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Monthly Archives: March 2013

33 Meter Crewed Catamaran Charter Vessel Launched By Curvelle Yachts

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CATAMARAN CHARTER YACHT

In February we added the brand new 33 meter catamaran yacht QUARANTA to our website.  Her addition was in anticipation of her launch and christening.

We are proud to report motor yacht QUARANTA, the largest carbon hybrid composite power catamaran in the world, was successfully launched in February.

 

LAUNCH DATE

At 3.30am, the Turkish-built superyacht pulls away from her Tuzla shipyard shed.  Further, moves on to the public road by a huge trailer. From there, she tows 3 kilometers to the RMK shipyard for launch.

Photograph of profile of power catamaran at anchor. Sunset reflection on the side of the boat. Photo taken at "the golden hour."

CHRISTENING

The following day, on Sunday morning at 10:45am, the yacht was officially christened and launched.

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

The vessel features a flexible layout.  Six double cabins offer room for 12 guests. In addition, they are convertible to three VIP suites.  Also, to six twins, doubles, or any combination thereof.  All guest cabins are located on the main deck and fitted with large windows.

 

DESIGNERS

Interior and exterior styling was provided by UK’s Lila Lou Studios, with Incat Crowther serving as the naval architects.

 

CATAMARAN VS MONOHULL

She has four decks and a 9 meter beam.  The catamaran provides nearly 50 per cent more space than a comparable 30 meter monohull.

She is available this summer for Eastern Mediterranean yacht charter vacations at a rate of €125,000 per week, plus all expenses.

SIMILAR YACHT

A similar vessel, the Sunreef 70 power catamaran DAMRAK II is also available for hire in the Mediterranean in the summer months.

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

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70 Meter Motor Yacht Martha Ann to Cruise Adriatic

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SUPERYACHT MARTHA ANN

To the delight of Lurssen yacht charter fans everywhere, the owner of motor yacht MARTHA ANN has agreed to position the 70 meter superyacht in the Adriatic as of 1 June 2013.   At this writing, the yacht will return to the Western Mediterranean for a booking in mid-July.

Martha Ann superyacht underway

 

WESTERN MED YACHTS

Rarely do the world’s largest yachts venture from the standard and uber-popular Western Med cruising grounds such as the Amalfi Coast and the south of France.

 

STANDARD

Lürssen yacht MARTHA ANN is maintained to a high standard inside and out.  She features many upgrades.  For instance, 2 new SeaDoo GTX 260’s and the addition of a 44 foot / 13.41 meter Nautica towed tender.

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

According to Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants, she is a special superyacht. 

“With her massive beam of nearly 13 meters, she boasts extraordinary volumes for a yacht of this length. With 7 wet bars and a beautiful glass elevator that services all 5 decks, this is the ideal entertainment yacht for a Mediterranean yacht charter in the summer or a Caribbean yacht charter in St. Barts to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

 

ACCOMODATIONS AND RATE

Motoryacht MARTHA ANN offers accommodations for 12 guests in 7 staterooms.  Her weekly rate is Euro 600,000 per week. Running expenses are in addition.

READY TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

For more information or to reserve your charter aboard motor yacht MARTHA ANN, contact us today.  Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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Antarctic Yacht Charter Guests Enjoy Amazing Wildlife Encounters

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PREVIOUS BLOG POST

We shared 70-meter motor yacht SHERAKHAN previously.  She is an expedition yacht charter vessel heading to the Antarctic.

 

ANTARCTIC YACHT UPDATE

We received an update today from Sioned. She is one of the yacht owner’s assistants.

“Heading ever further south, with temperatures dropping and the number of icebergs sighted increasing daily, SHERAKHAN arrived in Grytviken yesterday.  Having been cleared in by customs, and all on board received the South Georgia stamp in their passports, the guests and crew visited the local museum in Grytviken where they met all the locals – all 20 of them!”

The charter guests and crew were treated in South Georgia to what Williams described as

“…witnessed the awesome sight of a colony of around half a million King Penguins and thousands of fur seals on the beach.”

 

Photograph of thousands of penguins on land in antarctica. Icy mountains in background. Water on right hand side of photo

 

ITINERARY CONTINUES

Next stop on the itinerary arises. The superyacht cruises towards St. Andrew’s Bay.  Furthermore, she then makes her way toward the Antarctic Sounds.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Motor yacht Sherakhan accommodates up to 26 passengers in thirteen staterooms.

 

CRUISE DESTINATIONS PLANNED

She is available from March 1, in Ushuaia. In addition, she welcomes you to the Falklands. Additionally, Panama yacht charter and Costa Rica yachting vacations are available.  These begin late March, as the vessel subsequently heads north to the Caribbean. In conclusion, her itinerary is both unique and memorable.  You deserve The Superyacht Experience™, as only 1-800 Yacht Charter provides.

 

WANT A UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE ON A SUPERYACHT?

For additional information, and to view megayacht SHERAKHAN’s online e-brochure with video, visit us.  Click https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/explore-our-yachts/sherakhan/ right now.

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Celebrity Yacht Charter | Leo DiCaprio On Yacht With Bikini-Clad Women

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POOR LEO

Yes, poor Leo.  The “Django Unchained” star was hard at work, toiling away like the rest of us 9 to 5 “lunchpailers.”  Specifically after being snubbed by the Oscar voters.

Well…maybe “toiling” is not the right word. 

 

WHERE DID DiCAPRIO GO AFTER ACADEMY AWARDS?

DiCaprio skipped the Academy Awards ceremony.  He then lounges on a docked yacht in southern California on Monday.  Furthermore, surrounded by bikini-clad women.  Ahhhh, the good life.
The actor went without a nomination for his work in Django, but co-star Christoph Waltz picked up the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, while director Quentin Tarantino snared an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. 
Photo of Leonardo DiCaprio on the deck of a yacht with 5 bikini-clad young women on deck with him

LEONARDO THE YACHTSMAN

DiCaprio is no stranger to yachting, beautiful women on superyachts, or our blog.   He has been known to enjoy luxury sailing charter vacations to remote locales such as Cuba, and is often seen onboard Mediterranean yacht charter vessels such as the Steven Spielberg yacht, SEVEN SEASRemember Leo’s spending time with friend Blake Lively onboard motor yacht Seven Seas in 2011??

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

Leo was onboard, reshooting scenes.  Moreover, for his upcoming movie, “The Wolf of Wall Street.”  He sports white linen pants, sunglasses, and a slicked-back 80’s hairstyle.  The 38 year-old actor portrays real-life stockbroker, Jordan Belfort, in a Martin Scorsese film.  In specific, the film is about Belfort and his role in the Wall Street fraud case in the 1980’s.

MARGOT ROBBIE IN SWIMSUIT

Five women in bathing suits joined Leo on the yacht for the re-shoot.  For instance, co-star Margot Robbie, dressed in an eye-catching gold one-piece bathing suit with a plunging neckline.  Robbie plays Belfort’s wife, Nadine.  

At one point, Leo kisses Margot for the cameras. 

 
Photo of Leonardo DiCaprio on the deck of a yacht, surrounded by girls in bikinis. He is kissing a blond in a gold bikini.

#dicaprio  #yachtcharter  #thesuperyachtexperience

 

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Destination Italy | Where Is Positano?

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Photograph of Positano in Italy. Photo taken from up on the hill.  The mountain to the left is covered in multicolored houses that are on a slant overlooking the ocean.  The bay is filled with sailboats and motoryachts at anchor. There is a pink cloud in the background, as if the photo was taken at sunset.

Amalfi Coast – Positano – Yacht Charter Italy

Caribbean yacht charter vacations are popular to American tourists.  However, the Italian coastline draws far more visitors annually. This is for both land and sea holidays.

The most famous stretch of coastline in Italy is the Amalfi Coast. It stretches south from the peninsula of Sorrento.  Here you will find multiple features. For instance, quaint fishing villages along a ragged-mountain cliffline, bordered by the clear, azure sea.

Amalfi Coast yacht charters take place along the northern end of the Bay of Naples.  They often encompass the volcanic island of Ischia. Even more often, they include nearby Capri.

A popular destination while enjoying an Italy yacht charter is the town of Positano.   Many flock here. For example, artists, rock stars, actors, and novelists have visited for decades. Here, you can climb the fabled narrow streets to visit one of the local designer showrooms and elegant boutiques, where clothes and sandals are made to order.

The city of Positano, Italy is located in the province of Salerno, and the region of Campania.  The location coordinates on a map are:  40° 38?N 14°29?E Positano is 17km (10 miles) west of Amalfi; 51km (101 miles) west of Salerno; and 56km (35 miles) southeast of Naples.

The closest airport, suitable for private jets and regional commercial carriers is the Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (IATA: QSR, ICAO: LIRI), located in the municipality of Pontecagnano Faiano.

 Many spectacular yachts will be cruising the Amalfi Coast. One impressive and elegant example is motoryacht CHECKMATE, a Benetti luxury yacht in the charter market.

HOW TO RENT A YACHT IN ITALY

Considering a getaway to Italy and the Amalfi Coast this summer?  The most beautiful views are gained by sea – from the deck of your own private charter yacht.  Here, you can relax far away from the tourists and the traffic and marvel as the pastel colors of the buildings dance in the setting sun… 

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Girl Power – Women Make Splash As Luxury Yacht Charter Skippers

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Photograph of a woman in a nautical uniform. She is at the helm of a yacht. She is holding the ship's steering wheel. She is wearing a white uniform shirt and black shorts. She has mid-length straight blonde hair. She is smiling at the camera.

Female Captains on Yachts

ABLE BODIED SEAWOMAN?

It seems the commonly-used term, “Able-bodied seaman”  might need to be amended to, “seaman and -woman”  to reflect what might become a trend in the yachting industry – the emergence of female captains on mega yacht charter vessels.

 

WELCOME, FEMALE CAPTAINS

In an industry long dominated by men, a handful of skilled women are stepping to the forefront and taking the helm, and the responsibility, of operating both sail and motor yachts for hire.

(FEMALE) COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

According to Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and SailAway Yacht Charters, today’s yacht owners look beyond gender when hiring a skipper. 

“Megayacht owners look for experience and professionalism, first and foremost,” says Sheeder.  “Skippers must be experts in navigation and safety, and considering many yachts have large crew complements, they must be equally-adept at  personnel management.  A skilled captain is a multi-talented person, regardless of gender.  Hiring the best and brightest is the goal.

 

 

PRESENTING 3 MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Three women leading the ranks of females at the helm.  These are, for instance, Captain Sandra Yawn (motor yacht DEFIANCE), Captain Danielle de Vere (motor yacht MARY JEAN), and Captain Carol Benbrook (motor yacht SEDATION).

First up, Yawn. Captain Yawn has recently taken the helm on Mangusta motor yacht DEFIANCE. It is a stunning 72′ speedster currently available for Bahamas and Florida yacht charters.  Yawn brings years of experience to her new position. She was the former captain of the 148 foot motor yachts TUSCAN SUN and 142 foot yacht, LADY J.

Second is De Vere. She leads a crew of 12 onboard the 163 foot Caribbean yacht charter vessel, MARY JEAN.  De Vere earned her stripes crewing at her family’s daysail business in Australia, as well as operating luxury live-aboard dive vessels on the Northern Great Barrier Reef.

Third female captain is Benbrook.  Before the sale of the 143 foot Heeson motor yacht SEDATION, Benbrook was the skipper of the popular Virgin Island yacht charter vessel for three years.  In a 2010 interview with yachting journalist Kim Kavin, Benbrook was asked how it feels to be one of the only female motoryacht captains.  “I think there are five or six of us now on motoryachts. I think it’s fine. People respect me. I’ve never had any problems,” she said.  

Is there added pressure on these women to be their gender’s pathfinders in the yachting industry? 
Benbrook doesn’t think so and says the real pressure is on the ship’s mate. “It’s harder, actually, as a first mate. There’s more prejudice there. You have to be physically strong as a first mate to move lines and such. It’s different than being a captain, where there’s absolutely no strength involved. It’s all about moving levers at the helm.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Oh, we cannot leave her out.  BRAVO!  Female Captain Sandy Yawn of motoryachts Sirocco and The Wellington (which is The Wellesley, on Bravo Network’s, Below Deck Mediterranean series).
We wonder – will we ever see the ranks of women skippers swell and match the number of male captains at the helm of yacht charter vessels?  Are yacht owners truly open to hiring, “the best and brightest?”
Only time will tell… 
#yachtcharter #rentayacht #superyachtcharter #belowdeck

HAVE YOU EVER?

Have you ever rented a private yacht or plane with a female captain in charge?  How was the experience?  Why do you think there are so few women to date at the helm of superyacht vessels?  Share your comments and testimonials with us below!

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Is Your Caribbean Yacht Charter Destination Sustainable?

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QUESTION

Q:  “Our family is considering a Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation this winter.  We are interested in “Green”  travel opportunities and seeing destinations that focus on environmental sustainability.  How can we analyze a destination’s commitment to sustainable tourism?”   

 

ANSWER

A:  The yachting industry continues to make great strides in it’s commitment to sustainability: from green initiatives to reduce plastic water bottle waste, to mega yacht charter vessels offering carbon offsets

ONLY HALF OF THE EQUATION

But the industry’s efforts are only half of the equation.  The destinations and their commitment to their residents’ well-being and the protection of the environment are crucial for long term sustainability.Logo of Travel Forever

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) serves as the international body for fostering increased knowledge and understanding of sustainable tourism practices.  When planning a sustainable vacation, the GSTC suggests these criteria.

TOURISM MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Does the destination show that they care and implement strategies for its local economy, environment (including climate change) and social/cultural factors?

Local community benefits and economic opportunity 

Does the destination track and report its local economic contributions; provide equal employment and training opportunities and extend opportunities to those who live in poverty?

Visitor management policies

Does the destination have policies designed to conserve key attractions and landscapes?  Do visitors receive direction so as to not destroy of natural and cultural assets?
In conclusion, you mentioned the possibility of a yachting vacation in the Virgin Islands.  Based on the criteria stated above, we would suggest contacting the official tourism offices for both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, and pose the GSTC questions to them.  Hopefully, their answers will demonstrate a commitment to green and sustainable tourism in the islands…
Smooth sailing!

CONTACT US TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

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Off The Beaten Path: Great Spots For Virgin Island Yacht Charter SCUBA

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Q:  “I’ve heard catamaran charters in the BVI are good for divers.  Are there any dive sites there that are not ‘touristy?'”
A:  “Ahoy, E. – The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are famous for their island beauty.  They are considered a top yacht charter destination in the world. However, few charterers are aware that the BVI are a fantastic diving destination, as well.”
bvi photograph underwater. Scuba diver swimming through a coral reef. Yellow and black striped angelfish swim on left side of picture. Pink fluffy coral hangs overhead. The diver has bubbles coming up from his scuba gear.

WRECKS TO DIVE

There are numerous wrecks, both old and new, in the BVI, with one of the most famous being the RMS Rhone, a royal mail ship that sank in a hurricane in 1867.  Movie fans are familiar with the Rhone as the location for most of the underwater scenes in the film, The Deep.”

 

REMOTE DIVE SITES

When it comes to more remote dive sites, dives around the more exposed Cooper Island and Carvel Rock are rarer and more challenging.  These can only be done by experienced divers.  They are also only good if weather conditions are very calm.  When the conditions are right, divers taking the plunge from the east side of Cooper Island at Dry Rocks East will be rewarded!  They will see scores of marine life, including Horse-eye Jacks, African Pompano, Spadefish, Cobia, and Nurse sharks.  If you’re lucky, Hawksbill turtles will also be there.  In the same area the Devil’s Kitchen is a shelf. This shelf  becomes more undercut with a rock structure. The structure forms a unique lattice with numerous hideouts for reef fish, turtles, and lobsters.

HOW TO BOOK A SCUBA DIVE TRIP

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Plus All – Understanding The True Cost Of A Luxury Yacht Charter Vacation

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Photograph of superyacht crew in white outfits and standing at ease around owners of yacht who are wearing black. Man seated and woman in black dress standing over him. Crew in a v-formation around them.

 

WHAT DOES “PLUS ALL EXPENSES” MEAN?

One of the most common questions posed to charter brokers is, “What does, ‘plus all expenses’ mean?  A very fair question.  It is critical to understand the implications.  In specific, since the cost to enjoy a Mediterranean yacht charter holiday, for example, is more than expected. For instance, based on prices posted on most charter brokers’ websites.

RUNNING EXPENSES

Superyachts are the large, ultra-luxurious vessels that we associate with cruising. Specifically, the Côte d’Azur in the South of France in Monte Carlo for Monaco Grand Prix yacht charters.  These yachts set a rate for the rental of the yacht and the crew.  In addition, they list the price as, “plus running expenses.”  This means that the charterer pays a set price for the yacht.  Additionally, the charterer is responsible to cover ALL costs associated with the operation of the yacht while the charterer and his/her guests are onboard.

Typical running expenses incurred during a charter are food, beverages, dockage, and fuel. 

UPON WHAT DOES IT DEPEND?

It depends first, upon the size of the yacht and second, the charterer’s penchant for elaborate menus. In addition, extended cruising and vintage alcohols.  These running expenses can vary greatly from yacht to yacht. Furthermore, from charterer to charterer. 
You might ask
“When and how do you pay for these expenses, especially since it is hard to itemize them prior to the conclusion of the trip?” 

APA – Advance Provisioning Allowance

The Advance Provisioning Allowance, or “APA” for short, is a deposit.  Specifically, it is paid by the charterer.  The yacht skipper collects this prior to the commencement of a superyacht holiday.  These funds are held by the skipper.  They are dispersed during the course of the charter. Further, they cover the ongoing running expenses as they occur.
During the charter, the captain provides a running account of the usage of the funds.  At the conclusion of the voyage, the captain presents an itemized accounting of expenses to the charterer.  In addition, a refund of any unused funds.

WHAT IF WE RUN OUT OF APA?

An APA balance sometimes runs low during the charter.  The client then provides the captain a sufficient amount in cash to cover the needs for the remainder of the charter.  Many charterers prefer not to carry quantities of cash.  The charter broker holds additional funds and releases them.  Usually via bank wire transfer, to the captain as needed.  

Before you book your yacht charter, ask your broker for a solid estimate of the running expenses that might be incurred. Your broker takes into account the food and beverage preferences you request, along with how much cruising you wish to do (which will determine the amount, and anticipated cost, of fuel needed), to create an estimate of your expenses.  

VARIABLES TO RUNNING EXPENSES

There are numerous variables to estimating running expenses.  The computation is best tabulated by your broker and the yacht’s skipper.  For instance, depending upon local market availability in your desired cruising ground, food prices may vary greatly from your hometown.  Dockage can range from no fees when anchored away from shore.  The dockage can run to thousands of dollars per day, when docked at exclusive marinas.  For special events, like Cannes Film Festival yacht charters, dockage can run two to three times the standard rate.   Fuel costs are important to estimate as well. As such, they skyrocket depending upon how fast and how far you cruise.

EDITOR NOTE

Fuel is also charged for the yacht’s generators when not connected to shore power. In addition, for tenders and water toys.  You pay for the fuel used while zipping around on the waverunners. 

 

HOW TO PLAN APA COST?

As a general rule of thumb, the APA requested for sailing yachts is approx 20% of the yacht’s listed charter price.  On the contrary, motoryacht average APA jumps to 30-40%.  

Sample anticipated total cost of a proposed Italian yacht charter vacation. Specifically, for a fictitious client and nine guests for one week on a 180 foot Trinity yacht charter vessel. 

Motor Yacht Rental                                          € 350,000
Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)*        122,500
Total Cost                                                          472,500
*estimated at 35% by the charter broker after discussing the charterer’s preferences as to food, drinks, and desired itinerary. Many exclusive alcohols and food items….lots of cruising costs to visit multiple destinations.

GRATUITY

A question often asked about is the “optional”  crew gratuity. Gratuities for exceptional service are routine in the charter industry.  Charterers believing in tipping should budget for this optional expense.  

HOW TO RENT A YACHT


For a glimpse of the newest yachts available for hire, check out our website.  Visit 1-800 Yacht Charters online at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/newest-yachts/

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Superyachts Deliver Aid To Needy

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Aerial photograph of motoryacht SEAWOLF. underway. There are multiple tenders and jetskis in motion toward the center and back of her right side. She is facing the upper right side of the photograph. The tenders and jetskis are headed toward the upper right side of the photo, as well. She has a dark blue hull and a white superstructure.

Superyacht SEAWOLF delivers aid to help others

People think owners of multi-million dollar luxury yacht charter vessels are selfish and self-absorbed.  This incredible story will surprise you.

Presenting SEAWOLF.  She is one of the largest yachts in charter. The nearly 200ft motor yacht just delivered humanitarian aid in Panama. This validates the trend of luxury yacht owners getting involved with global aid efforts.

The 193 foot luxury mega yacht charter motor yacht SEAWOLF is the second of two large, high-profile superyachts bringing aid to the Islas Secas area of Panama.  An expedition yacht charter vessel,  M/Y SEAWOLF delivered supplies for underprivileged residents at Islas Secas on March 4, just two weeks after motor yacht LADY LOLA delivered aid to the same location in mid February.

The 62 meter Oceanco yacht LADY LOLA, well-known throughout the Caribbean yacht charter marketplace, was first to deliver school aid from Panama City to the Islas Secas area of western Panama in the Gulfo Chiriqui.

We would like to extend a hearty thank you to the captains, crews and owners of both yachts for acting as a catalyst to inspire others to do good things.

Perhaps such altruistic actions will help change the perception of the superyacht industry.

Pay it Forward with Random Acts of Kindness, Captain’s orders…

 

INFORMATION ABOUT HELPFUL YACHTS

Motor yacht SEAWOLF accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms and rents for USD $180,000 per week.  

Motor yacht LADY LOLA sleeps 10 guests and is available for charter at a weekly rate of Euro €290,000.  All running expenses, items such as food, fuel, bar and dockage, are extra.  

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

To reserve your own private luxury yacht, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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