On Board ALINA: A Fam Trip on the New Fountaine Pajot 80 Power

Frontier Yachting was recently invited to a fam trip in Greece, on board a brand-new Fountaine Pajot 80 Power. The yacht — ALINA — just came from the shipyard and already had some serious refitting work done. The owner, who previously owned another 80 Power, had ALINA customised to perfection. The interior had received an upgrade right after launch, to make her stand out from the fleet. The saloon

had some serious attention too, with a part of it redone and custom furniture installed, which by the way was very comfortable. The yacht was full of thoughtful and unique details, like the extra-large window in the master cabin, allowing anyone staying there to see the surroundings from their bed even better than on the standard model. On the flybridge, a larger bar and table were installed, along with some extra sunbeds covering the forward roof of the superstructure.

The yacht is operated by Captain Vlad. He and his newly assembled team have been on board since launch, and though most of them have never worked together before, they've each worked as crew in their respective roles for many years. And even though it was their first charter together, they managed to make it feel like they'd been a team for years. We, meaning myself along with eight other brokers, were invited on board for the maiden trip/charter, and to experience what this stunning 24m cat had to offer.

Departure was scheduled right after the EMMYS (Eastern Mediterranean Multihull Yacht Show) in Poros, Greece. I attended the show for a few days but left early as I had to be in Athens for some visits on board yachts we'd booked for our clients this summer, and very nearly missed the fam trip because my taxi was late… Greece. Luckily, they also left later than expected and the trip was on. As soon as we left Poros, the sun came out. The days before, it had not been too great, but the forecast seemed excellent.

After a safety briefing by Captain Vlad, we headed to Porto Heli, cruising at 15 knots. I spent quite a bit of time exploring the yacht's interior and exterior, and what stood out to me was the extreme comfort underway. First of all, there's an unlimited number of lounging and seating areas to choose from. From the saloon and dining table indoors, to the aft cockpit which has several spots, all protected from wind and weather underway. Passing along the side toward the front of the boat, there's a long bench facing outward, and at the back of each hull there's another large bench that easily seats four people.

Before we move out to the front, the flybridge needs a mention. Aside from the al fresco dining table which easily seats 10, there are large beds in each aft corner of the flybridge, offering a comfortable view of all sides of the yacht. Then a small bar built around the staircase, offering a perfect view of the captain's operations without blocking anyone, while you enjoy your drink. There are two movable and extremely comfortable sunbeds which the owner installed, and just out front, on the forward-facing part of the superstructure, as discussed earlier, two more sunbeds. Unfortunately, at 15 knots and with some wind on the nose, these were too windy to be enjoyed at the time.

My favourite spots though were the five very sizable lounge beds on the foredeck. Though the entire forward cockpit consisted of little else than perfect seating and lounging areas, these five beds were where most of us could be found during the cruise. Plenty of space, very little wind or spray, contrary to what you'd expect, and in the upright position, a perfect view of the sea and landscape ahead.

Besides the comfortable position, the yacht was also very quiet. The relatively narrow hulls cut through the water efficiently, resulting in great fuel economy as well as — and this might be more important to many charter guests — low noise underway. I woke up the next morning as the yacht was already underway to the next anchorage, and — though my cabin was in the middle of the vessel — it wasn't because of the engine noise.

Later that morning we arrived in a new-to-me anchorage which offers perfect protection from the Meltemi (which wasn't there as it was long before summer), and blue waters all around. The other yachts that were on the fam trip, all thoroughly appreciated by their respective guests, anchored close by, and before we knew it we were swimming and trying out the Seabobs, e-foil and paddleboards. The water was relatively warm, considering it was only early May, and must have been just over 20°C. Enough to enjoy, but glad the sun was out.

A little while later, we were invited for lunch. I say lunch, but I should be saying a culinary experience. The chef on board was none other than Panos (Panagiotis) Koumoundouros, who won the MasterChef competition in Greece and is a celebrity there. It was his first time working on a yacht, and

unfortunately we saw him much less than the other crew members. For good reason, as his enormous galley was down in the port-side hull. This is one of two layout options on this FP 80, and the other one on the fam trip, CHRISTAL MIO 80, had a galley-up layout. I love watching people cook, but I understood that some chefs prefer working in privacy and silence, which can benefit their work. It depends on personal preference.

The pieces of art that came out of Panos' kitchen were nothing short of exceptional. Over the three days, all of us continued to mention his exceptional level, to the point it became tiringly repetitive. Three courses, all of them using either local or traditional ingredients in a modern, haute-cuisine style.

After lunch, there was more time to relax, which I used to fine-tune my e-foil skills and read a few passages in Bart Van Loo's "Napoleon". In the late afternoon, ALINA lifted anchor and set out for Spetses, some 30 minutes away. We Med-moored to the rocks in the old town, next to the other boats cruising on the fam trip.

Maybe now is a good time to explain the concept of a fam trip. Firstly, the name stands for familiarisation trip. The word says it all. It is organised by the agent or management of one or multiple yachts, with of course the approval from the owner, in order to familiarise brokers with the region, yachts and crew. It's usually short but intense, and I'm happy to report it was very well organised.

That night we ate on the dock behind the boats, where the organisation had reserved some tables for us and we got to enjoy some delicious traditional Greek food and wine. Before dinner, I asked the captain to bring us to the new part of Spetses. Equally beautiful as the old town, it's a five-minute tender ride away, during which we got to enjoy the scenery from the water. We jumped off right at the square in front of the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, where they shot the opening scene of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery with Daniel Craig. Most of us hadn't been to Spetses, a highlight on any Saronic itinerary, so I took the time to guide the others around, and walked back along the shoreline enjoying the setting sun and magical light you can only find in Greece. After dinner, we all settled in for the night.

As previously mentioned, the next morning we woke up about halfway to Dhokos, a small, uninhabited island with a large protected bay in the middle. And as mentioned before too, I woke up not from the sound of the yacht, but rather from my alarm which I had set hoping not to miss too much of the beautiful day ahead. Breakfast was held underway, on the aft deck, well protected from wind and weather. By the time we had finished, the yacht had anchored and Med-moored to the rocks in Dhokos Bay, where we spent the afternoon rafted up with the others, swimming, foiling and enjoying the sunshine. A perfect time as well to catch up on some emails. The yacht is equipped with Starlink as well as a 5G system, ensuring connectivity at all times.

In the late afternoon, we crossed to an anchorage near Ermioni, as the wind was predicted to pick up. The organisation had planned a party on board, so after the crossing, which we enjoyed from the

jacuzzi, and another incredible dinner by Panos, we helped the crew set up. A great but responsible night was held with the other brokers, networking, drinking and yes, even dancing.

The next morning we planned to leave at 10 for Moni Island. A small, uninhabited but gorgeous rock in the sea near the south-western end of Aegina, the island closest to Athens. The island is known for its blue waters, stunning light against the green hillside and of course the wildlife. Wildlife I hear you think? Yes, the island has wild peacocks and deer roaming around freely. A quick walk along the shoreline and you'll see plenty of them. They'll even come up to you if you have food, and eat straight out of your hands. It's a great place for snorkelling as well, loads of small and medium-sized fish and plenty to see underwater.

Again, the four boats rafted up alongside and we had the whole bay to ourselves, something which in high season is often impossible. Luckily, the western side of the small peninsula offers much more space, is equally stunning and much, much calmer in high season, when the only small beach in the bay becomes overcrowded with day-trippers from Aegina and Athens.

We explored the island first with the e-foil, touring the entire northern side, before taking out the tender to go ashore. Having been to the previous places multiple times, it was refreshing to be on the other side and experience life on board through the perspective of a client, being able to leave a yacht without having to worry about who's anchoring close by, or what the wind will do in the next 30 minutes.

After lunch, and an afternoon full of relaxing, watersports and conversation with the crew and fellow brokers on the other yachts, they all left for their respective home berths, which funnily enough were all different. So was ours, and as the sun started to set, we headed to the southern end of Athens, heading toward Vouliagmeni, where ALINA has a spot in one of the most exclusive marinas in the Med, Astir Marina. A final goodbye dinner and some drinks shared with the fantastic brokers who joined this trip, as well as a big thank you to the crew, and the next morning I took the first flight back to Brussels after having been away from home for over three weeks across the MEDYS, EMMYS and fam trip.

All of us brokers left impressed, and we're super confident our clients will have an exceptional time on board. There are a few things good brokers do, and along with visiting as many yachts, shows and events as they can, the fam trips are where you actually learn the boats you sell. Three days on ALINA was a strong reminder of why.

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