Yacht Charter

Chef Renee Kappetein, aboard sail catamaran WORLD'S END, bested over a dozen talented luxury yacht charter chefs in the 50th annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show culinary competition.

Renee, the live-aboard chef on the Fountaine Pajot Galathea 65 catamaran took first prize
in the division for yachts under 100 feet.  Second place was awarded to Adrian Martinon aboard catamaran LADY ALLIAURA. 

Third place honors went to chef Caro Uy onboard Sunreef 70 catamaran MUSE.  Readers might remember Caro from her profile in September outlining her passion for cooking and her love of travel.

Other winners included second place to Heather Kaniuk aboard motor yacht NUMPTIA in the superyacht division for boats 160 feet and larger;  and chef Melinda Heinze onboard the world's largest luxury sailing catamaran HEMISPHERE in the 100 to 159-foot category.

Kappetein's victory earned him a profile story in an upcoming edition of Showboats International magazine, a silver-framed certificate, a magnum of Piper champagne, a Liat airline ticket to anywhere in the Caribbean, a Williams-Sonoma gift certificate, and a stay at the 5-star Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort.

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Come spend a week with family and friends aboard the Fountaine Pajot 65 catamaran WORLD'S END.  Your crew will escort you to the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean.  Discover magnificent islands, nature and warm and friendly new cultures. The itinerary, activities and the menu will be based on your preferences, to guarantee you and your guests a unique experience to cherish for a lifetime. 

Contact the SailAway Yacht Charter destination team today to book your luxury yacht charter vacation.

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

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

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

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

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

Anyone who has enjoyed a luxury yacht charter can attest to the epicurean delights prepared and presented by some of the finest chefs in the world.  From select cuts of beef to freshly-caught seafood - only the finest ingredients are used.

Unfortunately, the same attention to detail is not always present ashore and back at home - especially when it comes to mislabeled seafood. 

Recent reports suggest that species may be mislabeled as much as 25 to 70 percent of the time for commonly swapped species such as red snapper, Atlantic cod, and wild salmon.  This mislabeling not only rips off consumers, but can hurt our oceans as well.

That's where you come in - the oceans need you, Sherlock Holmes!

The folks at Oceana, a celebrity-driven advocacy group for the protection of our seas, is recruiting "Seafood Sleuths" - volunteers to help identify seafood fraud. 

Simply put - they're looking for fishy seafood in your area, and need your help.

Do you have what it takes to be a Seafood Sleuth?

Seafood fraud covers a number of dirty activities that seek to skirt the rules and rip us off, including mislabeling seafood as a totally different fish. In the coming months, Seafood Sleuths will buy seafood from either a grocery store or a restaurant and send a small piece of fish back to Oceana.  The Oceana science team will work with a lab to use DNA to identify the fish species and report the results.

Earlier this year, Oceana tested seafood in the Boston area and found that 18% of the seafood purchased from major grocery store chains was mislabeled.  The Boston Globe published a two day story on seafood fraud in New England markets and restaurants and found 48% of the fish to be mislabeled.

You might wonder why this situation is not prevalent in the yacht charter industry.

Purchases of fresh foods for Caribbean yacht charter vessels, and indeed superyacht vessels everywhere, lies in the hands of the yacht's highly-trained onboard chef.  Most chefs personally visit the markets and select the entire fish, guaranteeing they are purchasing exactly the type of fish they want. 

So here is your opportunity to fight seafood fraud in your hometown — sign up to be a Seafood Sleuth NOW.

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To learn how to fight seafrood fraud, contact the SailAway mega yacht charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

The ancient city of Istanbul will play host to the seventh annual World Superyacht Awards
at the luxurious Çırağan Palace Kempinski on 5 May, 2012.

Combining a glittering awards ceremony with a gala dinner/dance, the Awards , often dubbed the “Oscars” of the superyacht industry, will be attended by an elite guest list of megayacht owners from around the globe.

While the nominations include private yachts as well as charter vessels, it's the newest and largest yachts for hire that seem to steal the show each year.  Some of the winners at the six annual installment in London, May 7, 2011 include:

► BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT - 1,300 GT to 2,999 GT
Winner: SYCARA V
 

► BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT - 500 GT to 1,299 GT
Winner: MARY-JEAN II
 

► BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT under 500 GT
Winner: EXUMA 
Judges’ Commendation: BIG FISH  

► THREE DECK SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHT
Winner: CALLIOPE 

► MOTOR YACHT OF THE YEAR
Joint Winner: Eclipse
Joint Winner: EXUMA 

► BEST SAILING YACHT - 45 meters and up
Winner: Zefira
Judges’ Special Award: ATLANTIC
Judges’ Special Award: KOKOMO
Judges’ Commendation: TWIZZLE 

► BEST SAILING YACHT - 30 meters to 44.99 meters
Winner: IMAGINE 

Straddling the Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia, Istanbul embodies the best of both cultures. The city has been the capital of three empires, each leaving a heritage of amazing architecture and monuments.

Once an Ottoman palace, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is located on the European shores of the Bosphorus with spectacular views over the strait. A 5-star resort, it is a registered member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Its 313 luxurious rooms include 20 suites in the hotel and 11 suites in the historical palace.

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To attend the superyacht awards ceremony, contact the SailAway special events department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/special_events.php.

At the recent ShowBoats Design Awards gala, the winner of the annual Young Designer of the Year Award was announced in front of an international audience of yacht owners and leading luxury yacht charter designers.

Michael Givens was declared the 2011 winner, taking home €5,000 in prize money, and topping a competition that drew 30 entries from 20 countries.

Additionally, the winner and the top five finalists are presented with a host of unique opportunities aimed at advancing their design careers, including complimentary access to the two-day Superyacht Design Symposium and an all-expenses paid trip to see the design and construction of Lürssen yacht charter vessels under construction at the builders shipyards in Bremen and Rendsburg, Germany.

The competition hosted by ShowBoats Media, is a worldwide initiative to uncover the yachting industry’s up-and-coming creative talents.

Contestants submitted design portfolios and were judged by an elite panel of internationally known yacht designers including Andrew Winch, Dickie Bannenberg & Rob Humphreys.

"Being called on stage to accept the Young Designer of the Year Award was the most exciting moment of my life," beamed Givens.  "It is truly astonishing to be starting out in this industry and have had the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. The award, along with the entire experience, will be cherished."
    
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Charter an award winning yacht like sail yacht TWIZZLE, or motor yacht EXUMA.  Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  to charter your own private luxury yacht today. 

How do you top yourself if you're the creator of a multi award-winning superyacht? Easy - build the same yacht again - only bigger and better.

Following in the footsteps of the acclaimed 45 meter Aquos Yachts motor yacht BIG FISH, the 50 meter motor yacht STAR FISH is currently under construction at McMullen & Wing. 

Projected to launch in April of 2012, Aquos motor yacht STAR FISH is based on the same hull form as M/Y BIG FISH, but will include six staterooms and accommodation for 14 crew, as well as a flexible owner’s deck with optional forward-facing cabin and both fore and aft decks.

 
The unique arrangement by Greg C. Marshall Naval Architects, allows the skylounge deck to be dedicated solely to owner’s use, or to be incorporated in the yacht’s public space scheme during luxury yacht charter outings. The captain’s cabin and wheelhouse will be located on a fourth deck with a dramatic flying bridge and observation pod above it.

We first introduced our readers to McMullen & Wing yacht BIG FISH in January 2011, as the vessel set out on an around-the-world odyssey.  Along the way, the owner, designer, and builders continued to collect awards and platitudes  for the edgy, angular, and dramatic megayacht, specifically created for sea-going adventure.

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For additional charter information, contact the megayacht specialists at SailAway Yacht Charters.

While there are numerous awards for megayacht designers and builders of the largest luxury yacht charter vessels, the crews of these floating works were often overlooked - until now.

A new competition has been organized by yacht management company Krystal Yachts, and the search is on for the world's best yacht crewmembers. 

Supercrew 2012 is designed to allow superyacht captains to recognize outstanding members in their employ.  Presented quarterly, and based on the exclusive nominations of captains, the award goes to the individual that best demonstrates the qualities of ability, attitude and going the extra mile.

Each quarter a panel of judges will determine the winner.  The winner will receive an engraved iPad and be included on the guest lists of all future Krystal Yachts events.

The competition is open to professional crew members who work on any luxury yacht.

Nominations for Supercrew 2012 open in January, 2012.

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Come experience the service of a highly-trained, professional crew on your own yachting holiday.  Contact the SailAway Yacht Charter specialists for further vacation details.

The owner of sail yacht BLISS has announced an ALL-INCLUSIVE special offer on the 37 meter luxury yacht charter vessel.

The charter rate of $98,000 per week includes three meals per day, standard bar and table wines, generator fuel, main engine fuel for an average of 3 hours per day, ship’s laundry, airport transit fees, and berthing fees for the first and last nights.

Not included, and to be charged to the charterer, will be any requested vintage wines and champagnes, communications costs, marina fees (apart from first and last night), and any shore excursions.

With her clean lines and contemporary design, sloop sailboat BLISS is a harmonious blend of comfort, style, and speed - ideal for extended cruising. Her composite hull and performance rigging enable her to sail efficiently in most wind conditions, offering comfortable cruising at all times, plus more exhilarating performance when desired.

Her modern interior décor features custom paint finishes with textured leather and shagreen-wrapped panels. Outdoor areas offer sunbathing, shaded cockpit dining and a convenient swimming platform.

BLISS offers flexible and luxurious accommodations in three ensuite cabins, two of which can be configured as doubles or twins. Four additional Pullman berths allow her to accommodate up to 10 guests in total, making her perfect for families or groups of friends.

Onboard amenities include:

    ●Kaleidescape movie server with movies and music accessible in each stateroom and in the saloon

    ●iPod docking stations in each stateroom

    ●Satellite TV in each stateroom and the saloon

For active guests, sail yacht BLISS's aquasport inventory includes:

●Castoldi 16m diesel jet tender
●2 stand-up paddle boards
●Water-skis (adult & child)
●Wakeboard
●Kneeboard
●Towing ring
●Towable banana
●2 single-seat kayaks
●Snorkel gear
●Kite surfing equipment (for experienced users only)
●Fishing gear
●Spa pool on deck

Please note that the yacht is booked for: 29 Dec – 7 Jan 12 in St Maarten in the Caribbean

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For more information or to book your private luxury yacht charter vacation, contact SailAway at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html 

The owner of the 130' Westport motor yacht MARY ALICE II has announced a special rate for Bahama yacht charters this winter!

Now through April 30, book a regular 7-night charter for $100,000 per week ($120,000 per week for 2011 year-end holidays) on motor yacht MARY ALICE II and receive an additional 3 nights for free!

In addition to the special rate of 10 nights for price of 7, the owner will waive all delivery fees to move the yacht from its home port in South Florida to the Bahamas - a savings of approximately $4000.

The yacht has also secured hard-to-come-by dockage at the famous Atlantis resort and marina in Nassau (Paradise Island), for the year-end holidays!!

The immaculately-kept 130' Westport yacht MARY ALICE II boasts brand new interior soft goods and AV equipment.  She accommodates 10/12 guests in 5 staterooms and will allow 2 more children to sleep on air mattresses in sky lounge.

Her ondeck Master suite has opening windows for fresh air, and blackout blinds for total privacy. Four guest cabins are located belowdeck and feature King beds, two of which can convert to twins.

Other amenities include a skylounge with satellite TV and an 8-person hydrotherapy hot tub.  Active guest will enjoy two waverunners, kayaks, underwater Seabobs, and a high performance 34' Regulator-brand towed tender.

Captain Kelly Esser and his crew of 5 look forward to treating their guests to the time of their lives in the Bahamas or Florida!

CLICK here to view a high-def video of the yacht and her amenities!

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For further information about chartering in the Bahamas, contact the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html

From gymnasiums, helicopters and onboard Kaleidescape movie theaters, today's modern superyacht has every affluent amenity imaginable.  Yet the most requested amenity by prospective charter customers remains one of the oldest, time-tested features:  the on-deck hot tub.
  
Is there a better way to unwind each night during a yachting vacation than enjoying a warm soak under the stars?

The benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy are well-documented - warm water therapy can promote relaxation, stress reduction and pain relief.  It's also a fun way to spend quality time with your travel companions  - sipping wine and planning your next day's adventures.

In the early years of the charter industry, most ondeck tubs were portable tubs - the same as those found in many homes.  Today's ondeck megayacht hydrotherapy tubs are permanent, built-in amenities, designed by naval architects and molded into the yacht's superstructure. 

Today we take a look at five of the best hydrotherapy tubs on five equally spectacular charter yachts:

SHERAKHAN
The 228-foot motor yacht SHERAKHAN has one of the largest sundeck hot tubs aboard any charter yacht.  The tub features an opaque bottom, allowing natural light to filter into the two-story dining room directly below.   

ST. EKATERINA
Benetti yacht charter enthusiasts like to brag about the hot tub onboard the 196ft motor yacht ST. EKATERINA (formerly motor yacht XANADU).  The large tub is within easy viewing distance of a two-way cinema screen. Charter guests can enjoy a film while soaking in the tub, and then not miss a single scene while moving over to the sundeck wet bar for a refreshing cocktail.

BATON ROUGE
The 205-foot Icon motor yacht BATON ROUGE  features an oversized sundeck hot tub that doubles as an endless pool with swimming jets for anyone wanting more than the regular water pressure. Overhead, cool-water jets shower guests in a light, refreshing mist.

ANDREAS L
Another Benetti motor yacht, the 196ft yacht ANDREAS L has a hot tub with submerged bar stools, for guests who prefer to enjoy their refreshments sitting upright as opposed to the common hot tub lounging position.

NUMPTIA
Leave it to the Italians to redefine the modern style of the ondeck hot tub.  The owner of the 70 meter (230 ft) Rossi Navi motor yacht NUMPTIA turned to Design Studio Spadolini, of Florence to create a modern hot tub masterpiece.  The floor-level tub and endless-style pool is the centerpiece on the yacht's sun deck, and features colored mood lighting, an infinity glass edge on one side, and two powerful waterfall-style showers dropping volumes of water into the pool. 

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Seen any other amazing hot tubs or onboard amenities on a yacht?  Contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html, send us a photo, and we'll share your images and comments with our readers.

Like it or not, information in "Real time" is a way of life.  Whether its the latest Tweet by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, the tumbling Euro in the continuing global debt crisis, or the 12th hour NBA lockout negotiations - we need our information now, as it happens, streaming live to our smart phones and laptops.

Staying connected is a way of life, even when we travel for pleasure.  The mega yacht charter industry, frequently viewed as pathfinders in embracing technology and gadgets, clearly understands the need to be wired.  Industry insiders report nearly 98% of all megayachts for hire feature onboard WiFi service for use of their guests.

But is WiFi all you need to stay in touch with the real world during a charter holiday?  According to Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, WiFi is only one part of the answer.  "Clients often ask if the yacht they are considering for their vacation has WiFi," says Sheeder. "What they really should be asking is, 'Does the yacht have VSAT.'"

Many yachts with WiFi capability can only access the Internet when they are in close proximity to a WiFi server.  Many marinas have WiFi servers;  but what happens when the yacht sets off for a remote cove for a day of swimming and snorkeling?  Unless the yacht has VSAT, the onboard WiFi capabilities are rendered useless.

VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is simply a satellite system. The superyacht has a dome and antenna onboard that connects from just about anywhere at sea to a satellite in space. "Having VSAT onboard means the client can be anchored off the coast of a remote island during a Caribbean yacht charter, flip open their laptop, and use WiFi to connect to the Internet," explains Sheeder.

When booking your next yachting holiday, be sure to ask for a specific breakdown of the yacht's WiFi systems.

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For information about megayacht vacations in exotic ports of call, contact the SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

Boasting a color scheme more common at the Monaco Grand Prix, the 37-Meter Heeson motor yacht AURELIA has announced plans to relocate this winter to Saint Martin, just in time for the launch of the Caribbean yacht charter season.  The stunning, brand new Heesen yacht, with a highly experienced charter crew, is available from mid December, 2011 through April 2012.

Inspired by the owner’s passion for racing cars, motor yacht AURELIA features an unusual exterior paint job from Dobroserdov Design.  The Bannenberg & Rowell interior of motor yacht AURELIA is race-inspired as well. Luxury yacht charter guests will be impressed by the richness of materials and elaborate details used to create the yacht’s interiors.

Accommodations are offered for 8 guests in four staterooms, each cabin named after racing car designers. The master suite is located forward on the main deck and three double guest cabins are positioned on the lower deck. Bertone (orange Lamborghini), Pininfarina (red Ferrari), and Zagato (green Aston Martin) are the racecar designers who inspired the décor of the guest cabins.

The yacht's key features include:

● Kaleidescape entertainment system
● Stabilizers to minimize rocking and heighten onboard comfort
● Huge outdoor deck space for entertaining and relaxing
● Impressive list of aqua-sport toys
● Highly experienced charter crew

Motor yacht AURELIA is available at the rate of €105,000 - €120,000 per week, plus running expenses (items such as food, fuel, bar and dockage).

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For further information or to charter your own private luxury racing yacht, contact the SailAway yacht charter specialists at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html. 

With the global economy in disarray, planning an affordable family vacation is a real challenge.  Fortunately, two yachts have just made sail boat charters a great option for a winter or spring break adventure. 

Sail yacht BLUE PASSION and sail catamaran NEXUS have announced special family charter rates.  Subject to certain age restrictions, kids can travel FREE this winter and spring on either of these two Caribbean yacht charter vessels.

S/Y BLUE PASSION:

The 58-foot sail yacht BLUE PASSION was built in 2010.  She features 4 double cabins with an option for one aft cabin to convert to a twin cabin. All cabins are ensuite with separate showers and electric toilets.  Her saloon is incredibly spacious and able to seat 12 people comfortably. On deck she offers a double sized sunbathing mattress to relax on. In her huge cockpit 12 people can sit around and enjoy her sailing performance.

On her stern you will find a spacious aft deck perfect for landing fish, preparing to go diving and access for swimming.

All inclusive rates start from $15,500 per week for 2 guests to $17,000 per week for 8 passengers with children 5 and under free through April 30, 2012.

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S/Y NEXUS:


Launched in 2009, sail catamaran NEXUS features two king and one queen cabins. The king cabins can convert to twins, and one has an additional single berth. All offer ensuite bathrooms.  The very spacious saloon is ideal for indoor relaxation and entertainment.

The exterior cockpit features drop-down blinds for both privacy and protection for outdoor dining and lounging in all weather conditions.

All inclusive rates start from $15,000 per week for 2 guests to $19,250 per week for 8 passengers.  Children 10 and under are FREE through April 30, 2012.

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Come explore St Thomas and the U.S and British Virgin islands.  Contact the SailAway charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html for a list of  yachts offering discounts and specials.

The beautiful 54 meter motor yacht SEQUEL P has announced reduced winter rates in the Caribbean.

To encourage last-minute holiday bookings, Proteksan yacht SEQUEL P has dropped her Christmas and New Year's Eve premium rates from $378,000 per week to $350,000 per week - a savings of 8%.

For non-holiday periods, charterers can enjoy a Virgin Islands yacht charter for $322,000 per week and pocket savings of $28,000 off the regular rate of $350,000 per week.

Launched in Turkey in June, 2009, mega yacht SEQUEL P was designed by London-based H2 designers, and built by Proteksan Turquoise Yachts Inc specifically for use in the luxury yacht charter industry.

The newest yacht to hit the Caribbean (and the mediterranean in summer), the vessel offers a fascinating interior with areas furnished in sycamore and macore woods, and a generous exterior deck space. 

Up to 12 guests are accommodated in 6 staterooms:  a master suite on the main deck, and 2 double, 2 twin (each with Pullman) and 1 convertible VIP cabin on the lower deck.  The VIP cabin can also be converted into a massage studio or office.
 

Special features include zero speed stabilizers, which reduce motion when the yacht is at anchor, amazing deck spaces, and well-planned entertainment areas.  For active guests, there is a full gymnasium, and a large inventory of aqua toys. To ease sore muscles after a day of activity there is a large ondeck Jacuzzi tub, as well as the services on a licensed masseuse.

Similar yachts available this winter in the Caribbean include the 2011 53-meter motor yacht SPIRIT,  the 2009 50-meter motor yacht WHEELS, and the 2010 55-meter HARBOUR ISLAND.

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To book a holiday escape in the Caribbean or Bahamas, contact the SailAway destination experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

It's been said a Caribbean yacht charter vacation is a great way to kick the blues.  Now, a popular sailing charter yacht wants to help you sing the blues!

Book sail yacht MAKAYABELLA during the Bequia Mount Gay Music Festival (January 26th – 29th, 2012) and the yacht's crew, John and Sue, will provide the guests with complimentary tickets to both the Friday and Saturday night performances.

Outstanding performances by local, regional and international artists has made this music festival one of the “must see” fixtures on the Caribbean season’s calendar.  The event kicks off with Dana Gillespie and her London Blues Band’s performance on Friday night and lasts for four days.  The festival has received rave reviews since its inception and precedes the 14-day Mustique Blues Festival.

The main venue and stage is located at De Reef, right on the beach in Lower Bay, Bequia, with the big performances on Friday and Saturday night - followed by lazy Sunday afternoon “limin’” music to close out the weekend.

The cozy sailboat MAKAYABELLA can accommodate 6 guests in 4 cabins.  The Master cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet. 2 Guest cabins have a twin bed, shower and toilet.  A Guest cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet. All cabins are ensuite.  On warm evenings, the yacht offers air conditioning in the saloon.



John and Sue have taken guests to this event for the last few years and they report everyone has a great time. "We feel it’s a great event," says John, "and very much worth promoting as a focal point of a charter here in the Grenadines."

If you're a music lover and looking for a unique charter experience, plan a yachting holiday onboard sail yacht MAKAYABELLA around the festival's dates, and John and Sue will throw in the tickets - free of charge.

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To book a special event yachting vacation, contact the SailAway destination team at  http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html. 

Looking forward to a strong Mediterranean yacht charter season, the 30 meter sail yacht NOSTROMO cruises into 2012 with highly-competitive, reduced rental rates.

Beginning with the upcoming summer high season (July and August), rates have been slashed by 23% - from €45,000 per week to an attractive €35,000 per week. Rates are plus expenses.



Launched in 2009, the sleek, modern sloop was designed by Dubois Yachts and built by British superyacht builder Pendennis.  Since her arrival on the charter scene, Dubois sail yacht NOSTROMO quickly became a popular sailing yacht in France and Italy before crossing the Atlantic for service as a Caribbean yacht charter vessel. 

Pendennis yacht NOSTROMO boasts a beautiful interior, designed by Redman Whitely Dixon.  There are four cabins that can be converted to offer 3 modern double cabins and 1 single cabin with a bath.

Available in the Eastern Mediterranean, her experienced crew is keen to charter.  With attractive new rates, expect prime summer dates to be booked quickly. 

Similar yachts available this summer in the Eastern Mediterranean include  the 43 meter sail yacht CLEAR EYES, 38 meter gullet yacht ESMA SULTAN, 34 meter sail yacht ANNAGINE, and the 32 meter crewed catamaran charters superstar sail yacht IPHARRA.

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For further information contact the SailAway Mediterranean destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

On the heels of a glowing post-charter review  by recent guests, sailing yacht catamaran DREAMING ON has announced a Thanksgiving crewed catamaran charters special.

The recipient of many favorable cruise-in-review client letters, crewmembers Iza and Geoff are asking, "Why have turkey at home when you can have LOBSTER in paradise for Thanksgiving?"

Iza and Geoff and their 47’ Leopard catamaran DREAMING ON, awarded runner up at last week's BVI Boat Show as "Best Catamaran under 50 feet," are offering two specials for the Thanksgiving holidays:

●  Any 3 or 4 night charter with no surcharge

OR

● 7 nights for the price of 6

~ Guests may opt for Lobster on Thanksgiving or traditional turkey ~

Launched in 2003 and immaculately maintained, crewed catamaran sailing yacht DREAMING ON  is one of the most popular vessels offering crewed charters.  This Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel offers accommodations for 6 guests in 3 cabins, each with ensuite bathrooms.

The yacht's watertoy inventory includes towable toys such as a wakeboard, kneeboard, and a ski-tube, along with fishing and snorkel gear.

Doing her part for the yachting industry's ongoing GREEN initiative, the catamaran is equipped with wind scoops to limit the need for air-conditioning.  Solar panels have also been installed to provide clean electricity. The crew also purchases earth-friendly paper products, biodegradable cleaning products, and local organic produce when available.

When not on charter, Geoff and Iza are often seen helping with reef and beach clean-up projects.

Available for Caribbean yacht charters, the yacht is based in the British Virgin Islands. Her published rate is $11,000 per week for 2 guests, $12,250 per week for 4 guests, and $13,250 per week for 6 passengers. Rates are inclusive of meals and the ship's bar.

Similar sailing catamaran yachts available in the Caribbean include the 62'
catamaran sail yacht AVALON ($26,000 per week, all inclusive), the 56' catamaran sail yacht BACCHUS (€ 20,000 per week, all inclusive), and the 65' sail catamaran WORLD'S END (€23,400 per week, plus expenses).

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To arrange a last-minute holiday yachting vacation, contact the SailAway destination professionals at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

The popular classic schooner ELENA, a modern recreation of the famous 1928 Trans Atlantic record holder designed by Nathaniel Herreshoff, has announced plans to offer Caribbean yacht charter vacations this winter.

Sailing across the pond from the Mediterranean, sail yacht ELENA is already reserved for the New Year's holiday week, but has many other prime dates available through April, 2012.

Fantastic performance under sail will make S/Y Elena a favorite for sailing regattas, while her luxurious 5 cabin interior will appeal to families more interested in conventional sail boat charters.  True to her racing spirit, this reincarnated superyacht promises both beauty and grace under sail as well as uncompromising speed.

Guest cabins are exquisitely finished with mahogany paneling while all interior ornamental details closely follow the original Herreshoff drawings. The beautiful varnished mahogany panels are accentuated by white painted ceilings and ceiling beams.

In tribute to the original designer and builder, each cabin is named after a famous Herreshoff schooner: 
Katoura, the Owner’s cabin, boasts a large double bed, and the wide dimensions allow space for a full writing desk.
The Westward cabin also offers a double bed, as does the optional Captain’s cabin, Irolita. The two twin cabins, Ingomar and Mariette, are located adjacent to one another on the starboard side.

Ensuite bathrooms have separate showers and toilets and are finished with elegant, period-simulated fittings. There is ample closet space and an abundance of natural light through the overhead skylights as well as three portholes in every stateroom, and four in the owner’s cabin.
 

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Another classic-styled sailing yacht available this winter is the 47 meter schooner sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA.  For more information on these modern replicas, contact the SailAway charter desk at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

The crew of a popular Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel has come up with a plan to be greener and save their customers money.

Recognizing many charter clients end up eating a meal or two ashore during a typical week-long yachting vacation,  sail catamaran SILVER MOON has announced a half board food option.

While a typical all-inclusive charter features 3 meals a day, the half board option includes all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners, along with beverages, the standard ship's bar, and snacks.  All other meals are taken ashore at the guest's expense.

Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway, explains the benefits of a half board option: "Part of the attraction of a yachting vacation is the chance to indulge in local customs and foods.  Sometimes, fresh food on the yachts goes to waste as the clients tend to eat ashore two or three times a week in the various ports of call.   The half board option cuts down on waste, preparation materials and cleanup," explains Sheeder.

Clients can save money, too, as the overall cost of the boating vacation can be reduced to reflect the fewer meals and food served onboard.

Here's the price breakdown on S/Y SILVER MOON:

Passengers        Half-Board   All-Inclusive
2                        $  8,000       $  8,600 
3                            8,560           9,200 
4                            9,115           9,800 
5                            9,775         10,500 
6                           10,325        11,100 
 


The sailing yacht SILVER MOON is a 44'  catamaran launched in 2002.  She offers 3 guest cabins, each with a queen berth and private bathroom. The yacht is equipped with wind scoops to limit the need for air conditioning.  The crew also purchases earth-friendly paper products, biodegradable cleaning products, and local organic produce when available. 

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Other catamarans available in the Caribbean this winter include the world's largest catamaran, the 145'  sail yacht HEMISPHERE, the 75' sail catamaran LADY ALLIAURA, and the 65' sail catamaran WORLD'S END.  For more information, contact the SailAway catamaran sailing charter experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.