As I’ve stated in the past, one issue that I have with many superyachts is that they have the ugly habit of reminding of eachother. White, sleek, streamlined, top performance, unique, like no other, artisanship, fully customizable, innovative, workmanship. Tired already? There’s only so many superlatives you can promote a boat with.
Luckily, there’s no need for that drivel this time around. In the spirit of the “Mustardo” (but much more delightful) comes the 44m Ariete Primo (Ariete meaning ram, or battering ram, to the best of my knowledge). Let’s take a short pictorial trip…
One wonders why James would allow a simple tug boat on his site? Well, there’s more to the truth than meets the eye. Let’s take a closer look…
For a mere tug boat, they sure seem to have splurged on the seating arrangements. Let’s take a look at the sleeping options. Presumably berths? Like one would find on a industrial vessel that has been in service for decades all over the world? Well…
Woah. Granted, I was never drafted into the navy so maybe I’m mistaken, but that seems awfully lavish for such a ship. Maybe I just missed out. What about the wardroom?
Yikes.
Beginning her life as a Richard Dunston in 1967, the Ariete Primo was bought by its current owner in 2004. After years of expensive rebuilding (without losing touch of its roots), the ship’s interior was upgraded to that of a luxurious yacht. Sneaky, right? Some of the features not pictured above include a full-fledged chromo & aroma therapy spa, a gym and even a complete hammam (you know, those steaming Turkish sauna-like things). Oh, and a whirlpool bath.
The crew-tabins-turned-luxury-suites were designed by Sergio Allori. The structural renewal of the ship (converting the ballast compartments into living space, enabling the deck to accomodate a helipad among other things) was overseen by architecht Massimo Gregori Grgic from Yankee Delta Studio while still preserving the boat’s history and character. The crew includes the captain, a chief engineer and his assistant, a boatswain, two hostesses, a steward, a sailor and chef who Floating Life guaranteed me is Italian. Just to be on the safe side of things.
Sounds exciting? I thought so. Sadly, the Ariete Primo is currently not for sale (god knows for how much she would go for otherwise), but is available for charter from March through September, currently located in the Mediterranean. €110,000 per week in the low season, €120,000 in the high.
