Luxury 'cat' out of the bag
Sir Richard Branson's luxury catamaran has been refitted and will be available for charter from February 2010Virgin boss, billionaire and space travel pioneer Sir Richard Branson is readying his pride and joy, the Necker Belle luxury catamaran, after its recent Australian refit at Azzura Marine in Newcastle.
The 32 metre long luxury cat - previously Lady Barbaretta - is currently making the 10,000 nautical mile journey from New South Wales to Sir Richard's Necker Island in the Caribbean where she will serve as an independent charter yacht for $96,000 per week (US$88,000).
Available from February 2010, the Necker Belle catamaran will also be offered to guests who stay at Sir Richard's secluded and exclusive Necker Island retreat in the Caribbean.
After the refit at Azzura Marine in Australia, Sir Richard Branson said: "I was thrilled to be able to jump onboard and see Necker Belle in all her true glory. She really is a stunner and certainly turned my head, especially knowing the speeds that she can get up to."
With a top speed of more than 20 knots under sail (rumour has it that 25 knots is possible if the conditions are ripe), and about 18 knots cruising on engine power, the Necker Belle is no slouch.
Featuring four staterooms (with an option for a fifth via a converted saloon), all of which are above the waterline for improved views, the Necker Belle even has a crow's nest and top deck diving board.
Check out the Virgin Limited Edition resort website for more details on chartering the Necker Belle.
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