FWC: Boating safety education requirements in FL change for 2010

Thursday, January 14, 2010 by News SailAway
Thanks to Lee Stephens for this article. 

This article is beneficial to people who enjoy private yacht charter vacations or who operate their own private yacht or enjoy sail boat charters.

Boating safety education requirements have changed in Florida effective January 1, 2010.

Boat operators who were born on or after January 1, 1988 must pass an approved boating safety course and possess photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more.

"We want to encourage everyone, regardless of when they were born, to take an approved boating safety education course, because all of us can learn something new, even if we have been boating all our lives," said Captain Carol Keyser of FWC's boating and waterways section. "For some, it is now required to take the course."

There are a few exceptions. For instance, a person born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a boat within 90 days after purchasing it, does not need a boating safety education identification card if a bill of sale, which meets the requirements of Florida law, is onboard. After the 90-day period ends, the boat operator needs to meet the educational requirements. Those who possess a current United States Coast Guard license are also exempt.

Boating safety education course - Florida Bobbercard

For course information and educational requirements, visit http://www.myFWC.com and click "boating," then click "boating safety."

For inquiries, contact FWC's Division of Law Enforcement at 1-850-488-5600, or send email questions to the FWC at bobber-card@myfwc.com
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Information to leave for your house/petsitter when you go on your yacht charter vacation

Friday, December 4, 2009 by News SailAway

Ahhh....you are going on a St. Barts and St. Martin yacht charter over the holidays on one of the largest yachts in the fleet.  Only a few weeks before you'll be relaxing on the deck of your yacht while being served tropical drinks and exotic appetizers.  Because this is a fun trip for a group of girls from college, your two dogs will stay at home, and you need to make sure that they are taken care of while you're away.  No problem!  

Here is information to leave for your petsitter as you ready to journey aboard your private yacht.


Your professional pet sitter will care for all of your pets while you are on your private luxury yacht charter

Veterinary Information

Your veterinarian's name, address, phone number and office hours. If your veterinarian does not handle off-hours emergencies, be sure to also include the same information for the closest veterinary emergency clinic. If you subscribe to pet insurance for your pets, make sure the policy packets are together with your dogs' health records, in the event emergency care is needed in your absence.
 

Letter of Authorization for Emergency Veterinary Treatment

Write up a simple "To Whom It May Concern" letter authorizing your pet sitter by name to seek emergency care for your dogs. Also either leave signed blank checks (write "for veterinary care only" in the check memo), or make arrangements in advance with your veterinarian, either by leaving a credit card authorization, or by asking them to bill you upon your return. Understand that not all veterinarians will agree to the latter; a lot depends on your previous relationship with them.

Your Itinerary and Cell Phone Number

Encourage your pet sitter to call you if she has any questions about your dogs' care in your absence, and particularly if she sees something amiss healthwise. Your 1800yachtcharter broker is available  24 hours a day for your calls, texts, or emails, and your broker will also furnish you with communication information for your yacht so that you can leave it with your sitter.

 

A List of Your Dogs' Medications

If your pets are on daily medications, it is imperative that you have your pet sitter come to your home before your trip, so that s/he can practice giving your dogs their daily medications. If you have any doubts at all about your pet sitter's ability or dedication to giving these medications, it would be wise to consider boarding your cat at a veterinary clinic, instead, during your St. Martin yacht charter.


A List of Your Dogs' Food -- and instructions for their feeding

Make sure your pet sitter also understands the importance of providing fresh, clear water for your dogs at all times. An automatic water dispenser is the best way of ensuring fresh water for pets while you're away on your St. Martin yacht charter or sail boat charters.


A List of Your Pets' Information

Include:
Microchip numbers
Rabies tag numbers
Immunization records
Medical histories
Phobias (like thunder), and how you deal with it when away from home (i.e., turn on radio or television for them) 



Getting Your Home Ready

Stock up on everything the pet sitter will need (i.e., food, medication, treats)

Have all toys, treats, food, medications, and cleaning equipment set out so that the pet sitter will have everything close at hand 

MAKE SURE YOUR PETS ARE WEARING COLLARS WITH CURRENT TAGS AND THAT THEIR 
MICROCHIP INFORMATION IS CURRENT!  (Most of the pets who end up at animal shelters are not wearing collars or tags and are not microchipped. Those that ARE wearing tags and are microchipped have inaccurate information on file, and their families are never found.)

Have a neighbor, relative, or friend who knows your pets well on standby just in case pet sitter needs advice or needs to drop your pets by for any reason. Write down that information for the pet sitter and keep it with the pets' food, etc.

As long as you provide enough information for your pet sitter, then there should be no problems. Have a WONDERFUL yacht charter vacation - your pet sitter will make sure that your pets enjoy their home vacation, too!

To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation,
contact 1-800-YACHTCHARTER 
by phone via 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or 305-253-7245
by email via info@1800yachtcharter.com
via twitter @yacht_charters (follow us!)
or via our contact form at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

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Planning a Luxury Yacht Charter Begins with Visit to Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Monday, October 26, 2009 by News SailAway

With over 25 annual shows for megayacht and superyacht vessels around the world, one show continues to be the biggest and best - the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.  

Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show FLIBS

The list of exhibitors reads like a "Who's Who" of the superyacht industry. Trinity yacht charter, Feadship yacht charter, Lurssen Yacht Charter, and Benetti yacht charter enthusiasts will be mesmerized by the sheer number of yachts gathered in one location. 

"This show affords us an opportunity to educate our luxury yacht charter customers," states SailAway President, Jana Sheeder. 

"We can take our clients on a tour of several equal-sized yachts and let them compare deck space, cabin size, and onboard amenities." 

"Some of our most popular mega yacht charter vessels will be here, such as ANJILIS and BIG CITY (both along the Face Dock between slips 9A-D) and MARAYA (docked at Bahia Mar in slip A1)." 

The 2009 showcase of luxury sail and motoryachts takes place  October 29th through November 2nd. 

To visit SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants' fleet of superyachts, visit 1800sailaway.com ; then to book your vacation of a lifetime, contact us at 305-253-7245 or 1-800-SAILAWAY (724-5292) or email info@1800sailaway.com  We are at your service!

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Two Popular Bareboat Charter Marinas Struggle to Stay Afloat

Monday, October 26, 2009 by News SailAway

Two unfortunate marina foreclosures in Florida

Bareboat charter and Florida yacht charter enthusiasts might be troubled to hear two Florida marinas are the latest to fall victim to tough economic times.

The Flagship Marina in Sebastian, Florida, long a popular overnight anchorage for bareboat charter sailors, has foreclosed in what is one of the largest commercial foreclosure amounts in the city this year, according to a local report by TCPalm.

The owner, Damien Gilliams, also owns the Paradise Marina and the No Name Sports Bar, both located in Indian River County. As of last Friday, Gilliams was trying to sell both Flagship and Paradise marinas.

The Hideaway Marina Limited Partnership at Pompano Beach, Florida, filed for Chapter 11 last Friday, according to a report on MSN.com.

If you are planning an upcoming bareboat charter or a crewed Florida yacht charter in the Pompano beach area - don't panic yet.  The marina is still in operation, and the bankruptcy petition states the business has been in the hands of a receiver since June.

To book your bareboat power or sailing charter, contact SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants at 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or email info@1800yachtcharter.com

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Yachtspeak - nautical phrases for charter guests

Sunday, October 25, 2009 by News SailAway

Taking a vacation by automobile doesn't require any particular vocabulary skills; however, when you go on a private yacht charter, whether it's a Virgin Islands yacht charter or Croatia yacht charter, it's sometimes nice to know some of the terminology used when onboard.

Here are some nautical terms for you that might be helpful to know.

BOW - The forward part of a boat.

STERN - The back of the boat.

BEAM - The greatest width of the boat.

BUOY - An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring.

CABIN (or "stateroom") - A compartment (bedroom) for passengers or crew.

CATAMARAN - A twin-hulled boat, with hulls side-by-side.  Can be sail or power, but is usually sail.

CHART - A map for use by navigators. 

HELM (or "Navigation Station") - The area from where the Captain steers/pilots the boat.

CLEAT - A fitting to which lines are tied.  They are usually in somewhat of a "figure8 shape." Cleats are located on the dock and on the boat. (They are often tripped over, if you don't watch your step!)

COCKPIT - An opening in the deck from which the boat is handled. (Visualize a large sailboat - the "steering wheel" of the boat is located in the cockpit.)

DINGHY (also known as a "tender") - A small open boat. 

"T/T BOATNAME" - Means "Tender To...[boatname]."   NOTE: Most yachts only have 1 tender.  Those with more than 1 tender (aka, dinghy) often have "TTT's....or tenders for/to their tenders."

FENDER (also known as a "bumper") - A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.

Yacht fenders - bumpers - cushions placed between boats, or boat and pier, to prevent damage

GALLEY - The kitchen of a boat.

SAILBOAT - A boat powered by wind through sails (with ancillary engine).

POWERBOAT - A boat powered by engine and fuel.

STINKPOTTER - A powerboat enthusiast.

HEAD - A marine toilet/bathroom. 

DAY HEAD - The bathroom that is used by all guests, usually in main area of the boat and not located within a stateroom.

INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY - AKA, "The ICW."  Bays, rivers, and canals along the coasts (such as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts), connected so that vessels may travel without going into the sea.  Evening charters in Florida often cruise along the ICW to see the holiday lights of the condos lining the waterway, for example.

KNOT (relating to speed) - A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6076 feet) per hour.

LOG - A record of courses or operation, kept by the captain/crew. (Charter guests often fill out an entry in a "guestbook" or "logbook" after a charter, as well, to describe their trip.)

PLANING ("on a plane") - As a boat evens out above the water when it is moving/underway, as opposed to still being partially underneath the water, as in before it starts moving. 

PORT - The left side of a boat looking forward. (Also refers to a docking location)

STARBOARD - The right side of a boat, looking forward.

SCREW - A boat's propeller.  (A "twin screw" is a boat with 2 propellers.)

UNDERWAY - Vessel in motion.

WAKE - Moving waves, track, or path that a boat leaves behind it, when moving across the water.

YACHT - A boat used for pleasure.

There are many other phrases used by "yachtees," but these are basics that will help you navigate your way when onboard a private yacht!

To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation (and practice your "yachtspeak"),
contact 1-800-YACHTCHARTER 
by phone via 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or 305-253-7245
by email via info@1800yachtcharter.com
via twitter @yacht_charters (follow us!)
via our contact form at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

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Superyachts sold in September 2009

Friday, October 23, 2009 by News SailAway
Luxury yacht sales bode well for the economy

Megayacht charter customers take heart - the luxury yacht industry is alive and well as Superyacht sales soar in September 2009.

Without the active buying and selling of Mediterranean yacht charter vessels among the world's elite, there would be no viable luxury sailing charter or megayacht rental industry.

Recent sales bode well for the future. 
 
September saw a number of 2009 brokerage sales records broken, with 24 superyachts reported sold at asking prices totalling nearly 374 million EUROS. This was well above the combined total of July and August of 340 million EUROS and, indeed, the first four months of the year when, between January and the end of April, yachts with total asking prices of 372 million EUROS were sold.

It was also the month when very large yachts came into their own, as Lurssen’s 59.4m OASIS, the 70.5m BOADICIA from Amels, Benetti’s 56m ALLEGRO, and the 64.5m MY SHANTI, again from Amels, all found new owners. 

Boat International magazine wonders, "So we moved from the slough of despond to the broad, sunlit uplands of increasing volumes and values of sales?"

Charlie Birkett of YCO comments: “Understandably, expectations for what was once the start of the busiest season for yacht sales were conservative across the industry this year, and major brokerage houses reacted cautiously even to the apparent signs of recovery in August. However going into September we saw recovery consolidated somewhat with sales of the 60m+ yachts of prestigious yards and, speaking to other leading brokers at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the mood was certainly more optimistic.”

Contact the professionals at SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants at 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or email info@1800yachtchater.com to charter a luxury motor yacht or sailing vessel.
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Trinity Yacht Charter Fans to Delight at FLIBS

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by News SailAway

Numerous Trinity megayachts will be in attendance at the FLIBS2009 show in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

If there is one name that is echoed time and time again by our charter clients, it is Trinity Yachts. 

While Perini Navi, Benetti, and Feadship enthusiasts will be well represented, the record number of Trinity luxury yacht charter superyachts attending the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS 2009) is amazing.

Andrew Doole of Show Management reports this years Golden Anniversary of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) has attracted an amazing 149 superyachts over 30m to be displayed.

Using the standard definition of superyachts as being luxury yachts over 24m, the figure rises even higher, to 209 yachts.

The Trinity list is headed by the 196' BACARELLA and closely followed by the 177' KATHERINE. 

Not to be missed are ANGILIS, WHEELS, BLIND DATE, BIG CITY, LADY LINDA, VITA, and MY IRIS.

We mention these yachts simply to give you an idea of the quality of yachts on show, but there will surely be something on display to fit all tastes and pockets.

There is a Prime Time preview on Thursday, October 29th from 10am to 7pm and the show is open to the general public at the same times from Friday, October 30th to Sunday, November 1st.  The show closes at 5pm on Monday, November 2nd.

Your SailAway Yacht Charter representatives will be on hand to offer personal inspections and discuss custom itineraries for upcoming Thanksgiving and year-end holidays.  We are standing by ready to assist you.

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Record Number of Luxury Yacht Charter Superyachts at FLIBS 2009

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by News SailAway

FLIBS Ft. Lauderdale International Boat ShowWhether you are a Trinity, Benetti, or Feadship enthusiast, your toes will certainly tingle at the record number of luxury yacht charter superyachts attending the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS 2009).

Andrew Doole of Show Management reports that this year's Golden Anniversary of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) has attracted an amazing 149 superyachts over 30m to be displayed.

Using the standard definition of superyachts as being luxury yachts over 24m, the figure rises even higher, to 209 yachts.

The list is headed by Feadship's mighty 65m TRIDENT, followed closely by the 62m FORTUNATO, another Feadship, plus Trinity's 54m KATHERINE and Heesen's 50m MAN OF STEEL. 

We mention these four simply to give you an idea of the quality of yachts on show, but there will certainly be something on display to fit all tastes and pockets.

There is a Prime Time preview on Thursday, October 29th from 10am to 7pm, and the show is open to the general public at the same times from Friday, October 30th to Sunday, November 1st.  The show closes at 5pm on Monday, November 2nd.

Your SailAway Yacht Charter representatives will be on hand to offer personal inspections and discuss custom itineraries for upcoming Thanksgiving and year-end holidays.  We are at your service.

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38m Superyacht ODYSSEY Relocates for Western Mediterranean Charters

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by News SailAway
Motor yacht ODYSSEY for sale and charter MIPIM Monaco Grand Prix

As 2010 draws near, the owner of mega yacht ODYSSEY has relocated this Mediterranean yacht charter vessel for close proximity to Monaco and the South of France. 

Now, MIPIM yacht and Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter enthusiasts have another superyacht for their 2010 consideration. 

The 38m super yacht ODYSSEY is now based in San Remo, Italy. 

Her new close proximity to Monaco makes this one of the largest yachts available for Monaco Grand Prix charters, as well as static event charters in Cannes, France, such as the 2010 MIPIM.

Built in 2008 by Italy’s Rodriquez yard, she sleeps up to 11 guests in five cabins and has proven her worth as a Mediterranean yacht charter megayacht.

Asking 11 million Euros, superyacht ODYSSEY is now available for inspection by prior appointment for both sale and charter. 
 
Click here to view MIPIM yacht Odyssey's online brochure here. 
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Sales Price Cut for yacht MINE GAMES, star of Caribbean Yacht Charter Fleet

Monday, October 19, 2009 by News SailAway
Trinity motor yacht MINE GAMES for yacht charter by 1800yachtcharter and for sale

The 164’ motor yacht MINE GAMES represents one of the major challenges in yacht design - creating a look that is distinctive but not outlandish. Trinity yacht MINE GAMES, a trideck superyacht, seems to have hit just the right balance. Her deckhouse side windows are nestled into two elongated ovals that diminish the visual mass of her full-beam superstructure, while her prominent bow and raised bulwarks give her forebody the look of a much larger megayacht.

Now, news comes in of a $1.5 million price reduction for the 49.9m superyacht.

St. Martin yacht charter enthusiasts need not worry - the superyacht remains available for luxury yacht charter in both the Bahamas and throughout the Virgin and Leeward islands of the Caribbean.

Built in 2007 to ABS class and MCA compliant, the superyacht accommodates up to 12 guests in a master, three doubles, and a twin, plus a Pullman berth and cruises at 18 knots. The megayacht is helicopter-capable and has a very large swim platform/beach deck. To sweeten the deal, a Triton two-person submarine is included in the new asking price of $31.45 million.

Click here to view MINE GAMES' online brochure here.

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"Les Voiles de Saint Barth" to Attract Perini Navi Yacht Charter Sailboats

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by News SailAway
For hundreds of years, sailors have been drawn to the Caribbean.  For the Perini Navi yacht charter aficionado, that lure continues to this day.  

Superyacht builder Perini Navi can proudly boast that a large number of Caribbean yacht charter megayacht vessels were launched from their acclaimed Italian shipyard.
 
Now, with the advent of a new sail event in 2010, the Perini Navi yacht charter experience will be enhanced by the opportunity to participate in a superyacht race event.  
 
A new regatta, "Les Voiles de Saint Barth," will be held between April 6 and April 11th, 2010. The event is organized by the Saint Barth Yacht Club and Comité Territorial du Tourisme, with the support of Saint Barthélémy's Collectivité. 
 
Perini Navi mega sailing yacht MALTESE FALCON under sail

While classic boats and multihulls will race in this new event, the undoubted stars of the show will be in the superyacht category.  The megayacht Caribbean yacht charter vessels, will be led by a flotilla of Perini Navi sailboats. 
 
Expected to participate are MALTESE FALCON, SALUTE, and SELENE.
 
Up to 10 more Perini Navi sailboats are considering participation. 
 
The inspiration for “Les Voiles de Saint Barth” is to create a regatta for beautiful sailboats to navigate in the local waters in a festive spirit. In the idyllic setting of Saint Barth Island, residents, storekeepers, and water sport professionals are getting ready to welcome these mega yachts and their crews (and the fortunate Caribbean yacht charter customers who participate) to help them discover or rediscover this unique island. 

There is no better time to plan sail boat charters in the Caribbean than late spring.  From sail boat charters to crewed catamaran charters, a St Barts yacht charter during "Les Voiles de Saint Barth" will bring memories to last a lifetime.

To book your luxury sailing charter, contact 1-800-Yachtcharter or email info@1800yachtcharter.com 
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Motoryacht PARTYGIRL 146 Ready for Caribbean Yacht Charter Action

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by News SailAway
At the end of the Caribbean yacht charter season, most megayacht vessels like
Christensen Motor yacht PARTY GIRL 146 leave the confines of the island life behind, and
begin the three-week migration "across the pond" (the Atlantic ocean). Once there, they prepare for the popular Mediterranean yacht charter season. Super yacht PARTYGIRL 146, however, is not like other luxury yacht charter vessels. 
 
Motoryacht PARTYGIRL 146 luxury yacht charter

The owner of this 2008 Christensen motoryacht prefers the warmth and privacy found only
in the Caribbean. While the other owners take their lavish toys to see and be seen in Monte Carlo, this 146' megayacht nearly has the entire Caribbean to herself (and her fortunate few yacht charter customers).
 
Based in the warm waters of St. Lucia, this wonderful charter yacht and her crew are ready to share their rain-forest island home with anyone intrigue by the slow-paced lifestyle of the Grenadine chain of the Caribbean.
 
Water-oriented travelers will love the toy inventory found aboard this 44.50 meter luxury megayacht. The list includes a 37' Intrepid tender, two smaller (18') tenders, a three-person waverunner, towable toys such as a Banana and a kneeboard. For onshore activity, the yacht offers an assortment of beach games, along with volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, kites, and a football.
 
The onboard amenities are amazing; so impressive that the megayacht was selected as the 2008 "Best of the Best" by the luxury lifestyle magazine, Robb Report. 
 
To entice summer travelers to spend a few days in the waters surrounding St. Lucia, the owner of the yacht is offering a special rate of $135,000/wk (plus all running expenses). The regular rate is $185,000/wk. This is a limited time offer and only applies for charters in the months of September and October.
 
To further sweeten the deal, the owner is waiving the standard $3500 weekly fee for the use of the 37' Intrepid. The Intrepid is now offered free of charge during this promotional offer.
 
This superyacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 luxurious staterooms.
 
Here is a link to the yacht's online brochure:
http://www.1800sailaway.com/brochure/party-girl-146 
 
For further details, please contact the charter specialists at 1-800-Yachtcharter
or email info@1800yachtcharter.com
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Snorkeling is a Must During Bahama Yacht Charters

Thursday, July 9, 2009 by News SailAway
Sure, you can see the tropical fish and marine life while standing in a crowded tunnel of a glass aquarium at a glitzy high-rise Bahamian resort.  
 
Is that why you chose to enjoy a Bahama yacht charter vacation on  luxury sailing charter yacht?  Of course not! 
 
It's time to get up-close and personal with Bahamas sea life, and the best way to do that is to rent a private yacht and snorkel with them!

To really get to know and understand the fish, coral reefs, and all those ship wrecks is to put on a pair of goggles, grab some flippers, and dive right in.
 
Explore on your own, right off the stern swim platform of your luxury sailing charter vessel. 
 
Snorkel - skin dive - see tropical fish - Bahamas - warm clear waters - luxury yacht charter

Bahama yacht charters offer you a chance to snorkel in warm, clear, blue water that is calm almost every day.  The sunlight that pierces the surface actually sparkles as the light reflects back from the white sandy bottom of the ocean floor. It is an unforgettable experience.
 
There are miles of lush coral reefs all around the islands of the Bahamas. This means snorkeling during Bahamas yacht charters is soooo easy for first-timers, yet is filled with plenty of excitement for repeat luxury sailing charter customers, as well.  You see different fish and marine life on each dive.

Every island is surrounded by shallow reefs, many of them within a few feet of the surface.
 
Unlike scuba diving, where you need special gear and training, the only prerequisite for a fun snorkel adventure ("skin diving") is the ability to swim and a general curiosity for the world under the sea!

A Sail boat charter or a luxury mega yacht charter is a breeze to arrange.  Contact the pros at 1-800-YACHTCHARTER or email info@1800yachtcharter, and we will have you snorkeling right away!

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A One-Day Caribbean Yacht Charter Can Be Fun!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by News SailAway
While crewed sail boat charters and bareboat charter vacations normally last 5 to 7 nights, not everyone has the time for a multi-night term luxury yacht charter. In this economy, saving up for a special bareboat charter or luxury yacht charter holiday might mean postponing until 2010.
 
Now for the good news - sail boat charters can be as short as one day and are the perfect compliment to a land-based Caribbean island vacation.
 
Let's take a look at a single-day luxury yacht charter escape in the British Virgin Islands (also known as, the BVI):
 
There are four major inhabited islands in the BVI, as well as dozens of (nearly 60) smaller islands, cays, and rocks scattered throughout the archipelago. Of course, the fun way to see these sights is by boat on a luxury sailing charter.
 
You can rent a small Caribbean yacht charter sailboat or a fast powerboat for the day in Road Town, Nanny Cay, West End, or several other locations. Some experience driving a powerboat or basic chart-reading skills are important to ensure you have a pleasurable day.
 
A great trip could start from Road Town, Tortola and head south across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Peter Island. You can tie up to the dock in Sprat Bay or anchor off the beach in Deadman's Bay and swim ashore (remember to wear your water socks). Visitors are welcome in the public areas, the boutique, and the beach grill. 
 
Sir Francis Drake Channel

From Peter Island, it's a short boat ride to Norman Island. This is author Robert Louis Stevenson's legendary Treasure Island, and the source of countless tales of pirates and buried chests of gold. Today, the island is uninhabited except for a small restaurant on the beach in the Bight. Anchored in the bay is the old ship, William Thornton, affectionately known by bareboat charter lovers and the locals as the "Willy T," a trading vessel converted to a bar and restaurant. It's a great stop for a little "pirate" ambiance. Be warned - on holiday weekends, the Willy T is not appropriate for kids as it takes on a bawdy "adults only" atmosphere.
 
Just outside the bay are the Caves. These are more like grottoes and are a true snorkeler's delight. You can tie up your boat to one of the National Park moorings and swim in. Don't be surprised if a school of tropical fish swim alongside you, looking for a handout. The locals ask that you resist the temptation to feed the little critters, however. Human food is not healthy for the fish and may do them great harm in the long run.
 
After snorkeling at the Caves, it is a short boat ride to The Indians. These rock outcroppings are the size of houses and full of nesting seabirds in the summer. The waters around the rocks are teeming with fish of every shape and color. One local describes a swim here as a magical experience: "Floating among the fish, corals and sea fans will make you feel like Peter Pan flying through an enchanted forest."
 
If the sun is still high in the sky, and you still feel fresh for more adventure, zip over to Salt Island. You can tie up to the dock and walk around the abandoned houses to the salt pond where workers harvest and sell sea salt. If you still have any get-up-and-go in your tank, hop back on your boat and cruise around the corner to the wreck of the HMS Rhone, the BVI's first underwater park. Snorkel over the wreck and try to imagine what it looked like before it sank in 1867!
 
By now, you realize you are on "island time." There's little reason to hurry back to Tortola, unless you have an early dinner reservation at your hotel or resort. Assuming you are in the island groove, we suggest a cruise east to Cooper Island. Accessible only by boat, this island has a few rental homes and a tiny resort that's looks like a vacation postcard from the water - palm trees and long, white sand beach. By now, you must be hungry from a morning/afternoon of exploring. Drop in a local restaurant for a late lunch. With a full belly and a big smile, it's just a short sail or cruise back to Tortola.
 
There are many other itineraries for a day trip by boat. Your hotel concierge can recommend the best local boat rental operators and give you some ideas as to where to go and what to see there. You can go fast on a powerboat or slower on a sailboat - the choice is yours. Either way, a day boat trip around the British Virgin Islands will be the highlight of your land-based island holiday! 
 
For more information, call the yacht charter specialists at 1-800-YACHTCHARTER, email them at info@1800yachtcharter.com, or visit the website at 1800yachtcharter.com
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Moonlight Madness on a Virgin Island Yacht Charter at Bomba's Shack

Monday, June 29, 2009 by News SailAway
What luxury sailing charter is complete without a little silliness and merriment with friends? 

Although full moon parties take place in different corners of the world, any Virgin Island yacht charter enthusiast will tell you the parties that take place in the British Virgin Islands (aka, the BVI) are some of the most renowned - celebrating both lunar madness and traditional island culture.
 
The rowdiest of these takes place at Bomba’s Shack in Cappoons Bay.

It may not look like much, but Bomba's Shack is a happening bar set alongside the beach on Apple Bay, at the West End of Tortola, BVI. Each month, the legendary Full Moon Party draws loads of locals and visitors, especially luxury sailing charter passengers looking to experience real island life.  

Bomba Shack, Full Moon Party, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Held monthly on the night of the full moon, moonlight madness spills into the street, the beach, and everything in between.
 
Enjoy live entertainment while you dance the night away, try a Bomba Punch (rum punch) or sip on a Bomba "mushroom tea."  
 
If you are planning a Caribbean getaway on the water, the lunacy on Tortola, BVI takes place on the following days:
August 5, 2009
September 4, 2009
October 4, 2009
November 2, 2009
December 2, 2009
December 31, 2009 (What a perfect way to ring in the New Year!)
 
For more information, please call your SailAway luxury yacht charter specialists at 1-800-YACHTCHARTER (800) 922-4824 or visit the yachting website at 1800yachtcharter.com
 
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Hargrave Yacht SEAFARER Joins Bahamas Yacht Charter Market

Thursday, June 25, 2009 by News SailAway
There are many production 100-foot motoryachts in the Bahamas yacht charters market, but owners Dr. and Mrs. Emmons of luxury charter yacht SEAFARER didn't want a cookie-cutter boat, particularly one costing $6 million. They wanted something that they could personalize to reflect their taste, their love of literature and the arts.
 
As a result you will see throughout the boat bookcases built specifically for the Emmons, and nooks created especially to fit their fine collection of marine artwork. 

Private Luxury Motoryacht SEAFARER
 
Luxury charter yacht SEAFARER motor yacht is a 30-meter megayacht available for a Bahamas yacht charter vacation. Yacht SEAFARER has accommodations for eight (8) guests in four (4) cabins. This new mega yacht was built by superyacht builder Hargrave and was launched in 2008.
 
Bahama yacht charters are all about outdoor adventure in the sun, so a large inventory of waytertoys are important. This mega yacht charter vessel carries a 15' widebody Nautica tender with 90hp Yamaha engine, two 2-person kayaks, snorkel gear, towable toys and tubes such as Boogie Boards, plus beach toys such as volley ball, Frisbees, and 4 bicycles. 
 
Click to view luxury motor yacht SEAFARER's online brochure.  

You, your family, and friends can enjoy a week-long odyssey in the Bahamas onboard this yacht for only $42,500 for 8 guests. Running expenses (items such as food, fuel, and dockage) are extra. For more information, contact Jana Sheeder, CEO of 1-800-YACHTCHARTER at jsheeder@1800sailaway.com. 1-800-YACHTCHARTER - providers of the Newest and Largest Yachts in the World's Best Destinations.
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10 Reasons for Luxury Yacht Charter Customers to Purchase Travel Insurance

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by News SailAway
Anyone who has booked a Benetti yacht charter or a Feadship yacht charter vacation knows that charter agents heavily promote trip cancellation insurance.

For mega yacht charter agents, trip cancellation insurance is a substantial profit point.  Commissions of 20% of the insurance cost for selling this product for a Feadship yacht charter or a Benetti yacht charter are common.

Charter brokers often offer this coverage to their Caribbean yacht charter customers who fear trip delays due to summer tropical weather disturbances.   Mediterranean yacht charter customers also hear the pitch to purchase this coverage, as concerns for lost baggage are common with long, international flights.

Putting aside the fact that someone "profits" from the sale of these policies, a luxury yacht charter customer should give serious consideration to this coverage option.  Whether you rent a private yacht, a megayacht, or a superyacht, for a Caribbean yacht charter or elsewhere, or whether you plan crewed catamaran charters or sail boat charters - the facts remain the same: you are spending a lot of money and you may wish to protect your investment!

There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early, or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling.  What if you booked a MIPIM yacht or a Monaco Grand Prix yacht for the yearly event in Cannes and Monte Carlo, and suddenly you could not attend?

To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.
 
1.  It's 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
 
2.  Your bag is lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
 
3.  It's your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen before you board your Monaco Grand Prix yacht. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
 
4.  You're involved in an accident during your Benetti yacht charter, and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
 
5.  Your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your MIPIM yacht trip. What happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?

Reason for purchasing travel insurance for your MIPIM yacht charter - illness
 
6.  You arrive for your Feadship yacht charter in Jamaica, and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it's stolen, who will pay to replace it?

Reason for travel insurance - lost luggage

7.  Your luxury sailing charter tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
 
8.  You're walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
 
9.  Three weeks before your scheduled arrival for your Croatia yacht charter, a terrorist incident occurs in the city that you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?

10. You are at a beach resort in the Florida Keys during your luxury sailing charter vacation, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?
 
There are so many circumstances where your vacation may be interrupted.  It's important to understand your options to safeguard your holiday investment.  Remember travel insurance is optionaland should be analyzed before each vacation begins.
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Sailing Superyacht Salperton IV Launches in New Zealand

Friday, June 19, 2009 by News SailAway
Built by Fitzroy Yachts, the sailing superyacht Salperton IV has recently been launched.  At 45 meters in length sailing yacht Salperton IV is the latest superyacht to be built by Fitzroy Yachts of New Zealand, being one meter longer than Salperton III at 44 meters.
 
Sailing superyacht SALPERTON IV

Fingers are crossed that the Mediterranean yacht charter fleet will soon welcome yacht Salperton IV to the family.  Earlier incarnations of Salperton have spent years delivering mega yacht charter holidays to customers around the world.  Two of the earlier vessels are still available for sail boat charters under the current names of Northern Spirit (37 meters) and Drumbeat (53 meters). 
 
Sail boat charters are extremely popular in the Caribbean, and all eyes are upon this latest incarnation. The superyacht cost an estimated $30 million.  She is 215 tons, took two years to build, and is the eighth megayacht that Fitzroy has built in the past 12 years.

Accommodations include four en suite state rooms and three crew cabins. For extra luxury, she also has a gym and a spa pool.
 
260,000 hours have gone into the construction of the (hopefully soon-to-be) luxury sailing charter vessel.  She is fully air-conditioned, has her own sewage treatment station, can make 15 tons of water per day, carries 30 tons of fuel, and has a 850-horsepower Cat engine, in case there is no wind.

It is the second yacht the company has built for British owner, Barry Houghton.  The earlier Salperton III was launched in 2007, the company’s 10th anniversary, and won two international awards the next year.  The design concept for number IV was for a yacht which sails and performs even better than number III.
 
As with number III, Adam Lay Studio came back to create the yacht’s interior design work.
 
It has been reported that the yacht departed New Zealand today, with her owner onboard, for a three month Pacific cruise. The sailing yacht will then cruise the Caribbean, before heading up in the Mediterranean in the summer of 2010.
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A Year in the Life of a Superyacht

Friday, June 19, 2009 by News SailAway

The yachting industry has long held to the belief that a successful luxury yacht charter vessel can expect 12 weeks of charter business a year.  This expectation included both Caribbean yacht charter and Mediterranean yacht charter business.

Excluding the small sail boat charters that dominate the Caribbean market, in the world of megayacht and superyacht vessels, there are about 830 yachts 80 feet and larger available for a luxury yacht charter worldwide.  What might be surprising to many is this fact: some 600 of these vessels do no more than 3 or 4 weeks of chartering each year.

Thus the upcoming Mediterranean yacht charter summer season has a lot riding on it for boat owners and captains who have -- perhaps ill-fatedly from the start -- factored 12 weeks of megayacht charter business into their calculations.

So what does a 52 week year in the life of a superyacht look like?  A recent industry survey breaks it down like this: 
*Owner's personal use - 6 weeks.
*Yard time (for repair and maintenance) and crossing time to reposition (Caribbean to the Mediterranean, etc.) - 26 weeks.
*Undesirable charter dates - 14 weeks
*Actual Possible Charter Time:  14 weeks.

With these facts in mind, charter fleet managers now believe a realistic goal for a luxury mega yacht charter vessel is no more than 8 weeks per year...

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Seventh Heaven Yacht Club Opens for Megayachts on Island of Ischia

Thursday, June 18, 2009 by News SailAway
If you are planning a luxury mega yacht charter this summer on a Mediterranean yacht, you'll be pleased to know Luise Group, leaders in maritime agency services to the superyacht industry, has taken over management of the Ponente Quay (Molo di Ponente) of Lacco Ameno on the Island of Ischia.

The marina known previously as Heaven's Quay, has now been renamed The Seventh Heaven Yacht Club.

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 30 kilometers from Naples, Italy, at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, and is a frequent destination for sail boat charters and mega yacht charters.

Seventh Heaven Yacht Club yacht charters Ischia Luise Group

The Seventh Heaven Yacht Club, located on the northern part of island of Ischia, can accommodate twelve mega yachts, and the marina covers an area close to 16,000 square metres. The pier, which is 140 metres in length, offers all essential necessities including water, electricity, and mooring posts.

The renamed facility will now figure prominently among the most prestigious ports and marinas that are currently managed by the Luise Group.

Luise Associates, the branch of Luise Group which is exclusively dedicated to maritime agency services for mega yachts, works with over 600 yachts cruising in the Gulf of Naples each year.

Francesco Luise, Managing Partner of Luise Group commented, "We are very proud to be able to take under our management the main dock in Lacco Ameno, Ischia. Although the area of Lacco Ameno is one of the smallest counties on the Island of Ischia, it is a prestigious and visually beautiful location for superyachts to berth. The Seventh Heaven Yacht Club will permit us to have a permanent presence in the area while continuing to provide the best in maritime agency services to our clients."
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