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 carousel, 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. This is a MUST for a bareboat yacht charter in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, also!
Do you have a favorite new gadget that you can’t live without? Tell us about it HERE, and we’ll share it with our readers.
This entry was posted in Educational Good Times News and tagged LG Optical Character Recognition, Gadgets, LG, Cybershot TX55, bareboat charter, 3D, Samsung Galaxy, Virgin Island yacht charter, IFA, Samsung Galaxy Note, James Bond
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Planning a luxury sailing charter?, Or a week cruising on a motoryacht? Sardinia is truly a cruising paradise. Specifically, with crystal clear waters and quiet anchorages.
Last week, we introduced our readers to the enchanted island. In other words, through our blog post called Sardinia’s location off the coast of Italy.
Today, we take a look at the island, itself. We surely recommend top four things to do in Sardinia.
1. Visit BOSA. Away from the coast, much of the countryside is mountainous. It has innumerable charming villages and hotels. In addition, restaurants and incredible views. Along the coast, however, is a special small town worth a visit. It is Bosa. This 12th century town is situated on the west coast. Specifically, north of Oristano, in a valley on the Temo. It is the only navigable river in Sardinia.
The city is overlooked by the Castello Malaspina. The castle dates to 1112. To the south of the Castle, specifically on the north bank next to the bridge, is the Bosa Cathedral. This structure is from the fifteenth century. Inside is a splendid interior of marble statues. Additionally, nineteenth century frescos. The nearby Bosa Marina Beach is regularly voted the cleanest beach in Italy.
Are you arriving via a luxury mega yacht charter vessel? If so, the Bosa Marina is just 2 kilometers from the town of Bosa. The marina accommodates yachts up to 50 meters. Most of the slips are for smaller yachts. For this reason, call in advance to secure a reservation. Especially during peak summer periods.
2. Ride the TRENINO VERDE. In the summer, the Trenino Verde tourist train runs from Palau. Further, south through the mountains. It is a beautiful route. For example, it meanders its way slowly through the hills. It is a way to see the interior of Sardinia. One of the stops is the small village of Sant’Antonio di Gallura. It is a true farming village on a hillside. Finally overlooking the Diga Liscia lake. The old center of the village is charming. It groups around the piazza and church of Sant’Antonio. The town has few visitors in the summer. However, it is a typical Gallurese working village. If you prefer to be surrounded by local residents rather than other tourists, this is the place for you.
Stop by the Capichera winery. Pick up several bottles of their famous Classico white wines. These wines feature dry, rounded and mouthfilling flavors of juicy, aromatic fruit. In addition, a long, lingering finish, rich in tangy minerals.
3. See the NURAGHI. They look like man-made beehives. The Nuraghi are stone dwellings dating back to the bronze age. They only exist on Sardinia. The exact use of these structures remains unknown. Scientists speculate they were possibly used as religious temples. On the other hand, possibly as military strongholds. There are over 6000 of these stones on the island. The most famous Nuraghe is Nuraxi su Barumini. In specific, it is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Barumini is located at approximately 60 kilometers north of Cagliari. This is the capital of Sardinia.
4. Explore PARCO NAZIONALE dell’ ARCIPELAGO di MADDALENA. La Maddalena is a national park located in the north of Sardinia. On clear days, you can see the coastline of the French island of Corsica. Moreover, from the most northern island of La Maddalena, Isola Razzoli. Luxury sailing charter guests love this destination as most of the islands in this archipelago can only be reached by boat. Here, visitors glimpse unspoilt nature and stunning views. In addition, the kindness of friendly, local residents.
Travel tip – hire a local guide for a hiking excursion. A handful of residents trained and licensed are environmental hiking guides leading hiking tours of the islands. Scuba is another popular adventure in the archipelago and several dive operators have shops on La Maddalena including Area 11 Diver and Scuba Point.
Dazzling beaches, clear water, ancient fortress cities, and modern port towns make Sardinia a “must” stopover for any Western Mediterranean yachting vacation.
Help us round out our list from a “Top four” to a “Top five” review. In specific, of the best Sardinia has to offer. Tell us your favorite thing to do there! Contact the 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS destination team with your travel tips for sightseeing in Sardinia.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Educational and tagged yacht charter Sardinia, Parco Nazionale dell' Arcipelago de Maddalena, Nuraghi, stone dwellings in Sardinia, Cagliari, Trenino Verde tourist train, Capichera winery, Bosa Marina, Eastern Mediterranean yacht charter, yacht charter Italy, Sardinia
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Happy Thanksgiving sand design on Caribbean beach
Another travel holiday is 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.
The winter charter season kicks off in December. Crews return from their own vacations at year-end. Yachts re-emerge from the shipyards after annual summer maintenance. 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:
First, NAEJ. Sail catamaran 2006 NAEJ leads the value parade. She is a 49 foot yacht with room for 7 guests. Her builder is Alliaura Marina. She has an all-inclusive weekly rate of $13,500 per week. This rate equates to just $275 per person per night.
Yacht SORANA for charter
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).
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 and 1-800 Yacht Charter destination experts at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Special Offers and tagged Princess yacht charter, Maevie, Thanksgiving, The Cure, yacht charter holiday, Naej, Alliaura Marina, Sorana, Motu, sailboat charter, Privilege yacht charter, holiday yacht charter, Guadeloupe, caribbean yacht charter, catamaran yacht charter
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On the heels of a fantastic first European summer charter season, the 44 meter motor yacht San Bernardo will be available this winter in the Caribbean yacht charter fleet. She offers accommodations for 10 passengers in 5 luxurious staterooms.
Captain James Laing made the announcement on behalf of his superyacht owner’s syndicate. Scheduled to be in position in Marigot Bay, St Martin, from mid December, 2011, luxury yacht San Bernardo is available at a weekly rate of Euro 160,000 for Christmas and New Years, and Euro 150,000 per week for all other winter and spring dates.
The yacht and crew, led by Captain Laing have had an excellent first season, with exemplary feedback from the charter guests.
Do not miss the opportunity to secure prime dates on this magnificent yacht. Click HERE to book now.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Yacht of the Week and tagged San Bernardo, Captain Laing, yacht charter Caribbean, simpson bay marina, caribbean yacht charter, yacht charter Europe
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Her celebrity owner used the yacht all summer. On-again/off-again Mediterranean yacht charter superyacht SEVEN SEAS heads to the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show. The show is September 21 through 24.
The spectacular 86 meter (280 ft) Oceanco motor yacht SEVEN SEAS has been in the news throughout the summer. Steven Speilberg owned yacht hosted family and celebrity friends, for instance, Gwyneth Paltrow, Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Contemporary styling and modern lines define this elegant yacht. To illustrate, she boasts extraordinary interior volume. Her beam is 14.20 meters. Oceanco motor yacht SEVEN SEAS features accommodations for twelve guests. Accommodations include four large guest suites and two luxurious VIP suites.
Oceanco’s signature infinity swimming pool is on the aft deck. It can be conveniently transformed into a helipad. A favorite innovative highlight of 1-800 Yacht Charters’ President, Jana Sheeder on Seven Seas, is a projector. This throws an image up onto the aft glass wall of the pool. It allows guests to watch movies while swimming or on the quay.
The owner has an iconic role in American cinema. He highlights in through his yacht. For example, the main salon has a professional projection system and a 5 x 2 meter screen. These are coupled with two rows of raked seating. The seating can transform into a screening theater. Next to the main salon is a 250m² area. To illustrate, it can host everything from casual al fresco dining to a black-tie Cannes Film Festival gala.
The yacht has an extensive list of amenities. For instance, a custom enclosed 10.5 meter limo tender and custom 9.2 meter open sport boat are watertoys.
Oceanco is proud to present this magnificent yacht. Her presence at the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show is welcome. Her berth number is slip R01. Above all, visits on board will be by invitation only.
Want to attend the Monaco yacht show? Please contact our destination specialists HERE.
This entry was posted in Special Events Yacht of the Week and tagged Oceanco, Cannes Film Festival, monaco yacht show, Seven Seas, Yacht Shows, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Mediterranean yacht charter
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