NELA yacht charter French Riviera | Benetti 42m superyacht
· 6 min read
NELA yacht charter French Riviera is the refined way to explore Saint‑Tropez, Cannes and Monaco with the calm, contemporary poise of a modern Benetti. Designed for seamless indoor‑outdoor living, she sets the tone for unhurried days along the Côte d’Azur.
Yacht overview
M/Y NELA, formerly Soy Amor, is a 42m Benetti whose Italian lines and measured proportions feel perfectly at home on the Côte d’Azur. Panoramic windows flood the main saloon with natural light, while generous exterior decks create distinct scenes for breakfast at anchor, shaded afternoons, and candlelit dinners under way. Stabilisers at anchor and underway ensure a smooth ride between coves, with a calm, quiet ambience throughout. With the beach club set just above the waterline and a sundeck Jacuzzi forward, days naturally flow between swim sessions and leisurely lunches. NELA’s warm contemporary interiors and discreet service make her a sophisticated choice for a French Riviera yacht charter. For guests seeking understated luxury, privacy and an elegant platform for entertaining, a NELA yacht charter French Riviera delivers exactly what this coastline demands—effortless comfort and time well spent.
Yacht specifications
NELA balances generous guest volume with the ease of a proven Benetti platform, refit in 2025 for today’s charter expectations. She is configured for family groups and friends who value space, quiet cruising and the convenience of multiple lounging zones across three decks.
Principal particulars
Concise details for planning your luxury yacht rental French Riviera:
- Length: 42 m
- Guests: up to 12
- Cabins: 5 guest cabins
- Crew: 9 professional crew
- Shipyard: Benetti
- Refit: 2025
- Stabilisers: at anchor and underway
- Features: sundeck Jacuzzi, beach club, multiple alfresco dining areas, full air conditioning
Onboard experience
Inside, the main saloon features floor‑to‑ceiling glass and a relaxed, open layout that encourages conversation. Materials are tactile and contemporary—think light woods, refined textiles and clean-lined furnishings—tempered by soft lighting for evening ambience. Sliding doors open to the aft terrace for casual dining, while the upper deck offers a more formal setting with long Riviera views. On the sundeck, the Jacuzzi sits forward with sunpads, a bar and shaded seating; aft, loose lounges allow the crew to reconfigure spaces from yoga at sunrise to cocktails at dusk. The beach club is the natural base for swim days, with swift tender access and efficient toy handling by the deck team. Stabilisers reduce motion at rest and under way, keeping conversations and meals undisturbed. Throughout, climate control and thoughtful circulation make life onboard as comfortable as a modern coastal villa.
Best destinations & anchorages from the French Riviera
From Saint‑Tropez, slip out to the Baie des Canebiers for a quiet morning swim, then on to Pampelonne for lunch ashore. Cap Taillat is a favourite for translucent water and an easy return run before sunset. Cruising east, the Îles de Lérins off Cannes offer pine‑scented anchorages and sheltered waters; Saint‑Tropez to the Lérins is typically a comfortable half‑day passage. Between Antibes and Cap d’Antibes, La Garoupe gives postcard‑worthy clarity, while Villefranche‑sur‑Mer’s deep, amphitheatre bay is ideal for a protected overnight with the lights of the old town ashore. Around Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat, Paloma Bay remains a classic; slide further to the dramatic cliffs of Cap d’Ail and the cove at Mala before a stately arrival in Monaco. Tender hops to shore are quick, and with NELA’s calm cruising profile, relocations of one to three hours fit neatly between breakfast and late lunch.
Beach clubs & shore highlights
The Riviera’s beach culture is as much a part of the day as the water itself. In Pampelonne, Club 55 remains a timeless lunch setting, while Bagatelle and Nikki Beach bring upbeat afternoons. La Réserve à la Plage offers polished service and a refined menu steps from the tender. Around Cap d’Antibes, Plage Keller pairs clear water with a serious kitchen; on Cap Ferrat, Paloma Beach is a classic for family‑friendly swims. Between Cap Ferrat and Monaco, Anjuna in Èze-sur-Mer and La Mala in Cap d’Ail make memorable stops. Beyond the clubs, Cannes’ old town and Marché Forville reward an early tender ashore, and Monaco’s evening calendar rarely disappoints. Your captain and concierge can balance high-energy reservations with more low‑key bays—exactly how a NELA charter should feel: effortless, well-timed, and tailored to your party.
Sample multi-day itineraries from the French Riviera
NELA is designed for unhurried, multi‑stop cruising—covering several highlights without rushing. Embarkation is typically arranged in Saint‑Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Nice or Monaco, with embark/disembark combinations available to suit flights and restaurant reservations.
Suggested routes
Two ideas to frame a French Riviera yacht charter:
- 3 nights: Saint‑Tropez embark • Baie des Canebiers and Pampelonne • Îles de Lérins overnight • Cap d’Antibes swim • Villefranche-sur-Mer • Monaco disembark.
- 7 nights: Saint‑Tropez • Cap Taillat • Porquerolles (weather permitting) • Cannes & Îles de Lérins • Antibes & Cap d’Antibes • Cap Ferrat & Villefranche • Monaco. Distances are comfortable, with most relocations 1–3 hours.
Guest capacity, crew & service
With accommodation for up to 12 guests in 5 cabins, NELA suits extended families and friends who appreciate privacy and space aboard. The cabin layout supports both shared time and quiet moments, with the crew deftly managing transitions from beach mornings to dress‑up dinners. Nine professional crew run operations with the light touch expected on a Benetti, from a knowledgeable captain who times passages to the chef curating market‑fresh menus. Discreet service, swift tender handling, and attentive turn‑downs keep the yacht feeling immaculate throughout. For a day charter French Riviera, regulations typically cap guest numbers at 12, which NELA accommodates comfortably across her terraces and salons. Whether you embark in Saint‑Tropez, Cannes or Monaco, the team orchestrates a seamless arrival so your first hour onboard feels like the holiday has already begun.
Watersports & toys
The beach club is the basecamp for play, with rapid launch and recovery so the day never feels interrupted. Calm morning seas suit paddle boards and snorkelling; as the breeze fills, switch to towables and skis. For adrenaline, the crew supervise jet skis and seabobs in clearly defined zones, keeping the cove relaxed for those on deck. After a swim, rinse off and settle into the shaded aft terrace before a late‑afternoon cruise to the next bay. Equipment carried includes:
- Tender for beach drops and shore transfers
- Jet skis
- Seabobs
- Paddle boards
- Snorkelling gear
- Waterskis and wakeboards
- Towables
- Select gym equipment on deck
- Full air conditioning across interior spaces
Fuel, APA and what’s included
Weekly charters are quoted plus expenses, typically via an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) collected before embarkation to cover fuel, berthing, provisions and incidentals; any balance is reconciled at disembarkation. As a guide, many Mediterranean charters work with an APA in the 30–40% range of the base rate, with local VAT applicable per itinerary. The base charter fee includes the yacht, crew and standard onboard equipment. Not included: fuel, harbour dues, provisioning, dockage, transfers, premium wines and spirits, and crew gratuity at the client’s discretion. For day operations on the Côte d’Azur, fuel is excluded on French Riviera day charters and is charged based on actual consumption. Welcome champagne is not included, though your broker will pre‑stock according to your preferences. For current terms and any special requirements, please refer to NELA’s listing.
Why choose NELA for the French Riviera
NELA’s strengths align precisely with how the Riviera is best enjoyed: measured distances, placid anchorages and long alfresco meals. Her layout supports both celebratory days and quieter family time, with the crew orchestrating a smooth rhythm from morning swims to twilight arrivals. Highlights include:
- Balanced hull for confident motion close to open water
- Salon arranged for easy, convivial gatherings
- Five cabins sized for long weekends and full‑week escapes
- Efficient routing for multi‑stop days along the coast
- Calm foredeck lounge for private views under way and at anchor
- Aft deck and beach club that transition guests straight to the sea
Booking & next steps
NELA charters from €180,000 per week plus expenses; consult the yacht’s page for live availability, seasonal rates and current terms. Whether you are planning a discreet family week or a polished corporate cruise, our team will shape the itinerary, restaurant bookings and shore logistics around your plans. To start your NELA yacht charter French Riviera, request a tailored proposal with preferred dates and embarkation port. We will hold options with the owner, advise on VAT and APA, and coordinate menus and toys ahead of time so embarkation is seamless. When you are ready, secure your dates with a standard MYBA agreement and let the crew handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What does NELA cost to charter on the French Riviera?
NELA is typically offered from €180,000 per week plus expenses (APA and applicable VAT). For exact seasonal rates and any special terms, please see the yacht’s listing and speak with our team.
Is NELA suitable for a day charter on the Côte d’Azur?
Yes—subject to availability and the owner’s approval, NELA can be arranged for a refined day charter French Riviera experience for up to 12 guests. Day rates and fuel are additional; enquire for a tailored quote.
How many guests can sleep onboard and how many can cruise?
NELA accommodates up to 12 guests in 5 cabins for overnight charters. For day use, commercial regulations generally allow a maximum of 12 guests while cruising on this class of yacht.
When is the best season to charter NELA on the Riviera?
May to October offers the most reliable conditions, with peak season in July and August. June and September are prized for warm seas and lighter crowds—ideal for a French Riviera yacht charter.
Do I need a license to use the jet skis?
In France, a personal watercraft license (such as the French Permis Côtier or an accepted RYA equivalent) is required to operate jet skis. Without a license, guests may ride as passengers or under supervised operation by the crew where permitted.
What is included in the charter fee and what is covered by the APA?
The base fee covers the yacht, crew and standard equipment. The APA, collected in advance, covers fuel, berthing, provisions, drinks and incidentals during the charter, with a final reconciliation at the end of the trip.
