The 85m Choice: CHAKRA's Scale vs. SOLANDGE's Splendour

This is where the two yachts diverge most significantly. SOLANDGE is a product of the industry's most revered names: built by Lürssen in 2013 with an iconic exterior by Espen Oeino. Her recent 2024 refit ensures she remains at the cutting-edge of style and technology. She is a purpose-built superyacht, designed from the keel up for luxury charter. CHAKRA, launched in 1998 by Davenport, has a different history. Originally a commercial vessel, her 2017 refit transformed her into the high-capacity superyacht she is today. While robust and impressively scaled, her lines and naval architecture reflect her origins; she is a formidable presence on the water. SOLANDGE’s wider beam (13.8m vs. 12m) and more contemporary design give her a greater feeling of volume and light internally, whereas CHAKRA’s design is focused on maximising the number of private cabins and versatile deck spaces. The difference is one of a bespoke masterpiece versus a highly effective and unique conversion.

Accommodation is CHAKRA's trump card. Offering 21 suites for 24 guests is a capability that no other yacht in her class can match. This includes a vast master suite, multiple VIPs, and a mix of double and twin cabins, allowing for incredible flexibility and privacy for corporate charters or huge family groups. Everyone gets their own space. SOLANDGE adheres to the more traditional, but no less luxurious, layout of six exceptional staterooms for 12 guests. The volume dedicated to these suites is, of course, far greater. Her panoramic master stateroom is a destination in itself, with 180-degree views, a private office, and his-and-hers bathrooms and dressing rooms. The remaining five guest suites, including a multi-purpose VIP, are all finished to a palatial standard. The choice is simple: CHAKRA offers unparalleled quantity and privacy for a large group, while SOLANDGE offers unparalleled quality and space for a smaller one.

The service philosophy on each yacht is dictated by numbers. SOLANDGE’s crew of 34 attending to a maximum of 12 guests creates a crew-to-guest ratio of almost 3:1. This is the absolute pinnacle of service, enabling a hyper-personalised, anticipatory style where every need is met before it is even considered. The crew have the bandwidth to deliver truly exceptional experiences. CHAKRA’s highly professional crew of 30 provides an excellent service for up to 24 guests, a ratio of 1.25:1. Their expertise lies in managing a larger, more complex hospitality operation, ensuring seamless service across a large group with efficiency and poise. While both have extensive water toy collections, SOLANDGE's significantly higher charter budget and recent refit naturally translate into a more comprehensive and cutting-edge inventory of tenders and toys, managed by a larger team dedicated to on-water activities.