From delivery in 2017 onward, the yacht VivieRae II essentially hasn’t stopped. She doesn’t need to, either, in the hands of new owners. The American couple who signed the build contract for her a decade ago and subsequently put upwards of 24,000 nautical miles under her hull have listed her for sale.
VivieRae II is a Nordhavn 96, the third hull in the series, in fact. (On a related note, Nordhavn recently finished hull number 17.) The builder earned a reputation for boats and yachts that can go farther and stay away from shore longer well before other shipyards began offering explorer yachts. Bob and Sandy Giles, VIvieRae II’s owners, didn’t need much convincing that Nordhavn could build them what they wanted. They’d acquired a Nordhavn 86 as a brokerage buy nearly 15 years ago and covered more than 20,000 miles in a few short years.
With Bob Giles being the more adventurous of the two, he jumped at the chance to see their 96 prove her mettle quickly. He was aboard the yacht VivieRae II for her maiden voyage, a 3,000-nautical-mile journey from China to Bali. Since then, the list of countries that the megayacht has visited could fill a book. Of course, it includes the United States. But it further includes the Bahamas, St. Barths, other Caribbean islands, Costa Rica, and Panama. And that’s just in this hemisphere. Australia saw significant adventures, for instance, which Bob Giles filmed, since he’s an avid videographer and photographer. Add in Fiji, Tahiti, the Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand… you get the picture.
Additionally, the couple have taken the yacht VivieRae II to off-the-beaten-path regions within well-traveled countries. The Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico are a good example. Since diving and discovering sea life are passions, the islands were a must. They have the largest concentration of massive creatures like manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks in North America.
Regular upgrades and maintenance have kept the megayacht in the right shape for such demanding bluewater use. Yard periods have further benefitted charter guests, an option for the eventual new owners. With accommodations for 10 and a proven globetrotting track record, this 96-footer (29-meter) isn’t meant for remaining at the dock. Offering her for charter in far-flung destinations is an attractive and differentiating possibility. So, too, are private owner trips. As Bob Giles says, “I’ve always loved to go to place where most people won’t go.” If VivieRae II could speak, she’d likely say the same thing.
Channel.R is the central sales agent. Her asking price is $9 million.
channel.R channelr.com
Nordhavn nordhavn.com
More About the Yacht ViviRae II
LOA: 96’7” (29.44 meters)
Beam: 24’0” (7.32 meters)
Draft: 8’2” (2.49 meters)
Guests: 8 in 4 staterooms
Engines: 2/600-hp Caterpillars
Range: 4,000 nautical miles at 9 knots
Builder: Nordhavn
Stylist: Nordhavn
Naval Architect: Nordhavn
Interior Designer: Nordhavn