A new, higher VAT (Value Added Tax) rate went into effect. All charters that commenced after July 20, 2015 in Greek waters are subject to the tax.
Greek yacht charter vessel at anchor
The new legislation raised the overall VAT from 13% to 23%. Specifically, lower rates apply to certain charters, based upon the duration of the hire.
There are two VAT categories for charters lasting 3 days or longer:
For charters up to 48 hours, there are no discounted rates. Full VAT of 23% is due (previously 13%).
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, points out the new VAT rates affect ALL charters taking place after July 20, 2015 – even if the charter agreements were signed in prior months. “With the current economic crisis in Greece, we’ve been anticipating some form of VAT austerity,” says Sheeder. “With each charter agreement we prepare, we add a clause indicating that the charterer is responsible for any increase in VAT – this way, there are no surprises. The more details we cover with our clients, the smoother their Superyacht Experience will be.“
How will the increase in VAT on private luxury yacht charter vacations in Greece effect the number of yacht charters?
Will clients seek alternate destinations or, “grin and bear it” to enjoy a Greek yachting holiday?
Let us know your thoughts. We will share your comments with our readers AND send you a free complimentary Eco-tote bag! Email your comments (and your mailing address!) to info@1800yachtcharters.com
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged Eastern Mediterranean yacht charter, VAT value added tax, eco-tote, greece yacht charter, free gift, sailing yacht charters, Q & A, motoryacht charter, Greece, Mediterranean yacht charter
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Leave it to the folks at method®. They make biodegradable cleaning products. The company uses the power of business to create positive social and environmental change.
The next item in their arsenal is unique. method® packages their 2-in-1 dish + hand soap in bottles. The bottles are made with recovered ocean plastic.
Readers of our blog might recall our September 15, 2015 post detailing the alarming rate at which seabirds are eating plastic. Studies indicate 8 million metric tons of plastic dumped into our oceans each year. This plastic pollutes our environment. Additionally, it hurts our marine life populations.
method® hopes to raise awareness of the importance of reusing plastic. The packaging is a blend of recovered ocean plastic and post-consumer recycled plastic. Importantly, all plastic used to make the bottles was collected by method® employees!
We provide private luxury yacht charter vacations. Therefore, we know the importance of everyone doing their part – no matter how small that role might be. In addition, our company President, Jana Sheeder, often reminds the 1-800 Yacht Charters team of the Starfish parable. In her volunteer work, she often gives copies of the gratitudinous parable to her team.
– The Boy and the Starfish –
A man was walking along a deserted beach at sunset. As he walked he could see a young boy in the distance, as he drew nearer he noticed that the boy kept bending down, picking something up and throwing it into the water.
Time and again he kept hurling things into the ocean.
As the man approached even closer, he was able to see that the boy was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time he was throwing them back into the water.
The man asked the boy what he was doing, the boy replied, “I am throwing these washed up starfish back into the ocean, or else they will die through lack of oxygen. “But,” said the man, “You can’t possibly save them all, there are thousands on this beach, and this must be happening on hundreds of beaches along the coast. You can’t possibly make a difference.”
The boy looked down, frowning for a moment; then bent down to pick up another starfish, smiling as he threw it back into the sea. He replied, “I made a huge difference to that one!”
~Author Unknown~
In conclusion, book your luxury yacht charter vacation through 1-800 Yacht Charters and receive a gift. Specifically, a complimentary Eco-tote handbag for each member of your yacht charter party! For more information, contact 1-800-922-4824 or fill in our convenient online inquiry form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Educational Yacht Charter News and tagged repurposed plastic, plastic dish soap bottle, Jana Sheeder, seabirds eat plastic, Make A Difference, how many marine animals are killed annually by plastic, eco-hero, method dish and hand soap, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, giveaway, eco-tote, RAK, biodegradable, The Starfish Parable, free gift, Random Act of Kindness, sustainable, method
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Did you know? The British Virgin Islands (BVI or BVI’s) are home to reefs. Specifically, the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean? Moreover, the fourth largest ocean reef on earth?
The BVI reef stretches 18 miles from the island of Anegada to Virgin Gorda. It is considered by experts to offer some of the best snorkeling spots in the world!
Add to the allure of snorkeling and diving during your Virgin Islands crewed catamaran yacht charter. It is widely rumored that there is still Spanish gold buried in the sand on the reef. In addition, the gold is yet to be found! Many Spanish galleons, laden with gold and riches from the new world, traveled here. Further, they sank to their watery graves at the hands of pirates and hurricanes in the 1700’s.
Here’s a sampling of beautiful catamarans available for charter in the Caribbean
Do you have a favorite snorkeling site in the Caribbean? Share your favorite spot with us, and we’ll send you a complimentary Eco-tote bag to carry your towels and snorkel gear. Leave a comment in the section below, and we’ll contact you for your address!
This entry was posted in Destinations Educational and tagged yacht charter fun facts, barrier reef in the BVI, Sunreef catamarans, British Virgin Islands, Did you know, buried treasure, free gift, eco-tote, yacht charter, catamaran yacht charter, yacht charter Caribbean, crewed yacht charter, Anegada, SCUBA, Virgin Gorda, 1800yachtcharters, dive Virgin Islands, Snorkeling, fun facts, Dive sites
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Waverunners and jetskis, also known as personal water craft (PWC), have sale issues. Their sales have been on the decline for several years. This is in part because PWC have become so gigantic, powerful, expensive and fuel hungry.
The price issue is of lesser concern to the owners of charter yachts. However, the size and fuel consumption issues do factor. The decision of whether or not a megayacht will carry one or more of these toys is important. They are used onboard for the use of the charter guests.
Now, a smaller version is available for superyachts. Not only are they smaller, bu they are lighter and far more fuel-efficient. This might have an impact on smaller megayachts, particularly in the 80 to 100 foot range.
Sea-Doo “Spark” is approximately half the price, half the weight and half the power of a regular midrange PWC, and burns nearly ten times less fuel than other waverunners.
Storage space is a major concern on yachts in the 80 to 100 foot range. The aft garage on a mid-size megayacht is rather tight – yet carrying an assortment of watertoys is important as many charterers clamor for water-based activities during their time onboard. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine a Florida yacht charter vacation, in the warm, pristine Florida Keys, without spending time in the ocean, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and riding along on a waverunner. The Spark is smaller and lighter than other PWC, and it is easier to get in and out of a cramped yacht’s toy garage.
Many vessels forego carrying a large PWC, not just because of the size but also because the typical PWC guzzles LOTS of fuel, requiring the storage of large amounts of gasoline to operate the waverunners. This is both problematic and, for yacht owners and crews concerned about sustainability, an ecological issue.
The Spark is the most fuel efficient PWC on the market, burning just 7.3 liters (1.9 gallons) of fuel per hour on the 60-horsepower model, or 9 liters (2.4 gallons) per hour on the “High Output” model. Compare this to a 250-horsepower Sea-Doo RXT-X model, which swallows 76 liters (20 gallons) per hour, and the Yamaha FX Cruiser requiring 80 liters (21 gallons) per hour. Carrying a Spark on a charter yacht would require less gasoline to be stored, and leave a far smaller carbon footprint on the environment.
Yes, there is a trade off in top-end speed, but many charterers have little-to-no experience on a PWC, and high speed can be quite dangerous. In fact, operating a large PWC often requires a special license. Consider the typical language used on most charter agreements between clients and the owners of the yacht for hire. There is often a clause that states:
“The use of any personal watercraft (waverunners) is at the operator’s sole risk and is only permitted subject to the operator having the applicable license, if required, and meeting local regulations.
Any liability arising from noncompliance regarding the use of personal watercraft is entirely at the operator’s risk.”
For most charterers, the speed of the Spark should not be an issue, as the Spark can easily hit 80 kilometers per hour (around 50 mph)!
It’s too early to tell how the charter industry will react to the Spark. Owners of mid-size megayachts may choose this new PWC for their toy garages. They are approximately half the price and half the weight of normal PWC’s. The Spark delivers 90% of the speed (and fun) of a more expensive PWC. Hopefully that will be enough to “spark” an interest in eco-friendly yacht owners…
WHAT do you think? Will the Spark catch on with megayacht owners and crews?
Share your comments with us at info@1800yachtcharters.com , and we’ll send you a complimentary eco-friendly tote bag, courtesy of 1-800 Yacht Charters.
This entry was posted in News and tagged Gadgets, Watertoys, Sea-Doo, eco-tote, free gift, eco-friendly, Luxury Yacht Gadgets, Personal Watercraft (PWC), Please comment, motoryacht charter
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UPDATE. 32 people responded, and 28 had the right answer! So, how did we react? We sent out eco-totebags to ALL of them. That was FUN! Thank you for playing, everybody! The question? Who built motoryacht AZZAM? The answer? Lurssen Yachts built the yacht in 2013.
The year 2015 started out with a forecast of ten brand new superyachts scheduled for completion this year, all of which when launched would be ranked in the, “Top 100 of the World’s Largest Yachts.”
With the year quickly drawing to a close, it turns out 8 of the 10 were completed and launched on schedule – a testament to their builder’s ability to deliver a yacht on schedule (although only the builder and owner know for sure if the yacht was also delivered, “on budget”).
Here are the 8 newest entries to the list of the 2015 world’s largest yachts, along with their position in the top 100:
Rank in
Top 100 Name Length Builder
19 GOLDEN ODYSSEY 123.20m (404’2”) Lurssen
33 ULYSSES 107m (351’) Klevin
37 SYMPHONY 101.50m (333’) Feadship
49 ROYAL ROMANCE 92.50m (303’5”) Feadship
54 ORCHID 91m (298’6”) Lurssen
74 AQUIJO 85.90m (281’9”) Oceanco
85 SAVANNAH 83.50m (273’11”) Feadship
93 ROMEA 81.80m (268’4”) Abeking & Rasmussen
Dutch über-builder Feadship leads the way with three top 100 megayachts, with Germany’s Lurssen Yachts delivering two, including the largest newest yacht launched in 2015 – the 123 meter motor yacht GOLDEN ODYSSEY.
Private yacht charter clients might be disappointed that only one of these new yachts is immediately slated to enter the yacht rental market – the Abeking & Rasmussen yacht ROMEA. Based in the Med, The Monaco yacht charter vessel has set her 2015 inaugural season rental rate at Euro 875,000 per week [plus running expenses, of course!].
Feadship and Lurssen enthusiasts don’t despair – these builders have plenty of behemoth yachts available for hire, including the 85.10 meter Lurssen yacht SOLANDGE, and the 81 meter Feadship yacht AIR.
Check back with us in late January, as we plan to release the list of the 2016 forecast of the newest yachts scheduled to join the top 100 world’s largest yachts!
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Send us an email with the correct answer. We will send you a complimentary eco-tote bag from 1-800 Yacht Charters. Limited to the first 25 readers who respond correctly. Email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com. Good luck!
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged eco-tote, Who built Azzam?, Lurssen, free gift, largest yachts, win a gift, Golden Odyssey, Lurssen yacht charter, Ulysses, Feadship, Symphony, Mediterranean yacht charter, Romea, Aquijo, Oceanco, Savannah, 1800yachtcharters, Orchid, eco-hero, Royal Romance, Abeking & Rasmussen, Azzam, comments requested, Klevin
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Please be an eco-hero and remove trash from our waterways
This is a photo from the beautiful Yachts Miami Beach Boat Show. Our inspections included several private luxury yacht charter vessels docked at the Deep Harbour Island Gardens marina, near downtown Miami, Florida. As we walked along the docks, I noticed our company President, Jana Sheeder, often pausing, bending down, picking up something, and putting it in her “Eco-Hero” tote bag. I asked Jana what she was picking up, and she paused and poured a few of the contents of her bag onto a locker box on the dock.
“Take a look,” she sighed. “This debris can easily end up in the water where it becomes part of the ocean pollution problem, as well as a threat to birds and marine life.”
So, I snapped the photo you see here.
When I look at this photo, I see beautiful superyachts that serve as a gateway to experience the wonders of our oceans. I see a segment of the tourism industry – private luxury yacht charter – that generates millions of dollars of revenue annually. I see a support network of thousands of crewmembers, dockhands, marina workers, and maintenance and repair staff. They all support their families from a livelihood that is inextricably dependent upon healthy oceans.
For me, the trash in the photo is a harsh reminder that the refuse we see floating in marinas and along the seawalls and walkways is a direct threat to the health of our waterways. It is also, therefore, a threat to our own livelihood.
As you read this blog, I can guess what some of you are thinking. “I’m not part of the problem – I would never throw trash in the water.” Good intention, but you or someone you know might still be directly responsible for pollution in our waterways.
It’s a common misconception that most trash comes from people throwing things directly into the water.
“Believe it or not, much to the trash in our waterways comes from litter thrown out of cars, litter that blows from surrounding areas into the waterways, illegal dumping, and this item really irks me – cigarettes left on the ground,” says Jana. “During a big rainstorm, all that junk ends up in the watershed, and some of it eventually makes its way down to the bays, harbors, marinas, beaches, and worse – onto our fragile coral reefs and into the stomachs of marine life (like fish and turtles) and shorebirds.”
Efforts are underway to rid our waterways of trash. In Baltimore, Maryland, two (rather cute) trash wheels are pulling debris from the harbor before it flows into Chesapeake Bay. “Mr. Trash Wheel” (male) and “Professor Trash Wheel” (female with eyelashes) are solar and hydro-powered trash interceptors in place in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Over a million pounds of trash has been pulled out of the water by Mr. Trash Wheel since it was installed in May 2014 (Professor Trash Wheel was installed in December 2016).
John Kellett (a true ECO-HERO!) invented the trash wheels and tracks the debris collected. Since May 2014, when Mr Trash Wheel went operational, almost nine million cigarette butts and over 300,000 plastic bags have been collected. Additionally, Mr. Trash Wheel picks up an average of 14,000 Styrofoam containers a month – second only to cigarettes.
Kellett echoes Jana’s thoughts that the problem starts on shore. “I thought we were being ambitious with the harbor, but now people are talking about cleaning up the ocean,” Kellett said. “But I think the most effective solution is to get the trash before it gets there.”
No matter where you live, you CAN make a difference and help protect our natural resources. Let’s review some simple steps we can all take:
What do I hope will happen? I look forward to the day that Mr. Trash Wheel and Professor Trash Wheel are forced to take days off because there is no debris for them to clean up!
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT, with Eco-Hero Reusable Tote Bag
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If you are ready to make a difference, text HERO to 305-720-7245 and we’ll send you an “Eco-Hero” tote bag – just like the ones Jana carries with her and also uses at boat shows. It’s Jana’s gift to you – from Jana and our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters!
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged Maryland, Be the Change, trash in marinas, say no to plastic bags, solar, responsibility, feel the churn, eco-hero, be a role model, Mr. Trash Wheel, myth busting, John Kellett, Professor Trash Wheel, protect the ocean, female trash wheel, free gift, eco-tote, styrofoam, karma, RAK, cigarette butts, Yacht Shows, good karma, Yachts Miami Beach Show, fishing line, ocean plastic, hydro-powered, Make A Difference, eco-totes, Baltimore, random acts of kindness, tourism
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Wow. Can it be? The BP Deepwater Horizons oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was five years ago.
Many of us make a living from the sea. Therefore, the memories of millions of gallons of crude oil spewing into the Gulf is still fresh in our minds. We are private yacht charter consultants. Subsequently, we look for every opportunity to promote sustainability. Additionally, we focus on environmental awareness for our clients.
That’s why we were thrilled to read a recent report from a team of researchers at Australia’s Deakin University. These scientists claim to have found an effective solution to clean up a major oil spill at sea.
Subsequently, they developed a special porous material that can soak up to 33 times its own weight in oil and organic solvents.
About two years ago, the researchers developed a boron nitride powder which they named, “White graphite.” The powder exhibited strong oil-absorption properties. From there, they developed a sponge containing the boron nitride powder. They broke the powder down into thin nanosheets, consisting of tiny flakes measuring only several nanometers in thickness. The flakes have tiny, microscopic holes that serve to increase the sponge’s surface area per gram to the size of five and a half tennis courts.
“The pores in the nanosheets provide the surface area to absorb oils and organic solvents up to 33 times its own weight.”
So cites Dr. Weiwei Lei, lead researcher for the University’s team.
In addition, the sponge material is said to be flame-resistant.
The Deakin researchers are now looking for industry partners to begin trialing the technology, with the hopes it can be adapted to form ultra-light aerogels and membranes to clean up large-scale ocean oil spills. With any luck at all, the idea of a Florida yacht charter vacation being postponed or cancelled due to a nearby oil spill might become a problem of the past.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters is thrilled about this. She says,
“This is good news for charterers, and great news for our coastal wildlife and marine environment!”
What actions do you take in your daily life to improve and protect your hometown’s natural resources?
In conclusion, share your actions and ideas with us below. We will happily send you a complimentary Eco-tote bag.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged protect wildlife, synthetic sponge, inventions, eco-friendly, how to protect the earth, Exxon Valdiz, Gadgets, florida yacht charter, eco-tote, protect the environment, free gift, protect marine life, marine life, eco-hero, oil spill, protect the ocean
Posted onSardinia Luxury Tax on Mediterranean Yacht Charter Vessels Abolished
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 morePosted by admin
Ferretti Yacht SEA STREAM brings Luxury Charter to Seychelles
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 morePosted by admin
What to Pack for a Sailboat Vacation
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 morePosted by admin
2 Epic Luxury Yacht Charter Vacations for Spring 2016
Posted on by Jana Sheeder
NEW DESTINATIONS
Industry experts predict the continued growth of the yacht charter market in 2016. Retail charter brokers identify new and exciting destinations and opportunities for their clients. With the help of yacht maven Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, we take a look at 2 more. Unique 2016 yachting vacations are spring’s most epic getaways.
HELI-SKIING YACHT CHARTER GREENLAND
At first glance, the idea of snow skiing and yachting seem mutually exclusive. Typically, if you want to go boating in the winter or spring, you jet off for the warm waters of the Caribbean. Conversely, a ski vacation normally occurs far away from any yachting destinations, in a mountainous area like Vail or Kitzbühel
All the more reason a combination ski trip and yachting holiday is about as unique as it gets, as one of the world’s largest yachts for hire will be offering heli-skiing charters along the coast of the world’s largest island!
The 254 foot ice-breaking Icon motor yacht LEGEND is offering adventure charters in Greenland, from April through June, 2016. She features guest accommodations for 26 passengers – perfect for private groups and large families.
GLACIERS AND ICEBERGS
Glaciers and icebergs make Greenland a unique destination. The alpine ranges south of the Arctic Circle in western Greenland are known for coastal heli-skiing on peaks up to 6500 feet (2,000 meters) and skiers can glide almost to the edge where the glaciers meet the sea.
As Jana Sheeder explains, the adventure goes far beyond the slopes.
Onboard amenities include a cinema room, Balinese-style spa, gymnasium, and on-deck Jacuzzi large enough for 16 people.
Rates begin at €75900 per day with a 5 day minimum reservation required.
SOLAR ECLIPSE YACHT CHARTER SOUTHEAST ASIA
If skiing and polar exploration is not your thing, an exotic warm-weather escape might be more appealing, especially when you throw in one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles.
The world’s largest wooden sailing yacht is offering a rare opportunity to witness a celestial event in an environmentally vibrant, and culturally rich corner of our world.
Sail yacht LAMIMA is offering a 10-day adventure cruising the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia where on March 9, 2016 at 8:58am all onboard will witness a full solar eclipse.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
ALL ABOUT INDONESIA
Indonesia offers diverse wildlife and world’s best snorkeling and diving sites. Sailing yacht LAMIMA has an extensive watersports inventory including kayaks, paddleboard, and a full inventory of SCUBA gear for both Padi and Nitrox certified divers. The crew includes a spa therapist and a local tour guide.
The ALL-INCLUSIVE 10-night charter rate for the solar eclipse excursion is $200,000 for up to 14 guests. Can’t make it for the big celestial event? The yacht’s regular weekly rate is $140,000. It can be pro-rated for trips as short as 5 days.
Sheeder hopes to organize more unique yachting excursions throughout 2016.
WHICH DESTINATION DO YOU CHOOSE?
Which destination would you consider for an epic yacht charter? Comment below, and we’ll send you an Eco-Tote to help you save the earth with us!
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This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Good Times Educational and tagged free gift, comments requested, submarine, icebergs, Arctic yacht charter, Balinese-style spa, solar eclipse yacht charter, sailing yacht charters, wooden sailing yacht, Raja Ampat, yacht charter southeast asia, Indonesia, expedition yacht, Indonesia yacht charter, yacht charter Greenland, eco-tote, heli-skiing
Posted on by Jana Sheeder