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8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Kokomo,’ the Lightning-Fast 192-Foot Sailing Superyacht

The 192-footer has a 242-foot-high mast and spinnaker half the size of a football field. but it's so automated it can be sailed by two people., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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The 192-foot Kokomo was the second largest sloop in the world when it launched from New Zealand’s Alloy Yachts shipyard in 2010. It remains the largest fast-cruising sloop available for charter. The yacht’s commissioning owner Lang Walker (who died in January 2024) was a seasoned sailor who gave all three of his yachts the same name.

The first was a 131-foot sloop, which Walker replaced five years later with a 171-footer. The same day he took delivery of his 171-foot sloop, he placed an order for the third and final 192-foot Kokomo, which he planned to use for racing and cruising around the world. He also kept the same design team for all three yachts, with exterior and naval architecture by Ed Dubois and interior by UK’s RWD.

The reference to the yacht’s name has had different explanations over the years, ranging from the pseudonym of a composer whose music Walker played as a child to a nod to the Beach Boys’s song from their 1988 album Still Cruisin’ , which references a fictional utopian island called Kokomo. The island fantasy was brought to life in 2011 when Walker acquired a private island in Fiji’s Great Astrolabe Reef and named it Kokomo .

Here are eight unknown facts about one of the most game-changing sailing yachts on the water.

You’re Going to Need a Bigger Boom

When Kokomo was launched, she was the second-largest sloop in the world and carried the largest set of sails made by Doyle Sails in New Zealand. The 23,971-square-foot asymmetric spinnaker is half the size of a professional football field, while the 9,688-square-foot mainsail needs a crane to lift it. Because of the gargantuan size of the sails, the designers entered a new era of spar and winch design, having to “reinvent” the deck equipment—winches, mast, boom, rigging and sails—to cope with the 31.6-ton load on the genoa sheet and 32-ton load on the main sheet clew. The 244-foot carbon mast is the largest ever made by Southern Spars.

A Hidden Lifting Keel

The yacht’s 130-ton lifting keel is one of its most impressive features, though it’s largely left to the imagination. The interior layout is carefully designed so that the keel structure remains hidden. Dubois Naval Architects positioned the keel box to come above the main deck, serving as a partial separation between the bridge and the main salon (see inset). Kokomo was only the second yacht to be fitted with a lifting a keel, the first being 246-foot M5 (ex-Mirabella V), the world’s largest single-masted sailing yacht. This innovative design shortens Kokomo’s 28.5-foot draft when the keel is fully extended, to just 15 feet for shallow waters.

Fast-Track Sailing

Kokomo was one of the first yachts to be fitted with a hydraulic batt-car system for furling the mainsail, which has cars at each batten end that slot in an outer track on the mast. This alleviates a once-common issue where the luff tape or bolt rope on large sailing yachts became chaffed by the compression of the battens, which often caused the in-boom furling mainsails to fail. “When sailing Kokomo , especially when racing, I am completely impressed with the speed and efficiency of the hydraulic system,” says Kokomo ’s captain, Jeremy ‘Bear’ Wynne, who notes the yacht’s recorded top speed is a very impressive 22 knots. “The jib furlers are some of the fastest I have seen. There is absolutely no shortage of hydraulic power, even with multiple winches running on a jibe—a rarity on a big sailing yacht.”

Now You See It, Now You Don’t

Kokomo might be big on technology, but never at the expense of design. The wheelhouse has fold-down computer screens that conceal the navigation equipment when not in use, converting to beautiful carbon counter tops. This design sleight of hand transforms a highly technical area into a tony lounge. It’s a theme that extends to the foredeck, where the yacht’s two tenders are concealed in dedicated lockers. There’s also a fully retractable tender crane that launches the tenders from either side of the boat but disappears out of sight when guests are using the Jacuzzi. “The designated deck lockers were an advanced feature at the time of her launch,” says Wynne, adding that another bonus is that diesel tanks are fully available. “The tenders can be fueled onboard before launching.”

It Takes Just A Few Good Sailors

Kokomo can accommodate up to 10 crew in total, but theoretically it only takes two to sail—a helm person and a sail trimmer. That sounds almost impossible given the size and complexity of yacht. But all sails are controlled by joystick on the flybridge. And when the boat is in full-on racing mode, there are control stations on both sides, providing visibility of the sails. Thanks to the hydraulics system, the mainsail can be hoisted and lowered on a wireless remote control. Of course, maneuvers like stowing the massive genoa can never be automated. That’s a job for a half-dozen good sailors.

Art On Board

The hallway that leads to the owner’s cabin is lined with a mosaic tapestry made from sea glass woven together with wire. Backlit to create an unusual effect, it’s just one of the eclectic works of art that decorates the interior. The main salon also has a stunning and colorful work of glass art as another example.

Interior Matters

Kokomo is not all tech features. The yacht’s modern interiors combine dark wood floors and calming cream furnishings start in the main salon and continue across the five guest cabins. Penned by British studio Redman Whiteley Dixon, the design carefully wraps around the lifting keel without sacrificing or impeding on any interior guest space. The yacht accommodates up to 10 guests in a master suite, VIP, one double cabin and two twins. There are other accommodations for up to 10 crew. On the foredeck, the Jacuzzi brings another element of outdoor entertainment, bolstered by a sunken cockpit.

World Traveler

The mandate issued by Walker was to create a yacht that was a “quantum leap forward” from his previous yachts, with superior sailing characteristics and guest comfort. The mast’s height is too tall to sail through the Panama or Suez Canals, which meant it would have to be designed to sail around Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope to reach the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The maiden voyage took the yacht from the New Zealand shipyard to Australia, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji. It also spent time at Walker’s private island (pictured above), also named Kokomo. The vessel has since spent many years exploring the Caribbean and Med. It’s based in both regions during the respective cruising seasons, with charters available through Cecil Wright.

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Building the dream

Superyacht owner and avid racer lang walker shares his passions for sailing and island life..

15 February 2018

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Following the passing of Australian real-estate tycoon and avid sailor Lang Walker in January 2024, Ocean magazine revisits a 2018 interview where he delves into the evolution of his Kokomo legacy.

His journey unfolds from the exhilarating realm of Farr 40 sailing to the meticulous curation of a magnificent fleet of super sailing yachts, showcasing Lang’s unwavering dedication to both the art of sailing and the creation of one of Fiji’s most exquisite island resorts.

Lang Walker is one of Australia’s most successful and best-known property developers, having carved out a stellar career over the last 50 years with his Walker Corporation, but his passions often run to the water-based rather than on land.

Having started out his sailing life at the tender age of nine, when he was growing up in the Sydney suburb of Yowie Bay, Walker has never been far from boats and yachts, despite his many business commitments.

An avid One-Design competitive sailor, Walker also likes to take things easy at sea by enjoying family time on his New Zealand-built, 58.4-metre superyacht S/Y Kokomo , delivered in 2010 by Alloy Yachts. Last year Walker opened his newly developed private island resort, also named Kokomo, which celebrates life in the slow lane with barefoot chic crossed with luxury facilities.

Lang took a break from his R&R on Kokomo to talk with Ocean about his love of sailing, why it pays to know what you want from a new build project, and fostering the next generation of sailors through philanthropy.

Ocean  magazine (OM): When did your love of the ocean and yachts start?

Lang Walker: I developed my passion for the ocean and sailing early on in life at the age of nine, when I lived on the water at Yowie Bay.

Can you share with our readers your three favourite boats that you have owned and why they make the top three?

My three favourite boats would be Yarrawin, the Farr 40 Yacht and S/Y Kokomo . Yarrawin is a beautiful, soft carbon-fibre yacht with a classic wooden, old-boat-style exterior, and the Farr 40 Yacht fits the One-Design sailing model demanded by Farr 40 Championships.

In my opinion, One-Design sailing is the best in the world as everyone is equal and winning comes down to the crew and their skill to succeed; it’s intense, competitive and exciting.

S/Y Kokomo is the ultimate sailing boat, delivering power and speed. Sailing through stunning European destinations on S/Y Kokomo is exceptional.

When is your most cherished memory of yachting from and why?

The first time I won the National Farr 40 Titles because it was a very competitive and a close race. One-Design boat racing and hearing the wave of the boat heading into the finish line was motivation to win.

Where’s your favourite destination to visit by yacht and why?

One of our favourite destinations to visit is the top end of Sardinia to pick up fresh Corsican rosé before travelling down to Porto Cervo and then on to Bonifacio. We love the beautiful anchorages along these coastlines, the crystal-clear waters, the food and crisp rosé at each port.

You have built a number of custom superyachts over your time as an owner. What did you draw on from your property development experience during the process?

Vision and attention to detail are important aspects in property development, and something that translates to sailing. I’m always looking to innovate and push the boundaries in both property development and sailing. One example is building a 58.4-metre sloop with a 130-tonne lifting keel to create the largest spinnaker in the history of the world, as well as introducing 3DL sails to the superyacht.

I have owned and modified an array of yachts over the years. Predominantly, a series of prized racing yachts named S/Y Kokomo . Each reiteration of this superyacht has evolved along with my competitive sailing career and experience.

What advice would you give to anyone considering commissioning a custom superyacht for the first time?

You need to fully understand the needs of a boat and look beyond the architect’s requirements. Boats are space deficient and as such, where you situate the stairs and openings is of the utmost importance. Be mindful that it is very easy to be directed by an architect to do things that don’t suit a yacht. Space is paramount in a yacht design.

If you could change one thing about the yachting business, as a consumer, what would it be?

I would urge superyacht owners to contribute to sailing clubs and academies to support the next generation of sailing talent. Personally, I support the Australian Olympic Sailing Team and the Youth Sailing Academy, and am a proud sponsor of and involved in the Farr 40 sailing group.

Congratulations on the opening of Kokomo Island last year. What is your favourite thing about the island and why?

My favourite thing about Kokomo Private Island is the close proximity – it’s only 10 minutes from shore – to the Great Astrolabe Reef. The fourth largest reef on the planet, it offers some of the best diving and fishing in the world in a remote, unspoiled and unfrequented location.

What has been the greatest challenge and the biggest reward of the project, and how has it compared to your property development projects – both personal and commercial – on the mainland?

It has been the most challenging project that Walker Corporation has ever undertaken. This is due to the logistics of the remote location and my relentless pursuit to create the best resort in the Pacific. We have delivered the hardware: stunning beachfront villas, private residences, world-class restaurants, extensive facilities and endless activities. Now my focus is on the software and bringing in people who are proud of working for the best resort and are passionate about continuing to lift the standards of the food and service, to which Fiji is unaccustomed.

The biggest reward has been involving and working with my family, who share my enthusiasm and vision for this private island paradise.

Together, we have created the ideal escape from the world and a destination we are proud of and love to visit as a family most holidays. There’s nothing more satisfying or rewarding than when my children and their families come together and make memories on Kokomo.

Kokomo features a sustainable design. Can you explain what is meant by this and why was it important to you? Does the environmental angle extend to other operations, too?

Like Walker Corporation, integral to Kokomo’s core values are environmental and cultural sustainability. We are committed to sustainable development and to exceeding industry standards for sustainability. We have invested millions of dollars to lift our sites well beyond health and environmental standards and we pride ourselves in employing the latest in environmentally sustainable design principles (green technologies) to create sustainable buildings with efficient water, energy and aeration systems for a healthy working environment.

The Green Star and NABERS industry standards, put in place by the Green Building Council Australia, are how we measure the environmental sustainability of our projects. We committed to achieving a minimum five Green Star – As Built standard on all commercial and retail projects, if not the maximum six Green Star rating.

In addition to our core principles, in Fiji, during the build of Kokomo, no expense was spared in sourcing the finest local building materials for the resort. From the local plantation timbers to the stone from the island (and surrounding islands) to the craft building materials and the production of a large proportion of our furniture on the island. Beyond design and development, we grow the majority of our vegetables and herbs on the island using organic practices, farm chickens and keep bees.

What can we next expect from the resort – is there anything in the pipeline?

We’re always tweaking our offering to achieve the vision of a six-star serviced resort, ensuring that everyone who visits and stays with us has the best possible experience on their holiday.

What is luxury to you?

To me, luxury encompasses everything that exceeds your expectations. Our approach is to continually strive for excellence across the board and deliver an unparalleled personal approach.

What single piece of advice, both for business and in your personal life, would you give yourself as a 25-year-old?

Don’t get ahead of yourself and keep your feet on the ground. Humility is the most important thing in any personal or business instance.

kokomoislandfiji.com

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Published on January 29th, 2024 | by Editor

Eight Bells: Lang Walker

Published on January 29th, 2024 by Editor -->

A titan of the property development industry and sailing philanthropy, Australia’s Lang Walker AO passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2024 at the age of 78, surrounded by his family.

He founded what was to become Walker Corporation with his father 60 years ago – a company which began as an excavation group but grew to manage thousands of major urban and community projects across Australia, Malaysia, Canada, and the U.S.

As a philanthropist, Lang also contributed and gave so much of his time to the arts, education, social welfare, health care, and sport.

Walker personally supported the Australian Olympic Sailing Team and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Youth Sailing Academy, and urged other owners to “contribute to sailing clubs and academies to support the next generation of sailing talent.”

From childhood, he had a lifelong love affair with the ocean. With his first boat, a Vaucluse Junior (VJ), he began what was to become a succession of boats named Kokomo – the name later passed onto many of his other boats including several superyachts. It also became the name for his private island resort in Fiji.

He was heavily involved with one-design racing and was a major supporter of the Australian Farr 40 Association. He won the 2007 and 2008 Australian Championships on Kokomo and competed around the world. One of his other favorite boats was the stunning soft carbon yacht Yarrawin which had a classic wooden boat exterior.

In 2015, Walker was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services to the community.

Lang is survived by his wife Sue, three children, and 10 grandchildren.

Tags: Eight Bells , Lang Walker

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8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Kokomo,' the Lightning-Fast 192-Foot Sailing Superyacht

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Kokomo Private Island Fiji founder Lang Walker opens up about his last great trip and what it’s like to own a piece of paradise.

This story is from issue 7 of Travel + Luxury magazine. Explore the digital edition here.

Even a property tycoon needs a passion project. For Lang Walker , it’s a private island resort in Fiji and a superyacht for sailing around the globe. Here, the founder of Kokomo Private Island Fiji gives us a glimpse into his charmed life, including the most fascinating individual he has met on his travels, his restaurant of choice in Capri and more.

I imagine you have a favourite island.

“Well, obviously I’m biased, but Kokomo Private Island Fiji is my choice for its sublime beauty, sensational snorkelling just steps from your villa as well as the incredible diving on the Great Astrolabe Reef, a 10-minute boat ride away. I’ve travelled around the world and I’ve not encountered anything as beautiful or as unique as this place. And I love to share it with people. Kokomo is also about family for me, and we’ve had some wonderful times holidaying here with the kids and the grand kids.”

What was it about Kokomo that inspired you to launch the resort?

“First, I had to convince my wife as to why we needed to buy an island, but I eventually won her over with my vision. I fell in love with its sandy white beaches and rolling hills covered in lush vegetation. I was inspired by the opportunity to create a tropical getaway with sustainability and conservation at its core. I wanted to take all the best things I’ve learned in my own travels and build them into the island.”

Which islands do you always return to in Europe?

“We spend European summers aboard the Kokomo superyacht and the list of beautiful spots to visit is long. But I have to say the top end of Sardinia has some of the most picturesque scenery in the world. The wonderful Maddalena Archipelago, a group of islands scattered between Sardinia and Corsica, is exceptional, too. And the southwest of Corsica is very special, with crystal-clear bays and pink sandy beaches.”

What do you look for while you’re island-hopping?

“Memorable scenery, seclusion, amazing dive spots, mixed in with stellar restaurants and welcoming people. Sailing from the northwest to the southeast of Fiji to the Lau Group ticks all those boxes. They are some of the most remote destinations, with raw beauty and diverse species of marine life and corals. Another route I rate is St Barths to Antigua in the Caribbean Islands. We’ve had a lot of fun there and the people are so friendly.”

Where was the last place you visited?

“Before the pandemic we sailed around the Balearics and in particular the island of Ibiza. We dropped anchor there and explored its stunning beaches, natural assets and exceptional food. I remember enjoying excellent local tapas, lobster and fresh fish at its restaurants. You could easily spend a week sailing around those islands.”

What’s a destination that surprised you?

“The diving around the Solomon Islands . We sailed the Kokomo yacht from Europe and had a local dive expert on board to take us to the best sights. There are multiple World War II wrecks of ships, aircraft and submarines to explore. The underwater offerings are remarkable.”

What journey do you most often take?

“I travel a lot domestically for work and internationally to Fiji and Singapore for our big masterplanned communities we are creating at Johor Bahru, just cross the strait in Malaysia. Then come June to September we always jump on board Kokomo for the European summer. We also enjoy heading to Aspen for the ski season.”

What items do you always pack?

“My phone to keep in touch with my teams in Australia and Malaysia and provide them with any assistance needed. I also pack lots of Speedos, shorts and T-shirts.”

What do you regard as the most vibrant arts city?

“Venice for its incredible museums, galleries and fascinating history. Start in the Piazza San Marco to take in the Basilica di San Marco, whose domes are covered in gold mosaics, and nearby museums devoted to archaeological wonders. Then head along the Grand Canal for galleries such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection . Plus there’s all the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture to marvel over.”

Name a restaurant or dining experience seared in your mind.

“La Fontelina in Capri is one we always visit when in Italy. It’s an open-air restaurant with an enviable location opposite the Faraglioni rocks and top-notch seafood dishes, such as spaghetti with bottarga.”

Can you share a fascinating individual you’ve met in your travels?

“Jimmy Buffett when he came on board and crewed our boat in the St Barths Bucket Regatta. It happens every March and his presence made it especially noteworthy. He arrived with a case of his LandShark beer. There was no singing but lots of great sailing and he got on well very well with our crew and guests. There were definitely lots of laughs.”

How has travel boosted your professional growth?

“You can never stop learning and travelling is one of the best ways to pick up ideas. Travel recharges the batteries and it also gave me that opportunity to stumble upon Kokomo, which I sometimes call my ‘non-for-profit’, as I spend way too much money on making it the best island.”

What destination is next on your list?

“Cruising the Greek Islands with my family in July.”

What is your idea of a staycation?

“Never done it!”

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Kokomo Private Island: Billionaire Lang Walker’s Pristine Fiji Paradise

Is it possible to fall in love with an island’s kindness, sincerity and serene self-respect? When it comes to Kokomo Private Island, the answer is yes. It’s the kind of healing place that restores your ability to believe in positivity again, even as the rest of the world is engulfed in wild chaos and change. In this haven of wellness and sporting life, you can begin again, and that is the beginning of everything.

The master builder and property impresario behind Kokomo, Fiji’s shiniest new private island resort, has built a beacon for those who can afford the very best travel experiences the world has to offer. At 76, Lang Walker has never been more primed to seize the day; he takes hold of unbridled opportunity by the horns. The Australian billionaire has adapted his bullish business sensibility towards steering hard into the headwinds of happiness.

From his leading role at Walker corporate headquarters (think blue chip commercial property developer) to kicking back barefoot on his yacht, he’s a heavyweight of capitalizing on his instincts. These days, he’s completely dialed-in on Kokomo. “There is an enormous satisfaction in knowing our wonderful island staff, who have done it so tough over the last year, are greeting guests with their warm friendly smiles again,” Walker muses. “Kokomo is all about the welcome, the experience and the everlasting memories and we are so happy to be sharing our private paradise along with that one-of-a-kind Fijian welcome.” In many ways, Kokomo is Walker’s most beloved trophy, named after his first dinghy—the most potent emblem of his childhood—which he christened at the tender age of 10.

Fiji has long held a fascination for generations of explorers, travelers and artists. The archipelago has been glorified in cultural mythology as an eternal symbol of paradise. The stylish livery aboard Fiji Airways—designed by renowned Fijian Masi artist Makereta Matemosi—gets you in the Kokomo mood on the tarmac. Once you land at Nadi International Airport, the resort team whisks you away in style on Walker’s seaplane.

Kokomo’s startling phosphorescence is right out of a Pixar blockbuster—too vivid, too self-aware, too deliriously pleasurable. It gives the island more mythological panache than merely skating by on natural beauty assets alone. The villas are ambitious and far-fetched gambits that actually work—because vacationing with in-laws requires a larger footprint than you can possibly imagine.

Fishing for trophy wahoo and swordfish aboard Lang Walker’s boat is the most next-level day on the water you can have in Fiji. Reeling in a 300+ pounder is the ultimate way to get your adrenaline fix while on holiday here. The cruising grounds are among the finest in the hemisphere—the sailing scene rivals those of Nevis and the Grenadines. And if you can’t tell your sheets from your slips, Kokomo’s captains are on hand to steer you into perfect bliss as you float through uninhabited cays—completely off-grid, barely on the map. Think footprint-less stretches of sand and zero noise pollution. Visit in the morning during low tide for the maximum in delicious stretches of cake flour fine sand.

Kokomo’s key sustainable seafood initiative is Dock to Dish—bring your catch back to the island to be prepared fresh for you the next day. All fish caught throughout Kokomo’s fishing tours are used by the restaurant, and the species depend on the time of year. You can enjoy freshly caught Yellowfin Tuna or Mahi Mahi in the hot summer season and Wahoo in the cooler months. In addition to year-round Deep-Sea Pakapaka Snapper and Spanish Mackerel, Dock to Dish utilizes local seaweeds as a food source. The Kokomo Marine Biology team forages these “greens of the sea” from local nearby village communities to support local small-scale fisheries.

To the freeport savvy set, Kokomo also is an ingenious storage solution for Walker. Pretty sweet digs for the superyacht aficionado’s considerable collection of recreational toys: a Global 600 private jet, a flotilla of boats, two barges, two helicopters including an Airbus model, and two seaplanes, one being a luxurious Twin Otter. Katoa is the resort’s flashy new 51-foot Bertram Flybridge, while the Kahala is a 40-foot Riviera Express, both posh game fishing yachts boasting overnight accommodations. Walker also shares a hangar in Suva with Google co-founder Larry Page.

Kokomo’s spa is one of the most compelling offerings here, simply sublime from start to finish. This is not the place to fret about massages versus facials—book both for the full benefits of a wellness-centric stay. Sunrise yoga led by Alexandra Owen is a revelation and a reset all at once, her wealth of holistic expertise, social intuition and grace is a pitch-perfect fit for this property.

For full takeover, sprawl your social set out amongst the nine villas and four residences at the resort. Cinnamon hardwood sourced from nearby Mago Island (privately owned by neighbor Mel Gibson) is crafted into impossibly chic furniture (only if you’re partial to boho) and locally sourced mahogany stars in the louvres, while plantation pines soar above in the roofing. And when we say inclusive, we mean all-in. Midnight orders as light as yellowtail sashimi or as bender-worthy as a bottle of Two Paddocks Pinot Noir and a tomahawk ribeye are most welcome. Staff sincerely seem happy to see you living your best life. Welcome to the whimsy and wonder of Kokomo.

As waters here have essentially never been fished commercially, Kokomo boasts some of the most surreal snorkeling and diving in the country—akin to exploring a pre-industrial aquatic underworld. These nearby reefs set the gold standard for PADI diving when conditions are favorable. With over 30 storied sites to choose from, the spectacle of marine life is endless. The phenomenally clear waters of Kokomo’s nearby Great Astrolabe Reef are a diver’s dream, and Fiji’s claim to fame. Imagine walls of spellbinding, soft corals and schools of large pelagic fish—rainbow runners and barracuda swanning by your mask.

Back on dry land, a guided tour of the resort’s 5.5-acre farm will enhance your sense of star ingredients on your plate every evening. Insist on Chef Sa Va’afusuaga as your guide; he is the resort’s beloved new Executive Chef, a ravishingly talented Kiwi-Samoan. Touring the hydroponics garden and vanilla plantation with him reveals much of the inspiration behind his cunning creations. And in true Kokomo style, resident bees make honey in hives styled like something out of a Lilly Pulitzer photoshoot, complete with panoramic ocean views. The free-range chickens also enjoy a designer coop with ample in-and-out privileges.

The expert-led wine cellar experience is not to be missed. It’s a very impressive and intrepid operation. Sommelier Lily Puamau leads guests down the rabbit hole of the island’s enviable list of vintage libations. This native rising star is one to watch at Kokomo. Everything is done with great intention and conviction here; it’s pretty remarkable to witness how obsessive the staff is at doing well at every task at hand.

A truly great holiday is an exercise in concierge calisthenics and soft storytelling. As you are poetically enveloped in this island’s embrace and seamless service, you will quickly devise ways to return.

KokomoIslandFiji.com

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Superyacht owner to open Fijian island paradise

Superyacht owner and property developer Lang Walker is set to open an exclusive private island resort in Fiji next year. Kokomo Island Fiji, which is located on the edge of the Kadavu Group and sprawls across 140 acres of lush rainforest and white sand beaches, is set to open for business on March 31.

Walker has been working on the project with his family for the last three years, and has given it the same name as his yacht,  Kokomo , an all-aluminium 58.4 metre vessel that was launched in 2010 by  Alloy Yachts . She’s the third yacht named Kokomo built for Walker, so he can certainly offer some excellent  tips for building custom yachts .

The all-inclusive resort will offer diving, paddleboarding, sailing, surfing, water skiing, kayaking and snorkelling. Visitors can also explore the exotic ecosystem of stunning marine life on the Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth largest reef in the world, in which the island sits. Slightly further afield, divers might see turtles, manta rays and even whales during certain periods of the year, so it’s definitely worth spending a few days discovering breathtaking Fiji on a superyacht .

Aimed at families and couples alike, there will be a dive centre, luxury spa, kids club, and tennis court alongside a variety of restaurants that will serve dishes that use locally sourced ingredients or produce grown on the island itself.

There is a choice of five luxury hilltop residences and 21 beachside villas, all of which feature sustainable and traditional Fijian design and have private pools. Guests will also be able to make use of in-house services, such as a chef, butler or nanny.

Though Kokomo Island officially launches at the end of March 2017, some villas will be available on a limited basis from January 2017, making it the perfect new location for exploring, whether for those with a private yacht or who want to charter a superyacht in Fiji . Superyachts have been welcomed back to Fiji after Cycle Winston , which washed a number of ships, yachts and boats ashore in late February 2016.

Pictures courtesy of Kokomo Island

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Luxury Yacht Rental in Russia

Luxury yacht charter guide to russia.

From beautiful ballet and classical music in the capital to the ice clad bear rich far flung reaches of the North, Russia is always a rare experience. Nowhere in the world has captured such a sweeping variety and as the largest continent it makes sense that every corner should tell a completely different story. Still, what connects Russia from city to country, north to south, mountain to ocean, is its fairytale like landscapes and mythologically rich ways of life. From bear festivals and volcanoes in Kamchatka to the golden domes and dreams of Moscow, the rugged natural bliss of the Urals, and the remote archipelagos of the northwest, Russia is always a riddle.

Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Russia

Sacred places.

Majestic Russia is never a destination to shy away from grandeur. While the monolith continent spreads all the way from the balmy bright Mediterranean to the chill winds of the Arctic, a yacht charter to every corner takes you to sacred places. Ancient fortresses, elaborate ruins, leafy parks, traditional villages, and cobalt blue waters will take you sailing around the remote shores of Russia’s rare northwest where history, mythology, and edge of the world stories are sure to seep into your soul. Back in the big cities and its art, culture, and high society living.

Natural Splendor

A world of mountains, lakes, and forests with barely another soul in sight – parts of Russia (like the Urals) offer a quintessential back to nature experience that few have had the pleasure of soaking up. For those who desire to drink up cold and clear air, kayak around lost lakes, have the choice of a thousand mountain trails, and stumble through diamond bright subterranean ice caves, you will be spoilt for choice in Russia’s mountains and far reaching corners.

Indigenous Culture

Surrounded by rings of fire, bears, and ice, the people of Far East Russia have had quite a time carving out their life on these shores. The indigenous culture of the Far East brings rich heritage, ancient ritual, and deep-set traditions, from the Ainu people to the Nivks, and the Koryaks, for centuries they have made their home upon the harsh land. The Nivks are semi nomadic folk who pay worship to the bear and hold an annual festival to celebrate this fact. The Ainu have a strong musical heritage and elaborate tattoos. And the Koryak place emphasis on the reindeer as being one of the most important animals in their lives.

Where to Visit in Russia

Sheer majesty marks Moscow on the map as being the cultural epicenter of Russia. From its impressively ornate skyline flecked with golden domes to its historic café culture and rich history, there is so much to see and do. The Kremlin and the Red Square will woo any history buff, as will the many communist state remains scattered throughout. The city is also home to no less than six hundred churches all adorned in orthodox finery. For those yacht charter guests hoping to fill their hours with beautiful ballet performances, ice cold vodka, chandeliers and caviar, Moscow is trimmed with luxury.

Kamchatka is out of this world bringing dreamy yacht charter scenes of bears standing against volcanic backdrops and skies every shade of lavender. With a peninsula rinsed by the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea, Kamchatka offers amazing water exploration where you can kayak alongside killer whales and surf the easy peelers of the pacific. Kamchatka is sheer outdoor adventure; climb a volcano, snorkel with seals, and take dramatic helicopter flights over spitting geysers deep in the volcanic laced interior.

Solovetsky Island

Sitting in the equally mystical sounding White Sea, the Solovetsky Islands are a far-flung remote archipelago boasting six main islands and hundreds of lakes. There’s a gloriously impressive fort and monastery standing proud on the main island and traditional village settlements that invite you to enjoy intimate encounters with the locals. The monastery is a UNESCO heritage site and still home to a handful of monks. The backdrop from which the islands shine is a medieval tapestry of woodlands, wilderness, empty bays, and big skies.

Ural Mountains

From the Arctic Ocean across to Kazakhstan, the Ural Mountains ripple like the backbone of Russia, stretching on for no less than 2.5 thousand kilometers. Mighty, untouched, and cleaving Europe and Asia in half, the Urals can be daunting to discover. But for those yacht charter guests intrepid enough to make the journey, you will be treated to a whirlwind of blue lakes, old Russian orthodox churches, holy mountains, not to mention rivers and ice caves that could put even the most vivid fantasy landscapes to shame.

When to Charter a Yacht in Russia

The summer months are the only times when sailing to the remote corner of Russia are possible. This is a land that suffers harsh winters and white night summers. Between the months of May and September but closer to the summer peak (mid-July) means that you are able to enjoy ambient temperatures and a wealth of awakened wildlife.

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