Luxury Mega Yacht Charter

Last week, we reported on an increase of newly-built superyachts entering the market, in combination with fewer weeks of yachting vacations being sold.

In the category of yachts from 30 to 50 meters (about 100 to 165 feet), there was a 28 per cent increase in the number of yachts on the charter market in 2010. At the same time, the same market segment saw a reduction of 10.7 per cent in weekly base rates.

A decrease in the number of charter weeks sold worldwide (down 9 percent in 2010, from 2009) and increased competition due to a growing number of new yachts, means owners must look for new ways to attract potential customers.

So what is emerging as the newest marketing trend in 2012 to lure new and repeat clients?

WELLNESS VACATIONS...

Spa and Wellness Charters - the largest yachts in the world have accepted the challenge to compete with the world's best land-based spas. Exercise equipment, once a novelty on yachts and relegated to a small area on deck, has given way to fully-equipped onboard fitness centers and workout rooms. 

NFL Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, for example, recently purchased the Amels motor yacht LADY S

The recently-launched 70 meter motor yacht NUMPTIA provides an entire deck for wellness.  The existence of an true "Spa Deck" shows how unique this Italian-built yacht really is.

A sauna, steam room, and fully-equipped gym are complimented by a private outdoor area with comfortable sunbeds. 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.

Look for 2012 to be the year onboard masseuses and wellness crew members offering aromatherapy, meditation, and yoga classes becoming commonplace on many of the world's newest yachts.

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Rent private yacht - Ease your mind and body with a wellness vacation.  Contact the SailAway charter specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Staluppi, the luxury yacht charter world's archetypical yacht owner is at it again. Driven by imagination and pride, Staluppi has taken possession of his 16th megayacht. 

Launched on Saturday 26th November 2011 at the state-of-the-art Benetti shipyard in Livorno, Italy the 60 meter Benetti FB253 is the boat's official identification, but like so many of his earlier yachts, the vessel has been christened to honor another James Bond classic novel and film - motor yacht DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.

Based on the shipyard's famed naval architecture and engineering, the elegant external line of the new Benetti FB253 M/Y (Motoryacht) DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER is characterized by compact forms and dynamic slender lines.  This balanced combination of traditional design elements and modern innovative stylistic solutions has become the benchmark of Benetti's distinguishing mark throughout the world.

Long a fan of the James Bond 007 saga,  Staluppi's earlier creations included the aptly named motor yacht OCTOPUSSY, motoryacht MOONRAKER, motor yacht THUNDERBALL, M/Y THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, and the popular Bahama yacht charters mega yacht CASINO ROYALE, a fixture at the posh Atlantis Resort and Marina on Paradise Island.

Although M/Y CASINO ROYALE and his latest effort M/Y DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER were built for true luxury at sea, Staluppi's earlier James Bond boat creations were built with a singular focus - SPEED.  Setting records as some of the fastest superyachts in the world, it was the 43.5 meter motor yacht OCTOPUSSY which broke the 50-knot speed barrier 20 years ago and brought the name of New York-born John Staluppi to the attention of yacht aficionados.

With a background that is now well-known, the self-made millionaire left school when he was 16 and worked as a mechanic in Brooklyn before going on to develop one of the most successful car dealerships in North America -- a business that enabled him to indulge his passion for racing fast boats, and then later for building megayachts.

While many charter yacht owners prefer to remain anonymous, Staluppi's vision and passion bring fervor and excitement to a very conservative industry. After all, there aren't many yachts aboard which guests are greeted by frosted-glass panels delicately etched with the silhouettes of Bond girls! 

The customized, whimsical James Bond boat themes are a refreshing breath of fresh air in an industry of white, cookie-cutter production boats.  Let's hope Staluppi doesn't run out of 007 movie titles, or his passion, any time soon.

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Live the adventure - come explore an exotic destination on a James Bond boat. Contact SailAway Yacht Charters' 007 agent headquarters at http//www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to arrange your luxury yacht charter.

The other day, a client texted his post-charter comments after returning from a 10 night luxury sailing charter vacation.  We responded and asked if everything went well.  Being his third Perini Navi yacht charter in the islands, we also asked if anything out of the ordinary occurred.

"Gr8 charter...all wnt well."  he replied.  "Nothing unusual but the skiing."

We texted, "A lot of peeps on H2O-skis?"  His reply nearly knocked us out of our chairs, "LOL - No...SNOW skis!"

It turns out, the most unusual ski adventure of the winter season wasn't taking place in Vail, Deer Valley, or Steamboat.  The unlikeliest of winter ski destinations this season is the Caribbean Sea, where dressing in layers of warm clothing will not be required, but sunscreen will be a must.

It's all taking place aboard a custom-built cruise ship that boasts a tall slope and lift at its stern, a rental chalet, and après-ski bar. 

Not to be outdone by the megayacht charter vessels known for their onboard amenities, the specialty cruise liner also boasts saunas and hot tubs.

White powder skiing purists may cringe at the fact the snow is not real and there is no  wintry crispness to the air.  But consider the bright side: deep blue skies, balmy temperatures every day, and a placid sea Caribbean sea with islands on the horizon.

Iglucruise, is the company offering this first-ever Caribbean ski excursion. A British-based travel company, the eight-day voyage departs from Barbados and includes stops at Tobago, Isla Margarita, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent.

The ski slope is almost 500 feet long, built atop the upper deck to afford fantastic views of the tropics. The slope is covered with a Perma-Snow carpet, said to almost feel like real snow.

The company's website states they are, "proud to announce the launch of their first cruiseship, a ground-breaking new ship to combine the passions of their loyal customers; skiing and cruising."

Expect for long lines at the lift, as the ship can carry 1,129 passengers.

News of this crazy adventure is spreading fast, and from comments by bloggers, the ski community isn't quite sure how to react.  One post read in part:

"I think it's a stretch to actually call it skiing, then again, speaking to the uniqueness of this idea, what a trip it's going to be for people to be linking turns on a cruise ship sailing across the famed waters of the Caribbean Sea. This is not a ski trip most of us would ever consider, then again name another time you've heard of such a trip being offered."

Prices for the cruise start as low as $1,240/pp.

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While a luxury yacht charter vacation cannot offer snow-type skiing, the typical yacht does have a large assortment of aquasport toys and onboard amenities. For a great winter deal on a private yacht vacation, contact the SailAway charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With excellent performance speeds, modern exterior lines, and refined interiors, the new Sunseeker 28 is a remarkable new craft.   She will soon join similar-sized 2011 models already in charter such as Sunseeker Predator 84 yacht FIRECRACKER and Sunseeker 34 yacht TUPPENCE.   
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Ready to cruise into the new year, the 190 foot Trinity Yachts motor yacht MI SUENO has announced a special reduced rate for Caribbean yacht charter vacations for the month of January, 2012.

Slashing more than 10% from the published rate of €280,000 per week plus expenses, motor yacht MI SUENO is available for this limited offer at a price of €250,000 per week, plus all expenses.  All running expenses, such as food, fuel and bar are extra. That is a savings of €30,000 per week!

Trinity yacht charter aficionados are quite familiar with this impressive yacht.  Launched in 2010, motor yacht MI SUENO is a standout in every respect.  Up to 12 charter guests will relax in comfort while at anchor, with the aid of zero speed (at anchor) Quantum stabilizers. Her onboard amenities include WiFi and Kaleidescape central movie/music server throughout. The yacht is also equipped with a 2-person, wheelchair-accessible elevator (to 3 levels). 

In addition to the full sun deck areas, conversation nooks abound on all decks, inside and outside, on this fascinating nautical creation. The sophisticated, contemporary interior is a tasteful mix of textures, fine art, and neutral colors in furnishings, carpets, and stonework.



Forward on the main deck is the full-width split-level Master Suite with King bed, featuring a private study, private lounge, and his/hers bathrooms.  Five additional ensuite staterooms below include a full-width VIP King suite, 2 matching King cabins, a wheelchair-accessible Queen stateroom, and a Twin cabin (with Pullman berth). There’s flexibility for a 7th stateroom by converting the Gym/Massage Room on the Bridge Deck into a guest cabins with 4 Pullman berths and ensuite bath.

The yacht's three exterior living areas are a joy to behold -- spacious and inviting with beautiful teak furniture on all levels. Guests can head up to the sundeck for a vigorous workout on the elliptical trainer…then ease into the Jacuzzi tub, followed by a quick dip in the plunge pool...and finish with a soothing massage in the gym on the Bridge Deck.  As the sun sets, enjoy cocktails and fine dining al fresco on the private deck, aft of the skylounge. 

Last but not least, this megayacht is loaded with aquasports gear and toys for those who like to get out on the water. Trinity yacht MI SUENO is standing by for your cruising pleasure.  “Mi casa es su casa!”  ("My home is your home!")

Note - not offered for charter to US residents while in US waters.

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Ready to escape the winter chill in the warm waters of the Caribbean islands?  Book a private luxury yacht charter with SailAway today -- contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html now.

They say, "Time flies when you're having fun."  It seems like yesterday we were looking forward to the launchings of 2011's newest yachts, and planning charters for special events like the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix.

As the year winds down and clients make their last-minute preparations for Christmas and New Year's Caribbean yacht charters, we take a minute to look back at our most popular yachting-related stories of 2011:  

Must-Have New Gadgets for 2012 - Our Top Three
Going on a Virgin Islands yacht charter is loads of fun, but getting there can be tedious.  Having a cool new gadget on hand is a great way to kill some time...

Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio SailAway Onboard Steven Spielberg Yacht
While gossip websites circulated a series of photographs purporting to show the "Gossip Girl" actress posing naked, Blake and Leo were seen relaxing and laughing onboard motoryacht SEVEN SEAS, Speilberg's multi-million dollar superyacht, during the recent Cannes Film Festival 2011...

Leave Your Clothes Behind - Top 2 Clothing Optional Caribbean Yacht Charter Destinations
It has been said a great vacation is all about escaping. For many, that means escaping the confines of their homes and the rigors of their work.  For others, it is best achieved by escaping the confines of their clothes...

Top Three Well-Traveled Celebrity Couples
From après-ski private chalets in Vail, to multi-deck behemoth superyacht vessels in the Caribbean, some celebrity power couples take traveling to the extreme...

European Prince Encourages Superyacht Industry to Go Green
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...

World's Newest and Largest Yachts on Display in Monaco
Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway reflects on the Monaco Yacht Show - one of the greatest showcases of luxury charter vessels in the world.  Each year, approximately 100 megayachts from 25 to 90 meters long are on display.  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 are on exhibit...

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Make 2012 a year to remember.  Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to arrange an unforgettable yachting vacation with your family and friends.

Known for exceptional achievement in building semi-custom luxury mega yacht charter vessels, Westport Yachts has launched motor yacht LEGACY, the latest new build in the company's flagship Westport 164 series.

The tri-deck 50 meter motor yacht LEGACY can accommodate twelve guests in unsurpassed luxury.

Prized by owners for the artistry of the yacht's contours as for the substance of its construction, the Westport 164 represents a landmark achievement in large yacht design.  Developed using leading-edge three-dimensional modeling and structural software applications also used in the aviation industry, Westport yacht LEGACY has met every objective for speed, ride, maneuverability, integrity, and overall quality.  



The modern exterior is credited to world-renowned designer Donald Starkey and naval architect William Garden.  Their collaboration created a refined hull form for exceptional ocean-going performance, plus an innovative accommodation plan which balances interior and on-deck spaces for maximum enjoyment and versatility.  The yacht's contemporary styling will ensure lasting appeal, and should prove popular with Caribbean yacht charter clientele. 

No word as to when the yacht will be available for charter consideration.  With 15 popular Westport yachts currently available for hire in the South Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, Westport aficionados hope to soon see this magnificent yacht on the charter market.

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To charter a Westport yacht, contact the SailAway yacht vacation specialists at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  today.

Regular readers of our blogs kno the team in our yacht charter department loves gadgets - from great Christmas stocking stuffer gadgets to our favorite must-have new gadgets for 2012.

But what about gadgets that simply didn't cut the mustard in 2011? 

In a year when technology heralded the magic of the Cloud and 4G phones were popping up everywhere, the year also bore witness to some failures of epic proportion. Here are our picks for the three biggest technology meltdowns of 2011:

We've said it many times - the tech toys and gadgets found on mega yacht charter vessels are a good barometer as to what is hot and what is not.  Take for example, 3-D technology.  The future might be now, but you'd hardly know it by taking a peek in the average yacht's salon.  A quick look at some of the newest yachts like the 61 meter Benetti yacht LYANA and the 56 meter Perini Navi sail yacht FIDELIS shows 3-D technology has not been embraced by the yachting community.

You just don't see any 3-D television sets on the yachts, or in many homes.  Blame high prices or headaches from wearing silly-colored glasses, but at the end of 2011, interest in 3-D TV is the same as it was at the beginning of 2011, and sales are flat.

iPhone 4S
While sales are anything but flat for the iPhone 4s, Apples newest handset is still a major consumer letdown.  Yes, it's one of  the fastest, best-looking smartphones on the block — but it's no iPhone 5.  Apple aficionados spent the better part of the year waiting for a reincarnated iPhone with a larger screen, and thinner profile. In the end, they were presented with the iPhone 4S — a nominal upgrade at best over the previous model.

Android Tablets
While the iPhone 4s may have been a letdown, Apple's iPad tablet juggernaut seems unstoppable, leading us to declare Android tablets as the biggest gadget failure of 2011. A year after the release of the first iPad, not a single technology company has made a dent in Apple's tablet market. Sales of devices like the Motorola Xoom featuring the Android tablet operating system pale in comparison to the sales of the mighty iPad.  Will the new iPad 2 be the final nail in the coffin of Android tablets in the marketplace?   

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Can you think of any other technology blunders for gadgets that failed to catch on in 2011?  If you are a boater, which new gadgets are on your wish list that you would like to see available on charter yachts?  Please contact the SailAway charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to tell us which gadgets you would like on yachts.

We first introduced our readers to the Dan Snyder - owned Amels motor yacht LADY S back in October, after the NFL Washington Redskins head honcho purchased the 70 meter megayacht.

Word now comes that motor yacht LADY S is offering a special deal in the month of January:
Enjoy a Caribbean yacht charter with your family and friends for 9 nights, but pay for only 7.

This special deal shaves $142,000 off the charter rate. 

A superyacht with great ambiance and onboard facilities, special features include vast shaded outdoor space, a Jacuzzi pool with swim jets, and ample sunbathing areas. There is also a fully-equipped gym, massage area, and Hammam (Turkish sauna), as well as an elevator serving all levels.   Zero speed stabilizers keep the yacht from rocking in any rough weather.

Here's a complete list of the yacht's key features and amenities:

● The interior has undergone a complete makeover including new salon parquet flooring and soft furnishings/furniture and curtains in Hermes fabrics throughout.   

● A huge double Owner’s suite incorporates a library / office and twin his & hers shower and Jacuzzi bath

● 5 guest staterooms:  A VIP cabin, 3 double guests, and 1 cabin with 2 single berths and a Pullman.

● A 7th cabin for staff with 2 singles and ensuite shower

● Brand new Hermes and Puiforcat fine china, Baccarat glassware, and Ercuis flatware

● Linley accessories such as vases and cocktail trays

● New Pizza Oven

● New Teppanyaki Grill

● New Bang & Olufsen televisions with movie-theater surround sound throughout

● New JVC 4K high definition projector in the main salon

● Heated Jacuzzi dip pool with swim jets and in-water exercise bar

● Brand new Summit deck furniture and all new deck cushions

● Turkish Sauna/shower room

● Well-equipped gym including two brand new Woodway treadmills, Techno Multi Cross training platform, a Synchro Excite and stationary bicycle

Based in Antigua, her weekly winter charter rate is $497,000 plus running expenses. 

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To charter Lady S, please contact the SailAway luxury yacht charter destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

While the popularity of Bahama yacht charters has increased in recent years, the availability of reasonably-priced airfare to the island nation has stymied many a potential luxury yacht charter customer.   Flights from South Florida to the Bahamas are often more expensive than coast to coast flights across the United States.

Fortunately a new alternative to traveling to and from the Bahamas has been unveiled.

On December 16th, Balèaria Bahamas Express introduced inaugural high speed ferry service between Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and Freeport (Grand Bahama).

The 74 meter ferry Pinar del Rio cruises at 32 knots and can make the 76 mile crossing in 2.5 hours.

The service runs daily, except on Wednesday, with a convenient schedule that allows passengers from the USA to return on the same day after spending the day on Grand Bahama Island.

Pricing starts at $49.50 per person, one way, with first class seating available for $90 per person each way, plus local taxes.
 
Spanish-based Balèaria specializes in the transportation of people in the Mediterranean. With nearly 1000 employees and 15 ships in operation, the company ferried almost 3 million passengers in 2010.

The company is also working on establishing service from South Florida to Bimini in 2012.

To book your ferry ticket from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahama online, visit the Balearic Bahamas Express' reservation website at https://www.ferryexpress.com/wps/portal/comercial/home_us_en?estrecho=3&resetPortlet=true

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Springtime is the best time to plan a yachting vacation in the pristine waters of the Bahamas.  Contact  the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  for a list of spring specials on both luxury sailing charter vessels and motoryachts.

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.

Anyone who has enjoyed a luxury yacht charter can attest to the epicurean delights prepared and presented by some of the finest chefs in the world.  From select cuts of beef to freshly-caught seafood - only the finest ingredients are used.

Unfortunately, the same attention to detail is not always present ashore and back at home - especially when it comes to mislabeled seafood. 

Recent reports suggest that species may be mislabeled as much as 25 to 70 percent of the time for commonly swapped species such as red snapper, Atlantic cod, and wild salmon.  This mislabeling not only rips off consumers, but can hurt our oceans as well.

That's where you come in - the oceans need you, Sherlock Holmes!

The folks at Oceana, a celebrity-driven advocacy group for the protection of our seas, is recruiting "Seafood Sleuths" - volunteers to help identify seafood fraud. 

Simply put - they're looking for fishy seafood in your area, and need your help.

Do you have what it takes to be a Seafood Sleuth?

Seafood fraud covers a number of dirty activities that seek to skirt the rules and rip us off, including mislabeling seafood as a totally different fish. In the coming months, Seafood Sleuths will buy seafood from either a grocery store or a restaurant and send a small piece of fish back to Oceana.  The Oceana science team will work with a lab to use DNA to identify the fish species and report the results.

Earlier this year, Oceana tested seafood in the Boston area and found that 18% of the seafood purchased from major grocery store chains was mislabeled.  The Boston Globe published a two day story on seafood fraud in New England markets and restaurants and found 48% of the fish to be mislabeled.

You might wonder why this situation is not prevalent in the yacht charter industry.

Purchases of fresh foods for Caribbean yacht charter vessels, and indeed superyacht vessels everywhere, lies in the hands of the yacht's highly-trained onboard chef.  Most chefs personally visit the markets and select the entire fish, guaranteeing they are purchasing exactly the type of fish they want. 

So here is your opportunity to fight seafood fraud in your hometown — sign up to be a Seafood Sleuth NOW.

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To learn how to fight seafrood fraud, contact the SailAway mega yacht charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

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.

At the recent ShowBoats Design Awards gala, the winner of the annual Young Designer of the Year Award was announced in front of an international audience of yacht owners and leading luxury yacht charter designers.

Michael Givens was declared the 2011 winner, taking home €5,000 in prize money, and topping a competition that drew 30 entries from 20 countries.

Additionally, the winner and the top five finalists are presented with a host of unique opportunities aimed at advancing their design careers, including complimentary access to the two-day Superyacht Design Symposium and an all-expenses paid trip to see the design and construction of Lürssen yacht charter vessels under construction at the builders shipyards in Bremen and Rendsburg, Germany.

The competition hosted by ShowBoats Media, is a worldwide initiative to uncover the yachting industry’s up-and-coming creative talents.

Contestants submitted design portfolios and were judged by an elite panel of internationally known yacht designers including Andrew Winch, Dickie Bannenberg & Rob Humphreys.

"Being called on stage to accept the Young Designer of the Year Award was the most exciting moment of my life," beamed Givens.  "It is truly astonishing to be starting out in this industry and have had the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. The award, along with the entire experience, will be cherished."
    
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Charter an award winning yacht like sail yacht TWIZZLE, or motor yacht EXUMA.  Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  to charter your own private luxury yacht today. 

How do you top yourself if you're the creator of a multi award-winning superyacht? Easy - build the same yacht again - only bigger and better.

Following in the footsteps of the acclaimed 45 meter Aquos Yachts motor yacht BIG FISH, the 50 meter motor yacht STAR FISH is currently under construction at McMullen & Wing. 

Projected to launch in April of 2012, Aquos motor yacht STAR FISH is based on the same hull form as M/Y BIG FISH, but will include six staterooms and accommodation for 14 crew, as well as a flexible owner’s deck with optional forward-facing cabin and both fore and aft decks.

 
The unique arrangement by Greg C. Marshall Naval Architects, allows the skylounge deck to be dedicated solely to owner’s use, or to be incorporated in the yacht’s public space scheme during luxury yacht charter outings. The captain’s cabin and wheelhouse will be located on a fourth deck with a dramatic flying bridge and observation pod above it.

We first introduced our readers to McMullen & Wing yacht BIG FISH in January 2011, as the vessel set out on an around-the-world odyssey.  Along the way, the owner, designer, and builders continued to collect awards and platitudes  for the edgy, angular, and dramatic megayacht, specifically created for sea-going adventure.

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For additional charter information, contact the megayacht specialists at SailAway Yacht Charters.