Introduction: Why XIPHIAS Remains the Epitome of Classic Luxury Charter
In the crowded field of Mediterranean luxury yachting, few vessels possess the singular character and enduring elegance of the motor yacht XIPHIAS. Built by the esteemed French shipyard Chantier Naval de L’Estérel in 1974, XIPHIAS is not merely a charter yacht; she is a meticulously preserved piece of maritime history, recently enhanced with a comprehensive 2023-2024 refit that cements her status as a modern classic.
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This detailed guide explores the definitive XIPHIAS Yacht Charter Price—dispelling common misconceptions and providing clarity on the true cost—while highlighting why chartering this 33-meter masterpiece through an established broker specializing in Mediterranean elegance, such as Esterel Luxury Charter, offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of the East and West Mediterranean.
The allure of XIPHIAS lies in her unique combination of a storied past, designed by the legendary Jon Bannenberg, and the absolute comfort provided by state-of-the-art systems, including vital zero-speed stabilizers. For the discerning client, understanding the financial architecture behind this luxury experience—the base rate, the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), VAT, and seasonality—is the first step toward securing a flawless vacation.
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Part I: The Vessel—M/Y XIPHIAS: A Legacy Reimagined
The story of XIPHIAS, which means "swordfish" in Greek, is one of enduring design and continuous rejuvenation. Her pedigree, tied to the French Esterel shipyard known for building high-speed wooden vessels, and her original exterior lines by the iconic Jon Bannenberg, make her instantly recognizable.
A Timeless Design and Modern Refit
XIPHIAS measures approximately 33.2 meters (108 feet 11 inches) and boasts a classic semi-displacement wooden hull. While her origins trace back to the 1970s, her appeal is entirely contemporary, thanks to multiple fastidious refurbishments, culminating in a significant 2023-2024 refit guided by designers like Apostolos Molindris. This refit was crucial, ensuring that while the yacht retains her soulful, classic exterior, her interiors and mechanical systems meet the highest standards of 21st-century luxury.
The interior palette is typically characterized by light, neutral hues, creating an airy and sophisticated environment. The use of fine woods and thoughtfully curated furnishings provides a welcoming atmosphere that balances classical elegance with modern, minimalist design. The result is a yacht that feels both warm and spacious, a perfect sanctuary after a day of exploring the bustling Mediterranean ports or secluded anchorages.
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Key Specifications and Comfort Features
XIPHIAS is configured to accommodate up to 8 guests across 4 beautifully appointed cabins, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The cabin layout offers a particular feature highly sought after in yachts of this size:
Full-Beam Master Suite: Located on the lower deck, providing maximum space and privacy.
VIP Cabin: Unusually, this cabin is situated on the upper deck. It is flooded with natural light and often features a walk-in wardrobe, offering guests elevated views comparable to those of a main suite.
Twin Cabins: Two additional twin cabins on the lower deck, ideal for families or friends.
Beyond the luxurious accommodation, the yacht’s performance and comfort features are critical to the charter experience:
| Specification Detail | Value | Notes |
Length Overall (LOA) | 33.2 meters (108’ 11”) | Classic superyacht size, ideal for accessing smaller ports. |
Builder / Year | Esterel / 1974 | Built by Chantier Naval de L’Estérel, France. |
Major Refit | 2023–2024 | Ensures modern amenities and flawless condition. |
Cruising Speed | 15–18 knots | Excellent speed for covering distance between islands. |
Max Speed | 24 knots | High performance for rapid relocation. |
Guest Capacity | 8 | Across 4 cabins. |
Crew | 6–7 | Experienced, professional crew dedicated to personalized service. |
Stabilization | Zero Speed Stabilizers (CMC) | Crucial for comfort, reducing roll both while cruising and at anchor. |
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The Water Sports Inventory: Your Private Playground
A modern luxury charter is incomplete without a robust selection of water toys. XIPHIAS provides an arsenal of equipment to transform any anchorage into a private marine playground:
Tenders: A high-quality Novamarine tender (often 440 with a Yamaha 60hp engine) for comfortable transfers ashore, and often a larger Chase Boat (like a Launch 28 GT Chris-Craft) available upon request for stylish day excursions.
Personal Watercraft: A Sea-Doo Spark 2UP iBR jet ski.
Underwater Exploration: Multiple Seabob F5s, which allow guests to glide effortlessly above and below the surface.
Sailing & Leisure: Tiwal sailing dinghy, multiple Jobe Aero Yarra SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Boards, and inflatable towables (tubes, sofas).
Accessories: Water skis, snorkeling gear, and full diving equipment.
The combination of zero-speed stabilizers and a comprehensive toy chest ensures that guests can enjoy both serene relaxation and thrilling aquatic adventure, regardless of the sea state.
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Part II: Deconstructing the XIPHIAS Yacht Charter Price
1. The Base Charter Fee: Seasonal Rates
The base price for M/Y XIPHIAS reflects the cost of renting the yacht itself, including the crew’s salary, crew food, hull insurance, and general maintenance. This fee is heavily influenced by seasonality.
Based on current market data, the typical weekly base charter price structure for XIPHIAS (in Euros, plus expenses) is:
| Season | Time Period (Typical) | Weekly Base Rate (EUR) | Notes |
High Season | July and August | €52,000 – €55,000 | Peak demand months, highest rates. |
Low/Shoulder Season | May, June, September, October | €47,000 – €49,000 | Favorable weather with lower rates; often includes special offers. |
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2. The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The APA is the single most important component outside the base rate. It is an additional sum paid before the charter begins, acting as a revolving cash fund for the captain to cover all variable expenses incurred during the trip.
APA Percentage: For a performance motor yacht like XIPHIAS, the APA is typically calculated as 25% to 40% of the base charter fee. Given her size and speed capabilities, a percentage closer to the higher end (30%–40%) is often recommended for active itineraries.
What APA Covers:
Fuel: For the main engines, generators (running 24/7 for air conditioning and systems), and the tender/toys (Seabobs, jet skis). This is usually the largest expense.
Provisions: All food and beverages, tailored precisely to the guests' preferences (premium wines, specific dietary needs, high-end spirits).
Port & Marina Fees: Dockage fees when staying overnight in marinas or popular ports.
Local Taxes/Customs: Clearance, permits, and cruising taxes, if applicable.
Communication: Specialized satellite communication costs (though standard Wi-Fi is often included in the base rate).
Example APA Calculation (High Season):
Base Rate: €55,000
APA (estimated 35%): €19,250
Total Initial Cost (before VAT): €74,250
The captain manages this fund meticulously, providing a full account of expenditures and receipts. Any unused balance is refunded at the end of the charter; conversely, if expenses exceed the APA, the guest must replenish the fund mid-charter.
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3. Value Added Tax (VAT) and Local Taxes
VAT is a sales tax applied to the yacht charter fee itself, not the APA expenses, and it is governed by the flag state of the yacht and the territorial waters it cruises through. This can significantly affect the total XIPHIAS Yacht Charter Price.
Since XIPHIAS often operates in the Eastern Mediterranean (Greece, Turkey, Croatia) during the summer, the applicable VAT is critical:
Greece: As a classic yacht often based in Greece, XIPHIAS typically operates under favorable Greek commercial charter regulations. VAT on the base charter fee can be as low as 6.5% to 12% for voyages that qualify under specific conditions (e.g., cruising primarily in international waters).
West Mediterranean (e.g., France/Italy): If the yacht were to cruise extensively in these regions, the standard VAT rate is typically 20% to 22%, though complex tax treaties apply.
Example Total Charter Cost (Greece, High Season):
| Cost Component | Calculation | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
Base Charter Fee | High Season Rate | €55,000 |
APA (35% of Base) | Variable Expenses Fund | €19,250 |
VAT (12% of Base) | Tax on Charter Fee | €6,600 |
Subtotal (Required Payment) | Base + APA + VAT | €80,850 |
Crew Gratuity | 10%–15% of Base (Paid Post-Charter) | €5,500 – €8,250 |
Estimated Total Outlay | ~€86,350 to €89,100 | Excluding delivery fees |
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4. Other Potential Costs: Gratuity and Delivery Fees
Crew Gratuity: This is a customary expense, paid at the end of the charter to the Captain, who distributes it amongst the crew. While discretionary, the industry standard for the Mediterranean is 10% to 15% of the base charter fee, reflecting the high level of service provided by the crew of 6-7 professionals.
Delivery/Redelivery Fees: If you wish to start or end your charter far from XIPHIAS's current or scheduled home port (e.g., picking up in Croatia when the boat is in Athens), you will incur delivery fees (known as positioning fees or "repositioning"). These cover the costs of fuel and crew time for the transit leg.
XIPHIAS yacht charter price
Part III: The Esterel Luxury Charter Difference—Why Broker Selection Matters
While XIPHIAS is a magnificent vessel, the quality of the charter experience is ultimately defined by the management and brokerage firm. Chartering through a respected specialist, often colloquially referred to as an "Esterel Luxury Charter" provider—a term encompassing brokers who handle classic, high-pedigree Esterel yachts—is essential for a smooth and personalized journey.
Expertise in Classic Yacht Operations
Classic yachts like XIPHIAS require specialist knowledge. Their wooden hull, high-performance engines, and unique layouts demand a broker who understands the distinct operational nuances compared to modern fiberglass yachts. A knowledgeable broker ensures:
Crew Vetting: XIPHIAS boasts an experienced crew, often numbering 6 or 7, known for their warm Greek hospitality. The broker confirms this crew has excellent charter records and is proficient in operating the vessel safely and smoothly.
Maintenance Schedule: The broker ensures the yacht’s recent refit is maintained to an "exacting standard," minimizing the risk of mechanical issues that could disrupt a vacation.
Optimal Itinerary Planning: Knowing the yacht's draft (around 2 meters) and its cruising speed, the broker can craft a perfect itinerary—compact enough to access secluded bays yet fast enough to cover significant distances, such as island-hopping across the Cyclades or the Dodecanese.
Personalized Service and Provisioning
The true luxury of a charter lies in personalization. The charter specialist works with the captain and chef to manage the APA and fulfill the guest preference sheet, which details everything from preferred routes and wines to specific dietary restrictions and favored water sports activities. For XIPHIAS, this includes ensuring the specialized water toys—like the Seabobs and the Tiwal sailboat—are fully operational and ready for deployment.
Navigating Mediterranean Regulations
The Eastern Mediterranean (East Med), particularly Greece, is the primary cruising ground for XIPHIAS. Navigating the complex tax and marina regulations across this region—from the Greek Islands to Montenegro and Croatia—requires expert guidance. A quality broker ensures all VAT, cruising permits, and customs formalities are handled seamlessly, leaving the guests free to enjoy their trip without logistical burdens.
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Part IV: The XIPHIAS Charter Experience: Timeless Cruising
Chartering XIPHIAS is an experience steeped in nostalgia, yet delivered with modern precision. It’s an ode to the golden age of yachting, offering a rare blend of speed, stability, and style.
High-Speed Cruising and Stability
Unlike slower displacement yachts, XIPHIAS’s semi-displacement hull and powerful twin MTU engines allow her to cruise comfortably at 15–18 knots. This means longer distances can be covered during a 7-day charter, maximizing the exploration potential. Guests can enjoy breakfast in Mykonos and be anchored off a secluded beach in Santorini by lunch.
Critically, the installation of CMC Zero Speed Stabilizers transforms the at-anchor experience. These active fin systems counteract the gentle roll of the ocean, ensuring that even when moored in a slight swell, guests enjoy a perfectly steady platform for sleeping, dining, and sunbathing.
Deck Spaces Designed for Alfresco Living
Mediterranean life is lived outdoors, and XIPHIAS excels in offering generous exterior spaces:
Aft Deck: Features a comfortable, fixed cushioned couch and a magnificent alfresco dining area—the perfect spot for evening cocktails and gourmet meals under the stars, served by the dedicated crew.
Upper Deck / Sun Deck: A vast, open space ideal for sun worshippers. It provides ample room for soaking up the East Med sun and enjoying panoramic views, often situated adjacent to the unique upper-deck VIP cabin.
Gastronomy and Crew Hospitality
The experienced crew, which includes a dedicated chef, is the soul of the charter. They create bespoke, restaurant-quality menus tailored to the guest preference sheet, utilizing fresh, local ingredients sourced daily from the ports visited. The hospitality is renowned for being personal, intuitive, and highly professional, ensuring every need is anticipated before it is voiced. The crew-to-guest ratio (7 crew for 8 guests) ensures an ultra-personalized level of service that defines luxury.
Part V: Maximizing Value: Charter Planning Strategies
For an investment of this scale, smart planning can significantly enhance the value of the charter experience aboard XIPHIAS.
The Shoulder Season Advantage
As shown in the price breakdown, the Low/Shoulder Season (May, June, September, October) offers a €5,000–€8,000 weekly saving on the base rate compared to peak season (July/August). Furthermore, these months often boast:
Better Weather: Pleasantly warm temperatures without the oppressive heat of mid-summer.
Fewer Crowds: Marinas, ports, and popular anchorages are significantly less congested, offering a more serene and authentic Mediterranean experience.
Special Offers: Brokers frequently run incentives like "8 days for the price of 7" or reduced APA requirements during shoulder months.
XIPHIAS yacht charter price
Optimizing the APA
Guests can manage their APA fund by communicating clearly with the captain and broker:
Itinerary: A high-mileage itinerary (moving the yacht daily over long distances) will consume fuel rapidly, driving up APA costs. A more relaxed itinerary focusing on fewer, closer islands will be more fuel-efficient.
Provisions: Specifying rare or imported wines and spirits will increase provisioning costs substantially. Opting for excellent local Mediterranean produce and mid-range beverage lists can help conserve the fund.
Mooring: Choosing to anchor in beautiful, secluded bays overnight instead of staying in expensive, central marinas multiple times during the week significantly reduces dockage fees.
The Comparator Market: XIPHIAS in Context
The weekly rate for XIPHIAS (€47,000–€55,000 + expenses) places her squarely in the highly competitive 30m–35m classic luxury motor yacht category in the Eastern Mediterranean.
| Similar Yacht (Example) | Length (Approx.) | Type | Rate Range (EUR/wk) |
XIPHIAS (Esterel) | 33m | Classic Motor Yacht | €47,000 – €55,000 |
Similar 30m-35m Motor Yacht (Modern Build) | 35m | Modern Flybridge Yacht | €80,000 – €120,000+ |
Entry-Level 25m Motor Yacht | 25m | Production Motor Yacht | €25,000 – €40,000 |
XIPHIAS, therefore, offers exceptional value for those seeking a highly stabilized, high-speed, classic superyacht experience with a top-tier crew and modern amenities, positioning her as a unique and competitively priced option against newer, less characterful vessels in the same size category.
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Conclusion: The Final Word on Chartering XIPHIAS
The motor yacht XIPHIAS, born from the distinguished Esterel shipyard and refreshed with a sophisticated modern refit, represents a magnificent opportunity for a Mediterranean luxury charter. Her price structure—starting from around €47,000 per week plus expenses—is transparent and competitive, especially when considering the zero-speed stabilizers, the generous water toy selection, and the professional crew of six or seven.
For those drawn to the heritage of classic design coupled with the demands of modern comfort, XIPHIAS, facilitated by a dedicated broker like Esterel Luxury Charter, provides an exquisite private retreat. She is more than just transportation; she is an experience, enabling guests to explore the hidden gems of the Greek archipelago and beyond with elegance, speed, and unparalleled stability.
Ultimately, the charter price is merely the key that unlocks a private world of bespoke luxury. The real value of XIPHIAS lies in the priceless memories created aboard a true classic, cruising the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Securing your dates early, especially for the high season, is strongly recommended due to the perennial popularity of such distinguished vessels.