Page 2 - Florida Yacht Charters | SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants

Horse Racing Sea Legends - Famous Race Horses Immortalized as Luxury Superyachts

Thursday, August 4, 2011 by Good Times SailAway

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 racehorse and motoryacht Thunder Gulch TJ Esperanza
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.

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Hurricane Run racehorse and motoryacht megayacht Hurricane Run yacht charter
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.

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Mi Sueno racehorse with motor yacht megayacht superyacht Mi Sueno named after the filly
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.

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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.

Would You Charter a Yacht in the Devil's Triangle?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 by Good Times SailAway

It's funny how superstitions and "tales of the unknown" tend to quietly creep into our lives and psyches.

You are going along just fine, oblivious to things that others consider eerie or supernatural. Suddenly, somebody (or something) plants a seed in your mind, and whammo - you are throwing salt over your shoulder for good luck, or giving a wide berth to the neighbors' black cat sitting in your driveway!

Case in Point - planning a Bahama yacht charter vacation, or as I now refer to it: chartering a yacht in the Devil's Triangle. Queue the creepy music and fog...

I was recently assisting a client in organizing a Lurssen yacht charter on motoryacht SOLEMATES. The gentleman wanted to take his family for a week-long adventure in the Bahamas. We were chatting on the phone when I heard his teenage son in the background say, "Dude, I'm not down with a week in the Devil's Triangle...boats go there and people get abducted by aliens and disappear forever!"

The boys' father said, "Jason, you're watching too much cable TV. A little less Ghost Hunters and a little more studying wouldn't hurt."

I remember chuckling to myself, but when I hung up the phone, I began to wonder... is there any credence to this kid's apprehension???

The Devil's Triangle is also known as the Bermuda Triangle, an area of the Atlantic Ocean bounded by Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and a point between Miami and Melbourne, Florida, in which numerous watercraft and aircraft are said to have mysteriously disappeared.

Bermuda Triangle - Bahamas - Miami/Melbourne, Florida - Puerto Rico map

The most famous disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle are the ship USS Cyclops lost in March, 1918 and a U.S. Navy aircraft squadron, Flight 19 [video], said to have vanished in a green fog in December, 1945.

Scores of books have been written about the mystery of the triangle, and dozens of websites offer conjecture on who or what is responsible. Theories abound - from the occult to extraterrestrials.

Some sites offer a detailed list of planes, ships, and yachts that have vanished. It does make you wonder - how could so many boats and planes simply disappear?

Of course, many other books and websites detail how scientists and researchers have debunked the mysteries over the years. It seems simple explanations, like tropical storms and pilot error, are the probable culprits for the disappearances.

With science on their side, the U.S. Navy and the yachting industry pay little heed to the myths and legends. Lloyd's of London, for example, the world's leading market for specialized insurance, does not charge higher premiums for luxury mega yacht charter vessels transiting this heavily traveled area.

Still, I can't get the silly notion of aliens in the Bahamas out of my head. Not Cuban rafters, but little green aliens with antennas on their heads and ray guns in their hands.

I'm with Jason, dude - I'm not "down" with the Devil's Triangle.

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Avoid the Bermuda triangle and spend a week in paradise on a Virgin Islands yacht charter. Contact our mythbusters, aka charter agents, HERE for more details.

Family Fun: A Bahamas Vacation at 15% off

Saturday, July 16, 2011 by Special Offers SailAway

Motor yacht Eagles Nest discounting rates for family yacht charters in the Bahamas

They say, It's Better in the Bahamas, and MCP motor yacht Eagle's Nest hopes to prove that saying true.

Effectively immediately, the 98' Bahama yacht charters vessel has a reduced weekly high season rate, from $45,000/wk to $38,000/wk - a savings of over 15%. Rates are plus running expenses (food, bar, fuel, etc.).

Sure, a Mediterranean yacht charter vacation is fun, but what if you're looking to stay closer to home this summer? The Bahamas are less than 50 miles away from Florida. In the time it takes to commute to work, you and your family can be in the sun-drenched islands, far from the overcrowded anchorages of the Mediterranean.

Built in 2007, motor yacht Eagle's Nest can accommodate 6 to 10 guests in 4 cabins, making her ideal for a family vacation.

Her master stateroom, located on the main deck, features a walkaround queen bed, satellite TV, and ensuite bath. Below deck, two guest staterooms offer walkaround queen beds, while a third cabin features twin beds plus two built-in bunks - a perfect room for 4 children.

Each stateroom has a Crestron audio entertainment system with surround sound, and reading lights next to the beds, complete blackout blinds, hairdryers, and port holes allowing plenty of natural light.

Of course, motor yacht charters in the Bahamas are all about the sun and the sea, and yacht Eagle's Nest is the perfect platform to explore the islands. Her semi-shaded aft deck is ideal for al fresco dining with seating for 8-10 guests, as well as access to the cockpit, forward, and large swim platform, aft. Moving up a level, the bridge deck is also semi-shaded and features a large Jacuzzi tub with sun pads, plus a barbeque BBQ and ice maker.

Need even more space to worship the sun? A third top deck, the sun deck, offers semi-shade, an al fresco dining table, cushioned seating areas, and a wet bar.

For active guests, Eagles Nest carries an assortment of aquasports equipment - from snorkeling gear to fishing poles and scuba gear (for certified divers only).

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Take advantage of this great deal HERE ...or to learn more about other special rates on summer yachting vacations, contact our destination specialists HERE today!

TUONO charter

Friday, July 8, 2011 by SailAway Testimonials

Everything went well onboard motor yacht TUONO (74' Sunseeker motoryacht available for Florida yacht charters). Our clients went in the water and rode waverunners. The crew was great. Thanks for everything!

E. Torres

What's Old is Now New Onboard Luxury Sailing Charter Schooner

Thursday, June 30, 2011 by Yacht of the Week SailAway

Sail yacht schooner GERMANIA NOVA yacht of the week for SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants

They say if you wait long enough, everything old will one day be new again.

Take for example, the brand new "classic" schooner sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA.

Launched this past week in Italy, the 47+ meter yacht is the latest sail-powered superyacht to join the Mediterranean yacht charter marketplace this summer.

What makes this new yacht so unusual and spectacular, is her design - the vessel is a replica of a classic 1908 yacht named Germania.

The original vessel had a storied history before sinking off the coast of Florida in a hurricane.

Built by Krupp-Germania-Wurft in Kiel, a German shipyard famous for also constructing submarines known as U-boats, the original Germania sailed a 47 mile course around Britain's Isle of Wight in record time in 1908. In 1914 the yacht visited Southhampton, England and was seized as a prize of war.

After changing owner's hands several times, and renamed Exen, then Half Moon, the yacht became a floating restaurant and dance hall in Miami, Florida, before sinking near Key Biscayne (a small island off the Miami coast) in 1930.

The schooner became the seventh Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve when it was dedicated in 2000, and is now part of the US National Register of Historic Places.

It's a safe bet any turn-of-the-century guests onboard the original yacht would marvel at the technological advances and comforts onboard this modern schooner. Built for charter, the sailing yacht features satellite television, with flat screen panels in the main saloon, master stateroom, and all guest cabins. Cinema-quality 5.1 Dolby surround sound DVD service is available in both the main saloon and master stateroom. Guest cabins have radios with CD and MP3 players, and iPod connections are present throughout the yacht.

Sailing yacht GERMANIA NOVA underway on a yacht charter

The new GERMANIA NOVA and her crew of 13 enter the charter market this month. She is available
in the western Mediterranean at a rate of €80,000 per week, plus expenses in July and August, and €70,000 per week, plus expenses for low season dates. At the end of the season, the yacht will relocate to the Caribbean for the winter.
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Sailing yachts offer a unique opportunity to enjoy a eco-friendly vacation. To arrange a sailing holiday, contact our destination specialists HERE.

Luxury Yacht Charter Vessels Lead Design Award Nominations

Monday, June 20, 2011 by News SailAway

The final nominees for the 2011 ShowBoats Design Awards have been announced, and a group of mega yacht charter vessels lead the way.

59 finalists were culled from a record 250 nominations for the second annual competition, sponsored by Boat International Media. At stake, is a coveted "Golden Neptune" to be presented at a gala awards evening in Palm Beach, Florida, on October 25, 2011.

Anyone planning to rent a private yacht for a luxury, sea-based vacation need look no further than the list of nominees for this year's program. Leading the way are some of the newest yachts available for hire.

Dubois Naval Architects, fresh from running away with a number of honors at the recent World Superyacht Awards is in the spotlight again. Their yachts KOKOMO (finalist - naval architecture; interior layout; interior design) and TWIZZLE (finalist - naval architecture; exterior design and styling; interior design; recreational area for guest use) are early favorites to win again.

Other notable charter vessels nominated for awards are:

CALLIOPE (interior design)

BARAKA (interior design)

EXUMA (interior design)

BATON ROUGE (interior design)

SYCARA V (interior design)

MARIE (interior design)

PANTHALASSA (interior design)

MI SUENO (exterior design)

BIG FISH (exterior design)

The finalists will be scrutinized by an independent panel of judges, including superyacht owners and renowned designers from outside the yachting industry.

The award gala will take place at Mar a Lago Club, Donald Trump's exclusive private club in Palm Beach. Held on the final day of the Superyacht Design Symposium, the ceremony concludes two days of design-focused events in Florida prior to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS).

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Purchase tickets to the ShowBoats Design Awards Gala before August 19, 2011,

and receive a special discount off the regular price:

Table of 12 - Early Bird Price: $5670 (savings of $630).
Table of 10 - Early Bird Price: $4725 (savings of $525).
Individual Ticket - Early Bird Price: $535 (savings of $60)

Contact our Special Events department HERE for ticket information.

How a Florida Yacht Charter Evolves into a Weekend in New England

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 by Special Offers SailAway

SYMPHONY II motor yacht charter New England South Florida

It's time to plan your 2-week summer vacation. You want to head down to the sunshine state and cruise along the coast, but your spouse just heard Barry Manilow's "Weekend in New England" on the radio. Now, the talk turns to a New England yacht charter. Which destination do you pick?

That's easy - pick BOTH and enjoy a 50% discount to boot!!!

The 112' Westport motor yacht SYMPHONY II will be transiting from South Florida to Newport, RI this summer and is offering a 50% discount for any northbound charters after August 1, 2011.

You can go all the way from Key West, Florida to Canada with a yacht as the only means of transportation. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (often called the ICW) is akin to a "highway" for boats and yachts. Avoiding the rough seas of the open ocean, you can travel this system of rivers, and protected coastal waters up and down the East Coast in safety and comfort.

Intracoastal Waterway (ICW or AIWW, for Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway)

Intracoastal Waterway (ICW or AIWW, for Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway)

Cruising the ICW offers charterers a chance to explore ports of call in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. There are plenty of wonderful stops along the way which will enable you to sample the different cuisine and experience the beautiful scenery of the U.S. Atlantic coast.

The lovely 112 ft. Westport motor yacht SYMPHONY II is the epitome of elegance and comfort, with four spacious staterooms all featuring ensuite facilities. The mega yacht charter vessel accommodates eight guests in sheer luxury and offers a wide variety of amenities usually found only on larger yachts.

The regular weekly charter rate is $49,500 plus expenses. All northbound charters along the ICW after August 1 are priced at $24,750 per week plus expenses - a whopping savings of 50%!

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Take advantage of this affordable, unique opportunity to cruise the ICW and explore the Atlantic states by luxury yacht. Contact our destination experts HERE NOW

How to Prepare Your Kids for a Yachting Vacation

Saturday, April 9, 2011 by Good Times SailAway

Calming concerns about taking children on yacht charter vacations

Like most parents, you've probably been hesitant to take a family yachting vacation with the kids in tow. Will my kids get seasick? What if they get bored? Is it safe to have a child on a yacht?

Fear no more. It's time to plan that Florida yacht charter vacation you've been dreaming about.

Our charter specialists will help you take on your two biggest worries, and show you a one-month countdown plan that'll make any pre-charter anxiety go away:

Fear #1: My kid will puke while we're cruising.
Solution - If you're planning a luxury sailing charter, consider a catamaran (also known as a multihull). Catamarans are much wider than traditional sailboats, don't heel (tip) to their sides and are more stable, especially at anchor.

Whether you hire a sailboat or motoryacht, most charters (unlike large cruiseships) take place in calm waters close to shore, and anchor in protected coves and bays.

Also remember - Dramamine is safe for most kids (but check with your doctor), and if your child is prone to motion sickness, pack some plastic bags and wet-wipes.

Fear #2: My child will get bored on a boat.
Solution - Ask the skipper to limit the amount of time cruising, and instead, focus on discovering anchorages where the children can swim, snorkel, and go ashore to explore.

Most yachts carry extensive recreational and watersports toys, including kayaks, rafts, wakeboards, trampolines, etc. For onboard activity, many yachts now offer Wii and PlayStation games, in addition to large selections of movies, music, and beach games for use onshore.

One Month Countdown:

It doesn't matter if you are planning a self-drive bareboat yacht charter, or a London Olympics yacht charter. When you rent a private yacht for a family holiday, include your children in the planning process.

During the month prior to your vacation, show them pictures of your yacht and the places you are visiting by boat. At bedtime, read them books about traveling. Tell them about the onboard watertoys, and let them them help choose activities.

On the day before departure, have your child(ren) pick one special toy or blanket that will be a comfort during the trip.

The more involved they are, the less anxiety they will feel.

Also plan to speak with your charter broker as well as the yacht's skipper, and the head stewardess. Ask them about kid-friendly amenities.

Some possible questions:

• Will the chef prepare special meals for the children?
• Does the yacht have kid-specific games or movies?
• Do the yacht have a crib?
• Can they crew arrange activities for kids, such as a
movie night, onshore picnics and treasure hunts, etc.?

Most crews have plenty of experience with family-oriented charters. They will work closely with parents to organize activities that are fun for the entire family.

A note of importance - do NOT expect the crew members to be babysitters.  Their primary focus is the safe operation of the yacht and the comfort of the guests.

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It's time to plan that unique family escape vacation of a lifetime!  Click HERE to contact the yacht vacation specialists at SailAway Yacht Charters.

Close To Home - Cruising the Bahamas for Easter

Thursday, April 7, 2011 by Good Times SailAway

It goes without saying - the memories from a luxury mega yacht charter family vacation can last a lifetime. What we try to forget much sooner, is the time it takes to get to our favorite cruising destinations.

Let's face it, whether flying commercial or private, it can be a long, sometimes grueling endeavor to get to the Caribbean for an Easter or Spring break escape.

Is there an alternative closer to home - a destination that offers warm waters, plenty of sunshine, and a chance to reconnect with family and friends, away from the crowded tourist traps? The answer is, "Yes" and it's less than an hour away from mainland USA - it's the Bahamas.

In the time that it take for commuters in Miami to drive to their jobs in Fort Lauderdale, you can catch a flight from South Florida to this tropical paradise.

The 16 major islands that make up the Bahamas are an exquisite mix of breathtaking natural beauty. Blinding white sand beaches curl around the edges of almost every island, and the shallow waters reflect a turquoise hue found in few places around the world.

Unlike the crowded anchorages visited in the Caribbean's Virgin Islands, you can cruise for days in the Bahamas, without seeing more than a handful of people. Many of the islands are sparsely populated, while the only inhabitants on some islands are large iguanas and friendly wild pigs that will swim out to your boat to beg for treats!

Iguanas in the Bahamas that are tame and can be hand fed by yacht charter guests

If you do come across the human residents, you will encounter genial, native Bahamians, known for their laid-back attitude, along with the vibrant Goombay/Calypso island culture. Life is a celebration to these warm people, and hardly a week goes by without a parade or festival, celebrating their English colonial heritage and deep religious traditions.

The recreational opportunities are endless as the Bahamas are a true sportsman’s paradise. Outdoor activities include championship golf and tennis on the larger islands, while the smaller Keys feature long stretches of beaches, alluring underwater caves for diving, and coves where you can freely swim among dolphins and scores of fish.

A tropical paradise, close to home - what more could you ask for this Spring?

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During April and May, SailAway has over a dozen yachts in position for Bahama yacht charters, both large like 157' yacht SCOTT FREE suitable for 12 guests, to smaller vessels like the 85' yacht ANDIAMO with room for 4 to 6 passengers.

Motor yacht SCOTT FREE yacht charter in the Bahamas

Motor yacht ANDIAMO 85 motor yacht for charter in the Bahamas

Best of all, there are plenty of EASTER specials available for last-minute getaways.

Are you ready to book your Bahamas yacht charter family vacation? Contact your SailAway Yacht Charter destination experts HERE.

HURRY! Take Advantage of Deep Discounts for Crewed Catamaran Charters in the Bahamas

Saturday, March 12, 2011 by Special Offers SailAway

Discounted sailing catamaran SPARROW yacht charter in the Bahamas

For years, the tourism ads have claimed, "It's Better in the Bahamas." The crew and owner of Sunreef 62 sail catamaran SPARROW believe it is true and are ready to put their money where their mouth is!

To increase interest in Bahama yacht charters, catamaran SPARROW is offering a $2000 discount off regular rates for any charters in March, 2011 in the Bahamas.

To further sweeten the deal, the team at SailAway is offering an additional $2000 discount for any charters on Sunreef 62 catamaran SPARROW in the Bahamas in March.

This brings the total savings to $4000 - a discount of nearly 18% off of catamaran Sparrow's regular rate of $23,000 per week!!!

Rates in the Bahamas are all-inclusive except for special requests (wines, champagne, special alcoholic drinks, excessive alcohol consumption), air fares, transfer airport/yacht/airport, dockage fees if any, use of communications onboard, and crew gratuity. Also included is fuel for 4 hours on engine operations.

To enjoy the discount, charters must take place in March, 2011 and must be for a minimum of 7 nights.

Just 50 miles from Florida, the Bahamas form an archipelago that extends over 500 miles of the clearest water in the world.

The Bahamas offers some of the most gorgeous and sheltered yachting grounds in the world. Islands and cays interspersed among brilliant white beaches and coves - adventure lies around every corner as you navigate your luxury yacht charter through the Eleuthra, the Abacos, Exuma, Nassau, the Berry Islands, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Cat Island, and all of the Bahamian Cays.

Launched in 2010, Sunreef 62 sail catamaran SPARROW offers a unique experience to her guests. Charterers can indulge in the elegance of a yacht while savoring the adventure of sailing. The sailing yacht comfortably accommodates up to 8 adult guests. Privacy onboard is ensured as all 4 staterooms feature their own ensuite bathrooms.

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Take advantage of this $4000 discount and come find out for yourself if it truly is Better in the Bahamas! Click HERE to reserve your adventure onboard SPARROW now.

Dream Big: Top 4 Yacht Charter Destinations for 2011 - part 2

Friday, February 25, 2011 by Good Times SailAway

Yacht charter destinations amd hot spots for boat travel

The specialists at SailAway wanted to identify the top cruising destinations for 2011. They reviewed 2010's "hot spots" and checked with various mega yacht owners with yachts in transit to enticing locations around the globe.

The team compiled a list of the top 4 desirable yacht charter destinations for 2011 and the ultimate yachts to rent for the experience. Yesterday, we shared 2 of the 4 top destinations for 2011 with our readers:

1. The Indian Ocean, onboard motor yacht CLOUD 9.
2. Australia and New Zealand, onboard super yacht GALAXY.

Today, we present the other two hot spots for the new year!

3. It's Bett'r in the Bahamas, on BIG ZIP.

Don't have time to travel half around the world for a luxury mega yacht charter? Irie, mon - no worries! Pristine water and uncrowded beaches await you in a destination located less than an hour away from coast of South Florida.

Motor yacht BIG ZIP for charter in the Bahamas by SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants

There are over 700 islands in the Bahamas, and Trinity yacht BIG ZIP is the ideal platform for a week of discovery and exploration. The vessel features 5 staterooms and is fully-equipped for a fabulous vacation experience in exclusive surroundings designed by Evan Marshall. A partial list of the yacht's watertoys includes a 32ft Intrepid towed tender, as well as a 21ft Novurania RIB tender, a 3-person waverunner, plus an assortment of snorkel gear and towable toys. Pricing begins at $190,000 per week.

4. Do the Dalmation Coast on KOKOMO.

The 789-mile coast of Croatia is indented with countless coves and inlets, creating one of the finest places to sail on earth. The most famous cruising grounds are in the Dalmatian Islands, which stretch from Dubrovnik northwest to Zadar. Sail boat charters can unveil the charming anchorages, ancient villages, and translucent waters of the islands.

Sail yacht KOKOMO for charter on the Dalmation Coast by SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants

The sail yacht KOKOMO will spend the summer cruising the coast of Croatia. This sailboat is sleek and elegant, with superlative sailing characteristics without compromise for comfort. Flexible accommodation arrangements allow for up to 12 guests in five staterooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. Her prices begin at € 230,000 per week.

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Help us round out the Top FIVE Yacht Charter Destinations for 2011!

What is your "favorite destination" in which to rent a private yacht?

Tell us about your top spot in our comments section, and we'll post it in our blog, and send you a "thank-you" gift!

Owners of Superyachts Band Together to Monitor Earth's Oceans

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 by News SailAway

SeaKeepers - A Scientific Journey Protecting Our Oceans

The 70th annual Miami International Boat Show is set to take place this week. Many of the floating palaces set to line South Florida's docks will offer plenty of luxury features, from hot tubs to helipads.

But a select few of the luxury yacht charter vessels in town for the show will boast an innovative option that allows owners do a little something good for the planet as their yachts cruise the playgrounds of the rich famous.

SeaKeepers, a group of yacht owners, has taken aboard an innovative new option: a specially-designed sensing system for helping to measure changes in the sea.

The boats owned by members of the International SeaKeepers Society are equipped with specially-designed sensing systems that automatically collect ocean and weather readings and stream them to scientists around the world.

One of the SeaKeeper vessels, the $58 million motor yacht BIG FISH, owned by Hong Kong-based millionaire Richard Beattie, is in the midst of a polar circumnavigation, the first attempted by a private vessel.

Motor yacht BIG FISH, a SeaKeeper vessel joining the research to protect the Earth's oceans

Owners of some of the world's largest yachts are members, including Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Prince Khaled Bin Sultan, a member of Saudi Arabia's royal family, publisher Steve Forbes, and Miami Heat and Carnival Cruise Lines owner, Micky Arison.

The nonprofit organization was born from a discussion about climate change among a group of yacht owners gathered off Monaco in 1998. Their idea was to create a reliable, accurate system that could allow yachts to do work previously left to research vessels.

The monitoring system, called the SeaKeeper 1000, was developed with millions of dollars donated by the group's founding members and initial help from scientists and engineers at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. The system measures temperature, salinity, oxygen and acid in the ocean and gathers a host of weather readings.

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Time for a St Barts Yacht Charter? Click here to plan your own island odyssey.

Charter Yachts Steal the Stage at Design Awards Show

Saturday, January 29, 2011 by News SailAway

Luxury Yacht Charter Vessels Win Superyacht Design Awards

The clean, simple, chiseled elegance of CMN Yacht CLOUD 9 wasn't the only luxury yacht charter vessel to catch the attention of the judges at the recent ShowBoats Design Awards.

Of the 10 winning private yacht entries, 6 are currently available for either Caribbean or Mediterranean yacht charter. The caliber of the newest and largest yachts in the rental marketplace continues to improve year after year, as owners push the design envelope to new heights. Sponsored by ShowBoats International, the inaugural awards ceremony took place in October at the exclusive Mar A Lago Club, Donald Trump’s private club in Palm Beach, Florida. Following a two-day Superyacht Design Symposium, 350 guests gathered for an evening of cocktails, a gala dinner and Awards ceremony honoring the industry’s creative talents: the architects, designers, stylists, craftsmen, and innovators in yacht technologies.

ShowBoats Design Awards evolved from design-focused awards previously a part of the Boat International Media World Superyacht Awards, and introduced a number of new categories. The jury compromised four superyacht owners (specifically chosen for their interest in design issues), plus two naval architects, a senior yacht captain, an experienced yacht chef, and six design professionals with no links to the industry. With more than 200 nominations, it was an incredibly tough task for the experienced panel.

Joining the 60-meter superyacht Cloud 9 on the winner's stage were:

HURRICANE RUN - Best Interior Design: Displacement Motor Yacht

SLIPSTREAM - along with sistership CLOUD 9 - Best Exterior Design & Styling: Motor Yacht

Mega yacht HURRICANE RUN motor yacht charter

LIARA - Best Naval Architecture: Sailing Yacht

SYCARA IV - Best Naval Architecture: Motor Yacht

SALPERTON IV - Best Exterior Design & Styling: Sailing Yacht

UP next on the yacht award calendar is the 2011 World Superyacht Awards. Hosted by the editors of Boat International Media, the awards honor the finest new vessels delivered to their owners in the past twelve months.

Considered the “Oscars” of the megayacht industry – the ceremony scheduled for May 7, 2011 will be attended by an elite guest list of owners from around the globe and the most influential players in the business of boats.

62 finalists are in contention to receive a coveted Neptune Trophy, including the 56-meter Panthalassa and the 60-meter MARY JEAN II.

To rent a private yacht of your own, contact SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants here.

Design Awards Recognize Charter Yacht Cloud 9

Saturday, January 29, 2011 by News SailAway

Motor yacht CLOUD 9 super yacht for charter

We are pleased to announce CMN Yacht CLOUD 9 received two awards during the recent ShowBoats Design Awards.

The 60-meter superyacht and her designer Andrew Winch took the award for Best Exterior Design & Styling Award – Motor Yachts, as well as Best Interior Recreational Area.

Sponsored by ShowBoats International, the inaugural awards ceremony took place in October at the exclusive Mar A Lago Club, Donald Trump’s private club in Palm Beach, Florida. Following a two-day Superyacht Design Symposium, 350 guests gathered for an evening of cocktails, a gala dinner and Awards ceremony honoring the industry’s creative talents: the architects, designers, stylists, craftsmen, and innovators in yacht technologies.

In just her second Mediterranean yacht charter season, Cloud 9 caught the attention of the judges for her clean, simple, chiseled elegance. They remarked upon the well laid-out decks, which facilitate ease of movement, and the seamless windows, port and starboard, that reflect sky and sea.

Her aft bridge deck encompasses a generous salon/cinema, informal indoor/outdoor dining area, and aft deck. The judges remarked upon the ingenious solution for the 11 foot cinema screen, which rolls into the back of the daybed when not in use, and noted that the open-plan style nevertheless allows for more intimate groupings around the games table, sofa, daybed, or on the aft deck.

CLOUD 9 is currently available for charter in the Indian Ocean at Euro €315,000 per week, plus all expenses.

To reserve motor yacht CLOUD 9 for your vacation, click here.

Megayacht KOKOMO wins Award for Best Sail Yacht Over 40 meters

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 by News SailAway

SailAway presents KOKOMO sailing yacht for charter

After concluding her first Mediterranean yacht charter season, the 58.4 meter mega yacht KOKOMO has won the International Superyacht Society (ISS) 2010 Award for Best Sailing Yacht over 40 meters at the 20th ISS Design Awards in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A jet black hull with a stark white superstructure creates strikingly simple lines for KOKOMO's flying bridge sloop design. The modern, clean look is enhanced with extensive natural teak decks, carbon fiber trims, silver transom graphics, and cove stripe.

Redman Whiteley Dixon has designed a contemporary interior, with strong, rectangular themes running through the joinery and into the hardware and fittings. These linear shapes are accentuated by the use of light-colored eco-teak veneers with the grain running horizontally.

The International Superyacht Society is the sole organization serving and representing the large yacht industry worldwide. Society members are individuals and companies who have been recognized for their leadership and dedication to raising the standards of design construction, maintenance, repair and operation of large yachts.

Looking for a charter boat in the Eastern Mediterranean? KOKOMO will be available summer 2011 in either Croatia, Montenegro, or Turkey. Click here to book sailing yacht KOKOMO now.

New Strategy to Halt Lionfish Invasion - Eat 'Em!

Thursday, December 30, 2010 by News SailAway

We've seen lots of great menus on Caribbean yacht charter vessels in the past, but we're not sure this next recipe will be a hit with yacht charter chefs:

Florida marine conservationists have come up with a simple "recipe" for fighting the invading Lionfish that is gobbling up local reef life -- EAT them!

With few natural predators, Lionfish have been rapidly expanding in Caribbean and Atlantic waters, voraciously preying on local fish, shrimp, and crab populations across the region and in Florida, which has world-famous coral reefs.

Lionfish invasion - no funds to eradicate them, so fish and eat them

Clients returning from Bahama yacht charters have reported seeing "lots" of the venomous creatures while snorkeling the local reefs.

The Key Largo-based REEF conservation organization has just released "The Lionfish Cookbook," a collection of 45 recipes which is the group's latest strategy to counter an invasion of the non-native reddish-brown striped fish in Florida waters.

With no government funds available to provide bounties or removal programs, conservationists hope to create a commercial demand for the fish.

"It's absolutely good eating -- a delicacy. It's delicately-flavored white meat, very buttery," boasts Lad Akins, director of special projects for Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Akins authored the cookbook along with a professional chef, Tricia Ferguson.

Researchers believe the Red Lionfish was introduced into Florida waters during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 when an aquarium broke and at least six fish spilled into Miami's Biscayne Bay.

The front section of the cookbook, which calls the Lionfish "the Caribbean's new delicacy," gives useful tips on collecting, handling, and preparing the colorful species, as well as providing expert background on its ecological impact.

The recipe book can be purchased online at www.reef.org.

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Ready to explore the Caribbean? Click here to book Book now with SailAway.

Blind Date Trinity yacht charter

Friday, March 5, 2010 by News SailAway

Trinity motoryacht BLIND DATE

Blind Date motor yacht is the ideal choice for your luxury Florida Yacht Charter vacation this year. This luxury super yacht is part of the Trinity Yacht fleet and is an impressive 48.90 meters (160 feet 5 inches). Blind Date can comfortably accommodate up to twelve guests in its five luxurious cabins. On the Blind Date you will enjoy al fresco dining on the spacious upper deck, as well as wrap around seating if you want to chill out in front of the large outdoor flat screen TV. So if you wish to rent a private yacht to Florida this summer, charter the Blind Date and make it a vacation to remember.

To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation,
contact 1-800-YACHTCHARTER
by phone via 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or 305-253-7245
by email via info@1800yachtcharter.com
via twitter @yacht_charters (please follow us!)
via our contact form at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

FWC: Boating safety education requirements in FL change for 2010

Thursday, January 14, 2010 by News SailAway

Thanks to Lee Stephens for this article.

This article is beneficial to people who enjoy private yacht charter vacations or who operate their own private yacht or enjoy sail boat charters.

Boating safety education requirements have changed in Florida effective January 1, 2010.

Boat operators who were born on or after January 1, 1988 must pass an approved boating safety course and possess photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more.

"We want to encourage everyone, regardless of when they were born, to take an approved boating safety education course, because all of us can learn something new, even if we have been boating all our lives," said Captain Carol Keyser of FWC's boating and waterways section. "For some, it is now required to take the course."

There are a few exceptions. For instance, a person born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a boat within 90 days after purchasing it, does not need a boating safety education identification card if a bill of sale, which meets the requirements of Florida law, is onboard. After the 90-day period ends, the boat operator needs to meet the educational requirements. Those who possess a current United States Coast Guard license are also exempt.

Boating safety education course - Florida Bobbercard

For course information and educational requirements, visit http://www.myFWC.com and click "boating," then click "boating safety."

For inquiries, contact FWC's Division of Law Enforcement at 1-850-488-5600, or send email questions to the FWC at bobber-card@myfwc.com

Two Popular Bareboat Charter Marinas Struggle to Stay Afloat

Monday, October 26, 2009 by News SailAway

Two unfortunate marina foreclosures in Florida

Bareboat charter and Florida yacht charter enthusiasts might be troubled to hear two Florida marinas are the latest to fall victim to tough economic times.

The Flagship Marina in Sebastian, Florida, long a popular overnight anchorage for bareboat charter sailors, has foreclosed in what is one of the largest commercial foreclosure amounts in the city this year, according to a local report by TCPalm.

The owner, Damien Gilliams, also owns the Paradise Marina and the No Name Sports Bar, both located in Indian River County. As of last Friday, Gilliams was trying to sell both Flagship and Paradise marinas.

The Hideaway Marina Limited Partnership at Pompano Beach, Florida, filed for Chapter 11 last Friday, according to a report on MSN.com.

If you are planning an upcoming bareboat charter or a crewed Florida yacht charter in the Pompano beach area - don't panic yet. The marina is still in operation, and the bankruptcy petition states the business has been in the hands of a receiver since June.

To book your bareboat power or sailing charter, contact SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants at 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or email info@1800yachtcharter.com

Yachtspeak - nautical phrases for charter guests

Sunday, October 25, 2009 by News SailAway

Taking a vacation by automobile doesn't require any particular vocabulary skills; however, when you go on a private yacht charter, whether it's a Virgin Islands yacht charter or Croatia yacht charter, it's sometimes nice to know some of the terminology used when onboard.

Here are some nautical terms for you that might be helpful to know.

BOW - The forward part of a boat.

STERN - The back of the boat.

BEAM - The greatest width of the boat.

BUOY - An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring.

CABIN (or "stateroom") - A compartment (bedroom) for passengers or crew.

CATAMARAN - A twin-hulled boat, with hulls side-by-side. Can be sail or power, but is usually sail.

CHART - A map for use by navigators.

HELM (or "Navigation Station") - The area from where the Captain steers/pilots the boat.

CLEAT - A fitting to which lines are tied. They are usually in somewhat of a "figure8 shape." Cleats are located on the dock and on the boat. (They are often tripped over, if you don't watch your step!)

COCKPIT - An opening in the deck from which the boat is handled. (Visualize a large sailboat - the "steering wheel" of the boat is located in the cockpit.)

DINGHY (also known as a "tender") - A small open boat.

"T/T BOATNAME" - Means "Tender To...[boatname]." NOTE: Most yachts only have 1 tender. Those with more than 1 tender (aka, dinghy) often have "TTT's....or tenders for/to their tenders."

FENDER (also known as a "bumper") - A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.

Yacht fenders - bumpers - cushions placed between boats, or boat and pier, to prevent damage

GALLEY - The kitchen of a boat.

SAILBOAT - A boat powered by wind through sails (with ancillary engine).

POWERBOAT - A boat powered by engine and fuel.

STINKPOTTER - A powerboat enthusiast.

HEAD - A marine toilet/bathroom.

DAY HEAD - The bathroom that is used by all guests, usually in main area of the boat and not located within a stateroom.

INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY - AKA, "The ICW." Bays, rivers, and canals along the coasts (such as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts), connected so that vessels may travel without going into the sea. Evening charters in Florida often cruise along the ICW to see the holiday lights of the condos lining the waterway, for example.

KNOT (relating to speed) - A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour.

LOG - A record of courses or operation, kept by the captain/crew. (Charter guests often fill out an entry in a "guestbook" or "logbook" after a charter, as well, to describe their trip.)

PLANING ("on a plane") - As a boat evens out above the water when it is moving/underway, as opposed to still being partially underneath the water, as in before it starts moving.

PORT - The left side of a boat looking forward. (Also refers to a docking location)

STARBOARD - The right side of a boat, looking forward.

SCREW - A boat's propeller. (A "twin screw" is a boat with 2 propellers.)

UNDERWAY - Vessel in motion.

WAKE - Moving waves, track, or path that a boat leaves behind it, when moving across the water.

YACHT - A boat used for pleasure.

There are many other phrases used by "yachtees," but these are basics that will help you navigate your way when onboard a private yacht!

To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation (and practice your "yachtspeak"),
contact 1-800-YACHTCHARTER
by phone via 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or 305-253-7245
by email via info@1800yachtcharter.com
via twitter @yacht_charters (follow us!)
via our contact form at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html