Alloy Yachts, the Auckland-based builder of large aluminium sailing and motor sailing yachts, produced some of the finest vessels of their type before the yard closed in 2015. A number of Alloy builds remain in active charter, and these are among the most capable large sailing yachts in the world. In St Lucia, an Alloy charter brings New Zealand build quality and the ocean-crossing capability of these exceptional vessels to one of the most scenically dramatic sailing destinations in the Caribbean.
Alloy builds in the active charter fleet run from approximately 40 to 60 metres, all in aluminium. The construction standard is exceptional: New Zealand composite and metal building traditions combined with the scale and systems complexity of large custom yachts. The result is a fleet of vessels that sail as well as they were intended to and require less maintenance than comparable European aluminium construction.
Weekly charter rates for an Alloy in St Lucia run from approximately 100,000 to 250,000 euros. The advance provisioning allowance of around 30 percent covers fuel for motoring passages, provisions from the island and crew gratuities. Peak Caribbean season runs from December through April, with the best trade wind sailing typically in January through March.
St Lucia suits an Alloy charter well. The northeast trades provide consistent sailing conditions along the leeward coast, the Pitons anchorage is accessible by sailing approach and Rodney Bay provides the services a charter of this quality requires.
