A luxurious floating abode
When it comes to combining traditional yacht refinements and relaxed aquatic recreation, superyacht M/Y Paraffin is the whole ball of wax, and more.
Commissioned in 1999 by the founder of the Yankee Candle Company, the 60-metre Paraffin was his tribute to his success in building a small candle business into a global retail empire.
Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards was challenged to design a superyacht that would be equally at home off the cool, northeast coast of the United States, the warmer waters of the Caribbean, as well as remote locales such as the Galapagos Islands. This meant that Paraffin needed to seamlessly blend traditional interior designs such as dark mahogany wood and formal living spaces with modern, lighter woods and informal spaces for relaxation and aquatic recreation.
The superyacht changed hands over the years, however, and now Paraffin has a new owner and is based in Southeast Asia. However, she retains her two distinct personalities split between indoors and out, thanks in part to a refurbishment in 2016.
As a superyacht built for 12 guests and a 17-member crew, Paraffin’s greatest
attribute is her space. Unlike smaller yachts, which require compromises, Paraffin’s expansive rooms could easily pass for rooms in land-based mansions.
“Paraffin is a private family yacht that serves as a getaway from everyday life to a luxurious floating hotel with exceptional service and comfort,” says Paraffin captain, Raul Oja. “Her cozy and classic interior makes her a ‘home away from home’.”
A day on the yacht
A typical day might find guests anchoring in shallow, crystal clear waters from which to enjoy brunch on the informal, shaded deck outfitted with light wood planks with an inlaid nautical design. A mimosa enjoyed at the outdoor bar with high chair seating for four can help offset the effects of the tropical humidity.
As the midday sun takes hold and the cool waters beckon, Paraffin’s fun side is ready to play. The yacht is chock full of aquatic gear to satisfy everyone from the sun worshiper to the thrillseeker. In addition to traditional equipment like water skis and snorkeling gear, Paraffin also offers a Sea-Doo with room for two for exploring nearby islands.
When the sun begins to set, Paraffin’s more traditional, or formal, personality is on full display.
Guests can relax over drinks from the superyacht’s inside bar with seating for three that would feel equally in place at a boutique hotel. Elegantly appointed in mahogany, the bar’s three long shelves outfitted with strategic mirrors and lighting make it feel larger than it actually is.
When the dinner bell rings, guests can take their places in the rectangular formal dining room. Like all of the internal areas of Paraffin, the dining room features traditional mahogany wood with one wall even serving as a 400-bottle, partially refrigerated wine rack.
When it is time to repair to the grand saloon, guests may forget that they are at sea as the spacious saloon has numerous couches and even a formal chess table. In the center of the room, atop extra plush, light-coloured carpeting, are four couches anchored around an oversized coffee table so that each person can see the others for easy conversation.
When it is time to retire for the evening, guests will not be surprised to find that the mahogany and lighter accents are carried through right down to the bedspreads and pillows.
While all staterooms are elegantly appointed, the master suite could stand in for a presidential suite in a five-star hotel. In addition to a king-size bed, a panoramic window frames a sitting area featuring a day bed and oversized chair, perfect for moments when one seeks privacy without feeling confined.
While the master suite sleeping area offsets the mahogany with light carpets and fabrics, the en-suite bathroom achieves the same effect through the generous appointment of light-coloured marble. Not surprisingly, the bathroom features both a stand alone shower and a separate Jacuzzi bathtub as well as dual sinks – all fitted with gold-plated fixtures.
Built to cruise
The only question, really, is where you want to go. With a range of 3,870 miles, Paraffin can sail non-stop from Singapore to Japan at an average speed of 15 knots.
“The yacht was built to be able to cruise around the world,” says Captain Oja. He continues, “In her earlier years she’s been to Alaska, (the) east and west coast(s) of the US, Galapagos Islands and many more remote locations. During the past five years being a two-season charter yacht, she spent the summers in the Mediterranean Sea and winters in the Caribbean Sea before 2016, after which she sailed through (the) Suez Canal to reach Thailand and has remained sailing in Southeast Asia since.”
While M/Y Paraffin’s owner is no longer making her available for charter, he is offering Paraffin for outright purchase through his Singapore broker, Julian Chang of Fraser Yachts.