The Checkmate superyacht is a staggering piece of sailing equipment, one of the latest projects to have been completed by Benetti. It was officially launched with a rather fussy ceremony at Darsena Italia Basin, the home of the world-renowned shipyard.
Measuring 44 meters from bow to stern, this magnificent charter vessel is able to provide an entire array of very luxurious amenities, luxury and high performance, all included in the same package. The staggering exterior look features a superb navy blue hull and white superstructure combined all-together for a majestic apparel. There’s no defined boundary between the sleekness and the elegance of the Checkmate, it is just as beautiful as a nicely hand-carved chess piece.
The main saloon is a genuine wonder upon seas, inviting everyone with a soothingly calm ambiance and stunning luxury. The interiors were designed and wear the signature of Joan Brown, with delicate charm and warmness – this is one of the most compelling spaces onboard. Fitted with cozy upholstery and ample amounts of relaxation equipment, the main saloon is not only beautiful to look at, but also extremely comfortable to stay in. There’s an elegant bar area aft and gorgeous lounge spaces in the centre and fore. There’s also a side for entertainment, with a games table opposite to the bar. The fore and central lounges boast similar setups, with large armchairs and sofas displaced around elegant lacquered wooden coffee tables. The main saloon was further garnished with off-white ceilings and carpeting, honey-colored cushions and upholstery, Bur Madrona cabinetry, exquisite woodwork and high-gloss cheery wood all over.
Heading towards the central lobby, we stumble upon a dramatic curved staircase which bonds together the lower, main and upper decks, alongside the majestic master quarters. This on-deck suite occupies the fore section of the main deck entirely, with its full beam stateroom, 180-degree breathtaking panoramas, his and hers en suites, lavish wardrobes and a large private lobby. There’s a massive centrally-disposed kingsize bed, alongside two lavish en suites port and starboard. One of the en suites boasts a luxurious bath tub, while the other is fitted with a pretty large shower area. On top of the master suite there’s a private foredeck with big portside Jacuzzi and intimate cockpit starboard.
Accommodation-wise, the gorgeous Checkmate is able to host as many as 10 to 12 guests in its 5 superb staterooms. Except the master suite, the guest cabins are entirely located on the lower deck, divided into two VIPs and two twins. One of the twins comes with an extra Pullman berth. They are equally stylish and superbly appointed with all sorts of luxurious amenities, from Burr Madrona to high-gloss woodwork and yet more lacquered cherry. The en-suites are large and airy. Getting upstairs, the Checkmate features a skylounge with a bar fore, stunningly efficient arrangements and a large circular formal dining area aft. The dining area consists of a large, round table surrounded by symmetrically big floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors. The doors open towards a gorgeous al fresco with 270-degree panoramas.
The large aft deck area opens towards a private L-shaped lounge space, adjacently to the lavish sun deck. The latter boasts a Jacuzzi area aft, central informal al fresco dining covered by an awning, fully endowed bar, intimate cockpit fore, bar, lounge and all sorts of sun loungers. If you add the full collection of toys, tenders, seabobs, stand-up paddleboards, towing tubes, two jet skis, 8 snorkeling sets and a wakeboard, you come to realize Checkmate is able to provide an enthusiastic way of living. And the best of it is that it is available for charter today, through Northrop & Johnson.
[SuperyachtTimes]
