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Yearly Archives: 2011

62 foot Luxury Yacht Charter Sailboat Offers Free Tix to Blues Festival

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Bequia Music Fest logo, sponsored by Mount Gay Rum

 

 

CHARTER A YACHT TO CELEBRATE THE BLUES

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!

 

SAILBOAT MAKAYABELLA

Book sail yacht MAKAYABELLA during the Bequia Mount Gay Music Festival (January 26th – 29th, 2012).  The yacht’s crew, John and Sue, provide the guests with multiple items. For instance, complimentary tickets to BOTH the Friday and Saturday night performances.

 

BEQUIA MOUNT GAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

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.

 

MAIN STAGE – DE REEF

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.

Profile photograph of sailboat, Makayabella, underway. There is a wake underneath the sailboat. The sails are full. The boat is heading toward the right side of the photograph.

Sailing yacht, Makayabella



SAILBOAT ACCOMMODATIONS

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.

 

Photograph of John and Sue, the crew of sailboat, Makayabella. They are sitting in the living room on a sailboat. The walls are white and full of books and pictures with brown picture frames. They are both wearing dark blue polo shirts with sailboat logos on the left chests. They are wearing white shorts.

John and Sue of sailboat MAKAYABELLA

 

SAILBOAT CREW

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.”

 

FREE GIFT WITH CHARTER

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.

 

BOOK A SAILBOAT CHARTER FOR THE MUSIC FESTIVAL

To book a special event yachting vacation, contact the 1-800 Yacht Charters destination team at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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75 Meter Superyacht Commits to London Games

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Profile photograph of Leander G, a yacht with a dark blue hull and red stripes. She has a white superstructure. She is at anchor in front of some old brick buildings.

LONDON OLYMPICS

It’s hard to believe the 2012 London Olympic Games are less than one year from now.  As the games draws closer, it’s expected more than a dozen luxury mega yacht charter vessels will be available for hire along the fabled Thames river.

 

SUPERYACHTS AVAILABLE 

One of the first yachts to commit to the London games is the 75 meter motor yacht LEANDER. The massive superyacht will be available from the evening of the 27th July.

Yacht Leander accommodates twelve guests. She has ten luxurious staterooms, including two master suites on the main deck. In addition, accommodations exist for up to four staff members (nannies, bodyguards, etc.). White glove service is provided.  In specific, by the yacht’s highly-trained crew of 25.  Captain Julian Cope leads the crew.

 

LEANDER G DETAILS

She has multiple roomy saloons. In addition, spacious deck areas throughout.  An assortment of amenities are available. For instance, a fully-equipped gym.  Additionally, a swimming pool with counter current and Jacuzzi-style jets.  A 2003 launch, Leander G maintenance is to highest standards. Her equipment is updated.

 

RATE

Leander’s weekly rate during the London Olympics is €455,000 plus all expenses.

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

For a list of available yachts for hire during the Olympic games, contact us.  Click https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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Active people love catamarans

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Photograph of a catamaran sailboat at anchor, while charter guests sit with feet in the water or dive off and swim from the boat.

Crewed catamaran charters are a wonderful vacation for active and adventurous travelers.

Most catamarans feature a large assortment of water toys.  For instance, sea kayaks, towable tubes, snorkel gear, and towable bananas.  Also included in watersports activities are hamster balls (clear ball for walking on water), trampolines (that sit on the water), SeaDoos, paddleboards, and skurfers.  There are many fun activities and toys to enjoy on a catamaran vacation.  The previous items are just a few.

Many catamarans also offer SCUBA for certified divers.  If guests aren’t certified but want to try it, they are able!  They can take a resort course from the yacht, as well!

Bahamas yacht charter catamarans receive special treatment.  They are often visited by swimming pigs that live on Big Major Cay, better known as “Pig Beach.”  The pigs swim out to the boats.  You can also swim with them, give them approved treats, and take lots of selfies!

Are you ready to book your active sailing charter?  How about swimming with the Bahamian pigs?  From your crewed catamaran?  If so, then contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ today!

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Actor Leonardo DiCaprio Gets Keys to Hybrid Sports Car

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Collage of 3 photographs of Leonardo diCaprio. Left photo is of Leo in a grey suit and standing in front of a white banner at a special event. Top right is a silver sportscar. Bottom right is Leo standing next to a silver sportscar in a showroom

 

LIFE IS GOOD

Ah, life is good for film star Leonardo DiCaprio.  He is dating “Gossip Girl” actress Blake Lively.  First, we see Leo relaxing onboard motoryacht SEVEN SEAS, Steven Spielberg‘s multi-million dollar superyacht, during the recent Cannes Film Festival 2011.

Now we hear di Caprio news. He is about to take delivery of a 2012 Fisker Karma hybrid luxury sports sedan.  And not just any Fisker Karma – the very first one ever built.

LEONARDO DiCAPRIO HYBRID CAR

The actor leads the green enviro movement in Hollywood. His latest toy, like his Toyota Prius, is built with sustainability in mind. The Karma is designed by Henrik Fisker, formerly of Aston Martin, and has been developed around an aluminium chassis. 

 

ABOUT THE KARMA

A pair of electric motors totaling 403hp powers The plug-in Karma.  The first is a 22 kWh lithium ion battery. The second is a 175kW generator via a 2.2L gas engine.

Even with its eco-friendly background, the Karma features a 125 mph top speed. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

WHO HAS HYBRID CARS?

Also waiting in line for his own hybrid is Al “An Inconvenient Truth” Gore.

Just imagine the buzz if Leo were to invest in a hybrid mega yacht charter vessel?!

 

HOW TO BOOK A GREEN YACHT CHARTER
 

Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/to learn more about the newest generation of green superyachts and to charter your own eco-friendly yacht for vacation.

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Adult Fun Awaits on Fantasy Fest Yacht Charter

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Photograph of a man with a woman painted on his bare back at the Florida Keys Key West Fantasy Fest. The girl is blonde with green and yellow flowers in her hair. He is wearing a black top hat with liht blue flowers around the brim.

KEY WEST FLORIDA YACHT CHARTER FOR FANTASY FEST

You deserve to join the fun!  Charter a sailboat and partake of the Florida Keys festivities!

 

WHAT IS FANTASY FEST?

Key West has parades, street parties, and thousands of adult revelers in zany costumes at Fantasy Fest. It happens for one week in October.  This year’s event is October 21 through 30, 2011.

 

CATAMARAN SURPRISE

Sail catamaran SURPRISE  is offering a unique Florida yacht charter opportunity to sail to Key West from Miami, Florida.  Guests also enjoy the Fantasy Fest festivities from the comfort of this 48′ luxury sailing charter catamaran.

 

 

Photograph of a group of musicians dressed in green lycra jumpsuits with red skirts and fringe. The musicians are all men, and they are all laughing and enjoying playing their brass instruments.

 

AQUATIC AFOLIC THEME

Similar to the Mardi Gras-themed events in New Orleans, Fantasy Fest  is an adult-oriented Halloween festival. This year’s theme is “Aquatic Afrolic” and offers a sea of opportunities to create a one-of-a-kind costume extravaganza, ranging from marvelous mermaids to outlandish ocean-faring sea creatures.

 

COSTUME VARIETY

While full nudity is not permitted, many scantily-clad party goers wear outrageous, brightly-colored costumes, or simply opt for strategically drawn body paint and glitter in lieu of shirts and bikini tops.

PRETENDERS IN PARADISE COSTUME PARTY

There are parades and costume contest each evening, the largest being the “Pretenders in Paradise” Costume Party hosted by the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa.  Major event sponsors include Captain Morgan Rum and the Florida Keys Tourism Association.Sailing yacht SURPRISE  is a 48′ catamaran with accommodations for 2 couples.  Her crew of two, Corky and Sue Clark have sailed for years throughout South Florida and the Caribbean.  During Fantasy Fest, charter guests can spend the days sailing and exploring the beaches and shallow reefs of the lower Florida Keys, and at night hit the streets for the endless parties and festivities.

CATAMARAN CHARTER RATES

Standard charter rates apply:  $8,500/wk for 2 passengers and $9,950/wk for 4 guests.  Rates are all-inclusive (include meals and ship’s bar).  Local taxes apply.

HOW TO BOOK A FLORIDA KEYS YACHT CHARTER

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Air Wars – Will Seaplanes Replace Helicopters on Superyachts?

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Photograph of a seaplane sitting on a concrete floor, as if in a showroom. The front headlights are on.  The back tail has red trim.  The plane is silver with grey windows and is very sleek and modern-looking

YACHT HELICOPTER BLOG

We profiled the new Mercedes Benz-style helicopter, the EC145.   Its use as an air tender on mega yacht charter vessels is popular. 

Several readers contacted us.  They said the future air tender might be a plane, and not a helicopter.  We decided to investigate further.

As we stated in June,

In the rarified air of multimillion dollar superyachts and gigayachts, helipads on luxury mega yacht charter vessels like motor yacht AIR and motor yacht MOONLIGHT II  commonplace…” 


Photograph of a solid white motoryacht running. Boat is heading toward the bottom 1/3 of the photograph. There are 2 mountains in the background.

4 REASONS FOR SEAPLANES

To illustrate, there are four compelling reasons behind the seaplane advantage.  Specifically, acquisition cost, maintenance cost, payload, and range outweigh helicopters.

Similarly, it is often more affordable to buy and maintain a seaplane.  Compared to a helicopter; we found payload comparisons vary.  This is because of the type of airship.  Seaplanes far exceed the range of typical helicopters.

Seaplane photo. Picture of seaplane in the water behind the swim platform of yacht. The swim platform has is wet in the center, and it has 2 blue and white striped sunpads on it.


SPECIAL LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT

The new generation of planes, specifically, Special Light Sport Aircraft, are the new item.   

 

FAA CATEGORY

These aircraft are relatively new to general aviation. In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created a new category for sport aircraft.

COST ADVANTAGE

In general, sports aircraft are cheaper to build than most helicopters.   With fewer training hours required, it is also easier and less expensive for people to get a sport pilot license as compared to a traditional pilot’s license.
 

ICON A5 PLANE

As a tender to a luxury yacht charter vessel, the most interesting new sports plane is the Icon A5, slated for full production later this year.  The A5 is a 2-seat composite amphibian. Weighing just 1000 pounds, the plane features folding wings, allowing the aircraft to be stored onboard a yacht in a space no larger than 28 by 9 feet. 
 
With a price of just $135,000, the Icon A5 could prove to be the low cost air tender of the future.


HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER WITH SEAPLANE

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Air | Largest Feadship Yacht Arrives Soon

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Air superyacht. Photograph of the yacht profile. Underway. Black hull and white superstructure. Heading toward left side of photo.

 

AIR – FEADSHIP MOTORYACHT

Readers ask for more information on superyacht Air – the largest Feadship offered for rent – so we deliver!   In the past, we profiled the launch of motor yacht AIR, which prompted discussion.

Superyacht AIR surpassed all expectations during her sea trials and her owner is scheduled to take delivery in just under two weeks.  Shortly after, she will depart Holland and head straight to Monte Carlo to undertake her July Mediterranean yacht charter booking commitments.

WHERE IS SHE LOCATED?

Joining a fleet of the largest yachts for hire, the gigayacht still has open charter dates in the months of August and September.  At the conclusion of the summer season, the yacht will re-position across the Atlantic and join the St. Martin yacht charter fleet.

 

WHAT MAKES AIR SPECIAL

Feadship yacht AIR is helmed by co-captains Stephen Warren and Mark Finch and boasts a young and enthusiastic crew, including an excellent young British chef, new to the industry.  They are all looking forward to a spectacular season.

The yacht features a sleek, elegant exterior with a unique matte black steel hull. The minimalist interior, created by Remi Tessier, is stunning.  Amenities include an  8 meter-long pool located on the main deck forward, and a sun deck with full gym and Jacuzzi.  Other features include an elevator to all decks, massage and steam rooms, and a fully-certified commercial helicopter pad (helipad).

 

HOW TO RENT MOTORYACHT AIR FOR CHARTER


BE THE FIRST to charter this beautiful new yacht this summer. The weekly rental rate is €750,000 plus expenses.  Contact our office for photos and additional details at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/.

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Airport Body Scanners – Are They a Risk?

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airport body scanners x-ray image of heavyset woman from the back. She has a handgun hidden in her waistband. The  background is black, and her image is a light blue and is shadowy.
THE ISSUE

You’ve been looking forward to this day for months.  You’re at the airport, and you are ready to board a flight that will take you to your rented yacht.  You finally proceed to begin your Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation.  As you pass through the new airport body scanner, it crosses your mind that you may be concerned about the radiation and what this exposure could mean for you.
 
Some researchers agree.

ARE AIRPORT BODY SCANNERS SAFE?

We are very concerned about that being imposed on travelers,” says Dr. Robert Stroud, a  professor of biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).  In a letter sent to the White House, Stroud and his researchers shared their concerns.  “I don’t think we do know what risk we are taking. X-rays are intrinsically ionizing radiation. They damage human tissue,” says Stroud.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Government assure the public that passing through the body scanner is safe. A TSA spokesperson even stated, “We consider it a miniscule amount of radiation.”
 

SCIENTISTS DISAGREE

The scientists at UCSF  believe that it is time for outside scientists to take a closer look at airport body scanners and their risk.

I do think it is time for an independent investigation that really allows people to understand what the risk is that they take going through the scanner,” says Stroud.

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENT

If you have a concern about the exposure to x-rays coming from the body scanner, simply opt for the pat down,” says Sheeder.  “When you are on your way to enjoy a luxury yacht charter in the islands, the last thing you need is more travel-related stress!

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In conclusion, do you believe airport body scanners pose a risk to you when you travel?  Please share your comments with us at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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All-Inclusive Rate Sets Megayacht Apart in Virgin Islands Yacht Charter Market

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Aerial photo of LADY DIA underway

Small to mid-sized luxury sailing charter yachts often offer all-inclusive charter packages. Specifically in the Virgin Islands.  Their larger megayacht counterparts are hesitant to do the same.  Superyachts opt for a la carte pricing.  They simply charge customers for each and every expense incurred. For instance food, alcohol, dockage, etc.  

This summer, Captain Bernard Calot and his crew of 5 buck that trend.  They offer all-inclusive mega yacht charter vacations in the Virgin Islands onboard the 121′  motor yacht OLGA!

From May 15 through September 1, 2011, an all-inclusive rate of $69,900 per week will be offered.  In addition, a price of $55,000 per week for shorter 5 day odysseys.

Rates are valid for up to 8 persons. They include fuel, food, soft drinks, ship’s bar, and selective dockage.  Specialty items such as vintage wines and premium spirits are available.  Subsequently, at extra cost.

This special rate even includes spa treatments.  In addition, manicures. More importantly, from the yacht’s onboard certified massage therapist!  (What a perfect wedding anniversary vacation!)

 

Photograph of massage therapist and client (who is on massage bed) on the back of a superyacht. There is another motoryacht anchored behind them, in the distance.

 

Launched in 2003, Crescent motor yacht OLGA is an incredibly clean and well-maintained yacht.  She is a Jack Sarin design.  The yacht features a beautiful hard wood interior. In specific, Sapele and Pomele Mahogany.  The woods are complimented by tasteful, upscale furnishings.

The yacht’s full-time chef, Claire, is Cordon Bleu-trained.  Captain Bernard, Mate Clem, and deckhand Rafael can help you burn off the extra calories.  Specifically, through water activities including Scuba diving from the yacht for certified divers.  In addition to SCUBA, this well-equipped yacht is set up for fun on the water.  It carries an extensive inventory of toys. For instance, snorkel gear, kayaks, and a Hobie Wave catamaran.  In addition, waterskis, towable toys, fishing equipment, and a 22’ highspeed tender.

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

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American Idol Icon Brings Chic to Yachting

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Aerial photograph from bow of yacht, SlipStream. Boat is heading into the photograph, towards the bottom. Superstructure is silver. Hull is black.

TALENT AND STYLE

When it comes to a keen sense for talent, creativity and style, few can argue with Simon Cowell’s success.  The television and music industry mogul has helped launch the careers of dozens of entertainers, while his brutal honesty has made him a household name in America.

 

SUPERYACHTS

Amazingly, his sense of style and panache extends far beyond the entertainment industry, into the realm of the world’s newest and largest luxury yachts, as witnessed by Cowell’s own show-winning vessel, motor yacht SLIPSTREAM.

 

SLIPSTREAM AND COWELL

We first introduced you to American Idol Simon Cowell motor yacht  SLIPSTREAM at the 2009 Genoa yacht show. Built  by France’s CMN Shipyard, their largest yacht to date, Simon Cowell’s yacht SLIPSTREAM is one of the chicest crafts on the water.

 

YACHT DECOR

Cowell’s yacht décor is a super-stylish mélange of modern and nautical, taking full advantage of the yacht’s panoramic windows. The vessel’s interiors are finished in a neo-Art Deco style combining dark ebony joinery and red leather paneling. The sun-deck is fitted with a spa, sun-pads, bar with BBQ, and al fresco dining area, and the yacht comes equipped with a cutting-edge home entertainment system including video on demand and a satellite communications center.

Like her owner, most often seen wearing a crisp, black T-shirt, the yacht presents a dramatic appearance with her gleaming black hull.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

With room to accommodate up to 14 Guests, and 200 square meters of outdoor decks, expect to see this vessel hosting fellow entertainers and celebrities at events like the upcoming Cannes Film Festival 2011 and the Monaco Grand Prix.

Photograph of Simon Cowell smiling in front of a grey wall with horizontal lighting.  He is wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans.  He is sitting on a stool.

 

PRODUCTION COMPANY

Cowell has a U.K.-based production company, SYCO.  They produce BAFTA Award-winning show, The X Factor.  Specifically, it has topped the charts in England.  He also produces and judges Britain’s Got Talent.  Of course, here in the states he is best known for starring in American Idol for 9 seasons, and for serving as executive-producer of America’s Got Talent.

 

AWARD-WINNING YACHT

What a strange twist.  The man who professionally judges style and talent had an experience. He saw his beloved superyacht placed before a jury of judges.  In October 2010, Cowell’s yacht won the prestigious ShowBoats Design Award for Best Exterior Design & Styling.

 

RATES

Prices onboard Simon Cowell’s yacht SLIPSTREAM  begin at 315,000 Euros per week.

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

To reserve prime yacht charter season dates in 2011, please click https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ and contact us now.

 

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