Croatia Yacht Charter

Making its world debut at the 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show in January 2012, Sunseeker Yachts will unveil the new Sunseeker 28 model.

The first of a distinctive new generation combining the very latest in innovation and technology, the new 28 meter Sunseeker will be the perfect platform for smaller group term charters for 4 to 8 guests.

The 2012 Sunseeker 28 shows a new "look"  for the famous performance yacht builder. Most captivating is the remarkable extent of main deck glazing. Full height and pillarless, the glazing flows continuously down the sides and around the rear of the saloon, where it merges with the aft patio doors. This new wrap-around glazing gives the main deck accommodation a unique, panoramic floor-to-ceiling view and a bright, sun-filled interior.

External conversation areas on the foredeck and flybridge have been innovated with new sunpad and group seating formats. The expansive foredeck has given rise to a completely new seating/sunpad layout with a center companionway emphasizing the increased social areas.

The large flybridge deck offers unrivalled room for any mega yacht charter vessels in the 25 to 30 meter range.  This space can be tailored to suit every owner's needs - from spa tubs to extended sunpads, this area will have multiple entertainment layouts.

Offering a breakthrough in interior layout and design, the Sunseeker 28 features interior furnishings selected from the 2012 Sunseeker Collection of materials and linings, ensuring that the striking exterior design continues throughout the interior. Two individual stairways lead down to four well appointed (and spacious) staterooms, including two VIP double staterooms and a full-beam master suite. Each cabin incorporates the large viewing window now synonymous with Sunseeker design.

With excellent performance speeds, modern exterior lines, and refined interiors, the new Sunseeker 28 is a remarkable new craft.   She will soon join similar-sized 2011 models already in charter such as Sunseeker Predator 84 yacht FIRECRACKER and Sunseeker 34 yacht TUPPENCE.   
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Anyone who reads our blog on a regular basis knows we love our gadgets.  Let's face it, going on a Virgin Islands yacht charter is loads of fun, but getting there can be tedious.  Waiting for flights, standing at the luggage carrousel, taking long taxi rides, etc. can be long and boring.  Having a cool new gadget on hand is a great way to kill some time - and have some fun.

The world's largest trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, the IFA just wrapped up in Berlin. Here are our three favorite new gadgets for 2012 from the show:

1. Samsung Galaxy Note

If you've been waiting for a smartphone with a big screen, this is your phone!  The Samsung Galaxy Note offers a 5.3 inch display, the largest screen size available among smartphones. This means less scrolling and screen transitions.  Imagine viewing web pages, news apps, and e-books with minimal scrolling or zooming - how cool is that?  The device also utilizes “pen-input technology,” and comes with an S Pen that allows users to draw and send handwritten images and notes via text message, email, and instant messaging.

2. LG Smartscan Mouse

As luxury yacht charter brokers, we're constantly scanning client documents - from bareboat charter contracts to food and beverage preference sheets.  Scanning saves our clients' time and allows us to share their information with yacht crews around the globe.  The latest mouse from LG has a built-in scanner, which the company says will "open a new era for scanners."  Simply click the Smart Scan button on the left side of the mouse, then swipe it over the material to be scanned.

The scanned image can then be saved in a variety of file types, or dragged and dropped into a document or application. LG's Optical Character Recognition technology converts scanned text into a Microsoft Word document that can then be edited as required. The 2-in-1 device can scan page sizes up to A3, which is larger than most conventional portable scanners.

   

3. Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX55 - The World's Slimmest Digital Camera

Imagine going on a Croatia yacht charter and not having a camera with you.  Who will believe you when you say you saw a whale swimming by an island with a Medieval castle?  Most digital cameras are small, but bulky and heavy in your pocket.  Not the Cybershot TX55.  Just 12.2mm slim, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX55 is the world’s thinnest camera. It can capture 16.2 megapixel still images as well as full HD video.

The camera’s back panel has an 8.3cm/3.3 inch touch-screen for showing off photos and movie clips. It also features 3D shooting options. By pressing the shutter button once, the camera will grab a pair of frames in fast succession, estimating depth to create a 3D still image.

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Do you have a favorite new gadget that you can't live without?  Tell us about it HERE at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html, and we'll share it with our readers.

Dutch builder Heesen Yachts has always been known as an innovator.  The first Dutch shipyard to use aluminum alloy for the construction of yacht hulls, Heesen has become a global-leader in the design, engineering and build of high performance, all-aluminum motor yachts.

Continuing to lead the way in technology, Heesen has launched an iPad superyacht app  that allows users to browse an extensive gallery of Heesen’s latest launches, ranging from 37 to 65 meters. It also includes the basic specifications and features of every yacht in the Heesen fleet, plus a selection of movies and images of the very latest projects.

The Heesen iPad yacht app provides intuitive info about the builder and its yachts. Users can compare up to four images at a time, and can email individual images to their friends and contacts.

Some of the largest yachts available for charter can be accessed by the app, including the 2011 55-meter motor yacht QUINTA ESSENTIA,  the 47 meter motor yacht RAASTA, and the star of the Croatia yacht charter summer season, the 47.70-meter Heesen motor yacht LET IT BE.

Click HERE to download the FREE app from Apples' iTunes store.

Look for more builders to take Heeson's lead and introduce their own superyacht apps in the near future...

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Charter the yacht that can be piloted directly from an iPad device.  P Diddy (Puff Daddy - Sean John - Sean Combs) rented the iPad-controlled motor yacht SOLEMATES, and so can you!    Contact our, "Yacht Geek Squadron" HERE for more details.  ;-)

With children going back to school throughout Europe, September marks the end of the summer cruising season in the Mediterranean.  Before the yachts get underway to relocate to the Caribbean for the winter, the fleet looks to make one last push to fill the booking calendar by offering special pricing throughout the month.

Here's a sampling of three magnificent yachts offering discounted rates in September:

► At 325 feet in overall length, Motor yacht CHRISTINA O is one of the largest yachts available for hire anywhere in the world.  Accommodations for 35 guests are available in 17 staterooms.

Special:  Weekly rate of €455,000 is reduced to €400,000.

Additional special:  Book one week in September, and SailAway will donate €3,000 in your name to the Dubois Child Cancer Fund founded by yacht designer Ed Dubois.

Currently available in the Western Mediterranean.  Suggested ports of call are Nice, Monaco, San Remo, Portofino, as well as the islands of Corsica and celebrity-favorite, Sardinia.

► The 54.20 meter motor yacht MARAYA was built in 2008 and offers accommodations for 12 guests in modern luxury and comfort.  Onboard amenities include a workout gym, vast sundeck, and ondeck Jacuzzi.

Special: Based on a weekly rate of €300,000/week, cruise for 9 days but pay for only 7.

Currently available in the Eastern Mediterranean, this is the perfect yacht for Greece yacht charters.

►60 meter superyacht CLOUD 9 was a big winner at the 2010 ShowBoats Design Awards, taking  home awards for Best Exterior Design, and Best Interior Recreational Area.  With a watertoys list to satisfy the most discerning guests, this yacht is a truly exciting edition to the international rental market.

Special:  Based on a weekly rate of €357,000/week, cruise for 9 days but pay for only 7.

Currently available in the Eastern Mediterranean, the yacht is willing to relocate for a Croatia yacht charter.

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September is the last chance to enjoy the warm summer waters of the Mediterranean.  Contact our destination experts today to review ALL of the last-minute special offers on both motoryachts and sailing yachts throughout the Med.

Looking for a last minute European getaway before the kids head back to school?  If you are, one of the most popular Mediterranean yacht charter vessels is offering a deep discount to woo your interest.

From August 15th, motor yacht CLOUD 9 is offering 14 days for the price of 12 - a savings of over €100,000.  To further entice you, the yacht will waive all delivery fees for a cruise in Croatia and/or Greece.

Stylish and exceptionally comfortable with 5-star cuisine, CMN line 60 yacht CLOUD 9 boasts a huge Owner's suite, a VIP stateroom with a balcony, as well as a gymnasium and plenty of watertoys. 

Oh - we almost forgot, the yacht just installed a brand new waterslide!

Scottish-born Captain, Colin Boyle, has created a special, scenic sample itinerary for a charter commencing in Split and concluding 14 nights later in Zante!  Take a look at the first three days of this Eastern Mediterranean adventure:

DAY 1 - SPLIT
Join CLOUD 9 in Split – a 20 minute drive from the international airport.  Immediate departure for a nearby anchorage to swim and relax. Remain at anchor overnight.



DAY 2 - HVAR
Hvar – truly one of the highlights of Croatia. The city has an extraordinary history and a great social atmosphere. The tiny harbor fills quickly with anchored yachts and we must arrive at noon. We'll dinghy our guests ashore where they will find vineyards, lavender fields, walks and clean beaches. For the evening, Hvar offers great cafes and restaurants - and the best in Croatian wine.  The bars and cafes remain open late into the night.

DAY 3 - KORCULA
Depart Hvar for a passage to Korcula, the home of Marco Polo. Once at anchor, the protected bay is the perfect place for a day of watersports and swimming.  After dinner, we'll dinghy ashore to walk the ancient streets to window shop and listen to the street musicians. 




DAY 4 - MLJET NATIONAL PARK
An early morning passage brings us to the Mljet National park, a peaceful, and beautiful anchorage.  Here, we'll find steep, rocky slopes covered with dense pine forests that hide a 12th century monastery built on a small island in the middle of a lake.  That's right, an island on an island! The lake is generally 4 degrees warmer than the sea, and a good place to swim. Hiking, guided tours and bike rentals are also available. 



All that in the first 4 days - imagine what adventures might be in store for the next 10 days???!

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Want to see the full 14-night sample itinerary?  Contact our destination specialists HERE for a digital copy of the itinerary and to take advantage of this great offer. Weekly rate before discount of 2 free days is €315,000 per week, plus running expenses.

You've been planning your Croatia yacht charter for months.  The skipper has called to report that the weather is fantastic, and the yacht's chef has provisioned the sailboat with all of your favorite foods.  Your bags are packed, and your flight boarding pass is in your coat.  

Now, your focus turns to money - how much cash should you carry, and which credit cards should you take on the trip?

Of course, traveling with too much cash can be dangerous if it is lost or stolen.

Learning to travel wisely with your credit cards can save you time and money. This is especially true when traveling abroad due to currency exchange rates and foreign transaction fees.

Here are some helpful tips for traveling with credit cards:

Review Fees - when choosing which credit cards to bring on the trip, take a look at the fees for each card. Select the card or cards with the lowest foreign transaction fees.  Find out about any conversion fees - many credit card companies charge currency conversion fees when you use your card in a country that doesn't normally transact in U.S. dollars.

Reward Yourself - consider any cards that offer travel rewards; you might as well rack up as many flight miles as possible.

Call Your Credit Card Company - let them know you'll be enjoying a luxury sailing charter in the Mediterranean.  The point is not to gloat, but to let them know that your card usage in a foreign place is legit. Otherwise, your card might be denied when you try to purchase something.

Choose the "Local Currency" Option - whether at a shop, taverna, or restaurant, always ask the clerk to process the credit card using the local currency option. If the card gets processed using U.S. Dollars, you may be charged a fee to convert those greenbacks into the local currency.  This is in addition to any foreign-currency transaction fees from your credit card company.

With traveler's checks a relic of the past and cash too risky to carry, credit cards can be a great convenience when abroad.  Remember to look through your cards and find the one with the lowest fees, and the best rewards points.  A little planning now can save a lot of headaches (and dollars) later...

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Note - most mega yacht charter crews do not carry credit card processing equipment onboard, and cannot accept credit cards for the crew's gratuity.  Click to learn more about customary tipping policies HERE.