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

Monthly Archives: March 2020

Caribbean Closes Ports To Yachts Amid COVID-19

Posted on

Drawing. In background is a yellow triangle with a black border. There is a black exdamation point in the center of the triangle. The words, Travel Advisory, are almost stamped across the top section of the triangle. The words are in a black rectangle, and the words are in white lettering. There is a white border around the black box and words.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Thinking of sheltering in place?  First, in a remote destination?  Second, in private?  Third, on a luxury yacht charter vessel?   Great thought, but STOP.  Before you get your hopes up, we have a report.  Getting on a yacht may be a BIG problem right now. This is a result of more islands closing their borders to yachts. It is particularly difficult for all.

 

BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS

Traditionally, spring is the most popular season for Caribbean yacht charters.  We have fully-crewed superyachts in position. They are ready to accept guests. For example, from the Bahamas to Bonaire.

Unfortunately, the unexpected outbreak of a global viral pandemic has affected the industry.  It brings the idea of a charter in the Caribbean to a screeching halt.

 

ADVISORIES AND CURFEWS

This started as travel advisories and then curfews.  It morphed into full closures of most island nations in the Caribbean.  This affects both air and sea access.

 

GUESTS OR NOT

In some cases, charter guests already onboard may stay onboard.  However, as of March 30, most charter vessels are restricted.  Therefore, they cannot accept new guests in almost every inhabited island in the Caribbean.  For instance, the British Virgin Islands and St. Marten.

 

CLOSED (no re-opening dates announced)

  • TRINIDAD … not only
  • ST LUCIA
  • ARUBA … but also
  • BONAIRE
  • CURAÇAO
  • BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI)
  • MARIE-GALANTE and THE SAINTS
  • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (DR)
  • DOMINICA … in addition,
  • GRENADA
  • ST. MAARTEN (ST. MARTIN)
  • MARTINIQUE
  • GUADELOUPE
  • ANTIGUA and BARBUDA … lastly,
  • ST KITTS & NEVIS

RESTRICTIONS

Restrictions exist.  For instance,

  • MONTSERRAT.  Mandatory 14 day quarantine
  • USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands).  Closed to all visitors for 30 days.  Charter vessels, hotels, guest houses, etc. are restricted. They may not accept new guests. Guests who have already checked in are advised to return home. They cam remain, if they choose, however.  Airport and Seaports are open.  All non-essential businesses are closed.  Residents are asked to stay at home. All bars across the Territory are closed.  In-house dining is not allowed at restaurants.  Take-out services are permissible. Additionally,
  • ANGUILLA.  Both sea and air ports are closed to all passengers. This applies for an initial 14-day period, from 20 March.
  • BAHAMAS.  Incoming passenger flights are banned.  Significantly, seaports remain open for cargo and supply vessels only.  Moreover, All inter-island sailing and cruising is prohibited.
  • BARBADOS.  Airports and marinas are open.  Whether by yacht or plane, all visitors arriving from the UK, Europe, and the United States will be placed in quarantine for 14 days. Anyone arriving with a travel history from China, Iran, and South Korea are also subject to a 14-day quarantine. Further,
  • DOMINICA.  Airports and seaports closed.  There is an exception for planes and ships bringing vitally-needed cargo and medical relief supplies.
  • ST. VINCENT and the GRENADINES.  Mandatory 14 day quarantine for any passengers arriving from China and other countries.  For instance, the European Union, Iran, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

 STAY INFORMED / DISCLAIMER

In conclusion, this is not a complete list of all restrictions in the Caribbean.  Border and marina/port closures change rapidly.  Moreover, air traffic suspensions change, too.  In the meantime, 1-800 Yacht Charters will keep this information updated as much as possible. We encourage our blog readers to check official country websites and local news sources for the latest travel advisories and closures/restrictions. For specific luxury yacht charter questions, please email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com

This entry was posted in News Yacht Charter Caribbean and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted on

It’s Better In The Bahamas Yacht Charter

Posted on

OLD NEWS, BUT ALWAYS WORTH READING ABOUT THE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE™

Superyacht Checkmate is just one of the many yachts available for The Superyacht Experience™ by 1-800 Yacht Charters. Enjoy this blog post from 2013!

WHERE SHOULD MY FAMILY GO THIS WINTER?

North American travelers looking for an ocean adventure closer to home might wish to consider a discounted Bahamas yacht charter this winter.

 

A YACHT CHARTER VACATION! WHAT A GREAT IDEA

Benetti Vision 145 yacht CHECKMATE announces a special offer for the remainder of the winter season in the Bahamas, cutting her weekly charter rate from $200,000 to $150,000.   The special rate equates to a 25% savings off the published rates!

We first introduced our readers to this yacht in November, 2013, when she began her inaugural winter charter season in the Bahamas .

Profile of yacht CHECKMATE - facing left. Yacht has a black hull and white superstructure

The Italian-built superyacht boasts beautiful, quality construction. She has a contemporary chic interior design by Francois Surety. Yacht CHECKMATE  is the perfect vessel for a Nassau yacht charter.  She has an on-deck master suite with 180 degree panoramic views. In addition, she boasts zero speed stabilizers, VSAT internet access, and a spacious sun deck equipped with a day head.

 

ACCOMMODATONS

The five guest staterooms include a master cabin on the main deck. The master hosts a King bed, and ensuite baths featuring his and hers bathrooms.

#belowdeck are four spacious cabins with accommodations for 8 additional passengers.  In addition, two Pullman berths, suitable for small children exist onboard.

She is the 15th yacht built in the fabled shipyard’s Benetti Vision 145 series of semi-custom yachts.  This new yacht is poised to join the many Benetti yacht charter vessels currently in service. For instance, motor yacht SWAN  and James Bond yacht, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.

 

HOW DO I RENT A YACHT?

Welcome to The Superyacht Experience™!

Enjoy a vacation at sea this winter in the Bahamas.  Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters, a member of The SailAway Group, at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

 

#yachtcharter #thesuperyachtexperience #superyacht

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

Posted on

Silence: A Noise Free Superyacht Experience?

Posted on

THE NEXT REVOLUTION

Our team is constantly looking for ways to improve The Superyacht Experience.™   Silent running yachts are a futuristic dream.  On some superyachts, we’ve added the latest Molton Brown and  Jo Malone personal care products to the staterooms and ensuite bathrooms.  Other yachts now have expanded, large swim platforms.  They have also converted the aft watertoy garages into contemporary “beach clubs”  with lounge and spa facilities.

 

WHAT IF…?

But what if the next revolution to the experience was more sensory in nature and less tactile?   Maybe the future will bring something that envelops the yacht with a calming, quiet sensation.

 

THE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE™

Maybe the future is already upon us…and the next revolution to The Superyacht Experience™  is the 262 foot hybrid yacht ARTEFACT.

 

Aerial photograph of a motoryacht underway. The yacht is heading from the upper left side of the screen to the lower right side of the photo. The waves are pushing out underneath the yacht as it goes through the water. The yacht is solid white with a light brown deck.

The brand new megayacht was built in Germany in a shipyard on Eider River in Rendsburg.  Nobiskrug yacht ARTEFACT has been deemed, “Our coolest project ever!”  by her designer, Gregory Marshall.

 

SHHHH…

So what makes this superyacht revolutionary?  The answer: SILENCE…

 

The yacht was built to operate in near-silent conditions.  She draws energy from 248 feet of solar panels on her sundeck.   A huge array of batteries store the solar-generated power. These batteries also allow her to operate for short periods without the need of combustion engines.

 

GOING GREEN

In addition to the overall sense of calm, onboard guests can feel good.  They know their yacht serves as an eco-friendly platform to a unique experience at sea.  First, running on hybrid power means less harmful emission into the atmosphere.  Second, silent running yacht, of course.  Third, Marshall designed the yacht with a variable-speed Azipod-propulsion and dynamic-positioning system.  This allows the yacht to hover near or over fragile reefs without the need to drop a damaging anchor into the water.

 

YET MORE GREEN TECHNOLOGY

One last nod to green-design technology.  Many of the yacht’s technical systems operate on recycled, filtered wastewater.

This new superyacht is one of the first to meet the stringent Tier III emissions regulations.  These are by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

One day soon, we hope all luxury yacht charter guests can add “noise-free” to the checklist of their own superyacht experience…

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

In conclusion, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/.    We look forward to planning The Superyacht Experience™ for you.

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

Posted on

Small Details Can Make Or Break Your Yacht Charter

Posted on

THE MAGIC OF YACHT SHOWS

I love yacht shows, but probably for a different reason than most yacht charter brokers.  Sure, it’s a chance to see the newest yachts as they enter the market.  It is also a special opportunity to sample gourmet treats prepared by Michelin-star yacht chefs.  My associates refer to me as a wannabe gastronome.

For me, the real intrigue of attending a yacht show or yacht open house is the chance to watch our company President, Jana Sheeder, as she boards a yacht, inspects the vessel, and meets the crew.

 

Photograph of 4 people, smiling at the camera. They are standing in the main salon of a superyacht. The three people on the left of the photo are wearing black t-shirts and name badges on lanyards. The person on the right side of the photo is wearing a white blouse and gold name badge.

 

IN HER OWN WORDS

So what sets Jana apart from other charter brokers?  What is it that allows 1-800 Yacht Charters to innovate beyond the basic rental of yachts and to deliver what we call, The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients?

I’ll let Jana explain our point of difference.

 

“Attention to detail and focus on perfection are at the core of our business philosophy.  Aristotle is credited with the saying, ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’   We truly believe in the famous philosopher’s message.  It is easy to fall into the trap of analyzing a yacht’s onboard amenities.   Others see features, above benefits. Certainly, items like an ondeck hot tub, an outdoor cinema area, and Hamman spa draw your attention to a yacht, but it’s the small things, some tangible, some more of a feeling, that can make or break the onboard superyacht experience for a client.”   

 

 

WHAT DOES SHE MEAN?

Here is an example of Jana’s point.   Recently aboard a yacht new to the market, 2016 Benetti motor yacht DREW.   During Yachts Miami Beach (February, 2017), at our city’s premier luxury yacht charter and sales show.  Other guests focused on the yacht’s layout and her unique design components. For instance, the covered seating area and hot tub, positioned on the forward Portuguese deck.  It is different, because it is not on the sundeck-  where most yachts locate their on deck Jacuzzi.  What was Jana looking at?  The soap and lotion dispensers in a cabin’s ensuite bath…

 

Photograph of a tray of bath products on a yacht. The products are all made by Molton Brown. The tray is beige, and the vanity is light colored marble.

 

“They provide Jo Malone soap and lotion to the guests,” Jana called out to me.  Later, she would explain the importance of providing quality skincare products to the charter guests.

 

“An article about the British Royal Wedding claimed Kate Middleton used Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin to scent Westminster Abbey on her wedding day.  I researched the brand and was impressed by the unique, original scents.  It may seem strange to the casual observer, but the brand and quality of the soaps and lotions provided to the charter guests can be integral to the overall superyacht experience – especially for the female guests.  The fragrances provided by the yacht should be subtle, so as not to clash with any perfumes or colognes worn by the guests.  Additionally, the lotions need to have a nourishing texture since the charter guests are exposed to sun, salty water, and outside air much of the time during the cruise.”

 

As we moved from yacht to yacht, Jana would make notes and take photos of many items and features of the vessel, including the toiletry products displayed in the bathrooms.   She would make a star of approval on her list next to brands like Molton Brown, Byredo, and Aesop Resurrection Aromatique.

 

 

THE LITTLE THINGS

Here are other small and seemingly inconsequential items we critique during our yacht inspections.

 

First, floral arrangements.  Not so much the fact that flowers are displayed, but rather when they are displayed.  We always inquire from the crew if fresh flowers are put out on the morning of the last day of the charter.  This one simple act can have a positive impact on the charter guests, as they feel their last day on board is as fresh and inviting as their first day.

Second, bed sheets and thread count.  Affluent travelers appreciate an experience that mirrors their lifestyle.  The quality of linens, including bed sheets, towels in the ensuites, cloth napkins on the dinner table, etc. must reflect both the yacht’s upscale aesthetic and that of the charterer guests.

 

LASTLY

 

Third, personal hygiene.  Many of our charter clients enjoy lifestyles that includes the services of personal attendants. For instance, chefs, maids, butlers, and personal assistants.   These supernumeraries are well-dressed and well-groomed.  Their demeanor and appearance is a reflection of their employers.   When client are onboard, the yacht’s crew assumes some of these roles, especially in terms of waitstaff.  Jana will often discretely look at the fingernails of the deckhands and the stewardesses.  This is to see if their nails are neatly trimmed and manicured.  We also take note of the crew’s uniforms.  Are they new?  Clean?  Ironed and pressed?

Photograph of Jana Sheeder on the dock at a superyacht show. She is looking toward the left side of the photograph. There is a large white yacht behind her.

 

THE WHOLE VERSUS THE SUM

Many luxury yacht charter vessels have similar layouts and amenities.  Taking a holistic approach to small details has helped Jana and her team focus on continually striving for perfection.  Jana Sheeder realizes attention to details can mean the difference between a good vacation and a truly memorable superyacht experience.

 

HOW TO BOOK A SUPERYACHT CHARTER

Does a private luxury yacht charter sound like an ideal vacation for you and your family?  Reach out to Jana and our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters.  Call our 24 hour hotline for a live chat with one of our charter consultants.  Call or text  305-720-7245.  We stand by, at your service. 

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

Posted on

Yacht Kismet Owner Donates $1M – Covid-19

Posted on

YACHT OWNER DONATION ANNOUNCEMENT

The owner of super yacht KISMET, Floridian Shad Khan, announces a donation of $1 million dollars to help Covid-19 relief efforts.

As a result, the funds will be given to several northeast Florida organizations.

WHO IS YACHT KISMET OWNER?

Khan is an avid yachtsman and owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars.

WHO RECEIVES COVID-19 DONATION MONEY?

The gifts will be distributed to multiple groups, such as

  • Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund – $400,000
  • Feeding Northeast Florida – $75,000
  • Clara White Mission supporting the homeless in Jacksonville – $75,000
  • Jacksonville Public Education Fund – $50,000
  • American Red Cross / Jacksonville chapter – $50,000

STATEMENT ON JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS SITE

The Jaguars released a statement by Khan on the team’s website to announce the gift.  It reads, in part:

“I want to say thank you to every group or individual who is personally stepping up for the people of Jacksonville during these uncertain times”

Obviously an incredibly generous person. We are so proud to charter his beautiful yacht and to be in the same industry.

YACHT KISMET DETAILS

Again, Khan owns the 312 foot superyacht KISMET.   She is a 2014 Lurssen.  Specifically, she accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms.  The yacht employs a crew of 28 attend to the charter guests. The crew members also handle the daily operation of the yacht.   In fact, yacht operations include food and beverage service, and all onshore logistics.   Common logistics involve tours and event reservations, vehicle transportation, and airport transfers.

The yacht charters for €1,200,000 per week.  Her rate includes the yacht, crew, and use of onboard amenities. Also included in rate is use of watertoys.  Any local VAT and all running expenses (for instance, food, fuel, bar and dockage) are additional.   Eastern and Western Mediterranean are available ports of call for summer 2020.

WHAT IS SUMMER 2020 DESTINATION?

Multiple islands in the Eastern and Western Med.  For example,

  • Albania
  • Balearic Islands
  • Canary Islands
  • Catalonia
  • Corsica
  • Costa del Sol
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • French Riviera & Monaco … in addition,
  • Greece – Aegean/Cyclades Sea, Ionian Sea
  • Italy – North (mainland), Sardinia, Sicily, South (mainland)
  • Malta
  • Montenegro
  • Portugal … lastly,
  • Provence Coast & Marseille
  • Slovenia
  • Turkey
  • Venice

Livin’ Large With Queen B On Yacht Kismet in Italy

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE

It should be noted that Khan plans to make additional contributions as needed.  What a generous hero!   He is ready to help his fellow Floridians combat the Coronavirus.  As of March 30, the state of Florida reports 5705 cases and 77 deaths.

For additional information or to charter superyacht KISMET, please CLICK HERE today.

#covid-19 #donations #yachtcharter #coronavirus

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

Posted on