NEWS

    
While a fire halted production at the shipyard of one of the most prolific builders of luxury catamarans, the company's President says it's business as usual just 5 days later.

After a fire in one of the production halls at the Sunreef Yachts shipyard in Poland on January 19, the catamaran manufacturer has already started rebuilding lost units. Some yachts under construction were destroyed, but the key moulds were saved and the shipyard has already begun adapting another production hall and moved the moulds to the new site.

Production was recommenced on January 23rd, and Francis Lapp, President of Sunreef Yachts, is, "...confident any delays in delivery due to the fire will not exceed 3 months."

Interest in crewed catamaran charters has increased dramatically in the past 5 years, thanks in part to the roominess and stability of these multi-hull vessels, as compared to their monohull counterparts. 

Sunreef Yachts is a leading designer and builder of luxury sailing and power catamarans in the 60 to 80 foot range. The company is known for its commitment to building yachts with luxurious accommodations, expansive living spaces, and  innovative designs.

Currently in service as Caribbean yacht charter vessels are Sunreef 62 sailing catamaran CATSY, Sunreef 70 power catamaran DAMRAK II, and Sunreef 70 sail catamaran SEAZEN II.

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Enjoy the comfort and space of a wide-body catamaran for your next Spring or Easter yacht rental.  Contact the SailAway catamaran specialists at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for list of available cats in the Caribbean.

Hoping to counterbalance her carbon footprint, the owner of Trinity motor yacht BATON ROUGE has introduced a policy of carbon offsetting her fuel.

"This commitment to a greener future is also an acknowledgment of the high expectations of the yacht's charter clients,"  says luxury yacht charter maven, Jana Sheeder.  "The carbon offsets of the yacht’s engines with equivalent emissions reductions from verified green energy projects allows clients to integrate their own commitment to susatainability into their vacation experience."

Joss de Rohan Willner, captain of the 63-meter motor yacht BATON ROUGE wanted to address the yacht's environmental procedures.  "We decided to address her greenhouse gas emissions through a program of carbon offsetting. The approach needed to be practical, effective and flexible to suit the yacht’s busy schedule. We are pleased to be working with Yacht Carbon Offset to introduce this measure for 2012.” 

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Managing Director Mark Robinson said: “We are delighted that Baton Rouge has selected Yacht Carbon Offset to neutralize the carbon footprint from her engines. For such a prominent and active yacht, it is natural for environmental performance to be a priority. We thank the Owner’s team and all on board for their support”

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Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to learn how you can add a green component to your next yachting holiday.

Christened in September 2011, the proud owner and entire charter market eagerly await the arrival of the spectacular new 2012 motor yacht VAVA II from  Pendennis Plus (formerly Devonport Yachts).  At 96 meters in length, motor yacht VAVA II is one of the largest yachts ever built in the United Kingdom.

The former Devonport Project-55 now yacht VAVA II features a Redman Whitely Dixon exterior, with interiors by renowned designer Remi Tessier.

Sea trials are nearly completed and the yacht will soon join the global charter market.  The impressive superyacht is built to SOLAS-36 passenger ship regulations and will set a new standard in the charter market for 2012 and beyond.

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Other  large-capacity yachts available for hire include 36-passenger motor yacht CHRISTINA O,  40-passenger motor yacht LAUREN L, and the 26-passenger motor yacht SHERAKHAN.  For more information, contact the SailAway large boat specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

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.

For years, the name Lürssen has been synonymous with some of the most luxurious, and certainly the largest yachts available for charter.  Mammoth-sized vessels such as the 70 meter motor yacht MARTHA ANN and the 60 meter motor yacht SOLEMATES are testaments to the 130 yr old German shipbuilder's dedication to craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

The latest launch by the acclaimed builder is no exception.  Lurssen motor yacht ACE has the distinction of being the first superyacht to splash down in 2012.  She measures 87 meters, and left the company's shipyard in Rendsburg on January 9th. Motor yacht ACE is designed by Andrew Winch Design.  Her exterior is both unique and instantly recognizable.

The unanswered, million-dollar question: Will motor yacht ACE enter the luxury yacht charter market in 2012?

Stay tuned...

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Lürssen yachts currently available for charter include the aforementioned M/Y MARTHA ANN and motoryacht SOLEMATES as well as the 60 meter motor yacht ARKLEY and the 63 meter motor yacht POLAR STAR.  For more information about the "Lure of Lürssen," contact the SailAway megayacht experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

A 45 meter luxury yacht has just completed a $1 million dollar refit and is keen to secure bookings this winter and spring in the Bahamas.

Motor yacht CLAIRE, a 150 foot Trinity yacht charter vessel is currently available for hire in the pristine waters of the Bahamas, after undergoing weeks of maintenance and remodeling.  

Launched in 2003, the 2011 million dollar "facelift" included new décor and furniture, a new audio/visual entertainment system, installation of large screen TV’s on all exterior decks, and a new aft deck and dining area that converts to a cinema lounge.  In essence, everything on board is either new or renewed, top to bottom.

Trinity motor yacht CLAIRE offers accommodation for 10 guests in 5 staterooms.

The weekly charter rate is $150,000 per week, plus running expenses.

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For further information about motor yacht CLAIRE and chartering in the Bahamas, please contact the SailAway destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

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.

Last week, we reported on an increase of newly-built superyachts entering the market, in combination with fewer weeks of yachting vacations being sold.

In the category of yachts from 30 to 50 meters (about 100 to 165 feet), there was a 28 per cent increase in the number of yachts on the charter market in 2010. At the same time, the same market segment saw a reduction of 10.7 per cent in weekly base rates.

A decrease in the number of charter weeks sold worldwide (down 9 percent in 2010, from 2009) and increased competition due to a growing number of new yachts, means owners must look for new ways to attract potential customers.

So what is emerging as the newest marketing trend in 2012 to lure new and repeat clients?

WELLNESS VACATIONS...

Spa and Wellness Charters - the largest yachts in the world have accepted the challenge to compete with the world's best land-based spas. Exercise equipment, once a novelty on yachts and relegated to a small area on deck, has given way to fully-equipped onboard fitness centers and workout rooms. 

NFL Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, for example, recently purchased the Amels motor yacht LADY S

The recently-launched 70 meter motor yacht NUMPTIA provides an entire deck for wellness.  The existence of an true "Spa Deck" shows how unique this Italian-built yacht really is.

A sauna, steam room, and fully-equipped gym are complimented by a private outdoor area with comfortable sunbeds. Adjacent massage and beauty rooms serve as suitable options for total relaxation. Breakfast, light lunches, even barbecues can be enjoyed outside on the spa deck as well, for the outside forward area has been set up with a bar and barbecue.

Look for 2012 to be the year onboard masseuses and wellness crew members offering aromatherapy, meditation, and yoga classes becoming commonplace on many of the world's newest yachts.

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Rent private yacht - Ease your mind and body with a wellness vacation.  Contact the SailAway charter specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

John Staluppi, the luxury yacht charter world's archetypical yacht owner is at it again. Driven by imagination and pride, Staluppi has taken possession of his 16th megayacht. 

Launched on Saturday 26th November 2011 at the state-of-the-art Benetti shipyard in Livorno, Italy the 60 meter Benetti FB253 is the boat's official identification, but like so many of his earlier yachts, the vessel has been christened to honor another James Bond classic novel and film - motor yacht DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.

Based on the shipyard's famed naval architecture and engineering, the elegant external line of the new Benetti FB253 M/Y (Motoryacht) DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER is characterized by compact forms and dynamic slender lines.  This balanced combination of traditional design elements and modern innovative stylistic solutions has become the benchmark of Benetti's distinguishing mark throughout the world.

Long a fan of the James Bond 007 saga,  Staluppi's earlier creations included the aptly named motor yacht OCTOPUSSY, motoryacht MOONRAKER, motor yacht THUNDERBALL, M/Y THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, and the popular Bahama yacht charters mega yacht CASINO ROYALE, a fixture at the posh Atlantis Resort and Marina on Paradise Island.

Although M/Y CASINO ROYALE and his latest effort M/Y DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER were built for true luxury at sea, Staluppi's earlier James Bond boat creations were built with a singular focus - SPEED.  Setting records as some of the fastest superyachts in the world, it was the 43.5 meter motor yacht OCTOPUSSY which broke the 50-knot speed barrier 20 years ago and brought the name of New York-born John Staluppi to the attention of yacht aficionados.

With a background that is now well-known, the self-made millionaire left school when he was 16 and worked as a mechanic in Brooklyn before going on to develop one of the most successful car dealerships in North America -- a business that enabled him to indulge his passion for racing fast boats, and then later for building megayachts.

While many charter yacht owners prefer to remain anonymous, Staluppi's vision and passion bring fervor and excitement to a very conservative industry. After all, there aren't many yachts aboard which guests are greeted by frosted-glass panels delicately etched with the silhouettes of Bond girls! 

The customized, whimsical James Bond boat themes are a refreshing breath of fresh air in an industry of white, cookie-cutter production boats.  Let's hope Staluppi doesn't run out of 007 movie titles, or his passion, any time soon.

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Live the adventure - come explore an exotic destination on a James Bond boat. Contact SailAway Yacht Charters' 007 agent headquarters at http//www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to arrange your luxury yacht charter.

As the year draws to a close, luxury yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, is beaming.  "We've closed our year with the addition of 40 brand new 2011 models to our global network of yacht charter vessels.  The largest of our new offerings is the 81 meter Feadship motor yacht AIR, followed by Proteksan Turquoise yacht TALISMAN C and Rossi Navi motor yacht NUMPTIA, both 70 meters in overall length."

With a reputation for offering the newest and largest yachts in the world's best destinations, Sheeder and her team at SailAway spend countless hours identifying potential charter yachts. "Rarely do we add any yacht to our fleet that is more than two to three years old, " says Sheeder.  "Even when we consider classic-styled yachts, we prefer to promote modern reproductions of famous yachts.  Clients know they can turn to us for yachts that are on the cutting edge of new technology and styling."

An example of Sheeder's pursuit of modern yachts is the newly launched 47 meter sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA, a replica of a classic racing schooner first launched in 1908. Says Sheeder, "Turn of the century guests onboard the original yacht would marvel at the technological comforts onboard this modern vessel. From satellite televisions to 5.1 Dolby surround sound, the only thing 'old' on this yacht is the classic design."

Many of the new yachts are award winners in global design competitions, such as the annual ShowBoats Design Awards.  "We pay close attention to these competitions," reports Sheeder.  "The best designers and naval architects in the world judge these yachts.  Odds are great that if the best minds in the industry like a boat, our clients will, too."

Recent award winners promoted by SailAway to their clients include late 2010 launch Perini Navi motor yacht EXUMA (Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Displacement Motor Yachts 100′-199′), and the 42 meter Holland Jachtbouw motor yacht CALLIOPE (Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Semi-displacement Motor Yachts).

As to the new year, Sheeder is even more optimistic.  "Our research indicates that 72 new megayachts were ordered in 2011, the largest at 100 meters, and an average length of almost 43 meters. Eighty per cent of these newly-built yachts will be launched in 2012 or 2013, and we'll surely have an entirely new inventory of yachts-for-hire to present to our clients!" 

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To charter a newly launched yacht in 2012, contact SailAway's charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

Yesterday, a client texted us from his 170 foot Feadship yacht charter vessel. "@ anchor next 2  yacht Eclipse & Larry Ellison motor yacht Rising Sun...no 1 else here!" 

Normally, with less than a week before New Year's Eve, the quay at Port du Gustavia is already packed with yachts, stern-to and packed like sardines, side-by-side.  The annual St Barts yacht charter scene is the place to be, as A-list celebrities and corporate CEO's spend the week yacht-hopping and partying. 

So far this week, the big names - and big boats - have not arrived.

A recent yachting industry report ads credence to the first-hand observations in St Barts.  The annual Superyachting Index analyses the global luxury yacht industry. The Index has three sections (new construction, brokerage, and charter) and covers yachts 80 feet and larger.

According to Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, "A lack of demand continues to put downward pressure on charter rates. A weak global economy coupled with a significant increase in the number of available yachts for hire means more yachts are competing for charter business.  Add to this a host of other heavily-discounted vacation options, such as upscale villa and resort ski packages, and the number of clients electing to go boating has dwindled to 2006 recession levels."  

The Index supports Sheeder's assertions.  The size of the yacht charter industry grew more than 23 percent in 2010. As of 2009, there were about 850 yachts available for charter. In 2010, the number of yachts available rose to 1,049.

This trend is especially evident in the category of yachts from 30 to 50 meters (about 100 to 165 feet). There was a 28 per cent increase in the number of these yachts on the charter market in 2010. Consequently, the same market segment saw a reduction of 10.7 per cent in weekly base rates.

In addition, the overall number of charter weeks sold worldwide in 2010 decreased by 9 percent from those of 2009. That means that in addition to increased competition, there were fewer clients booking.

All luxury travel companies are looking forward to a healthier economy.

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For further information about the global megayacht market, contact SailAway President Jana Sheeder directly at jsheeder@1800sailaway.com or via the web at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

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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Known for exceptional achievement in building semi-custom luxury mega yacht charter vessels, Westport Yachts has launched motor yacht LEGACY, the latest new build in the company's flagship Westport 164 series.

The tri-deck 50 meter motor yacht LEGACY can accommodate twelve guests in unsurpassed luxury.

Prized by owners for the artistry of the yacht's contours as for the substance of its construction, the Westport 164 represents a landmark achievement in large yacht design.  Developed using leading-edge three-dimensional modeling and structural software applications also used in the aviation industry, Westport yacht LEGACY has met every objective for speed, ride, maneuverability, integrity, and overall quality.  



The modern exterior is credited to world-renowned designer Donald Starkey and naval architect William Garden.  Their collaboration created a refined hull form for exceptional ocean-going performance, plus an innovative accommodation plan which balances interior and on-deck spaces for maximum enjoyment and versatility.  The yacht's contemporary styling will ensure lasting appeal, and should prove popular with Caribbean yacht charter clientele. 

No word as to when the yacht will be available for charter consideration.  With 15 popular Westport yachts currently available for hire in the South Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, Westport aficionados hope to soon see this magnificent yacht on the charter market.

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To charter a Westport yacht, contact the SailAway yacht vacation specialists at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  today.

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.

Chef Renee Kappetein, aboard sail catamaran WORLD'S END, bested over a dozen talented luxury yacht charter chefs in the 50th annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show culinary competition.

Renee, the live-aboard chef on the Fountaine Pajot Galathea 65 catamaran took first prize
in the division for yachts under 100 feet.  Second place was awarded to Adrian Martinon aboard catamaran LADY ALLIAURA. 

Third place honors went to chef Caro Uy onboard Sunreef 70 catamaran MUSE.  Readers might remember Caro from her profile in September outlining her passion for cooking and her love of travel.

Other winners included second place to Heather Kaniuk aboard motor yacht NUMPTIA in the superyacht division for boats 160 feet and larger;  and chef Melinda Heinze onboard the world's largest luxury sailing catamaran HEMISPHERE in the 100 to 159-foot category.

Kappetein's victory earned him a profile story in an upcoming edition of Showboats International magazine, a silver-framed certificate, a magnum of Piper champagne, a Liat airline ticket to anywhere in the Caribbean, a Williams-Sonoma gift certificate, and a stay at the 5-star Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort.

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Come spend a week with family and friends aboard the Fountaine Pajot 65 catamaran WORLD'S END.  Your crew will escort you to the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean.  Discover magnificent islands, nature and warm and friendly new cultures. The itinerary, activities and the menu will be based on your preferences, to guarantee you and your guests a unique experience to cherish for a lifetime. 

Contact the SailAway Yacht Charter destination team today to book your luxury yacht charter vacation.