COVID 19 update from 1-800 Yacht Charters. The Bahamas have again closed their borders to most USA travelers. The closure is in response to the spike in Covid-19 cases.
Fortunately, private yacht charter vacations are exempt. Accordingly, 1-800 Yacht Charters will continue to Deliver the Superyacht Experience™ to their clients.
PRIME MINISTER COMMENTS
Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis addressed the nation on Sunday. He announced the closing of all airports and seaports to tourists from the United States. The ban takes effect Wednesday, July 22, 2020.
Both private flights and private yachts are specifically exempt for the new ban.
IN SUMMARY
In other words, our private yacht charter vessels and crews can still welcome-aboard guests in the Bahamas. The Superyacht Experience™ will continue. The yachts will provide guests with a platform for adventure and discovery. Every charter will reman an opportunity to reconnect with family, and embrace diverse cultures.
HOW TO PLAN FLIGHTS?
Private flights to the Bahamas are easy to arrange. The flight from Miami to Nassau is as short as 40 minutes. Our charter specialists will handle all logistics. from the time you leave your home, until you step aboard your yacht.
COVID PROTOCOL
Obviously, certain Covid-19 protocols remain in place. Requirements include proof of a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test. The test must come from an accredited laboratory. It also must be taken within 10 days of arrival. In addition, an electronic health visa is a must. Applications may be submitted at http://www.travel.gov.bs. Helpful tip: applications can take up to 72 hours to process. Make sure to leave adequate lead time!
Miami’s premier superyacht marina, Island Gardens Deep Harbour, is under new management. The “upgrade” in management, in our opinion, is long overdue.
WHAT IS THE NEW NAME?
The new name for the Miami Superyacht Marina is Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens. The marina opened in 2016 and is the annual home of the SuperYacht Miami Show each February.
ABOUT IGY MARINAS
Island Global Yachting (also known as IGY Marinas) will operate the rebranded Miami marina. This destination offers 50 superyacht berths – for yachts up to a maximum length of 550ft. In-slip fueling is available. High-power electrical service is also available.
LOCATION OF SUPERYACHT MARINA
The marina is located on Watson Island. The island is ideally located between Miami Beach to the east and downtown Miami to the west. Indeed, the views of the Miami skyline are postcard-perfect. The proximity to trendy area hotspots is unbeatable. This deep-water marina is always our first choice for our Miami yacht charter clients. Nevertheless, the marina was less than ideal for the yacht crews as they awaited the arrival of our charter guests. Specifically, the marina lacked a captain and crew lounge. Furthermore, customs and immigration assistance was sketchy at best.
MARINA AMENITIES
IGY has resolved these issues. There is now a crew lounge, as well as a conference room. Additionally, concierge services are available including valet and laundry/dry cleaning. On-site dining is also available. In fact, the newly re-opened dock-side café, aptly named, “The Deck” is described by Forbes as “Miami’s Hottest New Restaurant.”
MARINA SERVICES
We’re excited to take advantage of the new services and amenities. Apprehension gives way to anticipation, as we await the upcoming Superyacht Miami show (February 2021). We are unsure as to whether the show will go on or be well-attended in 2021. In specific, Covid, the pandemic, the Coronavirus changed the landscape of events. What’s exciting about the show? As an example, in the past, we transported prospective clients to the show via yacht tenders. The car parking lot was poorly maintained. We found it simpler, cleaner, more in tune with the theme, AND more fun to arrive via boat. Arrival by car is once again an option, with IGY concierge services in place.
We’re excited to welcome IGY Marinas to Miami. Moreover, we look forward to commencing more Miami superyacht charter vacations from this rebranded location.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR YACHT CHARTER
In conclusion, book a superyacht with us for your own private luxury yacht charter vacation today! Contact your yacht charter brokers at 1-800 Yacht Charters at 305-720-7245. If you prefer, complete our online inquiry form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now/ .
We will be in touch with you right away to plan The Superyacht Experience™ for you!
Avid yachtsman Gregory Kutsen is the owner of Mantus Marine. His company manufactures and sells nautical items. For instance, boat anchors, boat lights, SCUBA gear, and other products. Mantus Marine products are found on many luxury yacht charter vessels.
Kutsen’s goal is to make everyone’s boating experience more enjoyable and safer.
“We constantly look at new ways of solving existing problems.” Gregory Kutsen
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
Apparently, Kutsen’s company mission goes beyond the marine industry. Greg Kutsen, nautical business owner, is also Dr. Greg Kutsen, MD. Kutsen is an emergency room physician in Houston Texas. There’s a critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in his community. As a result, Kutsen and Mantus Marine are shifting from building anchors. Now, they convert snorkel masks into PPE medical devices to address the shortage!
Kutsen sees firsthand the importance of medical equipment to protect the hospital workers in Texas.
“I work as an ER Doctor so the shortage and the need for PPE was very clear (amid the COVID-19 pandemic).”
ADDRESSING A NEED
Mantus Marine has several innovative solutions to address the needs of health care professionals and hospitals. They use 3D printers to convert snorkel masks into BiPAP ventilator masks. They also design and produce acrylic intubation shields.
The masks and shields are donated to local emergency rooms and ICUs in the Houston area.
Simultaneously, the anchor manufacturer addresses the immediate shortages of PPE in health care systems. A recent media article states
“…(using their connections with) international supply chains…Mantus Marine purchased over 1.5 million surgical masks, 100,000 *KN95 masks, and 70,000 face shields to help supply hospitals across the state, including the Memorial Hermann and Methodist Hospital systems in Houston and regional hospitals and clinics in the Dallas area.”
N95 VS. KN95 Masks
Yes, you read it* correctly in the quote. Masks donated were KN95 (not N95) masks. KN95 masks are made in China and have a different fit than N95 masks, among a few other differences. Both are authorized for use during the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information about the differences in KN95 and N95, click here.
WE SALUTE OUR HEROES
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and her team are proud to acknowledge Dr. Gregory Kutsen and Mantus Marine. These heroes solve problems and make a difference. Both on sea and on land. APPLAUSE AND GRATITUDE.
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