Just in time for the winter rental season, Trinity yacht charter vessel Motoryacht CARPE DIEM has added a new toy to her watersport equipment list. That toy is a unique “Jetovator.”
Be warned! This toy is for designed strictly for adrenaline junkies!
The rider can also redirect the water thrust of the two front nozzles in order to maneuver the Jetovator in all directions (read between the lines – spin wildly in the air). It should be noted that the Jetovator can go vertical straight up to a dizzying 20-25 feet at speeds of up to 25 mph. Finally, for a wetter experience, you can take a nose-dive and actually cruise underwater (to approximately 4-5 feet deep).
Luxury motor yacht CARPE DIEM 191 sleeps 10 to 12 guests. Her accommodations feature, for instance, a full-beam master stateroom on the main deck, four double guest staterooms, and a convertible gym on the lower deck. Weekly charter rates begin at $395,000 per week, plus all expenses.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Good Times and tagged yacht charter Bahamas, trampoline, Bahamas, jetlev, trinity, jet boots, Bahamas yacht charter, SCUBA, kaleidescape entertainment system, Trinity yacht charter, watersports toys, gourmet food, snorkel, Jetovator, Carpe Diem
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“Sometimes we have to remind our clients and ourselves why we first fell in love with yachting,” says Sheeder. “Initially, you rent a private yacht to escape in comfort and privacy, then you want to explore a remote area or an island and immerse yourself in its culture.”
Sheeder laments some modern travelers are missing the wonders of exploration by spending too much time onboard their yachts. “So much beauty awaits ashore, in terms of people, nature, and culture.”
In the spirit of recapturing that sense of wonder and adventure, our intrepid team in our charter department has picked their top three island destinations. Certainly, there are bigger, more famous islands, but for white sand beaches, salty breezes, freshly caught seafood, and no crowds, head to one of these 3 “World’s Best” secret islands:
#1:
#2:
#3:
Finally, where is YOUR favorite island getaway? Tell us your best island yachting story. We will post it in our blog and share it with the world! Send us photos!
This entry was posted in Destinations and tagged Bahamas, Greece, skopelos, Belize, Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, caribbean yacht charter
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It’s time to get up-close and personal with Bahamas sea life, and the best way to do that is to rent a private yacht and snorkel with them!
To really get to know and understand the fish, coral reefs, and all those ship wrecks is to put on a pair of goggles, grab some flippers, and dive right in.
Bahama yacht charters offer you a chance to snorkel in warm, clear, blue water that is calm almost every day. The sunlight that pierces the surface actually sparkles as the light reflects back from the white sandy bottom of the ocean floor. It is an unforgettable experience.
This entry was posted in Educational Yacht Charter Caribbean Destinations and tagged Bahamas yacht charter, SCUBA, Snorkeling, skin diving, reefs in bahamas, yacht charter Bahamas, Bahamas
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Rick Hendrick, owner of NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports and the 164′ Trinity motor yacht WHEELS, escaped with only a broken rib and broken clavicle (collarbone) when his small plane lost its brakes and crash landed at Key West International Airport late Monday. Hendrick’s wife, Linda, suffered minor cuts and bruises.
The plane is registered to Jimmie Johnson Racing Inc. of Charlotte, N.C., and co-owned by Hendrick Motorsports and Johnson, the five-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion
The Hendricks were the only two passengers on the Gulfstream 150 jet. Co-pilots, James Klepper and Jay Luckwaldt, also escaped without serious injuries in the Monday night crash. All four were taken to Lower Keys Medical Center shortly after the 7:45 p.m. (19:45) incident, where they were evaluated, treated, and released. All flew home to North Carolina on Tuesday morning.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Klepper announced he had “no brakes,” and when he attempted to brake, he also had no pressure. The jet skidded off the 4,800-foot runway and came to rest about three feet from an airport perimeter fence.
Hendrick, the patriarch of one of NASCAR’s most successful race teams, is also well known in the megayacht community. His Trinity yacht charter vessel, motor yacht WHEELS (whose tenders are appropriately given monikers such as “Hot Wheels” and “Reel Wheels”) is available for hire in the Florida Keys and throughout the Bahamas. The 164 foot (50 meter) yacht offers accommodation for up to ten guests in six suites comprising one owner cabin, two VIP cabins, two double cabins, and one twin cabin.
Hendricks added a 24-meter (80′) superyacht sportfish tender to the megayacht’s already impressive inventory of watertoys.
After Monday’s crash, the runway closed for about an hour. It reopened when authorities determined the wreckage did not impact the landing area. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. Per Dale Earnhardt Jr,
“It was a real big scare, very frightening to hear,” Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. told reporters in Las Vegas while attending an automotive trade show. “I’m very glad that he and everybody appears to be okay.”
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Educational and tagged Linda Hendrick, Nascar owner, Chevrolet franchise, plane crash, Key West plane crash, Bahamas, motoryacht charter, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports
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Every year, numerous travel magazines and websites put together lists of the top 10 beaches in the world. Our charter department decided to chime in on the never-ending debate about the best beaches, but we wanted to add a little twist.Since the vast majority of yachting vacations, bareboat yacht charters, crewed catamaran charters, etc. take place in the Caribbean, we decided to focus on the very best beaches found in the balmy Caribbean – sandy destinations that you can reach BY BOAT.
Of course, this will probably set off a series of text messages and emails, debating the merits of the Caribbean beaches, as compared to the South Pacific and elsewhere. Good – that’s the way we like it!!! Let us here from you if we’ve missed a great beach in the Caribbean…or elsewhere.
Our top three beaches:
SIP SIP BEACH (Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Bahamas) – the sand is pink, not white. Very few residents and even fewer tourists. No big buildings or hotels to block your views. Amazing. On top of that, where else can you sit on a beach towel and have wild horses meander by???
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Caribbean Destinations Educational and tagged Culebra, wild horses in caribbean, Jamesby Beach, wild horses in bahamas, Tobago Cays, Grenadines, yacht charter Caribbean, Grenadines yacht charter, Bahamas, down island yacht charter, horseshoe reef in caribbean, Bahamas yacht charter, caribbean wedding destinations, caribbean yacht charter, Sip Sip Beach, Flamenco Beach, Harbour Island, yacht charter Spanish Virgin Islands, Eleuthra
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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 Frequently Asked Questions Educational Destinations and tagged 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, 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
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It’s funny how superstitions and “tales of the unknown” tend to quietly creep into our lives and psyches.
You are going along just fine, oblivious to things that others consider eerie or supernatural. Suddenly, somebody (or something) plants a seed in your mind, and whammo – you are throwing salt over your shoulder for good luck, or giving a wide berth to the neighbors’ black cat sitting in your driveway!
Case in Point – planning a Bahama yacht charter vacation, or as I now refer to it: chartering a yacht in the Devil’s Triangle. Queue the creepy music and fog…
I was recently assisting a client in organizing a Lurssen yacht charter on motoryacht SOLEMATES. The gentleman wanted to take his family for a week-long adventure in the Bahamas. We were chatting on the phone when I heard his teenage son in the background say,
“Dude, I’m not down with a week in the Devil’s Triangle. Boats go there and people get abducted by aliens and disappear forever!“
The boys’ father said, “Jeremy, you’re watching too much cable TV. A little less Ghost Hunters and a little more studying…”
I remember chuckling to myself, but when I hung up the phone, I began to wonder… is there any credence to this kid’s apprehension?
The Devil’s Triangle is also known as the Bermuda Triangle, an area of the Atlantic Ocean bounded by Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and a point between Miami and Melbourne, Florida, in which numerous vessels and aircraft are said to have mysteriously disappeared.
The most famous disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle include the USS Cyclops ship lost in March, 1918. In addition, a U.S. Navy aircraft squadron, Flight 19, is said to have vanished in a green fog in December, 1945.
Scores of books have been written about the mystery of the triangle, and dozens of websites offer conjecture on who or what is responsible. Theories abound – from the occult to extraterrestrials.
Some sites offer a detailed list of planes, ships, and yachts that have vanished. It does make you wonder – how could so many boats and planes simply disappear?
Of course, many other books and websites detail how scientists and researchers have debunked the mysteries over the years. It seems simple explanations, like tropical storms and pilot error, are the probable culprits for the disappearances.
With science on their side, the U.S. Navy and the yachting industry pay little heed to the myths and legends. Lloyd’s of London, for example, the world’s leading market for specialized insurance, does not charge higher premiums for luxury mega yacht charter vessels transiting this heavily traveled area.
Still, I can’t get the silly notion of aliens in the Bahamas out of my head. Not Cuban rafters, but little green aliens with antennas on their heads and ray guns in their hands.
I’m with Jeremy, dude – I’m not “down” with the Devil’s Triangle.
Avoid the Bermuda triangle and spend a week in paradise on a Virgin Islands yacht charter. Contact our mythbusters, aka charter agents, HERE for more details.
This entry was posted in Destinations News and tagged motoryacht charter, Florida, Lurssen yacht charter, Bermuda Island, solemates, Ghost Hunters, Cuba, USS Cyclops, UFO, Flight 19, Puerto Rico, US Navy plane missing, occult, ocean superstitions, Bermuda Triangle, Bahamas, Devil's Triangle
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“Keep it Fresh” – that’s the challenge charter brokers face when dealing with repeat customers.
Cruising in the Bahamas is no exception – after all, how many times can charterers circle around Grand Bahama, or make the milk run from Nassau to the Exumas and back before finally saying, “Been there…Done that…”
The irony of cruising in the Bahamas is the fact that there are HUNDREDS of unique islands and protected coves. The challenge – the Bahamas encompass 180,000 square miles of ocean space – and charterers can only visit a handful of islands during a typical week-long yachting holiday.
But Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters has come up with the perfect solution to keeping her clients excited and their trips to the Bahamas unique and fresh: SPEED and a SECRET island.
Sheeder addresses the “speed” component by means of one of the fastest mega yachts for charter anywhere in the world – the iconic James Bond yacht OCTOPUSSY. Once the world record holder as the fastest luxury yacht on the planet, a $7 million dollar refit has this 12-passenger yacht looking better than the day she was launched in 1988.
“All of her upgrades – extending the sun deck, adding a Jacuzzi-style hot tub, etcetera, have added some weight, and have slowed her down – just a bit” says Sheeder, “but she can still cruise 2 to 3 times faster than similar-sized luxury yachts.”
A recent private inspection of Octopussy and a meeting with her captain and crew gave Sheeder an idea on a unique charter itinerary, built around visiting a secret, uninhabited island. “Heesen yacht Octopussy is not just fast – she also has a shallow draft – much shallower than most megayachts. This means she can get into shallow, protected coves and achorages in the Bahamas that are off limits to most superyacht charter vessels,” says Sheeder.
With the help of the captain, Sheeder identified a special island – far from the typical cays visited by yachts based in Nassau.
“We located a beautiful, remote island, protected by the Bahamian government. The island and the surrounding water park have one of the healthiest ecosystems in all of the Bahamas. It’s truly one of the loveliest islands in the Bahamas, and rises out of the deep ocean about 15 miles east of the closest inhabited major island. There are miles of pink sand beaches, gorgeous sandstone cliffs, and an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, both on the island and in the surrounding waters.”
Sheeder will not reveal the location of the secret island. NOPE. She keeps that information private for charter clients. “We work hard at creating a point of difference. Specifically, between our services and those of our competitors. We continually look for an edge. Important proprietary info allows us to deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients, since 1976.”
She does get a sheepish grin when she talks about this special place and the role motor yacht Octopussy plays. “Other yachts cannot offer you this secret island destination. It is simply too far to travel and return to Nassau in a week’s time. Octopussy has the ability to cruise at 25 knots or even faster, and can easily reach this destination and get back in a timely fashion to Nassau. Plus, her shallow draft means OUR clients can enjoy quiet anchorages that few yachts can normally enter.”
Sheeder explains some wildlife clients can expect to encounter at this protected island and the surrounding sea park. For instance, many threatened and endangered species. The Bahamian government reports long tail tropic birds, sooty terns, oyster catchers, and osprey nest on the island and surrounding cays. At the center of the island is a large mangrove and creek habitat that serves as a nursery for fish, sharks, conch, and crawfish. Green turtles have been seen foraging off the southwestern shore of the island, and in the northern bay. The coral reefs and grass flats in the surrounding sea are very healthy and offer a home to an abundance of sea life.
“It’s an amazing ecosystem,” says Sheeder, “Worthy of visiting, and more importantly, protecting for future generations. We are so excited to share this fresh and secret destination with our Nassau yacht charter clients.” #protectmarinelife
Octopussy is based year-round in Lyford Cay (Nassau), Bahamas. Weekly charter rate begin at $120,000 per week plus running expenses (items such as food, fuel, bar, dockage, etc.). For additional information, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters toll-free in North America at +1.800.922.4824, or internationally by calling +1.305.253.7245.
Pssst! Want to Share a Secret??? Do you have a favorite place you like to go in the Bahamas? For example, some little oasis or slice of heaven away from the noise and the tourists?
Tell us about your favorite destination in the Bahamas. Why do you like it? We will send you a gift. With your permission, we will possibly share your secret with our readers. Email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational Yacht Charter Destinations News and tagged the superyacht experience, OCTOPUSSY, Bahamas yacht charter, fast yacht, Conservation Efforts, secret hideouts, secret islands, James Bond yacht, private yacht charter, fastest yacht, Jana Sheeder, sleek yacht, 1800yachtcharters, wildlife, yacht charter Bahamas, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Bahamas, unique destinations
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First, take an iconic former world-record holding yacht launched in the 80’s. Second, add the allure of James Bond Agent #007. Third, toss in wads of dough for refinements and upgrades. The result is the spectacular, all-new Heesen motor yacht OCTOPUSSY.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters took advantage of an invitation to privately preview the “NEW” vessel near the owner’s winter home in Palm Beach, Florida, before the yacht enters the Bahamas yacht charter market.
“We received an invitation to see the yacht at the conclusion of a 7 million dollar refit,” beams Sheeder. “To be the first in the charter industry to see this yacht in person as it returns to the market is so exciting – we can’t wait to share our report and photos with our clients!“
Boarding to starboard, amidships and entering the interior passageway, visitors immediately catch a glimpse of the spectacular new décor by Jeff Lincoln of New York. Looking aft, the salon and dining area boast sumptuous fabrics and textures. Sheeder notes how the designer stayed true to a classic yachting theme.
“The clean lines defined by white-on-navy color patterns add a great, crisp nautical flair, similar to the classic nautical clothing designs of Ralph Lauren. You know you’re in a yacht but you feel like you’re in a modern New York City apartment. I also love how the blue highlights allow the interior areas to melt into the exterior decks and the dark blue hull.”
As Sheeder continues her tour of the yacht, crew members point out the numerous highlights of the refit.
“You can tell every mechanical system and all interior surface areas – from the headliner to the flooring and wallcovering, and all of the furniture – have been renewed or replaced,” says Sheeder.
Heesen yacht OCTOPUSSY further benefits from a remodeled stateroom plan – with a combination of Queen and Twin berths as well as two Pullman berths for small children.
Additional refit highlights include a new sundeck and extension of the uppermost deck. The deck is complete with raised sunpads and Jacuzzi-style hot tub. “Adding the small sundeck with a hot tub highly appeals to charter clients,” says Sheeder.
“Clients love to spend a day swimming and exploring the James Bond Thunderball Grotto in the Exumas in the Bahamas. There’s nothing like soaking sore muscles in a Jacuzzi hot tub as the sun sets over the ocean…”
Octopussy’s 1988 builder is Dutch shipyard Heesen. This iconic yacht is true to the James Bond theme that underlines all of the famous films. Whether a plane, car, or boat, it goes AMAZINGLY FAST! When first launched, the 143 foot vessel set a world record as the fastest superyacht in the world, hitting a top speed of 53.17 knots. “The added renovations, and extensions have slowed her down a bit,” says Sheeder, “but not by much.” Currently, the yacht can cruise at 25 knots, with a top speed of 35 knots.
“The combination of speed in a setting of comfort and panache makes this an ideal yacht for exploring the Bahamas,” explains Sheeder. “Other yachts are stuck offering the traditional charter itinerary in the general area of Nassau, but this incredible yacht can get to remote islands far removed from the tourist areas. After all, the idea is to enjoy a private yacht charter vacation – and this yacht can certainly deliver on that promise.”
Take the “James Bond Yacht Challenge” and win a prize!
Tell us the names of three 007–inspired yachts currently available for charter. These are yachts named after actual James Bond movies.
Need a hint? The yacht “Octopussy” is named after the 1983 film of the same name starring Roger Moore as James Bond. Now you only need to name two more!
Need another hint? Go to www.1800yachtcharters.com and use the SEARCH box in the top right corner of the homepage to search on names of James Bond movies.
Email the names of three charter yachts named after Bond 007 flicks to info@1800yachtcharters.com, and we’ll mail you a special gift!
[Note: actual spies and secret agents are not eligible to play!]
This entry was posted in News Yacht of the Week and tagged Jana Sheeder, Thunderball, Grotto de Neptuno, hot tub, yacht charter Bahamas, OCTOPUSSY, sundeck, Bahamas, grotto, James Bond, motoryacht charter, Destinations, fast superyacht, Heesen, Refit
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