Croatia yacht charters are in for change. In November, the Croatian government voted on a fiscal consolidation package to reduce the country’s deficit. One of the measures included an increased intermediate Value Added Tax (VAT, or PDV, as it is called in Croatia) rate from 10% to 13%.
TRAVELER ADVISORY
Travelers experiencing a yacht charter vacation in Croatia know this increase. Costs passed from yacht owner to the charterer expected.
“In each of the past three summer seasons, we have seen an increase in interest in Dalmatian yacht charter adventures in Croatia,” says Sheeder. “We are advising our clients to budget not only for the increase in VAT, but also for the higher excise taxes on fuel that were approved in November. In short, the cost to enjoy both a Croatia bareboat rental or a fully crewed yacht vacation will cost about 5% more in the summer of 2014.”
DALMATIAN ISLANDS
Trips to the Dalmatian Islands in Croatia now challenge locations in Italy and France as the most popular Mediterranean yacht charter destination. Environment protection is critical in these national parklands.
HOW ARE THE CROATIAN ISLANDS?
They are wild and mostly uninhabited. Additionally, they offer a varied and diverse cruising ground for sail boat charters.
MUST SEE STOPS IN CROATIA
There are many “must-see” itinerary stops in Croatia. For instance, Kornati National Park, The Town of Split (a UNESCO City), The Islands of Hvar, Brac, and Vis, and Trogir, a World Heritage Organization City. Lastly, Plitvice Lakes National Park (photo above).
The 6th edition of the Perini Navi Cup has concluded. Once again, several Perini Navi yacht charter boats have participated. They made a strong showing. Perini Navi NEVER disappoints.
There were multiple PN yachts in attendance as spectator yachts. For instance, motor yacht EXUMA. sailing yacht FIDELIS, and sail yacht MELEK.
THE PERINI NAVI CUP
This year’s race held September 2 through 5 in Porto Cervo at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The 2015 Perini Navi Cup featured three days of spirited racing along challenging courses through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago. The intense sailing competition was wonderful. After which, social gatherings and nightly soirees occurred. Lastlly, a gala dinner with entertainment by Andrea Bocelli in conclusion.
WHO IS PERINI NAVI?
Italy’s Perini Navi shipyard is renowned for the massive dimensions of the yachts they produce. In addition, their commitment to cutting edge technology and luxurious finishes. They are unrivaled as charter yachts in terms of deck space and interior amenities.
We reflect upon the continued expansion of business from sailing yachts to motor yachts. Things change so much, and so do we. SailAway now cross-promotes its private yacht rental brand as 1-800-YACHT CHARTERS. To illustrate, all names are a part of The SailAway Group.
SAILAWAY YACHT CHARTER CONSULTANTS
We began in the 1970’s as a business focused on luxury sailing charter vacations in the Virgin Islands. For instance, smaller boats (mostly sailboats), typical itineraries between the islands, smaller selection of watersports toys. SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants has grown into a web-based network of the newest and largest yachts, in the world’s best destinations, with charter personnel worldwide.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Company President, Jana Sheeder, has witnessed the change.
As a result, Sheeder explains,
“Our industry has not just grown – it has evolved. In the early years, the term ‘yacht charter‘ was synonymous with sailboat charters in the Virgin Islands. As the global economy expanded in the 90’s, the penchant for yacht owners to build larger and larger vessels reached a fevered pitch, especially in the motoryacht sector. These larger vessels had far greater capacity to carry more fuel and supplies and to cruise further than their predecessors.”
Sheeder continues, “The ability to safely travel to remote destinations led to the expansion of global itineraries. Existing marinas expanded, and new facilities were built throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the worldto accommodate the new superyachts.”
The increase in the number of available motor yachts for hire allowed Sheeder’s company to grow into a global provider of luxury mega yacht charter vacations.
Since the company’s name alludes to sailing, Sheeder felt it was time to rebrand the business to reflect the growing trend for large motoryacht rentals. “We secured both a toll-free phone number and a domain name that allow us to cross-promote both sailing and motoryacht vacations under the moniker: 1-800-YACHT CHARTERS,” says Sheeder.
Named by Forbes.com as the “Best Private Cruise in the World,” Sheeder is proud of the company’s commitment to offer charterers the newest yachts in the marketplace. “Like 1-800-FLOWERS and similar company names, the 1-800-YACHT CHARTERS brand allows us to offer our customers a point of easy access to a global inventory of new and large sail and motor yachts for hire.“
The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America has released a disturbing study detailing the threat of plastic pollution in the ocean, and its impact on seabirds. Plastic trash is found in 90 percent of seabirds. The rate is growing steadily as global production of plastics increases.
According to the Academy, the “Threat of plastic pollution to seabirds is global, pervasive, and increasing.”
AREAS OF IMPACT
The areas of impact facing the greatest threats are the southern boundary of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
WHAT PLASTIC IS FOUND IN BIRDS?
Plastic found inside birds includes bottle caps, plastic shopping bags, and tiny pieces the size of rice that have been broken down by the sun and waves.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
After reading the study’s abstract, Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters commented on the health impact facing the seabirds. “Living along the coast of South Florida, I have seen the small plastic pieces of plastic that wash up into our mangroves and our shoreline,” says Sheeder. “The wildlife rescue groups that we support tell us sharp-edged plastic pieces can kills birds by punching holes in their internal organs. Some seabirds eat so much plastic, there is little room in their stomachs for food. Lack of food affects their body weight and jeopardizes their health.”
WHAT DOES 2050 LOOK LIKE FOR SEABIRDS?
Sheeder echoes the concerns of scientists and environmentalists: “At current levels, virtually every seabird will be consuming plastic by 2050. If we don’t address this issue, we are looking at a major contributing factor to the possible extinction of many seabird species. We can’t let that happen.”
YACHTING INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
Sheeder feels her yachting industry can do more in terms of effective waste management to reduce the threat. “Almost all of the yachts we represent for private yacht charter vacations have the onboard capability to generate fresh drinking water. Now, when our clients request plastic bottled water to be placed onboard prior to their charter, we encourage them to forgo plastic and drink the yacht’s purified water.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, cleaning plastic and debris from coastline near her home in South Florida
SHEEDER COMMENTS
Sheeder is confident the tide can be turned. “The report by the National Academy of Sciences paints a grim future. Consequently, it also points out that effective waste management can reduce the threat. Protecting our future means preserving the marine environment and promoting responsibility onboard our yachts, in the seas, and along our shores.”
SHEEDER CONTINUES
Sheeder further comments, “Everyone can do something. Even just one thing every day. It’s not hard to take that extra moment to help another. Many prefer to stick their heads in the sand rather than being role models and making a difference.”
SHEEDER ENCOURAGES OTHERS
She encourages others to be the change and leave all areas better than you found them. Additionally, pick up trash. Properly dispose of your own trash. Moreover, give back to the environment, to animals, and to others. Subsequently, practice random acts of kindness (RAK’s) to people, animals, your community, and the environment. Finally, show your #Gratitude for the beauty of the wildlife and joy that they give you by protecting them. Use reusable totebags (versus plastic shopping bags) and be a 1-800 Yacht Charters Eco Hero!
CALL FOR ECO-HEROES
Calling all eco heroes! Comment on this post and include your email address. Expect contact from us. We immediately send your own customized totebag. Be an #eco-hero with us!
As the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season draws to a close, a number of sleek, stylish, and modern sailing charter vessels are making their way from ports around the world – to take their positions in the islands for the upcoming Caribbean yacht charter season.
MILK RUN TIME
November is the month many yachts make the “Milk Run,” sailing across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the Caribbean.As in years past, the Virgin Island yacht charter fleet is expected to dominate the market in terms of the number of available yachts for hire, especially in the category of crewed catamaran charters. Yachts such as Lagoon 620 catamaran yacht
ST. THOMAS WELCOMES THE YACHTS
THE CURE, and Sunreef 62 catamaran,TAHAA II are already in position to accept reservations (how does a Welcome to 2014 yacht charter vacation sound???).While the St. Thomas yacht charter market in the USVI, and the Tortola yacht charter market in the BVI are quite sizeble in terms of small to mid-size yachts, a large contingent of sail superyachts will choose the deeper water of the Leeward Islands for their winter base. The St Martin yacht charter fleet and the St Barts fleets are expected to include the following mega yacht charter stalwarts. For instance, 203 foot sail yacht ATHOS – 198 foot sail yacht KOKOMO – and 183 foot Perini Navi yacht PANTHALASSA
WHEN IS THE CARIBBEAN SAILING FLEET ARRIVING?
The Caribbean sailing yacht fleet will be in place from early December, 2013 through April, 2014.
Looking for a way to entertain potential clients during the upcoming Venice Film festival 2015? Nothing says, “Thank you for the opportunity” to a prospect quite as well as a soiree onboard a multi-million euro megayacht.
SUPERYACHT FORCE BLUE
The Festival runs from September 2 through 12, and the Royal Denship yacht FORCE BLUE is available for hire in Venice and is offering a discounted rate to secure a booking. Normally priced at €235,000 per week in September, the 207 foot yacht has lowered her price to €195,000 per week (a savings of €40,000).
GLAMOUR AND BUZZ
Along with Cannes, Venice has long been considered one of Europe’s most glamorous, buzzy film events. A-list celebrities, but more importantly, film makers and buyers attend in the hopes of securing lucrative deals to promote and release independently produced movies.
CHARTERING FOR EVENTS TAKES PREPARATION
To charter a yacht for a special event normally takes many months of advance logistical planning, and securing dockage next to an event venue often requires a reservation a year or so in advance. Fortunately, it is easier to secure last minute space in Venice, as the abundance of waterways make it easier to use the yacht’s tenders to get to and from onshore venues.
THE YACHTS ARE THE VENUE
Large yachts like Royal Denship FORCE BLUE become a venue unto themselves. They serve as a place to conduct private business negotiations. Also, charterers entertain business associates and prospective clients onboard. With numerous entertainment areas, both inside the yacht and on her massive deck, hundreds of guests can gather to socialize. After the guests leave, the charterer and a select number of special guests (totalling 12 or fewer) can use the yacht as a private floating hotel – with a full-time staff of 19 onboard to attend to meals and cater to the guests’ every whim.
ONBOARD AMENITIES OF FORCE BLUE
The yacht’s onboard amenities include onboard cinema (perfect for private film screenings), full gymnasium, hairdresser’s room, and a spa center, featuring Hamman steam shower, mud bath, sauna, hydro massage Jacuzzi, and massage room.
UPGRADE THOSE GATHERINGS
Social gatherings can be upgraded to full-scale dance parties. The yacht’s aft bridge deck can be transformed into a disco. There is a professional DJ station complete with psychedelic lights and disco woofer speakers.
Choose to lay a white carpet down on the dance floor, if you wish. This allows guests to dance with their shoes on. Most yachts do NOT allow guests to wear shoes on deck.
AND DON’T FORGET THIS YACHT TRAIT
There is one component that makes the yacht hire so unique and practical. In specific, total privacy. No one steps onboard a yacht without the Charter’s permission. This discreet venue means businesspeople can negotiate deals in seclusion. Additionally, they entertain special guests. All of this away from the attention of gawkers, competitors, and the paparazzi.
John Staluppi, notably the luxury yacht charter world’s archetypical yacht owner, is at it again. He is driven by imagination and pride. As such, Staluppi takes possession of his 16th megayacht.
Diamonds Are Forever Staluppi yacht
Launch took place on 26th November 2011 in Benetti shipyard in Livorno, Italy. The 60 meter Benetti FB253 is the boat’s official identification. Like his earlier yachts, the vessel has been christened to honor another James Bond classic novel and film. Presenting motor yacht DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.
Staluppi’s Casino Royale
BENETTI TRADITIONS
The boat is based on the shipyard’s famed naval architecture and engineering. Elegant external line of the new Benetti FB253 M/Y (Motoryacht) DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER uses compact forms and dynamic slender lines. She has traditional design elements and modern innovative stylistic solutions. These features are the benchmark of Benetti’s throughout the world.
John Staluppi, Superyacht Owner
STALUPPI YACHTS
As a matter of fact, this man has long been a fan of the James Bond 007 saga. To emphasize, Staluppi’s earlier creations include:
motor yacht OCTOPUSSY
motoryacht MOONRAKER
superyacht THUNDERBALL
M/Y THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH
mega yacht CASINO ROYALE (A fixture at Atlantis Resort and Marina on Paradise Island)
SINGULAR FOCUS OF BUILDS
CASINO ROYALE and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER are built for true luxury at sea. Staluppi’s earlier Bond boats had a singular focus – SPEED. They were setting records as some of the fastest superyachts in the world. It was the 43.5 meter motor yacht OCTOPUSSY which broke the 50-knot speed barrier 20 years ago. This yacht brought the name of New York-born John Staluppi to the attention of yacht aficionados.
YACHT OWNER’S BEGINNINGS
He has a well-known background, but the self-made millionaire left school when he was 16 and worked as a mechanic in Brooklyn. Due to this, he developed one of the most successful car dealerships in North America. It was a business that enabled him to indulge his passion for racing fast boats. He then started building megayachts for himself.
In conclusion, many charter yacht owners prefer to remain anonymous. Staluppi’s vision and passion bring fervor and excitement to a very conservative industry. There aren’t many yachts aboard which guests are greeted by frosted-glass panels delicately etched with the silhouettes of Bond girls! The customized, whimsical James Bond boat themes are a refreshing breath of fresh air in an industry of white, cookie-cutter production boats. It must be remembered. Let’s hope Staluppi doesn’t run out of 007 movie titles, or his passion, any time soon.
BOOK A BOND BOAT
Live the adventure – come explore an exotic destination on a James Bond boat.
The restriction formerly applied to superyacht charter vessels in Thailand changes. It officially lifts. This opens the door to foreign-flagged yachts. Yachts can now charter in Thai waters.
ROYAL DECREE FROM THAI GOVERNMENT
In September, the Thai government issues a Royal Decree. In specific, yachts can apply for a Superyacht Charter License for Thailand. Only Thai-flagged yachts allowed to operate charters in the country’s territorial waters. Foreign megayachts also restricted from beginning and ending their trips in Thai waters. However, temporary entry was allowed.
According to Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, the new license, in effect, has created a new destination for private yacht charter vacations. “We can now offer an exciting new cruising destination in Southeast Asia to our clients,” says Sheeder. “The decree will make it easier for charter yachts to relocate from the Med for the winter.”
THREE LICENSES GRANTED
Three licenses granted. This in Bangkok on the same day of the decree issuance. The first license issued was granted to 41m OCEAN EMERALD, one of three identical charter yachts (OCEAN SAPPHIRE and OCEAN PEARL the others) well known in the Mediterranean.
THAILAND YACHT SHOW
In related news, Thailand’s Prime Minister has announced the new Thailand Yacht Show will take place at the Ao Po Grande Marina in Phuket in February 2016. Located in Phang Nga Bay, the marina is undergoing major upgrades including berths for up to 200 yachts, a permanent breakwater, provisioning outlets (ideal for Thailand bareboat charter clients), and luxury condos overlooking the marina.
HOW TO RENT A YACHT CHARTER THAILAND?
For information on arranging a charter vacation in Thailand, email your request to us at info@1800yachtcharters.com, call us at 1-800-YACHTCHARTERS (1-800-922-4824), or use our convenient online form. We look forward to working with you.
Today, September 15, 2016 is National Thank You Day. It strikes us that something so ubiquitous creates the perfect opportunity to reach out to you, our clients and friends, and express our appreciation.
Your continued patronage and confidence in our services is deeply appreciated.
We remind ourselves everyday how blessed we are to Deliver the Superyacht Experience to you and your families.
SUSTAINABILITY
Over the years, we witness your good works. You are driven by sustainability and the greater social good. Your chartered yacht is a platform to an eco-friendly adventure. In addition, it is a chance to reconnect with your family and friends. Additionally, you embrace diverse cultures and will rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
KINDNESS
Most importantly, we are humbled by your kindness. You have fully embraced our mission to build our business for generosity. As we have made donations to charities around the world in your name, we never expected so many of you to further participate and add, and in many cases match, our donations with additional donations of your own.
YOU ARE THE BACKBONE
You are the backbone of the 1-800 Yacht Charter community. Your support helps us flourish, and in return, we have been able to touch the lives of so many people and animals in need – from helping school children’s charities in remote villages, to installing buoys to protect coral reefs and marine life.
As we end each of our email messages, we’ll close this blog with our standard valediction,
“With Appreciation…”
Thanks to WFP and photo of little girl in Bolivia by Boris Heger
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND CHARTER WITH US
In conclusion, find out how much better a yacht charter company can be! We prove ourselves to clients. For instance, we have 35+ years’ expertise, passion for yachting, and compelling sense of purpose to work for you. Come enjoy The Superyacht Experience™ as only 1-800 Yacht Charters can deliver. Moreover, you deserve pampering and relaxation. Book a yacht charter with 1-800 Yacht Charters today at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
German grad student, Stefanie Behringer, is getting notice. Stefanie designed a hybrid propulsion trimaran motorboat. It is powered by diesel and electric jet skis. Behringer’s creation, if it makes it off the drawing board, would be the ultimate James Bond boat. The sleek, futuristic design is a real head-turner! The green-designed vessel is simple and efficient. A jet ski attaches to each side of the hull. While the jet skis are electric-powered, the 49 foot yacht is also powered by two Audi turbo-charged diesel engines. Audi’s concept design team assisted Behringer on the project.
SPEED AND PERFORMANCE
The motoryacht is designed to cruise above 20 knots, with a top end of nearly 30 knots. The vessel can be operated using just the jet skis for a 100-horsepower emission-free cruise. At high speeds, the diesel engines will kick in as well as recharge the jet skis’ batteries.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Twelve passengers can move about comfortably on the deck, designed to feel like a lounge. A tinted glass panel above will shieldpassengers from the wind and sun.
LAUNCH DATE FOR BOND BOAT
Alas, don’t expect to see this vessel pop up anytime soon in theMediterranean yacht charter market. Audi has not announced any plans to move the multi-hulled motoryacht beyond the concept phase. Still, innovative designs like this bode well for the future of the yachting industry and talented young designers like Stefanie Behringer.
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER
Why wait for the future? Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters HERE and ask to arrange a charter on a yacht committed to reduced emissions and sustainable operations.
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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