In 2010, we took a look at efforts to control theinvasion of lionfish in the Florida Keys. Recent reports paint a disturbing picture – efforts to control the population have not been successful.
LIONFISH INVASION HURTING NATIVE POPULATION
According to Oregon State scientist Stephanie Green, “There is strong evidence that the lionfish is having negative effects on the native population. We don’t see any signal that anything is controlling lionfish population.”
THE PROBLEM
The problem is simple – lionfish, native to the western Pacific Ocean, have no natural predators in the
Atlantic Ocean. They live up to 15 years, and one female can produce as many as 2 million eggs in one year.
COMPANY PRESIDENT, JANA SHEEDER, COMMENTS
“Many of our Florida yacht charter clients, as well as many bareboat charterers, are avid divers,”reportsJana Sheeder, President and Owner of 1-800 Yacht Charters.“We are hearing more and more tales of multiple lionfish on the reefs in the Florida Keys, as well as the in the cruising grounds in the nearby Bahamas.”
WHAT IS OUR OPTION?
So far, the only viable option to attempt to control the invasion remains the same – eat them! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association continues to recommend aggressive efforts to harvest and consume lionfish.
OUR SUGGESTION
So, next time you are at your favorite seafood restaurant, instead of ordering an overfished item like tuna, see if lionfish is on the menu! Enjoy a delicious meal AND make a difference!
Fresh from an extensive refit and just in time to entertain inquiries for luxury yacht charters in the Bahamas, Captain Dale Parker of motor yacht TUSCAN SUN is eager to share images of his yacht’s amazing upgrades.
Dale put together a slide show of the all-new interior and exterior design. As you will see, the theme is contemporary and WHITE! WHITE! WHITE! She’s officially a member of “the white boats!”
Tuscan Sun’s ultra-pricey refit includes:
-All new exterior furniture
-All new main salon and dining salon décor & furniture
Based in Nassau, Bahamas year round, the 45 meter Motoryacht TUSCAN SUN was launched in 2006 and offers accommodations for 12 guests in 6 staterooms. All staterooms feature ensuite bathrooms, and each stateroom is ensuite with full entertainment systems with flat screen TV/DVD/CD player combination.
In the Bahahas, major ports of call include Nassau, Grand Bahama, the Berry Islands, and the spectacular underwater protected sanctuary/national park of the Exuma Islands.
The year-round weekly charter rate for motoryacht TUSCAN SUN is $188,000 plus all running expenses.
Was it really ten months ago that nearly two dozen of the largest luxury sailing charter vessels gathered in Porto Cervo, Sardinia for one of the most popular yachting events in the Mediterranean, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta?
LORO PIANA REGATTA
This past week, 28 superyacht vessels converged at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda base in Virgin Gorda for the third “Caribbean” edition of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, sponsored by luxury Italian brand Loro Piana.
PERINI NAVI STANDS OUT
If there is one yacht builder that stands out among all others at these events, it has to be Perini Navi. Since the early eighties, Perini Navi has built luxury sailing charter vessels in a class of their own. To date, the company has built 52 yachts, measuring up to 88 meters in length.
MALTESE FALCON
Flagship of the fleet is the Perini Navi yacht MALTESE FALCON, delivered in 2006. A masterpiece of technology and design, the 88 meter yacht MALTESE FALCON is without equal. At the 2013 Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta, Perini Navi will be represented by 38m cruiser/racer sail yacht P2, as well as the sleek and stylish 54m yacht PARSIFAL III.
OTHER PERINI’S
Other Perini Navi yacht charter vessels are often available in the Caribbean. For instance, 56 meter yacht SALUTE and the 50 meter yacht BARACUDA.
With one of the highest safety records in the travel industry, luxury sailing yacht charter vacations in the Caribbean continue to grow in popularity. No one goes on a yachting vacation expecting misfortune. However, it is wise to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Here are several tips on how to protect yourself and your property.
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Liability Insurance
Before you sign your charter agreement, ask your broker about the level of insurance built into the rental contract. Find out if the yacht’s insurance policy covers guests for third party liability (e.g. injury to a swimmer by a charter guest operating one of the yacht’s waverunners), as well as coverage for lost possessions and personal accidents. Consult with your own insurance advisor regarding coverage options.
CANCELLATION AND CURTAILMENT INSURANCE
Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance
People get sick…Flights get cancelled…Stuff “happens.” Many companies like Travel Assure and Travel Guard International offer cancellation and curtailment coverage at a cost of approximately 2.5 per cent of the charter fee to cover a possible loss of the charter fee if the holiday has to be cancelled for unforeseen reasons.
While Virgin Islands yacht charter vacations continue to be the most popular for Americans, more and more charterers are seeking remote sailing vacations in exotic island habitats. If you are planning on cruising in Third World waters, realize local medical services may be well below those standards of your own country, and serious life-threatening injuries or illness might require expensive aero-medical (Medivac) evacuation. For a low cost annual membership, the US-based Medical Air Services Association will provide immediate access to an air ambulance for repatriation in lifesaving circumstances.
The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest consumer technology tradeshow in the world, is underway. Last year, we fell in love with the Kodak PlaySport Video Camera. This year, it’s a new Sony Walkman Sports MP3 Player that has us excited.
You’re probably thinking, “Big deal, another MP3 player…” Well, this one is different:
It’sWATERPROOF, which makes it the perfect companion for a Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation, AND it combines a pair of earbuds with the MP3 player in a single unit – with no external device required to play tunes!
Yes, it does look like a pair of large earbuds, but the two boxes on the sides actually house the entire MP3 player.
Designed with fitness in mind, it should prove to be more comfortable to wear while working out or jogging. With its waterproof construction, charterers can wear it while swimming and snorkeling (imagine moving through the boulders at the Baths on Virgin Gorda, perhaps listening to Enya’s, Orinoco Flow???). SailAway, SailAway, SailAway…
The two earbuds are also held together with a tension band that wraps around the back of the wearer’s head. Controls on the bottom of each side adjust the volume, plus skip/pause/play songs. You can download up to 4GB of your favorite tunes, and enjoy up to 8 hours of playtime on a full charge.
Sony claims the earbuds will produce exceptional audio – even while underwater!
It seems each spring, one of our most popular blog topics is the year’s trends in swimwear.
Our readers hope to learn about the newest Feadship yacht charter vessel to launch. You will need to wait a few days while we help the ladies get a jump on this summer’s hottest swimsuit fashions.
EDITOR NOTE
Editor’s note– the trend toward one-piece swimsuits that we saw in 2012 is continuing to grow as stylish celebrities, from full-figured girls like Beyonce to the ultra-slim Taylor Swift, are rocking one-piece bathing suits known as “maillots.” With so many A-listers going with one-piece suits, department stores and boutiques are stocking more monokinis and fewer bikinis. The New York Post reports one-piece swimsuit sales are up around 20 percent in local New York shops.
SEASONAL FAVORITES
In a salute to the maillot trend, here are our 2013 seasonal favorites.
NORMA KAMALI
NORMA KAMALI Vogue Lycra Collection(from $155 at Sacks Fifth Avenue)
We’ve grown accustomed to seeing photos of Beyonce onboard Caribbean yacht charter vessels wearing casual daywear; but you can’t stay onboard all day, especially when the warm waters of St Barts are calling. Here’s Beyonce in a stylish Norma Kamali one piece:
VICTORIA’S SECRET
Online — VICTORIA’S SECRET Very Sexy Collection (from $138 online)
The lingerie company brings us monokinis that play it cool – not too bare and not too spare. The sequin one-piece lets you take the plunge in this daring little black suit. Shimmery sequins add dazzle to the curve-loving silhouette. Designed in luxe Italian fabric for a silky-soft feel. From the exclusive Very Sexy collection of glamorous swimwear by Victoria’s Secret – perfect for statement-making style in St Tropez during a Mediterranean yacht charter holiday this summer.
HERVE LEGER
Nordstrom — HERVE LEGER Cross Front Bandage Monokini ($740 at Nordstrom)
Super pricey and super chic, this ultimate designer suit is best for those who can afford to rent the newest and largest yachts in the world. By famed French designer, Leger, this striking suit features crisscross panels to create the daring curve-flaunting cutouts, with a low-cut back. Imported and made of Polyester/nylon/spandex (hand wash only).
Q: I’ve read a few yachting articles that referred to superyachts seeking new cruising grounds as an alternative to the traditional “Milk Run.” What is a milk run in yachting? Amy S.
A: Thank you for your question, Amy. Let’s start with a quick peek at the definition of milk run in an online dictionary.
“Milk Run” – Noun…A routine, uneventful journey.
In the world of megayacht rental vacations, there are two primary offerings that account for the bulk of the charter business: Caribbean yacht charter vacations in the winter and spring, and Mediterranean yacht charter vacations in the summer and early fall.
Caribbean yacht charter scenery
WHAT DO CHARTER CLIENTS WANT?
Charter clients are like most other travelers – they want to “get away,” but most prefer to get to their intended destination quickly.
For North Americans, this means a short flight to the balmy Caribbean to sail, cruise, and visit islands like St. Thomas and St Barts.
The same holds true for Europeans, who can take drive or take a train to seaport destinations like St. Tropez, Positano, or Monaco.
CROSS THE POND
Like any business, demand dictates the industry. First, the owners of the megayachts instruct their crews to position in the Caribbean for winter/spring. Second, they “cross the pond.” Third, they reposition in the south of France or Monaco for the summer season.
Thus, it is this routine, somewhat uneventful journey between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean that boaters refer to as the, “Milk Run.”
EXOTIC DESTINATIONS
Side notes: A handful of yacht owners have recently made efforts to entice potential customers to break away from the traditional cruising grounds, and consider yachting holidays in more exotic locales. Some of the new up and coming destinations include:
Anyone familiar with the luxury yacht charter market knows the term, “head.” In specific, the reference is made to an onboard bathroom.
Whether a small bareboat sailboat or one of the largest yachts in the world does not matter. Rarely are bathrooms referred to as anything other than a head.
Ever wonder why???
THE REASON
Here’s the reason – dating back to the 1400’s, toilets on ships were normally located in the bow or “head” of the vessel. By placing the toilet near the base of the bowsprit, splashing water served to naturally clean the toilet area.
Of course, the bathrooms on today’s superyachts are located throughout the vessel and are anything but utilitarian.
VISUAL – SUPERYACHT HIGH POWER III
Take a peek at the bathroom on Mediterranean yacht charter motor yachtHIGH POWER III (ex-Numptia)
The curved tub is solid marble. The privacy wall hides two suspended rainforest showers.
She hopes to lure interest in a year end Caribbean yacht vacation. Classic replica schoonerGERMANIA NOVAannounces a special price offer.
SPECIAL RATE!
Book an Antigua yacht charter vacation before October 31, 2013. Receive a 16% discount off the regular high season winter price.
Guests pay $80,000 per week for either a Christmas or New Year’s booking. Most importantly, her regular rate is $95,000 per week (all rates are plus running expenses).
AFTER OCTOBER RATE INCREASE
After October 31st, the rates will return to the standard, published prices:
$95,000 per week (High Season)
$75,000 per week (Low Season)
ALL ABOUT GERMANIA NOVA
A replica of a classic racing schooner, notably sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA entered the Mediterranean yacht charter market in 2011. Another key point is that the original schooner was built in 1908 by Krupp shipyards and designed by Dr. Max Oertz. The modern version, the 55 meter sailing yacht GERMANIA NOVA was built in Pontevedra, Spain by Factoria Naval de Marin, and designed by Matthias Oertz and Ingo Oliver. A crew of 13 attends to a maximum 10 guests in 5 staterooms.
CHARTER GUESTS HELP SAIL THE YACHT
A true sailing yacht, guests are encouraged to pitch in to hoist the sails and assist the crew on deck!
The yacht is currently based in Antigua, at the famous Nelson’s Dockyard marina. Come enjoy an exhilarating experience at sea. Be sure to secure your reservation before October 31st, to secure the maximum price discount.
1-800 YACHT CHARTER CONTRIBUTES
NOTE: 1-800 Yacht Charters placed a mooring buoy over the shipwreck of the original classic sailboat Germania Nova site in Miami Florida. Company President, Jana Sheeder, spoke to an auditorium of people about the importance of protecting reefs and marine life. Additionally, she discussed enabling boaters to tie above the wreck and snorkel the reef, as well as educating the excited audience about the classic yacht! It’s all about making a difference!
This month families everywhere are carving pumpkins and making scary costumes for their children, in preparation for All Hallow’s Eve on Oct 31st. Keeping with this theme, we thought it fitting to profile a French yacht charter vessel with the perfect name – sailing yacht, HALLOWE’EN.
YACHT SPECIFICATIONS
SHIPYARD: William Fife
MODEL: Bermudan Cutter
YEAR: 1926
LENGTH: 68.9ft – 21m
BEAM: 14.5ft – 4.42m
ENGINES: 1x80hp
TOP SPEED: 11kts (20km/h.)
CRUISING SPEED: 8kts (15km per hour)
CONSUMPTION: 8L per hour (at cruising speed)
CREW: 3
ON BOARD HALLOWE’EN
Hallowe’en is a classic sailing yacht designed and is as fast as any spooky goblin or ghost. She finished in 4th place overall, in a field of 68 yachts, on the 2011 AFYT racing circuit.
The yacht is available for both classic regattas (Trophée Panerai, Régates Royales de Cannes, les Voiles de Saint Tropez) as well as day charter for up to 12 guests.
ABOUT THE YACHT
With her uncluttered deck and timeless mahogany interior furnishing, SY Hallowe’en combines outstanding performance – up to 11 knots under sails – with gracious living.
WHY CHARTER THE SAILBOAT?
Charter the ex Norwegian Racing Clubs official yacht and enjoy a unique sailing experience.
Hallowe’en is a coded vessel (SCV2) with all necessary safety requirements updated and certified annually.
On board cuisine catering to personal tastes with an emphasis on fresh Mediterranean produce.
Mediterranean Racing circuit covering French Riviera, Italy, Sardinia, Corsica, Barcelona, Majorca, Mahon, Monaco.
CD/IPOD stereo system with deck speakers
Zodiac tender with 15 horsepower 4 stroke engine.
Snorkel gear
Easy access to and from water via swimming ladder
New race sails 2010/2011
OTHER CLASSIC YACHTS FOR CHARTER
Other classic yachts for hire exist. For instance, sail yacht GERMANIA NOVA and Jackie Onassis famous yacht CHRISTINA O.
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 more
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 more
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 more
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