Yesterday, a client texted us from his 170 foot Feadship yacht charter vessel. “@anchor next 2 yacht Eclipse n 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 industry maven, Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants and 1-800 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.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Caribbean Special Events Educational and tagged president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, yacht charter special events, yacht charter industry, Gwen Stefani, New Year's Eve, celebrity yacht charters, Larry Ellison, SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants, Rising Sun, luxury yacht charter Caribbean, Jana Sheeder, Superyachting Index Analysis, Feadship yacht charter
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Luxury yacht charter vessel, Mi Sueno
Ready to cruise into the new year, the 190 foot Trinity Yachts motor yacht MI SUENO has announced a special reduced rate for Caribbean yacht charter vacations for the month of January, 2012.
Slashing more than 10% from the published rate of €280,000 per week plus expenses, motor yacht MI SUENO is available for this limited offer at a price of €250,000 per week, plus all expenses. All running expenses, such as food, fuel and bar are extra. That is a savings of €30,000 per week!
Trinity yacht charter aficionados are quite familiar with this impressive yacht. Launched in 2010, motor yacht MI SUENO is a standout in every respect. Up to 12 charter guests will relax in comfort while at anchor, with the aid of zero speed (at anchor) Quantum stabilizers. Her onboard amenities include WiFi and Kaleidescape central movie/music server throughout. The yacht is also equipped with a 2-person, wheelchair-accessible elevator (to 3 levels).
Mi Sueno deck
In addition to the full sun deck areas, conversation nooks abound on all decks, inside and outside, on this fascinating nautical creation. The sophisticated, contemporary interior is a tasteful mix of textures, fine art, and neutral colors in furnishings, carpets, and stonework.
Forward on the main deck is the full-width split-level Master Suite with King bed, featuring a private study, private lounge, and his/hers bathrooms.
Five additional ensuite staterooms below include a full-width VIP King suite, 2 matching King cabins, a wheelchair-accessible Queen stateroom, and a Twin cabin (with Pullman berth). There’s flexibility for a 7th stateroom by converting the Gym/Massage Room on the Bridge Deck into a guest cabins with 4 Pullman berths and ensuite bath.
The yacht’s three exterior living areas are a joy to behold — spacious and inviting with beautiful teak furniture on all levels. Guests can head up to the sundeck for a vigorous workout on the elliptical trainer…then ease into the Jacuzzi tub, followed by a quick dip in the plunge pool…and finish with a soothing massage in the gym on the Bridge Deck. As the sun sets, enjoy cocktails and fine dining al fresco on the private deck, aft of the skylounge.
Last but not least, this megayacht is loaded with aquasports gear and toys for those who like to get out on the water. Trinity yacht MI SUENO is standing by for your cruising pleasure. “Mi casa es su casa!” (“My home is your home!”)
Not offered for charter to US residents while in US waters.
This entry was posted in Yacht of the Week Yacht Charter Special Offers and tagged yacht charter Caribbean, Mi Sueno, rent a yacht, yacht charter special
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Superyacht LEGACY
Known for exceptional achievement in building semi-custom luxury mega yacht charter vessels, Westport Yachts has launched superyacht LEGACY, the latest new build in the company’s flagship Westport 164 series.
The tri-deck 50 meter motor yacht LEGACY accommodates twelve guests in unsurpassed luxury.
Prized by owners for the artistry of the yacht’s contours as for the substance of its construction, the Westport 164 represents a landmark achievement in large yacht design. Developed using leading-edge three-dimensional modeling and structural software applications also used in the aviation industry, Westport yacht LEGACY has met every objective for speed, ride, maneuverability, integrity, and overall quality.
The modern exterior is credited to world-renowned designer Donald Starkey and naval architect William Garden. Their collaboration created a refined hull form. This creates exceptional ocean-going performance. In addition, an innovative accommodation plan. The plan balances interior and on-deck spaces. As a result, maximum enjoyment and versatility. The yacht’s contemporary styling ensures lasting appeal. This proves popular with Caribbean yacht charter clientele.
No word as to when the yacht will be available for charter consideration. With 15 popular Westport yachts currently available for hire in the South Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, Westport aficionados hope to soon see this magnificent yacht on the charter market.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Yacht of the Week Educational and tagged Donald Starkey Designs, William Garden naval architect, yacht charter Caribbean, Legacy, Westport Yachts
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Amels yacht, LADY S
We first introduced our readers to the Dan Snyder – owned Amels motor yacht LADY S back in October, after the NFL Washington Redskins head honcho purchased the 70 meter megayacht.
Word now comes that motor yacht LADY S is offering a special deal in the month of January:
Enjoy a Caribbean yacht charter with your family and friends for 9 nights, but pay for only 7.
This special deal shaves $142,000 off the charter rate.
A superyacht with great ambiance and onboard facilities, special features include vast shaded outdoor space, a Jacuzzi pool with swim jets, and ample sunbathing areas. There is also a fully-equipped gym, massage area, and Hammam (Turkish sauna), as well as an elevator serving all levels. Zero speed stabilizers keep the yacht from rocking in any rough weather.
Here’s a complete list of the yacht’s key features and amenities:
Tender to superyacht LADY S
Based in Antigua, her weekly winter charter rate is $497,000 plus running expenses.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Special Offers Yacht of the Week and tagged superyacht charter, special offers on yacht charters, yacht charter special, Lady S, Dan Snyder, yacht with library, stabilizers, pizza oven on yacht, Amels, special rate, hammam
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Ma Ha crewed catamaran charter
“To the owner:
I just completed a charter on Ma Ha, your beautiful yacht. First, thank you for making it available. I own a home on the ocean in Maine that I rent from time to time, and I know the angst it can cause.
I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know what an exceptional skipper you have in Andrew Ball. It can be very difficult for an absentee owner to evaluate management, so I thought I would share my observations
with you.
I am sure that you don’t need me to tell you that Andrew is an excellent sailor and maintains your yacht with meticulous vigor.
What you may not know, is how far Andrew goes to ensure your guests’ happiness.
By way of example, I wanted to surprise my wife with a massage. Andrew arranged to pick up a masseuse on the tender, bring him on board, and then return him after the massage. When the time came, there were substantial
swells and I fully expected to have cancel the massage. Andrew wouldn’t hear of it. Instead he donned foul weather gear, brought an extra set for the masseuse and braved the elements.
This was but one of many examples.
I thought you should know. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the new year.”
AP Gold
Florida”
Crew of catamaran Ma Ha
Editor’s Note: crewed catamaran charters are extremely popular is Caribbean destinations such as St. Thomas sailboats offer great stability, especially when at anchor, and carry large inventories of aquasports equipment; yet, the physical comforts and onboard amenities pale in comparison to the talents of the onboard crews. These skippers, cooks, and mates of crewed catamaran sailboats pride themselves on stellar customer service. It is their “can-do” attitude, as exhibited by captain Andrew Ball on sail catamaran MA HA, that brings the clients back to charter, time and time again…
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Good Times Yacht of the Week and tagged catamaran sailboat charter, crew with can-do attitude, Captain Andrew Ball, caribbean yacht charter, crewed yacht charter, sailboat yacht charter, Where is St. Thomas, Ma Ha
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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 stocking stuffer for yacht charter guests
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.
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 1-800 Yacht Charters team BY CLICKING HERE for great winter and spring deals.
This entry was posted in News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Sony headphones, Sony MDRNC13, controller, Gadgets, stocking stuffer, caribbean yacht charter, OnLive Player, stocking stuffers, Christmas, Powermat, holiday ideas, XBox, VSAT, Powercube
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Year in Review – 2011
They say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” It seems like yesterday we were looking forward to the launchings of 2011’s newest yachts, and planning charters for special events like the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix.
As the year winds down and clients make their last-minute preparations for Christmas and New Year’s Caribbean yacht charters, we take a minute to look back at our most popular yachting-related stories of 2011:
Must Have Gadgets for 2011
Going on a Virgin Islands yacht charter is loads of fun, but getting there can be tedious. Having a cool new gadget on hand is a great way to kill some time…
Blake Lively and Leo DiCaprio
Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio Sail Away Onboard Steven Spielberg Yacht
While gossip websites circulated a series of photographs purporting to show the “Gossip Girl” actress posing naked, Blake and Leo were seen relaxing and laughing onboard motoryacht SEVEN SEAS, Speilberg’s multi-million dollar superyacht, during the recent Cannes Film Festival 2011…
Clothing Optional Vacations
It has been said a great vacation is all about escaping. For many, that means escaping the confines of their homes and the rigors of their work. For others, it is best achieved by escaping the confines of their clothes…
Jay-Z and Beyonce
Top Three Well-Traveled Celebrity Couples
From après-ski private chalets in Vail, to multi-deck behemoth superyacht vessels in the Caribbean, some celebrity power couples take traveling to the extreme…
European Prince Encourages Superyacht Industry to Go Green
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has introduced a program to encourage the builders of the world’s largest yachts to use timber from sustainably managed forests…
Jana Sheeder
Jana Sheeder, President of The SailAway Group reflects on the Monaco Yacht Show – one of the greatest showcases of luxury charter vessels in the world. Each year, approximately 100 megayachts from 25 to 90 meters long are on display. What makes this show truly unique is the number of new yachts on hand. About 40 of the newest superyachts delivered in the past 12 months are on exhibit…
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News and tagged Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter, sustainability, go green, Prince Albert II, largest yachts, The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, yacht charter, 2011, Jana Sheeder, Year in Review, newest yachts, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters
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Top Gadget Failures of 2011
Regular readers of our blogs kno the team in our yacht charter department loves gadgets – from great Christmas stocking stuffer gadgets to our favorite must-have new gadgets for 2012.
But what about gadgets that simply didn’t cut the mustard in 2011?
In a year when technology heralded the magic of the Cloud and 4G phones were popping up everywhere, the year also bore witness to some failures of epic proportion. Here are our picks for the three biggest technology meltdowns of 2011:
We’ve said it many times – the tech toys and gadgets found on mega yacht charter vessels are a good barometer as to what is hot and what is not. Take for example, 3-D technology. The future might be now, but you’d hardly know it by taking a peek in the average yacht’s salon. A quick look at some of the newest yachts like the 61 meter Benetti yacht LYANA and the 56 meter Perini Navi sail yacht FIDELIS shows 3-D technology has not been embraced by the yachting community.
You just don’t see any 3-D television sets on the yachts, or in many homes. Blame high prices or headaches from wearing silly-colored glasses, but at the end of 2011, interest in 3-D TV is the same as it was at the beginning of 2011, and sales are flat.
While sales are anything but flat for the iPhone 4s, Apples newest handset is still a major consumer letdown. Yes, it’s one of the fastest, best-looking smartphones on the block — but it’s no iPhone 5. Apple aficionados spent the better part of the year waiting for a reincarnated iPhone with a larger screen, and thinner profile. In the end, they were presented with the iPhone 4S — a nominal upgrade at best over the previous model.
While the iPhone 4s may have been a letdown, Apple’s iPad tablet juggernaut seems unstoppable, leading us to declare Android tablets as the biggest gadget failure of 2011. A year after the release of the first iPad, not a single technology company has made a dent in Apple’s tablet market. Sales of devices like the Motorola Xoom featuring the Android tablet operating system pale in comparison to the sales of the mighty iPad. Will the new iPad 2 be the final nail in the coffin of Android tablets in the marketplace?
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational Gadgets and tagged Fidelis, 3-D technology, Android tablets, LYANA, Benetti yacht, Perini Navi sail yachts, 3-D TV, gadget failures, iPhone 4S
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Celebrities enjoy apres-ski private chalets in Vail, to multi-deck behemoth superyacht vessels in the Caribbean. Some take traveling to the extreme. Here are three additional couples racking up frequent flyer miles.
Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca. Ethan spent a grueling 39 days in desert conditions to win the hit reality TV show Survivor Africa. His girlfriend Jenna Morasca took home the million-dollar prize on Survivor Amazon. They have been together for eight years. This adventure-loving couple set out on another extreme travel odyssey after those. They both joined the cast of CBS hit show The Amazing Race. They are obviously not the kind of couple to spend the winter vacation lying in the sun on the deck of a bareboat charter boat.
Jay-Z and Beyonce
Eva Longoria and Eduardo Cruz
This entry was posted in Destinations Good Times and tagged motoryacht charter, Jay Z and Beyonce, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Eduardo Cruz and Eva Longoria, beyonce, celebrities who charter yachts, jay-z, celebrities on superyachts, Eva Longoria, Eduardo Cruz, Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca
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Fresh Seafood
Anyone enjoying a luxury yacht charter attest to the epicurean delights. In specific, 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. In addition, back at home. This is especially when it comes to mislabeled seafood.
Fresh Seafood
Recent reports suggest that species may be mislabeled. Specifically, as much as 25 to 70 percent of the time. In addition, for commonly swapped species. For instance, red snapper, Atlantic cod, and wild salmon. 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!
Oceana is a celebrity-driven advocacy group. It exists for the protection of our seas. The group recruits “Seafood Sleuths.” They need volunteers to identify seafood fraud.
Simply put. Oceana looks for fishy seafood in your area. They need your help.
Do you have what it takes to be a Seafood Sleuth?
Seafood fraud covers a number of dirty activities. These skirt the rules and rip us off. For instance, mislabeling seafood as a totally different fish. Seafood Sleuths buy seafood from either a grocery store or a restaurant. They send a small piece of fish back to Oceana. The Oceana science team works with a lab. In specific, uses DNA to identify the fish species. They then report the results.
Oceana recently tested seafood in the Boston area. They found 18% of seafood purchased from major grocery store chains mislabeled. The Boston Globe published a two day story on seafood fraud in New England markets and restaurants. Their findings revealed 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, for example, superyacht vessels everywhere, lies in the hands of the yacht’s highly-trained onboard chef. Most chefs personally visit the markets. They select the entire fish. This guarantees 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 TODAY.
Learn how to fight seafrood fraud. Contact the 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS mega yacht charter department at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in News and tagged seafood fraud, stop seafood fraud, Seafood Sleuth, volunteer
Posted onSardinia Luxury Tax on Mediterranean Yacht Charter Vessels Abolished
LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […] read morePosted by admin
Ferretti Yacht SEA STREAM brings Luxury Charter to Seychelles
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read morePosted by admin
What to Pack for a Sailboat Vacation
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read morePosted by admin
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