Quantum of Solace
- 72.6m | Turquoise | 2012
Working on rotation, South African Captain Derek Payne (pictured) and British-born Captain Ed Child lead Quantum of Solace’s passionate crew of 18.
Captain Derek joined Quantum of Solace in 2016,and uses the insights and experiences gained from living on three continents to create unforgettable experiences, undertaking numerous owners’ trips and charters on both sides of the Atlantic.
Captain Ed is a keen competitive sailor who has worked on superyachts for the past 16 years. He has cruised extensively through the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and the east coast of the USA, on yachts ranging from 40 to 60 metres.“Each and every day we go above and beyond to make sure guests have the most memorable time on board,” he says, and guests can expect attention to detail from both captains every step of the way.
The 72.6 metre superyacht Quantum of Solace is one of the freshest additions to the luxury yacht charter fleet. Built by the renowned shipbuilder Turquoise and delivered to her experienced owners in 2012, she is a yacht that combines decades of ownership experience with comfort, luxury and style.
Created as the perfect charter yacht, Quantum of Solace’s owner made sure that every aspect of the vessel was designed to deliver above and beyond guests’ wildest expectations. Her beautiful interior is classic yet modern. Accommodation is provided for 12 including two impressive master suites and a twin convertible cabin - the perfect set up for an intimate family holiday to remember.
Characterised by generous living spaces both inside and out, Quantum of Solace is also host to a wide range of amenities. A swimming pool, touch and go helipad, elevator to all decks, a large beach club complete with spa and fully equipped gym as well as an exciting collection of toys and tenders are just the tip of the iceberg regarding what she has to offer her guests.
But as any charter client can tell you, a smart layout and ample amenities alone do not necessarily make for a superior yacht charter experience. Without an experienced, professional and enthusiastic crew, what should be the vacation of a lifetime can fall short of expectations. Quantum of Solace’s owner, however, poured as much energy into finding the best crew as he did into her design and features. The result is a seasoned crew of 18 - many of whom have been with the same owner for several years - whose enthusiasm and passion for the yacht life ensures that when chartering her, anything is possible.
Hailing from all four corners of the globe, Quantum of Solace’s crew is lead by two experienced captains who work on rotation: Edward Child and Derek Payne. Here we speak to British-born Captain Edward, a keen competitive sailor and has been working on yachts for the past 16 years. Captain Edward’s experience ranges from 40-60-metres in length and in a variety of different styles from classic yachts to more modern styles in both propeller and jet propulsion. During this time, he has cruised extensively throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas and the US East coast. *
Her interior and exterior crew are just as experienced, says Captain Edward, and cannot be rivalled when it comes to insider knowledge of the world’s hottest yachting destinations. Combined with the yacht’s shallow draft which makes her perfect for exploring the ultimate yachting hotspots in the crystal waters of the Caribbean and Bahamas, this translates to a seamless holiday where guests really can squeeze the most out of every moment on board. “We’re a fun but very professional crew,” says Captain Edward. “Our collective experience as yachties means that we’re well-positioned to go above and beyond, not only providing impeccable service on board but sharing our insider knowledge of the best secret coves to explore, the best restaurants to visit and the most exciting way to spend each day.”
Here we talk to Quantum of Solace’s dedicated crew to find out what makes a holiday charter experience on board this brand new superyacht as fantastic as her quality.
What makes Quantum of Solace the perfect charter yacht?
Quantum of Solace is one of the newest yachts out there. Her design really reflects the experience-orientated mentality of her owner with huge deck spaces, very large but light guest cabins and a shallow draft, so you’re able to get in and out of small areas despite being a large yacht - and an extremely fast tender! We’ve got a very experienced crew on board which always makes for a superior charter holiday.
What kind of guests are most suited to a charter holiday on board?
I genuinely think she is suited to the majority of guests looking for a luxury yacht experience. She’s a modern yacht that also delivers the best of comfort and luxury in a very enjoyable way.
There’s something for everyone on board Quantum of Solace. From memorable formal dining experiences and making the most of the spa, to jumping in and out of the ocean from the beach club or spending a few hours working in the master suite with the best office view in the world. She is a very versatile boat - the large deck spaces can be used for relaxing on the sun loungers or by the pool or for entertainment.
How would you describe the overall atmosphere on board?
Fun, new, and full of life. Because the crew are so experienced, they know exactly what to do to make sure our guests have the trip of a lifetime. As an international group of professionals, each crew member brings a positive can-do attitude to every day on board. They understand the importance of privacy and are on-call 24/7. They’re also true yachties at heart and love to show guests the special features of the yacht.
What are some of the most special guest experiences you have provided?
Each and every day we go above and beyond to make sure our guests have the most memorable time on board. One of my favourite moments in my career as a captain is allowing the guests to wakeboard behind the yacht for an absolutely unforgettable experience. We regularly organise special events and moments for guests, like last-minute musical entertainment or candle-lit dinners on secluded beaches.
What are some of the crew’s favourite destinations and off-the-beaten-track spots?
Our crew is extremely well-travelled, so we’ve got a few favourites! The Bahamas is really up there. It offers a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere like no place else, with beautiful ever-changing colours at sunrise and sunset. The Leeward Islands is another of our Caribbean favourites.
Heading over to the Mediterranean, Croatia is a unique spot due to its private bays and rich cultural history. The Amalfi coast is certainly not off-the-beaten-track, but it’s a hot spot for a reason. The coastline is unbeatable - so is the food! Bonifacio in Corsica is also one of my favourites spots by boat. The impressive reverse onto the dock is quite something! As well as this there are some amazing caves to explore by tender - made even better with the tenders we have on board!
What makes the yacht’s tenders so impressive?
The main tender on board is an Iguana amphibious tender. It feels like something that has just been handed down to you from ‘Q’ in James Bond - it’s very cool, very comfortable and very fast. Guests can reach land while staying dry on the water, and then the tender can drive up on to the beach and offload them onto dry sand.
How are the boat and the crew prepared to accommodate children and teenagers?
Quantum of Solace often caters to families looking for the perfect charter. We’ve got a convertible twin cabin for children, a young, energetic crew that can do fun activities in the water and on board if guests wish, and a whole host of water toys including jet skis, inflatables, sea-bobs and fishing equipment.
Where do guests tend to gather on board and what facilities are most used?
The upper deck aft is a fantastic and spacious area, and most guests choose to dine here morning and night. The main deck and the beach club are also great for making the most of the sun and the sea or just relaxing with a cocktail.
What are some of the main issues clients can experience when chartering a superyacht and how does Quantum of Solace’s crew prevent these issues from occurring?
With proper, detailed planning, the vast majority of negative issues that some charter guests may have experienced elsewhere can be easily prevented. Although we cannot make the sun shine every day, through our experience and extensive training we can assure safety at all times. Experienced captains and crew like ours also know all the tricks to search out the perfect location - so even if that sun isn’t shining, we’ll make sure the day is still spectacular.