Yacht charters reimagined: The rise of the chase tender

By Editorial Team | 1 October 20212021-10-01

There has been a marked shift from the traditional tender used for performing myriad tasks; from transporting guests from ship to shore to crew provisioning, but generally offering little protection against the elements or the ability to accommodate all guests at once. Owners are increasingly demanding bigger and better tenders that not only cover greater distances at much faster speeds, but also come equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, giving rise to the latest must-have superyacht toy; the chase tender.

What is a chase tender?

Traditionally used as a fast open boat that chased after large sailing yachts competing in regattas, chase tenders have evolved to meet the demands of the new superyacht Owners.

Chase tenders can range from anywhere between 9 and 20 meters in length and be highly-customised and luxuriously equipped with a multitude of options; from accommodation to the latest technology, as well as boasting extensive cruising latitudes and impressive top speeds. And with Owners giving their traditional tender garage over to the popular beach club, it has become ever more practical to invest in a larger tender with all the bells and whistles.

Due to their size they are generally not stowed aboard the yacht with the other tenders, instead they are towed or driven separately, and often come with their own crew.

What are the benefits?

With the freedom to be independent of the main yacht, the chase tender can provide a number of benefits. The main one being the ability to act as a day boat, exploring destinations with greater ease and speed to any number of must-see destinations, from medieval coastal citadels to secluded idyllic beaches.

The chase tender also enjoys a greater capacity for superior amenities and storage, with many already equipped with dining areas and cold food and drink storage as standard, making them ideal for day-long adventures. They can also be customized with added luxuries such as WiFi, state-of-the-art sound systems, additional sleeping cabins and retractable beach landing platforms, upholding the same level of superyacht luxury as the mothership.

The chase tender is also ideal for performing reconnaissance missions, zipping ahead to explore various excursion options or scoping out pretty anchorage spots, while guests enjoy a leisurely lunch underway onboard the main yacht.

This acts to save time whilst the yacht is underway with her guests, so they can jump off the minute she arrives and explore their new destination.

Standout superyacht chase tenders

Chase tenders are becoming increasingly popular as they are not only reliable, practical and stylish, in terms of yacht charter appeal they can really make a superyacht stand out from the crowd. We have rounded up our selection of some of the best superyacht chase tenders tailor-made for sublime cruising and epic excursions.

DRIFTWOOD

19m/62ft "Quikwood" Sacs Marine Strider 19 Series chase tender

For day-long junkets, guests will be impressed with this behemoth 19-meter tender, which boasts a whopping 22-person capacity and top speed of 50 knots courtesy of her deep V hull and twin 1200 hp engines.

Described as “wildly spacious, captivating and timeless” she comes with a whole host of impressive features, including a state-of-the-art sound-system, dining area and luxurious accommodation.

She also boasts ample sunpads for guests keen on soaking up the rays as they are whisked effortlessly towards their next destination.

Driftwood 55m Amels 2017 from $340,000 per week + expenses

ROMA

16.8m/55ft Anvera chase boat

Showcasing sleek good looks befitting her "Made in Italy" pedigree, this super stylish chase tender is sure to turn heads as she whips across the waves at top speeds of up to 50 knots. Capable of carrying 16 passengers, she is just as perfect for leisurely day trips as she is for transporting guests in superlative style for an evening meal ashore.

Her central console is ideal for navigating, with a dining area located behind the helm station. This leads to an open area, enhanced by two fold-down side terraces, creating a wide beach deck primed for sunbathing and water activities.

This chase tender also offers a salon, bathroom and cabin with a double bed, providing convenient amenities for longer excursions.

RoMa 62m Viareggio SuperYachts 2010 from €345,000 per week + expenses

AWOL

“Chasing AWOL” - AXOPAR 37 Sun Top chase tender

With its extendable suntop, large storage lockers and enough fridge space for all day hospitality, the Axopar Suntop is the perfect boat to head out for lengthy excursions, whether that's exploring sun-kissed beaches or shallow lagoons, the world's your oyster.

There's plenty of space onboard to stretch out, including her forward sunbeds and dining cockpit seating area. You can easily walk around her deck spaces allowing freedom to roam whilst underway, making her ideal for families with young kids.

Kids onboard the Axopar Suntop chase tender

Interior cabin onboard MY Awol's Axopar chase tender

The Axopar Suntop also comes equipped with a spacious double forward cabin, including an ensuite and adjustable dining table and seating, and at a comfortable top speed of 48 knots, she'll leave you plenty of time to explore your destination at leisure.

Away 37m Sanlorenzo 2009 from €145,000 per week + expenses

SUNRAYS

16.10m/52ft SR52 Blackbird Windy Tender

Rated best chase boat in the world in 2015 by Superyacht Magazine, this is one impressive tender and is certainly no slouch in the looks department either, finished in sleek black lacquer heads are guaranteed to turn when you take a spin in this high-octane vessel.

Showcasing superlative design courtesy of the illustrious late Ed Dubois, coupled with outstanding onboard amenities and impressive high-performance, she is primed for weekend cruising or as a fast day boat for fabulous jaunts across the waves in stylish fashion.

As well as a double berth below deck, replete with an adjacent head and shower, she offers a range of sunbathing and seating areas for supreme relaxation. She also boasts a fast cruising speed of 40 knots, topping out at an impressive 48 knots for an exhilarating thrill-ride over the swell.

Sunrays 86m Oceanco 2010 from €1,150,000 per week + expenses

HOSPITALITY

Freeman 42LR chase tender

Sports fishing enthusiasts chartering this yacht will be in for a treat as she comes equipped with a chase tender that is primed specifically for this activity, and with its long-range fuel capacity and top speed of 45 knots, there is the potential to source untapped fisheries whatever your destination.

Freeman 42 chase tender to MY Hospitality

Featuring a dedicated tackle station, several gravity pump fish boxes and an array of fishing rod holders, you'll be reeling in an impressive catch in no time!

This oversized tender also features comfortable rear and forward facing seating around the central console with underseat coolers, perfect for keeping beers and other refreshments cold throughout the day. There is also a convertible sun lounging area further aft, offering a great place to chill out while you wait for the tell-tale tug on the line.

Hospitality 50m Westport Yachts 2011 from $235,000 per week + expenses

LIONSHARE

10m/32ft custom Intrepid 327 Valor chase tender

This customised chase tender boasts an advanced composite hull for a faster, smoother and more fuel-efficient ride across the waves. And with her elevated nose underway and wide console windshield, she also offers protection from spray, providing a comfortable and dry journey whatever the destination.

MY Lionshare cruising alongside its chase tender and jet ski

There is also a convenient cabin and dayhead onboard, plus an extendable swim ladder for easy access into the sun-dappled waters of your chosen anchorage spot.

Capable of a speedy 50 knots, she also comes equipped with an impressive sound system with bluetooth speakers, ensuring relaxation and fun are the order of the day on this superb vessel.

PANTHALASSA

Alen 55 chase tender

This tender has a sturdy, solid appearance in the water, tempered by her luxurious teak decks and contemporary black finish. Her generous proportions perfectly serve to create a spacious below deck living area, featuring a large open plan cabin, with a further sleeping cabin and convenient heads.

Additional highlights include a hard top with extendable awning for extra shade cover, state-of-the-art audio system, fridge, WiFi and glorious swim platform replete with a discreet hot water deck shower. She also boasts an array of comfortable seating and lounging areas, as well as ample storage, including a lazarette which contains 2 SeaBobs for adrenaline-fuelled adventures under the waves.

Interior stairwell on the Alen 55 chase tender

Interior cabin on the Alen 55 chase tender to MY Panthalassa

She has a steady cruising speed of 28 knots, delivering an impressive 250 nm range, and can reach a respectable 33 knots on full throttle, perfect for luxury day cruises.

Interested in booking a luxury yacht charter?

If you are interested in renting any of the yachts mentioned in this article, please reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker for more information.

In the meantime, feel free to browse our comprehensive fleet of superyachts available for charter.

Photo credit for Sunrays tender: @windyboats.com

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