Largest Yachts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ancient city of Istanbul will play host to the seventh annual World Superyacht Awards
at the luxurious Çırağan Palace Kempinski on 5 May, 2012.

Combining a glittering awards ceremony with a gala dinner/dance, the Awards , often dubbed the “Oscars” of the superyacht industry, will be attended by an elite guest list of megayacht owners from around the globe.

While the nominations include private yachts as well as charter vessels, it's the newest and largest yachts for hire that seem to steal the show each year.  Some of the winners at the six annual installment in London, May 7, 2011 include:

► BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT - 1,300 GT to 2,999 GT
Winner: SYCARA V
 

► BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT - 500 GT to 1,299 GT
Winner: MARY-JEAN II
 

► BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT under 500 GT
Winner: EXUMA 
Judges’ Commendation: BIG FISH  

► THREE DECK SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHT
Winner: CALLIOPE 

► MOTOR YACHT OF THE YEAR
Joint Winner: Eclipse
Joint Winner: EXUMA 

► BEST SAILING YACHT - 45 meters and up
Winner: Zefira
Judges’ Special Award: ATLANTIC
Judges’ Special Award: KOKOMO
Judges’ Commendation: TWIZZLE 

► BEST SAILING YACHT - 30 meters to 44.99 meters
Winner: IMAGINE 

Straddling the Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia, Istanbul embodies the best of both cultures. The city has been the capital of three empires, each leaving a heritage of amazing architecture and monuments.

Once an Ottoman palace, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is located on the European shores of the Bosphorus with spectacular views over the strait. A 5-star resort, it is a registered member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Its 313 luxurious rooms include 20 suites in the hotel and 11 suites in the historical palace.

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To attend the superyacht awards ceremony, contact the SailAway special events department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/special_events.php.

While there are numerous awards for megayacht designers and builders of the largest luxury yacht charter vessels, the crews of these floating works were often overlooked - until now.

A new competition has been organized by yacht management company Krystal Yachts, and the search is on for the world's best yacht crewmembers. 

Supercrew 2012 is designed to allow superyacht captains to recognize outstanding members in their employ.  Presented quarterly, and based on the exclusive nominations of captains, the award goes to the individual that best demonstrates the qualities of ability, attitude and going the extra mile.

Each quarter a panel of judges will determine the winner.  The winner will receive an engraved iPad and be included on the guest lists of all future Krystal Yachts events.

The competition is open to professional crew members who work on any luxury yacht.

Nominations for Supercrew 2012 open in January, 2012.

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Come experience the service of a highly-trained, professional crew on your own yachting holiday.  Contact the SailAway Yacht Charter specialists for further vacation details.

From gymnasiums, helicopters and onboard Kaleidescape movie theaters, today's modern superyacht has every affluent amenity imaginable.  Yet the most requested amenity by prospective charter customers remains one of the oldest, time-tested features:  the on-deck hot tub.
  
Is there a better way to unwind each night during a yachting vacation than enjoying a warm soak under the stars?

The benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy are well-documented - warm water therapy can promote relaxation, stress reduction and pain relief.  It's also a fun way to spend quality time with your travel companions  - sipping wine and planning your next day's adventures.

In the early years of the charter industry, most ondeck tubs were portable tubs - the same as those found in many homes.  Today's ondeck megayacht hydrotherapy tubs are permanent, built-in amenities, designed by naval architects and molded into the yacht's superstructure. 

Today we take a look at five of the best hydrotherapy tubs on five equally spectacular charter yachts:

SHERAKHAN
The 228-foot motor yacht SHERAKHAN has one of the largest sundeck hot tubs aboard any charter yacht.  The tub features an opaque bottom, allowing natural light to filter into the two-story dining room directly below.   

ST. EKATERINA
Benetti yacht charter enthusiasts like to brag about the hot tub onboard the 196ft motor yacht ST. EKATERINA (formerly motor yacht XANADU).  The large tub is within easy viewing distance of a two-way cinema screen. Charter guests can enjoy a film while soaking in the tub, and then not miss a single scene while moving over to the sundeck wet bar for a refreshing cocktail.

BATON ROUGE
The 205-foot Icon motor yacht BATON ROUGE  features an oversized sundeck hot tub that doubles as an endless pool with swimming jets for anyone wanting more than the regular water pressure. Overhead, cool-water jets shower guests in a light, refreshing mist.

ANDREAS L
Another Benetti motor yacht, the 196ft yacht ANDREAS L has a hot tub with submerged bar stools, for guests who prefer to enjoy their refreshments sitting upright as opposed to the common hot tub lounging position.

NUMPTIA
Leave it to the Italians to redefine the modern style of the ondeck hot tub.  The owner of the 70 meter (230 ft) Rossi Navi motor yacht NUMPTIA turned to Design Studio Spadolini, of Florence to create a modern hot tub masterpiece.  The floor-level tub and endless-style pool is the centerpiece on the yacht's sun deck, and features colored mood lighting, an infinity glass edge on one side, and two powerful waterfall-style showers dropping volumes of water into the pool. 

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Seen any other amazing hot tubs or onboard amenities on a yacht?  Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html, send us a photo, and we'll share your images and comments with our readers.

The crew of a popular Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel has come up with a plan to be greener and save their customers money.

Recognizing many charter clients end up eating a meal or two ashore during a typical week-long yachting vacation,  sail catamaran SILVER MOON has announced a half board food option.

While a typical all-inclusive charter features 3 meals a day, the half board option includes all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners, along with beverages, the standard ship's bar, and snacks.  All other meals are taken ashore at the guest's expense.

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway, explains the benefits of a half board option: "Part of the attraction of a yachting vacation is the chance to indulge in local customs and foods.  Sometimes, fresh food on the yachts goes to waste as the clients tend to eat ashore two or three times a week in the various ports of call.   The half board option cuts down on waste, preparation materials and cleanup," explains Sheeder.

Clients can save money, too, as the overall cost of the boating vacation can be reduced to reflect the fewer meals and food served onboard.

Here's the price breakdown on S/Y SILVER MOON:

Passengers        Half-Board   All-Inclusive
2                        $  8,000       $  8,600 
3                            8,560           9,200 
4                            9,115           9,800 
5                            9,775         10,500 
6                           10,325        11,100 
 


The sailing yacht SILVER MOON is a 44'  catamaran launched in 2002.  She offers 3 guest cabins, each with a queen berth and private bathroom. The yacht is equipped with wind scoops to limit the need for air conditioning.  The crew also purchases earth-friendly paper products, biodegradable cleaning products, and local organic produce when available. 

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Other catamarans available in the Caribbean this winter include the world's largest catamaran, the 145'  sail yacht HEMISPHERE, the 75' sail catamaran LADY ALLIAURA, and the 65' sail catamaran WORLD'S END.  For more information, contact the SailAway catamaran sailing charter experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

Here's a staggering statistic: The number of megayachts worldwide has more than doubled in the last decade. While welcome news for the luxury mega yacht charter market, the development of new marinas sufficient in size to accommodate the largest yachts has not kept up with demand. 

The yachting community is still talking about this summer's incident in Antibes when a Saudi prince docked his 265-foot yacht in the last available slip at Millionaire’s Quay in Cap d’Antibes, leaving Russia's most prominent yachtsman, Roman Abramovich. to moor his 533-foot motor yacht ECLIPSE offshore. 

READ the full story at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2029182/Roman-Abramovichs-1bn-yacht-dock-Saudi-princes-boat-parked.html

Fortunately, the international marina industry is capitalizing on cutting-edge trends to make sure modern new facilities are built to accommodate these yachts. 
 
Here's a quick look at the latest trends in new megayacht marina construction:

Quiet Waters

In the past, it was good enough to build a marina anywhere along the coast.  For the new, large megayachts, calm waters are a must.  Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters explains:  “As a megayacht owner, you don't invest millions of dollars in the construction and design of a comfortable vessel to end up rocking and rolling in an unprotected marina all night.  New marinas must put great emphasis in large slips in calm water areas."

Elbow Room
 
To accommodate larger vessels, current trends are for providing for no less than 1.5 times maximum LOA (length overall) fairways.  This will allow new facilities to anticipate and compensate for bigger and bigger yachts. 


Flotation

Another trend in modern dock design is the use of floating docks.  In the past, megayachts needed to be moored at fixed piers with high freeboard.  New floating dock systems will have higher freeboard capacity to accommodate the larger vessels.

Yachts and Watts

Adequate power is a real challenge for new marinas. Sheeder explains: "As the yachts continue to get bigger their appetite for more power increases as well.  This puts a large burden on the marina developer and the locality to provide sufficient electricity for these yachts.  New facilities will need to bring power to the finger piers to minimize line drop (a loss of electricity in the line as it travels over any distance), and deliver power in varying phases and cycles.

Other Trends

According to industry analysts other top trends include:

●  In-slip fueling and sanitary pump outs -  "Speed and efficiency are important issues," says Sheeder.  “Moving yachts is expensive and can be very time-consuming."

●  Vehicle-friendly piers  -  Accommodating vehicular traffic and convenient boarding.

●  Shoreside Facilities & Amenities -  Onshore facilities and amenities at modern megayacht marinas has become a major focal point.   Pools, fitness centers, crew lounges, and computer facilities will be the norm.  On-site concierge services will give crews, owners, and yacht charter clients access to entertainment options, restaurants, doctors and health clinics and more. 

●  Wireless Technological Advances  -  With larger yachts come larger crew complements.  Wi-Fi bandwidth at new marinas must be large enough to accommodate the demands of more crew members when they arrive in port and jump on Skype and the Internet.  Look for marinas to turn to emerging technology such as WiMAX 4G.  No hard wiring or link to the marina’s IT infrastructure is required. 

Future Expectations

What can we expect to see in megayacht marinas in the future?  Sheeder is confident that the industry will remain committed to eco-friendly technological advances. “We expect a continuing emphasis on unique destinations. As we look for incremental growth beyond traditional Caribbean yacht charter destinations, we must push for green technology in all new marinas. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship must be the norm in the future."

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Contact the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to experience the newest and largest yachts in the world's best destinations.

With the recent launch of their latest project, the 70 meter motor yacht NUMPTIA, Italian shipyard Rossi Navi Yachts has turned out a spectacular superyacht, from her unconventional layout to her uniquely crafted designs and top notch engineering. The overall styling of Rossi Navi yacht NUMPTIA transcends mere description.  Part modern, part contemporary yet classically-influenced, the yacht presents a delicate balance of timeless elegance and finesse. 

Interior designer Achille Salvagni is responsible for the yacht's unorthodox design, which fits the redefining onboard life according to the owner's wishes.  Utilizing a closely-matched color palette, highlighted with subtle lighting, a warm and welcoming atmosphere was created. Salvagni used natural materials, woods and natural stones, to give each deck a unique personality. One observer described the look as, "...a mesmerizing sense of style...that celebrates, almost worships, good taste and luxury in a rich yet subtle manner."  

Guests can easily move about by use of an elegant, centrally-placed circular glass elevator that visits all decks, except the sun deck.

The full beam master suite is situated on the main deck, forward. It consists of a study, reading area, central bedroom and television area. The ensuite bathroom offers a central bathtub and a shower area, and adjacent his and hers dressing rooms.  A sizeable VIP cabin is located on the bridge deck. Four guest cabins are available on the lower deck.

The existence of an true "Spa deck" shows how unique the yacht really is. The sauna, steam room, and fully-equipped gym are complimented by a private outdoor area with comfortable sunbeds.

After a workout, the adjacent massage and beauty rooms serve as suitable options for total relaxation. Breakfast, light lunches, even barbecues can be enjoyed outside on the spa deck as well, for the outside forward area has been set up with a bar and barbecue.










Rates begin at € 490,000 per week, plus expenses.   For more photos and details of the largest yachts for hire around the world, click here at http://www.1800sailaway.com/brochure/largest-yachts

Earlier this week, the 686-foot (209 meter) Yacht Express, the flagship of Dockwise Yacht Transport’s (DYT) fleet of semi-submersible ships, pulled into Ft. Lauderdale.  Onboard was a record breaking cargo of boats and luxury yacht charter vessels valued collectively at $270,341,000.   The gray and orange-colored super ship took a berth at Port Everglades and began an hours-long de-ballasting process that allowed sea water to flood its dock bay.  By early evening,  19 state-of-the-art luxury yachts safely motored out the back and into the waters of South Florida.

The largest of the vessels to off-load was Trinity motor yacht MI SUENO.  The 190’ (57.91 meter) megayacht had loaded on to Yacht Express in Genoa, Italy on October 6. She had just returned from the Monaco Yacht Show and was delivered to South Florida to enter the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Captain Glynn Smith explained the reason the 190'  Trinity yacht charter vessel is delivered via  transport ship:  “The reason that Mi Sueno is shipped must be credited to the yacht’s owner who really knows how to look after his crew and boat.  The crew needs time off after such a busy Mediterranean yacht charter season, and shipping...gives us that option."  

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, further explains how wear and tear on a yacht during the Atlantic crossing is avoided by using a transport ship.  "A typical Atlantic crossing can add 400 to 500 hours on a yacht's engines and generators, not to mention unforeseen incidents that might occur in the middle of the ocean.”

Several of the other yachts on Yacht Express have shipped with DYT multiple times, including the 163’ (49.70 meter) motor yacht CASINO ROYALE, the 160’ (48.78 meter) ODESSA (four times each), the 161’ (49.09 meter) ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM (seven times), and the 132 foot (40.24 meter) motor yacht MISS ROSE.

DYT had a second transport arrive from the Mediterranean this week. The ship Super Servant 4, arrived in Ft. Lauderdale on Friday from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, fully loaded with 24 yachts totaling $190,000,000 in value. Some of the sailboats were offloaded, bound for St. Thomas, USVI, in time for the Caribbean charter season.

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For more information about megayachts transported to destinations around the world, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html .

This past Tuesday evening, October 25th, at the exclusive Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, the winners of the 2011 ShowBoats Design Awards were announced.  For the second year in a row, several mega yacht charter vessels proved popular with the judges and edged out private yachts for awards in design excellence.

A VIP audience of superyacht owners and the industry’s leading creative talents were on hand to see the 188ft sail yacht TWIZZLE, a luxury sailing charter vessel, declared the winner in the Recreational Area for Guest Use and Interior Design categories.  Justin Redman of the design team at Redman Whiteley Dixon accepted the Neptune award for TWIZZLE.

Other charter yachts receiving honors included:

●  Motor yacht EXUMA - Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Displacement Motor Yachts 100′-199′

●  Motor yacht CALLIOPE - Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Semi-displacement Motor Yachts

●  Motor yacht BIG FISH - Naval Architecture Award: Motor Yachts

●  Sail yacht KOKOMO - Naval Architecture Award: Sailing Yachts

Motor yacht EXUMA , the 264'  yacht built by the Perini Navi Group and Picchiotti, and featuring exterior styling by Vitruvius Ltd and naval architect Philippe Briand, was also recognized with an Environmental Protection Award.


 
"For the second year in a row, the world's finest yachts for hire were in the spotlight," beamed Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters.  "There's a deep commitment by these yacht owners to build vessels with amenities and aesthetics that are appealing to prospective charter clients.  We are so proud to represent these amazing yachts, as they are among the newest and largest yachts available in the world's best destinations."

Private yachts were by no means shut out of the awards.  The 312ft Blohm & Voss motor yacht PALLADIUM was the evening’s biggest winner, as designers Mick Leach and Mark Smith took home four Neptune Awards for Tender Design, Bespoke Furniture Item, Exterior Design & Styling and Interior Design.

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Many award-winning yachts are available for hire this winter and spring in warm weather destinations, including Grand Bahama,  St Barts, and St Lucia.  Contact the SailAway yacht charter destination pros at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for further details.

There's no denying it - megayacht owners love their toys and gadgets.  If it's new and trendy in 2011, you'll find it on a luxury yacht charter vessel - everything from Mercedes Benz-styled helicopters  to the latest Crestron touchpad-controlled CD/DVD players, and video game consoles.

Deep pockets and a zest for staying ahead of the pack keeps these owners in the hunt for the hottest gadgets on the market.  That same quest for the newest gadgets also means the owner's yachts are the perfect barometer for not only what is new, but also what gadgets are destined to go the way of the dinosaur.

If the purchasing whims of the owners of some of the largest Caribbean yacht charter vessels are any indication, expect to see these three tech gadgets phased out this decade:

At sea, megayacht skippers rely on radar and a whole host of maritime equipment to navigate.  But when the yachts arrive in a new port of call, the crews use standalone GPS navigation systems to use for shore excursions.  "Fewer yachts are carrying portable navigation devices like those sold by TomTom and Garmin," says Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters. "Every crewmember has a mobile phone and many skippers have smartphones provided by yacht owner.  These modern phones all feature interactive maps and built-in navigational systems."

Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are common on yachts.  While at seas, crews use the cameras to take photos of mechanical issues, which can be downloaded and emailed to a shore-based engineer for analysis. With the recent unveiling of the Apple iPhone 4S, digital camera makers have much to be worried about. Apple's newest phone has an impressive 8-megapixel camera that takes in more light than earlier models and records HD video at 1080p. Until recently, such impressive specs were unique to digital cameras.  Increasingly, smartphones are taking over the low-end camera market.

Captain Peter Vasquez and his 118-foot motoryacht ISLAND TIME are regulars on the Bahama yacht charters circuit. Vasquez points out the appeal of one device that can perform multiple tasks. "Camera functions are being taken over by smartphones," says Vasquez. "There's little incentive to carry around a camera when I already have a phone in my pocket that takes quality pictures."

Video Game Consoles
From the largest yachts like Steven Spielberg owned 282' motor yacht SEVEN SEAS, to the newest yachts  like 2011 motor yacht NUMPTIA, popular video game systems such as the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation® and Microsoft Xbox are installed in many of the staterooms for the use of onboard guests.

In the near future analysts predict consumers will forgo game consoles and instead
buy smart televisions with a gaming system built into it, or tablets with gaming apps and options "We've already witnessed the emergence of an iPad controlled boat app on motor yacht SOLEMATES," says Sheeder.  "The captain hands each guest their own iPad when they board.  These tablets offer control of all shipboard entertainment systems.  Yacht owners tell us they plan on shifting from video gaming consoles to more comprehensive systems with other entertainment options such as movies."

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What other electronic gadget do you think will be obsolete in the near future? DVD players?  E-readers?   Contact us at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html and let us know what you think and we'll share your predictions with our readers.

There's an old joke that goes something like this:  "Where does a 200 ton elephant sit?"
The answer of course is, "Anywhere he wants!"

Unlike the mighty elephant, superyachts aren't as lucky.  Their massive size is certainly impressive, but when it comes to sufficient space to dock, their just aren't enough marinas with  enough room to berth the world's largest yachts.  Owners onboard large luxury yacht charter vessels often are forced to anchor at sea and use tenders to come and go ashore.

Thus the news of a megayacht berth for sale along the French Riviera is certain to draw the attention of yachtsman tired of the ordeal of tendering ashore.

A rare 50 meter berth has just been listed for longterm lease in Cap d'Ail. Cap d'Ail is perfectly positioned on the Cote d'Azur, and serves as a gateway to Monte Carlo, just a short drive or cruise from Nice, France and northern Italy.

With large yacht berths rapidly becoming a rare find, this slip will surely sell quickly. The berth measures 50 x 10 meters, and comes with fenders (is there anything worse than a scratched paint job on a fancy yacht?).   The berth's lease expires December 31, 2027.

The asking price of berth number 6 is € 4,500,000. 

Sounds like a steal!

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Some of the newest yachts in the 50 meter range include Perini Navi motor yacht EXUMA,  racehorse-inspired motoryacht HURRICANE RUN and the Trinity yacht charter superstar, motor yacht MIA ELISE.   Rent your own floating resort - contact the SailAway charter yacht specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.htmlfor a complete list of the world's newest yachts for hire.

The Washington Redskins are currently 3-1 and in 1st place in the NFC East Division, heading into week 5 of the NFL regular season.  What better way for team owner Dan Snyder to celebrate the squad's early season success than to purchase a 224-foot superyacht?

The Washington Post recently reported Snyder's recent purchase, Amels motor yacht LADY ANNE, one of the 100 largest  yachts in the world. Snyder purchased the Mediterranean yacht charter vessel with a group of investors for approximately the same price that he'll spend on two-thirds of his Redskins payroll for the year (or, as one sports journalist described it, "...the yacht cost $30 million less than it took to secure the rights to Albert Haynesworth in free agency!").

Motor yacht LADY ANNE was listed for sale at $86 million when it went on the market earlier this year, but sold for considerably less (sources estimate the price at or near $70 million - about one half of the cost to build the vessel). 

The yacht was custom-made by Dutch shipbuilders Amels for Jerome Fisher in 2006 and named after his wife.  Fisher co-founded the shoe company Nine West and sold his interest to Jones Apparel Group for $885 million in 1999. The couple lived the grand life in Palm Beach until 2008, when, according to the New York Post, they lost $150 million in the Bernie Madoff investment scandal.

The Fishers, who spent last month cruising on the LADY ANNE off the coast of France, did not respond to requests for comment about the sale.

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters reports no expense was spared on what is regarded as one of the finest yachts afloat.  "The owners were intimately involved in every aspect of the yacht's design...from period furnishings to modern pieces.  The yacht has the unique feel of an early 20th century ocean liner.”  The massive yacht boasts vast shaded outdoor areas, together with a large pool and sunbathing space. Indoors, there is a comprehensively-equipped gym, massage area, sauna, and home theater.

Accommodations include 6 beautifully-appointed staterooms, each with ensuite Jacuzzi bathrooms, for a maximum of 12 guests. The master suite is designed as a self-contained apartment with his and her bathrooms featuring rare, pure white Thassos marble, as well as a private study and adjacent VIP cabin.

According to Sheeder, there is no need to be an NFL team owner, or a fan of the Redskins to spend time aboard this yacht.  Sheeder teases, "While we might offer a discount to fans of my hometown team, the Miami Dolphins, we will happily charter LADY ANNE to anyone who loves spending private time with their family and friends." 

LADY ANNE is available for hire this winter in the Caribbean at a rate of  $497,000 per week for year-end (Christmas/New Year's Eve) charters, and $476,000 per week for all other weeks.  The yacht returns to the Mediterranean for the summer of 2012 and is available at a rate of €497,000 per week for July, August, and special events (like the Monaco Grand Prix) and €476,000 per week for all other weeks. Food, drinks, fuel and dockage are extra expenses.

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Other yachts built by Amels and available for hire include motor yacht IMAGINE, motor yacht SPIRIT, and motor yacht Bel Abri.  For more information, contact Jana Sheeder at 305-720-7245 or 1-800-SAILAWAY (that's 800-724-5292).

The owner of a 116'  Bahamas yacht charters motoryacht wants to encourage you to experience true serenity this Thanksgiving, and is offering an incentive sweeter than pumpkin pie. 

Lazzara motor yacht SERENITY is offering a choice of TWO fall specials to coincide with the Thanksgiving holidays:

●  Book a 7-day luxury yacht charter vacation beginning November 28th or 29th, and get 1 DAY FREE (a savings of  over 15%)

or...

●  Book a 3-day vacation beginning November 28th or 29th and pay $22,000 (save $7,000) 
 

But wait...there's more!

Like most yachts offering charters in the Bahamas, motoryacht SERENITY is based in South Florida. The round-trip fuel cost for yachts to be "delivered" to the Bahamas for a charter averages between $3000 and $5000. 

Book a Thanksgiving charter on Lazzara 116 yacht Serenity and the owner will WAIVE the delivery fee!

SERENITY is the newest and largest yacht built by Lazzara to date.  She features an open flybridge arrangement with an integrated hard top offering plenty of shade, tables for dining al fresco, and a large Jacuzzi for plenty of relaxation. Her interior is comprised of a light pecan finish, comfortable modern furniture and there is a beautiful wood floor throughout the salon.

The 116'  yacht accommodates up to ten guests in a five stateroom layout and has the option to convert one of her staterooms from a queen to twin arrangement. The open and inviting galley features a skylight allowing warm natural light to shine on the large settee.

The other custom feature of this yacht is her chair lift that assists guests with difficulties in getting from the main salon deck to the stateroom level.

All of these assets, combined with a friendly, outgoing and adventurous charter crew, make SERENITY the perfect choice for a Thanksgiving yachting holiday.

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To take advantage of this offer, the charter contract must be signed by November 10, 2011.  Please contact the SailAway reservation specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for further details.

The finalists for an international design awards program have been announced and several mega yacht charter vessels lead the pack. 

The International Superyacht Society has released its lists of finalists for the 2011 International Design Awards.  Four of the five nominees in the Best Power category for yachts 40 to 60 meters in length are charter vessels:

●  McMullen & Wing motor yacht BIG FISH 

●  Holland Jachtbouw motor yacht CALLIOPE

●  Perini Navi motor yacht EXUMA 

●  Lürssen motor yacht SOLEMATES 

Based solely on peer review, the International Superyacht Society Design Awards celebrate the finest naval architecture, design, interiors, and engineering in the newest yachts in the large yacht industry.

Winners will be announced at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at ISS’s annual International Design Awards Gala at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale.

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Explore some of the newest yachts available for hire through SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants at http://www.1800sailaway.com/ and book yours TODAY

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

Entitled the, "Wood Forever" program, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco unveiled the project to the media during this week's Monaco Yacht Show, a gathering of luxury sailing charter vessels, new builds and glamorous motoryachts from the Mediterranean yacht charter market.

Membership in the Wood Forever program represents a conscious step towards environmental and social responsibility.

During a brief press conference and ceremony on September 23rd, the Prince recognized Burger Boat as the first official Wood Forever member. Burger signed an agreement to analyze their wood supply chain, and committed to develop a sustainable wood purchasing policy to fight deforestation.

His Serene Highness is hopeful other yacht builders will follow Burger's example in order to drive the yachting industry towards environmental excellence. 

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Related Articles - read about other efforts underway to bring about greater sustainability on the yachting industry:

●  Company Hopes Yacht Designers Will Turn to Sustainable Bamboo

●  Designer Touts New Generation of Green Megayachts

●  New Eco-Friendly Yacht Decor Does Not Smell Fishy


Contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to plan your yacht charter on a green yacht TODAY.

Every year, two annual events make a visit to the city of Monte Carlo a must for yacht charter clientele - the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show.  With the Grand Prix a distant image in our rearview mirrors, focus turns to the yacht show. 

Currently underway, the Monaco Yacht Show presents one of the greatest showcases of luxury charter vessels in the world.  Approximately 100 megayachts from 25 to 90 meters long are on display from Wednesday, September 21 to Saturday, September 24.

What makes this show truly unique is the number of new yachts on hand.  About 40 of the newest  superyachts delivered in the past 12 months will be on exhibit.

Here are several yachts from the SailAway charter database scheduled to be on display:

Motor yacht ICON  - a 62.50 meter custom built yacht launched in 2010.

Motor yacht CARPE DIEM - a 58.20 meter vessel launched in 2011.

Motor yacht MIA ELISE - a 2010, 49.90 meter custom built motoryacht by Trinity Yachts.

Motor yacht QUINTA ESSENTIA - a 55 meter yacht built in 2011 and known for her unique color scheme.

The show is open daily, from 10am to 6.30pm and takes place at Port Hercules, Boulevard Albert 1er, in the Principality of Monaco. The main entrance to the show is the Darse Sud entrance, with other entry points at the Chicane and Parvis Sud.   General admission tickets are available at the entrances for €65 per day.

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Can't make the show?  Our charter department personally inspects dozens of yachts each year on behalf of our clients.  To plan a private Caribbean yacht charter vacation this winter, contact the SailAway charter team at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for yacht and itinerary suggestions  

Launched in May, 2011, motor yacht QUINTA ESSENTIA is in the midst of her first season as a Mediterranean yacht charter vessel.  The stunning 55 meter yacht will be on display this month at the Monaco Yacht Show, docked along the  Quai d'Hirondelle.  

For those of you unable to see her in person, here's a quick look at the largest superyacht launched by Heesen Yachts to date:

This semi-displacement yacht combines extraordinary looks with impressive performance and remarkable fuel efficiency. One observer described the yacht as, "...fluent and organic," with a, "...subtle blend of qualities, making her instantly recognizable yet having a refined and classy appearance."

The unique color scheme was developed by the owner in collaboration with Dobroserdov Design, and consists of a custom-made, classic dark red and a clean oyster white tint. The owner is passionate about fine wines, hence the yacht's signature red color.

Designed by Omega Architects, Heeson yacht Quinta Essentia offers many special features, one of which can be immediately seen upon entering the aft deck. Here, a swimming pool with waterfall can be found, just aft of the yacht’s main salon.

A flow of design and color can be noticed from exterior to interior, upon entering the main saloon. The exterior curves of the vessel are applied inside as well and give the main saloon a softness without losing the sense of spaciousness.  The luxurious interiors are a mixture of minimalism and intimacy, and reflect the owner's personal style.

Aside from the owner’s enormous master suite, the yacht features two large guest cabins which are convertible into one big VIP cabin, plus one double cabin, one twin cabin and an additional VIP cabin on the vessel’s main deck.

The upper deck saloon boasts full height opening windows, offering an incredible panoramic view of the sea.  The deck features a forward lounge and an aft dining room that can be opened up to the large upper aft deck for spectacular al fresco meals.

The vessel’s sundeck provides plenty of room for sunbathing plus an ondeck hot tub and an aft dining area with shade from awnings.  Centrally located on the sun deck is a large gym and luscious spa area.
 
One of the largest yachts available for charter, Heeson's bold 55 meter beauty will set a new standard of what's next in the world of luxury mega yacht charter vessels.

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Is a year end yachting holiday in your future?  Find out more about great deals for a St Barts yacht charter and New Year's Eve celebration.  Contact the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for more details.

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.