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Article selected from our quarterly magazine dedicated to the largest
and most luxurious boats with information, interviews, technical
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TORACIFE
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The West Coast International's fleet
also includes "Toracife", a 1968 Benetti with steel hull that offers maximum
comfort during navigation, thanks to the internal and external living quarters
and its steel hull fitted with stabiliser fins, ideal for day charter or large
events when moored and private or business parties with a holding capacity of
up to 100-120 guests. As far back as 1980 when it was called "Empress of
Cannes" this motor yacht was already used for charters by its owner, an
English gentlemen who, together with his wife, ran the business while
simultaneously acting as captain. At that time and in later years, "Empress of
Cannes" moored on the C“te d'Azur in the old port at Cannes at the start of
the quay near the Palais du Festival and the Casino. With the next owner, the
motor yacht was used almost exclusively for moored parties, right at the time
when Corporate Charter was taking off, particularly along the C“te d'Azur.
Over time, the Benetti has rigorously and regularly undergone maintenance and
modernisation work. In particular, in 1990 when "Toracife" underwent major
refitting, especially the engines that were dismantled, reconditioned and
restored to new. Between 1995 and 1996, the owner at that time replaced most
of the equipment, electronic instruments and accessories, bringing "Toracife"
up to date with the latest in technology. The later and present owners,
previously owners of Pierre Cardin's former yacht "Maxime des Mers", also
started restoring and modernising the interiors and equipment, fitting it with
essential accessories such as satellite TV in each cabin, Internet connection
via wireless, numerous electronic games for children and adults with maxi
screen, plus "toys" dedicated to bathing activities. Furthermore,
"Toracife"'s on board systems were updated with a new desalinator and the
installation of a powerful crane capable of raising the on board Boston 16"
tender. The interiors have preserved their appeal with furnishings in mahogany
with the added luxury of new and elegant upholstery as well as new sets of
towels, silverware and sheets. "Toracife" offers six large guest cabins with
en suite bathrooms, with comfortable daytime areas well laid out across the
three upper bridges. Great care was paid to convivial areas both inside, where
there is a double lounge with dining area, and outside, especially on the
upper bridge, where further areas dedicate to relaxation and sunbathing have
been created. There is everything you would need for a long journey: in fact,
on board there is a complete laundry service and vast kitchen area. "Toracife"
has adapted perfectly to modern times in relation to safety standards and is
presently going through the registration stage to become a Maxi-yacht,
something that offers the advantage of VAT exemption in the charter business.
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