Megayacht art gallery leaves some feeling unwelcome

"The rich are different from you and me."- F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Lots of buzz has surrounded the eye-catching private yacht SeaFair that has been docked at the Charleston City Marina since earlier this week. The sleek $40 million five-story mega-boat actually resembles a fine piece of sculpture more than a seafaring vessel.

But it is a vessel with little soul for the ordinary folk.

As a reporter who covers the visual arts, I decided to accept an invitation to have a look at what yacht co-owner David Lester described in a Post and Courier article as "exhibitions that normally exist only in larger cities." The well-designed invitation featured color pictures of jewelry and sculpture and paintings and promised that visitors would "meet purveyors and consumers and discover the latest trends of the flourishing luxury market."

When we arrived at the SeaFair, instead of receiving a friendly greeting, a woman immediately informed us, in icy tones, that we had to show a picture I.D. and fill out an extensive form giving all our phone numbers, addresses, e-mails and Web sites.

"Now, step back so that I can get your picture," said another young woman, who appeared to belong in an airport inspection line. When so ordered, the well-dressed couple behind us turned on their heels and left.

For more on this story see Saturday's Post and Courier.