Delivering Your Superyacht Experience Since 1976
local and international
+1.305.253.7245
toll-free north america
+1.800.922.4824
 

Monthly Archives: February 2018

12-Passenger Yacht Ice 5 To Offer Summer New England Yacht Charter Opportunities

Posted on

 

CLAM CHOWDER, ANYONE?

Not sure you want to traipse the kids and the in-laws all the way to the Med this summer for your annual Superyacht Experience?

Maybe an action-packed adventure closer to home is what you need — onboard the Proteksan Turquoise yacht ICE 5, in beautiful New England.  There is so much to see and do in this lovely area, not to mention all of the amazing amenities and activities onboard your private yacht!

 

Photo of boat with jetskis and 2 tenders running alongside

 

 

ROOM FOR 12

The 140ft yacht, built in 2002, completed a major refit several months ago, and she looks as good as the day she was launched.

Easily rivaling the volume of larger vessels, yacht ICE 5 boasts a spacious interior and has sprawling decks and outdoor spaces. Her roomy layout offers something for every charter guest, making her an ideal choice for large groups, families, even corporate events.

Accommodations are offered for up to 12 guests in six staterooms, including a master suite and two VIP staterooms.

A large assortment of watertoys will keep you and the family busy for hours every day.

 

RATE

The New England yacht charter summer rate for motoryacht Ice 5 is $130,000 per week + running expenses.

 

SPECS

  • Length:  140′ (42.67 meters)
  • Beam:  27′ (8.23 meters)
  • Draft:  6′ (1.83 meters)
  • Year Built/Refit:  2002 / 2017
  • Builder:  Turquoise
  • Number of Cabins: 6
  • Total Guests: 12
  • Cabin Configuration: 2 Kings, 3 Queens, 2 Singles
  • Total Crew: 8

 

TENDERS & TOYS

–  2018 Aoxpar T-Top 37′ towed tender

–  (2) 3-seat 2017 Yamaha VRX Waverunners

–  2017 Yamaha Superjet Stand-Up Waverunner (SUW)

– Snorkel Gear (12 sets)

– Kneeboard

– Wakeboard

– Water ski

– Inflatable water toys

– Motorized Surf Board

– Two Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP’s)

– Two Inflatable Paddleboards (SUPs)

– Fishing Equipment

– SCUBA Diving Equipment (certified divers only)

 

HOW TO BOOK

Come explore historic New England and The Superyacht Experience™, as only 1-800 Yacht Charters can provide, this summer.  Let 1-800 Yacht Charters secure prime dates for you, today.  Email info@1800yachtcharters, or call 1.800.922.4824 to check availability.  We stand by, at your service.

Photo of yacht anchored in a quiet harbor - aerial view

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Yacht of the Week and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted on

Future Home For Miami Yacht Show To Better Showcase Luxury Yacht Charter Vessels

Posted on

GREAT NEWS IN THE YACHT CHARTER INDUSTRY

Wow, this news couldn’t come at a better time…

 

WHY SO GOOD?

Our Team navigated congested roads and waterways of Miami Beach for the past 4 days at the 2018 Miami Yacht Show.  We are now thrilled to announce the Miami show will relocate to the mainland!  It heads near downtown Miami, for the 2019 installment of the annual event!

 

WHY NOT IMMEDIATE?

As expected, the move depends upon state and federal permits.  Once approved, the show relocates to the Resorts World property (formerly the headquarters of the Miami Herald newspaper).  The location is just north of downtown Miami.  It is next to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Sea Isle Marina.

Sunset photo of dock of superyachts at Miami Yacht Show

 

 

 

WHO MANAGES THE SUPERYACHT SHOW?

The show is managed and co-owned by Informa and IYBA, the International Yacht Brokers Association (our company President, Jana Sheeder is a member of IYBA). The event runs concurrently with the Miami International Boat Show, which is owned and operated by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

 

THE CHALLENGE

This year, as in years past, our biggest challenge in inspecting the luxury yacht charter vessels participating in the show is the lack of timely access.  Some yachts are docked along the Indian Creek waterway, in front of the iconic Eden Roc and Fontainebleau hotels.  Scenic?  Yes.  Accessible?  Hardly… there’s only one road running north to south (Collins Avenue) and it can easily take 1 hour to traverse the mile-long row of yachts docked along Collins Avenue.

 

LARGE YACHTS ON DISPLAY

Further adding to the time constraints, the largest yachts (like 213 foot Codecasa superyacht Double Down, and 180 foot Heesen yacht Quite Essential) can’t fit at Indian Creek, so they are moored at the Island Gardens marina on Watson Island – about 5 miles away.   Traffic congestion and a woeful lack of parking near the show locations exacerbates the access problems.

 

JANA SHEEDER, PRESIDENT of 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS

At 1-800 Yacht Charters, President Jana Sheeder and her team mitigates these problems by moving between the locations by boat.  It helps – but still involves a loss of time traveling between locations, as low bridges force us to cruise a long circuit between Collins Avenue and Watson Island.  Yes, it’s faster than traveling by car, but still far from ideal…

 

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Other transportation options:
-Shuttle buses, but their schedules are irregular
-Bicycles for rent, but not ideal when with clients
-Skateboards, but those were used by crewmembers to zip back and forth between nearby hotels (too far to skateboard between marinas)
-Uber and Lyft – a good option, but inconvenient when only going a block or so


^ Resorts World LLC Miami Yacht Show location ^

 

HOW TO GET AROUND

The new site on the mainland offers ease of access, ample parking, and Miami’s rapid transit Metrorail and Metromover trains.  This is prime waterfront property – located between the Venetian and MacArthur Causeways.  Whereas the Collins Avenue location had minimal space for on-land exhibits, the new location will include exhibition space for compatible luxury products such as:

  • Exotic cars and vehicles like Bentley – Bugatti – Rolls Royce – Maserati – Tesla
  • Private aircraft like Gulfstream – Bombardier Global -Dassault Falcon – Embraer Lineage
  • Helicopters like Sikorsky Executive – Bell – Leonardo
  • Fashions like Gucci – Louboutin – Chanel – Hermes – Balenciaga – Louis Vuitton – Prada
  • Sun products like Shiseido – L’Occitane au Bresil – Equitance
  • Art by artists like Britto – Chihuly – Xavier Veilhan

Photograph of Miami Yacht Show future site - green grass with seawall in downtown Miami with highrises in the background

 

 

 

FAVORITE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FOR OUR TEAM

Most importantly for our team, water taxi transportation will connect the primary show site to Islands Gardens superyacht marina on Watson Island, where some of the largest charter yachts in the world will be berthed.  Even cruising at 5 knots in a watertaxi should take no more than 5 minutes to shuttle between these two locations.

 

MIAMI INTERNATONAL BOAT SHOW

The new yacht show venue also has the added benefit of proximity to the Miami International Boat Show (MIBS) at the Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key (Key Biscayne).

ACTIVITIES DURING AT THE MIAMI YACHT SHOW

There are so many fun things to do during your visit to the Show.  For instance,

  • Bayside Marketplace – downtown Miami.  Shopping, eating, drinking, listening to music, tapas, cigars, trendy shops, waterside views
  • Miami Design District – Trendy arts district

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Here are more ideas for activities for you. For example,

  • Wynwood Walls – Just 10 minutes from Downtown Miami. Art galleries. Walls of artistic graffiti. Artwalks. Photography studios
  • Multiple brewing companies – Sample craft beers and visit breweries throughout downtown Miami area
  • Foodie Culinary Tour – Take a culinary tour of the various restaurants throughout South Beach and the Miami Arts District.
  • Waterway Tour – Star Island celebrity homes tour by boat, Monument Island, Port of Miami cruiseships

 

JANA SHEEDER – IN CONCLUSION

We’re extremely excited about the future of the Miami Yacht Show.  First, with better parking, second, greater access to the charter yachts,  and third, luxury product vendors and restaurants, the 2019 show is an event not to be missed!

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Special Events Educational and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted on

Miami Yacht Show Yacht Charter Maven – Leg Up On The Competition

Posted on

ADVANTAGE, SHEEDER…

There is an old saying in football.  When your team is on offense, “take what the defense gives you.”  In other words, make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

No one understands that mentality more than our head honcho, Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters.

Every President’s Day weekend, #Jana rallies our team, and we invade the Miami Yacht Show.  The show is held in Miami Beach, Florida.  This year’s show runs from February 15 – 19, 2018.

The Miami Yacht Show

The Miami Yacht Show is known predominately as a “sales” show.  Few yacht charter brokers attend.  They prefer to wait until the charter-only show season in late Spring.  What they don’t realize, and Jana does, makes her a leader in the industry.  Multiple charter yachts quietly list for sale.  They attend shows like #Miami before entering the charter season.

Sheeder and her team use this opportunity to inspect yachts and interview crews privately.  Competitors cannot try to eavesdrop on our conversations.   They are not in attendance!  Fewer distractions and interruptions enable us to spend quality time with the crews.  Firstly, we discuss our past charters. Secondly, we plan fresh itineraries and activities for guests.  We look for ways to deliver a unique #Superyacht Experience to our repeat and new clients.


UBER?  NO, THANK YOU…

Of course, having more time to see the yachts only matters if you can get to the yachts – a tall task when the superyachts are spread across Miami Beach in two locations – one in front of the classic hotels along Collins Avenue, and the other 4 miles to the south, at Jungle Island Deep Harbor Marina.

Anyone who has visited Miami Beach during the yacht show knows the roadways are snarled by heavy vehicle congestion. It can literally take an hour in traffic to travel just one mile along Collins Avenue, with drivers cruising slowly to gawk at and take photos of the hundreds of yachts docked just feet away from the roadway.  Whether in a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or private car – it’s all the same: traffic, traffic, traffic…

Fortunately for us, Jana developed the ultimate solution to avoid gridlock – we zip around the marinas and pull up at the docks via boat!  Professional, fun, and unique – wonder what she has up her sleeve for the future?

Jana Sheeder leans on side of Jupiter yacht as it races along Miami skyline at sunset

 

We use limousines and suv’s at every show to cater to clients. Cars and traffic do not mix.

For this year’s show, we used a Jupiter 31 center console model (after our Van Dutch 55 had mechanical problems).  [Side bar:  The Van Dutch is a stylish cruiser, and some of our superyacht clients had flown in to inspect several luxury yacht charter vessels with us.  We thought they would be bummed not to cruise “in style” on the Van Dutch 55.  Turns out they had a blast with Jana – roaring around Biscayne Bay in the fast Jupiter, and cruising up the Miami River for a dockside late lunch and sunset at the Casablanca Seafood Restaurant.  A special bonus was the sighting of a manatee and dolphins!  The Miami Magic…]

 

FOR CHARTER…

Some of our most popular charter yachts (and crews) came to town, including:

  • DOUBLE DOWN – 213 Foot Codedasa superyacht selected last season by one of our clients for a 10–day Greek yacht charter odyssey through the Ionian islands. [Click on the yacht name to see photos we took at the Miami Yacht Show…]
  • BLISS – 145 Foot Heesen charteryacht – a fantastic modern yacht with a fun-loving crew who delivered a memorable Balearic islands yacht charter holiday to one of our Dutch clients and his family last July.
  • QUITE ESSENTIAL – 180 Foot Heesen – eco-friendly motoryacht with impressive looks and great interior comfort.  Another great superyacht for clients.

 

STUNNING NEW YACHT…

We also took the opportunity to inspect some brand new yachts for sale.  Why would we look at yachts not currently in charter?  Many buyers in the market for a brand new yacht will often buy a yacht, then enter it into the charter marketplace.  If this is done after the boat show season, there may not be an opportunity to inspect the yacht for many months.  We prefer to promote charter yachts that we have inspected, and while that’s not always the case, taking the time to look at popular, newly-built models increases the odds that we will see a new charter yacht before our competitors do.  We’re always looking for ways to stay a step ahead!

Our favorite new model at this year’s show is the NAVETTA 33, from the custom series of yachts built by Italy’s Ferretti Yachts.

Ferretti Custom Line 33 superyacht underway - heading to left of screen

 

Ferretti has already sold ten hulls since the model was launched in 2017.  After inspecting this yacht, it is easy to see why. The Navetta 33 Ferretti features a voluminous interior flooded with natural light through  floor-to-ceiling windows.  We walked through with one of our clients who has designed contemporary interiors for luxury suites in NBA arenas – and she was just as impressed!

 

THE 1-800 YACHT CHARTER DIFFERENCE…

So there you have it – another great yacht show for 1-800 Yacht Charters.  Jana took our team (and our clients) on some of the most popular luxury yacht charter vessels found anywhere in the world.  We also saw newly built yachts, and we’re anxious to see them enter the charter market.

Most importantly, we had the opportunity to spend quality time with our clients and share with them another aspect of our dedication to Delivering The Superyacht Experience… 

This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Good Times Special Events and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted on

Monitoring International Laws Keeps Yacht Charter Maven On Her Toes

Posted on

Digging Deeper

You would think Delivering The Superyacht Experience™ to boating clients would be pretty straightforward:  A client expresses interest in a yacht for a family vacation.  The charter broker presents several options.  The client makes a selection.

THIS IS NOT SO CLEAN

In reality, it’s not nearly so clean and to the point.  At least not for the handful of super-brokers who handle the world’s elite travelers.

 

JUST ASK JANA

Just ask luxury yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters.

According to Sheeder, matching a yacht to the client’s budget is just the starting point.

“While our clients are most interested in a yacht’s layout, amenities, and price, we dig deeper – into the yacht’s registration, the nationalities of the crew, and any governmental regulations and laws that might impact the success of the charter and comfort and respect of our clients.”

 

photo of large red Maritime book on its side with a gavel lying on top

 

El Método Español

In addition, Sheeder mentions the rules affecting yachts for hire in Spanish waters.  “We’ve seen a significant increase in interest in Spain, particularly Balearic Islands yacht charter vacations,” says Sheeder.  “Many yachts based in the South of France and Monaco are willing to deliver to the Balearics to accept theses charters.  However, yachts not in possession of a Spanish charter license are at a significant disadvantage, and face restrictions as to where the charter can begin and end, and what nationalities are permitted in the crew.  Something as simple as bringing on a Spanish resident to offer therapeutic massages to the charter guests could be a problem if the yacht is not licensed for charter in Spain.”

 

OTHER ISSUES

Sheeder and her staff monitor other licensing and legality issues. For instance:

  • Local regulations regarding the charter guests’ use of watertoys. For example, waverunners
  • VAT implications of chartering in certain European Union countries.
  • Advance entry requirements prior to arrival in certain ports of call.

 

SHEEDER COMMENTS

“Not understating these regulations and laws can result in a negative experience for the charterer and  guests, and in some cases increase the overall cost of the charter by 10% or more – a significant sum considering many charters are priced in the €500,000 to €1,000,000 per week range.”                 

 

La Manière Française

Currently, Sheeder is monitoring the possible impact of French social security tax responsibilities on yacht crews.  In March 2017, a decree was passed to require crewmembers and their non-French employers (the yacht owners) to make contributions to ENIM – the French mariners’ social security agency. Any yachts and crews spending more than 90 consecutive days in France or French waters are subject to the tax.  The decree was suspended Sept 13, following a disastrous summer tourist season that saw France luxury yacht charter revenues plummet by 40%.

 

 

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Sheeder is waiting to see if the decree is actually overturned in 2018, or if it will come back in a modified form. “These increased costs associated with crew wages end up being are passed on to the charterer, in the form of higher rates for yacht rentals,” says Sheeder.    If the decree is reinstated, Sheeder plans to either offer her clients yachts with French crew, or to convince them to bypass French waters and charter elsewhere in the region.

 

Going The Extra Mile

Do affluent charter clients realize the level of detail involved in orchestrating a vacation on a superyacht?  Sheeder chuckles at the question: “Probably not, but that’s fine with us. It’s like an attorney getting your traffic ticket dismissed in court.  You don’t care how he or she does it –  as long as you don’t have to pay the ticket!  It’s a similar scenario for us – we obsess over the small details in order to deliver a memorable vacation experience to our clients.  A pat on the back is nice, but a satisfied charterer who becomes a repeat customer is even better!”

 

 

HOW DO I RENT A YACHT?

A luxury yacht charter is the ultimate vacation for today’s elite travelers.  Wired, connected, and driven by sustainability and the greater social good, they want to immerse themselves and participate in unique cultural events. 1-800 Yacht Charters understands that their chartered yacht must serve as a platform to an eco-friendly adventure – a chance to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.  If this sounds like your next vacation, CONTACT our charter consultants at:  1.800.922.4824 (North America) or 305-253-7245 (local South Florida and international) today.

This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted on

New Croatia Yacht Charter VAT Regulations

Posted on

Photo of harbor full of anchored sailboat hulls

 

BACKGROUND

In January, 2014, we alerted our clients to new rules. These rules regard a VAT increase imposed on Croatia yacht charter rentals.  The government increased the VAT rate from 10 % to 13%. This was to combat the country’s economic woes.

We, therefore, focused on saving money for clients.  We encourag our clients to commence their charters in nearby Montenegro.  They could then cruise into Croatian waters, tax-free.

In spite of this, good things sometimes come to an end…

Effective this month, new regulations take effect. These eliminate the loophole that allowed tax-free cruising in Croatia.

 

WHAT’S NEW

This February, the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs made an announcement.  The regulations that govern the Croatia yacht charter market were amended to, “…bring the regulations in line with other European Union Member States.”  The main change was, therefore, the imposition of VAT on charters starting outside of Croatia.

As succinctly explained by 1-800 Yacht Charters company President,  Jana Sheeder,

“As of May 1st, 2018, charters commencing outside Croatia that then cruise into Croatia, will now have to pay 13% VAT on the time spent in Croatian waters.”

 

The new regulations are not retroactive.  Thus, any charters booked prior to the regulation change are exempt.

 

OTHER CHANGES

On a positive note, other regulation changes designed to encourage an increase in yacht charter Croatia activity will also go into effect.  The government has lifted the restriction that banned non-European Union charter yachts under 40 meters from chartering in Croatia.  As explained by Rory Jackson of SuperyachtNews, “These restrictions, which prohibited non-EU commercial vessels under 40m chartering in Croatia, had been implemented to bolster the domestic market. However, they proved to be more costly than beneficial.”

Non EU flagged yachts under 40 meters will need to secure a charter license to operate in Croatia. The license will be required even if the charter starts outside Croatia.

Are you considering a private yacht charter vacation in Croatia or elsewhere in the Mediterranean this summer?  Click https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/superyacht-charter/ for a sampling of superyachts available this summer.

Come enjoy The Superyacht Experience as only 1-800 Yacht Charters can deliver!

This entry was posted in Educational Yacht Charter Destinations News and tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted on

Who Knew? Five Little Known Facts About The Bahamas

Posted on

You probably know the Bahamas is a prime destination for a luxury yacht charter vacation. But how many of the following details do you know about this island archipelago?  Here are five little known facts about this tropical paradise:

 

AND THE NAME MEANS…

The name, “Bahamas” is derived from the Spanish phrase, “Baha Mar” meaning “Shallow Sea.”  This was the name given to the area by Spanish explorers.  Indeed, the popularity of Bahamas yacht charters is in part due to the fact that the shallow waters with sandy bottoms are perfect for boating and watersport activities like riding waverunners, swimming with wild dolphins, and snorkeling.

 

DID YOU SAY 700???

aerial photo of the islands of the bahamas

Many people think of Nassau as, “the Bahamas.”  With dozens of cruise ships, and thousands of tourists visiting Nassau, it’s no small wonder why.  But did you know there are 700 islands in the Bahamian archipelago? The total area is 5359 square miles, including 1494 square miles of water – and more importantly – 2201 miles of coastline!   This is the advantage of being onboard a luxury charter yacht, and escaping the crowded tourist areas in and around Nassau.   Miles of beautiful, uninhabited beaches and moderate average temperature throughout the year help solidify the appeal to boaters to venture beyond Nassau to explore the nearby Exumas and Berry Islands, and beyond.  There are literally hundreds of shallow coves where a Bahamas yacht charter vessel can drop anchor for a day of relaxation in the tropical sun.  BONUS FACT:  Nassau is such a popular tourist destination, many people think it is the name of an island.  Nassau is actually a city on the island of New Providence…

 

SAY IT AIN’T SNOW!

Believe it or not, it HAS snowed in the Bahamas.  On January 19th, 1977 a strong cold front that swept into Florida from the northeastern United States passed over the Bahamas.  While mostly cold rain fell, local residents did report snowflakes falling from the skies. For a brief time, everyone packed away their swim trunks and waited for the warmer weather to return.  The snowfall that day – 41 years ago – is the last time snow was recorded in the islands.  The constant tradewinds bless these islands with warm weather – even in the winter months.  Winter lows average a comfortable 70 degrees (Fahrenheit), and summer highs between 80–90. This is truly a climate where you can have fun nearly anytime of the day, and in any season.

 

WHEN PIGS FLY SWIM…

Many tropical tourist destinations offer visitors a chance to swim and interact with dolphins – and some offer intrepid vacationers a chance to swim with sharks.

But pigs????  A favorite stop on most yacht charter itineraries in the Bahamas is a visit to Big Major Cay, home of the swimming pigs.  How did the pigs get to the island? No one knows for sure.  Big Major Cay is uninhabited and the pigs are not native to the island. Some Bahamians say the pigs were left by a group of sailors, while others claim the pigs swam to shore from a shipwreck.  Wherever they came from, there are approximately 3 dozen pigs and piglets living on “Pig Beach.”   The pigs are known to wade out in the clear shallow waters and swim up to visiting boaters – in hopes of receiving a snack.  Charter guests often get into the water and swim with the pigs, then take the yacht’s tender ashore, to sit and pose for photos with the famous residents of Pig Beach.

 

BIG BIRD / BIG FISH

Collage of 4 photos of flowers, a bird, and a fish

 

The national bird of the Bahamas is the Flamingo, specifically the West Indian Flamingo – one of the largest species of flamingos.  BONUS FACT:  Did you know flamingos are pink as a result of their diet that consists largely of creatures like krill/shrimp?  Once sadly hunted for their orange and pink feathers for fashion reasons, they are now a protected species. The Bahamian island of Inagua has the second largest population of flamingos in the world.

NATIONAL FISH

The Bahamas national fish is the Atlantic Blue Marlin.  This strikingly beautiful fish is one of the biggest fish in the world. Females, significantly larger than males, can reach 14 feet in length and weigh nearly 2000 pounds.  Average sizes tend to be in the range of 11 feet and 200 to 400 lbs.  The area around the island if Bimini is considered the Big Game Fishing Capital of the Bahamas. Today, most fishermen practice catch and release, to help sustain the big game fish population.

NATIONAL FLOWER

While not a fish or bird, it’s worth mentioning the national flower is the beautiful Yellow Elder, and the national tree is the Lignum Vitae (Tree of Life)

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

In conclusion, COME EXPLORE THE BAHAMAS!  We know at least TEN more little known facts about the Bahamas. For instance, the picture-perfect lagoons, to underwater caves, to pirate’s havens.  There’s so much to see and do in the Bahamas, and the best way to see it is on a private luxury yacht charter .  Come enjoy one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world – starting just 50 miles from the coast of Florida!

Click https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now/  for more information about planning your yacht charter in the Bahamas today…

This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational Destinations and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted on