VivieRae II — Nordhavn 96 with 24,000 Miles for Sale
Alexandra
With a certified cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 9 knots and a logged operational history exceeding 24,000 nautical miles, VivieRae II presents a clear logistics profile: regular long-range bunkering, scheduled engine service intervals for the twin 600-hp Caterpillars, and coordinated crew rotations and provisioning are required for sustained bluewater deployment.
Operational history and voyage logistics
Delivered in 2017, the Nordhavn 96 hull known as VivieRae II has been used as an active passagemaker rather than a dockside showpiece. The owners, Bob and Sandy Giles, commissioned the build after previous long-distance experience aboard a Nordhavn 86. The 96’s maiden leg—about 3,000 nautical miles from China to Bali—demonstrated the yacht’s transoceanic capabilities early in her life, establishing a rhythm of extended voyages that required advanced route planning, customs clearances, and remote maintenance logistics.
Her documented itinerary spans hemispheres: the United States, the Bahamas, St. Barths and other Caribbean islands, Costa Rica, Panama, Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, the Maldives, Indonesia, and Thailand. The owners also pursued off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Mexico’s Revillagigedo Islands, chosen for their exceptional marine biodiversity—manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks—demonstrating the yacht’s suitability for diving-centric itineraries and specialist activities.
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Notable operational considerations
- Fueling and range management: Long legs between marinas demand calculated bunkering strategies and often pre-arranged fuel deliveries or calls at fuel-friendly ports.
- Spare parts and systems: Extended remote cruises require a comprehensive on-board spare parts inventory, especially for propulsion and electrical systems.
- Crew logistics: Crew rotations, visa planning, and rest cycles must align with itinerary intensity to remain compliant and safe on extended cruises.
- Charter readiness: Regular yard periods and interior refresh cycles enhance appeal for charter listings in distant Destinations.
How VivieRae II fits the explorer-yacht niche
Nordhavn built its reputation on long-range, ocean-capable vessels before many yards entered the explorer market. The VivieRae II configuration emphasizes endurance and autonomy over flash; her 29.44-meter LOA and heavy-displacement hull are optimized for comfort on long passages rather than sprint speeds. That profile aligns with owners and charter clients seeking remote anchorages, unique coastal experiences, and reliable seaworthiness.
Owner use cases and charter potential
The Gilles’ program alternated private exploratory cruises with occasional charter opportunities. With accommodations for ten guests across four staterooms and systems maintained for demanding bluewater use, the yacht is attractive to buyers who plan either private world cruising or niche charter operations in remote Destinations. For new owners, offering charters in far-flung regions can offset operational costs while showcasing the yacht’s true capability.
Specifications at a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Nordhavn 96 (third hull) |
| LOA | 96’7” (29.44 meters) |
| Beam | 24’0” (7.32 meters) |
| Draft | 8’2” (2.49 meters) |
| Guests | 8 in 4 staterooms (accommodations for up to 10 for certain arrangements) |
| Engines | 2 × 600-hp Caterpillar |
| Range | 4,000 nautical miles at 9 knots |
| Builder / Designer | Nordhavn |
| Asking price | $9 million |
| Sales agent | Channel.R |
Maintenance, refit and charter-ready status
Regular yard periods and a proactive maintenance schedule have kept the yacht seaworthy for continuous bluewater use. These dry-dock windows also serve as opportunities to tailor the vessel for charter markets—updating guest systems, ensuring safety compliance, and refreshing interiors. For buyers focused on charter income, verified service records and recent upgrades reduce downtime and accelerate monetization in marinas and anchorages worldwide.
Why this sale matters to sailors and charter operators
VivieRae II is a clear example of a purpose-built long-range yacht that still attracts charter interest: she’s designed for navigation in remote gulfs, islands, and ocean crossings rather than mere coastal cruising. Buyers interested in unique sea experiences—diving remote reefs, fishing in biodiverse lagoons, or crossing oceanic routes—will value the yacht’s combination of autonomy and guest comfort.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as the team truly understands what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The GetBoat service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and helping clients find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.
Highlights of the VivieRae II story include her extensive global track record, proven long-range systems, and potential for both private ownership and charter income. Experiencing a new location is a multifaceted process: one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life, and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Short-term market forecast: this particular sale is unlikely to shift the global tourism map on its own, but it underscores steady demand for capable long-range yachts that can serve both private cruising and specialized charter markets. To start planning your next seaside adventure and secure the best boat and yacht rentals before the opportunity sails away, consider timing your search to match seasonal demand and destination windows.
In summary, VivieRae II is a purpose-built yacht with verified ocean-crossing credentials, a maintenance history that supports immediate worldwide cruising, and a realistic price point for buyers seeking expedition-capable platforms. Whether your interest is in purchase or charter, the vessel exemplifies the intersection of reliability and adventure—ideal for lake-to-ocean passages, gulf exploration, or long-distance yachting. Platforms like GetBoat bring transparency to such opportunities, offering searchable listings, clear specs, and reviews that simplify decisions about charter, sale, or rent. From marinas to clearwater anchorages and bustling harbors, the right choice in a boat or superyacht sets the stage for unforgettable activities: sailing, fishing, boating, and sunsoaked days on the beach and water. Book your next voyage today.
