Yacht charter vacations fall into two categories – bareboat charter and crewed charter.
WHAT IS A BAREBOAT?
A bareboat charter is where you rent a sailboat or powerboat that has no crew. It is similar to renting a car that you drive yourself. Bareboat charters are for experienced sailors or yachtsmen and can be “self-drive” (where you do all the work and driving), or you can hire a skipper to drive the boat for you for either part of the trip or for the entire trip.
WHAT IS A YACHT CHARTER WITH CREW?
Crewed charters are where you rent a sailboat or powerboat that has a crew that consists of a captain/skipper to drive the boat and any number of other members. Additional crew members can be such positions as hostess/stewardess (waits on the charter guests), chef (prepares all meals), first mate (helps with the operation of the vessel), and engineer (handles the engines), for example.
HOW MANY CREW MEMBERS ARE ON A YACHT WITH CREW?
The largest yachts (megayachts and superyachts) can have as many as 18 crew members, and some even have more crew members than guests onboard at any time!
WHY CHOOSE A BAREBOAT?
Charter guests select bareboat yacht charters for a number of reasons; bareboats are more affordable than crewed yachts, an independent customer can pilot the yacht him/herself, or the customer owns the same kind of boat and wants to enjoy it in a different location than he/she does at home, for example. Florida yacht charters are often bareboat charters, as guests like to experience sail boat charters and pilot the boat around the islands of the Florida Keys.
UNIQUENESS OF BAREBOATING
Bareboaters will often participate in Virgin Islands Yacht Charter flotillas, where multiple Beneteau sailboats or Robertson and Caine catamarans will sail together throughout the islands, stopping in port to enjoy the Caribbean flair of such popular Virgin Island landmarks as Pusser’s or Foxy’s, or visiting the must-visit, no dock, swim-up Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands (aptly named Soggy Dollar because once you swim up to it, your dollars are soggy)!
WHY CHOOSE A YACHT WITH CREW?
On the other hand, charter guests select crewed yacht charter vacations because they are celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a corporate event, they want to enjoy a vacation where they don’t have to do any work, or they have a large group of people and want to spend a special vacation with them without having to do any of the vacation planning once underway.
WHAT ARE TRADITIONAL CREWED YACHT VACATIONS?
Corporate events include such things as Monaco Grand Prix yacht charters, where a company will rent a megayacht to be used as a meeting place (and floating hotel), what to pack on a sailboat vacation, as well as its being a perfect venue for entertaining clients and for watching the Monaco Grand Prix race. Crewed yachts are often selected for unique first-time vacation destinations, for instance, a Croatia yacht charter or Greece yacht charters, as captains and crewmembers know the waters, the locals, and the area.
The list of television shows canceled has been released by the networks. Are Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht on that list?
MANY SHOWS CANCELED
No one knows the exact reasons for the cancellation of particular shows. In specific, decreased viewership, lack of political correctness, unpopular storylines?
NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS
Per TV Insider, in no particular order, some shows did not fare well. For example, gone are ABC’s, The Baker and the Beauty, and CBS’s, Criminal Minds and God Friended Me. In addition, Cinemax’s Strike Back, The CW’s, Arrow, and Facebook Watch’s, Sorry for Your Loss. Further, Fox’s Almost Family, Freeform’s Party of 5, the History Channel’s, Vikings, and POP TV’s, Schitt’s Creek.
BUT WHAT ABOUT BELOW DECK MEDITERRANEAN?
Good news, viewers. The Below Deck shows are not on the chopping block this season.
WHAT A YEAR THUS FAR…
In conclusion, this year has been a series of challenges. For instance, the Coronavirus Pandemic, protests about police brutality and racism (think George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, etc), and decisions to wear or not to wear masks (and thoughts of political motivations behind health choices). In addition, the Australian bushfire, the deaths of Kobe Bryant plus 8 passengers in helicopter crash, flooding in Indonesia, the phases of the moon and planets, business closures, you name it.
SO WHAT TO DO NOW
Life is returning to normal. Yes, it is a “new normal,” but nonetheless, MORE normal than in the past few months. Yachtsmen and women are renting yachts and going on vacation again. SO WHY NOT JOIN THEM? Many ports and countries have reopened to travelers and yachts, so contact us for information as to which destinations you may now enjoy!
Which 2020 changes and activities have affected you the most? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!
“We live in the USA. I’ve been told crewed catamaran charters are the best way to enjoy a yachting vacation in the Virgin Islands. Do you have any suggestions as to the most convenient, best airports? Jenny S.“
ANSWER
Hi Jenny. We are thrilled to hear about your plans – a travel writer once described a Caribbean sailing yacht charter as, “One of the top five vacations in the world!”
If you wish to explore the US Virgin Islands (USVI), then the Cyril E. King International Airport (airport code: STT), inSt.Thomas is your best bet.
ANSWER CONTINUES
Note: There is also an airport in St. Croix, the Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport, St. Croix (STX). However, very few catamaran and sailboat rental companies operate from St. Croix, as there are very few calm anchorage areas.
So who flies into STT (St. Thomas)? As to major airlines flying from the United States to Saint Thomas, Delta has flights to Saint Thomas Cyril E King, American Airlines has flights to STT Cyril E King, and US Airways has flights to Saint Thomas Cyril E King International Airport. You’ll find both direct flights as well as connecting flights through San Juan, Puerto Rico in the Spanish Virgin Islands.
NOW WHAT?
Now that you know HOW to get there, here are three crewed catamaran sailing yachts available for charter in the Virgin Islands.Sunreef 70 catamaran MUSE
Time aboard a luxury yacht charter vessel is the perfect platform to reconnect with friends and family – and champagne is often the tonic of this celebratory time together.
As crews begin to prepare their superyachts for the upcoming New Year’s eve yacht parties in St Barts, our charter advisers at 1-800 Yacht Charters take a look at the 3 trendiest premium champagne choices for Caribbean yacht charter clients this winter:
THE HOTTEST CHOICES
Dom Pérignon, Rosé “P2” – 1996
It’s hard to imagine a name a name more synonymous with premium champagne. Go to just about any nightclub, and you’ll find a millennial trying to impress by ordering a bottle of “Dom.”
It is a simple, balanced champagne with a pleasant aroma. Hints of a Cognac-like richness abound. A 2006 vintage 750ml bottle is approximately $150.
However, when it comes to luxury yacht charter guests, the most sought after Dom is the 1996 Rosé “P2.” The P2 moniker refers to the age of the vintage, which the wine makers at Dom refer to as “Plénitudes.” They describe the maturation process as, “…not in a simple linear trajectory, but in successive leaps into new expression, each of which are called Plénitudes. In the long journey of elaboration, the wine goes through this metamorphosis, a transformation. Each Plénitude contributes to Dom Pérignon’s singularity. In the darkness of the cellars, from one Plénitude to the next, Dom Pérignon will grow and blossom, transmuting time into energy.”
A 750ml bottle of the 1996 Rosé “P2” is approximately $795.
A BIT OF TRIVIA
A FUN SIDE NOTE: Why do we call it a “toast?” Thanks to Wikipedia, “According to other stories, the word toast became associated with the custom in the 17th century, based on a custom of flavoring drinks with spiced toast. The word originally referred to the lady in whose honor the drink was proposed, her name being seen as figuratively flavoring the drink.
Louis Roederer, Cristal – 2009
On a nearly equal plane in terms of popularity with Dom Pérignon, Cristal (pronounced “chrisTALL”) has been a favorite among yachting enthusiasts for many years. American wine critic Robert M. Parker Jr’s website gives this vintage a score of 94-96 and describes it as one that, “…literally shimmers on the palate, showing great depth and purity in its sumptuous layers of fruit. It is a magnificent wine endowed with superb length and exceptional overall balance. The 2009 Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The percentage of wine aged in oak is 15%, which is down slightly from previous vintages.”
A 750ml bottle of the 2009 Louis Roederer, Cristal is approximately $250.
Moët Ice Imperial
It seems every food and beverage preference sheet submitted by clients prior to their winter St. Barts yacht charter vacation has listed Moët Ice as a “must-have” item.
Launched in early 2016 as a summer indulgence, the popularity has not waned. So what makes this champagne so unique? The answer is “ICE.” This champagne was designed to be served with ice, and that was a real innovation in the world of sommeliers. Ice has a rich fruity taste, perfect for warm weather winter charter destinations such as the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Moet Ice Imperial champagne is a special blend consisting mainly of Pinot Noir (40-50%), Pinot Meunier (30-40%), and Chardonnay (10-20%). It is suggested to be served with three ice cubes in tall glasses of Cabernet, and can be mixed with other refreshing ingredients such as mint leaves, lemon peel, cucumber, or cardamom seeds – to enhance the intensity of flavor, and the icy freshness. A perfect tropical indulgence.
A 750ml bottle of Moët Ice Imperial is approximately $60
AND THE WINNER IS…
There IS no winner! If you feel tricked, we’re sorry. Before you throw your champagne flute in our direction, please let us explain:
One of the great benefits of The Superyacht Experience is the ability to customize every aspect of your luxury yacht charter vacation. For instance, where you go, to what you do for rest and recreation. Of course, this includes your preferences for foods and beverages as well.
So, while we are happy to share the popular brands and trends that we see selected by our clients, YOU have the ultimate say. The Superyacht Experience is a bespoke vacation like no other!
After 30+ years in the business, 1-800 Yacht Charters is still doing the things that earned them the title of “World’s Best Private Cruise” as recognized by Forbes.com.
“We don’t charter yachts,” says Sheeder, “we deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT
Sheeder goes on to explain her company’s philosophy. “Our mission began with a simple question. ‘What would happen if we built our business for #generosity?’ Instead of assuming that people want to simply maximize self-interest, our decision to focus on generosity allowed us to cater to our clients’ deeper motivations to make the world a better place.”
“This focus has propelled us to move beyond the basic rental of yachts and to deliver a true Superyacht Experience. While our competitors focus on finding the customer the “right boat,” we choose to take a more holistic approach.”
HOW A YACHT CHARTER INQUIRY IS PROCESSED
When a #luxury yacht charter inquiry comes in, Sheeder and her team of consultants interview the potential clients to learn what makes them tick.
“Today’s affluent world travelers are looking for more than just a static vacation on a yacht, says Sheeder. “They’re wired, connected, and driven by sustainability and the greater social good.”
Furthermore, Sheeder says the clients hope to immerse themselves and participate in unique cultural events and #voluntourism. Their chartered yacht serves as a platform to an eco-friendly adventure. “It’s a chance to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit,” says Sheeder. She chuckles and adds, “Besides, we often don’t even discuss particular yachts until our second or third conversation.”
SHEEDER CONTINUES
Sheeder admits some clients are puzzled at first. Most charter brokers immediately try to match the client to a particular yacht and crew. “At some point, they realize our entire focus is on them,” says Sheeder. “We share with them our sense of purpose, our commitment to promoting yachts and crews dedicated to protecting our environment, and how we created our business for generosity. Then, we explain our ‘Best Price Guarantee’ – something no other yacht charter brokerages offer in our industry.”
For Sheeder, focusing on generosity, sustainability, and taking the time to learn what motivates her clients is a recipe for success and fosters a deep sense of fulfillment. “We create a bond where we and the client work together [holding her hands together with fingers entwined] – synergistically – not only to create a special experience, but also to make a difference in the world.”
Many luxury yacht charter guests arrive at their yachting destination via private air charter. Now, imagine showing up at your local FBO to board your plane. Consequently, only to find there is no crew or jet waiting for you. Sadly, fraudulent air charter scams are on the rise. Fortunately, there is now a free resource to help you avoid what could be a miserable start to your Superyacht Experience™.
AVIATION INDUSTRY
The business aviation industry has just published a free online guide. Without a doubt, it helps protect travelers new to air charter. The General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide outlines the laws and regulations related to the leasing of private aircraft. Moreover, this guide keeps unsuspecting charterers from scams by illegal charter operators.
BEWARE OF SCAMS
Ryan Waguespack is Senior Vice President. Specifically, of the National Air Transportation Association. Importantly, he addressed the problem in a recent interview with Robb Report. He said,
“As the holidays approach, travelers are turning to private aviation for its enhanced cleaning protocols and limited exposure to unknowns.It’s vital that these newcomers aren’t placing themselves or their assets at risk from illegal charter activity.”
ORIGINATION
Many of the scams seem to emanate from Europe. Scam artists create websites that advertise aircraft available for rent. Further, with legitimate tail numbers. Unfortunately, after the clients have paid, the websites disappear. Clients have no flight – and no money. Obviously, to make matters worse, there is no hope of a refund.
Subsequently, similar scams are taking place here in the USA. Some charter operators are using aircraft with no FAA Part 135 certification. What is the certification? The FAA requires certification to demonstrate that the aircraft and the crew have met stringent safety standards. Furthermore, legitimate charter operators must have higher levels of insurance coverage. According to Waguespack. “Operators chartering aircraft illegally may have insurance policies that are not sufficient to cover commercial activities. In the event of an accident, passengers may find their own corporate and estate assets at risk.”
TRUST THE GUIDE
The guide is by trusted air industry associations. Specifically, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). In addition, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). Obviously, both contributed to the guide.
WANT MORE INFO?
To sum up, let our team help you navigate. In specific, the intricacies of selecting the right size and type of aircraft to whisk you to your yacht. Handling the little details before your luxury yacht charter is what we do best. Without a doubt, we take care of YOU. It’s how we Deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients. Put our team to work for you! Call 305-720-7245, email info@1800yachtcharters.com, or contact us through our online information form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/.
Enjoy superyacht charters at the Monaco Grand Prix? Relax at the Cannes Film Festival aboard a chartered Feadship yacht?
Rent a bareboat (yacht without crew) anywhere in the world and want to share your experience with others?
Is a luxury sailing charter in St Martin the most incredible vacation you’ve ever taken?
If you have NOT yet done these things, yet have ideas for blogs you’d like to read about super yacht charters, crewed catamaran charters, yacht charters in the Bahamas, or anything related to the luxury yacht charter industry, please let us know! We will be happy to write about them (and will give you credit AND send you a special gift as a token of our appreciation for your interest)!
We’d also love for YOU to submit a guest blog to educate the internet about yacht chartering or boat rental destinations. For instance, Greece, Italy, France, The Bahamas, and the Florida Keys. In addition, New England, The Intracoastal Waterway, The Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Tortola. Further, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, The Thousand Islands, Canada, Alaska, Sardinia, Corsica, Turkey, Thailand, Turks and Caicos, Miami, and South Beach?
Join us, Guest Bloggers! Tell the world about the luxury super yacht charter industry or your vacations at sea!
TRAVELERS AND GUEST BLOGGERS WANTED
In conclusion, want to write a guest blog post about yacht charter vacations? Educate the public. Tell the world about the Bahamas or the Greek Islands! Moreover, share your experiences swimming with wild dolphins in the Bahamas aboard your yacht charter. Contact us at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/to blog with us!
The requirement for cutting-edge watertoys onboard private yacht charter vessels is nothing new. There’s an ongoing battle between charter yacht owners to make sure their yacht has better toys than their competitor; hence the inclusion of jet packs, personal submarines, waterslides, and flying saucer-style waverunners.
PRESENTING THE WATER BIKE
now, a piece of exercise equipment found in nearly every superyacht gym – the stationary exercise bicycle – has crossed over to join the long list of “must-have” watertoys.
THE SCHILLER S1 – SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE TOY
Engineered for the water, the Schiller S1 water bike merges modern design, technology, and engineering, to deliver a stationary workout bicycle in an aquatic environment. Why stay cooped-up in a yacht’s gym, riding a stationary bike, when you can do your biking outdoors, on the water?
Fans of television’s, “The Amazing Race” on CBS, saw the Schiller S1 in action in the season premiere, as contestants peddled from Marina del Rey to Burton Chase Park in Los Angeles, California.
HOW DOES THE S1 WORK?
Upon first glance, the S1 looks large and bulky, until you realize the pontoons that keep it afloat and provide stability are inflatable. In fact, the unit folds down to 3 cubic feet and only weighs 60 pounds – compact and light enough for any deckhand to carry and place the S1 near the swim platform for the use of the charter guests.
A drive train attached to the pedals connects to a small propeller. The company reports a good rider can achieve a speed of 5 miles per hour.
“We’re committed to increasing the eco-friendly yachting options we can offer our clients,” says Sheeder. “So many travelers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint both at home and while on vacation.” Sheeder continues, “The Schiller S1 waterbike is quiet, sustainable, and human-powered. It’s part of a new generation of watertoys that merge the pleasures of a yachting vacation with the responsibilities of protecting our marine environment.”
SHE CONTINUES
Sheeder concludes with a smile,
“…and as we saw on the season premiere of The Amazing Race, it’s a lot of fun!”
A SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE GREEN VACATION
Enjoy the ultimate green vacation on a fully-crewed Virgin Islands catamaran yacht charter this winter. Catamaran sailboats are roomy, stable, loaded with watertoys. They also utilize the clean energy of the wind to cruise through the water.
COVID 19 update from 1-800 Yacht Charters. In specific, Italian tax authorities have postponed new laws designed to increase VAT on Italian yacht charter vacations. The postponement appears to be in response to the effect of Covid-19 on tourism.
Fortunately, private yacht charter vacations remain exempt from the tax increase until November. Accordingly, 1-800 Yacht Charters will continue to Deliver the Superyacht Experience™ to their clients at a lower-than-expected tax rate.
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
Tax increases were first announced in December 2019. The conversion of Law Decree n. 124/2019 (by Law n.157/2019) and the 2020 Italian Budget Law (Law n. 160/2019) enact new value-added tax (VAT) measures. The law set the VAT rate at 22% for Italian luxury yacht charter vacations. That law is postponed until November 1, 2020. The old rates will remain in place. VAT is set at 6.6% for yachts over 24 meters. VAT is set at 8.8% for yachts under 24 meters.
IN SUMMARY
In other words, private yacht charter vessels and crews can still welcome-aboard guests in Italy at a favorable VAT rate below 10%. The Superyacht Experience™ will continue this summer. Tourism in Italy suffers from Covid-19 shortfalls. Italian authorities are hopeful favorable VAT rates will stimulate tourism. New (higher) VAT regulations will be in effect after November 1st, 2020.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Italian VAT applies to all charters embarking in Italy. Special limitations apply to yachts registered in Italy. Government fiscal agents require an appropriate amount of cruising to qualify for the reduced VAT. For example, at least one crossing from Corsica or Sardinia to mainland France or Italy qualify for the reduced rate.
Italian-flagged yachts are not subject to this limitation. Specifically, no long-distance crossing requirements exist.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
In conclusion, certain Covid-19 protocols remain in place. Requirements include masks in public areas. In addition, no Covid-19 test requirement exists, although quarantine requirements may exist for some origins. For example, public transportation is operating, and restaurants are open.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Our team stays on top of all Covid-19 updated information. For instance, we provide a list of available yachts and “summer saver discounts.” Call our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters at 305-720-7245 for immediate response.
Important to note, travelers from the USA face possible travel restrictions to Italy. Don’t let this stop you. You can still enjoy The Superyacht Experience™. Stay safe, and remain closer to home this summer. We’d love to plan a yacht charter vacation for you like this one!
Pop superstars Beyonce and Jay Z enjoy a boat ride during a yacht charter
Want to experience a Caribbean yacht charter like a celebrity? Then look no further than the exclusive island of Saint Barthélemy, better known as St Barts.
Aerial view of beautiful St Barts in the Caribbean
BEAUTIFUL ST. BARTS
Why is St Barts so popular? It is always sunny with very little rain. The tiny island has become famous for celebrity sightings. In specific, especially during the year-end holidays. This is where all-night New Year’s Eve yacht hops and parties capture the attention of the global newswires.
Singer Gwen Stefani talks on telephone at the back of yacht
CELEBRITY PLAYGROUND
A playground for billionaire superyacht owners and pop culture icons, the scene in St Barts between Christmas and New Years is unlike anywhere else in the world. From Mariah Carey and Sean “P Diddy” Combs, to Beyonce , Jay Z and Ashton Kutcherand Demi Moore. All have spent time lounging on the sundeck of a multi-million dollar luxury mega yacht charter vessel dockside in the island’s Gustaviamarina.
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore seen leaving unique motor yacht A to go ashore in St Barts
HOLLYWOOD SOUTH
So just where is St Barts, the island paradise dubbed, “Hollywood South?”
WHERE IS ST. BARTS?
The island of St. Barts is popular. Specifically, where is it located? St. Barts is a tiny island situated in the French West Indies. Located 17°55’ north and 62°50’ west, just below the Tropic of Cancer, and north of the chain of the Lesser Antilles. Puerto Rico is 240 km (about 160 miles) to the west.
St. Barts – Caribbean map
ALL ABOUT SAINT BARTS
St. Barts lies 35 km southeast of Saint Martin, separated by the Saint-Barthélemy Channel. It lies northeast of Saba and St Eustatius, and north of St Kitts. Some small satellite islets belong to St. Barts including Île Chevreau, Île Frégate, Île Toc Vers, and Île Tortue. A much bigger islet, Île Fourchue, lies to the north of the island, in the Saint-Barthélemy Channel. Other nearby islets include Coco, the Roques (or little Turtle rocks), and Sugarloaf.
Seven thousand kilometers separate St Barts from Paris, but it is just 2500 from New York (about a 4 hour flight).
LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […] read more
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read more
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read more
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