PLAYPEN, offered for charter for the first time in Australia

Impeccably maintained and presented, PLAYPEN has circumnavigated the World, from the Maldives to the Med, and is now offering exclusive charters ‘downunder’.

Charter guests start their adventure at Hamilton Island, or “Hammo” as it’s fondly known, a direct flight from all capital cities in Australia, touching down on what could be one of the most breathtaking airstrips in the world.

Captain Peter Cook leads a crew of nine, including highly-awarded Chef, Kristina Kopfer, First Mate/Engineer, Simon Preston, Chief Engineer, Will Mitchell and Chief Stewardess, Amanda Pearson. Each crew member has an impressive CV, both in charter and aboard privately-owned international superyachts.

Custom built by Richmond Yachts, this tri-deck superyacht provides multiple zones on deck for both privacy and leisure, with room enough for her 10 guests to spread out and enjoy every aspect of this superb vessel.

The large aft deck is the perfect place for dining and socialising undercover, with table, banquette seating and bar. From there, the large swim platform offers ease of access to PLAYPEN’S assortment of watersports gear and tenders. The swim platform can be set up with umbrellas and deck chairs for sunbathing.

On the bridgedeck level aft, there’s another undercover dining space with a large oval dining table seating 10, plus sun lounges and wet bar.

Above, the amazing sundeck boasts three separate spaces: undercover jacuzzi with bar and stools adjacent; sun lounges and chairs aft; and forward, tables and banquette seating which make a great spot for breakfast or sundowners. There is also a TV and bathroom.

Inside, this magnificent superyacht is decorated with mementos gathered on its journeys; every artefact comes with a story that Captain Peter is only too willing to recount – whether that’s the origins of a glass lamp blown by a First Nations artist in Canada, or an antique map showing the routes of the original Captain Cook.

Guests aboard PLAYPEN will appreciate the 7ft ceiling heights and cosy blend of classic and contemporary furnishings. The main saloon is a welcoming social space, with leather lounges, flatscreen TV, large windows, timber panelling and fascinating collection of art and artefacts.

The separate formal dining room features round dining table with seating for 10, crystal chandelier and finely-crafted cabinetry, lending an ambience of fine dining to any special occasion.

The full-beam master stateroom is also on the main deck level. The full-beam cabin boasts massive bed, office, chaise, cedar-lined robe and his & hers bathrooms separated by switch glass, complete with bath tub and Hamman steam shower. For keeping in touch with business or friends during your charter, PLAYPEN is equipped with office facilities and wi-fi.

Below decks, the VIP double stateroom is elegant and refined, while the two twin cabins offer the versatility of converting into doubles. Each has a private ensuite, porthole windows, plenty of storage space and flatscreen TV.

For refreshments day or night, there’s a foyer kitchenette with snacks and fruit, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Upstairs, the bridgedeck skylounge is warm and welcoming with Club-style décor: lounges, games table, fully-stocked bar and entertainment system. The Captain’s quarters and bridge are forward, and there’s a seating area for guests who wish to observe operations as the skipper skilfully brings this magnificent charter yacht into berth or drops anchor at a secluded bay.

Guests are extremely fortunate to have the ideal vessel and exceptional crew for exploring the wondrous Whitsundays aboard PLAYPEN.

Captain Peter and his crew know every inlet and secret bombora in the region, and can arrange for onshore experiences such as dining, spas and special celebrations.

Among the highlights of charter in the Whitsundays is a visit to Whitehaven Beach. Deemed “the world’s best beach” for 2021 by Tripadvisor, Whitehaven, on Whitsunday Island is a 7km stretch of the finest white silica sand against shimmering azure water.

On Hamilton Island, there’s a variety of activities that appeal to all ages, including karting, bowling, cuddling a koala at the Wildlife Park, or golf on neighbouring Dent Island, the par 71 course designed by five-time British Open winner, Peter Thomson and the only golf course on its own island.

Guests can board a seaplane from Hamilton Island Air for a 45-minute jaunt offering spectacular views over the islands and the Reef.

Then there’s Nara Inlet on the southern end of Hook Island, offering bush walks and an Aboriginal cultural site, with rock art over 25,000 years old.

On Haslewood Island, there’s a picturesque anchorage with crystalline water and an inviting stretch of white sand where beach barbecues can be arranged, complete with outdoor cinema under the stars.

Hayman Island is another highlight. Anchored in Blue Pearl Bay, which offers some of the best soft coral snorkelling in the region, PLAYPEN can tender guests ashore for a spa day, topped off by leisurely lunch at Pacific restaurant with brilliant views out to the Coral Sea.

Restaurants onshore are all well and good, but your onboard Chef will tantalise your tastebuds with her menus, personalised for every charter guest.

Kristina is well-known for her skill combining local ingredients to make delectable dishes such as Steamed Coral trout with native ginger and shallots and glazed vegetables, Queensland buffalo mozzarella, fig and jamon salad, followed by Bundaberg rum banana flambé, accompanied by a South Australian Pinot Noir from PLAYPEN’S impressive wine cellar.

Guests are welcome to get hands-on in the kitchen with Kristina and learn her secret recipes for pancake and pizza, or if you catch a fish, Kristina will instruct you on the best way to prepare and then cook it to perfection.

“The entire yacht is yours during your charter,” said Captain Peter. “There are nine crew for eight guests. It’s the crew’s job to ensure guests are entertained. We don’t just take you to a scenic spot and drop you on a sandy beach with a palm tree, we set up the marquee and barbecue, organise snorkelling and watersports, or a mini-Olympics if you wish.”

PLAYPEN is well equipped with the latest watersports gear so guests can take advantage of the aquamarine waters of The Whitsundays.

For comfortable jaunts to shore and towing skiers and tubes, PLAYPEN has two tenders, an 18ft Novurania and 13ft Novurania tender. There are two new SeaDoo Spark 90 Jet Skis, four SeaBob F5 Scooters for underwater adventures, two inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards, two inflatable Hobie 2-person Kayaks, fishing gear, wakeboard, waterskis, 3-person tow inflatable, snorkelling equipment and marquee for beach barbeques and themed events. Scuba diving equipment can be arranged.

“Nothing comes close to the relaxation onboard your own private charter yacht,” said Captain Peter. “We can take guests to isolated and pristine reefs – wherever the sun is shining for better viewing. You can jump on the jetskis or go snorkelling, no lines, no crowds, and we know where the sheltered anchorages are in case of adverse weather.”

To be among the first to charter PLAYPEN, contact your Luxury Charter Group charter expert.