Each week, we spotlight one yacht worth knowing. Not just for how it looks, but for how it changes the experience of where you are. Our charter yacht of the week is S/Y Sequoia, a handcrafted Indonesian phinisi designed for slow, immersive exploration across one of the most biodiverse regions on earth.
On Board: S/Y Sequoia Charter Yacht
What comes to your mind when you imagine an Indonesian sea safari trip? I would hazard a guess that the words ‘rainforests’, ‘scuba diving’ and ‘backpacking’ probably feature quite highly. I would also speculate that ‘fine wine’, ‘luxury’ and ‘wagyu beef steak’ would not appear. But this all changes once the 30.5-metre wooden charter yacht Sequoia sails into the picture.
Commissioned by American entrepreneur Kevin M. Corcoran and his Indonesian wife and business partner, Yessi Sari, in 2017, Sequoia is a hand-built, one-of-a-kind ‘phinisi’, a traditional two-masted Indonesian sailing yacht. Safety considerations were an integral part of Sequoia’s build. Constructed on the island of Sulawesi to U.S. Coast Guard standards, it is the only wooden yacht in Southeast Asia to meet these requirements.
Authentic to the core it may be — even down to the all-Indonesian crew employed by the owners — but Sequoia’s interiors draw their inspiration from a luxurious Swiss chalet, offering levels of comfort and service to match. The three large suites where guests are housed are finished with polished hardwoods and soft organic textiles for a laid-back mood, with multiple decks providing plenty of space to relax and share stories under the stars.
It is this combination of luxury, five-star service and unbridled adventure that makes Sequoia such a unique proposition among charter yachts in Indonesia.
Introducing the Sea Safari
Guests on board Sequoia — the yacht has capacity for 6–8 people across three cabins, making her well-suited for a family or a small group — can expect to spend their days face-to-face with some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife during a ‘sea safari’, before retreating to their floating base to drink fine wines and dine on world-class cuisine.
In terms of destinations, it’s hard to beat Sequoia’s hit list of paradisiacal spots. Sequoia and crew traverse Indonesia’s vast archipelago, estimated to encompass more than 17,000 islands. Sequoia’s shallow draft of just 2.5 metres enables access to secluded coves and untouched beaches that remain out of reach for most yachts, making her particularly well-suited to the more adventurous traveller – from a Komodo yacht charter to Raja Ampat yacht charter.
With Indonesia located at the centre of the Coral Triangle, home to over 574 coral species, Sequoia is exceptionally well-equipped for diving and snorkelling. Guests can become certified PADI divers on board or simply explore the reefs at their own pace.
Thanks to the richness of Indonesia’s biodiversity, which hosts up to 17% of the world’s known species of plants, mammals and birds, approximately 45% of global fish species and six of the seven known turtle species, Sequoia’s charterers have no shortage of experiences to choose from.
One bucket-list itinerary aboard this luxury phinisi yacht might begin in Raja Ampat’s crystal-clear waters, then move on to the Spice Islands’ dense rainforest and volcanic landscapes. For those seeking something more exhilarating, encounters with schooling hammerhead sharks offer a rare and unforgettable moment.
Alternatively, guests can combine a Borneo orangutan safari in Tanjung Puting National Park with an expedition to see Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, ticking off two of Indonesia’s ‘Big Five’, alongside manta rays, whale sharks, flying foxes and pygmy seahorses.
Despite the scale of adventure on offer, life on board Sequoia remains calm and considered. The pace is unhurried, shaped by the rhythm of the sea rather than schedules. An onboard masseur adds another layer of ease, while hands-on experiences such as traditional textile crafting offer a more grounded connection to place.
Food plays an equally important role in the experience. In collaboration with modern Indonesian cuisine expert Chef Petty Pandean, the menu blends seasonal local ingredients with premium imports, creating something that feels both rooted and refined.
Dishes might include sate lilit (Balinese seafood satay), soto makassar (South Sulawesi wagyu beef soup), sunda pepes ikan (steamed tuna in banana leaves) and martabak manis (a pandan-infused sweet pancake from West Java). All dietary requirements can be accommodated, and an extensive wine list is available for those who wish to pair accordingly.
On board Sequoia Charter Yacht of the Week
- 30.5m traditional Indonesian phinisi
- 3 cabins | 6–8 guests
- All-Indonesian crew
- Built to U.S. Coast Guard standards
What to expect
- Raja Ampat and Komodo itineraries
- Diving in the Coral Triangle with onboard PADI instructor
- Wildlife encounters: manta rays, whale sharks and Komodo dragons
- Cultural experiences, village visits
On the water
- Full dive set-up (AquaLung equipment, compressor, 20 tanks)
- Kayaks, paddleboards, water skis
- Fishing gear and sports equipment
Why Sequoia
Whether it’s accessed through the palate or the snorkel, a charter on board Sequoia offers a uniquely immersive way to explore one of the most naturally diverse regions on earth, where many of the sights on offer need to be seen to be fully understood.
Sequoia operates in Komodo National Park during the summer season and Raja Ampat in winter. Weekly rates start at USD 77,000, all-inclusive. Check out S/Y Sequoia’s full profile in AWAY’s charter yacht directory.
TRENDING ARTICLES
FEATURED YACHT
