Feadship Yacht Charter

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.

The tiny island nation of St Barts once again played host to celebrities, business icons and the world's largest yachts to celebrate New Year's Eve 2011.

With fireworks bursting overhead, many revelers made their way to the £59 million island estate of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich for his annual party.  Estimated to cost £5 million (about $7.7 million US Dollars), the star-studded event featured a live performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Many stayed on the Russian's 536 foot superyacht ECLIPSE – the world's largest private yacht with two helicopter pads, a submarine, and two swimming pools.  Other yachts anchored in the harbor or along the quay included the 377 foot motor yacht LUNA,  Feadship yacht charter motor yacht DREAM, and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen motor yacht TATOOSH.

Some of the A-list celebrities and guests seen on yachts, and in restaurants and clubs included Star Wars creator George Lucas, designer Marc Jacobs, singer Jon Bon Jovi, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, and music mogul Russell Simmons and his Australian actress-girlfriend, Melissa George.

Revelers on yachts came ashore in tenders, before being whisked off in chauffeured cars to the various parties taking place across the island.

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

To plan your own special event on a private yacht, contact the destination pros at SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

As the year draws to a close, luxury yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, is beaming.  "We've closed our year with the addition of 40 brand new 2011 models to our global network of yacht charter vessels.  The largest of our new offerings is the 81 meter Feadship motor yacht AIR, followed by Proteksan Turquoise yacht TALISMAN C and Rossi Navi motor yacht NUMPTIA, both 70 meters in overall length."

With a reputation for offering the newest and largest yachts in the world's best destinations, Sheeder and her team at SailAway spend countless hours identifying potential charter yachts. "Rarely do we add any yacht to our fleet that is more than two to three years old, " says Sheeder.  "Even when we consider classic-styled yachts, we prefer to promote modern reproductions of famous yachts.  Clients know they can turn to us for yachts that are on the cutting edge of new technology and styling."

An example of Sheeder's pursuit of modern yachts is the newly launched 47 meter sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA, a replica of a classic racing schooner first launched in 1908. Says Sheeder, "Turn of the century guests onboard the original yacht would marvel at the technological comforts onboard this modern vessel. From satellite televisions to 5.1 Dolby surround sound, the only thing 'old' on this yacht is the classic design."

Many of the new yachts are award winners in global design competitions, such as the annual ShowBoats Design Awards.  "We pay close attention to these competitions," reports Sheeder.  "The best designers and naval architects in the world judge these yachts.  Odds are great that if the best minds in the industry like a boat, our clients will, too."

Recent award winners promoted by SailAway to their clients include late 2010 launch Perini Navi motor yacht EXUMA (Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Displacement Motor Yachts 100′-199′), and the 42 meter Holland Jachtbouw motor yacht CALLIOPE (Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Semi-displacement Motor Yachts).

As to the new year, Sheeder is even more optimistic.  "Our research indicates that 72 new megayachts were ordered in 2011, the largest at 100 meters, and an average length of almost 43 meters. Eighty per cent of these newly-built yachts will be launched in 2012 or 2013, and we'll surely have an entirely new inventory of yachts-for-hire to present to our clients!" 

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

To charter a newly launched yacht in 2012, contact SailAway's charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

Yesterday, a client texted us from his 170 foot Feadship yacht charter vessel. "@ anchor next 2  yacht Eclipse & Larry Ellison motor yacht Rising Sun...no 1 else here!" 

Normally, with less than a week before New Year's Eve, the quay at Port du Gustavia is already packed with yachts, stern-to and packed like sardines, side-by-side.  The annual St Barts yacht charter scene is the place to be, as A-list celebrities and corporate CEO's spend the week yacht-hopping and partying. 

So far this week, the big names - and big boats - have not arrived.

A recent yachting industry report ads credence to the first-hand observations in St Barts.  The annual Superyachting Index analyses the global luxury yacht industry. The Index has three sections (new construction, brokerage, and charter) and covers yachts 80 feet and larger.

According to Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, "A lack of demand continues to put downward pressure on charter rates. A weak global economy coupled with a significant increase in the number of available yachts for hire means more yachts are competing for charter business.  Add to this a host of other heavily-discounted vacation options, such as upscale villa and resort ski packages, and the number of clients electing to go boating has dwindled to 2006 recession levels."  

The Index supports Sheeder's assertions.  The size of the yacht charter industry grew more than 23 percent in 2010. As of 2009, there were about 850 yachts available for charter. In 2010, the number of yachts available rose to 1,049.

This trend is especially evident in the category of yachts from 30 to 50 meters (about 100 to 165 feet). There was a 28 per cent increase in the number of these yachts on the charter market in 2010. Consequently, the same market segment saw a reduction of 10.7 per cent in weekly base rates.

In addition, the overall number of charter weeks sold worldwide in 2010 decreased by 9 percent from those of 2009. That means that in addition to increased competition, there were fewer clients booking.

All luxury travel companies are looking forward to a healthier economy.

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

For further information about the global megayacht market, contact SailAway President Jana Sheeder directly at jsheeder@1800sailaway.com or via the web at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

 
The 55 meter motoryacht HUNTRESS is available for a Caribbean yacht charter in the area of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a holiday charter, between 15 December and 30 December, 2011. 

To entice Feadship yacht charter enthusiasts, she is offering 8 days for the price of 7 - a savings of nearly $40,000!

With  accommodations for up to 10 guests in 5 comfortable staterooms, Feadship motor yacht HUNTRESS is poised to visit the beautiful multi-island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  Charter guests will enjoy a unique combination of fabulous cruising, rainforest eco-adventures, spectacular scuba diving and snorkeling, and classic Caribbean powder-white sand beaches.

Captain Jeff Guymon and crew are keen to welcome you onboard!

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

Yacht HUNTRESS is priced at $275,000/wk plus running expenses.  For further details, contact the SailAway destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

After this weekend's 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Feadship motor yacht JANA will hoist her anchor and reposition for the winter season in the Maldives. 

Expected to arrive in mid December, the classic 46-meter Feadship yacht charter vessel is currently available for a Christmas reservation. 

Motor yacht JANA, will remain in the Maldives through mid April and joins a growing list of yachts for hire in this Indian Ocean paradise. 



Other megayachts committed to the winter season in the Maldives include the 64-meter Benetti motor yacht SILVER ANGEL, sail yacht PERLA DEL MARE, the 60-meter motor yacht ARKLEY, and the 150ft motor yacht MOECCA.

Serving as a privately-chartered spectator yacht at this year's Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi, Feadship yacht JANA will complete one more charter in Abu Dhabi in November before embarking for the Indian Ocean. 



The prospect of offering alternative destinations for winter charters is exciting for JANA Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters.  "Our team is committed to expanding the destination options available to our clients," says Sheeder.  "A winter holiday in the warm waters of the Maldives is an excellent alternative to the traditional Caribbean yacht charter vacation." 



The Maldives offer visitors the chance to enjoy crystal clear water and sugar white, sandy beaches.   Located in the Indian Ocean,  the Republic of Maldives is an island nation formed by a double-wrapped chain of twenty-six (26) atolls. The winter water temperature is amazingly warm, about 31 degrees celsius (87 degrees fahrenheit), and the opportunities for snorkeling and watersports seem endless. There are hundreds of reefs, many in the shallow waters of enclosed lagoons.

"We hope to add even more megayachts to the growing list available this winter in the Maldives."

===========

For more information about yacht charters in the Maldives, visit these online brochures:

Lürssen motor yacht ARKLEY

Saba yacht PERLA DEL MARE

Benetti yacht SILVER ANGEL 

Feadship yacht JANA   

Since her coming-out party at the Cannes Film Festival 2011, motor yacht SnowbirD has continued to turn heads along the Côte d'Azur.  Now, the spectacular 39 meter luxury ocean-going superyacht is heading across the pond to the warm waters of the Caribbean.  Offering fabulous accommodation for up to 10 guests, motor yacht SnowbirD will be the ideal St Barts yacht charter vessel for the winter and spring.

Built in Holland, Hakvoort motor yacht SnowbirD features an interior both traditional and modern in style. The full-beam owner’s suite includes a study, plus a stateroom with a king-size bed and a large walk-in closet.  There are four guest cabins on the lower deck, two double VIP staterooms, and two twin-bed guest rooms. All feature ensuite bathrooms.

The entertainment areas onboard the yacht are equally impressive, and boasts an open plan main lounge/dining area arrangement. The bridge deck sky lounge opens onto a charming aft area with built-in seating and a teak dining table.

The sun deck features plenty of open area for sunbathing as well as two large sofas and teak tables. A large Jacuzzi whirlpool tub accommodates up to six people, with an adjacent granite-topped wet bar.

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

Similar yachts avaialble this winter in the Caribbean include Feadship motor yacht GO, Moonen motor yacht NORTHLANDER, and Sunseeker motor yacht BLACK and WHITE.  To book a winter escape of your own, contact the SailAway destination professionals at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

Sail and motor yachts over 100' are invited to gather this December for the annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, taking place December 16-18 in Phuket, Thailand.  Mega yacht charter vessels as will as private yachts will rendezvous for three days, on and off the waters of the Andaman coast.

Entering it's eleventh year, the event is notable as Asia’s most prestigious superyacht rendezvous and is a firm fixture on the yachting calendars of owners around the world.  A diverse fleet of classic yachts and newest builds are expected to attend this year.   

Organizers report there will be plenty of action on the water.  Sailing yachts will participate in two days of racing accompanied by a spectator fleet of motor yachts, allowing owners to enjoy spectacular views.  Based at the Royal Phuket Yacht Club, the racing includes sailing from Nai Harn Bay to Surin Bay, with courses set out by long-serving Race Officer Andy Dowden.

Watch the Video of the Superyacht Rendezvous from 2010:

Feadship yacht charter enthusiasts will revel in the famous Feadship Challenge (a model boat building contest), while other highlights of the social program include the exclusive Boat International Media Owners’ Dinner, held on the finest beach in Phuket - situated adjacent to the Surin Hotel.  The Surin will present a choice of sumptuous delights from East and West, served overlooking the beauty of Thailand’s coastline. Live music and dancing will continue into the night as the launch of Chinese lanterns will draw the dinner to a close.

The initial list of confirmed attendees include: the 50m Perseus built by Perini Navi in 2001; the 42m Maverick II, built by Sterling in 1988; the 57m Montigne built by Aegean Yachts in 2009; the 40.3m My Lady Arraya built by Oceanfast in 1990 and based in Thailand; the 36.07m Vie Sans Soucis built by Kings Yachts in Taiwan; the 74m Silver Zwei built by Hanseatic Marine in 2009; the 30m Asia built in 1997 by Paul Johnson; and the 49.7m Silolona of Indonesia, a traditional wooden Phinisi schooner hand-built in 2004 by Konjo craftsmen from South Sulawesi.

Major event sponsors include Boat International Media, The Surin Hotel, Asia's YACHT Style Magazine, and Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards.

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

From the Bahamas to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, there are many superyacht rendezvous and regattas for both experienced sailors and casual travelers. Contact our vacation specialists HERE to arrange a sailing or power odyssey of a lifetime.

We first brought 2011 motor yacht HURRICANE RUN to our readers' attention as a yacht named after a famous race horse.

Now, the owner of this 54 meter Feadship yacht charter vessel wants to encourage you to race forward and claim a $55,000 discount on a Caribbean yachting holiday this winter (between December 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012)!

On behalf of the owner of megayacht HURRICANE RUN, we are pleased to extend a special offer of $295,000 per week for the next two charters booked in the Caribbean.  This represents a savings of $55,000 from the regular winter season rate of $350,000. 

(Note - all running expenses, items such as food, fuel bar, and dockage, are extra)

Currently booked December 21 to 29, 2011, Feadship yacht HURRICANE RUN can be available for a New Year's celebratory charter starting December 31st, 2011, in St. Maarten. 

The offer only extends to the first two reservations (click here to book Hurricane Run!) so hurry and take advantage of this exceptional rate and spend a week with your family and friends on this extraordinary yacht!

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

Looking for a great price on a last-minute summer getaway in the Mediterranean?  Click HERE for discounted offers in August and September, 2011.

Watching an auto race is exhilarating. The elements of speed and danger seem fused together by the power of high-torque engines and the drivers with nerves of steel.  But let's be honest - sitting in the hot grandstands with thousands of strangers is less than the ideal way to view the glamour, the cars, and the grid girls of a Formula 1™ event.

Thus, it's little wonder why the Port Hercule marina in Monaco is filled to capacity in May for the annual running of the Monaco Grand Prix.  With the cars zipping by the marina, there's no doubt the best seat in the house is on a luxury yacht.

Unfortunately, the rest of the 2011 Formula 1™ races take place on tracks far removed from the oceanside.  That is, all but one other - the 2011 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

It's rare for a Mediterranean yacht charter vessel to make the sojourn to the Middle East, but one superyacht is anxious to secure a reservation for the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - motoryacht JANA.

The classic 46 meter Feadship is actively seeking a booking for the November 11-13 racing event. 
 
Built in 1986, the yacht has received several refits throughout her charter career, the most recent being in 2009, in which she had the majority of her hull and superstructure repainted and most of her of soft furnishings replaced.  The Dutch-built masterpiece accommodates 10 - 12 guests in 5 cabins.  With a large sun deck, motor yacht JANA can easily host race day soirees for 20 to 40 guests.

According to JANA Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, "This yacht offers the best in accommodations, cuisine, amenities, and service, plus she has a wide array of aquasport toys for guests to enjoy in the warmth of the Middle Eastern sun."

The yacht is available for the Grand Prix at the rate of €100,000 for 5 days, plus running expenses (items such as food, bar, dockage, etc.).

Sheeder says her office will assist in securing a premium berth to view the race. "We have a first-class team in place to handle all concierge-related requests, from dockage - to ground transportation - to catering a cocktail reception on the yacht."

The race takes place on the Yas Marina Circuit, located on Yas Island, about 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Approximately 50,000 spectators can view the action on the circuit from permanent, covered grandstands that protect visitors from the desert sun. Of course, the best viewing areas are the most secure and private - the decks of the yachts in the Yas Marina.

The circuit is 5.55 kilometers long, with a total of 21 corners with 9 right turns and 12 left turns. The track features a lot of hairpins and long straights, and there are few potential overtaking places. The pit lane entry is very challenging, as is the exit, which runs underneath the track in a tunnel.

The world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, is also located on Yas Island. The park hosts more than 20 rides and attractions. One of the attractions, Formula Rossa, has the same G force one would feel driving in an F1 car and braking at maximum speed. It is the world’s fastest roller coaster, powered through the 2.07 km track at speeds up to 240 km/h, reaching 0-100 km/h in less than two seconds.

Sheeder believes the popularity of Abu Dhabi is on the rise, and a Grand Prix yacht charter is a great opportunity to explore the area by yacht. "In addition to the race and related social events onboard motoryacht JANA, there is so much to see and do in Abu Dhabi," says Sheeder.  "The people are warm and hospitable and the weather in November feels like the summer in the Med." 

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

For further details about the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, please contact our special events team HERE.

Horse racing.  For centuries it has been known as, "The Sport of Kings."  An obsession, bordering on an addiction, of both royalty and aristocracy to breed horses to excel in speed and endurance.

Today, modern day royal families and billionaire capitalists keep alive the grand tradition of owning and racing horses.  Some horse owners also own luxury yachts, and a few have chosen to name their yachts in honor of their prized steeds.

Here's a look back at three extraordinary equine athletes and their namesake luxury yachts:

THUNDER GULCH
Thoroughbred Thunder Gulch left the starting gate at 25-1 odds in 1995 and went on to win the Kentucky Derby. Born in 1992, the champion American racehorse was ridden by Hall of Fame jockey, Gary Stevens, and trained by legendary horseman D. Wayne Lukas.  Thunder Gulch would go on to win the 1995 Belmont Stakes, the Florida Derby, and several more prestigious races.

Motor yacht Thunder Gulch was "born" in 1999.  The 164' Mediterranean yacht charter vessel features accommodations for 10 guests in 5 staterooms.  Recently sold and renamed TJ ESPERANZA, the ex Thunder Gulch is available for charter at a weekly rate of $250,000 plus running expenses.

====


HURRICANE RUN
Irish speedster Hurricane Run, launched an illustrious career with wins at the 2005 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere, and the Irish Derby, and would go on to be named the European Horse Of The Year at the 2005 Cartier Racing Awards.

Motor yacht Hurricane Run was launched in late January 2009.  Built at the famed Feadship Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw yard in the Netherlands, the 53.50 meter Mediterranean yacht charter megayacht offers accommodations for up to 12 guests in six cabins.  Rental rates start at $315,000 per week, plus expenses.

=======


MI SUENO
In 2009, leading US juvenile filly Mi Sueno saw her promising career cut short by a condylar fracture of her off-fore cannonbone.  Winner of the Grade 1 Darley Debutante at Del Mar, she was retired as a broodmare by trainer Eric Guillot.  The daughter of Pulpit, she also won the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar before beating Grade 1 winner Blind Luck in the Debutante.

Launched in 2010, at an impressive 190 ft, motoryacht Mi Sueno is a standout in every respect.  Her amenities include WiFi and Kaleidescape central movie/music server throughout. She’s also equipped with a 2-person, wheelchair-accessible elevator.

===========

When it comes to the ultimate vacation, stop horsing around and rent a private yacht with professional crew, watertoys, and every amenity imaginable.  Contact our destination specialists HERE today.

The working vacation: one report estimates that 30% of employees do office work while on vacation.

Sure, you can call it an oxymoron, but in reality, many corporate executives mix business with pleasure when spending time away from the office.

Increasingly, the largest yachts available for luxury mega yacht charter are being designed with the  business traveler in mind - whether it's via a small desk to check emails, or a complete media room for meetings and conferences.

The most common design is an area adjacent to the master cabin, which can serve as both an office or a sitting room.     

The least common, but starting to appear in more and more superyachts is the dedicated meeting center.  Normally not part of the master suite, these dedicated media spaces are often on a separate deck, with room for conducting business and holding meetings or small conferences. 

Whether formal or casual in design, most office spaces onboard yachts feature built-in internet connections, video screens, storage space, and most importantly - privacy.

Let's look at some modern onboard office areas:

Motoryacht MI SUENO -  the study is part of the owner's suite and features comfort, privacy, and the latest in technology.



Motoryacht SIREN -  situated forward on the yacht’s main deck is the master suite. Attached is a private office which can be converted into a nanny’s stateroom with a double Pullman berth.



Motoryacht TURQUOISE - connected to the owner's cabin, the office seems small in comparison to other yachts.  What makes the room with desk so charming is the upright piano.



Concept Feadship motoryacht BREATHE - still on the drawing board, Feadship yacht charter enthusiasts eagerly await the most radical desinged yacht by the esteemed builder.   In lieu of a small owner's office, the main dining room on the main deck can easily be converted into a conference room. (Thanks to a reader for the edit!)



=====

• Perform an "Operation Beautiful," where you write a message of love and beauty to someone on a post-it note and put it in a public place (or on the back of a diet book, for example).
  
  
  
  
• Give a sincere (and unsolicited) compliment to a stranger.

• Buy a meal or cup of soup for someone who is begging or is in need.
  
  
• Is it mid-December?  Go into the local post office and pick up a "letter to Santa." Buy or send gift(s) to the writer and have them delivered for Christmas!
  
  
  
  
• Walking with your kids?  Have a race to see who can pick up the most litter.
  
  
• Leave your change in the soda machine as a surprise for the next person.
  
  
• Drop coins in a garden. The next time it is weeded, someone will find a nice surprise.
  
  
  
  
• Have especially good service (or friendly staff, etc) somewhere you've been? When you get home from your Bahama yacht charter or Virgin Islands yacht charter, write a letter to management commending the establishment or the person(s), by name.
  
  
  
• Stopping in a cafe or coffee shop?  Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you. They'll be so shocked and surprised when they get to the register!
  
  
  
• Want to spread the word about "Pay It Forward?" Go to the Pay It Forward website and order bracelets. Take them on your Feadship yacht charter, and as you practice Random Acts of Kindness, give a bracelet to the recipient who thanks you, so that they, too, will Pay It Forward!
  
  
  
  
  When you rent a private yacht, don't forget to practice Random Acts of Kindness on your trip and Pay It Forward. Your trip will be so much more rewarding for you and for others!
  
  =====================================
  
  What is your favorite Random Act of Kindness to perform while on a yacht charter or traveling in another land?  Contact us HERE and let us know!