royal yacht wine cellar

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Nestled in a quiet area of The Royal Yacht Hotel, The Cellar offers a completely private space that lends itself beautifully to any occasion. Whether it's an intimate dinner with a loved one, a wine tasting event or even a dinner to impress that important client, The Cellar has a spot for you.

Cuisine: Gourmet | Fusion | Seafood | Vegetarian | Vegan

• +44 (0) 1534 720511
• [email protected]
• https://theroyalyacht.com/restaurants/the-cellar

More Information

The Cellar accommodates six people seated and pulls upon the creativity of the three other restaurants by allowing guests to choose dishes from any of those menus. Diners are provided with a personal sommelier who will be able to advise on the perfect wine pairings for their chosen dishes.

We are open all year round.

The Royal Yacht Hotel & Spa Weighbridge Jersey St. Helier JE2 3NF

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The royal yacht hotel & spa.

Modern luxury, situated in the heart of St. Helier. Located just a short walk from the bus station. With four restaurants, three bars, a luxury spa, 109 rooms ranging from silver to platinum and two luxurious penthouse suites featuring large Jacuzzis, lounging pods and spectacular views of the capital, you'll have all you need for a special stay.

Contemporary styling and a buzzing atmosphere. Zephyr offers casual dining using a mix of fusion and pan Asian cuisine combined with local produce. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh and fashionable, Zephyr, which is located within the Royal Yacht Hotel, is the perfect destination, no matter the occasion.

• Aug 3, 2017

The Ultimate Private Dining

Updated: Aug 4, 2017

The Royal Yacht's best kept secret - The Cellar.

The Cellar is the perfect private space for an intimate dinner or wine tasting event. Available for up to 6 people seated with various dining options, guests can tailor their event or evening to perfectly suit their mood. This room offers the perfect place to celebrate special occasions or impress your clients with your own personal sommelier.

Boasting a range of fine wines, authentic decor and an intimate environment - The Cellar is the ultimate private dining experience in Jersey. With the ability to choose from any menu in the hotel, you are spoilt for choice!

Photo: Daisy Barnard

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The Wine Club | Gold Edition

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Inside the Royal Yacht Squadron – we get a rare view of this most exclusive club

• Belinda Bird
• May 18, 2015

Sarah Norbury jumps at a rare chance to see inside the Royal Yacht Squadron, that unique and intriguing yacht club at the centre of Cowes, in its 200th anniversary year

Photo: Paul Wyeth

Inside the Castle

The interior of the Castle is a cross between a grand country house and a maritime museum. I wish I could have stayed for days to study the paintings of Fleet Reviews throughout history, pore over the leather-bound tomes in the library and sit with a gin and tonic taking in the glorious views across the Solent.

Instead I caught glimpses of treasures and trophies taken down from the walls for the refurbishment and got a feel for the magnificent proportions of the ancient rooms, the splendour of the Platform, with its battery of brass cannon, imagining the Scottish reels danced there a few days before – this vast room hosts parties and dinners for up to 120.

The magnificemt Dining Room where members can host their own dinner parties

In pride of place is the enormous wheel from the yacht Victoria and Albert II , and over an arched doorway I spied the tiller from the royal racing yacht Bloodhound whose mast was once the Castle’s flagstaff – it was taken down for checking in 2014 and found to be past economic repair.

Members and their guests staying in the Castle in one of the 13 bedrooms, charmingly decorated in traditional style with chintz curtains and antique furniture, are treated to service every bit as good as in a five-star hotel. The commodore’s room is on the top floor. Both he and the vice-commodore have their own accommodation with ensuites.

The staff of stewards, waiters and waitresses is being augmented for the summer of 2015. They expect to be fully stretched serving drinks receptions and members’ dinners.

“And we’ll still provide normal service for members who like to come in to sit in the Morning Room or on the balcony in need of a whisky or a Martini and lemonade,” house manager Katie Waite told me. The Morning Room is Waite’s favourite part of the Castle. “It’s the most beautiful of them all,” she said.

Bells to summon the staff

Stewards, dressed in three-piece suits, offer a butler service and are at members’ beck and call 24 hours a day. Their ethos is to be “attentive, but not intrusive,” one steward told me.

One benefit of membership is the ability to book a room for a dinner, a party or wedding, entertaining your guests to superb food and drink. You can even book the entire Castle, effectively having your own country home for a day or two. If more than one member wants a room on the same date the complex hierarchy of membership comes into play and it goes to the senior member.

In the cavernous, old-fashioned basement kitchen, reminding me of a scene from Upstairs Downstairs , scores of jars of freshly made marmalade were cooling.

“All the food is made here fresh, from scratch, by the chefs,” the steward told me, “from bread, to jams and chutneys. We serve locally sourced meat and a lot of game in season.” They still do silver service if members request it, but most dishes are now in the new style, plated up artistically.

Wine cellar

Crouching slightly, we made our way into the wine cellars. In the first room for ‘high volume wines’, I noticed cases and cases of Sauternes ordered in for the bicentenary. The wines are chosen by the Squadron’s Wine Committee, some ready to drink, others bought en primeur to be kept until ready for drinking. The all-important port cellar is further down, in the deepest, coldest part of the building. Back up in the pantry, staff were polishing silver cutlery, which will no doubt be a Sisyphean task during the summer.

The Squadron boasts an excellent wine cellar

Is the club concerned that its traditional image may not appeal to potential younger members? I asked the commodore. He replied that the Squadron runs a racing programme every April for youngsters aged between 16 and 20 in J/109s and there’s a busy J/70 team-racing schedule for around 80 Squadron Sailing Associates up to the age of 35.

Commodore Sharples is himself a keen sailor. “I started sailing on a SCOD with my father, and then on an Excalibur 36,” he told me. “We did plenty of RORC racing and Cowes Week every year.” Aged 24, he took a sabbatical and set sail as skipper with three friends and his brother for Cape Town in a Gallant 53 in order to do the 1973 Cape to Rio Race. Since then he’s competed in more than 40 Cowes Weeks, Fastnets, Newport-Bermudas and Swan Worlds.

He said it was “a great privilege” to be commodore in the Squadron’s bicentenary year: “We have been planning for nearly two years so we are hopeful our events will be well-run and a great success, and everybody will have a good time.”

Behind the America’s Cup

Sharples will still be commodore in 2017, America’s Cup year, and says it’s “serendipity” for him that the competition will be in Bermuda. He has long-standing associations with the island, even keeping a J/80 there for racing, and visits as often as he can.

Obviously enthusiastic about the Squadron’s America’s Cup chances, he told me: “Our challenge, through our affiliated club – Royal Yacht Squadron Racing Ltd – with Ben Ainslie Racing as our team, is a tremendous opportunity for us to play our part in bringing the Cup back to Britain . . . We believe our member Sir Ben Ainslie has the best chance for a long time of winning the Cup. Our role, and mine as commodore, is to give Sir Ben all the support that we can.”

One of the cannon on the Platform

So the Squadron remains an enigma: a private members’ club still functioning with centuries-old traditions, yet a public-facing, dynamic organisation in the forefront of world racing. It has a reputation for being a bastion of high society, yet the members I know are not titled – one a surgeon, another in the arts.

July 2015 looks set to be a great celebration of this and all that’s unique about this 200-year-old club, which is changing with the times while not compromising its standards and its history.

The Bicentenary International Regatta

The Royal Yacht Squadron will be 200 years old on 1 June this year and in celebration the club has invited members of 25 clubs around the world for a week of racing from 25-31 July, in boats of all sizes from J/70 sportsboats to at least three of the mighty J Class classics .

A number of the bigger boats will arrive from Newport, USA, at the end of the Transatlantic Race 2015 , organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron in conjunction with the New York YC, the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the Storm Trysail Club as part of the celebrations.

The three J Class yachts confirmed to date are Lionheart , Ranger and Velsheda . Velsheda was built by Camper & Nicholsons in the 1930s and a couple of decades ago was a regular sight on the Solent as a day charter boat.

Ranger was an aristocrat of a boat, owned by Harold Vanderbilt and winner of 32 of the 34 races she ever sailed, successfully defending the America’s Cup in 1937. She was eventually scrapped and the new Ranger is a faithful replica.

Lionheart is a new J built to a similar set of plans to Ranger from the archives of designers Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens. She made her mark in J racing winning the Kings 100 Guineas Cup in Cowes in 2012. The appearance of the J Class at the Royal Yacht Squadron Bicentenary International Regatta will be a rare treat for Solent spectators.

The week of racing promises to be a lively set of events, including fleet racing under IRC and level rating plus team racing for younger sailors. Members of the 25 invited clubs who can’t get their own boats to Cowes will still be able to compete thanks to the entire fleet of Sunsail Farr 40s being made available for charter, offering closely matched racing.

The highlight of the week is likely to be the Race Around the Island. Ashore, the social programme features parties and gatherings at the Castle and other special venues, culminating in a Grand Party at Osborne House on 30 July.

This is an extract from a feature in Yachting World April 2014

• 1. Flying the white ensign
• 2. Bicentenary celebrations
• 3. Inside the Castle

Weighbridge, St Helier, Jersey     T: +44 (0) 1534 720511

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Private Dining

A perfectly tailored experience.

For something that little bit extra-special, why not try a private dining experience at The Royal Yacht? With a selection of stylish event spaces to choose from, private dining is perfect for any occasion whether it be a special birthday, anniversary or even just a get together of friends!

With the ability to choose from any of our delicious restaurant menus or even create a bespoke menu for your event, we are here to make sure your private dining experience is a special one.

For an extra special experience, try either our 5 course or 9 course Tasting Menu paired with wines, chosen by our expert sommelier.

Our Wine Cellar is the ultimate private space for an intimate dinner or wine tasting event.

Available for up to 6 people seated with various dining options, guests can tailor their event or evening to perfectly suit their mood. This room offers the perfect place to celebrate a special event with your loved ones or impress that overseas client with your own personal sommelier.

Another favourite space for a special private dining experience is our elegant Vista room. A private balcony and harbour views add touches to this multi-functional dining room, perfect for special events & private dinners. Available for up to 18 guests seated, this light & airy space offers the perfect setting.

To find out more about our stylish spaces, please visit the Events section .

Vista 

The Vista Boardroom is ideal for meetings, lunches, dinners or for small parties of up to 35 and has sea views and a balcony.

The Cellar 

The perfect private space for an intimate dinner or wine tasting event.

Lazyjack 

A newly refurbished, intimate lounge space.

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Forget Pools and Cinemas: Artful Wine Cellars Are the Latest Must for Yacht Owners

“many owners today want to make selecting and pouring the wine part of the whole superyacht experience," a top designer notes., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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When forced to choose between a wine cellar or a butler’s pantry, most yacht owners are likely to give the linen the heave-ho. At least, that’s what the owner of the 164-foot Endless Summer did when looking to honor his passion for fine wines. The custom teak cellar was incorporated into the interior design before construction on the yacht even began.

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“The intention was always for the cellar to be a focal point, given its location at the top of the stairwell to the bridge deck. It’s most certainly on show,” captain Tony Hodgson tells Robb Report .

Concealed lighting illuminates labels collected from vineyards around the world. As collections grow in size and status, the line between functional storage and sculptural design is blurring.

It’s a burgeoning trend among yacht manufacturers.

“Many owners today want to make selecting and pouring the wine part of the whole superyacht experience,” says Marc Jessing, head of yacht interiors at Lürssen . “When an owner sacrifices space onboard for something to drink, they want to give that wine a huge amount of attention.”

Inventive solutions include integrated display units that can be pulled forward and upward into the more decorated areas of the boat.

Aboard Endless Summer, an air-conditioning expansion unit serves as a back-up should the main HVAC system shut down. Neoprene-lined shelves sit at an angle to keep the corks moist and the bottles secure when underway.

The custom teak wine cellar aboard the Endless Summer yacht.  Courtesy of Westport Yachts

But it’s not all about the mechanics. Canada-based CellArt ’s custom-designed nautical wine cellars are more akin to original artwork, with deep navy-blue lacquer casings and golden metallic inserts.

“The price point is always increasing,” Jonathan Primeau of CellArt tells Robb Report . “When we started, it was about $2 per bottle space, but now it’s averaging $2,500.”

Each CellArt concept monitors up to 13 different elements, from noise and vibration to humidity and light, but clients are primarily concerned with aesthetics.

“My approach to art storage is to flip it on its head,” says Primeau. “We commission artists to produce bespoke works of art that need to be accommodated onboard.”

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The Royal Yacht Britannia : A History of Queen Elizabeth II’s Favorite Palace

The christening of The Royal Yacht Britannia serves as a cheeky season opener to  The Crown . Black-and-white Pathé News–style footage shows a soon-to-be-crowned Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) cheered on by shipbuilders as she launches her new 412-foot yacht. “I hope that this brand-new vessel, like your brand-new queen, will prove to be dependable and constant. Capable of weathering any storm,” she says about the royal replacement for the  Victoria and Albert III . By the series’ season finale, set 44 years later, both the sovereign and the floating palace she christened  Britannia will have hit rough seas—the cost of repairing the creaky old vessel and the modern role of the monarchy both in question. Ultimately, the yacht that undertook 968 official voyages all over the world, hosting dignitaries—including 13 US presidents—at receptions and banquets, was dry-docked near Edinburgh, Scotland, where it continues to be a popular tourist attraction. Here are some of the most buoyant facts about the palace the Queen famously said was “the one place where I can truly relax.”

The sun room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1981. 

In a nod to the country’s post-war austerity, Elizabeth scaled back the design of the ship that her father, King George VI, had commissioned just two days before he died. Rather than following the opulent plan laid out by the Scottish firm McInnes Gardner & Partners, she opted for the understated elegance envisioned by architect Sir Hugh Casson, who described “running a lawn mower over the Louis XVIl adornments” in favor of simple white walls, lilac-gray carpeting, and “a bit of gilding in grand places.” Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Phillip, were said to have personally chosen the furniture—much of it, including linens, recycled from the  Victoria and Albert —fabrics (florals, chintz, toile), and paintings. 

Prince Charles and Princess Diana on board the Royal Yacht Britannia as they prepare to depart on their honeymoon cruise in 1981.

As a former Royal Navy Commander, Prince Phillip also saw to the ship’s technical details, and his Bluebottle racing yacht inspired the Britannia ’s navy-hued hull. Outer decks were made of two-inch Burmese teak. The steering wheel was reclaimed from Britannia ’s namesake, King Edward VII’s 1893 racing yacht; a wheelhouse wheel came from George V’s racing yacht; and a gold-and-white binnacle (housing the ship’s compass) was salvaged from King George III’s yacht and installed on the Veranda deck. Fittings from former royal ships were also reused. 

The drawing room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1978. 

The 4,000-ton yacht had a crew of 220 Royal Yachtsmen who lived on board, about 45 household staff, and occasionally a 26-member Royal Marine embarked to entertain dignitaries. The monarch often welcomed guests from the ship’s grand staircase. (Stairs leading from the Veranda to the Royal deck were sometimes transformed into a water slide for the kids.)  Britannia ’s apartments were designed like those of a first-class ocean liner. A 56-seat state dining room, where many of the gifts given to the monarch (a wood-carved shark from Pitcairn Island, a bejeweled gold statue from Bangkok) were displayed, was the scene of formal dinners with guests such as Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Nelson Mandela, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. More intimate gatherings were held in the Queen’s official reception room, a smaller state drawing room with floral upholstered pieces, simple wood tables, an electric fireplace, and a Welmar baby grand piano bolted to the deck—played by everyone from Sir Noël Coward to Princesses Diana and Margaret. The teak-clad sun lounge, with rattan furniture and a toile loveseat, was Elizabeth’s favorite place—where she had her breakfast, afternoon tea, and also enjoyed her favorite Dubonnet and gin cocktails.

The Queen’s sitting room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1981. 

A ship elevator reserved for royal use moved between the Upper and Shelter Decks. The latter is where four Royal Apartments (bedrooms), including the Queen and Prince Phillip’s connecting compartments, were located. Hers featured florals, his had red accents. Elizabeth’s understated Upper Deck private sitting room, done in pastels and neutrals, served as the office where she conducted state business. Phillip used his sitting room, with its wood desk facing a model of his first command, the HMS Magpie , as his study. Below deck there was a wine cellar, as well as a cargo hold that could carry a barge, speed- and sailboats, plus a royal Range Rover and Rolls-Royce. The yacht could also be converted into a hospital (though it never was).

The Queen shed a tear at the decommissioning ceremony for thye Royal Yacht Britannia.

As depicted in  The Crown, Britannia ’s final official trip was to Hong Kong in 1997, where Prince Charles attended the handover of the territory to China. By then, Prime Minister Tony Blair’s administration was complaining that the £11 million a year needed to keep the boat afloat couldn’t be justified. With Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, and all of their children in attendance,  Britannia was decommissioned at a ceremony in Portsmouth, England on December 11, 1997, with the monarch seen wiping away a tear. The yacht, now docked in Leith, Scotland, is open to the public as a museum and events space. (Prior to their wedding, Princess Anne and Mark Phillips’s daughter Zara Phillips and her fiancé Mike Tindall had a celebration there.) Visitors will note that every clock on board reads 3:01, the exact time the Queen disembarked her beloved  Britannia for the final time on that December day.

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Inside the world's best wine cellars

Dreaming of when you can book in a wine tasting again? To help plan your next excursion, Jonathan Ray reveals the world's best hotel wine cellars to set sail for if your superyacht supplies are running low

Conrad Maldives

Location The Maldives are the perfect spot for superyacht lovers, given that they consist of 1,200 far- flung islands lying, on average, a mere 1.5 metres above sea level. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, an outpost of the Hilton chain, is just two minuscule islands (joined by a footbridge) that can be reached directly by superyacht or a 30-minute seaplane flight from the capital, Malé.

Why it’s special The resort is famed for its seven restaurants, most notably Ithaa, the world’s  first all-glass underwater restaurant. The property is also set to debut its one-of-a-kind underwater residence before the end of the year.

What to look for The fabulous cellar – the first underground store of its kind in all the Maldives, located two metres below sea level – which plays host to all manner of private tastings. Enjoy a five-course dinner in the company of the head sommelier, who will match the food to eight different wines.

Best bit The manager’s regular Pol Roger champagne receptions on the beach for newly arrived guests.

Top tip Confound yourself and your fellow guests by using the sommelier’s black Riedel blind-tasting glasses.

Bay of Many Coves

Location A blessed spot in the exquisite Marlborough Sounds in the north of New Zealand’s South Island, the Bay of Many Coves is but a short sail from Wellington. Best of all, you can moor up your superyacht right outside and, while dining on the terrace, hug yourself with glee at the beauty of your craft just metres away.

Why it’s special Although easily accessible by sea, the Bay of Many Coves is difficult to get to any other way, and it’s ideal for seafarers seeking a bit of land-based luxury. Not only that, Marlborough is New Zealand’s foremost wine region, and its fabled wineries welcome visitors with excellent tours, tastings and restaurants.

What to look for Taittinger champagne by the glass when you arrive, and a selection of New Zealand’s nest wines alongside the freshest seafood, lamb and beef. The region has exceptional produce, and much of it is organic.

Best bit A glass of Seresin Sun & Moon Pinot Noir on the terrace at dusk.

Top tip Head to Picton, hire a driver and spend a day visiting Marlborough’s nest wineries.

Ellerman House

Location The Edwardian mansion that is Ellerman House has the best sea views in all Cape Town, set high above the ocean in Bantry Bay. The Port of Cape Town is 10 minutes away by car. First-rate restaurants such as the Pot Luck Club and the Test Kitchen are easily accessible.

Why it’s special Ellerman House boasts 11 rooms, two suites and two three-bedroom villas, and there’s a library, a spa, swimming pool, two lounges and three outdoor terraces. Best of all, there’s a brandy lounge, a wine gallery and a champagne cellar.

What to look for The astonishing corkscrew-shaped wine gallery, surely the only such creation in the world. It’s stocked with 7,500 di erent bottles, representing the cream of South Africa’s wines, many of them rare treats bought especially at auction. Guests have access to an iPad providing detailed notes on every wine in the collection.

Best bit The champagne cellar, stocked exclusively with rare and special vintages of Dom Pérignon champagne.

Top tip Take advantage of your proximity to South Africa’s Winelands and head out on a bespoke tour to Stellenbosch, Hemel-en-Aarde or Constantia.

The Yeatman

Location Set high on the hill above Vila Nova de Gaia, the city where all the famous port producers have their lodges (the cellars in which the ports made in the Douro Valley mature), the Yeatman has a truly striking view of neighbouring Porto across the River Douro. And now that Douro Marina has been refurbished and enlarged (it contains a state-of-the-art refuelling facility and can accommodate yachts up to 50 metres), it makes a fine stopping-off point en route to or from the Mediterranean.

Why it’s special The Yeatman’s wine cellar is vast, comprising well over 25,000 bottles. No other hotel or restaurant in the world has such a wide range of vintage or tawny ports, many of them seldom found anywhere else.

What to look for The Portuguese wine masterclass featuring 10 to 12 wines, led by the Yeatman’s wine director Beatriz Machado.

Best bit A pre-dinner spell in the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa, with its skincare products and therapies incorporating extracts from wine.

Top tip All the major port lodges are within strolling distance and all host great tastings and tours, so take advantage. Graham’s, Taylor’s and Ramos Pinto are the best.

Château Saint-Martin

Location Château Saint-Martin is part of the excellent Oetker Collection and is set in 13.7 hectares, high in the hills of Vence. A much-loved icon of the French Riviera, the resort is blessed with its own private helipad and is therefore just 10 minutes from the superyacht hub of Monaco.

Why it’s special It’s the perfect haunt for well-heeled wine lovers, thanks to its Michelin-starred restaurant Le Saint- Martin, and the outdoor L’Oliveraie, serving exquisite Mediterranean food matched to local wines. The best spot of all, though, is the dramatic underground cellar, hewn deep into the bedrock beneath the hotel.

What to look for The weekly Les Canthares Wine Tasting and Dinner hosted by head sommelier Géraud Tournier, with dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Luc Lefrançois to match the wines.

Best bit All the wine-tasting packages available, including the Provencal Tasting, the Chardonnay Tasting or the Champagne Tasting for Two.

Top tip Delve into the 8,000-bottle wine list, where treats include 2009 Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Cuvée Cathelin, 2015 Domaine Tessier Meursault 1er Cru and 2007 Domaine Tempier Bandol Cuvée La Migoua.

Petit St Vincent

Location Petit St Vincent is a tiny private island and boutique beach resort located in the southern tip of the Grenadines. It’s a veritable superyacht paradise, with islands such as Carriacou to the south-west and Union and Mayreau to the north.

Why it’s special It’s unusual because it is private and secluded, with accommodation divided between 22 one- and two-bedroom cottages scattered about the island. There is no internet, no television and no telephones.

What to look for The cellar is the big draw here, a circular temple to wine  filled with some 4,500 bottles including the  finest first growths from Bordeaux, vintage champagne, top red burgundy and the very best vintages of Penfolds Grange, known as Australia’s first growth.

Best bit Rum lovers also get a look in, with a remarkable selection of barrel-aged varieties sourced from across the Caribbean.

Top tip As there are no telephones, in order to alert staff  that you’re ready to enjoy a chilled bottle of provençal rosé in your bath, you must run up a yellow flag outside your villa.

Location After visiting Napa and Sonoma, cruise north in your superyacht along the West Coast and negotiate your way into Puget Sound. Drop anchor in Elliott Bay alongside Seattle and head straight for RN74, the temple to  fine modern French/ American cuisine on Fourth Avenue and Pike Street.

Why it’s special The restaurant (named after the major road in Burgundy) was founded by celebrity chef Michael Mina, and although its sister establishment in San Francisco has closed, Seattle’s outpost goes from strength to strength, boasting what must surely be the city’s nest wine list.

What to look for The 89-page document is truly spectacular and would do credit to the grandest and most famous of European hotels. There are 27 different Nebbiolos from Italy; 39 sweet and fortifed wines; 113 Rhône wines; not to mention 32 red burgundies from Volnay alone; as well as 32 different Washington State wineries in multiple cuvées and vintages.

Best bit The five-course tasting menu with wines to match.

Top tip After lunch, stroll down to Pike Place Market, generally acknowledged as one of – if not the – finest food markets in all of North America.

Margaret River

Location Head 135 nautical miles south from Perth in your superyacht and make for Geographe Bay. Here you can moor up in Busselton, a calm anchorage thanks to the protection of Cape Naturaliste. While here, enjoy the simple delights of the town, including its famed 19th-century 2.4-kilometre wooden jetty complete with underwater observatory. Then hop in a car for Margaret River.

Why it’s special Margaret River might only produce 3 per cent of Australia’s annual wine production, but it accounts for more than 20 per cent of the nation’s premium wine.

What to look for Three of Australia’s nest producers can be found here: Cullen Wines, Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate. This is a three-stop shop, so make sure you visit them all.

Best bit Each of these three wineries has a spectacular restaurant attached, serving remarkable food matched with their wines.

Top tip Take a case of each of these wines back to your yacht: 2015 Cullen Wines Vanya Cabernet Sauvignon; 2014 Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon; 2015 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay.

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Custom Wine Cellars for Luxury Yachts and Boats

Cruising on a private yacht is the epitome of luxury; it’s a given that you would want to have the best wine on board as a part of the experience! But keeping expensive wines at sea presents a few unique challenges, and proper wine storage is a must in this environment. What should yacht owners consider before shoving off?

Wine Storage at Sea

The biggest challenges to wine storage on a boat are environmental. Temperature and humidity fluctuations are common at sea, and vibrations from both the ship’s engine and the ocean itself are detrimental to fragile wines. Proper wine storage is vital as it’s essential for aging classic wines .

Even on a yacht, space is at a premium. Ideally, yacht owners would plan a wine cellar as their ship is being built, but if your storage space is an afterthought, some creative thinking will be in order. Closets, stairways, and even a butler’s pantry can all be converted into cellars.

Types of Custom Wine Cellars

There are three recommended formats of a custom-built wine cellar for a luxury yacht.

Wine Wall Cellars

A wine wall is a great choice for storing wine on a boat because it makes use of vertical space rather than taking up much-needed square footage. This format is great for small to mid-sized ships and best for modest collections of fewer than 50 bottles.

If the ship’s interior is kept cool, the racking doesn’t even need to be enclosed. This straightforward and budget-friendly approach is great for behind a small bar or lounge, and can be done for under $10K.

More stylish and sleek enclosed wall displays can be environmentally controlled and beautifully lit to turn any room into a work of art. This option requires more labor, materials, and equipment, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Glass-Enclosed Wine Cellars

For something a little more conducive to aging classic wines, glass-enclosed cellars are probably the best solution for a yacht, since their temperature and humidity can be well-regulated with a wine cellar cooling unit.

The advantage to this approach is that an enclosure can be fit into almost any existing space, including under counters in the galley, in hall cabinets and closets, or as a standalone unit in any room. The relatively smaller size of these units makes them very efficient, precise, and easy to manage too.

This format would be best for a collection of 50 bottles or fewer, but because of the custom design, labor, and equipment involved, it would likely cost upwards of $20K or more.

Modern Wine Cellars

If you have the space and the budget, a full cellar is always an option. Almost anything that is possible on land can be done at sea, but keep in mind that bigger means more potential for problems.

Your wine storage space will be exposed to significant amounts of humidity and salinity too. At sea, woods and organic materials risk mold and mildew problems, and for metals (including electrical wiring and lighting fixtures), oxidation and corrosion. Therefore, in a full-sized cellar, proper vapor control, temperature and humidity management are even more essential than on land.

When a ship is in motion, it’s under structural stress, so the construction of your cellar needs to have some physical flexibility too. The building materials for your cellar should meet nautical standards, instead of land-based ones.

A 330-square-foot cellar with a tasting room would cost about $180K on land, which means you can expect the same design, when specialized for a ship, to run at least double, if not more.

Yacht and Boat Wine Storage Tips

Even if you’re in the enviable position of owning a luxury yacht, budget, style, and performance are always a concern. Everyone wants the best they can get for the money.

Building a wine storage space on land requires experience and expertise. To do the same on a yacht, even more so! Wine Guardian has been building ducted wine cellar cooling systems longer than any other manufacturer. In fact, the only greater asset than our breadth of options in wine storage is the depth of our knowledge and expertise. Contact Wine Guardian for an expert consultation or browse our line of products to see all available options.

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Royal Yachts That Are Beyond Lavish

Royals seem to have it all — multiple palaces and vacation homes, fabulous wardrobes, and lavish vacations in exotic locations. Royal families in some countries even have their own yachts.

As of this writing, Denmark, Holland, Norway, Morocco, and Monaco have working royal yachts. However, the royals of numerous other countries, including Great Britain, have enjoyed excursions on royal yachts of their own, some with interesting and extensive histories. A  1976 New York Times article revealed that the British royal family's former 412-foot impeccably maintained yacht, which was constructed for the late Queen Elizabeth II, was "to an ordinary yacht what Buckingham Palace is to the house next door."

From the high-end finishes and opulence galore to the wealth of amenities to experience on board, it's clear that an excursion on a royal yacht is like none other. From working royal yachts to those which have since been sold or decommissioned and placed on display for all to enjoy, these past and present yachts are beyond luxe.

Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia of Great Britain

The 400-foot-long, John Brown-designed " former floating palace " of the late Queen Elizabeth II was commissioned by King George VI in 1952. Following her father's death and her coronation, Elizabeth set sail on Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia in 1954. The queen was fond of the ship, which she once described as "the one place where I can truly relax." During Britannia's 40-plus year operation, it hosted several royal honeymoons, including that of King Charles III (then Prince Charles) and Princess Diana, and provided transportation for official royal visits. 

The luxurious yacht featured a drawing room, dining room, two sitting rooms, spacious crew accommodations, elevator, wine cellar, official reception room with fireplace and baby grand piano, and ornate staterooms with private bathrooms and dressing rooms.  The New York Times described the royal apartments as "[giving] way to the homey, patched elbow chic of an English country house, with flowered chintz slipcovers, family photographs, and rattan settees, interspersed with the occasional relic of Empire." And then there was the sun lounge, which was the queen's favorite space.

The Britannia's operating and maintenance costs eventually led to its decommissioning in 1997. These days, the yacht is stationed in Edinburgh for all to see — TripAdvisor gave the excursion the Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award in 2023.  Tickets include a self-guided audio tour and access to all five decks, which include the state apartments and sun lounge, while the Royal Deck Tearoom offers the opportunity to enjoy food and beverages aboard.

Azzam of Abu Dhabi

Following its April 2013 launch, the Azzam was the world's largest private yacht at 180 meters (about 591 feet) — only trumped in 2019 by the REV Ocean. Built by Lürssen Yachts for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the Abu Dhabi royal family, the Azzam's exterior was designed by Nauta, which aimed to make the vessel elegant, sleek, and fast — with a top speed of 33 knots. Nauta founder Mario Pedol described the four-year design process, said to have taken more than 4,000 workers at a cost of over $500 million, to Boat International as "challenging."

French designer Christophe Leoni was enlisted to bring classic French regal style to the ship's interior, including the finest crafted wood furniture veneered with mother-of-pearl inlays. The yacht's other unique features include 18 guest suites, a pool, a gym, and a practice space for golf.

The Azzam was built to accommodate 80 crew members and 36 guests and features a large main saloon, serving as the vessel's focal point. To ensure unobstructed views, it was designed without pillars and with windows extending the full height of the yacht. "It was quite a challenge to make this space with no pillars," Pedol admitted to the outlet, adding that the ceiling beams needed to be exactly 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) wide. And, to ensure the windows were completely stormproof, the thick glass was custom-engineered in Italy. Another cool feature? The saloon's chandelier was constructed to be quiet and avoid rattling, not an easy feat for a yacht.

Prince Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi royal family owns the Prince Abdulaziz, a 147-meter (about 482-foot) superyacht — once the biggest yacht in the world. It was built in Denmark in 1984 and its exterior was designed by Maierform Maritime Technology GmbH. The Prince Abdulaziz was named after the son of the late Saudi Arabian King Fahd, who originally commissioned the yacht. The royal family uses the yacht both for official and recreational outings. 

Renowned British interior designer David Hicks, known for his use of contrasting contemporary and classic design and bold use of color and lighting, led the interior design and decor of this luxurious yacht, which took over a year to finish. The ship's truly opulent decor features grand chandeliers, intricate mosaic flooring, and the use of blues and golds throughout. It's no wonder the extravagant yacht is valued at $100 million. Interestingly, the yacht is just one owned by the royal family.

Foners of Spain

Foners, once known as Fortuna, is a motor yacht belonging to King Juan Carlos of Spain and accommodating up to eight guests and six crew members. The 45.5-meter (about 149-foot) yacht was built by Izar in 2000. At the time, it was known as the fastest superyacht in the world, reaching a speed of 65 knots. Donald L. Blount & Associates was responsible for the yacht's naval architecture. Studio Arch was enlisted for the exterior design, while the acclaimed Celeste Dell'Anna is credited with the interior design and decor.

Foners' interior highlights its large main saloon for dining and lounging, with its 46-inch TV and entertainment center. The interior's luxurious finishes include sycamore wood with stitched tan leather detailing. The four staterooms on board feature a luxurious primary suite, a VIP stateroom, and two twin-size staterooms, each equipped with an en-suite bath. A unique feature of the ship's design is that it's bulletproof, lined with Aramid fiber.

Back in 2013, the Spanish royal family decided to sell the yacht due to its high costs to maintain. However, the listing price has dropped multiple times over the years and, at least as of 2021, a buyer has not been found.

Her Majesty's Yacht Victoria and Albert II of Great Britain

Her Majesty's Yacht Victoria and Albert II is a historic yacht that belonged to the British royals during the 19th century. It was built and launched in 1855 at the HM Dockyard in Pembroke, England. In 1868, this well-used and enjoyed yacht underwent an extensive renovation and continued its regular operations until 1901. It was eventually dismantled in 1904.

Per the  Royal Collection Trust , Queen Victoria wanted the yacht to feel like a "home from home." Instead of going for the more ornate look, she wanted the Victoria and Albert II to be simple yet grand. Prince Albert was also said to have been involved with the design. Some rooms boasted maple walls while the dining saloon featured luxe red carpeting and sat 18 people. The queen herself once wrote, "It is indeed a most magnificent and enormous vessel. One feels quite lost in here!"

Stalca of Monaco

If you're a fan of Grace Kelly , you'll love this one. In 1971, the Stalca was commissioned and given to the Grimaldi royal family of Monaco for Prince Rainier and Princess Grace to enjoy. They used the yacht for vacationing and entertaining both their high society and Hollywood friends. The Stalca was named after the couple's three children: Prince Albert and Princesses Caroline and Stephanie.

The 24.6-meter (about 81-foot) classic motor yacht was built by Visch Holland. Stalca's four cabins, which can sleep eight people, include a lavish primary suite with an en-suite bathroom, a VIP suite also with a private bath, and two twin cabins with a shared bathroom. The main saloon is a large open space with a formal dining room and a relaxing lounge.

Though lovingly maintained over the years, the Stalca underwent a renovation in 2011, followed by another extensive renovation in 2016, which included new wiring, plumbing, and paint as well as other updates, while ensuring the vessel's historic and elegant interior was preserved. In 2019, the Stalca was sold to an unnamed buyer after being listed for €1.1 million.

Pacha III of Monaco

The Pacha III, completed in 1936, is a luxurious motor yacht constructed of aluminum. It was built by Camper & Nicholsons and designed by Charles E. Nicholson. Jacques Grange, however, was responsible for the interior design, which consists of a deck made of teak and a hull of steel. The Pacha III can accommodate seven crew members and nine guests.

In 1990, the yacht was purchased by Princess Caroline of Monaco and her late husband Stefano Casiraghi, who tragically died in a boating accident not long after. Perhaps as a distraction from her grief, the princess decided to carry out the renovations she and Stefano had planned. The deck was rebuilt in aluminum, and 2-meter-long (about 7-foot) stabilizers were added to the hull. Inside, Caroline removed the living room fireplace and transformed the radio room into a bathroom.

The interior of the hull was brought back to its former glory with exquisite materials including oak and mahogany. Cured handrails were added as well as paneled ceilings and marine lamps for a Victorian feel, though bright and colorful fabrics were included for pops of color. The ship features multiple spaces including a large saloon with double doors, summer lounge, luxurious primary suite, galley, wardroom, and crew cabins. As of this writing, the Pacha III continues to be enjoyed by the Monaco royal family and is often seen sailing throughout the Mediterranean.

Recommended

Rosetti Superyachts

38.2M ROSETTI SUPERYACHTS 2021

Asking price

From 160,000€ per week

WELCOME ONBOARD

The EMOCEAN by Rosetti Superyachts, a 38-meter exploration yacht with 410 gross tonnage, a 9-meter beam, and a 5,000 nm range, has finally arrived. Its contemporary architecture, 350 square meters of deck space, and floor to ceiling windows provide seamless internal and outdoor life. The inside features eco-friendly components, roomy quarters for twelve people, a sky lounge, and a beach club. EMOCEAN is committed to environmentally friendly yachting as seen by its low fuel usage (60L/hr) and use of recycled fabrics. one who truly rules the oceans.

Key features

• Multi award winning yacht including Boat Intn’l “displacement yacht of the year” 2022
• Brand new Rosetti Explorer 38 launched in 2021
• Explorer design offering the best combination of luxury and comfort
• Full beam master cabin with private fold down balcony
• 150-bottle crystal wine cellar in the main salon
• Sumptuous 3.5m infinity pool on the sun deck
• Exceptional water toys and sports equipment list
• Efficient fuel consumption: 60 ltrs/hr at 9 knots

38.20M (125' 4")

ROSETTI SUPERYACHTS

weekly rate from

160.000 EUr

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