It only takes one trip on the high seas to fall for it, which explains why venture capitalist Todd Chaffee made the most of his success, going from a simple kayak to a beautiful Italian superyacht. The 207-foot Benetti yacht, Artisan, has been impressive from the start. First commissioned by German billionaire Wilhelm Beier as Metis, she snagged accolades for her striking exterior design in 2019 and at the World Superyacht Awards in 2020.
Chaffee bought the yacht in 2021, renaming her Artisan as a nod to the hardworking creators behind her.
As a hard worker who launched the premium tequila brand Cierto, he enjoyed two exciting years on the yacht with friends and family before putting her up for charter at over $600,000 a week. Now sold for $62 million, Artisan has passed into her third set of hands in six years, but her charm remains intact.
For Chaffee, the water has always felt like home. As a young boy of three or four, he hopped into canoes and camouflage-painted duck-hunting boats with his outdoorsy parents, exploring pristine lakes and scenic views. That early bond with water never left him. Moving to California meant upgrading to a superyacht, but it wasn’t a whim; it was a calculated decision after a decade of chartering experience. That’s what makes Artisan unique. She’s designed to win over even the most seasoned sea lovers with features that truly stand out.
Art in motion: the Artisan Yacht-
Once you get on a good boat, it’s hard to leave. That’s how it was for Todd Chaffee, who even had his first date with his now-wife Kat aboard a chartered yacht. Years of chartering always led him back to Benetti boats, making Artisan a natural choice.
Her bold vertical bow, long foredeck, and generous spaces are only the beginning. Artisan is built to host 12 guests in pure luxury, offering everything from a beach club to a gym, and a children’s playroom, with a nanny cabin doubling as a massage room.
When it comes to fun, she has it all, jet skis, kayaks, water skis, a floating pool, paddleboards, wave runners, a trampoline, and even a water slide.
For quieter moments, the aft bridge deck features a Jacuzzi and sun loungers, while the upper aft deck transforms into a cozy winter garden.
The millionaire loved taking tender rides at sunset, admiring his yacht in all its glowing splendor. To add to the experience, he included a Fjord 44 chase boat in Artisan’s fleet. It’s no surprise the yacht was snapped up within the first month of the year.
About Todd Chaffee-
Todd Chaffee seems to do everything well. A nine-time Midas List member (a ranking by Forbes that recognizes the most successful venture capitalists in the world), he joined the venture capital firm IVP in 2000 and invested in big names like Twitter, Netflix, and Coinbase. While making these power moves, he has built six homes, owns a plane, and bought his first 207-foot Benetti yacht.
Despite his lavish lifestyle, Chaffee balances it out by supporting environmental causes and acknowledging his carbon footprint. Through his NobleLight Foundation, he even planned to host underprivileged but talented children on Artisan, giving them a weeklong luxury experience. For Chaffee, it’s not just about success, it’s about making it meaningful.
