The Henderson yard in Auckland, known as Alloy Yachts, built some of the most capable sailing superyachts of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries before closing in 2015. The vessels it produced remain in active charter and continue to draw guests who want performance under canvas combined with superyacht amenities. Bimini, the westernmost island in the Bahamas, suits a sailing charter with particular logic: the prevailing northeast trade wind is consistent through the winter months, the passages from Miami or Nassau are good sailing in conditions that hold most of the season, and the island’s compact geography means the yacht anchors in a protected harbour while tenders handle the fishing grounds and reef excursions. Alloy sailing yachts in the Bahamas run from around 30 to 50 metres LOA, carrying six to ten guests under sail with crews of five to eight. The performance pedigree of the hulls makes passages between Bimini, the Berry Islands and the Abacos consistently faster than motor-assisted alternatives. Weekly rates run from approximately 60,000 to 180,000 euros before the advance provisioning allowance, typically 30 per cent, covering food, drinks, generator fuel and marina fees. Sailing charters carry lower fuel costs than comparable motor yachts, making the APA easier to estimate. Alloy yachts are a finite resource globally; availability for peak weeks in January and February should be confirmed well in advance.
