Marina for Croatia Yacht Charter Megayacht Vessels Opens in Sibenik

Friday, March 5, 2010 by News SailAway
New Yacht Charter Marina in Sibenik, Croatia
New Yacht Charter Marina in Sibenik, Croatia

Tourists planning a Croatia yacht charter holiday on a superyacht or megayacht this summer, will be pleased to learn a new megayacht marina has opened - the Mandalina Marina and Yacht Club.  Located in the coastal town of Sibenik, the Mandalina Marina and Yacht Club is the area's first megayacht facility. Special introductory rates for dockage are available for early reservations (see below).

Considered the Mediterranean's next great megayacht destination, interest in Croatia yacht charter holidays has spiked in the past 2 seasons.  The new Mandalina Marina and Yacht Club sits at the crossroads of central and eastern Europe, along the Dalmatian Coast, long a haven for bareboat sailboat charter vacations.   Chosen as "the world's number one sailing destination" by National Geographic magazine, the site is noted for its proximity to Kornati Islands National Park and Krka National Park, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sibinek is one of the oldest native Croatian towns and is noted as a center of culture and art.  With the opening of the superyacht facility and with the Spilt International Airport nearby, Sibenik is destined to become the region's premier gateway for luxury yacht charter and bareboat charter vessels.  It offers convenient access to over 300 scenic islands on the Adriatic, as well as an outstanding hub from which to cruise the Eastern coast of Italy.

The new marina and yacht club features a wide range of on-site conveniences for yacht crews and luxury yacht charter tourists.

Twenty-four hour security and a full-time marina staff  will protect and maintain the 350 in-water slips with space for superyacht vessels up to 280 feet.

The yacht charter consultants at SailAway are pleased to accept inquiries for Croatia as many of the newest and largest yachts have announced plans to offer their services in the Adriatic.  Some of the available yachts to charter in Croatia include SIREN, MARTHA ANN, CLOUD NINE, SALUTE, RED DRAGON, ALEXANDAR V, and ANASSA.

Plan your bareboat yacht vacation or luxury crewed yacht charter now and take advantage of a special summer season dockage discount.  Reserve your berth before April 15, 2009 and save 10% on your berth charges.  Pre-pay for your berth and you'll receive an additional 5% discount.  Offer valid for stays May 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009.  Conditions and restrictions apply - based on space availability.  Contact our charter specialists at 1-800-BAREBOAT for bareboat berth information, and 1-800-YACHTCHARTER for crewed yacht charter information.
 

New Yacht Charter Megayachts Dominate the Nominations at World Superyacht Awards 2009

Friday, March 5, 2010 by News SailAway
Superyacht Awards 2009
Superyacht Awards 2009

The mega yacht charter industry has dominated the nominations for the
World Superyacht Awards 2009. Over a dozen luxury Mediterranean yacht
charter and Caribbean yacht charter vessels, all available through
SailAway Yacht Charters, have been nominated as finalists for the World
Superyacht Awards 2009.

With a record number of nominations, luxury yacht charter megayachts
lead the way with 14 new yachts up for the prestigious international award.
The nominees represent some of the newest and largest yachts available for
Caribbean yacht charter holidays as well as Mediterranean yacht charter
adventures.

The winners of the prized Neptune awards will be announced at the World
Superyacht Awards 2009 gala evening at London's historic Guildhall on
Saturday, May 16, 2009.

Finalists include the 240' Nobiskrug yacht SIREN for the Best Displacement
Motor Yacht, 1300GT to 2999GT; along with the 196' Benetti yacht
AMNESIA,
and the 196' Benetti yacht
XANADU, and the 177' CRN yacht MARAYA, for the
Best Displacement Motor Yacht, 500GT to 1299GT.

Other mega yacht charter vessel nominees include 141' CRN yacht HANA for the
Best Displacement Motor Yacht below 500GT, and the 143' Heesen yacht
SEDATION for the Best Refitted Yacht award.

The World Superyacht Awards are designed to recognize the talents of the
naval architects, designers, builders and ultimately, the visions of the
owners who bring together the teams that work to create these masterpieces
of modern design and manufacture.

Over four hundred distinguished guests will gather in May to witness the
presentation of the highly coveted Neptune Awards - the 'Oscars' of the
super yacht world - during a glamorous gala evening attended by an elite
guest list of megayacht and super yacht owners and leading industry
professionals.

Rounding out the charter yachts nominated are Lürssen yacht MADSUMMER;
Corsair yacht
NERO; AMY yacht SEA FORCE ONE; Hakvoort yacht MY TRUST;
Horizon yacht
MISS ROSE; Mondomarine yacht PANTHER II; Benetti yacht SALU;
and sail charter vessels Alloy yacht
RED DRAGON and Perini Navi yacht
SALUTE.

SailAway continues to lead the way with the NEWEST and LARGEST Yachts in the
Worlds' BEST Destinations. Make your reservation today at
1800YACHTCHARTER.COM.

1800yachtcharter Presents New Yacht Charter Superyacht NATORI Launched by Baglietto

Friday, March 5, 2010 by News SailAway
Super yacht NATORI in the shipyard, before launch
Super yacht NATORI in the shipyard, before launch

The stunning 42 meter super yacht NATORI from the renowned Baglietto shipyard was launched February 14th, 2009. The build project was managed by Master Yachts. Baglietto mega yacht NATORI is set to become one of the most talked about vessels on the Mediterranean yacht charter scene this coming summer season.

The newest and one of the largest yachts to enter the Mediterranean yacht charter marketplace in 2009, super yacht NATORI boasts a distinctive and avant garde exterior, styled by Francesco Paszkowski, and a beautiful interior designed by Bannenberg. The megayacht interior is a combination of Italian cabinetry, complemented with African materials to create a sophisticated and unique décor.

Huge windows throughout her spacious interior create a variety of light, which is complemented by her unsurpassed outdoor deck space which is equal to that normally found on much larger luxury yacht charter vessels. The large bridge deck area has ample space for sun loungers and a shaded dining area for up to 12 guests. There is also a gymnasium on the bridge deck. Her sun deck houses a large pool area, designed by Bannenberg, which incorporates sun lounging space, seating area, and al fresco dining space.

Accommodation is for 10 guests in five cabins. The full-width master suite has its own private ensuite full-beam his and hers bathroom. On the lower deck, there are two twin cabins, one with a Pullman berth, as well as two full-beam VIP cabins, each with double beds. The megayacht boasts a full array of watersports equipment and all the latest entertainment systems.

SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants (now 1800yachtcharter Consultants) represents the Newest and Largest Yachts in the World's Best Destinations. For more information on this yacht or any luxury charter megayacht, in any destination, contact the experts at 1800yachtcharter by email at info@1800yachtcharter.com or by phone: 305-720-7245.

Your Luxury Yacht Charter Comes with a Private Jet

Friday, March 5, 2010 by News SailAway
Motoryacht 4H - yacht charterers are offered jet incentive
Motoryacht 4H - yacht charterers are offered jet incentive

As the global recession continues to spread, the mega yacht charter marketplace is looking for creative ways to entice luxury yacht charter customers.

Consider the offer by the owner of motoryacht 4H. Reserve this yacht for a one week or longer Mediterranean yacht charter holiday, and the owner will throw in his private jet to transport you to and from your charter destination.

The Challenger 604 private jet can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers. Transportation is offered to and from any major European metropolis, directly to an airfield near the yacht.

Upon arrival, you and your travel companions will enjoy the comforts of motoryacht 4H, a brand new 38.5 meter San Lorenzo luxury yacht. Featuring "sea terraces" on both sides of the main salon, master cabin, and gym, as well as 007-James Bond-like lifting gull-wing doors on the bridge deck, this luxury motor yacht charter vessel is a showstopper in every port.

Motoryacht 4H is available for a Mediterranean yacht charter at a weekly rate of €110,000, plus all running expenses (items such as food, fuel, dockage, and bar).

For destination and itinerary suggestions and further information, contact 1800YACHTCHARTER at info@1800yachtcharter.com or visit www.1800yachtcharter.com

New Builds for Mediterranean Yacht Charter Prepare for 2009 Summer Season

Friday, March 5, 2010 by News SailAway
New build processes for megayachts
New build processes for megayachts

The Mediterranean yacht charter marketplace is bursting at the seams with over a dozen new builds in the past 12 months. Many of the newest yachts have been delivered to their owners and the luxury yacht charter crews are busy preparing these mega yachts for their Mediterranean yacht charter season.

The eagerly awaited Benetti mega yacht AMNESIA and superyacht CRN Ancona MARAYA have now been launched to great acclaim. The 196.8' (60m) megayacht AMNESIA is chartering in Croatia and southern Italy for the summer, before heading to the Caribbean for winter.

Super yacht MARAYA, which translates as "many mirrors" spent part of 2008 in luxury yacht charter service, and her crew of 15 is eager to put in a full summer offering customers either a French Rivera yacht charter, or a Croatia yacht charter. With the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival close at hand, the volumes of deck space on this superyacht make her ideal for service as a corporate yacht charter vessel.

Fresh from the shipyard, a number of smaller, more intimate yachts, suitable for 4 to 6 passengers, are eager to enter both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean Turkey and Greece yacht charter market this summer. Leading the way is the 2009 speedy 23 meter Aicon Spa yacht ENCORE, with accommodations for 6 to 8 guests.

The super-charged yacht MISTER JINGLES, also built in 2009 and will be cruising from the French Riviera on down to the Amalfi coast at a blistering 35 knots.

Another highly successful summer charter season is anticipated in the Mediterranean.  Keep your eyes opened for more new builds to hit the seas this spring.

To see ALL of the newest and largest yachts in the world's best destinations and to book your vacation of a lifetime or upscale corporate event, visit www.1800yachtcharter.com.

Perini Navi Charteryacht RIELA

Friday, March 5, 2010 by News SailAway

Perini Navi Sailing Yacht RIELA for charter through 1800yachtcharter.com

Riela is a Perini Navi yacht which is currently available for your next Mediterranean Yacht Charter vacation. At 56 meters, this super yacht has an elegant interior which is designed with natural and contemporary décor. Other elements of luxury on the Riela include the wide variety of precious and refined materials which include exotic woods such as ebony and teak, and the sophisticated leather finish.

Riela comfortably accommodates up to twelve yacht charter guests in her three double and three twin, fully-ensuite cabins. There is a king sized bed in the master suite, and her two VIP cabins come complete with queen beds for the guests.

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

Megayacht Kings Ransom for charter

Friday, March 5, 2010 by News SailAway

Croatia Mediterranean sailing catamaran KINGS RANSOM

Kings Ransom is currently what’s hot in mega yacht charters.

This new 76’ catamaran boasts of all the latest advanced technology and is sure to give you the most comfortable luxury cruise vacation ever. This cat comes will full air conditioning in the entire yacht, as well as separate climate controls for all 5 ensuite guest cabins. 

The yacht can comfortably house to up to 10 guests, and it has luxurious interiors made of leather and wood in each cabin, not to mention the large amounts of storage space offered.
Beginning 1st May 2010, Kings Ransom will be available for both Croatia Yacht Charters and the Mediterranean Yacht Charters as well.

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

Superyachts sold in September 2009

Friday, October 23, 2009 by News SailAway
Luxury yacht sales bode well for the economy

Megayacht charter customers take heart - the luxury yacht industry is alive and well as Superyacht sales soar in September 2009.

Without the active buying and selling of Mediterranean yacht charter vessels among the world's elite, there would be no viable luxury sailing charter or megayacht rental industry.

Recent sales bode well for the future. 
 
September saw a number of 2009 brokerage sales records broken, with 24 superyachts reported sold at asking prices totalling nearly 374 million EUROS. This was well above the combined total of July and August of 340 million EUROS and, indeed, the first four months of the year when, between January and the end of April, yachts with total asking prices of 372 million EUROS were sold.

It was also the month when very large yachts came into their own, as Lurssen’s 59.4m OASIS, the 70.5m BOADICIA from Amels, Benetti’s 56m ALLEGRO, and the 64.5m MY SHANTI, again from Amels, all found new owners. 

Boat International magazine wonders, "So we moved from the slough of despond to the broad, sunlit uplands of increasing volumes and values of sales?"

Charlie Birkett of YCO comments: “Understandably, expectations for what was once the start of the busiest season for yacht sales were conservative across the industry this year, and major brokerage houses reacted cautiously even to the apparent signs of recovery in August. However going into September we saw recovery consolidated somewhat with sales of the 60m+ yachts of prestigious yards and, speaking to other leading brokers at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the mood was certainly more optimistic.

Contact the professionals at SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants at 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or email info@1800yachtchater.com to charter a luxury motor yacht or sailing vessel.

38m Superyacht ODYSSEY Relocates for Western Mediterranean Charters

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by News SailAway
Motor yacht ODYSSEY for sale and charter MIPIM Monaco Grand Prix

As 2010 draws near, the owner of mega yacht ODYSSEY has relocated this Mediterranean yacht charter vessel for close proximity to Monaco and the South of France. 

Now, MIPIM yacht and Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter enthusiasts have another superyacht for their 2010 consideration. 

The 38m super yacht ODYSSEY is now based in San Remo, Italy. 

Her new close proximity to Monaco makes this one of the largest yachts available for Monaco Grand Prix charters, as well as static event charters in Cannes, France, such as the 2010 MIPIM.

Built in 2008 by Italy’s Rodriquez yard, she sleeps up to 11 guests in five cabins and has proven her worth as a Mediterranean yacht charter megayacht.

Asking 11 million Euros, superyacht ODYSSEY is now available for inspection by prior appointment for both sale and charter. 

 
Click here to view MIPIM yacht Odyssey's online brochure here. 

Motoryacht PARTYGIRL 146 Ready for Caribbean Yacht Charter Action

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by News SailAway
At the end of the Caribbean yacht charter season, most megayacht vessels like
Christensen Motor yacht PARTY GIRL 146 leave the confines of the island life behind, and
begin the three-week migration "across the pond" (the Atlantic ocean). Once there, they prepare for the popular Mediterranean yacht charter season. Super yacht PARTYGIRL 146, however, is not like other luxury yacht charter vessels. 

 
Motoryacht PARTYGIRL 146 luxury yacht charter

The owner of this 2008 Christensen motoryacht prefers the warmth and privacy found only
in the Caribbean. While the other owners take their lavish toys to see and be seen in Monte Carlo, this 146' megayacht nearly has the entire Caribbean to herself (and her fortunate few yacht charter customers).
 
Based in the warm waters of St. Lucia, this wonderful charter yacht and her crew are ready to share their rain-forest island home with anyone intrigue by the slow-paced lifestyle of the Grenadine chain of the Caribbean.
 
Water-oriented travelers will love the toy inventory found aboard this 44.50 meter luxury megayacht. The list includes a 37' Intrepid tender, two smaller (18') tenders, a three-person waverunner, towable toys such as a Banana and a kneeboard. For onshore activity, the yacht offers an assortment of beach games, along with volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, kites, and a football.
 
The onboard amenities are amazing; so impressive that the megayacht was selected as the 2008 "Best of the Best" by the luxury lifestyle magazine, Robb Report. 
 
To entice summer travelers to spend a few days in the waters surrounding St. Lucia, the owner of the yacht is offering a special rate of $135,000/wk (plus all running expenses). The regular rate is $185,000/wk. This is a limited time offer and only applies for charters in the months of September and October.
 
To further sweeten the deal, the owner is waiving the standard $3500 weekly fee for the use of the 37' Intrepid. The Intrepid is now offered free of charge during this promotional offer.
 
This superyacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 luxurious staterooms.
 
Here is a link to the yacht's online brochure:
http://www.1800sailaway.com/brochure/party-girl-146 
 
For further details, please contact the charter specialists at 1-800-Yachtcharter
or email
info@1800yachtcharter.com

10 Reasons for Luxury Yacht Charter Customers to Purchase Travel Insurance

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by News SailAway
Anyone who has booked a Benetti yacht charter or a Feadship yacht charter vacation knows that charter agents heavily promote trip cancellation insurance.

For mega yacht charter agents, trip cancellation insurance is a substantial profit point.  Commissions of 20% of the insurance cost for selling this product for a Feadship yacht charter or a Benetti yacht charter are common.

Charter brokers often offer this coverage to their Caribbean yacht charter customers who fear trip delays due to summer tropical weather disturbances.   Mediterranean yacht charter customers also hear the pitch to purchase this coverage, as concerns for lost baggage are common with long, international flights.

Putting aside the fact that someone "profits" from the sale of these policies, a luxury yacht charter customer should give serious consideration to this coverage option.  Whether you rent a private yacht, a megayacht, or a superyacht, for a Caribbean yacht charter or elsewhere, or whether you plan crewed catamaran charters or sail boat charters - the facts remain the same: you are spending a lot of money and you may wish to protect your investment!

There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early, or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling.  What if you booked a MIPIM yacht or a Monaco Grand Prix yacht for the yearly event in Cannes and Monte Carlo, and suddenly you could not attend?

To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.
 
1.  It's 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
 
2.  Your bag is lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
 
3.  It's your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen before you board your Monaco Grand Prix yacht. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
 
4.  You're involved in an accident during your Benetti yacht charter, and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
 
5.  Your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your MIPIM yacht trip. What happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?

Reason for purchasing travel insurance for your MIPIM yacht charter - illness
 
6.  You arrive for your Feadship yacht charter in Jamaica, and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it's stolen, who will pay to replace it?

Reason for travel insurance - lost luggage

7.  Your luxury sailing charter tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
 
8.  You're walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
 
9.  Three weeks before your scheduled arrival for your Croatia yacht charter, a terrorist incident occurs in the city that you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?

10. You are at a beach resort in the Florida Keys during your luxury sailing charter vacation, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?
 
There are so many circumstances where your vacation may be interrupted.  It's important to understand your options to safeguard your holiday investment.  Remember travel insurance is optionaland should be analyzed before each vacation begins.

Sailing Superyacht Salperton IV Launches in New Zealand

Friday, June 19, 2009 by News SailAway
Built by Fitzroy Yachts, the sailing superyacht Salperton IV has recently been launched.  At 45 meters in length sailing yacht Salperton IV is the latest superyacht to be built by Fitzroy Yachts of New Zealand, being one meter longer than Salperton III at 44 meters.
 
Sailing superyacht SALPERTON IV

Fingers are crossed that the Mediterranean yacht charter fleet will soon welcome yacht Salperton IV to the family.  Earlier incarnations of Salperton have spent years delivering mega yacht charter holidays to customers around the world.  Two of the earlier vessels are still available for sail boat charters under the current names of Northern Spirit (37 meters) and Drumbeat (53 meters). 
 
Sail boat charters are extremely popular in the Caribbean, and all eyes are upon this latest incarnation. The superyacht cost an estimated $30 million.  She is 215 tons, took two years to build, and is the eighth megayacht that Fitzroy has built in the past 12 years.

Accommodations include four en suite state rooms and three crew cabins. For extra luxury, she also has a gym and a spa pool.
 
260,000 hours have gone into the construction of the (hopefully soon-to-be) luxury sailing charter vessel.  She is fully air-conditioned, has her own sewage treatment station, can make 15 tons of water per day, carries 30 tons of fuel, and has a 850-horsepower Cat engine, in case there is no wind.

It is the second yacht the company has built for British owner, Barry Houghton.  The earlier Salperton III was launched in 2007, the company’s 10th anniversary, and won two international awards the next year.  The design concept for number IV was for a yacht which sails and performs even better than number III.
 
As with number III, Adam Lay Studio came back to create the yacht’s interior design work.
 
It has been reported that the yacht departed New Zealand today, with her owner onboard, for a three month Pacific cruise. The sailing yacht will then cruise the Caribbean, before heading up in the Mediterranean in the summer of 2010.

A Year in the Life of a Superyacht

Friday, June 19, 2009 by News SailAway

The yachting industry has long held to the belief that a successful luxury yacht charter vessel can expect 12 weeks of charter business a year.  This expectation included both Caribbean yacht charter and Mediterranean yacht charter business.

Excluding the small sail boat charters that dominate the Caribbean market, in the world of megayacht and superyacht vessels, there are about 830 yachts 80 feet and larger available for a luxury yacht charter worldwide.  What might be surprising to many is this fact: some 600 of these vessels do no more than 3 or 4 weeks of chartering each year.

Thus the upcoming Mediterranean yacht charter summer season has a lot riding on it for boat owners and captains who have -- perhaps ill-fatedly from the start -- factored 12 weeks of megayacht charter business into their calculations.

So what does a 52 week year in the life of a superyacht look like?  A recent industry survey breaks it down like this: 
*Owner's personal use - 6 weeks.
*Yard time (for repair and maintenance) and crossing time to reposition (Caribbean to the Mediterranean, etc.) - 26 weeks.
*Undesirable charter dates - 14 weeks
*Actual Possible Charter Time:  14 weeks.

With these facts in mind, charter fleet managers now believe a realistic goal for a luxury mega yacht charter vessel is no more than 8 weeks per year...

Seventh Heaven Yacht Club Opens for Megayachts on Island of Ischia

Thursday, June 18, 2009 by News SailAway
If you are planning a luxury mega yacht charter this summer on a Mediterranean yacht, you'll be pleased to know Luise Group, leaders in maritime agency services to the superyacht industry, has taken over management of the Ponente Quay (Molo di Ponente) of Lacco Ameno on the Island of Ischia.

The marina known previously as Heaven's Quay, has now been renamed The Seventh Heaven Yacht Club.

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 30 kilometers from Naples, Italy, at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, and is a frequent destination for sail boat charters and mega yacht charters.

Seventh Heaven Yacht Club yacht charters Ischia Luise Group

The Seventh Heaven Yacht Club, located on the northern part of island of Ischia, can accommodate twelve mega yachts, and the marina covers an area close to 16,000 square metres. The pier, which is 140 metres in length, offers all essential necessities including water, electricity, and mooring posts.

The renamed facility will now figure prominently among the most prestigious ports and marinas that are currently managed by the Luise Group.

Luise Associates, the branch of Luise Group which is exclusively dedicated to maritime agency services for mega yachts, works with over 600 yachts cruising in the Gulf of Naples each year.

Francesco Luise, Managing Partner of Luise Group commented, "We are very proud to be able to take under our management the main dock in Lacco Ameno, Ischia. Although the area of Lacco Ameno is one of the smallest counties on the Island of Ischia, it is a prestigious and visually beautiful location for superyachts to berth. The Seventh Heaven Yacht Club will permit us to have a permanent presence in the area while continuing to provide the best in maritime agency services to our clients."

CEO of 1-800-YACHTCHARTER Balances Work with Passion for Animal Rights

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 by News SailAway

Arranging luxury yacht charter vacations for celebrities and corporate titans requires Jana Sheeder to mix and mingle with the rich and famous at cocktail parties and special events like the Super Bowl and the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament. While it sounds glamorous, Sheeder is quick to tell you she is happiest in a pair of workboots, cleaning a horse stable at an animal sanctuary.

“Arranging  a Caribbean or Mediterranean yacht charter vacation on a megayacht is my vocation, but my passion is animal welfare,” says Sheeder, CEO of 1-800-YACHTCHARTER. 

Jana Sheeder CEO 1-800-YACHTCHARTER

It is a balancing act that requires tight scheduling and unwavering commitment to protecting abused and homeless animals. A typical day begins with releasing butterflies that Jana has raised to help pollenate the environment, then on to business meetings and emails to prospective megayacht charter customers.  Throw in the occasional personal inspection of a newly built superyacht, as its crew prepares the yacht for entry into the yacht charter marketplace. Later in the day, Sheeder exchanges her business suit for a pair of bluejeans and heads to the local animal shelter to assist in a pet adoption event.

Weekends are a blur as Sheeder often volunteers to help transport 5 to 20 rescued dogs and cats to a sanctuary 100 miles away. When not transporting animals, Sheeder spends time at a horse sanctuary, feeding and caring for abused and abandoned horses and other livestock, like goats, chickens, cows, and pigs.

Jana Sheeder - transport of rescued dogs

Recently, Sheeder drew the attention of TV’s Animal Planet as well as radio and newspapers after a serial cat killing spree left over two dozen dead and mutilated cats in South Florida. Sheeder worked with local animal rights advocates to arrange a safety seminar for hundreds of residents. A suspect was arrested just three days before the seminar. Sheeder cancelled the seminar and used the allocated time to spend the day volunteering at the county animal shelter!  

"It's all about making a difference in others' lives - we're all God's creatures."

Exercises to do to prepare for your Greece yacht charter vacation

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by News SailAway
You've decided to charter a motor yacht in Greece for a week. What an exciting idea!  You can't decide whether you want to go on a Trinity Yacht Charter or a Feadship Yacht Charter, and you're also thinking that sail boat charters are also a romantic way to vacation. Regardless, all Greece yacht charters are fun, educational, and adventurous - no matter what kind of private yacht you enjoy.

If you haven't exercised in a long time, you'll want to prepare your body with some basic exercises before heading to the Aegean.

Since you'll be hiking up rocky hills and exploring historic landmarks like the Parthenon and the Acropolis, do a series of ankle stretches, ankle rolls, and knee bends to prepare.

The Parthenon in Greece will be one of your land excursion tours on your yacht charter

Since all megayachts have stairs that you'll descend and ascend each day on your boat, practice climbing stairs with a stairmaster, walking manual stairwells in your area, or just simply walking an inclined area where you live.

Visiting landmarks is wonderful, but it does entail a lot of walking.  To maximize your cardio (heart) and overall fitness, just walk. Park your car far from a store when you grocery shop.  Walk around the block and enjoy nature. Take your dog for a long overdue walk. Hop on the treadmill and go for a stroll.

No worries.  The best thing is that you really don't NEED exercise for your Mediterranean yacht charter event - it is just good for your heart, your mind, and your overall attitude!  Your crew will do the majority of the exercising during your yacht charter, but you will also be exercising for fun in your daily activities onboard! 

Mega yacht charter vacations, whether on a sail boat charter or a superyacht, are a great way to travel - they are good for the mind as well as the body!

For more information and to book your Mediterranean yacht charter, call 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or email info@1800yachtcharter.com

Sardinia Luxury Tax on Mediterranean Yacht Charter Vessels Abolished

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by News SailAway
During the recently concluded industry-only Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, it was announced that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax has been abolished.  
 
The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts considering a Mediterranean yacht charter vacation this summer. The law stipulated that mega yacht and superyacht vessels berthed in any port in Sardinia had to pay up to € 15,000 Euros for their sojourn. 
 
Sardinia - the perfect location for a Mediterranean Yacht Charter

Fulvio Luise, Managing Partner of Luise Group, made the announcement at the Genoa gathering of 65 megayacht charter vessels and dozens of yacht charter brokers and yachting journalists. Said Luise, "This is a very significant step forward for everyone who works in the yachting and luxury sector in Sardinia." 
 
On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, the local regional government of Sardinia approved
Article 2 of the Financial Regional Act. The approval of this act effectively cancels the law known as the "luxury tax" in Sardinia. This tax, in effect since 2006, was felt throughout the tourism industry and had a serious negative effect on the local tourism economy. 
 
Il Consorzio Rete dei Porti Sardegna (The Consortium of Sardinian Touristic Ports) is pleased about the cancellation. In a released statement, the consortium said, "In the past three years, there has been a decline of approximately 50 per cent in the number of yachts present in Sardinian ports. This tax had a visibly negative result on Sardinia's image as a premier vacation destination worldwide."
 
As other regions in the Mediterranean were actively trying to promote their regions, in
particular with regards to high quality tourism, the tax in Sardinia had an opposite effect. 
 
"Despite our best efforts in the past three years to help clients understand this tax, we faced enormous challenges and incurred a drop of approximately 20-25 per cent each year in superyacht vessels traveling to Sardinia," stated Renato Azara, Managing Partner of Sardinia Yacht Services. "We have been working very closely with the local authorities for the past three years, first in trying to have modifications made to the law, and secondly in
its cancellation. We were successful on both points." 
 
The megayacht industry, especially as it relates to luxury yacht charter, is an important
economic component of Sardinia's tourism industry. Owners of mega yacht and superyacht vessels attending the Genoa show expressed pleasure.  As one owner stated, "We now have a positive relationship with the local authorities, and they have a full understanding of the potential of this market for Sardinia."

Itinerary: Venice and Croatia Beckon, and Motoryacht MARAYA Answers the Call

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by News SailAway
The siren song of the Adriatic Sea has drawn luxury yacht charter mega yacht MARAYA to the area. The 54 meter superyacht just started a Mediterranean yacht charter vacation in the Adriatic Sea this morning.
 
Translated as "Many Mirrors" in Arabic, the luxury charter yacht MARAYA will then be available on 10th June for a Northern Croatia charter for one week. 
 
Motor yacht MARAYA

Co-Captains Richard Hodgson and Paul Were have prepared a suggested sample itinerary, beginning and ending in Venice, Italy, to maximize a mega yacht charter holiday in the Adriatic Sea:
 
June 10th
  AM: Venice Guest arrival 
  PM: Porec Port for custom clearance arrival
 
June 11th
  AM: Brijuni Islands
  PM: Mali Losinj
 
June 12th
  AM: Otok Havr
  PM: Hvar Port
 
June 13th
  AM: Otok Brac
  PM: Trogir Port
 
June 14th
  AM: Otok Kornat
 
June 15th
  AM: Unije
  PM: Rovinj Port. Custom clearance departure
 
June 16th
  AM: Venice
  PM: Venice 
 
June 17th
  AM: Venice. Guest departure
 
The Mediterranean yacht charter vessel, MARAYA, is priced at € 325,000 per week plus running expenses (like food, fuel, dockage, and bar).

Planning a Trinity Yacht Charter Has Never Been Easier

Friday, June 5, 2009 by News SailAway
While European luxury yacht charter customers tend to request superyachts built in Italy, Holland, and France, their counterparts in America have a strong preference for a Trinity yacht charter vessel.
 
The Trinity yacht charter fleet stands toe-to-toe with the Benetti yacht charter, Lurssen yacht charter, and Feadship yacht charter fleets in terms of luxury amenities and interiors. 

Trinity Yachts has earned its place as one of the world's elite builders of custom superyachts, with an emphasis on European quality, steel and aluminum constructions.  Their goal is to build a truly custom yacht that fulfills all of your unique cruising desires. 

Trinity motoryacht MINE GAMES

In a world where most superyachts are constructed on a semi-production basis, this builder is renown for creating the largest yachts available for mega yacht charters, up to 400 feet (123 meters). They work with a number of the world's most renowned naval architects and interior designers. 

Now planning a Caribbean yacht charter or Mediterranean yacht charter holiday on one of these magnificent yachts has never been easier. Currently, there are 17 rent private yacht Trinity-built models available. 

The newest and largest yachts include 54 meter KATHARINE, 50 meter MINE GAMES, and 49 meter yachts LOHENGRIN, ANJILIS, and DESTINATION FOX HARB'R TOO.

Make or Break Mega Yacht Charter; it's All about the Crew

Tuesday, June 2, 2009 by News SailAway
The success of a mega yacht charter, indeed the entire yacht charter season of a superyacht depends upon the ability of the vessel's crew to meet the needs of the paying customers. The best cruising grounds and good weather matter little if the megayacht charter crew does not provide excellent service. 
 
The success of your 1800yachtcharter.com megayacht charter depends largely on your professional crew

A luxury yacht charter client should be treated the same as you would treat the owner. The only difference is that the crew knows the preferences of an owner (e.g. his or her favorite restaurants, the time he or she likes to wake up in the morning, etc.). The crew does not know these preferences for a new mega yacht charter client.

This provides the crew with a challenge - to ensure that they learn as quickly as possible what the client expects to gain from the Mediterranean yacht charter experience.
 
It all comes down to this - the happiness of the lead charterer and his family and guests hinges on the effort expended by the staff of the superyacht, especially the Chief Stewardess and the Chef.

A good skipper will introduce the stewardess and chef to the lead charter client early on in the charter. This way, the stew can get a feeling of the level of service or distance expected by the customer, and the chef can get a sense of the level or formality needed with each meal presentation.
 
Whether a Mediterranean yacht charter or a Caribbean yacht charter, the captain's role is challenging. He is legally bound to ensure the safety of the guests and crew and he has a priority to ensure that the owner's property is safeguarded. At the same time, he has to keep the charter guests happy while they are on board, since the paying guests have a significant degree of freedom to decide the nature of the charter.

It is a delicate balancing act to ensure the clients' demands do not compromise the crew.  
 
The skipper must also comply with the laws of the territorial waters through which the superyacht passes, with particular importance placed on drug restrictions. The captain must impose his authority in the event of discovering the use of recreational drugs. In all superyacht cruising areas, this is illegal. The captain is potentially liable for any breach of the laws. Additionally, in many jurisdictions, the discovery of recreational drugs on board can result in the confiscation of the vessel by the local authorities.

It is essential that the captain ensures that all charter guests (and crew) obey these laws. Should there be an issue with this, the captain may need to refer to the owner/broker to agree on termination of a specific charter. Charter agreements provide the captain with full authority to prohibit the use of recreational drugs by the charter guests.

A seasoned yacht charter broker understands this delicate balancing act faced by a charter captain and crew. If the broker has previously handled a particular client on another vessel, he or she will discuss the characteristics of the client with the new captain, as well as the chef and stewardess.

Brokers also try to gather as much personal information about the charterer by means of a preference sheet. On such forms, the clients can spell out their food and beverage likes and dislikes as well as the recreational pursuits they hope to enjoy during the trip (shopping, swimming, quietly reading a good book, etc.). Such preference sheets help give the crew a deeper understanding of the charter guests desires and expectations.
 
At the conclusion of the luxury mega yacht charter vacation, it is equally important for the crew and broker to discuss the trip. The feedback of the captain and senior crew enables the broker to build up a comprehensive picture of the client's preferences for future engagements. 
 
When the captain, crew, broker and customer work together, the odds are quite high for a successful and memorable holiday at sea.