ST DAVID yacht charter French Riviera, 60m Benetti
· 6 min read
For those who value space, poise, and service, ST DAVID yacht charter French Riviera sets a compelling standard. The 60m Benetti delivers cinematic days at sea and polished evenings at anchor.
Yacht overview
ST DAVID is a 60m Benetti conceived by Winch Design expressly for world‑class chartering, refreshed by a comprehensive 2025 refit. Her scale suits the Riviera’s rhythm: mornings at anchor off the Îles de Lérins, afternoons alongside in Saint‑Tropez, and showpiece evenings under the skyline of Monaco. A dramatic two‑level master suite crowned by a panoramic skylight sets the tone for the interior—crafted, symmetrical, and calm—while expansive exterior decks become natural stages for hosting. Recognized by Robb Report as “Best Charter Yacht,” ST DAVID balances privacy with occasion, making her a superb choice for multi‑day cruising between Cannes, Antibes, and Cap Ferrat. For guests seeking a refined yet versatile base for a French Riviera yacht charter, she pairs generous volume with an experienced crew and a charter‑smart layout that keeps every hour purposeful.
Yacht specifications
A tri‑deck superyacht with genuine presence, ST DAVID offers the right dimensions and staffing for extended Riviera itineraries. Built by Benetti with exterior and interior styling by Winch Design, her refit in 2025 renewed soft furnishings, upgraded guest‑use systems, and refreshed deck spaces. Accommodation spans six suites for a party of twelve, supported by a seasoned crew of fifteen to deliver discreet, anticipatory service.
Principal particulars
- Length: 60 metres
- Guests: 12
- Cabins: 6 (including a two‑level master suite)
- Crew: 15
- Builder: Benetti
- Design: Winch Design
- Refit: 2025
Onboard experience
Life aboard centers on thoughtful zones that flow from wellness to celebration. Begin in the indoor/outdoor gym, then step to the sun deck for a jacuzzi soak with horizon views. A private spa room invites post‑swim massages, while the shaded sky lounge bar is primed for sunset aperitifs. Alfresco dining terraces handle everything from quiet breakfasts to formal dinners, and an outdoor cinema transforms the top deck into a Riviera screening room after dark. Inside, Winch Design’s grand stair and balanced proportions elevate everyday moments, and the master’s double‑height volume with skylight feels tailored for long stays. At the waterline, the wide swim platform functions as a beach club for effortless access to toys and the sea. The result is a charter platform that feels composed by day and atmospheric at night—ideal for a luxury yacht rental French Riviera.
Best destinations & anchorages from the Riviera
From Saint‑Tropez to Monaco, ST DAVID’s range and stability make short work of classic hops. Drop anchor off Pampelonne for a tender into Club 55, trace the red cliffs of the Estérel toward Cannes, or spend a quiet morning among the pines of the Îles de Lérins. Eastward, the Baie des Milliardaires at Cap d’Antibes and the natural amphitheatre of Villefranche‑sur‑Mer offer sheltered, scenic anchorages. For a grand entrance, time your arrival into Port Hercule, Monaco, for dinner ashore and a late‑night return to the sky lounge. With favourable conditions, Porquerolles and Port‑Cros are within reach for a day among turquoise shallows and protected coves—an elegant counterpoint to the Riviera’s social pace.
Approximate cruising times (weather dependent)
- Saint‑Tropez to Pampelonne: 20–30 minutes
- Saint‑Tropez to Cannes: ~2 hours
- Cannes to Îles de Lérins: 15–30 minutes
- Antibes to Monaco: 1.5–2 hours
- Nice to Villefranche: 15–20 minutes
Beach clubs & shore highlights
Charter days here are as much about the shore scene as the water. Off Pampelonne, pair a relaxed anchorage with lunches at Club 55, Bagatelle, Nikki Beach, or La Réserve à la Plage. In Cannes, laze off Île Sainte‑Marguerite before a tender run to La Guérite. Around Cap d’Antibes, Eden‑Roc’s private pontoon delivers Riviera theatre; to the east, La Réserve de la Mala sits beneath dramatic cliffs at Cap d’Ail. For culture and shopping, plan a stroll through Saint‑Tropez’s old port and Place des Lices, then reserve tables in Monaco around Casino Square. ST DAVID’s crew coordinate tender logistics, restaurant reservations, and discreet transfers, ensuring the yacht remains your steady base between beach club afternoons and elegant evenings ashore.
Sample multi‑day itineraries from the French Riviera
Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, ST DAVID adapts gracefully. A three‑day escape might run Saint‑Tropez – Cannes – Cap d’Antibes, focusing on beach clubs by day and anchored cinema nights. With five days, add Villefranche and Monaco for a balance of quiet bays and marquee harbours. A seven‑day circuit can include Porquerolles and the Estérel, then track east via the Lérins to Cap Ferrat and on to Monaco for a finale.
Suggested routes
- 3 days: Saint‑Tropez – Pampelonne – Cannes – Cap d’Antibes
- 5 days: Saint‑Tropez – Îles de Lérins – Villefranche – Monaco
- 7 days: Porquerolles – Estérel – Cannes – Cap Ferrat – Monaco
Guest capacity, crew & service
ST DAVID accommodates 12 guests across six suites, highlighted by a showpiece, double‑height master. A crew of 15 delivers the cadence of a fine hotel at sea—attentive on deck, polished at table, and invisible when privacy is preferred. While alongside or at anchor, the team orchestrates seamless days around shore plans and water sports. For safety and compliance, most charters limit guest numbers to 12 while underway; quayside entertaining may be arranged by prior agreement and within regulations. Families appreciate the flexible cabin configuration, while business groups value the discreet service and multiple breakout areas for conversation, meetings, or celebrations.
Watersports & toys
ST DAVID’s broad swim platform becomes the launchpad for active days. Expect effortless water access and a catalog of guest‑favourite toys. Skim the surface on Seabobs, open up the pace on waverunners where permitted, and explore beneath the waves with scuba diving gear under the crew’s guidance. Between sessions, the sun deck jacuzzi and shaded lounges keep the day unhurried. For guests focused on wellness, the indoor/outdoor gym and private spa treatments create a satisfying balance to high‑energy water time. Exact toy inventories can evolve with refits; your broker will confirm the current line‑up prior to embarkation to tailor the program to your group.
Fuel, APA and what’s included
Charter fees cover the yacht and her professional crew; operating expenses are handled via an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), typically 30–35% of the charter fee. The APA settles fuel, berthing, provisioning, local taxes where applicable, and incidentals at cost with full accounting. On the French Riviera, fuel is excluded on day charters, and welcome champagne is not included unless requested through the APA. French VAT applies in accordance with current regulations and itinerary. Inclusions normally extend to linens, onboard amenities, and standard ship’s laundry. Your charter manager will align the provisioning style with your preferences and confirm any special services such as spa therapists, security, or private drivers through the APA.
Why choose ST DAVID for the French Riviera
Purpose‑built for hosting and freshly refitted, ST DAVID is an assured choice for a ST DAVID charter along the Côte d’Azur. Her grand tri‑deck design supports large‑scale gatherings without sacrificing quiet corners. Refined finishes create a premium onboard environment, and the suite layout is designed for long‑duration comfort and privacy. She performs smoothly on extended coastal passages, with an upper deck ideal for sunset cocktails and open‑air dining. The aft platform stays wide and level for simple boarding and water access. Add her award pedigree and experienced crew, and you have a flagship platform for a luxury yacht rental French Riviera that feels as composed at anchor as she does gliding into Monaco.
Booking & next steps
Availability in peak months is limited. As a guide, weekly rates for ST DAVID begin around €360,000 plus expenses and applicable VAT; final pricing and terms are confirmed on the yacht’s listing. For current dates and a tailored proposal for a French Riviera yacht charter, review ST DAVID availability & pricing and speak with our charter team. If you are exploring ideas beyond the Riviera, our Mediterranean itineraries provide further inspiration. For day charter French Riviera requests, the team will advise feasibility around the yacht’s schedule and berthing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ST DAVID yacht charter French Riviera cost?
As a guide, expect from about €360,000 per week plus APA (30–35%) and applicable VAT in high season. Shoulder periods may price differently. Please refer to ST DAVID’s listing for current rates and availability.
What is the best time of year for a French Riviera yacht charter?
May to October is the main season. July and August are peak months with the most shore activity; late May–June and September–October offer warmer water, calmer marinas, and easier reservations.
How many guests can ST DAVID accommodate?
ST DAVID sleeps up to 12 guests in six suites. For safety and compliance, most charters limit to 12 guests while cruising. Quayside events may be considered with prior approval and within regulations.
Are licenses required to use the waverunners and water toys?
In France, a personal watercraft (PWC) license is required to drive waverunners. Where guests do not hold a license, the crew can arrange supervised sessions or a qualified instructor, subject to local rules and conditions.
What is included in the charter fee, and what is covered by APA?
The fee includes the yacht and crew. The APA (typically 30–35%) covers fuel, berths, food and beverages, and incidentals at cost. On the Riviera, fuel is excluded on day charters; welcome champagne is not included unless ordered via APA. VAT is additional under French regulations.
Where can we embark and disembark on the Riviera?
Common embarkation points include Saint‑Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Beaulieu, and Monaco, subject to berth availability and the yacht’s schedule. Your broker will coordinate optimal ports and tender transfers as needed.
Is ST DAVID available for day charters on the Riviera?
Primary bookings are weekly, especially in peak season. Select day charters may be considered subject to schedule, with fuel excluded and guest numbers typically limited to 12 while underway.
