Monthly Archives: December 2011

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. 

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 9, 2011 by admin

Making its world debut at the 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show in January 2012, Sunseeker Yachts will unveil the new Sunseeker 28 model.

The first of a distinctive new generation combining the very latest in innovation and technology, the new 28 meter Sunseeker will be the perfect platform for smaller group term charters for 4 to 8 guests.

The 2012 Sunseeker 28 shows a new “look”  for the famous performance yacht builder. Most captivating is the remarkable extent of main deck glazing. Full height and pillarless, the glazing flows continuously down the sides and around the rear of the saloon, where it merges with the aft patio doors. This new wrap-around glazing gives the main deck accommodation a unique, panoramic floor-to-ceiling view and a bright, sun-filled interior.

External conversation areas on the foredeck and flybridge have been innovated with new sunpad and group seating formats. The expansive foredeck has given rise to a completely new seating/sunpad layout with a center companionway emphasizing the increased social areas.

The large flybridge deck offers unrivalled room for any mega yacht charter vessels in the 25 to 30 meter range.  This space can be tailored to suit every owner’s needs – from spa tubs to extended sunpads, this area will have multiple entertainment layouts.

Offering a breakthrough in interior layout and design, the Sunseeker 28 features interior furnishings selected from the 2012 Sunseeker Collection of materials and linings, ensuring that the striking exterior design continues throughout the interior. Two individual stairways lead down to four well appointed (and spacious) staterooms, including two VIP double staterooms and a full-beam master suite. Each cabin incorporates the large viewing window now synonymous with Sunseeker design.

With excellent performance speeds, modern exterior lines, and refined interiors, the new Sunseeker 28 is a remarkable new craft.   She will soon join similar-sized 2011 models already in charter such as Sunseeker Predator 84 yacht FIRECRACKER and Sunseeker 34 yacht TUPPENCE.
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This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 27, 2011 by admin

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.

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 7, 2011 by admin

While the popularity of Bahama yacht charters has increased in recent years, the availability of reasonably-priced airfare to the island nation has stymied many a potential luxury yacht charter customer.   Flights from South Florida to the Bahamas are often more expensive than coast to coast flights across the United States.

Fortunately a new alternative to traveling to and from the Bahamas has been unveiled.

On December 16th, Balèaria Bahamas Express introduced inaugural high speed ferry service between Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and Freeport (Grand Bahama).

The 74 meter ferry Pinar del Rio cruises at 32 knots and can make the 76 mile crossing in 2.5 hours.

The service runs daily, except on Wednesday, with a convenient schedule that allows passengers from the USA to return on the same day after spending the day on Grand Bahama Island.

Pricing starts at $49.50 per person, one way, with first class seating available for $90 per person each way, plus local taxes.
 
Spanish-based Balèaria specializes in the transportation of people in the Mediterranean. With nearly 1000 employees and 15 ships in operation, the company ferried almost 3 million passengers in 2010.

The company is also working on establishing service from South Florida to Bimini in 2012.

To book your ferry ticket from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahama online, visit the Balearic Bahamas Express’ reservation website at https://www.ferryexpress.com/wps/portal/comercial/home_us_en?estrecho=3&resetPortlet=true

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Springtime is the best time to plan a yachting vacation in the pristine waters of the Bahamas.  Contact  the SailAway destination specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html  for a list of spring specials on both luxury sailing charter vessels and motoryachts.

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 19, 2011 by admin

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 

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 5, 2011 by admin

As the year draws to a close, luxury yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters, is beaming.  "We’ve closed our year with the addition of 40 brand new 2011 models to our global network of yacht charter vessels.  The largest of our new offerings is the 81 meter Feadship motor yacht AIR, followed by Proteksan Turquoise yacht TALISMAN C and Rossi Navi motor yacht NUMPTIA, both 70 meters in overall length."

With a reputation for offering the newest and largest yachts in the world’s best destinations, Sheeder and her team at SailAway spend countless hours identifying potential charter yachts. "Rarely do we add any yacht to our fleet that is more than two to three years old, " says Sheeder.  "Even when we consider classic-styled yachts, we prefer to promote modern reproductions of famous yachts.  Clients know they can turn to us for yachts that are on the cutting edge of new technology and styling."

An example of Sheeder’s pursuit of modern yachts is the newly launched 47 meter sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA, a replica of a classic racing schooner first launched in 1908. Says Sheeder, "Turn of the century guests onboard the original yacht would marvel at the technological comforts onboard this modern vessel. From satellite televisions to 5.1 Dolby surround sound, the only thing ‘old’ on this yacht is the classic design."

Many of the new yachts are award winners in global design competitions, such as the annual ShowBoats Design Awards.  "We pay close attention to these competitions," reports Sheeder.  "The best designers and naval architects in the world judge these yachts.  Odds are great that if the best minds in the industry like a boat, our clients will, too."

Recent award winners promoted by SailAway to their clients include late 2010 launch Perini Navi motor yacht EXUMA (Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Displacement Motor Yachts 100′-199′), and the 42 meter Holland Jachtbouw motor yacht CALLIOPE (Best Exterior Design & Styling Award: Semi-displacement Motor Yachts).

As to the new year, Sheeder is even more optimistic.  "Our research indicates that 72 new megayachts were ordered in 2011, the largest at 100 meters, and an average length of almost 43 meters. Eighty per cent of these newly-built yachts will be launched in 2012 or 2013, and we’ll surely have an entirely new inventory of yachts-for-hire to present to our clients!" 

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To charter a newly launched yacht in 2012, contact SailAway’s charter department at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 31, 2011 by admin

The ancient city of Istanbul will play host to the seventh annual World Superyacht Awards
at the luxurious ÇıraÄŸan 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:

â–º BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT – 1,300 GT to 2,999 GT
Winner: SYCARA V
 

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

â–º BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT under 500 GT
Winner: EXUMA 
Judges’ Commendation: BIG FISH  

â–º THREE DECK SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHT
Winner: CALLIOPE 

â–º MOTOR YACHT OF THE YEAR
Joint Winner: Eclipse
Joint Winner: EXUMA 

â–º BEST SAILING YACHT – 45 meters and up
Winner: Zefira
Judges’ Special Award: ATLANTIC
Judges’ Special Award: KOKOMO
Judges’ Commendation: TWIZZLE 

â–º 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 ÇıraÄŸan 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.

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 12, 2011 by admin

"Dear SailAway – I love reading the blogs about the big yachts and all of the celebrities that hang out in St Barts during the holidays. I will be in St Martin for a hotel-based vacation, and while I can’t afford a luxury yacht charter, I would love to see St Barts. What’s the best way to get there?

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Editor’s note: Thanks, Terry. You have several options:

BY AIR
There are daily flights from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in St Maarten (Netherlands, Antilles). It’s a short 10-12 minute flight to St Barth’s Gustave III Airport, located on the island’s north coast. The descent is a real nail biter for the faint-hearted, necessitating a pass through a narrow break in a hilltop and a landing on the 280 meter runway that ends on St Jean beach.
Call +590 590 276541 for flight info.

BY FERRY
If you would rather avoid the short flight, several interisland high-speed ferry services operate regularly between St Maarten and St Bart’s. It’s a 45 minute ride.

Voyager Ferry (daily travel between St Martin, St Barts and Saba)
+590 590 275410
www.voyager-st-barths.com

Master Ski Pilou (private water taxi transfer from St Barth’s to St Maarten Juliana Airport and Anguilla)
+590 590 279 179
www.masterski-pilou.com

As to not being able to afford a yacht charter, Terry, you might be surprised. The megayachts are certainly very expensive, but many travelers prefer smaller, more intimate crewed catamaran charters for their yachting vacations.

A family or group of 8 passengers can rent a crewed catamaran for under $15000/wk, all inclusive of meals, alcohol, crew, a LOTS of onboard watersports toys like bananas, wakeboards, snorkel gear, etc.

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For pricing, specials, and more general information to rent private yacht, contact the SailAway Caribbean experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 29, 2011 by admin

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 entry was posted in Yacht Charter Posted on December 30, 2011 by admin