Seeing the sailing yacht arabella for the first time is usually enough to make anyone stop and stare, especially if she's docked alongside a bunch of modern, white fiberglass motorboats. There's just something about a three-masted schooner that feels right. She has that classic, old-world silhouette that reminds you of what sailing used to be, but she's packed with enough modern comforts that you don't feel like you're roughing it.
At about 157 feet long, she's a big girl, but she doesn't feel like one of those massive, impersonal cruise ships. Instead, the sailing yacht arabella feels more like a private club that happens to float. Whether you're a serious sailor or someone who just likes the idea of a cold drink while watching the sunset, this boat has a way of winning people over.
What makes Arabella different?
Most people who look into chartering a yacht or joining a sailing trip are used to two extremes. On one hand, you've got the small private sailboats where you're basically sleeping in a bunk the size of a shoebox. On the other, you've got those giant mega-yachts that look like floating refrigerators. The sailing yacht arabella sits right in that sweet spot in the middle.
She was originally built back in the 80s but went through a massive refit in the early 2000s that basically turned her into the luxury vessel she is today. With those three towering masts and over 6,000 square feet of sail area, she's a genuine sailing machine. When the wind picks up and the crew kills the engines, the silence is incredible. It's just the sound of the hull cutting through the water and the wind humming in the rigging. You don't get that on a motor yacht.
The layout and the vibe on deck
One of the best things about the sailing yacht arabella is the deck space. Since she's a schooner, the deck is wide and open. There's a hot tub right on the foredeck, which is pretty much the best place to be when the boat is anchored in a quiet cove.
The aft deck is where most of the socializing happens. It's got a shaded area with a bar, which usually becomes the heart of the ship around 5:00 PM. It's very informal. You aren't expected to show up in a tuxedo or anything fancy. Most people are just hanging out in shorts and flip-flops, talking about where they want to go snorkeling the next day.
Living in the cabins
Let's talk about the rooms, or "staterooms" as the salty types call them. There are 20 cabins on board, which means the boat can hold about 40 guests. Now, I'll be honest: if you're expecting a suite at the Four Seasons, you might find the cabins a bit cozy. But for a sailing ship? They're great.
Every cabin has its own private shower and head (that's a bathroom for the landlubbers), and they're all climate-controlled. The wood finishes—lots of teak and mahogany—give it a warm, traditional feel. You've got a comfortable bed, a place to stash your bags, and a porthole to look out at the waves. It's exactly what you need because, let's face it, you're not going to spend much time in your room anyway when you're in the British Virgin Islands.
Where does she go?
The sailing yacht arabella follows the sun, which is exactly how I'd live my life if I were a 157-foot schooner. During the summer months, you'll usually find her around New England. She spends a lot of time in places like Newport, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. There's nothing quite like sailing into Newport Harbor on a classic schooner; it feels like you're part of the history of the place.
When the weather starts to turn chilly in the North Atlantic, she heads south. In the winter, the sailing yacht arabella calls the Caribbean home. She's a regular sight in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the US Virgin Islands. Because of her size and draft, she can get into smaller harbors and bays that the big cruise ships can't even dream of entering. You might wake up anchored off a tiny beach on Jost Van Dyke or spend the afternoon exploring the Baths on Virgin Gorda.
The social experience
Because the boat holds about 40 people, it's a very social experience. You aren't lost in a crowd of thousands, but you also aren't stuck with just two or three people if you're looking for some conversation. By the second day, everyone usually knows each other's names. It's great for solo travelers, couples, or even corporate groups who want to do some team-building that doesn't involve boring conference rooms.
The crew is a big part of why people keep coming back to the sailing yacht arabella. They're professional, of course, but they're also laid back. They'll teach you how to tie a knot or help you hoist a sail if you're interested, but if you just want to lie in the sun with a book, they'll leave you to it.
Food and drink on board
You won't go hungry on this boat. The meals are usually served buffet-style on the deck, which fits the whole casual vibe. It's fresh, it's local, and there's always plenty of it. There's something about the salt air that makes you way hungrier than usual, and the chef on board definitely knows how to handle that.
The bar is also a major highlight. Whether it's a morning coffee as the sun comes up over the masts or a "Painkiller" cocktail in the afternoon while anchored in the BVI, the bar is the social hub. It's a great place to swap stories with other guests about the day's adventures or where you've sailed in the past.
Is it for you?
If you're someone who loves the ocean but hates the idea of a traditional cruise, the sailing yacht arabella is probably right up your alley. It's for people who appreciate the craftsmanship of a wooden ship, the power of the wind, and a relaxed atmosphere where the itinerary can change if the captain finds a particularly beautiful spot to drop anchor.
It's also a popular choice for weddings and big private events. Can you imagine getting married on the deck of a three-masted schooner with the sunset behind you? It's pretty hard to beat that for a backdrop.
Some practical things to keep in mind
If you're thinking about booking a trip on the sailing yacht arabella, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, pack light. It's a boat, and even though the cabins are nice, space is at a premium. You really only need swimwear, a few t-shirts, and maybe one "nice" outfit if you're planning to head ashore for dinner in Newport or St. Barth's.
Second, don't worry too much about seasickness. Because she's a large, heavy schooner with three masts, she's actually very stable. When the sails are up, they act like giant stabilizers, keeping the boat from rolling too much. Most people find they get their "sea legs" within the first hour or two.
So, if you ever get the chance to step aboard the sailing yacht arabella, take it. There aren't many ships like her left on the water, and there's truly no better way to see the coastline or the islands than from the deck of a classic schooner. Whether you're helping pull a line or just watching the stars from the hot tub, it's an experience you won't forget anytime soon.