Part 2: Delphine is believed to be the last big boat in the world with reciprocating steam engines.

By Kim Kavin

5. Delphine  More of this Feature • Part 1: Most Expensive Charters • Part 2: Most Expensive Charters continued • Part 3: Most Expensive Charters continued
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5. Delphine
In the summer of 2006, Delphine plans to ply the waters just outside Detroit, Michigan—a fitting charter destination, since she was originally built in 1921 for American automobile pioneer Horace Dodge. Until then, she’ll be cruising Mediterranean and Caribbean waters at a weekly rate of €350,000, or about $422,000, for 28 guests.

Delphine’s recent refit was undertaken to restore her, not to revamp her, and she is believed to be the last big boat in the world with reciprocating steam engines. She’s a classic through and through, right down to the Steinway grand piano in her music room.

SS Delphine info@ssdelphine.com. www.ssdelphine.com.

6. Solemar
Bursting with pedigree is the 201-foot Amels Solemar, launched just last year and garnering $375,000 per week. Her exterior is decidedly modern, ensuring that she will turn heads this winter, when she’s likely to be in the Caribbean.

Fifteen crew attend to Solemar’s 12 guests—especially the principal charterer, who enjoys unusually luxurious accommodations. “The owner’s suite is spread over two levels forward on the main deck,” says Cindy Brown, a broker in Nigel Burgess’ New York office. “That’s unusual. It’s not something that you see on yachts every day.”

Nigel Burgess Phone: (212) 233-0410. www.nigelburgess.com.

7. Phoenix
This 201-foot, brand-spanking-new Lürssen spent her first season of charter this summer in the Mediterranean, after a maiden voyage to Oslo, Norway, in June. Her 12 guests are catered to by a crew of 16 who, of course, leave the principal charterers alone should they be enjoying cocktails on the private deck off the owner’s suite.

Phoenix is expected to be in the Caribbean this winter for $375,000 per week.

Moran Yacht & Ship Phone: (954) 768-0707. www.moranyachts.com.

8. Paraffin
What sets Paraffin apart from other charter yachts in the Caribbean this winter are the comfort-enhancing design details that run the length of her 197 feet. Our recent firsthand look at her left us in awe.

During the evening, for example, when the pantry door swings open so members of Paraffin’s 16-strong crew can serve dinner, the galley lights and music automatically turn off so as not to disturb the 12 charter guests. For $360,000 per week, would you expect anything less?

Fraser Yachts Worldwide Phone: (954) 463-0640. www.fraseryachts.com.

Next page > Part 3: One of the unique charter features aboard Capri is her recording studio.> Page 1, 2, 3