MB Travel, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., 2008
By Geolette Esguerra
A sudden gust of wind knocks the tulip Chardonnay glass off the ledge, while an assortment of skirts flutter in homage to Marilyn Monroe, cleverly exposing a spring-summer peep-toe that started a commotion among the ladies.
The yacht is vibrant, packed with groups animatedly conversing about tales they dare not mention in dry land. A haven for a few hours to artistes, dilettantes, sophisticates, and their requisite admirers– the yacht is stage to this coterie of strangers all wanting to be away from the waves of reality waiting patiently by the shore.
As the Vianelle moves, the world stands still.
With a gentle swish, the champagne cork flies off into the sunset, to the booming laughter of the groomsman offering the toast. In vivid colors the entourage forms a pattern against the blue, a spectacle visible only to the captain, who flies around with a ‘Just Married’ banner up the sky. There is laughter, praise, and poetry against the cacophony of strings spreading floating melodies across the ocean. Old friends, uncles and long lost cousins from afar, all partake in this joyous occasion.
As the Vianelle sails, the world stands still.
In the yacht, there is joie de vivre — fire dancers moving to Brazilian percussions, while gentle kneading and quiet shouting of beats accentuated by the unconscious feet tapping of the party crowd. The Moet & Chandon overflows, while hors d’oeuvres and maki are served from one party to another, the perfect gastronomic companion to a yacht made specifically for expanding social circles and musical horizons.
As the Vianelle sings, the world stands still.
They named her M/S Vianelle, perhaps in reverence to her voyager girth, a stunning 72-feet yacht believed to be the largest trimaran in South East Asia. Her Boracay-anchored 150 square meter deck can carry a hundred revelers on a good day. At her helm is Captain Arne Johansen with his commander, Marcelo Kaiser, who steer the yacht to great depths. Her keeper is Joel Ong, the managing director of Sasha Sailing Club who boasts of the world-caliber experience on the trimaran, and the luxury that only M/S Vianelle can provide.
The yacht, by all means, is a beauty. Its main mast spans a length of 75 feet and offers effortless asymmetry with its small sister, the mizzen mast reaching up to 60 feet. From the main deck you could hardly feel the vibration of the 320 hp engine that powers the little gem, and instead you will relish in the subtle rocking movement as you lie in the deck. All three hulls, the cabin and structural parts of the interior of M/S Vianelle are made of wood with hand-laid fiberglass construction. And for the final touch, the interior cockpit is made of teakwood, with maps and embossed emblems, souvenirs of expeditions long ago.
The facilities on-board include four double cabins and four sleeping quarters, with extra mattresses that can be made available on deck, so everyone will get a chance to sleep. Snorkeling equipment is also provided for the more adventurous lot, as the yacht can be used for cruises to yet undiscovered parts of the sea. And perhaps the best treat of all, food and drinks are catered and served by Boracay’s Nami attendants.
Though it has been known that M/S Vianelle is perfect for parties and similar gatherings, weddings on board are also welcome with the exclusive yacht use for 8 hours including set up time. For other functions, the yacht goes out on normal daytrips from 10am-6:30pm, or if you wish there is also the much photographed sunset trip from 3pm-6:30pm, all trips include a selection of food and beverages catered by Nami Resort. Yacht safaris, or extended journeys, are also possibilities, especially if you want to explore distant islands. But perhaps the most romantic of all this is having the yacht rented by couples, who prefer to spend the lazy afternoon lounging in cushions and sipping champagne.
As the Vianelle anchors, the world stands still.
Cradled in a nook are two tortured souls who have just met on the beach, telling each other firsts and lasts, knowing that this moment would need retelling in the next few years of their life together. Another seemingly odd couple emerges from the deck, the man in chinos placing a quick kiss on a hat-toting woman as she disappears again to the galleys. “This will be our third year”, he reminisces in silence, smiling at the prospect of more exciting journeys to come.
Friends, sweethearts, lovers – the yacht is witness to these vignettes of budding friendships, of exhilarating misadventures, of love lost, love gained, of love coming in full circle. Across the deck is a silhouette of a man on his knees, the scent of soft tears in his lady’s eyes, a glimmer of gem from afar, as the yacht sails into the sunset.
For more information on M/S Vianelle Trimaran Yacht, please visit http://www.hiihaa.com/
Editorial courtesy of MB Travel
Geo Letters 