Mediterranean Yacht Charter

It seems renting a luxury yacht charter vessel for the upcoming London Olympic Games is the easy part.  Securing a place to dock your megayacht will be the real challenge.

Event organizers are expecting a scramble for berths along the Thames river and its series of meandering canals.  Some of London's waterways pass within 100 meters of the Olympic stadium at Stratford, and last minute space is unlikely to be available. 

Some vessels like the 99 meter legendary Mediterranean yacht charter motor yacht CHRISTINA O have already arrived in London to stake out a berth, nearly five months in advance of the Games.

One vessel, the 175 meter luxury cruise liner MS Deutschland berthed in South Quay as part of a 36 hour warm-up visit last July.  With the trial run a success, MS Deutschland now has a confirmed berth for the Games and will provide accommodations for the German Olympic Committee.

Back in May, 2011, we reported on berths being offered at the Royal Docks, adjacent to the ExCel Centre (the venue for Boxing, Wrestling, Fencing, Taekwondo, and Table Tennis).  As of March 1, local authorities report less than half of the 50 premium superyacht berths remain available.
  
"One thing is certain." says Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters. "For the month of August, 2012, London will be the luxury mega yacht charter capital of the world."

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The 2012 London Olympic Games take place from July 27 through August 12.  For a list of available yachts and up-to-date dockage information, contact SailAway special events coordinators at http://www.1800sailaway.com/special_events.php.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new Louis Vitton spring 2012 collection urges customers to, "Embrace the spirit of travel," and SailAway Yacht Charters is here to help you embark on that journey - in style.

Now through April 30, book a 7-night Mediterranean yacht charter onboard the 27 meter motor yacht COCA VI and receive a free Louis Vuitton Travel Bag*  - courtesy of COCA VI and SailAway. 

The name Louis Vuitton is synonymous with style, craftsmanship, and luxury travel.  Arno Leopard motor yacht COCA VI exemplifies those same high standards. 

Launched in 2000 and refit in 2008, Motoryacht COCA VI is in spotless condition.  She has to be seen to be believed. She offers accommodations for six guests in three staterooms, a Jacuzzi tub on the sun deck, and a spacious master suite. 

Based in Antibes, France, along the famous Côte d'Azur, her weekly rate is € 35,000.00 plus all running expenses. 

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*Certain restrictions may apply.  For reservations and full promotional yacht charter, contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

Part art studio, part South Beach nightclub, the avant-garde motoryacht SEA FORCE ONE has reduced her rental rates for the upcoming Mediterranean yacht charter season.

The 54 meter megayacht is now available at the reduced rates of €250,000 per week, plus expenses (was €280,000 per week, plus expenses) for low season, and €270,000 per week, plus expenses (was €300,000 per week, plus expenses) for high season (July and August) and for special event charters such as MIPIM and the Cannes Film Festival.
 
Admiral Mariotti motor yacht SEA FORCE ONE is a superyacht in the truest sense of the word.  Apart from her shiny black hull, her "wow factor" is over-the-top: fold-out sea terraces, extravagant décor, unique objets d′art, countless watertoys, and extensive entertainment equipment including a disco bar with DJ console and home cinema.

Sophisticated illumination throughout the interior creates a pleasant ambience on board, a la dance clubs like Pearl and Nikki Beach 

The yacht features accommodations for up to 10 guests in five themed cabins with king sized beds.
 
For special event charters, the yacht can host up to 80 guests for cocktails and up to 30 guests for formal, seated dinners.

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Looking for the perfect special event yacht in 2012?  Contact the SailAway destination pros at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for a complete list of available yachts and rates.

Recent reports in the Indian press seem to indicate a new yachting culture has hit Indian shores.  Globe-trotting Indians are starting to flaunt express cruisers and speedboats as new symbols of wealth, some event turning to renting large yachts for family vacations.

According to Malav Shroff of Mumbai-based Mahindra Ocean Group, "After you have luxury cars, upmarket living spaces, high-end accessories and farm houses, where would you spend your money? Yachts are becoming elements of aspiration for many."   

Anju Dutta, a sales broker for Marine Solutions says sports cruisers are hot picks. "We have sold 45 Sea Ray sports boats and cruisers in the last year...in places like Goa, Cochin and Kolkata," she says. Marine Solutions also gets demand for premium Italian models like the Ferretti 570 motor yacht. More commonly seen in the Mediterranean yacht charter market, such as the Ferretti motor yacht NUMBER OF COWES, interest in both buying and chartering mid-range Ferretti models in India is on the rise.

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters has been monitoring the increased demand for yachts in India.  "Mumbai is the country's yacht capital, says Sheeder. "The number of motoryachts in the city has increased form 100 to over 200 in the past three years. The city has over 700km of waterfront exposure and the Maharashtra government has plans to develop multiple marinas.  This is truly an emerging yachting market."  

While many Indian-owned yachts are used exclusively by the owners, others are now available for charter both in India and in ports around the world.  Vijay Mallya owns the 95-meter motor yacht INDIAN EMPRESS which Sheeder and her company offer for hire at a weekly rate of €600,000 plus expenses. 

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Rent Private Yacht - Contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today to join in the fun, and discover the joys of luxury yacht charter vacations.

Following a downgrade in credit ratings of nine euro zone countries, Reuters reports the euro is likely to post further losses in the coming week after it dropped on Friday the 13th to its lowest against the U.S. dollar in nearly 17 months. 

As the euro continues to slide opportunities to secure value prices on Caribbean yacht charter vacations will flourish, says Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters.

"Many of the yachts we represent for mega yacht charters are owned by European investors.  They set their rates in Euros - a currency that is being battered by the downgraded credit ratings of euro zone countries like France, Spain, and Italy," says Sheeder.

American travelers looking to secure rental vacations on European-owned superyachts are seeing their US dollar stretch further than in the past two charter seasons.  "US-based travelers were on the short end of the stick for quite some time," says Sheeder.  "As their dollars continue to strengthen they can upgrade to larger yachts without paying more money. The foreign currency pendulum is definitely swinging in their direction."

The growing inventory of luxury vessels for hire, coupled with low demand due to the global recession is further putting pressure on charter rates.  "The shrinking euro plus excess inventory and low demand is creating tremendous value for United States residents looking to charter in the Caribbean this winter and even in the Mediterranean this summer," explains Sheeder.

The 70-meter motor yacht NUMPTIA, for example, recently announced a euro rate reduction, combined with extra free charter days for the remainder of the Caribbean season.  

Sheeder and her advisors believe the tumble is not over.  "The breakdown in talks between Greece and its creditor banks means Greece is on the verge of collapse. This could continue the downtrend in the euro," states Sheeder. 

Some currency strategists see the euro possibly hitting $1.25 by the end of next week, with a target of between $1.21-$1.22.   The euro plunged to a low of $1.26240, its weakest level since late August 2010, on the EBS trading platform. On Friday the 13th, it last traded at $1.26830, down 1.1 percent on the day. The euro, down slightly on the week, posted its third straight weekly loss, based on EBS data.

"On the bright side," says Sheeder, the tumbling euro will provide a significant incentive for  Americans to book European-owned yachts at a deeply-discounted price for many months to come."

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

It sounds like the plot of a Jules Verne science fiction novel - three teams of intrepid explorers are locked in a race to reach the deepest depths of the ocean.  Each team is scrambling to build and launch a high-tech submarine capable of withstanding a dangerous journey seven miles straight down to the bottom of the sea.

It's a landscape of pitch blackness and freezing cold temperatures - an abyss where strange, pale-colored sea creatures dart between the rocks.  The dangers are immense - the pressure is so great that a human would be instantly crushed into a small clump of flesh and bone.

But this story isn't science fiction. It's the real-life drama of the race between three teams to reach the sea floor of the Mariana Trench, the most isolated and extreme environment on Earth.

Two of the teams are headed by famous celebrities with deep pockets and an unending quest for adventure.  British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, owner of the 32 meter (111 foot) luxury yacht charter vessel NECKER BELLE is one.  The other is Hollywood filmmaker, James Cameron.  Cameron, the director of Avatar, Titanic and The Abyss has already pumped $10 million into his sub, whose design is a closely guarded secret.

Then there is the underdog - Patrick Lahey.  In a novel or movie, Lahey's character is Everyman - the little guy with the big dream and the courage to take on bigger, more powerful foes.

Lahey is president of tiny Central Florida company Triton Submarines.  The blue-collar diver and his band of submariners are heavy underdogs to their wealthy competitors. But if they can dive their uniquely designed sub to the bottom of the trench before Branson and Cameron do, they'll be heroes. They also hope to persuade the reality television producers of the Deadliest Catch to film the whole race, in which case Everyman Lahey and his team might even get rich.

Lahey's motivation, however, is not money.  His dream is to open the deep sea to thousands of people. Triton plans to take tourists two at a time to the trench, and Lahey hopes to sell the transparent-hulled subs to mega­yacht owners around the world.   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.

"We're interested in getting more people to give a sh** about the ocean," Lahey says. "The future of our species depends on it, yet 95 percent of the ocean has never been explored. It really is the last frontier on Earth."

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Unleash the explorer spirit within you!  Contact the SailAway destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to charter a private yacht in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and beyond.

From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, catamarans built by Sunreef Yachts are dominating the charter industry.  Vessels such as Sunreef 70 sail catamaran BLUE GURU and Sunreef 70 power catamaran DAMRAK II are redefining luxury at sea.

Now, word comes of a new entry into the marketplace by Sunreef, a Sunreef 60 power catamaran conceived in response to the growing demand for compact yet highly impressive multihull motoryachts. This yacht will have all the features of the popular 70 Sunreef Power, except its 27.8 foot (8.5 meter) beam makes it more convenient for crowded marinas, especially in the Mediterranean.

The first unit of the 60 Sunreef Power has been commissioned by a European owner, and will feature two double cabins in the forward section, two double cabins in the starboard hull, and one double, one bunk-bed cabin in the port hull. All cabins will have private bathrooms and plenty of storage space.  

Mediterranean yacht charter guests will find the interior of the main deck will feature the galley and a dining area, while a mezzanine floor located in the midship will feature the internal helm station and lounge, providing access to the forward guest cabins and the flybridge.

A spacious sun deck, a trademark on Sunreef models, comprises an external helm station, wet bar, dining area and a roomy sun pad, ideal for outdoor lounging in the sun.  Charter models will have an option to include a Jacuzzi on the flybridge.

The interior design is both modern and minimalist, with wenge and oak wood contrasts, and finished with cream and white upholstery and brushed stainless steel details.

The Sunreef 60 mould (mold USA) is already completed and the first unit is due for launch in late May 2012.

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When it comes to luxury sailing charter vacations, why rock the boat?  Charter a wide and stable catamaran for your next island holiday.  Contact the SailAway catamaran experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for more details and seasonal specials and discounts.

The highly anticipated motor yacht Pershing 82 is on schedule to debut in the spring of 2012.  A contemporary reinterpretation of its predecessor, the Pershing 80, the Pershing 82 is the ninth model added to the builder's series of open performance yachts.

Mediterranean yacht charter fans looking for a swift yacht take note!  In keeping with Pershing’s emphasis on performance, the new 82 model will be capable of a 45-knot top end, thanks to twin MTU 16V M93s.   Cruising speed is expected to be an equally-swift at 40 knots.  

Such performance will ensure you get to St. Tropez for lunch and back to the dock at the Cannes Film Festival in time for cocktails.

Designed by Fulvio De Simoni and a team of architects at Centro Stile Ferretti Group, the Pershing 82 performance yacht features an external profile that is sleeker and more aggressive than that of its predecessor.  The elongated superstructure enhances the new attractive forms while the sundeck with retractable platform makes the yacht look slimmer.

The yacht is 24.97 meters long and features a traditional mega yacht charter layout of 4 comfortable guest cabins.  The master suite is located amidships, with the VIP cabin forward, and two twin bed cabins positioned at the bow.

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For information about renting a Pershing or other high-performance yacht this summer, contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

A new Italian yacht tax will assess a fee for each day a yacht is in service in Italian waters.

Signed into law on December 22, 2011, the new tax will go into effect on May 1, 2012.

The new tax as outlined in the decree is as follows:
►      5 Euro per day for vessels from 10.01 to 12 meters
►      8 Euro per day for vessels from 12.01 to 14 meters
►    10 Euro per day for vessels from 14.01 to 17 meters
►    30 Euro per day for vessels from 17.01 to 24 meters
►    90 Euro per day for vessels from 24.01 to 34 meters
►  207 Euro per day for vessels from 34.01 to 44 meters
►  372 Euro per day for vessels from 44.01 to 54 meters
►  521 Euro per day for vessels from 54.1 to 64 meters
►  703 Euro per day for vessels over 64 meters.   


The new law lists several exceptions:

1. Vessels in dry dock or hauled out of the water are exempt from the daily fee.

2. For vessels older than 5, 10 or 15 years, the tax is reduced by 15%, 30% and 45% respectively.

3. All fees for sailing yachts are reduced by 50%.

Thus, if you reserve the 60 meter Lursen yacht charter motor yacht ARKLEY for a week, you will incur a fee of € 3,647.  Conversely, if you select a sail yacht for your holiday, such as 57 meter Royal Huisman’s sailing yacht TWIZZLE, you'll pay  € 1,824.

Yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder believes a review of the new law is needed before it goes into effect.

"We fully support the efforts of the Italian government to bolster their sagging economy," says Sheeder.  "What we have not seen, however, is a detailed analysis of the economic impact that the new tax will have on the Mediterranean yacht charter industry, and the impact on ancillary industries which support yachting such as marinas, fuel brokers, repair specialists, provisioning companies, and travel and tourism offices."

Continue to monitor this blog for additonal details as they unfold...

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To learn how you can reduce or even eliminate taxes associated with yachting vacations, contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

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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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.

The beautiful 54 meter motor yacht SEQUEL P has announced reduced winter rates in the Caribbean.

To encourage last-minute holiday bookings, Proteksan yacht SEQUEL P has dropped her Christmas and New Year's Eve premium rates from $378,000 per week to $350,000 per week - a savings of 8%.

For non-holiday periods, charterers can enjoy a Virgin Islands yacht charter for $322,000 per week and pocket savings of $28,000 off the regular rate of $350,000 per week.

Launched in Turkey in June, 2009, mega yacht SEQUEL P was designed by London-based H2 designers, and built by Proteksan Turquoise Yachts Inc specifically for use in the luxury yacht charter industry.

The newest yacht to hit the Caribbean (and the mediterranean in summer), the vessel offers a fascinating interior with areas furnished in sycamore and macore woods, and a generous exterior deck space. 

Up to 12 guests are accommodated in 6 staterooms:  a master suite on the main deck, and 2 double, 2 twin (each with Pullman) and 1 convertible VIP cabin on the lower deck.  The VIP cabin can also be converted into a massage studio or office.
 

Special features include zero speed stabilizers, which reduce motion when the yacht is at anchor, amazing deck spaces, and well-planned entertainment areas.  For active guests, there is a full gymnasium, and a large inventory of aqua toys. To ease sore muscles after a day of activity there is a large ondeck Jacuzzi tub, as well as the services on a licensed masseuse.

Similar yachts available this winter in the Caribbean include the 2011 53-meter motor yacht SPIRIT,  the 2009 50-meter motor yacht WHEELS, and the 2010 55-meter HARBOUR ISLAND.

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To book a holiday escape in the Caribbean or Bahamas, contact the SailAway destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

Looking forward to a strong Mediterranean yacht charter season, the 30 meter sail yacht NOSTROMO cruises into 2012 with highly-competitive, reduced rental rates.

Beginning with the upcoming summer high season (July and August), rates have been slashed by 23% - from €45,000 per week to an attractive €35,000 per week. Rates are plus expenses.



Launched in 2009, the sleek, modern sloop was designed by Dubois Yachts and built by British superyacht builder Pendennis.  Since her arrival on the charter scene, Dubois sail yacht NOSTROMO quickly became a popular sailing yacht in France and Italy before crossing the Atlantic for service as a Caribbean yacht charter vessel. 

Pendennis yacht NOSTROMO boasts a beautiful interior, designed by Redman Whitely Dixon.  There are four cabins that can be converted to offer 3 modern double cabins and 1 single cabin with a bath.

Available in the Eastern Mediterranean, her experienced crew is keen to charter.  With attractive new rates, expect prime summer dates to be booked quickly. 

Similar yachts available this summer in the Eastern Mediterranean include  the 43 meter sail yacht CLEAR EYES, 38 meter gullet yacht ESMA SULTAN, 34 meter sail yacht ANNAGINE, and the 32 meter crewed catamaran charters superstar sail yacht IPHARRA.

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For further information contact the SailAway Mediterranean destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

The popular classic schooner ELENA, a modern recreation of the famous 1928 Trans Atlantic record holder designed by Nathaniel Herreshoff, has announced plans to offer Caribbean yacht charter vacations this winter.

Sailing across the pond from the Mediterranean, sail yacht ELENA is already reserved for the New Year's holiday week, but has many other prime dates available through April, 2012.

Fantastic performance under sail will make S/Y Elena a favorite for sailing regattas, while her luxurious 5 cabin interior will appeal to families more interested in conventional sail boat charters.  True to her racing spirit, this reincarnated superyacht promises both beauty and grace under sail as well as uncompromising speed.

Guest cabins are exquisitely finished with mahogany paneling while all interior ornamental details closely follow the original Herreshoff drawings. The beautiful varnished mahogany panels are accentuated by white painted ceilings and ceiling beams.

In tribute to the original designer and builder, each cabin is named after a famous Herreshoff schooner: 
Katoura, the Owner’s cabin, boasts a large double bed, and the wide dimensions allow space for a full writing desk.
The Westward cabin also offers a double bed, as does the optional Captain’s cabin, Irolita. The two twin cabins, Ingomar and Mariette, are located adjacent to one another on the starboard side.

Ensuite bathrooms have separate showers and toilets and are finished with elegant, period-simulated fittings. There is ample closet space and an abundance of natural light through the overhead skylights as well as three portholes in every stateroom, and four in the owner’s cabin.
 

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Another classic-styled sailing yacht available this winter is the 47 meter schooner sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA.  For more information on these modern replicas, contact the SailAway charter desk at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A choice of attractive rates is available:

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

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

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

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

Only weeks after the European Union Court of Justice declared the Spanish Boat Tax an “unlawful practice,” Spanish authorities made it clear they plan to ignore the guidance laid down by the EU.

At a recent conference in Palma, representatives from the Balearic region’s nautical industry discussed the contentious Spanish boat tax issue, and its effect on Mediterranean yacht charter vessels engaged in business in Spanish waters.  The tax also effects non-commercial pleasure boats as well. 

The conference was intended to look for ways to boost nautical sector revenues in the Balearic islands.  The primary point of discussion was the scrapping of the Matriculation (ISDMT) Tax which is judged to deprive ports in Mallorca and Ibiza of €10 million per weekend during high season.

To the dismay of the attendees, Javier Campillo, Chief Tax Inspector for the Balearics, said the Spanish boat tax is here to stay. Spain’s Matriculation Tax will continue to apply to all Spanish-registered yachts, including those on the Canary Islands Register (REBECA).

"This is unfortunate news for the luxury yacht charter market, and the superyacht owners eager to engage in commerce in Spanish waters," states Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters.  Sheeder points out a legal challenge of  the Spanish position would be difficult.  "Even though the Spanish boat tax breaks the principle of freedom to provide services in the European Union, it is not actually illegal. The EU can declare the tax to be against principles and therefore unlawful, but it lacks the authority to declare the tax illegal."

The Spanish boat tax first drew widespread condemnation in May when the boating community in Spain and the Balearic Islands staged a daily protest of the tax during the Palma Boat Show.  Over the nine-day show, at noon of each day, yacht owners blasted their horns in the Bay of Palma to raise awareness of their lobbying.

Until further notice, the Spanish tax authority will continue to charge a Matriculation Tax of 12 per cent of the value of all Spanish-registered vessels.

For now, the stand-off between the Spanish government, the Balearic authorities, and the European judiciary will continue.

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Come explore the islands of  Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, and Formentera - the archipelago known as the Balearic Islands.  Contact the SailAway Yacht Charter destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the Mediterranean yacht charter season drawing to a close, two Euro-based superyachts have announced plans to relocate for the winter 2011/spring 2012 season.

The award-winning 60 meter motor yacht ARKLEY should arrive in the Maldives Islands by early December, while the impressive 52 meter motor yacht BEL ABRI will take a position in St Martin in the Caribbean.

Lürssen Yacht charter aficionados will recognize the Espen Oeino-designed motor yacht ARKLEY.  Built in 2009, this is a  world-class superyacht with true style and sophistication. Since winning the Motor Yacht of the Year accolade at the World Superyacht Awards, ARKLEY has offered an unrivalled charter experience and continues to receive high acclaim from clients.

The Lürssen-built yacht offers 12 guests relaxed and comfortable surroundings, draped in a contemporary Mark Berryman design.

Weekly rental prices start at €430,000 per week, plus running expenses.

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Constructed by Amels in 2010 to a Tim Heywood design, motor yacht BEL ABRI is one of the most impressive charter yachts on the market today. The Laura Sessa interior design on  Amels yacht BEL ABRI creates a feeling of true comfort and space.  Accommodations for up to 11 guests are available in five guest staterooms.

Her weekly rental fee is €275,000 plus all running expenses.

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Come explore the warm waters of the Caribbean.  Contact the SailAway destination team at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for further details.