Greece Yacht Charters

Last February, we reported on the sinking of motor yacht YOGI, a 62 meter Mediterranean yacht charter vessel, that sank off the coast of Greece.

The Greek Coast Guard has reported motor yacht YOGI, a 62 meter Mediterranean yacht charter vessel has sunk off the coast of Greece this past Friday morning.  No one was injured as all crew were rescued.

Built less than a year ago in Turkey by Proteksan Turquoise, motor yacht YOGI was reported to be in trouble Friday morning in the area between the islands of Skyros and Psara, 19 nautical miles off the coast.
 

.................the crew onboard motoryacht YOGI as they await rescue by the Greek Coast Guard

A, "mechanical failure" has been blamed for the incident which occurred in strong seas and Force 8 winds. There were no reports of injuries as all 8 French crewmembers were rescued by three Greek Coast Guard helicopters, supported by a frigate from the Hellenic Navy.  The crew was transferred to Skyros Health Center as a precautionary measure.

Motoryacht YOGI had just completed warranty work in Turkey, and was en route to her berth in the south of France. Capt. Jean Louis Carrel told Greek authorities that although the weather was rough, he believed the sinking was due to a mechanical failure with the exhaust system.

On Saturday, Mehmet Karabeyoglu, head of Proteksan Turquoise, the yacht’s builder, commented: “What I find surprising is that [from] the first mayday call to the boat sinking was nearly seven hours.  They had power as you can see lights on [in the photos and video shot by the Hellenic rescue team].”

Ask whether any warranty work was done on the engines or exhaust systems,  Karabeyoglu said,  "She was just repainted, but we did no work in the engine room as it was perfect. No mechanical work other than routine service of the Cat engines. Perhaps they took bad fuel when they refueled in Istanbul.”

Proteksan Turquoise yacht YOGI was built in 2011 to ABS +A1, +AMS standards and was classed as Commercial Yachting Service (E). Her stunning profile and interior was designed by Jean Guy Verges, who has designed six other builds by the Turkish-based yard. This was the second of three superyacht vessels delivered by Proteksan in 2011.

Other yachts offered for charter by this builder are motor yacht BARAKA, motor yacht SIRIUS (ex LEO FUN), and motoryacht SEQUEL P.

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Editor's note: SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants sources learned today that a purchase offer had been made just days before the incident and had been expected to be presented to the owner...

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."

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

Normally, when you think of traditional gullets and motosailors, you envision Greece yacht charters and boating holidays along the coast of Turkey.

This winter, one Gullet is leaving Mediterranean yacht charters far behind, to relocate to the exotic island destination of the Seychelles.

Traditional gullet NIKOLAS is 73ft motorsailor built in 2006, and now available for hire in the Seychelles. At 23 meters (73ft) in length, and boasting a 6.6 meter beam, she is spacious and stable with plenty of room for large groups of family or friends.

Inside, Turkish gullet NIKOLAS is beautifully-fitted and boasts large wrap-around windows, allowing guests to enjoy views out across the turquoise waters of the Seychelles - while relaxing in air conditioned comfort. The yacht's salon offers a large U-shaped couch to starboard with a dining table and a fully stocked bar to port.

Motor sailor yacht NIKOLAS can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 double cabins, each with an ensuite bathroom.

The yacht offers spacious outdoor areas - her aft deck has oversized sun pads and a large table for al fresco dining. There are further sun pads located on the fore deck, providing ample sunning areas.

A choice of attractive rates is available:

●  €12,000 per week, plus all expenses for up to 10 passengers
OR
●  €19,600 per week, all inclusive -  3 meals per day, 4 hours cruising fuel per day, and 24-hour generator use for air-conditioning.   A cash bar is available on board or alcohol can be bought locally, duty-free.

Current Bookings:
7 - 21 Dec, 2011                        Mahe to Mahe
23 Dec, 2011 -   1 Jan, 2012       Mahe to Mahe
13 - 18 Feb, 2012                       Mahe to Mahe

Located in the Indian Ocean, the islands of the Seychelles are an idyllic paradise.  Here you will experience white-sand beaches lapped by aquamarine waters, bright blue skies, and year-round sunshine.  Other yachts now available in this tropical paradise include Benetti motor yacht SILVER ANGEL, sail yacht PERLA DEL MARE, and motor yacht MOECCA.

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Contact  the SailAway destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to learn more about the Seychelles and yachting vacations in the Indian Ocean.

Here's the deal:  Pay just €6,000 per week for crewed catamaran charters in Greece on the 47 foot sail catamaran NEMO for select dates in September.

Here's the story:  The owner of Nautitech 47 catamaran NEMO is anxious to fill the remaining available charter dates on his booking calendar, to close out the summer Mediterranean yacht charter season.   As an incentive to potential customers, he is offering his yacht at a discounted rate of €6,000 per week -- a 54% savings off the regular, published rate, which is €13,000
 


Launched in 2009, this twin-hulled yacht is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. Four queen-berth cabins offer roomy, private accommodations for 8 passengers. Each cabin has its own ensuite bathroom, for total privacy from the crew and other guests. For active travelers, the yacht carries watertoys such as snorkel gear and two sea kayaks.
 
Available dates are:

17 to 24 September
and
24 September to 1 October.

There are two itineraries available for Greece yacht charters onboard Nemo:

- The Cyclades islands (starting and ending in Athens),
or
- The Ionian islands (starting and ending in Lefkas).
 
The offer includes the yacht with skipper and hostess, all bed linens and towels, and use of the onboard watertoys.
 
Items not included are food and beverage provisioning, fuel, port fees, and any special requests.

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Don't delay!  Take advantage of the deepest seasonal discount offered by any crewed catamaran this summer.  Book now at http://www.1800sailaway.com/inquiry.php?y=nemo

Opa!

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.