Elite
- 28m | Sunseeker | 2016 (2020)
Wow factors include full height wraparound main deck saloon windows offering breath-taking panoramic views, an innovative drop-down balcony accessed through sliding glass doors which opens up the view and space in the salon and a shaded submersible swimming platform which creates a phenomenal beach club.
A comfortable and stylish salon is furnished in white and neutrals, contrasting perfectly with the dark wood flooring. Here you’ll also find an adjacent formal dining area with a rectangular marble table seating eight. A further banquette style casual dining area is available on the exterior deck.
Elite’s impressive sun deck features large sun pads, a further dining area and a jacuzzi for winding down after the day’s activities as well as a teak bar with bar stools for an apero or two as you admire the incredible 360 degree views.
A panelled wood staircase leads to Elite’s spacious sleeping quarters which accommodate 10 across four cabins. Classically remodelled in calming white tones with contrasting wood panelling throughout, they feature luxurious marble ensuites which add to the glamorous overtones.
The master cabin boasts generous windows, a sofa lounge space, Art Deco style lighting and an integral entertainment system. Two of the staterooms convert from large queen configurations to three single beds, utilising a Pullman which is ideal for kids.
An extensive range of water toys include a Highfield Deluxe RIB, four sea scooters, four paddleboards, an electric jet board, a wakeboard, a three-person towable tube, a floating island and bar, snorkelling gear and an underwater camera to help you make the most of fabulous marine life sightings.
However, it’s the charm and local knowledge of the four-strong crew which really sets Elite apart. Led by Captain Gustavo Bolanos, who spent his childhood in the Bahamas, this crew has all lived in the Caribbean for over a decade so you can be sure that you are in good hands when it comes to maximising every moment of your trip.
Based in St Thomas, this sleek and sporty craft’s 2021 winter routes include the Virgin Islands, the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands and there’s nothing Captain Gus enjoys more than planning activities for his guests. That might include sailing them to secluded, off the beaten track bays, planning a surprise birthday picnic on a deserted St John beach, snorkelling through coral reefs in Barbuda or partying New Year’s Eve away in St Barths.
Culinary delights are taken care of by Elite’s chef Michael Lombardi, a veteran of the New York City and Caribbean fine dining scene. While his northern Italian roots are a big influence on his cooking style, Asian cuisine is also a strong point, along with amazing West Indian inspired recipes.
Michael’s impeccable local connections enable him to create off the charts menus from sourcing the finest local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets in the area.
Breakfast might kick off with a Caribbean lobster, spinach and mozzarella omelette topped with pesto hollandaise while lunch could be Ahi tuna tataki tacos with Napa cabbage slaw. Dinner might be catch of the day or stone ground mustard encrusted rack of lamb served with organic vegetables and herbs while a typical dessert is cookies and cream ice cream with a gluten-free brownie, whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
A firm favourite with family groups, couples and friends, Elite has a top speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots, making her the absolute pinnacle of pleasure cruising.