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Monthly Archives: February 2016

It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week  #RAKWeek – Spread the Kindness

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Logo with animated dog under umbrella that says Random Acts of Kindness Week

 

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK

The week of February 14-20 is your chance to ramp up the idea of “being kind” as the world celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Week, 2016.  Let’s extend Random Acts of Kindness Week!!!

 

THE FOUNDATION

Created by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, the week-long event is a way for all of us to “…step up your acts of kindness, be loud with your generosity, and commit to being a better person throughout the year. We believe kindness is a daily practice, but this is a week to celebrate and inspire others to join you.”

 

HOW TO BE KIND

There are soooo many things we can do, and sooo many ways to get involved.  All it takes is a bit of time — and a big heart!

 

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS THAT ANYONE CAN DO

  • Smile at or wave to a stranger
  • Hand a cold drink to a police officer directing traffic
  • Compliment a parent on how well-behaved his/her child is
  • Defend someone who’s being unfairly bashed on the internet
  • Put your phone away when you’re at dinner or having a conversation
  • Compliment an employee to his/her boss
  • Donate that bag of clothing items that you really didn’t want to part with yet…
  • Let a person with just a few items check out in front of you at the store
  • Write a thank you note on paper – the snail mail kind – and send it!
  • Give an unexpected gratuity to an employee who’s gone above and beyond for you
  • Write a nice comment on a random blog
  • Say thank you to a postal carrier
  • Give a tip to a janitor because the cleanliness is appreciated and made your day
  • Buy an extra umbrella and give it to someone in need when it’s raining
  • Do something nice and remain anonymous!
  • Buy lemonade from kids’ lemonade stands – and compliment them (always)
  • Change your phone’s alert ringtone to Temple Bells, and every time the bell chimes, state something for which you are grateful (Jana Sheeder calls these bells, “Gratitude Bells“)

 

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE

From yesterday:

We were inspecting private yacht charter vessels at the inaugural Superyacht Miami Show, when I noticed our company President, Jana Sheeder, bent over picking something up on the docks.  A few minutes later, I saw her do it again.  I asked her what she was doing, and she proceeded to lay a handful of objects out on the dock for us to see.  It was small items of debris – a used book of matches, some plastic, a metal bolt, and more. “Any of these objects could end up in the water, possibly harming the marine environment or adding to our problems with plastic pollution at sea.  It only took a couple of moments to stop and pick these items up and try to make a difference.

Miscellaneous trash items found on dock of yacht marina laid out on the top of a metal dock box

 

 

 

 

 

KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY

Suddenly, I found myself looking down as I walked along the dock, hoping I too could “chip in” and do my small part…   Generosity and kindness are contagious, and it feels so good to do random things for others and for our community!

 

MOTIVATION

Need a little more motivation to jump feet-first into Random Act of Kindness Week?  Sign the online “Kindness Pledge,” and you’ll be on your way to inspire others to do their part in making a kinder world for everyone.

SIGN the pledge here:  https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/rakweek2016#pledge-form

 

 

SHARE YOUR RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

We’d love to hear your suggestions of Random Acts of Kindness. Please leave them in the comments section for others to follow your lead in kind acts!

Have a kinder, generous week everyone…  Thank you for making a difference and for being the change with us!

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Make or Break Mega Yacht Charter – it’s All about the Crew

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WHAT MAKES THE BEST YACHT CHARTER?

The success of a mega yacht charter, indeed the entire yacht charter season of a superyacht, depends on one thing.  Specifically, the ability of the vessel’s crew to meet the needs of the paying customers.  The best cruising grounds and good weather matter little.  Especially if the megayacht charter crew does not provide excellent service.

 

Superyacht crew stands in a line. They are all wearing pants and white shirts with epilettes. They are standing on the deck of a yacht. There is a helicopter in the background.

 

CLIENT AND OWNER TREATMENT

A luxury yacht charter client should be treated the same as you would treat the owner. The only difference is that the crew knows the preferences of an owner (e.g. his or her favorite restaurants, the time he or she likes to wake up in the morning, etc.). The crew does not know these preferences for a new mega yacht charter client.

This provides the crew with a challenge – to ensure that they learn as quickly as possible what the client expects to gain from the Mediterranean yacht charter experience.

 

THE RECIPE

It all comes down to this – the happiness of the lead charterer and his family and guests hinges on the effort expended by the staff of the superyacht, especially the Chief Stewardess and the Chef.

A good skipper will introduce the stewardess and chef to the lead charter client early on in the charter. This way, the stew can get a feeling of the level of service or distance expected by the customer, and the chef can get a sense of the level or formality needed with each meal presentation.

 

CAPTAIN YES

Whether a Mediterranean yacht charter or a Caribbean yacht charter, the captain’s role is challenging. He is legally bound to ensure the safety of the guests and crew and he has a priority to ensure that the owner’s property is safeguarded. At the same time, he has to keep the charter guests happy while they are on board, since the paying guests have a significant degree of freedom to decide the nature of the charter.

It is a delicate balancing act to ensure the clients’ demands do not compromise the crew.

 

THE LAWS

The skipper must also comply with the laws of the territorial waters through which the superyacht passes, with particular importance placed on drug restrictions. The captain must impose his authority in the event of discovering the use of recreational drugs. In all superyacht cruising areas, this is illegal. The captain is potentially liable for any breach of the laws. Additionally, in many jurisdictions, the discovery of recreational drugs on board can result in the confiscation of the vessel by the local authorities.

 

ESSENTIAL POINT

It is essential that the captain ensures that all charter guests (and crew) obey these laws. Should there be an issue with this, the captain may need to refer to the owner/broker to agree on termination of a specific charter. Charter agreements provide the captain with full authority to prohibit the use of recreational drugs by the charter guests.

 

THE ROLE OF THE CHARTER BROKER

A seasoned yacht charter broker understands this delicate balancing act faced by a charter captain and crew. If the broker has previously handled a particular client on another vessel, he or she will discuss the characteristics of the client with the new captain, as well as the chef and stewardess.

 

WHAT DOES A YACHT CHARTER BROKER DO?

Brokers also try to gather as much personal information about the charterer by means of a preference sheet. On such forms, the clients can spell out their food and beverage likes and dislikes as well as the recreational pursuits they hope to enjoy during the trip (shopping, swimming, quietly reading a good book, etc.). Such preference sheets help give the crew a deeper understanding of the charter guests desires and expectations.

At the conclusion of the luxury mega yacht charter vacation, it is equally important for the crew and broker to discuss the trip.

 

YACHT CHARTER COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

Per Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters,

“We ensure that all goes well during a charter, then we follow up after the charter to make sure that all details were perfect for the clients.  Personalized and prompt customer service is critical to us.  Our clients depend on our having everything organized before, during, and after their superyacht experience as they live their own lives. There is no second guessing in our service. It’s critical to us to make sure that everything was perfect so that we know for their repeat charters.  There is no excuse for not providing perfect service to discriminating clientele;”  thus, the feedback of the captain and senior crew enables the broker to build up a comprehensive picture of the client’s preferences for future engagements.

 

IN A NUTSHELL

The captain, crew, broker and customer work together.  It is a perfect combination.  The odds are quite high for a successful and memorable holiday at sea.  That is The Superyacht Experience™ – created by 1-800 Yacht Charters.

 

HOW TO BOOK YOUR LUXURY YACHT CHARTER

Contact your 1-800 Yacht Charter professional Team at info@1800yachtcharters.com or call us on our 24 hour hotline at 305-720-7245, and we’ll match you with the perfect yacht and crew for your memorable vacation.

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Top 5 Yacht Names Inspired By “Love” – #1 Is A Hoot!

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Logo decorated with hearts and red roses

 

VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day.  Specifically, the yearly opportunity to profess our love to that special someone in our lives.  For many of us, we turn to traditional gifts like chocolate, flowers, or a romantic dinner to express our affection.

 

UPSCALE GIFT GIVERS

Ah, but the uber-wealthy are different.  Even gifts of jewelry pale in comparison to the grandiose gestures some HNWI’s (high net-worth individuals) bestow on their significant others and loved ones.

Yep, when it comes to over-the-top, what says “je t’aime mon tresor” more than a gift of a private superyacht???

 

THE ULTIMATE GIFT

Of course, the ultimate enhancement to the ultimate gift – naming your yacht to honor the one you love…

TOP 5 LOVING NAMES OF YACHTS

In celebration of Valentine’s Day 2016, we share our favorite 5 private yacht charter vessels with names inspired by love.  Some names are whimsical and cute, others haughty.  Our favorite name, # 1, is simple and oh-so-perfect — boasting the two most famous words uttered by almost every man who understands (and appreciates) who’s really the boss!

Champagne in hot tub on yacht charter

5.  4YOU – Imagine the surprise when this owner turned to his wife and handed her the keys to a 180 foot megayacht, aptly named, 4YOU.  Launched in 2012, this spectacular yacht from the Amels Limited Edition 180 series was designed by Tim Heywood, and features a stunning modern-chic interior by Laura Sessa Romboli. Up to 12 guests can enjoy a Greek yacht charter vacation, from €280,000 per week

4.  DREAM PRINCESS – Sure, lots of guys call their lady a, “Princess.”  But a DREAM PRINCESS? That’s ramping it up another notch.  A popular yacht for special events (e.g. Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter, MIPIM yacht charter, etc.), this Princess 64 motor yacht is a vessel with a real sense of occasion. She offers exceptional performance and boasts a sleek, sporty profile hiding a spacious three-cabin charter layout.  Her interior is light, with elegant details.  Rates from €18,000 per week

 

ADDITIONAL YACHTS

3.  HONEY BEAR – Every once in a while, we find a yacht named by a woman for the man in her life.  The 28 meter Sunseeker 90 yacht HONEY BEAR is a fast, fun yacht for sophisticated yet informal Monaco yacht charter holidays. Her modern yet warm interior offers plenty of space for relaxation, and her open deck areas are perfect for enjoying the sunshine. She provides accommodations for 8 guests in 4 staterooms and is priced from €45,000 per week

2.  LADY BRIT – there are lots of “Ladies” in the charter fleet, Lady Sheila, Lady Victoria, and more. Still, one stands out for her simple, elegant name – the epitome of European class:  LADY BRIT.  Surprisingly, the yacht was not named for the owner’s wife, but rather, in honor of his mother. The 207 foot Feadship yacht LADY BRIT offers the ideal platform for a resort-style St Barts Yacht Charter in the Caribbean, as she features a wellness spa, gymnasium with panoramic views, outdoor cinema, and an authentic Finnish sauna with private access to the water.  Weekly rates start at $445,000 per week

 

FINAL YACHT

1.  YES DEAR – what man hasn’t uttered those two words to his special someone???  She is a Voyage 580 Virgin Islands catamaran charter vessel.  Sail yacht YES DEAR is 58 feet long and 31 feet wide.  This is the perfect design for maximum comfort and stability.  She features 5 cabins for up to 10 guests.  Her weekly rates start at $24,000.  Funny side note.  Her dinghy is named, “No Dear.

Happy Valentines’ Day from Jana Sheeder, President and Owner, and the rest of the team at 1-800 Yacht Charters

 

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What is Presidents’ Day, and Why Do We Care?

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Logo with American flag in background and Abe Lincoln and George Washington silhouettes sitting atop of logo

 

PRESIDENTS DAY OBSERVATION

For many people, Presidents’ Day in the United States goes pretty much unnoticed.  Many view it as a day off from work.  Others see it as a day for “President’s Day Sales!”

Have you ever stopped to think about this important day of recognition?  And in addition, just what it means?

 

WHAT IS PRESIDENTS DAY?

Each year, President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February.  Established in 1885, its creation is in recognition of the first President of the United State of America. Specifically, George Washington.  Presidents’ Day is now properly and popularly viewed. It is the day to celebrate all U.S. Presidents.

 

GOOGLE SEARCH

A quick scan of the internet shows that some people feel disdain about our Presidents. In specific, both past and present.  I did a Google search under the keywords, “Is Presidents’ Day Important?”  Some chains in forums and chat rooms were a litany of vitriol and cynicism.

 

WHY IS THE DAY SIGNIFICANT?

I think many of us miss the point of why this day should be significant. For me, it is less a celebration of the actual people who became US Presidents.  It is more the recognition of a basic freedom we hold as Americans. Noteably, the right to freely choose and elect our leaders.

 

RESPECT FOR LEADERSHIP

Whether you like or dislike a particular President’s actions and policies, we as free citizens publicly and openly choose our Presidents (and all of our elected officials).  This is a sacred right we hold as Americans – one that brave men and women in our armed forces are willing to lay down their lives to protect.

 

WHAT TO DO ON PRESIDENTS DAY?

This Presidents’ Day, I’ll probably do what I usually do – attend the final day of the Miami Boat Show, inspecting private luxury yacht charter vessels to present to our clients for their 2016 vacations.  I will, however, pause for a moment, and give a nod to our Presidents for their service to our country, and of course, I’ll be wearing my American Flag pin over my heart as a reminder…

More importantly, I’ll reflect on the more than 200 years of opportunities that we as United States citizens have gathered openly, and without fear, to freely cast our ballots and elect a President to lead our nation.  We are so fortunate to live in these great United States.

 

SPRING BREAK

In conclusion, enjoy a Florida yacht charter vacation and make Spring Break 2016 truly memorable. For more information, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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Where to Cruise in 2016 – Three Amazing Off-the-Beaten-Path Yacht Charter Destinations

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THE COMPLAINT

The most common “complaint” we hear from our repeat North American clients, is not really a complaint, but rather a pleading for, “More, more, more!”  “We love the superyacht experience™, they say, “and we want MORE…find us more unique places to see, closer to home, and more things to do…”  Where to cruise?

 

3 FAVORITE DESTINATIONS

Private yacht charter aficionados seeking new places to cruise and explore in 2016.  Our charter department has selected their 3 favorite “Under-the radar” cruising grounds in the western hemisphere.

Aerial view of Brewster Island

 

Boston, Massachusetts

Bet you didn’t know there are 34 islands off of Boston that are open for exploring?  Yep, Beantown is a great stopover for anyone planning a New England yacht charter vacation.  The Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina is world-class and a great place for megayachts to dock.  Have kids in your group?  Take them to the Boston Children’s Museum (kids love this place – lots of interactive exhibits).  Adults enjoy cocktails at ultra-upscale Strega Waterfront’s dockside bar. It overlooks Boston Harbor on Fan Pier in the beautiful Seaport district.  Try the Silviano, made with Stoli and muddled blueberries.  Make sure a crewmember drives your tender back to your yacht.

 

Photograph of Bute Inlet in British Columbia

Bute Inlet, British Columbia

Any island or inlet north of Seattle is mesmerizing.  We like the isolation of this rugged fjord on the Canadian side of the border.  This place is all about mountains, wilderness and nature.  Take note-  this is not a destination for small boats.  Strong winds can swirl down from the mountains into the inlet. Large yachts with stabilizers (think expedition yacht charter destination) are a must in our opinion.  Putting up with the wind is well worth the natural beauty of this locale.

 

Photograph of white sandy beach in Cuba with a yacht anchored in the distant ocean

Cuba

Don’t even to try to say, “Been there, done that” ‘cause we know you’re probably fibbing!  A decades-old embargo between the USA and Cuban governments virtually shut off this island destination from the yacht charter marketplace.  The proud, resilient Cuban people are eager to meet North Americans and share their beautiful country, artwork, and crafts. As travel regulations continue to loosen up, we anticipate charter questions.  Charterers will want to explore the many bays and protected anchorages this island nation offers.  Importantly, a well-stocked and provisioned megayacht is essential.  The island’s marine infrastructure is nonexistent.  The country’s economy, quite sadly, is a trainwreck.

 

HIDDEN GEM CHARTER DESTINATIONS

What’s your favorite hidden gem dream yacht charter destination for a vacation in the western hemisphere?  Share your favorite spot with us in the comment section below, and we’ll send you a complimentary eco–friendly tote bag – courtesy of 1-800 Yacht Charters.   In conclusion, email your contact information to us at info@1800yachtcharters.com for your tote bag!

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Wrap it Up! Private Yacht Charter Vessels – From Drab to Fab

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WRAP A YACHT

How do you change the color of your superyacht?  Can you do it without spending a small fortune?

Bring in the “wild boys” from Wild Group.  Let them wrap your yacht in vinyl and foil.

 

COST-EFFECTIVE VINYL

Wild Group is a vinyl yacht finishing company dedicated to the superyacht industry.  They wrap the entire exterior in foil and vinyl for a fraction of the cost of repainting.  Wrap alterings the look and color of the vessel.  It is also a protective skin that reduces scratches and fouling from wear and tear at sea.

worker lays on dock and applies paint wrap to the side of a yacht

Proteksan Turquoise motor yacht TURQUOISE  is a vessel with a complete hull transformation done by Wild Group.  They completed a full hull wrap, and black wrap on house sides for the 55.40 meter yacht in Port Denia, near Alicante, Spain.

Wild Boys superyacht team stand in front of latest project

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WRAP A YACHT?

The TURQUOISE project was finished in time for the yacht to reposition on schedule to the Caribbean.  She was in place for the St Martin yacht charter winter season, December 2015 through April 2016.

GREAT WRAP, SO DO IT AGAIN

This was actually the second time Wild Group worked on the yacht.  They originally wrapped the yacht superstructure overhangs in Matterhorn White.  The paint had become dull due to constant exposure to the sun, so the wrap saved the day.  The success of this super structure project led the yacht owner and captain to decide to wrap the hull.  They also decided on a color change, from white to gun-metal gray, this time.

 

OTHER WRAP USES

The Wild Group also wraps pool linings, interiors, and window foils for privacy and heat control. Monaco yacht charter vessel LAUREN L had foil applied to 120 windows. The project took place in Sardinia.  It was completed between Italy yacht charter bookings – amazingly, in just six days.  Almost immediately, the crew of M/Y LAUREN L reported the air conditioning system was working more efficiently and interior temperatures were lower.

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

Jana Sheeder, Co-Owner and President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, applauded the owner of motoryacht Lauren L for taking such an eco-friendly move in saving fuel for yacht charter guests by tinting all 120 windows.

“What a forward-thinking project to intiate!  I hope that other superyacht owners take advantage of the same technology to benefit the yacht, guests, crew, and the environment in this way.”

 

OTHER YACHT WRAPS

Of course, catering to superyacht owners sometimes means working on the owner’s “other” boats, no matter the size.  Formula 1’s Eddie Jordan loved the color of his Sunseeker 155 yacht BLUSH.  Mr. Jordan then wrapped the hull of his very first boat – a small Sunseeker Mohawk 29.  The team color-matched the wrap to the same paint scheme on motor yacht BLUSH. They used premium quality Färben brand foils.  They also wrapped the superstructure with a white application, including non-slip wraps to the foredeck.  Using a unique designer twist, they created a leather effect to the interior to give it a clean, refreshed look.

2 workers apply boat wrap to 29 foot motorboat that is up on sawhorses

 

 

 

 

 

READY TO WRAP YOUR YACHT OR VEHICLE?

Why not book a yacht charter on a superyacht that’s been wrapped so that you can experience the wrap firsthand to decide.  ‘Try it before you buy it.”

For more information contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at 1.800.922.4824 (toll free North America) or 1.305.253.7245 (local and international), or click https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ today.

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Yacht Charter Kiwi Superyacht Reborn for Inaugural Launch

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FIRE!

Yacht charter vessel Project 1016 is finally in the hands of a new owner after a devastating onboard fire during her build.  A McMullen & Wing 50 meter Diamond-class expedition yacht,  ex-Starfish splashed down in Auckland, New Zealand in January.  She is now ready for outfitting and sea trials.

Photo of yacht charter boat with light blue hull.  She is being pushed into the marina by a red tugboat. People stand on a dock and watch.

 

 

 

WHO IS SHE?

The yacht known as superyacht Y/N 1016 is the largest yacht to date built by McMullen and Wing. She has a distinctive muscular and purposeful appearance and is the first yacht in the Diamond Series.  The 45 meter South Pacific charteryacht, motor yacht BIG FISH, also follows in her design footsteps.

BACKGROUND

The yacht name was originally motor yacht StarFish.  She was commissioned by Richard Beattie, chairman of Aquos Yachts, and the owner of Big Fish.  An early-morning blaze in the building where StarFish was housed caused significant damage to yacht. She was nearly 75% complete at the time. Rather than adding money to repair damage to the new yacht, Beattie put the yacht up for sale.  A new owner stepped forward in 2014 to complete the project.

Actual Yacht Charter Details

Only 18 months behind her original planned launch, project 1016 (ex Project StarFish) accommodates 10 to 12 guests in five luxurious cabins.  Her interior has natural materials, creating a relaxed, modern ambiance. The owner’s suite is located on the bridge deck aft and opens onto a private aft deck.  This deck provides exclusive privacy and spectacular views.

Airy spaces flow onto large outdoor decks on every level. Center balconies fold out from her body.  These offer the ultimate sunbathing locations suspended over the water. The lowered aft cockpit is a protected area for both deep-sea fishing and lounging.  For future private yacht rental use, an extensive fleet of tenders and toys is stored onboard.

Rental yacht on water at sunset

Where To Begin?

The new owner takes delivery in early 2016. He then starts an around-the-world tour. His journey begins in Auckland, then goes to the South Pacific and beyond.

We expect her charter entry in 2017.

 

 

Expedition yachts enable guests to explore remote destinations. 1-800 Yacht Charters offers the superyacht experience in exotic destinations around the globe.  Click here to plan your heli-skiing Antarctic yacht charter or exotic adventure in the South Pacific.

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