St Barts Yacht Charter

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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To plan your own special event on a private yacht, contact the destination pros at SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This past Tuesday evening, October 25th, at the exclusive Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, the winners of the 2011 ShowBoats Design Awards were announced.  For the second year in a row, several mega yacht charter vessels proved popular with the judges and edged out private yachts for awards in design excellence.

A VIP audience of superyacht owners and the industry’s leading creative talents were on hand to see the 188ft sail yacht TWIZZLE, a luxury sailing charter vessel, declared the winner in the Recreational Area for Guest Use and Interior Design categories.  Justin Redman of the design team at Redman Whiteley Dixon accepted the Neptune award for TWIZZLE.

Other charter yachts receiving honors included:

●  Motor yacht EXUMA - Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Displacement Motor Yachts 100′-199′

●  Motor yacht CALLIOPE - Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Semi-displacement Motor Yachts

●  Motor yacht BIG FISH - Naval Architecture Award: Motor Yachts

●  Sail yacht KOKOMO - Naval Architecture Award: Sailing Yachts

Motor yacht EXUMA , the 264'  yacht built by the Perini Navi Group and Picchiotti, and featuring exterior styling by Vitruvius Ltd and naval architect Philippe Briand, was also recognized with an Environmental Protection Award.


 
"For the second year in a row, the world's finest yachts for hire were in the spotlight," beamed Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters.  "There's a deep commitment by these yacht owners to build vessels with amenities and aesthetics that are appealing to prospective charter clients.  We are so proud to represent these amazing yachts, as they are among the newest and largest yachts available in the world's best destinations."

Private yachts were by no means shut out of the awards.  The 312ft Blohm & Voss motor yacht PALLADIUM was the evening’s biggest winner, as designers Mick Leach and Mark Smith took home four Neptune Awards for Tender Design, Bespoke Furniture Item, Exterior Design & Styling and Interior Design.

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Many award-winning yachts are available for hire this winter and spring in warm weather destinations, including Grand Bahama,  St Barts, and St Lucia.  Contact the SailAway yacht charter destination pros at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for further details.

Since her coming-out party at the Cannes Film Festival 2011, motor yacht SnowbirD has continued to turn heads along the Côte d'Azur.  Now, the spectacular 39 meter luxury ocean-going superyacht is heading across the pond to the warm waters of the Caribbean.  Offering fabulous accommodation for up to 10 guests, motor yacht SnowbirD will be the ideal St Barts yacht charter vessel for the winter and spring.

Built in Holland, Hakvoort motor yacht SnowbirD features an interior both traditional and modern in style. The full-beam owner’s suite includes a study, plus a stateroom with a king-size bed and a large walk-in closet.  There are four guest cabins on the lower deck, two double VIP staterooms, and two twin-bed guest rooms. All feature ensuite bathrooms.

The entertainment areas onboard the yacht are equally impressive, and boasts an open plan main lounge/dining area arrangement. The bridge deck sky lounge opens onto a charming aft area with built-in seating and a teak dining table.

The sun deck features plenty of open area for sunbathing as well as two large sofas and teak tables. A large Jacuzzi whirlpool tub accommodates up to six people, with an adjacent granite-topped wet bar.

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Similar yachts avaialble this winter in the Caribbean include Feadship motor yacht GO, Moonen motor yacht NORTHLANDER, and Sunseeker motor yacht BLACK and WHITE.  To book a winter escape of your own, contact the SailAway destination professionals at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

Often overlooked as people plan year-end Caribbean yacht charter vacations,  an island escape for the Thanksgiving holidays is a great way to enjoy great weather and uncrowded anchorages.

Officially the winter charter season kicks off in December, as crews return from their own vacations, and the yachts re-emerge from the shipyards after their annual summer maintenance.  Almost a secret, few charterers realize that 80% of the Caribbean fleet is already in place and ready to go by Thanksgiving!

Let's look at a handful of Caribbean-based yachts available in late November:

NAEJ - leading the value parade is sail catamaran NAEJ, a 49' yacht with room for 7 guests.  Built by Alliaura Marina in 2006, her all-inclusive weekly rate of $13,500 per week equates to just $275 per person per night.

SORANA - the 68' motor yacht SORANA was built in 2006 and features accommodations for 6 guests.  Her homeport is Saint Martin in the French West Indies, just a short cruise from St Barts, a favorite winter enclave for celebrities.   Weekly rate is $20,000 plus all running expenses, such as food, bar and dockage.

MOTU - the 61' Privilège 615 catamaran MOTU was built in 2006 and features 4 double cabins for 8 passengers.  She returns from a summer of Bahama yacht charters in time to take a Thanksgiving booking from her winter base in Pointe-à-Pitre on the island of Guadeloupe.  Weekly rate is $23,000 - ALL-INCLUSIVE. 

MAEVIE - built in 2009 by CNB Bordeaux, sail catamaran MAEVIE is one of the stars in the crewed catamaran charters market.  The Lagoon 620  catamaran offers accommodations for 6 guests in 3 double cabins. Her weekly rate is $23,500 including all meals, and she is available in the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and over fifty other smaller islands and cays).

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This winter, spend your holiday vacation onboard a private yacht with your family and friends.   For a list of yachts offering special holiday rates, contact our SailAway destination experts at www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

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.

Launched in May, 2011, motor yacht QUINTA ESSENTIA is in the midst of her first season as a Mediterranean yacht charter vessel.  The stunning 55 meter yacht will be on display this month at the Monaco Yacht Show, docked along the  Quai d'Hirondelle.  

For those of you unable to see her in person, here's a quick look at the largest superyacht launched by Heesen Yachts to date:

This semi-displacement yacht combines extraordinary looks with impressive performance and remarkable fuel efficiency. One observer described the yacht as, "...fluent and organic," with a, "...subtle blend of qualities, making her instantly recognizable yet having a refined and classy appearance."

The unique color scheme was developed by the owner in collaboration with Dobroserdov Design, and consists of a custom-made, classic dark red and a clean oyster white tint. The owner is passionate about fine wines, hence the yacht's signature red color.

Designed by Omega Architects, Heeson yacht Quinta Essentia offers many special features, one of which can be immediately seen upon entering the aft deck. Here, a swimming pool with waterfall can be found, just aft of the yacht’s main salon.

A flow of design and color can be noticed from exterior to interior, upon entering the main saloon. The exterior curves of the vessel are applied inside as well and give the main saloon a softness without losing the sense of spaciousness.  The luxurious interiors are a mixture of minimalism and intimacy, and reflect the owner's personal style.

Aside from the owner’s enormous master suite, the yacht features two large guest cabins which are convertible into one big VIP cabin, plus one double cabin, one twin cabin and an additional VIP cabin on the vessel’s main deck.

The upper deck saloon boasts full height opening windows, offering an incredible panoramic view of the sea.  The deck features a forward lounge and an aft dining room that can be opened up to the large upper aft deck for spectacular al fresco meals.

The vessel’s sundeck provides plenty of room for sunbathing plus an ondeck hot tub and an aft dining area with shade from awnings.  Centrally located on the sun deck is a large gym and luscious spa area.
 
One of the largest yachts available for charter, Heeson's bold 55 meter beauty will set a new standard of what's next in the world of luxury mega yacht charter vessels.

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Is a year end yachting holiday in your future?  Find out more about great deals for a St Barts yacht charter and New Year's Eve celebration.  Contact the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for more details.

Some of the world's largest yachts in the Mediterranean yacht charter market will gather next week off the coast of Sardinia to race head to head in the fourth edition of the Perini Navi Cup.

Limited exclusively to sailing yachts built by Italy's Perini Navi Group, 19 yachts will participate in three intense days of racing against the beautiful backdrop of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, September 1st through the 4th.

Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the major sponsors include international brands such as Audi, Champagne Pommery, and Rolex. 

The fleet gathering in the waters of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda will range from the 33.5m sloop Heritage M to the 88m sail clipper THE MALTESE FALCON. Some of the Perini Navi Group’s most recently launched yachts, including the 2011 56m ketch sail yacht FIDELIS, will also be present.

Other Perini Navi yacht charter vessels to join the competition are 2010 sail yacht MELEK, 2010 sailing yacht PANTHALASSA, 2007 sail yacht SELENE, and 2008 sloop SALUTE.

With a fleet of 51 yachts on the water, Perini is the world leader in the design and construction of large sailing yachts.  The Group is made up of the Perini shipyard in Viareggio, the Picchiotti yard in La Spezia, and the Perini Istanbul shipyard in Yildiz, Turkey.

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Race into winter and plan your own sailing vacation in the warm waters of the Caribbean.  Contact  ] our destination specialists HERE to secure prime dockage in St Barts for a 2011 year end getaway.

If you are thinking of taking a St. Barts Yacht Charter vacation, look no further than the Sea Force One, which is one of the largest yachts available.



The Sea Force One is an adiral 54m super yacht of a striking contemporary design, which can accommodate up to ten yacht charter guests. The yacht has a sleek black hull, classy dark grey superstructure and plenty of wide open spaces which make it stand out at sea. Her luxurious interiors feature leather floors and soft fabrics, as well as great art pieces and Barrisol ceilings.

Sea Force One is lit with state of the art LED lighting, and comes with a wide range of entertainment options.

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  (click to follow us on Twitter!)
via our contact form at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

For your St. Barts vacation this coming year, why not rent a luxurious private yacht such as the Odessa?



The Odessa is a stylish 48.77m (160’) super motor yacht that is available for St. Barts Yacht Charters.  She has a crew of ten and can comfortably accommodate up to twelve guests in her spacious staterooms. Her interiors are of a minimalist design and are complete with elegant, soft furnishings which complement the satin black woodwork and custom stoneware.

Odessa has a fully-equipped office adjoining the master cabin, which comes complete with a desk, seating, and a large window, should you need to get some urgent work done during your vacation.

To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation, contact SailAway by phone at 1-800-YACHTCHARTER (800-922-4824) or 305-253-7245 or by email to info@1800yachtcharter.com.