,
up to 18 day guests
Crew 1 captain, 1 crew
Extras Air con, fi n stabilisers,
TVs, hi-lo platform
Tender Williams Sportjet 395
Toys 2 seabobs, paddle board,
snorkeling gear, skis,
wakeboard
Price £24,200 per week (Nov/Dec)
£30,250 per week (Apr/May/Sep/Oct)
£36,300 per week (June/Jul/Aug)
Prices include Spanish IVA tax, berthing in
Cala d’Or, captain and crew, soft drinks/snacks
Additional costs Fuel, meals, alcoholic
drinks, berthing charges outside
Cala d’Or, crew tips
Contact [email protected]
http://www.boats.co.uk/charters/princess72
Tel: +44 (0)1702 258885CRUISINGPaul’s nightime taxi service
to and from the boat is a
true taste of the high-life
Tall sidedecks are no problem
for teenage lads looking to
dodge their GCSE revision!Anchoring off Playa Son Moll
for more fun and games
playing in its turquoise waterVictoria and Paul are proof
that crew can enhance a trip