Monaco Grand Prix Yacht

Whether in the galley of a superyacht or the kitchen of a fine restaurant, Chef Geoffrey Fisher relishes the opportunity to blend creativity, talent and knowledge to transform everyday ingredients into stunning, delicious creations.

While the 35 year old Fisher, born in Manchester, England, is at the top of his profession, he continues to hone his skills.  "I push myself (sometimes) 16 hours a day,” says Fisher. “Being a chef is all about passion. If you don’t have it, don’t go there. It’s long, unsociable hours. It’s not a job; it’s a way of life. Being a chef, you learn something new every day, by working with other chefs, reading books, even watching cooking programs on TV."

His lessons in cuisine and hospitality began early in life, as Fisher washed dishes in his parents’ restaurant in Lancaster, England. He watched the chefs and thought, “I could do that!” His mom and dad recognized his talent and encouraged him to get a formal culinary education.

Fisher attended Lancaster & Morecambe College and took a three-year chef/catering course. He learned everything from general basics and waiting to theory and cooking. He won "best student chef" three years in a row and became runner-up in the national competition, Nestle Toque d’or. In between classes, Fisher worked for his parents in their restaurant.

By age 24, Fisher was head chef at the Swag and Tails, a restaurant in Knightsbridge where he stayed for nearly four years. “It was here I learned how to deal with people, order food, costing and the unpleasant duty of how to fire people,” he said.

Looking for a new adventure, Fisher decided to join a friend in Europe who was chef on the 47-meter M/Y Commitment, which happened to be on charter at the Monaco Grand Prix.  A week onboard and Fisher was hooked and started looking into a career in yachting.

With a little help from the chef onboard sail yacht TWIZZLE,  Fisher landed a job onboard motor yacht WHEELS, and quickly learned charter chefs must be flexible. “I make a point of having a chat with them (charter guests) as soon as possible when they arrive to find out not only what cuisine they like, but also what they don’t like, or if they have any allergies. Talking with the guests is important," says Fisher.

Fisher also learned the pressure of working on a yacht for hire can be intense.  "The pressure in restaurants is tense, but completely different on yachts. On yachts, it’s intense because you never stop cooking. When it’s not the guests, it’s the crew," states Fisher.

After his stint onboard M/Y WHEELS, Fisher joined the crew on motor yacht SLIPSTREAM, where he is still the executive chef.  As to his future plans, Fisher says, "In time I would like to own a small restaurant in Malta. In the kitchen, it’s said you’re only as good as your last service. In yachting, I always say, you’re only as good as your last charter.”

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Rent private yacht - Enjoy the gourmet services of the world's best chefs on a yaching holiday.  Contact the SailAway destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for further details. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

European Prince Encourages Superyacht Industry to Go Green
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has introduced a program to encourage the builders of the world's largest yachts to use timber from sustainably managed forests...

World's Newest and Largest Yachts on Display in Monaco
Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway reflects on the Monaco Yacht Show - one of the greatest showcases of luxury charter vessels in the world.  Each year, approximately 100 megayachts from 25 to 90 meters long are on display.  What makes this show truly unique is the number of new yachts on hand.  About 40 of the newest  superyachts delivered in the past 12 months are on exhibit...

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

Boasting a color scheme more common at the Monaco Grand Prix, the 37-Meter Heeson motor yacht AURELIA has announced plans to relocate this winter to Saint Martin, just in time for the launch of the Caribbean yacht charter season.  The stunning, brand new Heesen yacht, with a highly experienced charter crew, is available from mid December, 2011 through April 2012.

Inspired by the owner’s passion for racing cars, motor yacht AURELIA features an unusual exterior paint job from Dobroserdov Design.  The Bannenberg & Rowell interior of motor yacht AURELIA is race-inspired as well. Luxury yacht charter guests will be impressed by the richness of materials and elaborate details used to create the yacht’s interiors.

Accommodations are offered for 8 guests in four staterooms, each cabin named after racing car designers. The master suite is located forward on the main deck and three double guest cabins are positioned on the lower deck. Bertone (orange Lamborghini), Pininfarina (red Ferrari), and Zagato (green Aston Martin) are the racecar designers who inspired the décor of the guest cabins.

The yacht's key features include:

● Kaleidescape entertainment system
● Stabilizers to minimize rocking and heighten onboard comfort
● Huge outdoor deck space for entertaining and relaxing
● Impressive list of aqua-sport toys
● Highly experienced charter crew

Motor yacht AURELIA is available at the rate of €105,000 - €120,000 per week, plus running expenses (items such as food, fuel, bar and dockage).

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For further information or to charter your own private luxury racing yacht, contact the SailAway yacht charter specialists at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html. 

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 .

Following discussions at the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show, the fabled team at Dubois Designs has entered a contract with an existing client for the construction of a 100m sloop.  

“We are pleased to announce the design contract for a 100m sloop,” says Ed Dubois.  “This will demand a 30 month design programme with construction expected to commence mid 2013 with completion 2016. Further information will be available late 2012.”

Expected to be one of the most spectacular private yachts, the main mast will tower 125 meters above the water.  Designed to be an explorer yacht, much of the luxury sailing charter vessel's volume will be dedicated to stowage space for tenders and equipment. This impressive sailing yacht will hold a maximum draft of 12.8m, accommodations for 20 crew in single cabins, and a unique hard top over the flybridge.

No shipyard has yet to be chosen for the construction, but Josep Juanpere Miret in onboard as the interior designer.

Ed Dubois was recently in the news for establishing a cancer fund for children.  Yachts designed by Dubois and his team have swept numerous superyacht awards in the past year.

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For a luxurious winter vacation on the water, charter a Dubois-designed yacht such as sail yacht KOKOMO or sail yacht TWIZZLE.  Contact the SailAway yacht charter desk at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for further details. 

The Washington Redskins are currently 3-1 and in 1st place in the NFC East Division, heading into week 5 of the NFL regular season.  What better way for team owner Dan Snyder to celebrate the squad's early season success than to purchase a 224-foot superyacht?

The Washington Post recently reported Snyder's recent purchase, Amels motor yacht LADY ANNE, one of the 100 largest  yachts in the world. Snyder purchased the Mediterranean yacht charter vessel with a group of investors for approximately the same price that he'll spend on two-thirds of his Redskins payroll for the year (or, as one sports journalist described it, "...the yacht cost $30 million less than it took to secure the rights to Albert Haynesworth in free agency!").

Motor yacht LADY ANNE was listed for sale at $86 million when it went on the market earlier this year, but sold for considerably less (sources estimate the price at or near $70 million - about one half of the cost to build the vessel). 

The yacht was custom-made by Dutch shipbuilders Amels for Jerome Fisher in 2006 and named after his wife.  Fisher co-founded the shoe company Nine West and sold his interest to Jones Apparel Group for $885 million in 1999. The couple lived the grand life in Palm Beach until 2008, when, according to the New York Post, they lost $150 million in the Bernie Madoff investment scandal.

The Fishers, who spent last month cruising on the LADY ANNE off the coast of France, did not respond to requests for comment about the sale.

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters reports no expense was spared on what is regarded as one of the finest yachts afloat.  "The owners were intimately involved in every aspect of the yacht's design...from period furnishings to modern pieces.  The yacht has the unique feel of an early 20th century ocean liner.”  The massive yacht boasts vast shaded outdoor areas, together with a large pool and sunbathing space. Indoors, there is a comprehensively-equipped gym, massage area, sauna, and home theater.

Accommodations include 6 beautifully-appointed staterooms, each with ensuite Jacuzzi bathrooms, for a maximum of 12 guests. The master suite is designed as a self-contained apartment with his and her bathrooms featuring rare, pure white Thassos marble, as well as a private study and adjacent VIP cabin.

According to Sheeder, there is no need to be an NFL team owner, or a fan of the Redskins to spend time aboard this yacht.  Sheeder teases, "While we might offer a discount to fans of my hometown team, the Miami Dolphins, we will happily charter LADY ANNE to anyone who loves spending private time with their family and friends." 

LADY ANNE is available for hire this winter in the Caribbean at a rate of  $497,000 per week for year-end (Christmas/New Year's Eve) charters, and $476,000 per week for all other weeks.  The yacht returns to the Mediterranean for the summer of 2012 and is available at a rate of €497,000 per week for July, August, and special events (like the Monaco Grand Prix) and €476,000 per week for all other weeks. Food, drinks, fuel and dockage are extra expenses.

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Other yachts built by Amels and available for hire include motor yacht IMAGINE, motor yacht SPIRIT, and motor yacht Bel Abri.  For more information, contact Jana Sheeder at 305-720-7245 or 1-800-SAILAWAY (that's 800-724-5292).

Whether you're planning a Bahamas bareboat charter, or a Monaco Grand Prix
yacht charter on a fully-crewed superyacht, as an American traveling abroad,
you'll need a US passport.

Once a tedious process, new efforts by the United States State Department have been implemented to improve customer service and create a  more accessible approach to passports.

The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs now has nearly 8,000 acceptance offices, and promises a 4 to 6-week turnaround on all passports.  The passport fee for a first-time adult applicant is $135.  For an extra fee, express service can bring the wait down to 2-3 weeks, perfect for planning a last minute island escape.

Additionally, the Bureau has created a, "Passport Saturdays" program, when parents can register children under 16 on a day that is not a workday, since both parents must be present.

The State Department’s passport website offers a wide range of resources – from country by country guides, warnings, regulations and background information, to passport forms that can be downloaded. 

The Bureau has also introduced a Smartphone enrollment notification system created for travelers headed for hot spots or people caught in countries experiencing emergencies or natural disasters. The system can track enrollees and try to reach them in countries undergoing a developing crisis.  

Recently, the system proved useful for US citizens in Libya during the current political uprising.  The Bureau created a system of tweets to feed trapped US citizens information about the best ways to flee the dangers, such as the schedules and locations of ferries to take them out of the country.

In another instance, the Bureau was able to locate an airplane run by a Canadian company to lift several citizens to safety. In those situations, costs go to the passengers assisted but never exceed the cost of what a full fare commercial ticket would be to manage the same action, no matter how few passengers are carried by that charter.

A 24-hour State Department number – answered by a human – is available for emergencies and questions: 202-647-1512.  The State Department's passport website is:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

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If you are planning a yachting vacation and are not a US citizen, contact the SailAway Yacht Charter destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to determine any special entry Visa requirements. We'll be happy to assist you.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has introduced a program to encourage the builders of the world's largest yachts to use timber from sustainably managed forests.

Entitled the, "Wood Forever" program, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco unveiled the project to the media during this week's Monaco Yacht Show, a gathering of luxury sailing charter vessels, new builds and glamorous motoryachts from the Mediterranean yacht charter market.

Membership in the Wood Forever program represents a conscious step towards environmental and social responsibility.

During a brief press conference and ceremony on September 23rd, the Prince recognized Burger Boat as the first official Wood Forever member. Burger signed an agreement to analyze their wood supply chain, and committed to develop a sustainable wood purchasing policy to fight deforestation.

His Serene Highness is hopeful other yacht builders will follow Burger's example in order to drive the yachting industry towards environmental excellence. 

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Related Articles - read about other efforts underway to bring about greater sustainability on the yachting industry:

●  Company Hopes Yacht Designers Will Turn to Sustainable Bamboo

●  Designer Touts New Generation of Green Megayachts

●  New Eco-Friendly Yacht Decor Does Not Smell Fishy


Contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to plan your yacht charter on a green yacht TODAY.

Every year, two annual events make a visit to the city of Monte Carlo a must for yacht charter clientele - the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show.  With the Grand Prix a distant image in our rearview mirrors, focus turns to the yacht show. 

Currently underway, the Monaco Yacht Show presents one of the greatest showcases of luxury charter vessels in the world.  Approximately 100 megayachts from 25 to 90 meters long are on display from Wednesday, September 21 to Saturday, September 24.

What makes this show truly unique is the number of new yachts on hand.  About 40 of the newest  superyachts delivered in the past 12 months will be on exhibit.

Here are several yachts from the SailAway charter database scheduled to be on display:

Motor yacht ICON  - a 62.50 meter custom built yacht launched in 2010.

Motor yacht CARPE DIEM - a 58.20 meter vessel launched in 2011.

Motor yacht MIA ELISE - a 2010, 49.90 meter custom built motoryacht by Trinity Yachts.

Motor yacht QUINTA ESSENTIA - a 55 meter yacht built in 2011 and known for her unique color scheme.

The show is open daily, from 10am to 6.30pm and takes place at Port Hercules, Boulevard Albert 1er, in the Principality of Monaco. The main entrance to the show is the Darse Sud entrance, with other entry points at the Chicane and Parvis Sud.   General admission tickets are available at the entrances for €65 per day.

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Can't make the show?  Our charter department personally inspects dozens of yachts each year on behalf of our clients.  To plan a private Caribbean yacht charter vacation this winter, contact the SailAway charter team at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for yacht and itinerary suggestions  

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.

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.

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.

With children going back to school throughout Europe, September marks the end of the summer cruising season in the Mediterranean.  Before the yachts get underway to relocate to the Caribbean for the winter, the fleet looks to make one last push to fill the booking calendar by offering special pricing throughout the month.

Here's a sampling of three magnificent yachts offering discounted rates in September:

► At 325 feet in overall length, Motor yacht CHRISTINA O is one of the largest yachts available for hire anywhere in the world.  Accommodations for 35 guests are available in 17 staterooms.

Special:  Weekly rate of €455,000 is reduced to €400,000.

Additional special:  Book one week in September, and SailAway will donate €3,000 in your name to the Dubois Child Cancer Fund founded by yacht designer Ed Dubois.

Currently available in the Western Mediterranean.  Suggested ports of call are Nice, Monaco, San Remo, Portofino, as well as the islands of Corsica and celebrity-favorite, Sardinia.

► The 54.20 meter motor yacht MARAYA was built in 2008 and offers accommodations for 12 guests in modern luxury and comfort.  Onboard amenities include a workout gym, vast sundeck, and ondeck Jacuzzi.

Special: Based on a weekly rate of €300,000/week, cruise for 9 days but pay for only 7.

Currently available in the Eastern Mediterranean, this is the perfect yacht for Greece yacht charters.

►60 meter superyacht CLOUD 9 was a big winner at the 2010 ShowBoats Design Awards, taking  home awards for Best Exterior Design, and Best Interior Recreational Area.  With a watertoys list to satisfy the most discerning guests, this yacht is a truly exciting edition to the international rental market.

Special:  Based on a weekly rate of €357,000/week, cruise for 9 days but pay for only 7.

Currently available in the Eastern Mediterranean, the yacht is willing to relocate for a Croatia yacht charter.

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September is the last chance to enjoy the warm summer waters of the Mediterranean.  Contact our destination experts today to review ALL of the last-minute special offers on both motoryachts and sailing yachts throughout the Med.

Watching an auto race is exhilarating. The elements of speed and danger seem fused together by the power of high-torque engines and the drivers with nerves of steel.  But let's be honest - sitting in the hot grandstands with thousands of strangers is less than the ideal way to view the glamour, the cars, and the grid girls of a Formula 1™ event.

Thus, it's little wonder why the Port Hercule marina in Monaco is filled to capacity in May for the annual running of the Monaco Grand Prix.  With the cars zipping by the marina, there's no doubt the best seat in the house is on a luxury yacht.

Unfortunately, the rest of the 2011 Formula 1™ races take place on tracks far removed from the oceanside.  That is, all but one other - the 2011 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

It's rare for a Mediterranean yacht charter vessel to make the sojourn to the Middle East, but one superyacht is anxious to secure a reservation for the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - motoryacht JANA.

The classic 46 meter Feadship is actively seeking a booking for the November 11-13 racing event. 
 
Built in 1986, the yacht has received several refits throughout her charter career, the most recent being in 2009, in which she had the majority of her hull and superstructure repainted and most of her of soft furnishings replaced.  The Dutch-built masterpiece accommodates 10 - 12 guests in 5 cabins.  With a large sun deck, motor yacht JANA can easily host race day soirees for 20 to 40 guests.

According to JANA Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, "This yacht offers the best in accommodations, cuisine, amenities, and service, plus she has a wide array of aquasport toys for guests to enjoy in the warmth of the Middle Eastern sun."

The yacht is available for the Grand Prix at the rate of €100,000 for 5 days, plus running expenses (items such as food, bar, dockage, etc.).

Sheeder says her office will assist in securing a premium berth to view the race. "We have a first-class team in place to handle all concierge-related requests, from dockage - to ground transportation - to catering a cocktail reception on the yacht."

The race takes place on the Yas Marina Circuit, located on Yas Island, about 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Approximately 50,000 spectators can view the action on the circuit from permanent, covered grandstands that protect visitors from the desert sun. Of course, the best viewing areas are the most secure and private - the decks of the yachts in the Yas Marina.

The circuit is 5.55 kilometers long, with a total of 21 corners with 9 right turns and 12 left turns. The track features a lot of hairpins and long straights, and there are few potential overtaking places. The pit lane entry is very challenging, as is the exit, which runs underneath the track in a tunnel.

The world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, is also located on Yas Island. The park hosts more than 20 rides and attractions. One of the attractions, Formula Rossa, has the same G force one would feel driving in an F1 car and braking at maximum speed. It is the world’s fastest roller coaster, powered through the 2.07 km track at speeds up to 240 km/h, reaching 0-100 km/h in less than two seconds.

Sheeder believes the popularity of Abu Dhabi is on the rise, and a Grand Prix yacht charter is a great opportunity to explore the area by yacht. "In addition to the race and related social events onboard motoryacht JANA, there is so much to see and do in Abu Dhabi," says Sheeder.  "The people are warm and hospitable and the weather in November feels like the summer in the Med." 

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For further details about the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, please contact our special events team HERE.