Luxury Sailing Charter

While this mommy and daddy are well-known for enjoying numerous week-long mega yacht charter vacations at sea, a simple day excursion on the water was a great introduction for their infant daughter to the yachting lifestyle.

Beyonce, husband Jay-Z, and three month-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter spent the Easter holidays in one of the family's favorite vacation enclaves - the island of St Barts. 

The local paparazzi captured the parents boarding a small day charter vessel, with Blue Ivy in her mother's arms, as they prepared to spend a lazy afternoon on the water.

Locals on St Barts are used to seeing the media power couple once or twice a year, their chartered superyacht docked along the quay.  For the short Easter weekend, the family elected to stay in shoreside accommodations.  But the yachting "itch"  is powerful, and the couple took a perfect-weather day as an opportunity to go boating in the afternoon - and to take along their daughter for her first boat ride.

Perhaps we'll see the family back in St Barts at year-end, enjoying another New Year's Eve yachting vacation.

 

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To reserve your yachting vacation in St Barts, contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

The Bulls may be running the past week or so on Wallstreet, but in Europe, it's a BEAR MARKET that's catching attention in the yachting community.

Motor yacht BEAR MARKET is a Mangusta 92 - a high-performing luxury sport yacht brimming with Italian style and explosive speed - the perfect combination for a fast-paced Mediterranean yacht charter odyssey.

To entice A-personality adventure buffs, the Mangusta 92 motoryacht BEAR MARKET has announced a special offer for the month of May -- 33% off all charters. 

Pay just €30,000 per week plus running expenses for an all-out speedfest along the Côte d'Azur...   

Built in 2003 by Italian shipyard Mangusta (Overmarine), this open-style superyacht has a sleek exterior complemented by a warm and inviting interior décor.
 
The 28 meter Mangusta motor yacht Bear Market accommodates eight to nine guests in four cabins.

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To reserve yacht BEAR MARKET, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

A 161'  charter yacht is offering a deep discount for early summer reservations - but only if you hurry!

The 161'  Trinity motor yacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM is offering a 20% reduced charter rate in the Mediterranean for any reservation that is confirmed on or before April 23, 2012.
 
Thus, clients can take 20% off any low season (June, September) charters (regular rate - $190,000 per week), or high season cruises (regular rate - $210,000 per week). All rates are plus running expenses (items such as food, fuel, dockage, etc.).

Launched in 2005, Trinity yacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM underwent a major refit in 2009, both inside and out.  The American-made superyacht offers accommodations for up to 10 guests in 5 staterooms, and carries an impressive inventory of watertoys including a 32' White Shark tender with twin 250 hp engines, two Yamaha waverunners, and assorted towable toys.
 
Other Trinity yachts currently available for hire include motor yacht UNBRIDLED, motor yacht CARPE DIEM , and the 58 meter motor yacht MI SUENO.

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To reserve a discounted luxury yacht charter vessel, contact SailAway at: http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

Attendees of the upcoming 2012 WORLD SUPERYACHT AWARDS, May 5, 2012, will enjoy an exclusive opportunity to visit the shipyards of two of the top builders of luxury yacht charter vessels.

Builders Proteksan Turquoise, and Perini Navi are offering yacht owners, designers and VIP guests a guided tour of their shipyards in Istanbul, Turkey.

Charter vessels launched by these famous yards include:

■  Proteksan Turquoise motor yacht YOGI
 

■  Perini Navi sail yacht FIDELIS
 

■  Proteksan Turquoise motor yacht TALISMAN C
 

■  Perini Navi sail yacht BARACUDA
 

■  Proteksan Turquoise motor yacht BARAKA
 

■  Proteksan Turquoise motor yacht TURQUOISE

Of special note, 70.54m megayacht TALISMAN C, 50m ultraluxury sailing yacht FIDELIS, and 55.4m motor vessel TURQUOISE are 2012 World Superyacht Awards finalists.

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For further event information or to rent one of these private luxury yachts, contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/special_events.php.

The builders of today's luxury yacht charter vessels often turn to aluminum, Kevlar, and plastic resins to make lightweight and fuel-efficient boats.

That all may change - thanks to a bug...

Aerogels are among the lightest solid materials in existence. Created by replacing the liquid component of a gel with a gas, aerogels are extremely low in density, and hence, fairly buoyant. Now scientists have created a new aerogel, inspired by the feet of an insect - the tiny "water strider."

The new aerogel is so buoyant, a yacht made from one pound (454 grams) of it could carry about 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of cargo.

Created by a team of professors and scientists at the Helsinki University of Technology, the new aerogel contains tiny fibers - nano-fibrils - derived from cellulose in plants. These fibers allow the aerogel to float by using the same physics principles evidenced by the water strider’s long, skinny feet. The water strider's feet are covered in tiny hairs that trap air, and each air bubble helps distribute the insect’s weight across the water, keeping it from breaking the surface tension.

In addition to commercial boat-building aspects, the bug-inspired aerogel could find use in environmental pollution sensors, children’s water toys, and beach floats.   Even more promising is the potential application in environmental protection.  It seems the gel is able to absorb large amounts of oil - making it well-suited for oil spill cleanups.

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For the latest in fun travel gadgets and yacht technology, visit the SailAway Yacht Charter nautical blog at http://yacht-charter.1800sailaway.com/

Several yacht owners have contacted us to promote their current charter specials.  Take a look and find a deal that's right for your next getaway:

●  Motor yacht MARY ALICE II - 10 nights for the price of 7.  This Westport 130 is offering Bahama yacht charters for the special rate of $94,900 + expenses, for 10 nights for a charter commencing between April 22 and April 27, in Nassau.  Accommodations for 10 guests.

●  Sail Yacht NEPHELE - 10% off  low season rate for all bookings (both high and low season) confirmed prior to May 31, 2012. Available for Mediterranean yacht charters, the 34 meter sailing yacht offers accommodations for 6 guests in three cabins. Her usual charter rate is 52,000 - 58,000 EUR per week plus expenses.

●  Motor Yacht FREEDOM - 10% off any 7 night charter (excluding Christmas and New Year’s). That’s a savings of $6,450 off the standard all-inclusive (yacht, crew, fuel, meals, ship's bar) rate of $64,500 for 1-9 guests.  This 120'  Broward is based in St. Thomas, USVI, the perfect starting point for a Caribbean yacht charter.

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For more great specials this spring and summer, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html
 

Twenty-one yachts have registered, including some of the largest luxury sailing charter  vessels for one of the most popular yachting events in the Mediterranean.

The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is scheduled for June 4-9, 2012, in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.

First launched in 2008 and hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, this signature event opens the annual superyacht calendar and Mediterranean yacht charter season.  An assortment of modern, classic, performance and cruising vessels will be on hand to watch or participate in five days of exhilarating sailing.

Popular yachts expected to register include:      

►  56 meter sailing yacht SELENE  
►  57 meter sailing yacht TWIZZLE 

Last year's overall winner of the Loro Piana Silver Jubilee Cup was HIGHLAND FLING XI.

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To reserve a luxurious sailing yacht in the Mediterranean this summer, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

A famed Hollywood filmmaker has bested an equally famous celebrity explorer as well as an underdog submariner in a race to be the first explorer of the ocean deadliest trench in half a century.

James Cameron plunged about seven miles to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific ocean, where temperatures near freezing and the bone-crushing pressure is one thousand times greater than that at sea level.

In January, we profiled the epic attempt by three teams of modern-day explorers to reach the ocean's deepest point - the first attempt in over 50 years. 

Cameron, the director of Avatar, Titanic and The Abyss, was up against British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, owner of the 32 meter (111 foot) luxury yacht charter vessel NECKER BELLE.  The third team was headed by Patrick Lahey.  Lahey and his team, Triton Submarines, were heavy underdogs to their wealthy competitors.

Speaking after the dive, Cameron described the ocean bottom as a "completely alien world" - similar to the surface of the moon.  It was a "very lunar, very desolate place. Very isolated," Cameron said.

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Plan your own adventure aboard Bahama yacht charters motor yacht MINE GAMES is one of the first charter vessels to carry an onboard submarine as part of the yacht's watertoy inventory.  Contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to schedule your luxury yacht charter.

You are going on a luxury yacht charter vacation in a few months, and you want to bring your iPod.  You worry that it may end up in the ocean or that water will damage it, though.  NO WORRIES!

Introducing the AquaTunes, America's favorite waterproof radio pouch for use onboard yacht charters.  It works with cd players, mp3 players, iPods, and cassette players. It is designed to be used underwater by snorkelers or by any other watersports enthusiast who enjoys listening to music, radio, or books on tape in the water!  (Note:  This is a great gift to give to anyone who is headed on a St. Barts yacht charter or a charter boat in Turkey!)

So on your crewed catamaran charter or bareboat sailboat adventure, remember to bring your AquaTunes to enjoy your iPod and iTunes on your private yacht!

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To rent your private yacht, contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

The idea of a Persian Gulf yacht charter grew a lot more intriguing today, as one of the world's richest sports teams announced plans to build on its enormous following.

At a presentation on Thursday, Real Madrid soccer club President Florentino Perez unveiled Real Madrid Resort Island - a holiday resort on an artificial island in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to open in January 2015.

The resort will feature multiple sports facilities, a superyacht marina, luxury hotels, a soccer-themed amusement park, club museum, and a 10,000-seat stadium with one side open to the Persian Gulf.

"It is a decisive and strategic step that will strengthen our institution in the Middle East and Asia," said Perez.

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters believes this new resort will strengthen the Middle East's burgeoning yacht market.   "In just three years, we've witnessed the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show blossom into a world-class showing of  megayachts for sale and charter,"  says Sheeder. 

"More and more Mediterranean yacht charter vessels are migrating to the Middle East to take part in premier boat shows, both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as other special events like Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  The introduction of a new megayacht complex at Real Madrid Resort Island will further bolster this emerging charter destination."

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Motor yacht JANA is among a dozen or so megayachts offering charters in the Middle East in 2012.  To charter your private luxury yacht, contact the charter department at SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?"

When it comes to the newest and largest yachts in the world, the answer won't be revealed until June 22 - during a glittering gala evening in Monaco at the 2012 ShowBoats Design Awards.

What we can tell you know is which yachts are in the running to be awarded the coveted golden Neptune trophies for best exterior and interior design.

This year's finalist include some of the top luxury yacht charter vessels in the market.

CLICK TO SEE 2011 ShowBoats Design Awards Winners

Making the final cut from a field of over 200 entries and nominated for the best exterior design & styling in motor yachts 60 meters and above are mega yacht charter vessels:

Motor yacht IMAGINE              Motor yacht NUMPTIA               Motor yacht TALISMAN C

The winner will be announced on June 22 at the Monaco Opera House in front of a VIP audience of yacht owners and industry professionals from around the globe.

In a day or two, we'll take a look at the finalists for best interior design in motoryachts 60 meters and above.

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HURRY!  Only 5 weeks remain to book a spring megayacht vacation in the Caribbean.  After that, the fleet will relocate to the Mediterranean to prepare for the summer yacht charter season.  Contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to reserve your private luxury yacht charter today.

Can you think of three great reasons why A-list celebrities like Johnny Depp, Beyonce, Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow choose yachting holidays over more conventional getaways?  

Before you rack your brain with choices such as great food, amazing onboard amenities, gadgets, and watersports toys, we have to come clean - it's really a trick question.

There's really only ONE reason Hollywood stars, producers, and their families relish yachting, but it's a reason worthy of being repeated three times:

●  PRIVACY

●  PRIVACY

●  PRIVACY

Come to think of it, its the number one reason most vacationers consider a Caribbean yacht charter in the winter, or an escape to the Mediterranean in the summer.

Except for the professional crew, NO ONE gets on the yacht without the permission of the charterer and his guests.  

Sure, you can rent a posh villa in a ski resort, or a magnificent penthouse in any number of hotels around the world. At some point, be it on the slopes or in a restaurant, you must deal with other people and crowds.

The level of privacy enjoyed on a superyacht is unrivaled.  There's little need to plan meals ashore as charter chefs are among the very best gourmands in the culinary industry. Onboard amenities such as cinema rooms, hot tubs, and saunas, rival the finest shoreside spas. 

Recreational watertoys such as  waverunners and  snorkel gear eliminate the need to visit stores and shops to rent sports equipment. 

In short - yacht charters offer an all-inclusive environment that caters to travelers who place great emphasis on quality time with family and friends.      

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Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html and learn more about a world of yachting options for you and your family.

Yesterday, a follower of our blog sent in an email asking, "When is high season in the Caribbean?"

In terms of luxury sailing charter vacations, the Caribbean offers wonderful and highly diverse cruising. From St. Thomas, to the north, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, to the south and the Windward Islands, the clusters of islands and cays that form the region known as the Antilles offers many diverse destinations - from beaches to lagoons, to rain forests. 

Ask most captains and they will tell you the "best" time to enjoy sailing in the Caribbean is from December to April - a period often referred to as the "High" season.  As a general rule, the weather is drier and the tradewinds steadier, so weather conditions for crewed catamaran charters (the most popular yachts) are more stable. Nights tend to be cooler as well.

May through November is typically considered the "Low" season and is most often associated with hurricane season.  While hurricane season is theoretically from June to November, most intense tropical storms occur in September and October, when the ocean water is at its warmest temperatures of the year.

Although May is technically low season, avid adventurers often plan Virgin Islands yacht charters in this month.  The weather is still cooler than the later summer months, but the water temperature is ideal for snorkeling, and the throngs of tourists that flock to the Caribbean for Easter and spring break are long gone. 

In short, May offers the lower prices often associated with low season but the comfortable climate most common in high season - sans the hordes of high season visitors!

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For a list of seasonal discounts, contact SailAway Caribbean charter pros at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

After we posted a blog about the high demand for berths in the heart of London during the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games this summer, we started to wonder if there were any convenient, alternative locations for superyacht dockage. 

It turns out there is an excellent port facility away from the crowded downtown London docks with good deepwater berths and easy-to-arrange helicopter access into the heart of London.

Portland Port is ready to roll out the red carpet for luxury yacht charter vessels this summer, and might just become this year's megayacht hotspot, with multiple deep water berths and anchorages available.

A special bonus - Portland Port is host to the Olympic and Paralympics sailing races.

 
Situated at the end of a peninsula off the Dorset coast, Portland Port is an ideal location to enjoy Olympic sailing events, and escape the crowded Royal docks near downtown London. Using Portland as a base during the games, charterers heading for stadium events can avoid the Thames River, and shuttle via helicopter from Dorset into the heart of London.

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters expand on the advantages of docking in Portland, especially for large sailboats.  “Because of height restrictions, some large luxury sailing charter vessels are unable to cruise down the Thames.  Portland is an excellent alternative for these sailboats.  Our team will partner with local port authorities to offer the ultimate in luxury packages including helicopter transport to and from Olympic events."

Portland Port offers multiple deep water berths suitable for vessels over 24m LOA, and also serves as an excellent stop-over destination between popular locations such as Falmouth, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight. The pretty, traditional seaside town of Weymouth is only 15 minutes away by taxi.

The prospect of using Portland as a gateway to adventure has Sheeder beaming.  “Attending the Olympic Games while enjoying a yachting-based vacation will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our clients. By using Portland as a base, charterers will not only have easy access to the Games, but also be at the gateway for exploring nearby sites like nge, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bath, and the Jurassic Coast.”

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It's not too late to arrange a yachting holiday this summer in London.  Contact the SailAway Yacht Charters special events team at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for details on planning your London Olympics yacht charter.

Need a little incentive to press on with your plans to enjoy a 7 night Tahiti yacht charter?  Perhaps saving over $100,000 off the regular weekly rate of a 191 foot megayacht might do the trick!

The 58 meter Trinity yacht charter superyacht UNBRIDLED has just announced a major price reduction to entice luxury travelers to come explore the exotic locale of Tahiti and the islands of the South Pacific.

Currently enroute to Tahiti, motor yacht UNBRIDLED has converted her rates from Euro €329,000 per week to USD $300,000 per week for the months of March and April, 2012. 

The currency conversion equates to a price savings in US Dollars of approximately $132,660 - about a 30% discount.

Built in 2009 in the USA by Trinity Yachts, the five stateroom vessel offers accommodations for 10 guests, complimented by a crew of 13.  Her key features include:

• A large inventory of watertoys including waverunners, kayaks, a Hobie Cat sailboat, and waterskis

• Luxurious appointments and comfort with a stunning, richly-detailed interior

• Superb cuisine by Chef Jason Meakin

• An impeccable crew, led by co-captains Richard Grissell and Elmar Blaauw

After spending late spring in the south Pacific, Motor yacht UNBRIDLED will continue her world tour.  Premium dates remain available for charters in the Mediterranean in the summer months.

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Contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/inquiry.php?y=unbridled to reserve prime dates onboard Trinity motor yacht UNBRIDLED this spring or summer.

In January we informed our readers of a new Italian yacht tax signed into law in December 2011.  Effective May 1, 2012, the tax will assess a fee for each day a yacht is in service in Italian waters.

Superyacht industry experts, like Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, and others, urged Italian authorities to analyze the economic impact of the pending legislation. "Our concern was the quest for increased tax revenue might have a far-reaching effect on both the charter industry, and ancillary businesses that support yachting such as marinas, fuel brokers, shipyards, and tourism offices,"  said Sheeder. "Even if you exclude charter revenues, support-related industries on their own generate  €200,000,000 in annual revenue."

To their credit - the Italian lawmakers listened...

On Tuesday, February 21, the 10th Commission of the Italian Senate for Industry, Commerce, and Tourism passed the Grillo and Cutrufo amendment to the Italian berth tax legislation.  The amendment stipulates the berthing tax will only be applied to Italian citizens who own a vessel, even if the yacht flies a foreign flag.   Foreign citizens who own a boat or Mediterranean yacht charter vessel are exempt from this tax, regardless of their length of stay in Italian waters.

Fulvio Luise, President of Federagenti Yacht Division, expressed his satisfaction:  “The passing of this amendment is an important recognition to the economic impact the yachting industry has in Italy and we look forward to welcoming new and returning megayacht clients to Italian waters this summer.”

Sheeder echoed Luise's sentiments: "This amendment will allow Italy to continue to compete on an equal playing field with neighboring countries for the charter sector of the Mediterranean yachting market.  We're hopeful that the Italian yacht charter market will continue to flourish for many more years."

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To hire a yacht in France, Italy, Spain or elsewhere in the Mediterranean, contact the SailAway Yacht Charter destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

"Dear SailAway,

I just wanted to write and let you know what a fabulous time we had on the (sailing catamaran) Secret Oasis!!!



It was everything we had hoped and more. Richard and Adele who were the crew were topnotch. - two of the nicest people any of us had ever met. Their respect for us and the boat was superior. They went out of their way to show us the best of the BVI...beaches, snorkeling, sailing, caving, beach bars..it was all great.

The meals were 5-star, accommodations were wonderful, and of course, sailing and traveling from island to island and enjoying the beautiful BVI.

Maybe you can pass this on to the manager or owner of the Secret Oasis: I think they should be aware of the care and respect shown to both the boat and to us.

I cannot imagine two better people to represent the Oasis..We will be back!!

Thanks for your help, SailAway -

Diane M"

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Editor's note:   We guess the "Secret" is out of the bag, Diane! Thank you for your kind comments about this season's stars of the crewed catamaran charters market - sail yacht SECRET OASIS, and her crew.



For those who haven't spent time aboard sail catamaran SECRET OASIS, Captain Richard Smit and Adele are amazing (no, not the Grammy award winning British singer Adele; the cheerful South African First Mate with the same, catchy name).  Boundless energy and enthusiasm, they make the Energizer Bunny  look like a slow moving hare on Rohypnol.

Richard and Adele operate a 56' Voyage catamaran - a boat packed with waterytoys, featuring a perfect 5-cabin layout for 10 passengers. Each of the large, elegantly-adorned staterooms features a 17-inch TV with built-in DVD and CD player, vanity, and a private bathroom ensuite.

Catamaran sail yacht SECRET OASIS is one of over one dozen modern, crewed catamarans that SailAway Yacht Charters represents in the Caribbean. Other standout catamarans include 31 meter sail yacht IPHARRA, 23 meter sail catamaran KING'S RANSOM, and the 19 meter catamaran, IN THE WIND.

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Shouldn't your next vacation be as much fun as the one enjoyed by Diane M? Contact the SailAway Yacht Charter specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to plan your own yachting holiday!