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.
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.
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 Destinations News Educational Yacht Charter and tagged yacht charter croatia, charter restrictions, Croatia yacht charter, summer yacht charter plans, Mediterranean yacht charter, VAT value added tax, Jana Sheeder, Education, Superyacht, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, yacht charter education
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Hardly a week goes by that someone doesn’t ask us one of two common questions about charter yacht 11-11:
What does the name mean?
or…
Why is the bow flat?
As to the first question, the name has a dual meaning. Primarily, motor yacht 11-11 is named for the birthday of the yacht owner’s daughter. The secondary meaning relates to numerology, where some believe that events linked to the time 11:11 appear more often than can be explained by chance or coincidence. With some New Age philosophers assigning mystical powers to the numbers, seeing 11:11 pop up on a clock has morphed into a whimsical moment to simply, “make a wish.”
Explaining the reason for the yacht’s unique bow is quite pedestrian and far less ethereal. It is simply a matter of physics. Measuring 63-meters, Benetti yacht 11-11 is part of the Italian manufacturer’s custom line of superyachts. The distinctive plumb bow, also referred to as an axe bow, was added for hydrodynamic efficiency. In laymen’s terms, the vertical bow avoids upward push from waves when the yacht is underway. By keeping the bow down, this result is a surprisingly stable ride, as compared to yachts with traditional, angled bows…
The award-wining yacht (she took home top honors at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards as Best Displacement motor yacht of 500 GT to 1,299 GT) with the cute name and unique look, accommodates up to 12 private luxury yacht charter guests. Her layout boasts not one, but two owner suites – a full beam cabin on the main deck, as well as a second on the upper deck.
Join Jana Sheeder, our company President, as she takes us on a video tour of this spectacular vessel:
This beautiful yacht is a frequent visitor to our home town of Miami, and is available for Bahamas yacht charters in the winter and spring. In the summer, her 16-member crew takes her across the pond to the Mediterranean, where she is available for charters in Italy and France. Now that her owner has secured a Spanish charter license, the yacht can also offer charters in the Balearic Islands (e.g. Palma, Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca, et al).
Her weekly charter rate is €650,000 plus running expenses. For further information, click HERE.
This entry was posted in Yacht of the Week Frequently Asked Questions News and tagged south Florida, 11-11, yacht videos, motoryacht charter, yacht name meaning, Mediterranean yacht charter, yacht tour, Jana Sheeder, Miami yacht charter, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Ibiza yacht charter, Benetti, yacht charter Spain, motoryacht
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Updated: November 18, 2019. Questions arose after the release of this blog post.
First, someone asked if children are considered *passengers.”
Answer: Yes, they are considered passengers. Many charteryachts will create special pricing for babies and toddlers. We will work with the owner, management company, or agent to get the best possible rate for you. Remember, babies and toddlers are legally considered members of the passenger manifest. They DO count toward your guest count.
Second, someone asked if the crew members are part of the “12 guest count.”
Answer: Not usually. Yes, there are some yachts whose crewmembers are a part of the guest count (for example, a captain). For the most part, however, the crew number does NOT factor into the guest count.
= = = = =
On August 19, US Coast Guard officers in Miami board 147 foot M/Y Golden Touch II. They terminat the luxury yacht day charter for multiple safety violations. The owner and captain of the yacht face civil penalties. The penalities are up to $41,456 for the violations.
Upon boarding, the officers count 47 passengers. They cite the captain for carrying more paying passengers than the vessel is certified to have onboard, which is 12. Other violations includ the lack of a valid certificate of inspection. Others include failure to have a drug and alcohol program for the crew, as well as the lack of a valid stability letter.
“Tragically, people have lost their lives on illegal charters, as was seen in the case of the vessel Jaguar in the Tampa Bay area and in the case of the Miami Vice yacht in Miami,” said USCG Capt. Ladonn Allen, of the 7th District prevention department. “The unsafe atmospheres that these types of companies and unlicensed captains, who knowingly engage in illegal activity, create on their boats show a complete disregard for passenger safety and have been responsible for multiple deaths in Florida alone. We cannot stress enough to anyone looking to charter a boat to verify the captain’s license and safety of the vessel.”
164ft Yacht Amarula Sun – Loaded with Watertoys for Active Travelers
So how many passengers can a yacht legally carry? The answer can vary and depends upon many variables. For example, the type of certification the yacht holds and the type of license the captain possesses.
As a general rule, most yachts for hire are restricted to 12 passengers, and require special certification to transport more than 12 guests.
First, make sure the boat you hire is operating legally. Retain the services of a professional yacht charter broker. A charter professional is numerous things. For instance, someone who knows the rules, has experience, and can determine which yacht and crew is right for you.
We realize it can be tempting to “go direct” and cut out the charter broker. The broker is essentially a middle-man/woman. He/she works for you and earns a commission for arranging your yacht charter, like Hertz or Avis, in renting a car.
The possible savings of going direct are not what you might expect. Many yacht owners set a rate that does not change. The rate is firm, even if a yacht charter broker is involved. Most yacht charters pay commissions to the brokers from the rate paid on the boat. The charter fee is NOT “marked up” by ethical and reputable brokers, unlike going direct. Our company also rewards referrals for yacht charters presented to us.
In conclusion, protect yourself and go with professionals who know and obey the rules of chartering. Your safety, satisfaction, and memorable experience are of utmost importance to us. To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation now, contact us today via whatsApp or text to 305-720-7245.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged overcrowded charter boat, why use a yacht charter broker, yacht charter miami, Miami yacht charter, illegal yacht charter, motoryacht Golden Touch II, safety violations, US Coast Guard
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OK, we’ll admit it – when Dee Kraley, manager of motor yacht SuRi, first invited us onboard the former oil rig supply boat, we were skeptical. Was it really possible to take an old ship built in 1978 by Halter Marine, cut her in half to extend her overall length from the middle, and transform her into a modern expedition yacht charter vessel?
After two extensive rebuilds and a 2016 refit, the answer is a resounding, “YES!” The “old supply ship” is indeed one of the most luxurious charter yachts available in her size and price category.
Adding 11 meters to her overall length significantly boosted her volume, both indoors and on deck.
Yet more impressive than her transformation is her owner’s commitment to creating the ultimate adventure travel vessel in the charter market.
While most superyachts carry a respectable inventory of watersports gear, this yacht takes it to another level – with multiple tenders, a helicopter, seaplane, jet skis, hoverboard, scuba diving equipment, quadskis, and so much more. Twenty (20) active, athletic crewmembers add to the neverending fun, excitement, and adventure enjoyed by charter guests.
So where do you base a yacht filled-to-the-brim with toys? It must be a destination with endless opportunities for exploration and water-themed adventure. The answer? The South Pacific and the islands of Fiji, French Polynesia, and Indonesia.
A favorite anchorage for yacht SuRi and her charter guests are the islands of Raja Ampat, an archipelago of 1500 islands located off the northwest tip of New Guinea. Marine life thrives here, and the bio-diversity is unlike anywhere else in the world – with hundreds of species of corals and reef fish, along with whales, dolphins, and giant rays.
Check out this amazing action-packed yacht charter video of motoryacht SuRi and her onboard guests enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Raja Ampat:
Come enjoy The Superyacht Experience onboard motor yacht SuRi. Available summer 2018 in French Polynesia and Fiji, and priced at $350,000 per week (plus operating expenses like food and fuel) for up to 12 guests. Click HERE for further information…
WHAT’S IN A NAME? No, she is not owned by Tom Cruise or Katie Holmes or daughter, Suri. Her name, SuRi, is the combination of her owners’ first names. Just in case you were wondering… 😉
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Yacht of the Week and tagged seaplane, South Pacific yacht charters, helicopter, SCUBA, hoverboard, Refit, flyboard, inflatable slide, kayaks, watersports toys, deep sea fishing, wellness, New Guinea yacht charter, 1-800 Yacht Charters, swim with dolphins, Fiji, yacht charter, Suri, fish feeding room, motoryacht charter, swim with whales, yoga room, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, swim with giant manta rays, adventure travel, Gadgets
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If you owned the massive motor yacht SHERAKHAN, the answer is — BOTH!
Originally built in 1965, the current owner bought the commercial vessel in 2005 and undertook a massive refit – basically gutting the entire ship from bow to stern and rebuilt her into a yacht charter vessel with accommodations for 26 guests (most yachts are limited to 12 or fewer). The full rebuild featured all new plumbingelectrical systems, air conditioning, and generators.It also included a beautiful new paint job – a deep blue hull, with a white superstructure.
Fast forward to 2017, and the owner decided it was time for another refit. All new decks were installed, along with new soft fabrics throughout the guests areas and cabins, and a complete overhaul of all major equipment in the engine room.
As he did in 2005, the owner completely repainted the superyacht charter vessel – this time a clean, crisp white, with subtle grey accents.
The expedition style yacht is available in the Caribbean and will remain there through April. In the summer, the yacht will relocate to the Mediterranean (e.g. Monaco yacht charter or Grand Prix formula 1 races, etc.) for the summer.
So what do you think? Do you think she looks better in blue or in white?
To check availability or get more information about SHERAKHAN, visit https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/explore-our-yachts/sherakhan/book-now/
This entry was posted in Educational News Yacht of the Week and tagged Sherakhan, Frequently Asked Questions, Grand Prix yacht charter, motoryacht charter, paint, Mediterranean yacht charter, Refit, Monaco yacht charter, Superyacht, Formula 1, which color is best?, caribbean yacht charter, blue or white?, Superyacht Trends, yacht owners, private luxury yacht charter
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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:
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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!
This entry was posted in Destinations Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged New Providence, Nassau, Tree of Life, Has it ever snowed in the Bahamas?, swimming pigs, Big Major Cay, Snow in Bahamas, how to book a yacht charter], How did the pigs get to the island?, intrepid, pigs in bahamas, Why are flamingoes pink?, 1-800 Yacht Charters, wildlife in caribbean, How many islands in the Bahamas?, yacht charter Bahamas, snow in the tropics, Atlantic Blue Marlin, Bahamas, meaning of name, Big Gamefishing, national fish, Bimini, Frequently Asked Questions, national flower, Exumas, Yellow Elder, Berry Islands, Did you know, Lignum Vitae
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