Caribbean Yacht Charter

If reports are to be believed, there's trouble in Paradis for Captain Jack Sparrow.     

People Magazine is reporting Hollywood A-list star Johnny Depp and his inamorata of 14 years, singer Vanessa Paradis are calling it quits.  According the the mag's cover story, Depp, 48, and the Chanel model, 39, have not appeared together at a public event for more than a year.

To the movie-going public, Depp is best known for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow, the central protagonist of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise.  In the yachting industry, the actor is more familiar as the celebrity owner of a mega yacht charter vessel often seen cruising the pristine waters of the Bahamas.

This week's office water-cooler question: will the split lead Depp to rename his Bahama yacht charters motor yacht, VaJoLiRoJa?

The boat’s clever name comes from combining the first few letters of each family member’s name, partner Vanessa Paradis, Johnny, and their kids, Lily-Rose and Jack. 

If Johnny drops Vanessa, can we assume the multi-syllabic boat name will shed its current first syllable - leaving us with JoLiRoJa?  We kind of like that - if you say it fast enough it sounds like, "Jolly Roger"  — a perfect name for this 156 foot yacht of distinctive character.

But wait, what if its Vanessa forcing Johnny to, "Walk the plank?"  If she keeps custody of the yacht, the new name could be VaLiRoJa.   Has a nice sound to it - kinda rolls off the tongue...

Perhaps the best name for the yacht is RANSOM, as in Depp's reported $300 gross profit sharing booty from Disney's Pirates movie franchise.  

==========

View our favorite celebrity-owned mega yacht charter vessels, then contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to plan your own adventure at sea.

Available in the Caribbean from 21 January to 21 February 2012, motor yacht SIREN is offering a special discounted rate to lure charter customers.

With permission of the yacht's owner, SailAway Yacht Charters is extending a 15% price break for any 7-night charter between January 21 and February 21, 2012.   The special rate is €400,000 per week, plus running expenses - a savings of €76,000, based on the published rate of €476,000 per week.

One of the largest luxury mega yachts available for hire, this vessel can accommodate 12 guests in 6 suites.

At 73 meters in overall length, this 2008 yacht was built by one of Germany’s most renowned shipyards - Nobiskrug. Motor yacht SIREN is certainly one of the most important mega yachts in the world today. Her design and build quality are second to none. The yacht’s deck spaces are a marvel in terms of style and usability.

Power and Motoryacht Magazine ranks this yacht at #53 on their annual list of the World’s 100 Largest Yachts.

Key Features:
►Minimalist design creates a feeling of balance and harmony
►Generous deck spaces provide an inspired platform for outdoor living, including an outdoor cinema.
►Vast array of water sports equipment
►Main stateroom's private balcony
►Full Gym
►Ondeck Jacuzzi

==========================

For a list of all yachts offering winter and spring discounts, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

Following a downgrade in credit ratings of nine euro zone countries, Reuters reports the euro is likely to post further losses in the coming week after it dropped on Friday the 13th to its lowest against the U.S. dollar in nearly 17 months. 

As the euro continues to slide opportunities to secure value prices on Caribbean yacht charter vacations will flourish, says Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters.

"Many of the yachts we represent for mega yacht charters are owned by European investors.  They set their rates in Euros - a currency that is being battered by the downgraded credit ratings of euro zone countries like France, Spain, and Italy," says Sheeder.

American travelers looking to secure rental vacations on European-owned superyachts are seeing their US dollar stretch further than in the past two charter seasons.  "US-based travelers were on the short end of the stick for quite some time," says Sheeder.  "As their dollars continue to strengthen they can upgrade to larger yachts without paying more money. The foreign currency pendulum is definitely swinging in their direction."

The growing inventory of luxury vessels for hire, coupled with low demand due to the global recession is further putting pressure on charter rates.  "The shrinking euro plus excess inventory and low demand is creating tremendous value for United States residents looking to charter in the Caribbean this winter and even in the Mediterranean this summer," explains Sheeder.

The 70-meter motor yacht NUMPTIA, for example, recently announced a euro rate reduction, combined with extra free charter days for the remainder of the Caribbean season.  

Sheeder and her advisors believe the tumble is not over.  "The breakdown in talks between Greece and its creditor banks means Greece is on the verge of collapse. This could continue the downtrend in the euro," states Sheeder. 

Some currency strategists see the euro possibly hitting $1.25 by the end of next week, with a target of between $1.21-$1.22.   The euro plunged to a low of $1.26240, its weakest level since late August 2010, on the EBS trading platform. On Friday the 13th, it last traded at $1.26830, down 1.1 percent on the day. The euro, down slightly on the week, posted its third straight weekly loss, based on EBS data.

"On the bright side," says Sheeder, the tumbling euro will provide a significant incentive for  Americans to book European-owned yachts at a deeply-discounted price for many months to come."

===================

REVIEW LUXURY YACHT CHARTER SPECIALS AND INCENTIVES at http://www.1800sailaway.com/brochure/listings/yacht-specials.

It sounds like the plot of a Jules Verne science fiction novel - three teams of intrepid explorers are locked in a race to reach the deepest depths of the ocean.  Each team is scrambling to build and launch a high-tech submarine capable of withstanding a dangerous journey seven miles straight down to the bottom of the sea.

It's a landscape of pitch blackness and freezing cold temperatures - an abyss where strange, pale-colored sea creatures dart between the rocks.  The dangers are immense - the pressure is so great that a human would be instantly crushed into a small clump of flesh and bone.

But this story isn't science fiction. It's the real-life drama of the race between three teams to reach the sea floor of the Mariana Trench, the most isolated and extreme environment on Earth.

Two of the teams are headed by famous celebrities with deep pockets and an unending quest for adventure.  British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, owner of the 32 meter (111 foot) luxury yacht charter vessel NECKER BELLE is one.  The other is Hollywood filmmaker, James Cameron.  Cameron, the director of Avatar, Titanic and The Abyss has already pumped $10 million into his sub, whose design is a closely guarded secret.

Then there is the underdog - Patrick Lahey.  In a novel or movie, Lahey's character is Everyman - the little guy with the big dream and the courage to take on bigger, more powerful foes.

Lahey is president of tiny Central Florida company Triton Submarines.  The blue-collar diver and his band of submariners are heavy underdogs to their wealthy competitors. But if they can dive their uniquely designed sub to the bottom of the trench before Branson and Cameron do, they'll be heroes. They also hope to persuade the reality television producers of the Deadliest Catch to film the whole race, in which case Everyman Lahey and his team might even get rich.

Lahey's motivation, however, is not money.  His dream is to open the deep sea to thousands of people. Triton plans to take tourists two at a time to the trench, and Lahey hopes to sell the transparent-hulled subs to mega­yacht owners around the world.   Bahama yacht charters motor yacht MINE GAMES is one of the first charter vessels to carry an onboard submarine  as part of the yacht's watertoy inventory.

"We're interested in getting more people to give a sh** about the ocean," Lahey says. "The future of our species depends on it, yet 95 percent of the ocean has never been explored. It really is the last frontier on Earth."

========

Unleash the explorer spirit within you!  Contact the SailAway destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to charter a private yacht in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and beyond.

Anyone who follows our daily nautical blogs knows we love two things  - the world's largest yachts...and gadgets (especially gadgets that can be utilized and enjoyed during a luxury yacht charter).

With the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show underway in Las Vegas, it's time to pick our favorite new gadgets for 2012.  Here are our top three new gadgets of CES 2012:

GRIFFIN TWENTY
Megayachts like Feadship yacht charter vessel LADY BRITT and the themed James Bond boat Benetti motor yacht DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER feature iPod docking stations integrated into a ship-wide audio system.   For yachts without a centralized audio system, the Griffin Twenty should prove to be a popular addition to onboard entertainment options. 

The Griffin Twenty streaming audio device turns any Apple AirPort Express into a full stereo system.

The device has a simple, elegant design, just a plug for the AirPort Express and a large dial for volume. As its name implies, the Twenty has an internal 20-watt amp and outputs for left and right stereo speakers, plus a kickin' subwoofer. The concept is simple - the dial controls the volume, while the rest of the interface is taken care of through your iPhone, iPad or computer.

ROKU STREAMING STICK
Many Caribbean yacht charter vessels offer satellite TV as well as WiFi while dockside.  What's often missing is the charter guests favorite online content. 

Using the new HDMI MHL standard, the Roku Streaming Stick plugs into a port on newer TVs. The stick instantly gives any compatible set access to all of Roku's online content, from providers such as MLB, Netflix, and Pandora. The stick requires no dedicated power, features built-in WiFi, and is set to  launch in 2012 for under $100.

GO PRO Wi-Fi BACPAC
Whether enjoying a bareboat charter or a vacation on a fully-crewed yacht, waterproof cameras are a must.  YouTube is saturated with amateur vids of adrenaline junkies riding waverunners, bananas, and zipping along with underwater scooters.

The Go Pro name has become synonymous with adventure/sports photography, and the Wi-Fi BacPac and remote combo kit will users even more control over their favorite cameras.  Just snap the BacPac onto an HD Hero2 and you can control the camera from a durable, waterproof wrist-ready remote.  Using the Go Pro app, you can also control the camera from a smartphone, tablet, or computer via a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection. 

The BacPac also lets you stream a live view from the camera to your mobile devices, making sure you're getting just the right shot.

=====================

Seen any great new must-have gadgets?  Contact the SailAway tech geeks at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html with your favorite new gadgets and apps, and we'll share your comments with our readers.

From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, catamarans built by Sunreef Yachts are dominating the charter industry.  Vessels such as Sunreef 70 sail catamaran BLUE GURU and Sunreef 70 power catamaran DAMRAK II are redefining luxury at sea.

Now, word comes of a new entry into the marketplace by Sunreef, a Sunreef 60 power catamaran conceived in response to the growing demand for compact yet highly impressive multihull motoryachts. This yacht will have all the features of the popular 70 Sunreef Power, except its 27.8 foot (8.5 meter) beam makes it more convenient for crowded marinas, especially in the Mediterranean.

The first unit of the 60 Sunreef Power has been commissioned by a European owner, and will feature two double cabins in the forward section, two double cabins in the starboard hull, and one double, one bunk-bed cabin in the port hull. All cabins will have private bathrooms and plenty of storage space.  

Mediterranean yacht charter guests will find the interior of the main deck will feature the galley and a dining area, while a mezzanine floor located in the midship will feature the internal helm station and lounge, providing access to the forward guest cabins and the flybridge.

A spacious sun deck, a trademark on Sunreef models, comprises an external helm station, wet bar, dining area and a roomy sun pad, ideal for outdoor lounging in the sun.  Charter models will have an option to include a Jacuzzi on the flybridge.

The interior design is both modern and minimalist, with wenge and oak wood contrasts, and finished with cream and white upholstery and brushed stainless steel details.

The Sunreef 60 mould (mold USA) is already completed and the first unit is due for launch in late May 2012.

========================

When it comes to luxury sailing charter vacations, why rock the boat?  Charter a wide and stable catamaran for your next island holiday.  Contact the SailAway catamaran experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for more details and seasonal specials and discounts.

The biggest highlight of snorkeling during a Caribbean yacht charter is usually swimming among schools of fish, or seeing sea turtles and sting rays from afar. However, one charter yacht hopes to offer visitors the chance to frolic with a much larger marine animal.

Richard Branson's yacht, the sail catamaran NECKER BELLE, is offering two humpback whale watching charters this spring in the Silver Bank, a region in the Atlantic midway between Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic.

From January to March, humpback whales mate and calve in the Silver Bank, before migrating to colder waters.  According to Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, "you can slip into the water and snorkel with the calves as their mothers watch from a safe distance below."

Two weeklong expeditions are scheduled on the 105' catamaran NECKER BELLE, owned by adventurer and business tycoon Sir Richard Branson.  Charterers may choose either 16 - 23 February or 8 - 15 March, 2012.  

Launched in 2003 and rebuilt in 2009 at Azzura Yachts, Australia, the sail yacht NECKER BELLE was a finalist in the World Superyacht Awards 2010 in the "Best Refitted Yacht" Category.  The yacht received a Judges' Special Commendation.

Four guest cabins provide accommodation for 8 guests.  The master cabin offers a queen bed. Two VIP staterooms can convert from double to twin berths. The fourth cabin offers a double bed.  All staterooms offer ensuite bathrooms.  An additional 2 guests can be accommodated in the saloon - the sofa converts to a double bed. For the adventurous the two aft deck sun pads can be transformed into outdoor berths (removable tent-style structures protect guests from the elements) - great for those wishing to sleep under the stars! A shower is available in the day head for those using the outdoor berths or saloon.

The price per week is $130,000 and includes the yacht, professional crew, and the guidance of whale expert Tom Conlin of Aquatic Adventures.   Running expenses such as food, bar, and fuel are extra.    

When whales are sighted, charterers will have the opportunity to leave the yacht NECKER BELLE on an inflatable raft, led by naturalist guide Tom CONLIN, to get close to the whales.  There are a few situations in which snorkeling is not possible, like when two males are fighting for territory or a few males are trying to impress a female whale. But the calves are very curious and non-aggressive, and snorkelors are taught to approach them using slow, gentle movements.

“Being in the water and seeing a whale is a life-changing experience," says Sheeder.  "You’ll never forget it."

=======================

For reservation information to swim with whales in the Caribbean, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

The massive new 70 meter motor yacht NUMPTIA has been continually in the news since her late 2011 launch. The yacht has gained notice for her award-winning chef, Heather Kaniuk, as well as her unique and elegant wellness spa deck.

Now comes word the Caribbean yacht charter vessel hopes to lure more US-dollar business, by combining a rate reduction with complimentary extra charter days.

Effective immediately - for each week of charter booked, the customer will receive an additional 2 FREE DAYS OF CHARTER.  Thus, charterers can pay for 7 days and receive two more complimentary days onboard Rossi Navi luxury motor yacht NUMPTIA.

In addition to the free days, the yacht has converted her rates - from 490,000 EUROS per week to 490,000 US DOLLARS per week.  The effect of the foreign currency conversion results in a real dollar savings of $144,000 per week - the equivalent of a 23% price break. 

All rates are plus running expenses.

"This foreign currency conversion will have a special appeal to our US-based clients who have seen the value of the dollar pale in comparison to the Euro for the past 8 years,"  says yacht maven Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters. "Not only does this mitigate the loss of purchasing power of the foreign currency translation, but it provides a significant incentive to book this yacht at a deeply-discounted price."

The Italian-built superyacht features accommodations for 12 guests. Onboard amenities include an elevator between all decks, fireplace, super inflatable slide, and a massive 3D big screen TV.   Numptia's unique spa deck offers a fully-equipped gym, steam room, sauna, beauty salon, and massage room, plus forward exterior bar & dining areas on the spa deck to create the ultimate at-sea oasis.  

==================

Come enjoy a wellness vacation abord motor yacht NUMPTIA.  For reservations, contact the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/inquiry.php?y=numptia.

When planning a Caribbean yacht charter vacation, couples traveling with other couples often face an all-too-common hurdle:  Select a large, expensive yacht with equal cabins or choose a smaller, more affordable boat and draw straws to see which couple gets the cabin with two single beds.

Fortunately, a 37 meter Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel has come to the rescue of couples everywhere by offering equal cabins and affordable rates.

The 120 foot motor yacht TOUCH offers accommodations for 4 couples in 4 equal staterooms - each featuring a king size bed and ensuite bathroom. 

While similar-sized yachts are charging rates in excess of $75,000 plus expenses, per week, M/Y TOUCH has kept her prices reasonable - charging $65,000 per week, plus expenses, for 8 guests, during the 2012 Caribbean charter season.

Launched in 2004, the yacht underwent a $1.5 million refit in 2011.  The yacht was painted top-to-bottom, the entertainment system was upgraded with new flat screen TV’s, audio speakers and components, and new fabrics and coverings on most of the yacht's indoor and outdoor furniture.

Based in St Thomas, USVI, the yacht and her crew keep guests busy with an amazing assortment of watertoys such as a high-speed 29' sportfish tender, sea kayaks, snorkel gear, and an assortment of towable toys.  After a day of playing, a large ondeck Jacuzzi tub offers couples the chance to relax sore muscles and enjoy a cocktail under the stars.

Filling this special niche for couples should keep motor yacht TOUCH busy for years to come...

===============================

Planning an all-couples vacation in the Caribbean?  Let our destination experts show you the various options for both sailing yachts and motoryachts.  Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today for more details.  

The other day, a client texted his post-charter comments after returning from a 10 night luxury sailing charter vacation.  We responded and asked if everything went well.  Being his third Perini Navi yacht charter in the islands, we also asked if anything out of the ordinary occurred.

"Gr8 charter...all wnt well."  he replied.  "Nothing unusual but the skiing."

We texted, "A lot of peeps on H2O-skis?"  His reply nearly knocked us out of our chairs, "LOL - No...SNOW skis!"

It turns out, the most unusual ski adventure of the winter season wasn't taking place in Vail, Deer Valley, or Steamboat.  The unlikeliest of winter ski destinations this season is the Caribbean Sea, where dressing in layers of warm clothing will not be required, but sunscreen will be a must.

It's all taking place aboard a custom-built cruise ship that boasts a tall slope and lift at its stern, a rental chalet, and après-ski bar. 

Not to be outdone by the megayacht charter vessels known for their onboard amenities, the specialty cruise liner also boasts saunas and hot tubs.

White powder skiing purists may cringe at the fact the snow is not real and there is no  wintry crispness to the air.  But consider the bright side: deep blue skies, balmy temperatures every day, and a placid sea Caribbean sea with islands on the horizon.

Iglucruise, is the company offering this first-ever Caribbean ski excursion. A British-based travel company, the eight-day voyage departs from Barbados and includes stops at Tobago, Isla Margarita, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent.

The ski slope is almost 500 feet long, built atop the upper deck to afford fantastic views of the tropics. The slope is covered with a Perma-Snow carpet, said to almost feel like real snow.

The company's website states they are, "proud to announce the launch of their first cruiseship, a ground-breaking new ship to combine the passions of their loyal customers; skiing and cruising."

Expect for long lines at the lift, as the ship can carry 1,129 passengers.

News of this crazy adventure is spreading fast, and from comments by bloggers, the ski community isn't quite sure how to react.  One post read in part:

"I think it's a stretch to actually call it skiing, then again, speaking to the uniqueness of this idea, what a trip it's going to be for people to be linking turns on a cruise ship sailing across the famed waters of the Caribbean Sea. This is not a ski trip most of us would ever consider, then again name another time you've heard of such a trip being offered."

Prices for the cruise start as low as $1,240/pp.

===========================

While a luxury yacht charter vacation cannot offer snow-type skiing, the typical yacht does have a large assortment of aquasport toys and onboard amenities. For a great winter deal on a private yacht vacation, contact the SailAway charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  today.

Ready to cruise into the new year, the 190 foot Trinity Yachts motor yacht MI SUENO has announced a special reduced rate for Caribbean yacht charter vacations for the month of January, 2012.

Slashing more than 10% from the published rate of €280,000 per week plus expenses, motor yacht MI SUENO is available for this limited offer at a price of €250,000 per week, plus all expenses.  All running expenses, such as food, fuel and bar are extra. That is a savings of €30,000 per week!

Trinity yacht charter aficionados are quite familiar with this impressive yacht.  Launched in 2010, motor yacht MI SUENO is a standout in every respect.  Up to 12 charter guests will relax in comfort while at anchor, with the aid of zero speed (at anchor) Quantum stabilizers. Her onboard amenities include WiFi and Kaleidescape central movie/music server throughout. The yacht is also equipped with a 2-person, wheelchair-accessible elevator (to 3 levels). 

In addition to the full sun deck areas, conversation nooks abound on all decks, inside and outside, on this fascinating nautical creation. The sophisticated, contemporary interior is a tasteful mix of textures, fine art, and neutral colors in furnishings, carpets, and stonework.



Forward on the main deck is the full-width split-level Master Suite with King bed, featuring a private study, private lounge, and his/hers bathrooms.  Five additional ensuite staterooms below include a full-width VIP King suite, 2 matching King cabins, a wheelchair-accessible Queen stateroom, and a Twin cabin (with Pullman berth). There’s flexibility for a 7th stateroom by converting the Gym/Massage Room on the Bridge Deck into a guest cabins with 4 Pullman berths and ensuite bath.

The yacht's three exterior living areas are a joy to behold -- spacious and inviting with beautiful teak furniture on all levels. Guests can head up to the sundeck for a vigorous workout on the elliptical trainer…then ease into the Jacuzzi tub, followed by a quick dip in the plunge pool...and finish with a soothing massage in the gym on the Bridge Deck.  As the sun sets, enjoy cocktails and fine dining al fresco on the private deck, aft of the skylounge. 

Last but not least, this megayacht is loaded with aquasports gear and toys for those who like to get out on the water. Trinity yacht MI SUENO is standing by for your cruising pleasure.  “Mi casa es su casa!”  ("My home is your home!")

Note - not offered for charter to US residents while in US waters.

==================

Ready to escape the winter chill in the warm waters of the Caribbean islands?  Book a private luxury yacht charter with SailAway today -- contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html now.

They say, "Time flies when you're having fun."  It seems like yesterday we were looking forward to the launchings of 2011's newest yachts, and planning charters for special events like the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix.

As the year winds down and clients make their last-minute preparations for Christmas and New Year's Caribbean yacht charters, we take a minute to look back at our most popular yachting-related stories of 2011:  

Must-Have New Gadgets for 2012 - Our Top Three
Going on a Virgin Islands yacht charter is loads of fun, but getting there can be tedious.  Having a cool new gadget on hand is a great way to kill some time...

Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio SailAway Onboard Steven Spielberg Yacht
While gossip websites circulated a series of photographs purporting to show the "Gossip Girl" actress posing naked, Blake and Leo were seen relaxing and laughing onboard motoryacht SEVEN SEAS, Speilberg's multi-million dollar superyacht, during the recent Cannes Film Festival 2011...

Leave Your Clothes Behind - Top 2 Clothing Optional Caribbean Yacht Charter Destinations
It has been said a great vacation is all about escaping. For many, that means escaping the confines of their homes and the rigors of their work.  For others, it is best achieved by escaping the confines of their clothes...

Top Three Well-Traveled Celebrity Couples
From après-ski private chalets in Vail, to multi-deck behemoth superyacht vessels in the Caribbean, some celebrity power couples take traveling to the extreme...

European Prince Encourages Superyacht Industry to Go Green
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has introduced a program to encourage the builders of the world's largest yachts to use timber from sustainably managed forests...

World's Newest and Largest Yachts on Display in Monaco
Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway reflects on the Monaco Yacht Show - one of the greatest showcases of luxury charter vessels in the world.  Each year, approximately 100 megayachts from 25 to 90 meters long are on display.  What makes this show truly unique is the number of new yachts on hand.  About 40 of the newest  superyachts delivered in the past 12 months are on exhibit...

======================

Make 2012 a year to remember.  Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to arrange an unforgettable yachting vacation with your family and friends.

Known for exceptional achievement in building semi-custom luxury mega yacht charter vessels, Westport Yachts has launched motor yacht LEGACY, the latest new build in the company's flagship Westport 164 series.

The tri-deck 50 meter motor yacht LEGACY can accommodate twelve guests in unsurpassed luxury.

Prized by owners for the artistry of the yacht's contours as for the substance of its construction, the Westport 164 represents a landmark achievement in large yacht design.  Developed using leading-edge three-dimensional modeling and structural software applications also used in the aviation industry, Westport yacht LEGACY has met every objective for speed, ride, maneuverability, integrity, and overall quality.  



The modern exterior is credited to world-renowned designer Donald Starkey and naval architect William Garden.  Their collaboration created a refined hull form for exceptional ocean-going performance, plus an innovative accommodation plan which balances interior and on-deck spaces for maximum enjoyment and versatility.  The yacht's contemporary styling will ensure lasting appeal, and should prove popular with Caribbean yacht charter clientele. 

No word as to when the yacht will be available for charter consideration.  With 15 popular Westport yachts currently available for hire in the South Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, Westport aficionados hope to soon see this magnificent yacht on the charter market.

===============

To charter a Westport yacht, contact the SailAway yacht vacation specialists at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  today.

We first introduced our readers to the Dan Snyder - owned Amels motor yacht LADY S back in October, after the NFL Washington Redskins head honcho purchased the 70 meter megayacht.

Word now comes that motor yacht LADY S is offering a special deal in the month of January:
Enjoy a Caribbean yacht charter with your family and friends for 9 nights, but pay for only 7.

This special deal shaves $142,000 off the charter rate. 

A superyacht with great ambiance and onboard facilities, special features include vast shaded outdoor space, a Jacuzzi pool with swim jets, and ample sunbathing areas. There is also a fully-equipped gym, massage area, and Hammam (Turkish sauna), as well as an elevator serving all levels.   Zero speed stabilizers keep the yacht from rocking in any rough weather.

Here's a complete list of the yacht's key features and amenities:

● The interior has undergone a complete makeover including new salon parquet flooring and soft furnishings/furniture and curtains in Hermes fabrics throughout.   

● A huge double Owner’s suite incorporates a library / office and twin his & hers shower and Jacuzzi bath

● 5 guest staterooms:  A VIP cabin, 3 double guests, and 1 cabin with 2 single berths and a Pullman.

● A 7th cabin for staff with 2 singles and ensuite shower

● Brand new Hermes and Puiforcat fine china, Baccarat glassware, and Ercuis flatware

● Linley accessories such as vases and cocktail trays

● New Pizza Oven

● New Teppanyaki Grill

● New Bang & Olufsen televisions with movie-theater surround sound throughout

● New JVC 4K high definition projector in the main salon

● Heated Jacuzzi dip pool with swim jets and in-water exercise bar

● Brand new Summit deck furniture and all new deck cushions

● Turkish Sauna/shower room

● Well-equipped gym including two brand new Woodway treadmills, Techno Multi Cross training platform, a Synchro Excite and stationary bicycle

Based in Antigua, her weekly winter charter rate is $497,000 plus running expenses. 

======================

To charter Lady S, please contact the SailAway luxury yacht charter destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

Chef Renee Kappetein, aboard sail catamaran WORLD'S END, bested over a dozen talented luxury yacht charter chefs in the 50th annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show culinary competition.

Renee, the live-aboard chef on the Fountaine Pajot Galathea 65 catamaran took first prize
in the division for yachts under 100 feet.  Second place was awarded to Adrian Martinon aboard catamaran LADY ALLIAURA. 

Third place honors went to chef Caro Uy onboard Sunreef 70 catamaran MUSE.  Readers might remember Caro from her profile in September outlining her passion for cooking and her love of travel.

Other winners included second place to Heather Kaniuk aboard motor yacht NUMPTIA in the superyacht division for boats 160 feet and larger;  and chef Melinda Heinze onboard the world's largest luxury sailing catamaran HEMISPHERE in the 100 to 159-foot category.

Kappetein's victory earned him a profile story in an upcoming edition of Showboats International magazine, a silver-framed certificate, a magnum of Piper champagne, a Liat airline ticket to anywhere in the Caribbean, a Williams-Sonoma gift certificate, and a stay at the 5-star Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort.

=====

Come spend a week with family and friends aboard the Fountaine Pajot 65 catamaran WORLD'S END.  Your crew will escort you to the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean.  Discover magnificent islands, nature and warm and friendly new cultures. The itinerary, activities and the menu will be based on your preferences, to guarantee you and your guests a unique experience to cherish for a lifetime. 

Contact the SailAway Yacht Charter destination team today to book your luxury yacht charter vacation.

You have a dilemma - you've nearly drained the bank account to pay for your family's Caribbean yacht charter Christmas vacation, but you still want to get the kids some affordable (and cool) presents.  No worries, Mate!  We may live in challenging economic times, but here are three great gadgets that cost $100 dollars or less:

OnLive Player
While most luxury sailing charter vessels in the islands have game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, innovative on-demand gamers will love OnLive Player, the latest technology in cloud gaming.  Some latency issues means that Cloud video gaming is not at its peak quite yet, but give the $99.99 OnLive service and its accompanying player a chance to lead you into the future. The games are all top-tier titles, and the service allows members to take their games from the company’s servers to their television sets and includes a controller.  Charterers can plug into their yacht's onboard VSAT TV's and drift off into the Cloud...

Powermat
Anyone who has seen that frantic look on the kids' faces as they search for a cord before their phone gives up that last gasp of battery life can benefit from the Powermat, a charger that works with a receiver placed on the back of your phone. The ads are a bit temperamental - you have to put your phone in just the right spot to get the juice flowing - but it’s very convenient once you get the knack. Mats start at just $30. A particularly good deal is the 2X mat with a Powercube, which lets you set down a device to charge and has a built-in cord that you can change to fit just almost any device.

Sony Headphones
Come on, Mom and Dad - everyone knows that the standard white earbuds that come with Apple's products are soooo lame!  Your just not cool without a pair of black earbuds, and Sony is the must-have brand.  A great noise-canceling pair, the Sony MDRNC13, zaps outside noise for just $70. Most of Sony’s headphones do a decent job of cutting out the background noise -- even the cheaper models designed for the iPod or iPhone, such as the $30 XB earbuds, which also have built-in volume controls.

=======================

Rent private yacht - Get away from the cold and spend a week or more in the sunny Caribbean on your own private sailboat or motoryacht.  Contact the SailAway charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for great winter and spring deals. 

Anyone who has enjoyed a luxury yacht charter can attest to the epicurean delights prepared and presented by some of the finest chefs in the world.  From select cuts of beef to freshly-caught seafood - only the finest ingredients are used.

Unfortunately, the same attention to detail is not always present ashore and back at home - especially when it comes to mislabeled seafood. 

Recent reports suggest that species may be mislabeled as much as 25 to 70 percent of the time for commonly swapped species such as red snapper, Atlantic cod, and wild salmon.  This mislabeling not only rips off consumers, but can hurt our oceans as well.

That's where you come in - the oceans need you, Sherlock Holmes!

The folks at Oceana, a celebrity-driven advocacy group for the protection of our seas, is recruiting "Seafood Sleuths" - volunteers to help identify seafood fraud. 

Simply put - they're looking for fishy seafood in your area, and need your help.

Do you have what it takes to be a Seafood Sleuth?

Seafood fraud covers a number of dirty activities that seek to skirt the rules and rip us off, including mislabeling seafood as a totally different fish. In the coming months, Seafood Sleuths will buy seafood from either a grocery store or a restaurant and send a small piece of fish back to Oceana.  The Oceana science team will work with a lab to use DNA to identify the fish species and report the results.

Earlier this year, Oceana tested seafood in the Boston area and found that 18% of the seafood purchased from major grocery store chains was mislabeled.  The Boston Globe published a two day story on seafood fraud in New England markets and restaurants and found 48% of the fish to be mislabeled.

You might wonder why this situation is not prevalent in the yacht charter industry.

Purchases of fresh foods for Caribbean yacht charter vessels, and indeed superyacht vessels everywhere, lies in the hands of the yacht's highly-trained onboard chef.  Most chefs personally visit the markets and select the entire fish, guaranteeing they are purchasing exactly the type of fish they want. 

So here is your opportunity to fight seafood fraud in your hometown — sign up to be a Seafood Sleuth NOW.

==========

To learn how to fight seafrood fraud, contact the SailAway mega yacht charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.