Mega Yacht Charters

New safety rules for the construction of superyacht vessels could prove a boon for the mega yacht charter marketplace, especially for charter parties of more than 12 passengers.

Bureau Veritas, the international classification society, is launching an updated set of classification rules for yachts.  The rules cover design, material and equipment certification and construction surveillance at the shipyard.  A major addition to the new rules is a set of standards applicable to very large luxury yacht charter vessels with over 12 passengers.

These new standards will bridge the gap between international conventions applying to passenger ships and yacht industry standards.

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters believes the new regulations are long overdue.  "We've been fighting for new standards for a long time. The regulatory environment for luxury yacht charter vessels carrying more than twelve passengers has been confusing for years. Costly conventions developed for passenger vessels like cruise ships carrying hundreds of passengers were forced upon superyachts clearly built for large families and corporate charters."

According to Sheeder, the cost of compliance to non-conforming standards means charter yachts with the capacity to carry more than 12 passengers have been forced to only accept charters for 12 or fewer passengers. "Owners of yachts with accommodations for 13 or more guests were hesitant to spend the large sums of money needed to bring their yachts into compliance with cruiseship-level standards."  

"The result," says Sheeder, "is that only a handful of mega yacht charter vessels can legally accommodate more than 12 guests. "     

The new Bureau Veritas rules develop a set of requirements, close to the international conventions but customized to the yacht industry standards.  It is believed the new regulations will result in new charter yachts built to carry between twelve and thirty six passengers.

"The demand is there," says Sheeder.  "Large, extended families end up renting island villas or staying in resorts when no suitable yachts are available.  Hopefully, the new regulations will result in more available yachts for parties of thirteen or more."   

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Some of the yachts currently available for large families include the 36-passenger motor yacht CHRISTINA O, the 40-passenger LAUREN L, the 36-passenger motor yacht MOONLIGHT II, and the 30-passenger motor yacht RM ELEGANT.   For further information, contact Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters at jsheeder@1800sailaway.com

It's hard to believe the 2012 London Olympic Games are less than one year from now.  As the games draws closer, it's expected more than a dozen luxury mega yacht charter vessels will be available for hire along the fabled Thames river.

One of the first yachts to commit to the London games is the 75 meter motor yacht LEANDER. The massive superyacht will be available from the evening of the 27th July.

Yacht Leander features accommodations for twelve guests in a choice of ten luxurious staterooms, including two master suites on the main deck. In addition, up to four staff members (nannies, bodyguards, etc.) can also be accommodated in certain circumstances. White glove service is provided by the yacht's highly-trained crew of 25, headed by Captain Julian Cope.

In addition to a choice of roomy saloons and spacious deck areas, an assortment of amenities are available including a fully-equipped gym and swimming pool with counter current and Jacuzzi-style jets. Launched in 2003, yacht Leander is constantly maintained to the highest standards and her equipment is regularly updated.

Leander's weekly rate during the London Olympics will be € 455,000 plus all expenses.

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For a list of available yachts for hire during the Olympic games, contact the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

A well known owner of a Mediterranean yacht charter vessel charges nearly €100,000 per week to rent his yacht, but it is his day job that brings him vast sums of money.

Actor Johnny Depp, owner of the 156' motor yacht VAJOLIROJA, opens up about his staggering paychecks in the November issue of Vanity Fair magazine.

“Basically, if they’re going to pay me the stupid money right now, I’m going to take it,” he admits in the magazine article.  “I have to. I mean, it’s not for me. Do you know what I mean? At this point, it’s for my kids. It’s ridiculous, yeah, yeah. But ultimately is it for me? No. No. It’s for the kids.”

Depp has shot to the top of the list of Hollywood's highest paid actors, thanks to the stellar success of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.   While Depp is mum on the size of his Pirates "ransom," a recent report puts his total take in the $300 million range, due to a gross-profit-sharing deal brokered with Disney. To date, the four-film franchise has tallied $3.7 billion in worldwide receipts, and Depp is slated to star in a 5th installment. 

It's believed Depp's passion for the sea, and his purchase of a mega yacht charter vessel stems from his years of filming the Priates movies in exotic locales such as the Bahamas.  His yacht, motor yacht VaJoLiRoJa — the boat’s clever name comes from combining the first few letters of each family member’s name, partner Vanessa Paradis, Johnny, and their kids, Lily-Rose and Jack — is a 156 foot yacht of distinctive character, inspired by the classic gentleman’s yachts of the 1930’s. 

The lavishly-styled interior evokes the romance and glamour of a bygone era (with a few pirate-themed hints throughout).

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Relive the Golden Era of yachting onboard a classic yacht this winter.  Depp's yacht VAJOLIROJA is available for hire in the Bahamas or St Martin, and joins another classic-style Caribbean charter yacht, sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA.  In other destinations, classic-styled sail yacht  MONTIGNE is available in the Far East, and in the Mediterranean, sail yacht ATLANTIC and motor yacht CHRISTINA O are available this winter. Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to reserve your yacht today.

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

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

●  McMullen & Wing motor yacht BIG FISH 

●  Holland Jachtbouw motor yacht CALLIOPE

●  Perini Navi motor yacht EXUMA 

●  Lürssen motor yacht SOLEMATES 

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

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

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

Pop superstars Beyonce and Jay Z enjoy a boat ride

Want to experience a Caribbean yacht charter like a celebrity?  Then look no further than the exclusive island of Saint Barthélemy, better known as St Barts.

Always sunny with very little rain, the tiny island has become famous for celebrity sightings, especially during the year-end holidays where all-night New Year's Eve yacht hops and parties capture the attention of the global newswires.  

Singer Gwen Stefani and husband Gavin Rossdale relax ondeck

A playground for billionaire superyacht owners and pop culture icons, the scene in St Barts between Christmas and New Years is unlike anywhere else in the world.  From Mariah Carey and Sean "P Diddy" Combs, to Beyonce , Jay Z and Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore - all have spent time lounging on the sundeck of a multi-million dollar luxury mega yacht charter vessel dockside in the island's Gustavia marina.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore seen leaving motor yacht A, to go ashore in St Barts





So just where is St Barts, the island paradise dubbed, "Hollywood South?"

St. Barts is a tiny island situated in the French West Indies.  Located 17°55’ north and 62°50’ west, just below the Tropic of Cancer, and north of the chain of the Lesser Antilles.  Puerto Rico is 240 km (about 160 miles) to the west. 

St. Barts lies 35 km southeast of Saint Martin, separated by the Saint-Barthélemy Channel. It lies northeast of Saba and St Eustatius, and north of St Kitts. Some small satellite islets belong to St. Barts including Île Chevreau, Île Frégate, Île Toc Vers, and Île Tortue. A much bigger islet, Île Fourchue, lies to the north of the island, in the Saint-Barthélemy Channel. Other nearby islets include Coco, the Roques (or little Turtle rocks), and Sugarloaf.  

Seven thousand kilometers separate St Barts from Paris, but it is just 2500 from New York (about a 4 hour flight).

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Why not rent a private yacht and join your favorite celebrities this winter for a week in a tropical paradise?  Contact the SailAway destination professionals at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are planning a luxury sailing charter, or a week cruising on a motoryacht, Sardinia is truly a cruising paradise, with crystal clear waters and quiet anchorages.

Last week, we introduced our readers to the enchanted island of Sardinia's location off the coast of Italy.
 
Today, we take a look at the island, itself, and our top four recommendations for things to do in Sardinia.

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1.  Visit BOSA:  Away from the coast, much of the countryside is mountainous,  but with innumerable charming villages, hotels, restaurants and incredible views.  Along the coast, however, is a special small town worth a visit  - Bosa.  This 12th century town is situated on the west coast, north of Oristano, in a valley on the Temo, the only navigable river in Sardinia. 

The city is overlooked by the Castello Malaspina, which dates to 1112.   To the south of the Castle, on the north bank next to the bridge, is the Bosa Cathedral. This structure was constructed in the fifteenth century. Inside is a splendid interior of marble statues and nineteenth century frescos.  The nearby Bosa Marina Beach, is regularly voted the cleanest beach in Italy.

Travel Tip - if arriving via a luxury mega yacht charter vessel, the Bosa Marina is just 2 kilometers from the town of Bosa.  While the marina can accommodate yachts up to 50 meters, most of the slips are for smaller yachts so call in advance to secure a reservation during peak summer periods.

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2.  Ride the TRENINO VERDE - In the summer, the Trenino Verde tourist train runs from Palau south through the mountains.  It's a beautiful route that meanders its way slowly through the hills, and a way to see the interior of Sardinia. One of the stops along the way is the small village of Sant'Antonio di Gallura, a true farming village on a hillside overlooking the Diga Liscia lake. The old center of the village is charming, grouped around the piazza and church of Sant'Antonio.  The town has few visitors in the summer, but is very much a typical Gallurese working village.  If you prefer to be surrounded by local residents rather than other tourists, this is the place for you.

Travel tip -   stop by the Capichera winery and pick up several bottles of their famous Classico white wines - with dry, rounded and mouthfilling flavors of juicy, aromatic fruit, and a long, lingering finish, rich in tangy minerals.

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3.  See the NURAGHI:  Looking like man-made beehives, the Nuraghi are stone dwellings dating back to the bronze age, and found nowhere on earth but on Sardinia. The exact use of these structures remains unknown, but scientists speculate they were either used as religious temples, or military strongholds. With over 6000 on the island, the most famous Nuraghe is Nuraxi su Barumini, which has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  Barumini is located at approximately 60 kilometers north of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia.

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4.  Explore PARCO NAZIONALE dell' ARCIPELAGO di MADDALENA:  La Maddalena is a national park located in the north of Sardinia. On clear days, you can see the coastline of the French island of Corsica from the most northern island of La Maddalena, Isola Razzoli. Luxury sailing charter guests love this destination as most of the islands in this archipelago can only be reached by boat.  Here, visitors are offered a glimpse of unspoilt nature, stunning views, and the kindness of friendly, local residents.

Travel tip - hire a local guide for a hiking excursion.  A handful of residents are trained environmental hiking guides licensed by the national park to lead hiking tours of the islands.   Scuba is another popular adventure in the archipelago and several dive operators have shops on La Maddalena including Area 11 Diver and Scuba Point.

Dazzling beaches, clear water, ancient fortress cities, and modern port towns make Sardinia a "must" stopover for any Western Mediterranean yachting vacation.

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Help us round out our list from a "Top four" to a "Top five"  review of the best Sardinia has to offer.  Tell us your favorite thing to do in Sardinia!  Contact  the SailAway yacht charter destination team with your travel tips for sightseeing in Sardinia.

The opportunity to explore the fabled Côte d'Azur has never been more affordable, thanks to a special late-summer discount on motoryacht CELECASOR.

For the remainder of the summer season, the owner of the stunning Mangusta 130 motor yacht CELECASOR is offering a "2 for 1" discount - for every day booked, the owner is offering one extra day, free of charge! This is a fabulous offer not to be missed.

Built in 2006, the Mangusta 130 is a rocket on the water, capable of cruising at 30 knots.  This speedy advantage over most megayachts presents the opportunity to cover the entire French Riviera coastline in a week's time - from St Tropez to Monaco.

The 130'  mega yacht charter vessel offers accommodations for 6 to 8 guests in 4 staterooms (3 double, 1 twin).  Her  sumptuous interior combines dark woods with light neutral fabrics.

The spacious deck saloon features a retractable roof and a 2nd saloon on lower deck offers privacy and an escape from the Mediterranean sun.  Onboard amenities include a Kaleidescape entertainment system and a full array of water toys.

Based in Imperia, the yacht and her crew of 6 are standing by and ready to go!

The published weekly rate is €129,500 plus all running expenses.  For each day booked, the rate will be pro-rated to reflect the 2-for-1 special.

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A summer winds down, it's time to plan a winter escape.  Take advantage of great early-bird specials on Virgin Island yacht charters.  Contact our destination specialists HERE for more details.

Sail and motor yachts over 100' are invited to gather this December for the annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, taking place December 16-18 in Phuket, Thailand.  Mega yacht charter vessels as will as private yachts will rendezvous for three days, on and off the waters of the Andaman coast.

Entering it's eleventh year, the event is notable as Asia’s most prestigious superyacht rendezvous and is a firm fixture on the yachting calendars of owners around the world.  A diverse fleet of classic yachts and newest builds are expected to attend this year.   

Organizers report there will be plenty of action on the water.  Sailing yachts will participate in two days of racing accompanied by a spectator fleet of motor yachts, allowing owners to enjoy spectacular views.  Based at the Royal Phuket Yacht Club, the racing includes sailing from Nai Harn Bay to Surin Bay, with courses set out by long-serving Race Officer Andy Dowden.

Watch the Video of the Superyacht Rendezvous from 2010:

Feadship yacht charter enthusiasts will revel in the famous Feadship Challenge (a model boat building contest), while other highlights of the social program include the exclusive Boat International Media Owners’ Dinner, held on the finest beach in Phuket - situated adjacent to the Surin Hotel.  The Surin will present a choice of sumptuous delights from East and West, served overlooking the beauty of Thailand’s coastline. Live music and dancing will continue into the night as the launch of Chinese lanterns will draw the dinner to a close.

The initial list of confirmed attendees include: the 50m Perseus built by Perini Navi in 2001; the 42m Maverick II, built by Sterling in 1988; the 57m Montigne built by Aegean Yachts in 2009; the 40.3m My Lady Arraya built by Oceanfast in 1990 and based in Thailand; the 36.07m Vie Sans Soucis built by Kings Yachts in Taiwan; the 74m Silver Zwei built by Hanseatic Marine in 2009; the 30m Asia built in 1997 by Paul Johnson; and the 49.7m Silolona of Indonesia, a traditional wooden Phinisi schooner hand-built in 2004 by Konjo craftsmen from South Sulawesi.

Major event sponsors include Boat International Media, The Surin Hotel, Asia's YACHT Style Magazine, and Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards.

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From the Bahamas to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, there are many superyacht rendezvous and regattas for both experienced sailors and casual travelers. Contact our vacation specialists HERE to arrange a sailing or power odyssey of a lifetime.

After a summer of private use by her celebrity owner, the on-again/off-again Mediterranean yacht charter superyacht SEVEN SEAS is scheduled to be on display at the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show, September 21 through 24.

The spectacular 86 meter (280 ft) Oceanco motor yacht SEVEN SEAS has been in the news throughout the summer, with the Steven Speilberg owned yacht playing host to both family and celebrity friends like Gwyneth Paltrow, Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio. 

Contemporary styling and modern lines define this elegant yacht.  With a beam of 14.20 meters, she boasts extraordinary interior volume. Oceanco motor yacht SEVEN SEAS features spacious accommodations for twelve guests in four large guest suites and two luxurious VIP suites. 

Oceanco’s signature infinity swimming pool can be found on an aft deck that can be conveniently transformed into a helipad. An innovative highlight on this deck is a projector, which will throw an image onto the aft glass wall of the pool allowing one to take in the latest movie while a swim at sea or on the quay.

Further testament to the owner's iconic role in American cinema, the main salon is fully-equipped with a professional projection system and a 5 x 2 meter screen which, coupled with two rows of raked seating, can transform into a screening theater. Adjacent to the main salon is an imposing 250m² area, which can host everything from casual al fresco dining to a black-tie Cannes Film Festival gala.

The yacht has an extensive list of amenities including a wide array of water sport toys and tenders such as her custom enclosed 10.5 meter limo tender and custom 9.2 meter open sport boat. 

Oceanco is proud to present this magnificent yacht at the upcoming 2011 Monaco Yacht Show.  She will be berthed at slip R01.  Visits on board will be by invitation only.

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Interested in attending the Monaco yacht show?   For a list of luxury mega yacht charter vessels in attendance, please contact our destination specialists HERE.

Dutch builder Heesen Yachts has always been known as an innovator.  The first Dutch shipyard to use aluminum alloy for the construction of yacht hulls, Heesen has become a global-leader in the design, engineering and build of high performance, all-aluminum motor yachts.

Continuing to lead the way in technology, Heesen has launched an iPad superyacht app  that allows users to browse an extensive gallery of Heesen’s latest launches, ranging from 37 to 65 meters. It also includes the basic specifications and features of every yacht in the Heesen fleet, plus a selection of movies and images of the very latest projects.

The Heesen iPad yacht app provides intuitive info about the builder and its yachts. Users can compare up to four images at a time, and can email individual images to their friends and contacts.

Some of the largest yachts available for charter can be accessed by the app, including the 2011 55-meter motor yacht QUINTA ESSENTIA,  the 47 meter motor yacht RAASTA, and the star of the Croatia yacht charter summer season, the 47.70-meter Heesen motor yacht LET IT BE.

Click HERE to download the FREE app from Apples' iTunes store.

Look for more builders to take Heeson's lead and introduce their own superyacht apps in the near future...

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Charter the yacht that can be piloted directly from an iPad device.  P Diddy (Puff Daddy - Sean John - Sean Combs) rented the iPad-controlled motor yacht SOLEMATES, and so can you!    Contact our, "Yacht Geek Squadron" HERE for more details.  ;-)

It's been said the Maldives are the picture-perfect location for diving, swimming and blissful relaxing, and motoryacht MOECCA is prepared to prove that adage is true.  

The 150'  luxury mega yacht charter vessel plans to call the island archipelago its home, from November, 2011 through March, 2012.

 

The Maldives offer visitors the chance to enjoy crystal clear water and snow white, sandy beaches.   Located in the Indian Ocean,  the Republic of Maldives is an island nation formed by a double chain of twenty-six (26) atolls. The water temperature is amazingly warm, about 31c (87f), and the opportunities for snorkeling and diving seem endless. There are hundreds of reefs, some in the shallow waters of enclosed lagoons.

 

MOECCA is a 150' jet drive vessel offering crewed catamaran charters.  The twin hulls create a very large stable platform at anchor and while cruising. She has a spacious interior volume and a 2150 sq ft (200 sq m) sun deck.




Accommodations for 12 passengers are offered in 6 staterooms, each with ensuite bathroom, 20" flat screen TV, and full entertainment systems. Guest may use a 7th cabin as an onboard private office.  High speed WIFI internet is available throughout the yacht.
 
Rates:
November - 15 December:  $155,000 USD/ per week plus expenses
15 December - 15 January:  $195,000 USD/ per week plus expenses
15 January - on: $155,000 USD/per week plus expenses

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FREE sample itinerary!  Interested in learning more about a Maldives Island cruise?  Contact our office and we'll email to you a custom 7-day itinerary for exploring the Maldives onboard motor yacht  MOECCA.

Everyone knows that picking house paint colors isn't just difficult, it's terrifying! Pick colors that are blah, and your house will seem featureless and flat. But if the colors you pick are too bold, they might overwhelm the architecture...and upset your neighbors.

The best colors will highlight the most beautiful features of your home. Skillful use of color can even disguise design flaws, boosting the, "curb appeal" and market value of your home.

Finding that magic color combination also holds true for luxury mega yacht charter vessels. 

The first thing a potential client sees when preparing to rent a private yacht is the exterior. The "dock appeal" must catch the attention of the prospect and pique his curiosity to see the interior as well.

Traditionally, yachts were painted simply - clean, bright white.  With modern technology, new paints and colors that resist fading and the harsh marine environment have been developed.  Now, the only limit to the exterior color scheme of a yacht is the owner's imagination.

Here's a sampling of unique paint schemes and colors on some of the newest and largest yachts around the world:

QUINTA ESSENTIA  - With a striking color scheme of Oyster White and Merlot Red, developed by the owner in close collaboration with Dobroserdov Design, Heeson motor yacht Quinta Essentia will certainly not pass unnoticed in the Mediterranean yacht charter fleet.  It is said the red color was inspired by the owner's love for Merlot wine!    

SLIPSTREAM - celebrity owner, former American Idol judge, and X-Factor creator Simon Cowell, is known for wearing simple, dark colored T-shirts against pale blue jeans. The classic deep blue hull and gun-blue superstructure of Cowell's yacht Slipstream sets the scene for a truly nautical and contemporary super yacht. 

BLACK and WHITE -  the distinctive black and white theme onboard motor yacht BLACK and WHITE is based on the ancient yin yang symbol, a Chinese sign for the mixing of complementary opposites.  Launched in 2010, this magnificent Sunseeker 34 yacht mixes not only color, but also high-end amenities and comfort with performance and power.

MISTER JINGLES - the global debt crisis has focused great attention on the value of gold.  The color gold draws nearly as much attention, especially on  a yacht painted stem to stern in this shiny, metallic palette.  Designed and built by Italy's Fashion Yachts, motor yacht Mister Jingles debuted as a luxury yacht charter vessel in 2009.  The metallic performance yacht  boasts a 35 knot cruising speed - perfect for quickly getting from one famous port to another.

AURELIA - recently, we profiled yachts named after race horses by their loving owners.  It seems another type of race fan - Formula 1 cars - is just as proud to display his passion on a yacht.  The 37-Meter Heeson motor yacht Aurelia boast an unusual color scheme from Dobroserdov Design, inspired by the owner’s passion for racing cars.  Zoom Zoom Zoom!

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Know of any other yachts with cool paint jobs?  Email us a picture (to info@1800sailaway.com ), along with your name, the name of the yacht, and where you saw it. We'll post and share your pics with our readers! 

How do you take your cocktails - straight...or on the rocks?

Unfortunately, for the owner of motor yacht Cocktails, a Miami-based mega yacht charter vessel, it was the "rocks" that left his multi-million dollar baby a bit tipsy.

On Friday, the 85-foot yacht, Cocktails, ran aground near Nobska Beach in Woods Hole, Mass, after hitting a rock about 100 yards offshore.  According to the Coast Guard, the skipper grounded the vessel to prevent it from sinking.

No luxury yacht charter guests were onboard at the time of the incident - just the skipper and one crewmember. 

No fuel was spilled, and after dewatering the yacht, tugs towed the vessel to Fairhaven for repairs.  In New England for the summer, it is expected Cocktails will be fixed in time to return to Miami for the winter Florida yacht charter season.

There were no reports of any injuries...except to the skipper's pride...

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Coming to South Florida this winter?  Spend a few days exploring the Florida Keys or the nearby islands of the Bahamas from the comfort of a yacht.  Contact our destination experts HERE today!

It seems like just yesterday, we were glued to our televisions, watching 15,000 Chinese performers on the field of the "Bird's Nest," as China kicked off the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic games.

Yet here we are, just one year to go before the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic games. 

Suddenly, the notion of renting a yacht for the London games isn't something to think about down the road.  Marina reservations are well under way, and additional berths have been added to accommodate the expected visitors arriving by superyacht.

"We are very excited to see such levels of interest from yachts so far," says Mark Upton, Director of MGMT. "We were always confident yachts would book for the Olympics but expected this to happen later in the year once the summer charter season ended. We have made a huge effort to keep the industry informed of our concierge services and also the fact that the popular tickets, hospitality, and services will sell out very quickly. It seems our efforts are paying off and the bookings are being made early to ensure visiting yachts receive the full benefit of all the services 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.  Based on the early inquiries we have received, we estimate at least 30 superyachts will be in London and on the Thames for the Olympics next summer."

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Rent a private yacht through SailAway and enjoy complete Olympic concierge service, from securing dockage, to ground transportation to the various athletic venues, to securing event tickets. Contact our destination specialists HERE today.

You've been planning your Croatia yacht charter for months.  The skipper has called to report that the weather is fantastic, and the yacht's chef has provisioned the sailboat with all of your favorite foods.  Your bags are packed, and your flight boarding pass is in your coat.  

Now, your focus turns to money - how much cash should you carry, and which credit cards should you take on the trip?

Of course, traveling with too much cash can be dangerous if it is lost or stolen.

Learning to travel wisely with your credit cards can save you time and money. This is especially true when traveling abroad due to currency exchange rates and foreign transaction fees.

Here are some helpful tips for traveling with credit cards:

Review Fees - when choosing which credit cards to bring on the trip, take a look at the fees for each card. Select the card or cards with the lowest foreign transaction fees.  Find out about any conversion fees - many credit card companies charge currency conversion fees when you use your card in a country that doesn't normally transact in U.S. dollars.

Reward Yourself - consider any cards that offer travel rewards; you might as well rack up as many flight miles as possible.

Call Your Credit Card Company - let them know you'll be enjoying a luxury sailing charter in the Mediterranean.  The point is not to gloat, but to let them know that your card usage in a foreign place is legit. Otherwise, your card might be denied when you try to purchase something.

Choose the "Local Currency" Option - whether at a shop, taverna, or restaurant, always ask the clerk to process the credit card using the local currency option. If the card gets processed using U.S. Dollars, you may be charged a fee to convert those greenbacks into the local currency.  This is in addition to any foreign-currency transaction fees from your credit card company.

With traveler's checks a relic of the past and cash too risky to carry, credit cards can be a great convenience when abroad.  Remember to look through your cards and find the one with the lowest fees, and the best rewards points.  A little planning now can save a lot of headaches (and dollars) later...

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Note - most mega yacht charter crews do not carry credit card processing equipment onboard, and cannot accept credit cards for the crew's gratuity.  Click to learn more about customary tipping policies HERE.   

  



 

It's funny how superstitions and "tales of the unknown" tend to quietly creep into our lives and psyches.

You are going along just fine, oblivious to things that others consider eerie or supernatural.  Suddenly, somebody (or something) plants a seed in your mind, and whammo - you are throwing salt over your shoulder for good luck, or giving a wide berth to the neighbors' black cat sitting in your driveway!

Case in Point - planning a Bahama yacht charter vacation, or as I now refer to it: chartering a yacht in the Devil's Triangle.  Queue the creepy music and fog...

I was recently assisting a client in organizing a Lurssen yacht charter on motoryacht SOLEMATES. The gentleman wanted to take his family for a week-long adventure in the Bahamas.  We were chatting on the phone when I heard his teenage son in the background say, "Dude, I'm not down with a week in the Devil's Triangle...boats go there and people get abducted by aliens and disappear forever!"

The boys' father said,  "Jason, you're watching too much cable TV.  A little less Ghost Hunters and a little more studying wouldn't hurt."  

I remember chuckling to myself, but when I hung up the phone, I began to wonder... is there any credence to this kid's apprehension???

The Devil's Triangle is also known as the Bermuda Triangle, an area of the Atlantic Ocean bounded by Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and a point between Miami and Melbourne, Florida, in which numerous watercraft and aircraft are said to have mysteriously disappeared.

The most famous disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle are the ship USS Cyclops lost in March, 1918 and a U.S. Navy aircraft squadron, Flight 19 [video], said to have vanished in a green fog in December, 1945.

Scores of books have been written about the mystery of the triangle, and dozens of websites offer conjecture on who or what is responsible.  Theories abound - from the occult to extraterrestrials. 

Some sites offer a detailed list of planes, ships, and yachts that have vanished.  It does make you wonder - how could so many boats and planes simply disappear? 

Of course, many other books and websites detail how scientists and researchers have debunked the mysteries over the years.  It seems simple explanations, like tropical storms and pilot error, are the probable culprits for the disappearances. 

With science on their side, the U.S. Navy and the yachting industry pay little heed to the myths and legends. Lloyd's of London, for example, the world's leading market for specialized insurance, does not charge higher premiums for luxury mega yacht charter vessels transiting this heavily traveled area.

Still, I can't get the silly notion of aliens in the Bahamas out of my head.  Not Cuban rafters, but little green aliens with antennas on their heads and ray guns in their hands. 

I'm with Jason, dude - I'm not "down" with the Devil's Triangle.

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Avoid the Bermuda triangle and spend a week in paradise on a Virgin Islands yacht charter.  Contact our mythbusters, aka charter agents, HERE for more details.