CHAKRA vs LA DATCHA: The Entertainer or The Explorer?

The two yachts hail from entirely different schools of naval architecture. CHAKRA is a 1998 Davenport build that began life as a commercial vessel, her conversion lending her the enormous interior volume and high number of cabins she possesses today. A 2017 refit has kept her contemporary, but her profile remains classic and statuesque. She is long and relatively slender for her length at 86m by 12m. By contrast, LA DATCHA is a purpose-built expedition yacht from Damen’s acclaimed SeaXplorer series, launched in 2020. Her powerful, masculine lines, designed by Vasiliy Shprits, and formidable 14-metre beam speak to her stability and capability in challenging seas. She is not a refit or a conversion; she is a ground-up explorer from a shipyard synonymous with robust, commercial-grade engineering. This is a contest between a classic, high-volume conversion and a contemporary, purpose-built adventurer.

Herein lies the most significant statistical difference. CHAKRA’s ability to legally charter with 24 guests is a rarity in the superyacht world, made possible by her 21-suite layout. This includes a full-beam master, multiple VIPs, and a mix of double and twin cabins, offering unmatched flexibility for complex groups, security details, or staff. It is an ideal solution for a charter principal who does not wish to be limited to the typical 12-guest rule. LA DATCHA provides a more conventional, but no less luxurious, arrangement for 12 guests in 6 suites. These include two magnificent master suites and four additional cabins. Whilst she sleeps half the number of guests, the space-per-guest ratio is higher, and the accommodation, being a 2020 build, reflects the very latest standards in comfort and interior design. The choice is between unparalleled capacity on CHAKRA or concentrated, contemporary luxury on LA DATCHA.

Both yachts offer an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio, but with different specialisations. CHAKRA’s crew of 30 for 24 guests (1.25 crew per guest) is an army of hospitality professionals. Service will be seamless and formal, capable of managing large-scale dinners, parties, and the complex logistics of a full guest list. Her toy box will be brimming with classic watersports equipment for fun in the sun. LA DATCHA’s crew of 18 for 12 guests provides an even higher ratio of 1.5 crew per guest. This number includes not just top-tier hospitality staff but also highly specialised personnel such as expedition leaders, pilots, and dive masters. Her toy garage is an adventurer’s dream, famously equipped with two helicopters, a submersible, and a fleet of tenders designed for exploration, not just beach landings. The service style is equally refined but geared towards facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences.