Destinations of yacht charters is a popular and often requested topic.
Our professionals at 1-800 Yacht Charters reviewed 2010’s “hot spots” and checked with various mega yacht owners with yachts in transit to enticing locations around the globe.
The team compiled a list of the top 4 desirable yacht charter destinations for 2011 and the ultimate yachts to rent for the experience. Yesterday, we shared 2 of the 4 top destinations for 2011 with our readers:
2. Australia and New Zealand, onboard super yacht GALAXY.
DESTINATION – BAHAMAS
Today, we present the other two hot spots for the new year!
3. It’s Better in the Bahamas, on BIG ZIP.
Don’t have time to travel half around the world for a luxury mega yacht charter? No worries! The Bahamas offers pristine water and uncrowded beaches, and they are located just an hour away from South Florida.
ABOUT BIG ZIP
There are over 700 islands in the Bahamas. Trinity yacht BIG ZIP is the ideal platform for a week of discovery and exploration there. The vessel features 5 staterooms for a perfect superyacht experience in exclusive surroundings. The yacht’s interior was designed by Evan Marshall. The yacht’s watertoys include a 32 foot Intrepid towed tender, a 21 foot Novurania RIB tender, a 3-person waverunner, and snorkel gear and towable toys. Pricing begins at $190,000 per week.
The 789-mile coast of Croatia is indented with countless coves and inlets, creating one of the finest places to sail on earth. The most famous cruising grounds are in the Dalmatian Islands, which stretch from Dubrovnik northwest to Zadar. Sail boat charters can unveil the charming anchorages, ancient villages, and translucent waters of the islands.
DESTINATION – CROATIA
The sail yacht KOKOMO will spend the summer cruising the coast of Croatia. This sailboat is sleek and elegant, with superlative sailing characteristics without compromise for comfort. Flexible accommodation arrangements allow for up to 12 guests in five staterooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. Her prices begin at € 230,000 per week.
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 vessels have participated and made a strong showing.
Competing in this year’s event were Perini Navi yacht PERSEUS 3 along with yacht MALTESE FALCON and Perini yacht SEAHAWK, and this year’s winner, sail yacht ROSEHEARTY – all currently available for rental through 1-800 Yacht Charters.
Also in attendance as spectator yachts were motor yacht EXUMA and sailing yacht FIDELIS and sail yacht MELEK.
The 2015 Perini Navi Cup occurs September 2 through 5 in Porto Cervo at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. It features three days of spirited racing along challenging courses through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago. The intense sailing competition features social gatherings and nightly soirees. Subsequently, leading up to the gala dinner with entertainment by Andrea Bocelli.
Italy’s Perini Navi shipyard is renowned for the massive dimensions of the yachts they produce, as well as their commitment to cutting edge technology and luxurious finishes. In terms of deck space and interior amenities, they are unrivaled as charter yachts, and can be rented in the Caribbean in the winter and throughout the Mediterranean in the summer.
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!
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.
Ask anyone who has enjoyed a yachting vacation what activity they enjoyed the most, and chances are they will tell you, “the snorkeling.” Indeed, there is something magical about donning a pair of fins, strapping on a mask and snorkel, and exploring the world below the waves.
It is this opportunity to explore first-hand the undersea world that draws so many travelers to South Florida, to enjoy a Florida yacht charter vacation, and spend part of the time off the boat – and in the water.
BEST SNORKEL SPOTS IN SOUTH FLORIDA
With so many areas easily accessible and filled with interesting sights, we asked our charter department to put their heads together and come up with their favorite snorkeling spots in South Florida. In no particular order, here are their top 3:
1. PEANUT ISLAND (Rivera Beach)
Above the waterline, it’s hardly a remote, tropical oasis. This unique eighty acre public park is a man-made island situated in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth Inlet in close proximity to the City of Riviera Beach, and the Port of Palm Beach. Locals take small boats, kayaks and rafts and float out to the park for picnics – and it can be super crowded on weekends. The real reason to visit this destination during a private yacht charter is the opportunity to snorkel around the island and the see the sea life. The list of creatures you can encounter is a long one – squid, rays, octopus, and thousands of brilliantly-colored tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Florida manatee!
Tip: The best time for snorkeling is around high tide. The waters here are a bath-like 85 degrees well into September.
2. KEY LARGO
The further south you head in Florida, the warmer the water gets, even in winter. It’s the warmth, both air and sea that draws boaters to the Florida Keys. Many charter yacht vacations begin in Miami. Key Largo, about a 2-3 hour cruise from Miami, is often the first night’s destination. This island is a snorkeler’s dream – shallow coral reefs, tropical sea life, and oh yeah – really warm water!!! In the summer, the water temp can climb to nearly 90 degrees – ahhhh…
Tip: A snorkel outing to John Pennekamp Coral Reef (underwater) State Park is a must.
LASTLY,
3. DRY TORTUGAS (Key West)
At the southernmost tip of the chain of islands that make up the Florida Keys, is the island of Key West. 70 miles to the west lies Dry Tortugas National Park. 100-square miles of mostly open water with seven small islands makes this a great snorkeling destination. Rarely crowded, its accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of the Civil War’s Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, and abundant coral reefs and marine life.
Tip: After snorkeling, take a tour of the old fort, hosted by National Park Rangers.
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.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
“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!“
UPON BOARDING
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.”
THE TOUR CONTINUES
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…”
TRUE TO JAMES BOND THEME
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!]
There is nothing more important than selecting a memorable destination for your first luxury yacht charter. It sets the tone for dreaming about future adventures in exotic locales.
“Will it be a St. Lucia yacht charter this spring, or should we wait till summer and plan a Greece yacht charter vacation?”
YOUR FIFTH OR SIXTH CHARTER
But what about your fifth charter – or your sixth? You’ve “been there…done that…got the t-shirt.”
At that point, the focus shifts from destinations to accommodations. The opportunity also advances to experience the creature comforts of the newest and largest yachts in the world.
YACHT BRANDS
The preferred “brand” of superyacht now comes into play. Multi-repeat charterers find themselves daydreaming about a week “anywhere” on, perhaps, a brand new Perini Navi.
At this point, selecting the right vessel for an odyssey at sea becomes a matter of personal taste and expectations. But with dozens of yachts seeking rental business, how does a person choose?
ENTER THE PROFESSIONAL CHARTER BROKER
More than a destination specialist, the charter broker knows the yachts and the crews that operate them. A good broker will work to identify a yacht and crew most compatible to a client’s lifestyle.
BROKER QUESTIONS
To do this, brokers attempt to delve into the customer’s personality and background by asking key questions: Where do you live? What are your hobbies? Do you like to entertain at home?
The answers to these type of queries helps the broker understand the overall lifestyle of the charterer. From this point, the broker can glean his or her records to identify yachts and crews that might be compatible with the charterer and his or her guests.
“If a client lives in a world of white-glove service and refined style, the broker must identify a crew that can deliver that same level of service.” She continues, “Crew, however, is only part of the equation, as the vessel’s decor and amenities must also be reflective of the client’s tastes.“
Many American clients prefer the style of a US-built ship, such as a Trinity or a Westport. European customers often prefer the old world elegance of a Feadship or Benetti.
For many multi-repeat customers, destination remains secondary to the pedigree of the yacht and the subsequent talents of the crew. Says Sheeder,
“The key to success is understanding the client’s lifestyle before you begin to promote one yacht over another.” Sheeder concludes, “You don’t promote a yacht with an onboard spa and a masseuse to a client who doesn’t get manicures.”
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