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Available in the Caribbean from 21 January to 21 February 2012, motor yacht SIREN is offering a special discounted rate to lure charter customers.

With permission of the yacht's owner, SailAway Yacht Charters is extending a 15% price break for any 7-night charter between January 21 and February 21, 2012.   The special rate is €400,000 per week, plus running expenses - a savings of €76,000, based on the published rate of €476,000 per week.

One of the largest luxury mega yachts available for hire, this vessel can accommodate 12 guests in 6 suites.

At 73 meters in overall length, this 2008 yacht was built by one of Germany’s most renowned shipyards - Nobiskrug. Motor yacht SIREN is certainly one of the most important mega yachts in the world today. Her design and build quality are second to none. The yacht’s deck spaces are a marvel in terms of style and usability.

Power and Motoryacht Magazine ranks this yacht at #53 on their annual list of the World’s 100 Largest Yachts.

Key Features:
►Minimalist design creates a feeling of balance and harmony
►Generous deck spaces provide an inspired platform for outdoor living, including an outdoor cinema.
►Vast array of water sports equipment
►Main stateroom's private balcony
►Full Gym
►Ondeck Jacuzzi

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For a list of all yachts offering winter and spring discounts, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

Part art studio, part South Beach nightclub, the avant-garde motoryacht SEA FORCE ONE has reduced her rental rates for the upcoming Mediterranean yacht charter season.

The 54 meter megayacht is now available at the reduced rates of €250,000 per week, plus expenses (was €280,000 per week, plus expenses) for low season, and €270,000 per week, plus expenses (was €300,000 per week, plus expenses) for high season (July and August) and for special event charters such as MIPIM and the Cannes Film Festival.
 
Admiral Mariotti motor yacht SEA FORCE ONE is a superyacht in the truest sense of the word.  Apart from her shiny black hull, her "wow factor" is over-the-top: fold-out sea terraces, extravagant décor, unique objets d′art, countless watertoys, and extensive entertainment equipment including a disco bar with DJ console and home cinema.

Sophisticated illumination throughout the interior creates a pleasant ambience on board, a la dance clubs like Pearl and Nikki Beach 

The yacht features accommodations for up to 10 guests in five themed cabins with king sized beds.
 
For special event charters, the yacht can host up to 80 guests for cocktails and up to 30 guests for formal, seated dinners.

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Looking for the perfect special event yacht in 2012?  Contact the SailAway destination pros at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for a complete list of available yachts and rates.

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.

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. 

Anyone who follows our daily nautical blogs knows we love two things  - the world's largest yachts...and gadgets (especially gadgets that can be utilized and enjoyed during a luxury yacht charter).

With the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show underway in Las Vegas, it's time to pick our favorite new gadgets for 2012.  Here are our top three new gadgets of CES 2012:

GRIFFIN TWENTY
Megayachts like Feadship yacht charter vessel LADY BRITT and the themed James Bond boat Benetti motor yacht DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER feature iPod docking stations integrated into a ship-wide audio system.   For yachts without a centralized audio system, the Griffin Twenty should prove to be a popular addition to onboard entertainment options. 

The Griffin Twenty streaming audio device turns any Apple AirPort Express into a full stereo system.

The device has a simple, elegant design, just a plug for the AirPort Express and a large dial for volume. As its name implies, the Twenty has an internal 20-watt amp and outputs for left and right stereo speakers, plus a kickin' subwoofer. The concept is simple - the dial controls the volume, while the rest of the interface is taken care of through your iPhone, iPad or computer.

ROKU STREAMING STICK
Many Caribbean yacht charter vessels offer satellite TV as well as WiFi while dockside.  What's often missing is the charter guests favorite online content. 

Using the new HDMI MHL standard, the Roku Streaming Stick plugs into a port on newer TVs. The stick instantly gives any compatible set access to all of Roku's online content, from providers such as MLB, Netflix, and Pandora. The stick requires no dedicated power, features built-in WiFi, and is set to  launch in 2012 for under $100.

GO PRO Wi-Fi BACPAC
Whether enjoying a bareboat charter or a vacation on a fully-crewed yacht, waterproof cameras are a must.  YouTube is saturated with amateur vids of adrenaline junkies riding waverunners, bananas, and zipping along with underwater scooters.

The Go Pro name has become synonymous with adventure/sports photography, and the Wi-Fi BacPac and remote combo kit will users even more control over their favorite cameras.  Just snap the BacPac onto an HD Hero2 and you can control the camera from a durable, waterproof wrist-ready remote.  Using the Go Pro app, you can also control the camera from a smartphone, tablet, or computer via a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection. 

The BacPac also lets you stream a live view from the camera to your mobile devices, making sure you're getting just the right shot.

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Seen any great new must-have gadgets?  Contact the SailAway tech geeks at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html with your favorite new gadgets and apps, and we'll share your comments with our readers.

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 biggest highlight of snorkeling during a Caribbean yacht charter is usually swimming among schools of fish, or seeing sea turtles and sting rays from afar. However, one charter yacht hopes to offer visitors the chance to frolic with a much larger marine animal.

Richard Branson's yacht, the sail catamaran NECKER BELLE, is offering two humpback whale watching charters this spring in the Silver Bank, a region in the Atlantic midway between Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic.

From January to March, humpback whales mate and calve in the Silver Bank, before migrating to colder waters.  According to Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, "you can slip into the water and snorkel with the calves as their mothers watch from a safe distance below."

Two weeklong expeditions are scheduled on the 105' catamaran NECKER BELLE, owned by adventurer and business tycoon Sir Richard Branson.  Charterers may choose either 16 - 23 February or 8 - 15 March, 2012.  

Launched in 2003 and rebuilt in 2009 at Azzura Yachts, Australia, the sail yacht NECKER BELLE was a finalist in the World Superyacht Awards 2010 in the "Best Refitted Yacht" Category.  The yacht received a Judges' Special Commendation.

Four guest cabins provide accommodation for 8 guests.  The master cabin offers a queen bed. Two VIP staterooms can convert from double to twin berths. The fourth cabin offers a double bed.  All staterooms offer ensuite bathrooms.  An additional 2 guests can be accommodated in the saloon - the sofa converts to a double bed. For the adventurous the two aft deck sun pads can be transformed into outdoor berths (removable tent-style structures protect guests from the elements) - great for those wishing to sleep under the stars! A shower is available in the day head for those using the outdoor berths or saloon.

The price per week is $130,000 and includes the yacht, professional crew, and the guidance of whale expert Tom Conlin of Aquatic Adventures.   Running expenses such as food, bar, and fuel are extra.    

When whales are sighted, charterers will have the opportunity to leave the yacht NECKER BELLE on an inflatable raft, led by naturalist guide Tom CONLIN, to get close to the whales.  There are a few situations in which snorkeling is not possible, like when two males are fighting for territory or a few males are trying to impress a female whale. But the calves are very curious and non-aggressive, and snorkelors are taught to approach them using slow, gentle movements.

“Being in the water and seeing a whale is a life-changing experience," says Sheeder.  "You’ll never forget it."

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For reservation information to swim with whales in the Caribbean, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

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.

The massive new 70 meter motor yacht NUMPTIA has been continually in the news since her late 2011 launch. The yacht has gained notice for her award-winning chef, Heather Kaniuk, as well as her unique and elegant wellness spa deck.

Now comes word the Caribbean yacht charter vessel hopes to lure more US-dollar business, by combining a rate reduction with complimentary extra charter days.

Effective immediately - for each week of charter booked, the customer will receive an additional 2 FREE DAYS OF CHARTER.  Thus, charterers can pay for 7 days and receive two more complimentary days onboard Rossi Navi luxury motor yacht NUMPTIA.

In addition to the free days, the yacht has converted her rates - from 490,000 EUROS per week to 490,000 US DOLLARS per week.  The effect of the foreign currency conversion results in a real dollar savings of $144,000 per week - the equivalent of a 23% price break. 

All rates are plus running expenses.

"This foreign currency conversion will have a special appeal to our US-based clients who have seen the value of the dollar pale in comparison to the Euro for the past 8 years,"  says yacht maven Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters. "Not only does this mitigate the loss of purchasing power of the foreign currency translation, but it provides a significant incentive to book this yacht at a deeply-discounted price."

The Italian-built superyacht features accommodations for 12 guests. Onboard amenities include an elevator between all decks, fireplace, super inflatable slide, and a massive 3D big screen TV.   Numptia's unique spa deck offers a fully-equipped gym, steam room, sauna, beauty salon, and massage room, plus forward exterior bar & dining areas on the spa deck to create the ultimate at-sea oasis.  

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Come enjoy a wellness vacation abord motor yacht NUMPTIA.  For reservations, contact the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/inquiry.php?y=numptia.

When planning a Caribbean yacht charter vacation, couples traveling with other couples often face an all-too-common hurdle:  Select a large, expensive yacht with equal cabins or choose a smaller, more affordable boat and draw straws to see which couple gets the cabin with two single beds.

Fortunately, a 37 meter Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel has come to the rescue of couples everywhere by offering equal cabins and affordable rates.

The 120 foot motor yacht TOUCH offers accommodations for 4 couples in 4 equal staterooms - each featuring a king size bed and ensuite bathroom. 

While similar-sized yachts are charging rates in excess of $75,000 plus expenses, per week, M/Y TOUCH has kept her prices reasonable - charging $65,000 per week, plus expenses, for 8 guests, during the 2012 Caribbean charter season.

Launched in 2004, the yacht underwent a $1.5 million refit in 2011.  The yacht was painted top-to-bottom, the entertainment system was upgraded with new flat screen TV’s, audio speakers and components, and new fabrics and coverings on most of the yacht's indoor and outdoor furniture.

Based in St Thomas, USVI, the yacht and her crew keep guests busy with an amazing assortment of watertoys such as a high-speed 29' sportfish tender, sea kayaks, snorkel gear, and an assortment of towable toys.  After a day of playing, a large ondeck Jacuzzi tub offers couples the chance to relax sore muscles and enjoy a cocktail under the stars.

Filling this special niche for couples should keep motor yacht TOUCH busy for years to come...

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Planning an all-couples vacation in the Caribbean?  Let our destination experts show you the various options for both sailing yachts and motoryachts.  Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today for more details.  

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.

The tiny island nation of St Barts once again played host to celebrities, business icons and the world's largest yachts to celebrate New Year's Eve 2011.

With fireworks bursting overhead, many revelers made their way to the £59 million island estate of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich for his annual party.  Estimated to cost £5 million (about $7.7 million US Dollars), the star-studded event featured a live performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Many stayed on the Russian's 536 foot superyacht ECLIPSE – the world's largest private yacht with two helicopter pads, a submarine, and two swimming pools.  Other yachts anchored in the harbor or along the quay included the 377 foot motor yacht LUNA,  Feadship yacht charter motor yacht DREAM, and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen motor yacht TATOOSH.

Some of the A-list celebrities and guests seen on yachts, and in restaurants and clubs included Star Wars creator George Lucas, designer Marc Jacobs, singer Jon Bon Jovi, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, and music mogul Russell Simmons and his Australian actress-girlfriend, Melissa George.

Revelers on yachts came ashore in tenders, before being whisked off in chauffeured cars to the various parties taking place across the island.

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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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