Rent Private Yacht

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.

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. 

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.

You have a dilemma - you've nearly drained the bank account to pay for your family's Caribbean yacht charter Christmas vacation, but you still want to get the kids some affordable (and cool) presents.  No worries, Mate!  We may live in challenging economic times, but here are three great gadgets that cost $100 dollars or less:

OnLive Player
While most luxury sailing charter vessels in the islands have game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, innovative on-demand gamers will love OnLive Player, the latest technology in cloud gaming.  Some latency issues means that Cloud video gaming is not at its peak quite yet, but give the $99.99 OnLive service and its accompanying player a chance to lead you into the future. The games are all top-tier titles, and the service allows members to take their games from the company’s servers to their television sets and includes a controller.  Charterers can plug into their yacht's onboard VSAT TV's and drift off into the Cloud...

Powermat
Anyone who has seen that frantic look on the kids' faces as they search for a cord before their phone gives up that last gasp of battery life can benefit from the Powermat, a charger that works with a receiver placed on the back of your phone. The ads are a bit temperamental - you have to put your phone in just the right spot to get the juice flowing - but it’s very convenient once you get the knack. Mats start at just $30. A particularly good deal is the 2X mat with a Powercube, which lets you set down a device to charge and has a built-in cord that you can change to fit just almost any device.

Sony Headphones
Come on, Mom and Dad - everyone knows that the standard white earbuds that come with Apple's products are soooo lame!  Your just not cool without a pair of black earbuds, and Sony is the must-have brand.  A great noise-canceling pair, the Sony MDRNC13, zaps outside noise for just $70. Most of Sony’s headphones do a decent job of cutting out the background noise -- even the cheaper models designed for the iPod or iPhone, such as the $30 XB earbuds, which also have built-in volume controls.

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Rent private yacht - Get away from the cold and spend a week or more in the sunny Caribbean on your own private sailboat or motoryacht.  Contact the SailAway charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for great winter and spring deals. 

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.

Organizers of the Caribbean's only Superyacht rendezvous and regatta have added a new racing division to include catamarans in a four-day Spring event, March 14 -17, 2012, in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Boat International and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda,  the organizers of the 2012 Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous announced the addition of a catamaran category to the second edition of this unique event. 

The racing will now be divided into three classes: performance, cruising and catamaran, with the entire fleet competing for the overall winner of Silver Cup, the Boat International Media Trophy, made by Garrard of London.

Organizers hope to bring together owners of  motor yachts and luxury sailing charter vessels for four days of racing, fun activities and glittering social events in the idyllic surroundings of Virgin Gorda and her neighboring islands. 

Participants of the 2012 Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous will be among the first to experience the brand new Clubhouse at YCCS Virgin Gorda Marina, and enjoy the fabulous facilities of Oil Nut Bay, making this event a truly unique occasion not be missed.

Participation is open to sail and motor yachts over 80ft, and catamarans longer than 60ft.  Sail yacht Marie, Salperton, P2, and sail yacht Twizzle have already expressed their intention to participate. 

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Take the family, rent a private yacht, and come explore the Caribbean.  For details and pricing options, contact our destination specialists HERE. 

Sail boat charters have been called the ultimate in personal vacations.  They offer a chance to spend time with the family, explore new places, and relax in comfort and privacy.

To rent a private yacht with a crew gives you a platform to meet all of your vacation goals without compromise.  But knowing what (and what not) to expect during a yachting vacation can mean the difference between a memorable family getaway and a trip never to be repeated.

Here are the 3 biggest mistakes made during a yachting holiday and easy steps to take to avoid problems and disappointment:

1.  Having a Cruise Ship Mentality - for many, the first vacation experience at sea takes place on a cruise ship.  Thinking a luxury yacht charter vacation will be similar to a cruise can be a big mistake.  Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters explains: "To accommodate hundreds of passengers, cruise ships must offer a structured vacation with scheduled stops and pre-arranged activities, etc.  On a private yacht, there is minimal structure, and it is important for the client to have some general ideas as to where to go and what to do.  Communication with the crew is paramount, as they need direction in order to properly customize the total vacation experience, as they can change at a moment's notice, per a guest's desires."

2.  Attempting Overly-Ambitious Itineraries   -  sometimes, charterers will try to visit as many ports of call as possible during the term of their charter.  Unlike large cruise ships with crews working round-the-clock shifts,  sailboats and motoryachts are operated by small crews and rarely travel after dark.  "If you ask your crew to zip from one place to another, they will do their best to oblige,"  says Sheeder.  "Rushing from port to port leaves little time to relax and explore each unique destination.  We encourage our clients to chat with their crew prior to the charter, to discuss itineraries, and the cruising time required to get from one port to the next.  By keeping time underway to a minimum, the passengers can spend more time at anchor, and engage in watersports, sightseeing, and relaxing without the pressure of rushing to the next destination."

3.  Spending Over Budget - because the typical yacht charter vacation is tailor-made and customized to a client's preferences, many expenses are a-la-carte.  Prior to a charter, the customer is asked to place a deposit (sometimes referred to as an "Advance Provisioning Allowance" or "APA") with the skipper to be used for the yacht's running expenses during the voyage (items such as food, fuel, dockage, etc.).  As a general rule of thumb, an APA equal to 20% of the charter fee is collected and held for use during the cruise.  Sheeder cautions: "Clients need to remember, the crew will spend these funds as needed to meet the customer's requests.  It is easy to deplete these funds by requesting vintage and premium alcohol brands, or by cruising under power for long hours each day, and burning large quantities of fuel."   Sheeder encourages her customers to prepay larger APA deposits - around 30%.  "We want to avoid any embarrassing scenarios where the skipper is forced to come to the client multiple times during the charter, to ask for more money."  Unused APA money is returned to the client after the charter, so it is better to be safe and budget extra money for expenses.
     
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Looking for an easy-to-plan, hassle free vacation?  Contact the yachting professionals at SailAway HERE and let them take you from your door to your dream.

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! 

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.

Horse racing.  For centuries it has been known as, "The Sport of Kings."  An obsession, bordering on an addiction, of both royalty and aristocracy to breed horses to excel in speed and endurance.

Today, modern day royal families and billionaire capitalists keep alive the grand tradition of owning and racing horses.  Some horse owners also own luxury yachts, and a few have chosen to name their yachts in honor of their prized steeds.

Here's a look back at three extraordinary equine athletes and their namesake luxury yachts:

THUNDER GULCH
Thoroughbred Thunder Gulch left the starting gate at 25-1 odds in 1995 and went on to win the Kentucky Derby. Born in 1992, the champion American racehorse was ridden by Hall of Fame jockey, Gary Stevens, and trained by legendary horseman D. Wayne Lukas.  Thunder Gulch would go on to win the 1995 Belmont Stakes, the Florida Derby, and several more prestigious races.

Motor yacht Thunder Gulch was "born" in 1999.  The 164' Mediterranean yacht charter vessel features accommodations for 10 guests in 5 staterooms.  Recently sold and renamed TJ ESPERANZA, the ex Thunder Gulch is available for charter at a weekly rate of $250,000 plus running expenses.

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HURRICANE RUN
Irish speedster Hurricane Run, launched an illustrious career with wins at the 2005 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere, and the Irish Derby, and would go on to be named the European Horse Of The Year at the 2005 Cartier Racing Awards.

Motor yacht Hurricane Run was launched in late January 2009.  Built at the famed Feadship Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw yard in the Netherlands, the 53.50 meter Mediterranean yacht charter megayacht offers accommodations for up to 12 guests in six cabins.  Rental rates start at $315,000 per week, plus expenses.

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MI SUENO
In 2009, leading US juvenile filly Mi Sueno saw her promising career cut short by a condylar fracture of her off-fore cannonbone.  Winner of the Grade 1 Darley Debutante at Del Mar, she was retired as a broodmare by trainer Eric Guillot.  The daughter of Pulpit, she also won the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar before beating Grade 1 winner Blind Luck in the Debutante.

Launched in 2010, at an impressive 190 ft, motoryacht Mi Sueno is a standout in every respect.  Her amenities include WiFi and Kaleidescape central movie/music server throughout. She’s also equipped with a 2-person, wheelchair-accessible elevator.

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When it comes to the ultimate vacation, stop horsing around and rent a private yacht with professional crew, watertoys, and every amenity imaginable.  Contact our destination specialists HERE today.

• Perform an "Operation Beautiful," where you write a message of love and beauty to someone on a post-it note and put it in a public place (or on the back of a diet book, for example).
  
  
  
  
• Give a sincere (and unsolicited) compliment to a stranger.

• Buy a meal or cup of soup for someone who is begging or is in need.
  
  
• Is it mid-December?  Go into the local post office and pick up a "letter to Santa." Buy or send gift(s) to the writer and have them delivered for Christmas!
  
  
  
  
• Walking with your kids?  Have a race to see who can pick up the most litter.
  
  
• Leave your change in the soda machine as a surprise for the next person.
  
  
• Drop coins in a garden. The next time it is weeded, someone will find a nice surprise.
  
  
  
  
• Have especially good service (or friendly staff, etc) somewhere you've been? When you get home from your Bahama yacht charter or Virgin Islands yacht charter, write a letter to management commending the establishment or the person(s), by name.
  
  
  
• Stopping in a cafe or coffee shop?  Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you. They'll be so shocked and surprised when they get to the register!
  
  
  
• Want to spread the word about "Pay It Forward?" Go to the Pay It Forward website and order bracelets. Take them on your Feadship yacht charter, and as you practice Random Acts of Kindness, give a bracelet to the recipient who thanks you, so that they, too, will Pay It Forward!
  
  
  
  
  When you rent a private yacht, don't forget to practice Random Acts of Kindness on your trip and Pay It Forward. Your trip will be so much more rewarding for you and for others!
  
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  What is your favorite Random Act of Kindness to perform while on a yacht charter or traveling in another land?  Contact us HERE and let us know!