The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest consumer technology tradeshow in the world, is underway. Last year, we fell in love with the Kodak PlaySport Video Camera. This year, it’s a new Sony Walkman Sports MP3 Player that has us excited.
You’re probably thinking, “Big deal, another MP3 player…” Well, this one is different:
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Frequently Asked Questions Educational Gadgets and tagged yacht charter gadget, waterproof earbuds, book a yacht charter, virgin islands yacht charter, caribbean yacht charter, Kodak Playsport Video Camera, Sony Walkman Sports MP3 Player, underwater video camera
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When it comes to technology and gadgets, they can’t ALL be winners.
Owners of the largest yachts in the world can be a fickle bunch. Those multi-million dollar floating homes loaded with the newest toys often carry unworthy toys. Hot toys at boat shows catch the eye of wealthy boat owners. They end up on hundreds of yachts. They are easily branded as ho-hum and brushed aside by guests and crew.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, understands the appeal. New techno-toys and amenities on mega yacht charter vessels are important.
“When our clients ask us to provide a new model vessel for their Mediterranean yacht charter vacation, they expect that boat will have the same new gadgets and amenities that they enjoy at home,” says Sheeder. “Our team is constantly reviewing the new gadget and tech marketplace for unique and user-friendly items that can enhance the client’s onboard experience. Every year we some real winners and a few that fizzle and fade away.”
Here are 2 of Sheeder’s picks for the biggest tech flops of 2012:
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation Vita
First, skippers on charter yachts know the importance of keeping the children of their charter clients amused and occupied. For years, onboard game consoles like PlayStation have been a staple. Launched in early 2012, PlayStation Vita promised amazing graphics, a growing online community, and cross-play with the PS3. Still, the new device never caught on as a “must have” platform. “The failure of Vita to catch on seems to raise the question about the viability of handheld gaming consoles at a time when we see more and more children with game-capable smartphones, “ says Sheeder.
“We anticipate a shift away form gaming consoles on our yachts, in favor of onboard smartphones and tablets that the children can borrow during their vacation.”
3D HDTV
3D Television
Second. It’s true. 3D HDTV hit the market before 2012, but the argument can easily be made that this is the year these much-hyped TVs became irrelevant, with a mere 3% adoption rate in American homes. Sheeder explains,
“User-friendly is the key to a suitable toy or gadget on a yacht. Who wants to sit in the saloon having to wear an awkward pair of specialty glasses – that for some can induce a headache – just to watch a movie? The charter experience is based on a model of total relaxation, and the 3D TV experience, while trendy, is not catching on with our yacht owners.”
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational Gadgets and tagged 3D TV Experience, the superyacht experience, 3D HDTV, rent a yacht, gadget flops, book a yacht charter, Playstation Vita, 3D, Sony Playstation Vita, Sony, PS3
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A famed Hollywood filmmaker has bested an equally famous celebrity explorer as well as an underdog submariner in a race to be the first explorer of the ocean deadliest trench in half a century.
James Cameron plunged about seven miles to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific ocean, where temperatures near freezing and the bone-crushing pressure is one thousand times greater than that at sea level.
James Cameron, submarine, National Geographic
In January, we profiled the epic attempt by three teams of modern-day explorers to reach the ocean’s deepest point – the first attempt in over 50 years.
Cameron, the director of Avatar, Titanic and The Abyss, was up against British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, owner of the 32 meter (111 foot) luxury yacht charter vessel NECKER BELLE. The third team was headed by Patrick Lahey. Lahey and his team, Triton Submarines, were heavy underdogs to their wealthy competitors.
Speaking after the dive, Cameron described the ocean bottom as a “completely alien world” – similar to the surface of the moon.
It was a “very lunar, very desolate place. Very isolated,” Cameron said.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters weighs in on this epic challenge. She believes in accomplishing bucket list items while on yacht charter.
“How often do you get an opportunity to explore the bottom of the ocean? I don’t mean via reality television shows provide this option. I mean, charter a yacht and take the onboard submarine below the surface of the sea. It’s an amazing experience.”
Plan your own adventure aboard Bahama yacht charters motor yacht MINE GAMES is one of the first charter vessels to carry an onboard submarine as part of the yacht’s watertoy inventory. Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ to schedule your luxury yacht charter.
This entry was posted in Gadgets Yacht Charter Educational and tagged Jana Sheeder, Triton Submarines, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Avatar, mine games, Titanic, James Cameron, The Abyss, Patrick Lahey, Richard Branson, Necker Belle, Bahama yacht charters, submarine on yacht, Under the Sea
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You are going on a luxury yacht charter vacation in a few months, and you want to bring your iPod. You worry that it may end up in the ocean or that water will damage it, though. NO WORRIES!
Introducing the AquaTunes, America’s favorite waterproof radio pouch for use onboard yacht charters. It works with cd players, mp3 players, iPods, and cassette players. It is designed to be used underwater by snorkelers or by any other watersports enthusiast who enjoys listening to music, radio, or books on tape in the water! (Note: This is a great gift to give to anyone who is headed on a St. Barts yacht charter or a charter boat in Turkey!)
Aqua Tunes
So on your crewed catamaran charter or bareboat sailboat adventure, remember to bring your AquaTunes to enjoy your iPod and iTunes on your private yacht!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational Gadgets and tagged iTunes, yacht charter Turkey, yacht charter gift, bareboat yacht charter, waterproof gadget, Aquatunes, Aquagear, iPod
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A new digital superyacht technology tool for yacht owners and superyacht charter guests is available. The portal provides real-time access to the yacht’s onboard information systems. Technophile guests can view the vessel’s specs, layout, and weather forecasts. Surprisingly, they can even track their yacht charter itinerary.
The Yacht Information System (YIS) is an innovative digital tool. It is a YachtCloud design. Onboard guests can access the portal via the yacht’s televisions via an IPTV channel. Additionally, guests can access the portal via an app they download onto their smartphones or tablets.
Until recently, charterers would visit with the captain when they wanted information. They would go to the command center of the yacht, the captain’s bridge. Here, they would ask the captain questions. For example, “What’s the final destination for today’s cruise?” Or they might ask, “How long will it take us to get to the next port of call?”
With the YIS portal, clients can get instant answers – from anywhere onboard the yacht!
The technology customizes to meet the specific interests of the charter guests. Superyachts are massive, and in addition, true wonders of technology. The inner working of the crew, and the capabilities of the yacht, intrigue many charter guests. In particular, clients often tell us they would love to visit the yacht’s engine room. However, some guests feel they are, “in the way” of the engine room crew. They then and forego this visit. With this app, guests can “observe” the workings of the engine room from the comfort of their location. For instance, stateroom, the gym, the aft deck, or….
CLICK HERE for a demonstration of YIS.
YIS is one of six luxury technology products by YachtCloud. The company began to innovate for the superyacht industry in 2014. We are intrigued by their mission of “delivery” as it parallels our own commitment to creating a unique experience. Our goal at 1-800 Yacht Charters is to, “Deliver The Superyacht Experience.™” YachtCloud products are designed to, “Deliver a more immersive luxury experience.”
Other products offered by YachtCloud include OMNIYON. This is a media control system for superyachts. Specifically, it’s a user-friendly app that allows charter guests total control of all onboard audio/visual media. It also serves as an interface for room devices, room controls, and yacht crew service call functions. As an illustration, this one app lets users browse their favorite movies in the yacht’s cinema catalog. It also allows guests to adjust the yacht’s sky lounge to their ideal temperature.
Some people view technology as a way to sell gadgets. We believe technology is the gateway for a sustainable yachting future. Without a doubt, it’s also a fun way to enhance The Superyacht Experience®.
The term and the concept, The Superyacht Experience® is a creation of, and is trademarked by, 1-800 Yacht Charters. Our joy at bringing the industry this concept is overwhelming. Legacy and Legitimacy. Tis the season? No, YIS the season!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions Educational Gadgets and tagged technophiles, The Superyacht Experience(tm), bridge, client questions, captain's bridge, yacht charter, Omniyon, media control on yacht, YIS, The Superyacht Experience(R), Yacht Information System, Solandge, digital yacht tool, faq's, YachtCloud, IPTV, superyacht app
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This entry was posted in Gadgets Yacht Charter Special Events and tagged racecar inspired, Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter, Grand Prix, Espresso Veloce Machine, gadget, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Espresso Veloce V10, Espresso Veloce V12, bad boy, Monaco Grand Prix, countertop
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On the heels of our recent blog about the new beach club decks on the newest superyacht vessels, reader Dave V. sends us a text message about a portable version:ParrLuxe also offers a cabana with a natural swimming-pool option – a net-covered hole in the floor of the cabana lets in sea water, while keeping out jellyfish.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational Gadgets and tagged luxury yacht charter, personal cabana, floating cabana, anti-jellyfish pool, children's watertoy, watertoy, private cabana, refrigerated cooler, Watertoys
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Rules are inevitable. They are for your safety. Kayaks, skis, towable wakeboards, and bananas are great toys to have on a mega yacht charter. The most requested aquasport equipment is the personal watercraft (PWC). Jetskis and waverunners are fashionable on yachts for hire, particularly the newest yachts available for charter.
Firstly, charter clients can end up frustrated and disappointed if they are not aware of the rules regarding the use of PWC’s in certain cruising grounds. Waverunners not allowed in certain protected bays and coves, some governments require the operator of the PWC to have a license – and please note: an automobile driver’s license is NOT sufficient.
Secondly, before you sign your rental yacht agreement, look for a very standard clause similar to this:
“Use of personal water craft is only permitted subject to the operator having the appropriate license and meeting with local operating regulations. Any liability arising from noncompliance is entirely at the operator’s risk.”
Bottom line, just because your yacht carries waverunners onboard does not mean you can legally use them.
Thirdly, get a license! One way to obtain a PWC license is via one of many online boating safety courses. Courses may vary from state to state and from country to country. Fortunately, many PWC licenses are recognized and accepted in major charter destinations like the Western Med.
For students who prefer hands-on training, there are many accredited boating safety training centers and schools around the world, such as:
Once you obtain your PWC license, be sure to discuss with your crew your desire to use the yacht’s personal watercraft. You might be surprised to find your cruising ground does not permit the use of PWC’s – license or not!
This is especially true in areas with sensitive eco systems. British Virgin Islands yacht charters, for example, are not allowed to use PWC’s anywhere in the island chain.
In conclusion, knowing the rules for operating personal watercraft before your charter will help make your vacation safer and memorable for all the right reasons!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational Gadgets and tagged towable toys, yacht charter vacation, Personal Watercraft (PWC), yacht charter safety, yacht charter, what are the rules for using watertoys on a yacht, know the rules on a yacht, legality on yacht charter, banana, noncompliance, rules, watersports safety, waverunners, jetskis
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Smartphone app, PositionIt
Researchers at the University of Missouri develop a smartphone app that determines location, speed, and direction of distant objects.
The PositionIt app combines a smartphone’s GPS, compass, and imaging capabilities to calculate the exact location of distant objects and track their speed and direction.
Practical uses might include a single off-the-shelf device to replace various pieces of equipment carried by soldiers on the battlefield, or even by golfers to judge the distance to the green when playing golf.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, sees both fun and practical applications in her industry.
“We envision crews using this app to track other vessels during Mediterranean yacht charter regattas, like the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta,” says Sheeder.
“Can you imagine children on crewed catamaran charters in the Caribbean using the app to track a pod of dolphins or whales in the distance? The advantage of a smartphone is that it provides so many tools in a single, affordable package.”
The researchers say the PositionIt app can calculate the exact location of distant objects, both when the size of the object is known and when it isn’t. Additionally, the software can also track the direction and calculate the speed of a moving target, like a luxury sailing charter vessel underway, from a short video captured on the smartphone.
A prototype version of the targeting and tracking software is currently undergoing testing. Advances in smartphone hardware are also expected to improve the accuracy of the new app. Improvements in GPS accuracy, battery life, and camera resolution will allow the app to make even more accurate observations.
The next LORO PIANA SUPERYACHT REGATTA is scheduled for June 4-8, 2013 in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. First launched in 2008, this regatta kicks off the Mediterranean cruising season and attracts an ever-increasing fleet of sailing yachts. For instance, 34 meter sail yacht ANNAGINE and the 57 meter Royal Huisman yacht TWIZZLE.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational Gadgets and tagged PositionIt, Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, caribbean yacht charter, catamaran yacht charter, Annagine, smartphone app, Twizzle, yacht charter app, Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, superyacht app
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Nothing like the peace and quiet of a yacht charter vacation
Noise-canceling headphones have been around for years. One company hopes to convert entire rooms on superyacht vessels into quieter environments.
Presenting the Active Noise Canceling system by Videoworks. It relies on stand alone speakers. These are built into the walls of a yacht.
The system will work by detecting the frequency of noises coming from a cabin. It then emits a similar noise from the opposite side of the spectrum of frequency. As a result, there is a clashing of the opposing sounds. This results in the cancellation of the audible portion of the sound wave.
While in most cases the noise is not completely eliminated, it does drop it to a significantly lower level, often sounding like a faint hiss.
The technology seems to work best when the noise is consistent and at a constant frequency – like the drone of the engines on a yacht charter vessel as it chugs from St Barts to St Thomas.
The noise-canceling gadget relies on woofer speakers that measure 22.8 x 11.8 x 4 inches and can be hidden under leather or other soft materials. For instance, padded walls, pillows, and cushions. They operate in the frequency range of 25 to 200 Hz and will detect any changes in frequency caused by the yacht’s engines or generators. Concert-level audio quality is assured via an advanced 32-bit analog/digital signal processor and a dedicated digital power amplifier.
In conclusion, take advantage of deep discounts on Spring Break charters in the Caribbean. Contact the 1-800 Yacht Charters destination experts at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/for more information.
This entry was posted in Educational Gadgets and tagged caribbean yacht charter, Spring yacht charter, noise cancelling gadget, yacht charter St. Barts, shhh
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