If you long to channel your inner Pitbull or Aristotle Onassis or want to recreate Duran Duran’s iconic “Rio” video, a new company can indulge your luxe nautical fantasies.
Vintage Yacht Charters, co-founded by native Washingtonian Captain Tommie Williams and Boston native and entrepreneur Nick Dowling, is now offering private excursions along the Potomac River aboard its two vintage vessels, Patriot and Independence, docked at Washington’s waterfront. Patriot, a 72-foot custom Berger luxury motor yacht originally built in 1961 for the Walgreen family, can accommodate up to 12 guests for private sailings and up to 30 for dockside events; it boasts details like Honduran mahogany woodwork, Birdseye maple and black lacquered highlights, two temperature-controlled salons, three staterooms, a skybridge with 360-degree views, and spacious outdoor decks. Independence, a 42-foot Bruno & Stillman Down East style yacht from 1976 that was re-outfitted in 2021, can hold up to 12 guests for charters and up to 15 for dockside events; it has mahogany interior and exterior finishes accented with custom cabinetry, marble bar countertops, a temperature-controlled salon, deck house, aft cockpit, and on the bow deck.
“Beautiful boats, impeccable food and wine and unparalleled service all against the backdrop of our Nation’s Capital makes for a pretty incredible experience,” Dowling says. “The beauty about Vintage Yacht Charters is that we can build unique events for each of our guest’s needs and deliver an unforgettable experience on the water.”
The team has tapped Bin Lu, former chef at Bourbon Steak, Cityzen, and Pineapple & Pearls, to consult on custom menus for events including buffet-style lunches, drop-off boxed meals, formal seated meals, passed cocktail receptions, or a canapé event. Liu says offerings will include options like jeweled lobster tartlets with avocado, Eastern Shore crab cakes, porcini-crusted beef tenderloin with red wine sauce, spring pea and radish salad, and fava bean falafel with herb yogurt, as well as desserts like chocolate custard tarts with Earl Grey ice cream. “Extensive beer and wine options are available as are hand-crafted cocktails with everything from a French 75 to a Burnt Honey Bourbon Sour or a Negroni Swizzle,” he says.
Prices will vary depending on the customized experience, but the total cost including the boat, crew and food and beverage will start at $2,500 for canapes and drinks on Independence, the smaller boat. Dinner, drinks, and crew on the larger boat, Patriot, will range from $6,000 to $8,000 for up to 12 people. It’s a great alternative for celebrating holidays like Mother’s Day, showers or graduations, the team says, and hosts can also build a menu to pair with wines from their favorite winery.
“We are so excited to introduce Vintage Yacht Charters to the DC region,” said Dowling and Williams in a joint statement. “The timing couldn’t be better as Washingtonians look for opportunities to come together and celebrate after a challenging year.
For more information or to book a charter visit yachtdc.com, email [email protected] or call 202-809-8744.
Feature image by Jennifer Chase
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