GOOD NEWS: Formula 1 announced an agreement in principle to hold a race in Miami, starting in 2021.
BAD NEWS: Undoubtedly, the idea a Miami Grand Prix yacht charter seems lost, as the race will be held inland. Specifically, far from the ocean.
We were initially excited to see race organizers focusing on a circuit in downtown Miami, along Biscayne Bay. This course allows superyachts to dock or anchor close to the course, similar to the layout of the Monaco Grand Prix. Yacht charter clients and their guests watch the cars scream by from the comfort of their yacht’s sun deck.
There was considerable local opposition to holding a grand prix in downtown Miami. Residents and local business owners voiced concerns about interruptions to business caused by the construction of the race track.
Organizers then shifted their attention to building a road course on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium – home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. The stadium is miles inland from the ocean – in the community of Miami Springs.
This week, Formula 1 announced an agreement has been reached with real estate mogul and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to establish a race in Miami, with the inaugural event in 2021.:
“We are thrilled to announce that Formula One and Hard Rock Stadium have reached an agreement in principle to host the first-ever Formula One Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium,”
F1 Miami Grand Prix
The agreement is subject to approval by Miami-Dade County.
In their statement, F1’s Sean Bratches and Tom Garfinkel, the chief executive of Hard Rock Stadium, outlined the financial benefits the race will bring to Miami.
“With an estimate annual impact of more than $400m and 35,000 room nights, the F1 Miami Grand Prix will be an economic juggernaut for South Florida each year.”
Garfinkel added to the announcement with a comment on Twitter.
“The world’s greatest racing @f1 has never been to S. Florida. Imagine people coming to this region from around the World in May. Multiple passing zones and world-class clubs and amenities. Barcelona, Monaco… Miami… make it happen.”
The agreement specifically calls for Ross to fund construction of the estimated $40 million custom track and cover all race-related expenses.
Watching the race from the deck of a yacht charter vessel is now out of the question. In spite of the location change, we are hopeful clients will still consider a Miami Grand Prix yacht charter – as a “Destination Event.”
The yachts can serve as platforms for corporate hospitality! Helicopters and private transportation in use to shuttle clients and guests to Hard Rock Stadium for the race.
The original post below………..
Formula 1 is here. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines. Captains, prepare to cast off!
Formula One is scouting Miami, Florida as a site for a Grand Prix race. F1, or FIA Formula One World Championship, is the foremost auto racing league. Envision Miami. First, dozens of superyachts lining the course. Second, thousands of thrilled spectators on yachts to watch see the action.
Per the Miami Herald, F1 execs met with Miami mayor and government officials in November. They discussed racing logistics for an annual event along Biscayne Bay, through downtown Miami.
Events Director for city of Miami, Vicente Betancourt, says the goal is to add Miami to the Formula 1 season in 2020. “It’s like the Super Bowl of auto racing,” said Betancourt. “Hopefully we can make it happen.”
Will the amazing Michael Buffer possibly be the announcer for a Miami Grand Prix Formula One race?
Wouldn’t you love to see professional race car drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Bottas, Vettel, Raikkonen, or Verstappen driving? High-tech Mercedes, Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, and Maseratis on the Sunny downtown Miami streets?
Equally important, what a wonderful boost for the South Florida economy. A Grand Prix Formula One race could provide corporate sponsorships from such companies as Amazon. (Jeff Bezos, graduated high school in Miami, in the same class as our company President, Jana Sheeder). Additional sponsors are lining up. For instance,
From April through November, the Formula One’s series is comprised of 20 races in cities around the world. Those cities include Singapore, Budapest, Sao Paulo, Dubai, and Monaco. There are 15 road courses and five courses laid out on city streets.
Formula 1 has new ownership (Liberty Media) and looks to expand its U.S. presence. F1 has a massive fan base across the globe; however, it lags behind other sports in the United States, like football, basketball, and NASCAR. Soccer is as popular as F1 racing. The only United States Grand Prix race is in Austin, Texas right now. Chase Carey, Liberty Media’s CEO of the Formula 1 Group, says he wants another race in America. An event in Miami, or possibly Las Vegas or New York, has been publicly discussed.
Carey wants to see F1 grab a foothold in “destination cities” like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Las Vegas. As a result, this would create a week-long celebration capable of attracting people from all over the world.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters believes Miami is a natural fit for a F1 event.
“Of all the races held annually by F1, the two premier events are staged in Monaco and Abu Dhabi,” says Sheeder. “Both locations have courses along the waterfront, and thousands of spectators enjoy the race and the festivities from the decks of dozens of luxury yachts. The Miami Grand Prix would duplicate that unique setting, as the course would pass through downtown Miami, along our beautiful waterfront area – and we have many superyachts that already make South Florida their home port.”
According to AutoGuide.com, Formula One filed on November 1st for a new trademark on a race event in Miami (as well as Las Vegas and New York). The next day, Sean Bratches, Formula One’s director of commercial operations, came to Miami, with his track engineers, and met with Mayor Francis Suarez and checked out the city streets near the downtown area, along the waterfront. Betancourt, who has been in communications with F1 since May said nothing was finalized. “We’ve got to see if it works and what it would cost them to actually bring it out. I think the ball is pretty much in their court.”
Sheeder points out the idea of a major road race and spectator yachts is not new for the city. In the 1980’s, the Miami Grand Prix was a major annual event (but not affiliated with the F1 series).
“Private luxury yacht charter vessels would line up, stern-to the seawall in the area that is now the Bayside Marketplace, and spectators would watch the race from the deck of their superyachts. In the evening, many of the yachts would host private parties for the charterers, as well as the owners, drivers, and corporate sponsors of the racing teams.”
Sheeder is optimistic a new F1 week-long race event will become a marquee attraction for South Florida.
“Assuming the financing and logistics make sense for Formula One, a corporate hospitality Miami Grand Prix yacht charter could easily rival the excitement of a Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter or an Abu Dhabi yacht charter. Yes, Monaco has the edge thanks to many decades of exposure, but Miami could make a big splash. We have the best weather, and the largest inventory of luxury yacht charter vessels anywhere in the world. Throw in the sexy appeal of nearby South Beach with world-famous hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and celebrities, and Miami is a world-class big-event town.”
Where else can you go to an upscale event, wearing little more than sandals and a bathing suit, where the best “seat” in the house is in an on deck Jacuzzi on a private luxury yacht???
Welcome to Miami! Bienvenidos a Miami!
In conclusion, attending a Grand Prix event on a yacht is the ultimate in corporate hospitality. Come experience the excitement and glamour of Formula 1 racing in 2018.
This entry was posted in Special Events News and tagged Norman Braman, Amazon, Joe's Stone Crab, Vicente Betancourt, Sean Bratches, yacht charter, Royal Caribbean, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 5th Street Gym, Mandarin Oriental, Tom Garfinkel, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Carnival, Miami Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton, Miami-Dade County, Jana Sheeder, Jeff Bezos, Ferrari, Bottas, 1800yachtcharters, The Biltmore, race teams, Vettel, Monaco Grand Prix, Romero Britto, Florida Formula One, Raikkkonen, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Singapore, Michael Buffer, Verstappen, F1, Budapest, South Beach, Hard Rock Stadium, Mercedes, Formula One, Canada F1 Race, downtown Miami, Hard Rock, Alfa Romeo, yacht charter miami, special event yacht charter, waterfront Grand Prix races, 2021, Maserati, luxury yacht charter, corporate event, City of Miami, economic juggernaut
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Every once in a while, we find a hidden “gem” at a boat show that we can’t wait to share with our clients. Motor yacht DREW is that type of yacht.
Launched in 2016, she is just the second hull in the new Benetti Veloce 140 series. She made her charter debut at the 29th edition of Yachts Miami Beach, the show that highlights private luxury yacht charter megayachts, and runs concurrently with the Miami Boat Show, now named Miami Yacht Show. Yacht manager, Stacy Moss of Northrop and Johnson invited our company President, Jana Sheeder, onboard for a private viewing and an opportunity to meet the crew. After our inspection, Stacy was kind enough to put together an overview for our readers:
Benetti’s 140-foot (42.6m) luxury motor yacht DREW was launched in 2016. This sexy, chic yacht is ideal for charter thanks to her impressively voluminous and stylish interior, her exceptional on-deck spaces and her fully stocked toy box with a variety of exciting water sports, tenders and more.
Five staterooms cater to up to 10 guests on board (yacht) DREW. The main-deck 900-square-foot master is located forward and offers a walk-around king-size bed, an 80-inch flat screen, massive windows that provide astonishing views and an en-suite his-and-hers master math with a large European rain shower. The four additional guest staterooms are located on the lower deck. All offer queen-size beds and en-suite bathrooms, among other amenities.
The main salon is a perfect place to entertain. A variety of seating options, a game table and a flat screen TV all are on offer. Just aft, an alfresco dining table for 10 is the perfect spot for breakfast. This space leads to the beach club, which houses all the yacht’s water toys and is a great place to relax, catch some rays or pop in the water.
Motor yacht DREW’s skylounge is equipped with a full bar, day head, incredible views from massive windows and a large wrap-around couch situated in front of an 80-inch flat screen, and dive into a movie. The skylounge aft offers alfresco dining for 10 and incredible views. DREW’s sundeck is divided into two sections, forward and aft. The aft deck has four large chaise lounges, two large removable umbrellas; forward is a large bar with seating for five, a dining table for 10 and a flat screen TV. The Portuguese deck, an extension of the sundeck, is outfitted with U-shaped settee seating for 10, a table, four large sun pads and a Jacuzzi.
Length: 43m/ 140 ft
Beam: 8m/ 27.10 ft
Draft: 2.43m/ 8 ft
Year: 2016
Guests: 10
Cabins: 5
Crew: 8
The owner of the yacht has decided the Bahamas is the perfect destination for his new yacht, and we couldn’t agree more. Our biggest challenge when arranging a Bahamas yacht charter for a client is the difficulty to find a yacht that can accommodate a large family or multiple couples in the shallow waters of the Bahamas. You see, much of the Bahamian islands reside in shallow, sandy waters. Large megayachts that can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers usually have deep drafts meaning they sit deeply in the water – too deep to navigate in shallow coves. Even though Drew has accommodations for 10 guests, she is only 140ft in overall length, and her draft is just 8 feet. Hence, this Benetti Veloce 140 is the perfect platform for a superyacht experience in the Bahamas!
Towed tender
18.5’ (5.6m) Williams tender
Sensational waterslide
2 Seabobs
2 Inflatable paddleboards
Inflatable kayak
Snorkeling gear
Wakeboards
Towable toys
Assorted fishing gear – fully rigged
Drone
“Beach set up” tables and chairs
Exercise bike (connects to Wi-Fi for online workouts)
Rowing machine
TRX workout equipment
Medicine ball, core strengthening devices, yoga mats
Weights
Based in the Bahamas for the summer, and most likely the Caribbean for the winter, her weekly charter rate is $160,000/wk plus running expenses, with no price change between low and high seasons or for holidays.
MOTORYACHT DREW WAS JUST SOLD. WE ARE HOPING THAT SHE WILL REENTER THE LUXURY YACHT CHARTER MARKET.
This entry was posted in News and tagged yacht charter Mediterranean, Benetti Veloce 140, DREW, Britto on board, art, beach club, full-beam master stateroom, yacht charter Caribbean, Benetti, Zen
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Incredible motoryacht. Specifically,
Our associate from the yacht’s management company emailed us. She reminds us to keep power catamaran QUARANTA in mind when providing families with yachting options this summer in the Mediterranean.
“Dear Jim and Jana,
We are pleased to inform you that Quaranta will be available this summer in the South of France and Adriatic!
QUARANTA is the first motor yacht of the Curvelle Shipyard in Turkey. She is a winner of multiple prestigious design awards; although a 34m, 111′ superyacht catamaran, QUARANTA has as much interior and exterior volume as other performance monohulls in the 40m – 42m range.
(Your clients) will appreciate the huge windows in every guest cabin and the flexibility of the stateroom layout configuration. All cabins can be rearranged and combined to a variety of different layouts to specifically cater to the client’s needs. Double cabins, twin cabins, triple cabins are all possible. In total, there are over 20 different layouts.
Her key features are, for example,
Captain Paul Fraser and his crew look forward to welcoming your clients on board!”
Romina knows we like to offer our clients superyachts with special features and great value. There is one big request by our clients with large families. “Is there enough space for everyone to feel comfortable?” Yacht QUARANTA is the perfect alternative for these clients. With a 9 meter beam and 4 decks, private luxury yacht charter guests can about 50% more guest accommodation space than a comparable 30 meter monohull. The mid and upper decks are wide open, as is the large deck area on the Main Deck. This yacht is socialization personified!
Our favorite onboard feature is the unique lowering platform that doubles as beach club deck. This platform can lower guests straight from the main deck and into the water. That’s so cool and unique!
For the summer 2017 cruising season, whether in the South of France, or an Adriatic yacht charter, the rate of the yacht is €119,000 per week plus running expenses. The rate applies for both high (July/August) and low (June/September) season.
This entry was posted in Yacht of the Week Yacht Charter News and tagged Curvelle Shipyard, Jana Sheeder, versatile, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, triple cabins, award-winning, lifting platform, South of France yacht charter, power cat, clients ask, Power catamaran, room to socialize, Curvelle, QUARANTA, convertible beach club deck, stable, Adriatic yacht charter
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Many years ago, we first started blogging about private luxury yacht charters. We would get bored writing about the same topics over and over. For instance, “presenting XYZ sailboat,” “welcome ABC motoryacht,” or “explore this amazing destination.”
To jazz things up, our company President, Jana Sheeder made a command decision. She says blogs about off-the-wall, mostly nautical-themed trivia, entitled “Did You Know” peaked interest. She was right.
Have another!
When newly appointed Secretary of the Navy Joe Daniels took his post in 1913, he banned wine and spirits aboard ships. So, the strongest drink aboard Navy ships was coffee. Over the years, a cup of coffee became known as “a cup of Joe.”
This one is a little sketchy so I picked the explanation that sounded the best to me. Some sources claim the phrase originates from the British Royal Navy. Supposedly, officers would order sleeping sailors to throw a leg out from their hammocks to wake up! (Just a fun image…little guinea pig looks exhausted!)
In the 1700’s, it was thought (and possibly true) crows like to be on dry land and will fly straight to shore, bypassing any obstacles in their path. Ships would carry crows aboard, and in cases of poor visibility, let one free and chart the bird’s flight to shore. [Sounds cool, but I’ll stick to Google Maps!]
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Cup of Joe, Shake a Leg, Secretary of the Navy, Where did these sayings originate, Navy, Nautical trivia, guinea pig, Nautical questions, black crow, Jana Sheeder, why is it called a cup of joe, Trivia, what does shake a leg mean, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, what does as the crow flies mean, Did you know, Nautical terms, As The Crow Flies
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