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ERIC CLAPTON may be a rock legend, but he isalso a family man in search of privacy and relaxation. for a man used to being onthe road, to whistle-stopworld tours and non-stoppress attention, Va Bene offers a welcome key change.

ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

most of the day isspent relaxing onboard, lounging onthe sundeck andplaying backgammon

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Online ArticleBurgess Superyacht Living & Style Magazine

Issue 05 - 2009

There was a clear purpose to the project and apartfrom the essential technical refit, the rest of therefurbishment was to create a more family-friendlyenvironment, whilst refreshing the whole interior.The result is a superbly comfortable and elegantyacht that genuinely reflects the way Va Bene’sowner likes to use the yacht, as a family hideawayrather than a status symbol.

Take the master suite, which Clapton barely usedbefore the refit preferring the VIP suite instead. Ithas been transformed into a personal retreatcomplete with spa bathroom. The adjacent officehas been fitted with privacy glass and a pullmanberth, converting it to a children’s cabin.

Family is all-important to Clapton, who says that“the highlight of the day for the children is thebeach and so locating a good beach if we arevisiting a new area is the first order of the day.Most of our time though is spent relaxing onboard, perhaps reading, lounging on the sundeckand playing games like backgammon.”

Va Bene tends to cruise the Mediterranean everysummer, spending the winter season in theCaribbean. “Above all I love Corsica,” says Clapton,citing “its numerous secluded sandy beaches, lovelyports and rugged scenery.” Clapton also has a homeon Antigua, and likes to use the yacht inconjunction with the house.

As you would expect, given the personal affectionhe feels for the yacht, Clapton takes great care whenbalancing his own use with making Va Beneavailable for charter. “The actual running of theboat I leave to the captain and crew, but my wifeMelia and I are very hands-on when it comes to theinterior, from furniture, materials, colour schemesand artwork even down to the crockery andcutlery.”

Looking at the calm, contemporary interior, floodedwith light and furnished with deep tempting sofas,you can sense the quality of Eric Clapton’sprecious time aboard Va Bene. And, inevitably,begin to imagine your own.

va bene

LOA 47.8m (156.8ft)Builder Kees Cornelissen, The NetherlandsYear 1992 (refitted 2007/08)Cruising speed 14 knotsGuests 12 guests in 6 cabins Crew 13Winter 2008/2009 CaribbeanSummer 2009 MediterraneanCharter rates from US$238,000 per week

See pages 170-171 for further information on Va Bene.

Va Bene is under Burgess Charter Management.

Ask your Burgess charter broker for Caribbean cruisingitinerary recommendations aboard Va Bene, as well as ideasfor cruising the Eastern Mediterranean, where the captainalso has extensive knowledge.

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The story goes that music legend Eric Claptonchartered the yacht Va Bene for a month-longfamily holiday, fell in love, and bought her. Askedwhat it was about this particular yacht he sayssimply “I had one of the best holidays of my life. Ihad chosen Va Bene because of her great elegance.Now, apart from the pride I obviously take simplyfrom owning such a beautiful boat, is the freedom itallows. I can go anywhere I like (weatherpermitting) and always be able to retreat to myown private sanctuary.”

Va Bene was not a youthful yacht when Claptontook her on, but her distinctive lines betray aninteresting pedigree. She was built in theNetherlands in 1992 by Kees Cornelissen. Withprevious owners including Bernie Ecclestone, VaBene has long been a familiar sight in Monaco andat all the major social events in the WesternMediterranean. She also has an impressive track-record as a highly successful and sought-aftercharter yacht.

Former captain Nick Line, who now acts as shoremanager to the yacht and project managed the refit,suggested to Clapton that he wait a while beforerefurbishing her. “When I bought the yacht, Nicksuggested living with the interior for at least a yearbefore making changes, to really experience whatworked and what didn’t. So when changes weremade we got it right.”

In the event, Va Bene received much more than afacelift. She also underwent a complete engineeringoverhaul and upgrade, along with a remodelling ofthe sundeck, all carried out at the Pendennisshipyard in Falmouth, England. The new interiorwas a team effort, led by H2 Yacht Design withClapton playing an active role. “I was veryimpressed with Pendennis,” he says. “They aretremendous craftsmen. I liked the idea of keepingthe work in Britain and living in the south it waseasy for me to visit and go over ideas.”

the idea of therefurbishment was to create a muchmore family-friendlyenvironment

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Online ArticleBurgess Superyacht Living & Style Magazine

Issue 05 - 2009