Virgin Islands Yacht Charter

Anyone who reads our blog on a regular basis knows we love our gadgets.  Let's face it, going on a Virgin Islands yacht charter is loads of fun, but getting there can be tedious.  Waiting for flights, standing at the luggage carrousel, taking long taxi rides, etc. can be long and boring.  Having a cool new gadget on hand is a great way to kill some time - and have some fun.

The world's largest trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, the IFA just wrapped up in Berlin. Here are our three favorite new gadgets for 2012 from the show:

1. Samsung Galaxy Note

If you've been waiting for a smartphone with a big screen, this is your phone!  The Samsung Galaxy Note offers a 5.3 inch display, the largest screen size available among smartphones. This means less scrolling and screen transitions.  Imagine viewing web pages, news apps, and e-books with minimal scrolling or zooming - how cool is that?  The device also utilizes “pen-input technology,” and comes with an S Pen that allows users to draw and send handwritten images and notes via text message, email, and instant messaging.

2. LG Smartscan Mouse

As luxury yacht charter brokers, we're constantly scanning client documents - from bareboat charter contracts to food and beverage preference sheets.  Scanning saves our clients' time and allows us to share their information with yacht crews around the globe.  The latest mouse from LG has a built-in scanner, which the company says will "open a new era for scanners."  Simply click the Smart Scan button on the left side of the mouse, then swipe it over the material to be scanned.

The scanned image can then be saved in a variety of file types, or dragged and dropped into a document or application. LG's Optical Character Recognition technology converts scanned text into a Microsoft Word document that can then be edited as required. The 2-in-1 device can scan page sizes up to A3, which is larger than most conventional portable scanners.

   

3. Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX55 - The World's Slimmest Digital Camera

Imagine going on a Croatia yacht charter and not having a camera with you.  Who will believe you when you say you saw a whale swimming by an island with a Medieval castle?  Most digital cameras are small, but bulky and heavy in your pocket.  Not the Cybershot TX55.  Just 12.2mm slim, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX55 is the world’s thinnest camera. It can capture 16.2 megapixel still images as well as full HD video.

The camera’s back panel has an 8.3cm/3.3 inch touch-screen for showing off photos and movie clips. It also features 3D shooting options. By pressing the shutter button once, the camera will grab a pair of frames in fast succession, estimating depth to create a 3D still image.

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Do you have a favorite new gadget that you can't live without?  Tell us about it HERE at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html, and we'll share it with our readers.

The opportunity to explore the fabled Côte d'Azur has never been more affordable, thanks to a special late-summer discount on motoryacht CELECASOR.

For the remainder of the summer season, the owner of the stunning Mangusta 130 motor yacht CELECASOR is offering a "2 for 1" discount - for every day booked, the owner is offering one extra day, free of charge! This is a fabulous offer not to be missed.

Built in 2006, the Mangusta 130 is a rocket on the water, capable of cruising at 30 knots.  This speedy advantage over most megayachts presents the opportunity to cover the entire French Riviera coastline in a week's time - from St Tropez to Monaco.

The 130'  mega yacht charter vessel offers accommodations for 6 to 8 guests in 4 staterooms (3 double, 1 twin).  Her  sumptuous interior combines dark woods with light neutral fabrics.

The spacious deck saloon features a retractable roof and a 2nd saloon on lower deck offers privacy and an escape from the Mediterranean sun.  Onboard amenities include a Kaleidescape entertainment system and a full array of water toys.

Based in Imperia, the yacht and her crew of 6 are standing by and ready to go!

The published weekly rate is €129,500 plus all running expenses.  For each day booked, the rate will be pro-rated to reflect the 2-for-1 special.

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A summer winds down, it's time to plan a winter escape.  Take advantage of great early-bird specials on Virgin Island yacht charters.  Contact our destination specialists HERE for more details.

The odyssey of a lifetime is about to unfold, and luxury sailing charter clients are invited along for the ride.

The 43 meter sail yacht CLEAR EYES is ready to embark upon a 19-month journey, and sail around the world.  Charter reservations are being accepted for all legs of the journey, from 7 night traditional Virgin Islands yacht charter holidays, to multi-week open ocean passages.

Starting and ending in Bodrum, Turkey, the voyage will take passengers and crew to the Canary Islands, Curacao, Aruba, San Blas, Panama, Galapagos, Gambier, Tahiti, Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Darwin, Bali, Mauritius, South Africa, St. Helena, Ascension Island, Cabo Verde and Malta. See beautiful islands, experience vibrant local culture and interact with people from around the world in their own environment.

Launched in 2010, sail yacht CLEAR EYES offers a spacious interior, and comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests in five cabins.  Rates from €65,000 per week, plus all expenses.

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Looking for a greener vacation?  Learn 3 simple ways to enjoy a earth-friendly sailboat vacation HERE.

Immediately available for Bahama yacht charters, the 142’ Palmer Johnson motor yacht LADY J (ex motor yacht Pure Bliss), is under new ownership and back on the charter market.  

Accommodating 12 guests in 5 staterooms and under the capable leadership of Captain Sandra Yawn, LADY J is also available for a Caribbean yacht charter this winter from $120,000 per week, plus expenses.

The full beam Master Stateroom is located forward on deck, with private office, sofa and vanity.  Ensuite facilities include Jacuzzi tub for her and separate stall shower for him, with twin sinks and private head.

Guests may choose from several options for each dining occasion whether seeking al fresco or air-conditioned dining between the aft deck, bridge deck, and formal dining salon.

The magnificent sun deck boasts a Jacuzzi positioned near oversized sun pads, 2 elliptical trainers, a full wet bar, and a TV.

Activities abound with a 25’ towed Pursuit tender, 2 waverunners, snorkel gear, 2 elliptical trainers, kayaks, paddle boards, fishing gear, Wii and Xbox 360 for the kids, plus plenty more!

Current Bookings:
Nov 23-28: Booked - Nassau, Bahamas
Dec 4-11: Antigua Yacht Charter Show
Currently available for the year-end holidays (10-night minimum)
Jan 22-27: Booked - Virgin Islands yacht charter
Feb 23-Mar 1: Booked - Virgin Islands
Mar 23-Apr 1: Booked - Virgin Islands
June 3-10: Booked - Nassau, Bahamas

The owner of motoryacht Lady J will also consider New England yacht charter vacations for the summer of 2012.

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Other Palmer Johnson yachts available for hire include motor yacht BLUE ICE, a Palmer Johnson 150, and the 135'  motor yacht DRAGON. Contact SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants to reserve your own private luxury motor yacht for the vacation of a lifetime NOW!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the tight economy forcing American boaters to reconsider expensive trips abroad, the appeal of Florida yacht charters has increased dramatically in the past two years.  Perhaps not on par with a Virgin Islands yacht charter, there are still plenty of points of interest while cruising along the South Florida coast, especially for charterers who also enjoy scuba diving.  

While the Florida Keys may be known for their fishing and scuba diving locations, both Broward and Miami-Dade counties have some of the best spots to scuba dive in the nation. From natural reefs to sunken ships, it's amazing what can be found off the shores of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.   Many of the reefs and wrecks can be found in 60 to 80 feet of water, making South Florida a great choice for both novice and advanced divers.

Here are some of our top picks:

Tugboat Jay Scutti (off Ft. Lauderdale)
Sunk in Sept. 1986, this 95 foot tug was seized by the government in a drug smuggling operation. It was bought at auction by a man who renamed it the "Jay Scutti," after his son. The wreck lies in 70 feet of water and is centered between a 45 foot wreck named "Moonshot" and another named "Pride," a 95 foot sailboat.  All three wrecks are tethered together by a cable. Divers can usually explore two of the wrecks in one dive. Lots of fish inhabit the Jay Scutti, and it's possible to enter the wreck through various openings.

Hammerhead Reef (off Ft. Lauderdale)
Located just south of Port Everglades and running to the Dania Pier, this two and a half mile reef is famous for its sharks, rays, and large grouper.  The front portion of the reef is in 60 feet of water, while the back side plunges to 80 feet.  In some spots, the reef rises to nearly 20 feet. Tons of marine life call this reef home and make it a great spot for reef diving.

Miami Beach Wreck Trek (off Miami Beach)
It's pretty impressive how artificial reefs have been created by linking multiple wrecks together via a guide cable. The Miami Beach Wreck Trek is a shallow dive, about 50 to 60 feet of water.  It begins with a pair of army tanks on the southern end. As they swim north, divers encounter several tons of limestone boulders and more wrecks like the "Rio Miami," a 105 foot tug which sits upright in about 65 feet of water.

Also off the Miami Beach coast is a trio of sunken tug boats. The "Belzona Ona," lies in 85 feet of water.  About 75 feet away is the second tug, "Belzona Two," in 60 feet of water. The deepest of the trio, "Belzona Three," is a 100 foot tug at a depth of 85 feet.

Not far away is the "Belcher Barge #27," a 195 foot steel barge that was sunk in 1985. The barge flipped on its way to the bottom, but experienced divers can penetrate it and swim the ship's entire length.

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Please comment to let us know about your experiences diving these awesome Florida dive sites!

In addition to cruising in south Florida, Bahama yacht charters are great options for closer-to-home getaways.  Contact our local charter guides for more details in Miami, the Florida Keys and nearby Bimini, Bahamas.
 

No sooner did we blog about "Where" is St Thomas that a person called our charter department to ask "What"  to do in St Thomas. Seems like a fair question - after all, part of the fun of a Virgin Islands yacht charter, is the opportunity to get off the yacht, take in the sights, and meet the island residents.

Considered the hub of the United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas, and her bustling port city, Charlotte Amalie, offers visitors the best of shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

Whether enjoying a luxury sailing charter, or passing through during a cruise ship vacation, you'll enjoy the multitude of things to see and do while visiting St. Thomas. In no particular order, here are the top 4 things not to be missed while you are enjoying your time on the island:

Magens Bay Beach - both National Geographic and Conde Nast have pegged this as one of the finest beaches in the world. The bay is almost always calm, the water is turquoise-blue, and the white sand beach is blinding.  This is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.  For more active visitors, you can rent water sports toys such as kayaks and snorkel gear there.

St.Thomas Skyride - similar to the enclosed lifts you see at ski resorts, this unique attraction offers visitors a tram ride up to Paradise Point. It's a short ride to the 700 foot summit, where you'll enjoy sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie harbor.  At the top, you can not only take in the amazing scenery, but also visit shops and a popular restaurant and bar.

Duty Free Shopping in Charlotte Amalie - St. Thomas is considered the best shopping spot in the Caribbean.  Duty free shops are everywhere, offering bargains on goods such as perfume, liquor, electronics, china, jewelry, and clothing. Many of these items can be found at prices that are 40 to 60 percent lower than in the United States.  The waterfront area is especially popular.  Old seventeenth-century warehouses that once stored rum and spices for wooden trade ships are now home to a variety of shops filled with modern day treasures.

St. Peter Greathouse Botanical Gardens - nature lovers will truly enjoy hiking this beautiful estate's 11 acres. You can follow one of several self-guided nature trails.  Visitors will find over 200 varieties of tropical plants and trees, plus an orchid jungle and an art gallery featuring local works by native artists. The gardens are located 1,000 feet above sea level, and a deck in the gardens provides a breathtaking view of the other islands that make up the Virgin Island chain.

St. Thomas is a colorful, vibrant island where nature, history, and yes, even upscale shopping, come together to create the perfect vacation destination.

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Which St Thomas hot spots have we missed?  Help us round out our Top 4 picks into a "Top 5" list!   Contact us HERE with your favorite places to go or things to do on St Thomas.

Yesterday, a potential (and first-time) Virgin island yacht charter customer asked, "Where do we fly, to catch the boat?"  As we answer a dozen times a week, we replied, "St. Thomas."

For many years, St. Thomas has been the gateway to the Caribbean, and the embarkation port for thousands of Caribbean yacht charter odysseys.  With a major international airport and a large, protected bay in the capital city, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas is a boater's paradise.

St Thomas is one of three main islands that comprise the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).  The other two islands are St John and St Croix. 

Located in the area of the Caribbean known as the West Indies, St Thomas is 1100 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, USA, and just 35 miles to the east of the island of Puerto Rico. 

Average flight time from Miami to St Thomas is 2 hours and 50 minutes, and from San Juan, Puerto Rico to St Thomas is 30 minutes.

Once onboard a luxury sailing charter vessel in St Thomas, the sailing time to the nearby British Virgin Islands is approximately 2 hours.  Motoryachts can make the trip in less than 1 hour.
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Click HERE for a selection of the newest yachts available for a St Thomas yacht charter vacation.

It's funny how superstitions and "tales of the unknown" tend to quietly creep into our lives and psyches.

You are going along just fine, oblivious to things that others consider eerie or supernatural.  Suddenly, somebody (or something) plants a seed in your mind, and whammo - you are throwing salt over your shoulder for good luck, or giving a wide berth to the neighbors' black cat sitting in your driveway!

Case in Point - planning a Bahama yacht charter vacation, or as I now refer to it: chartering a yacht in the Devil's Triangle.  Queue the creepy music and fog...

I was recently assisting a client in organizing a Lurssen yacht charter on motoryacht SOLEMATES. The gentleman wanted to take his family for a week-long adventure in the Bahamas.  We were chatting on the phone when I heard his teenage son in the background say, "Dude, I'm not down with a week in the Devil's Triangle...boats go there and people get abducted by aliens and disappear forever!"

The boys' father said,  "Jason, you're watching too much cable TV.  A little less Ghost Hunters and a little more studying wouldn't hurt."  

I remember chuckling to myself, but when I hung up the phone, I began to wonder... is there any credence to this kid's apprehension???

The Devil's Triangle is also known as the Bermuda Triangle, an area of the Atlantic Ocean bounded by Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and a point between Miami and Melbourne, Florida, in which numerous watercraft and aircraft are said to have mysteriously disappeared.

The most famous disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle are the ship USS Cyclops lost in March, 1918 and a U.S. Navy aircraft squadron, Flight 19 [video], said to have vanished in a green fog in December, 1945.

Scores of books have been written about the mystery of the triangle, and dozens of websites offer conjecture on who or what is responsible.  Theories abound - from the occult to extraterrestrials. 

Some sites offer a detailed list of planes, ships, and yachts that have vanished.  It does make you wonder - how could so many boats and planes simply disappear? 

Of course, many other books and websites detail how scientists and researchers have debunked the mysteries over the years.  It seems simple explanations, like tropical storms and pilot error, are the probable culprits for the disappearances. 

With science on their side, the U.S. Navy and the yachting industry pay little heed to the myths and legends. Lloyd's of London, for example, the world's leading market for specialized insurance, does not charge higher premiums for luxury mega yacht charter vessels transiting this heavily traveled area.

Still, I can't get the silly notion of aliens in the Bahamas out of my head.  Not Cuban rafters, but little green aliens with antennas on their heads and ray guns in their hands. 

I'm with Jason, dude - I'm not "down" with the Devil's Triangle.

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Avoid the Bermuda triangle and spend a week in paradise on a Virgin Islands yacht charter.  Contact our mythbusters, aka charter agents, HERE for more details.

1. PWC Safety School
   
2. Boat U.S. Foundation

    

   For students who prefer hands-on training, there are many accredited boating safety training centers and schools around the world, such as:

   Guardian Marine (UK)  

   Riviera Sea School (France) 
   

   International Yacht Training (Worldwide)

   Once you obtain your PWC license, be sure to discuss with your crew your desire to use the yacht's personal watercraft.  You might be surprised to find your cruising ground does not permit the use of PWC's - license or not!  
   
   This is especially true in areas with sensitive eco systems.  British Virgin Islands yacht charters, for example, are not allowed to use PWC's anywhere in the island chain.

   Knowing the rules for operating personal watercraft before your charter will help make your vacation safer and memorable for all the right reasons!  
   
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   From waverunners to mini submarines, click HERE and let our experts help you select the perfect yacht with watertoys for you and your family.

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

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