While affordable catamaran sailing yachts under 50 feet still dominate the charter industry, advances in shipbuilding technology have lead to a dramatic increase of ultra-luxury catamarans larger than 60 feet in length. Indeed, yachts like the 62′ catamaran IN THE WIND, and the Fountaine Pajot Galathea 65 model catamaran WORLD’S END have helped redefine multihull luxury and comfort.
Yet with so much emphasis placed on the size and amenities of the newest and largest yachts, it’s easy to overlook a key component to successful crewed catamaran charters – the crew!
Without the talents of an experienced skipper and a well-trained chef, a catamaran vacation, no matter how new and large the boat, would be nothing more than a predictable, ho-hum affair.
In an appreciative nod to the talents of these fine crews, we shine a spotlight today on Caro Uy, the culinary lioness aboard sail catamaran MUSE.
Caro grew up in a family where the pleasures of the table were a habit. She has more than ten years of experience in the catering and gastronomic food industry. Originally a graphic designer, Caro now prefers to express her creative energy in the preparation of meals with seasonally fresh products.
Caro’s true gift is the ability to adapt her menus to suit any special dietary requirements of her onboard guests.
While her cooking is based on classic techniques, the variations of flavors are a reflection of her travels throughout the Middle East (Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iran) ) as well as Mexico and Southeast Asia (Thailand and Vietnam).
Having grown up along Australia’s coast, Caro has always loved the sea and the romance of sailing. She is also intrigued by what lies below the sea’s surface and is a PADI Open Water Dive Instructor, as well as a TDI Extended Range Diver. Her ocean adventures have taken her to diverse ports of call such as the Canary Islands, Costa Brava, and the British Virgin Islands.
Her recent industry recognition includes top culinary honors at the November 2010 British Virgin Islands Boat Show where she won:
– 1st prize – Entrée Division
– 1st prize – Dessert Division
– 2nd prize – Salad/Appetizer Division
– 2nd prize – Coffee course
Congratulations, Caro! Your talents and passion are at the very heart of the joys of a memorable yachting vacation.
Come spend a week with Caro aboard MUSE this winter in the Caribbean. Rates begin at $37,000 per week for 10 passengers. Contact the SailAway and 1-800 Yacht Charters team today, to reserve your favorite travel dates.
HURRY! Holiday vacation dates fill up quickly – don’t miss out on your Caribbean yacht charter vacation this year!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational and tagged In The Wind, Fountaine Pajot, crew passion, catamaran yacht charter, award-winning, worlds end, Caro Uy, yacht charter chef, foodie, culinary awards, Muse
Posted on
In 2010, we took a look at efforts to control the invasion of lionfish in the Florida Keys. Recent reports paint a disturbing picture – efforts to control the population have not been successful.
According to Oregon State scientist Stephanie Green, “There is strong evidence that the lionfish is having negative effects on the native population. We don’t see any signal that anything is controlling lionfish population.”
The problem is simple – lionfish, native to the western Pacific Ocean, have no natural predators in the
Atlantic Ocean. They live up to 15 years, and one female can produce as many as 2 million eggs in one year.
“Many of our Florida yacht charter clients, as well as many bareboat charterers, are avid divers,” reports Jana Sheeder, President and Owner of 1-800 Yacht Charters. “We are hearing more and more tales of multiple lionfish on the reefs in the Florida Keys, as well as the in the cruising grounds in the nearby Bahamas.”
So, next time you are at your favorite seafood restaurant, instead of ordering an overfished item like tuna, see if lionfish is on the menu! Enjoy a delicious meal AND make a difference!
This entry was posted in Educational News and tagged Bahamas, Jana Sheeder, Florida Keys, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, foodie, lionfish, lionfish invasion, invasive fish, 1800sailaway.com, Atlantic Ocean
Posted on
Superyacht SOLO
It’s hard to find a consensus among charterers. For some, it’s all about the destination. Others appreciate the chance to reconnect with family and friends.
Yet almost all returning yacht charter clients comment about the Michelin menus and the jaw-dropping talents of their yacht’s onboard chef.
Great meals, dazzling presentations, and the infusion of local ingredients and cultural components. These are trademarks of the superyacht chefs in the yacht-for-hire industry.
A great chef can elevate a charter from a “vacation on a boat,” to a true “Superyacht Experience.”
Our associate Nicolas Fry sat down with Gionata Rossi, Executive Chef onboard the 72 meter Tankoa yacht SOLO. This vessel is one of our newest rental luxury yachts. She can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms. Her cruising grounds include France, Italy, and the Western Mediterranean.
We share more information about super yacht SOLO at the bottom of this blog. Here is Nicolas’ interview with Chef Rossi. Foodies enjoy!
Chef Gionata Rossi
1. Why did you decide to become a chef and to work as a yacht chef?
“Cooking has always been my passion. I started at a very early age. Earned my master at the hotel school in Massa and started working immediately. A Chef for 25 years and I have worked in some of the best restaurants in the world. I have received a Michelin star at casa del nonno 13 and have been reviewed in the best gourmet guides. Joined yachting because it combines my primary passions: cooking and travelling”.
2. What is your favorite cuisine and can you prepare different styles of cooking?
“I cook different styles but the contemporary one based on traditional cuisine is what I consider the most interesting. As a Chef on a superyacht charter vessel I believe that the cuisine served is not only a show but a nutritional experience as well. My passion for food varies from creating the perfect roast dinner to a 7-course degustation where I can display a whole range of different cooking techniques and products. My main talent is Italian and French cuisine whilst still offering Asian and Japanese menus.”
3. Is there a chef you admire above all others and why?
“If I have to mention only one, then it is Raffaele Vitale, an important Italian chef, as I had definitely the best experience working with him. I have many friends but the research of taste and knowledge of raw materials with Raffaele were essential for me. Which nationalities tend to be the best charter guests? Gionata: I am lucky, I have always had good relationships with guests from many different nationalities. Having said that, I have worked a lot with Russian yacht charter guests and they generally love my food.”
4. Which is your favorite destination and why?
“Greece and Turkey are always in my heart for the quality of fruit and vegetables you can find on the markets”
5. How are trends driving guest expectations and how do you stay up to date?
“In my kitchen and galley I take pride that everything is made from scratch with fresh products. Stocks, sauces & dressings are always made on board, ice creams are churned to order, pastas and gnocchi rolled fresh, fresh bread baked daily and our meats and seafood are always fresh. I also specialize in vegan, vegetarian and low-calorie diets”.
6. What trends are you noticing in wine and food pairings?
“I drink only biodynamic wines and I think that this trend is on the increase therefore also the combination must go in that direction even if I consider fundamental to combine food and wine. By the way, my favorite wine is the Pinot Nero!”
7. Can you share with us a spring menu you would prepare for affluent charter yacht guests?
“Marinated spring onion and tomato with lime sorbet, cold tomato soup with fresh spaghetto garlic oil and chilli, cold english cream with berries and apple crumble.”
8. When are you happiest at work?
“Cooking demonstrations with the guests either at the table or in the kitchen! This is a special touch I like to offer to luxury yacht rental guests. I wish to share my passion for food with my clients and create an amazing atmosphere for their dining experience. When I can establish a good relationship with the guests, the rest is easy.”
9. BONUS: What are the strengths that make you a great superyacht chef?
“In order to offer a great superyacht experience, a huge amount of organization needs to be in place. My organizational skills allow me to present food the way that it is intended. I am also up to date with all the latest cooking techniques, methods & equipment so that as a private chef I can still rival the best and most fancy restaurants.”
Regular readers remember our blog about three Jaw-Dropping New Yachts at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show. We highlight 228 foot motor yacht SUERTE, built by Tankoa Yachts in that blog post. Two years later, Tankoa Yachts unveiled Suerte’s, “Big sister,” the 236 foot SOLO. Our inspection of this beautiful lady left us in awe.
Our associate, Nicolas Fry, has spent numerous hours onboard the yacht. Here is his overview:
“SOLO is the perfect combination of performance and luxury designed by Francesco Paszkowski and built by Tankoa. Her contemporary interior, designed by Margherita Casprini, will sleep up to 12 guests in six well-appointed staterooms. The master suite features an independent office, a king size bed with panoramic views, a private terrace with a Jacuzzi and lounge beds offering complete privacy.
Guests can be accommodated in a large VIP, two double and two convertible twin staterooms. SOLO features impressive living spaces, with a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas. Guests will love the vast beach club with for example, a lounge/bar area, a hammam, a sauna with its own fold-out terrace and a chilled water shower. This wellness center is complete with the gym & massage room equipped with the latest Technogym equipment and its private terrace on the sea. On the main deck, the 7m infinity pool is another great area to spend time with your guests. The sky lounge aft feature a Jacuzzi. In addition, a touch-and-go Helipad that be converted into a dance floor (is there, as well).
The sundeck offers never ending views from its sun loungers. SOLO also offers several options for entertaining and dining including all-weather alfresco table on the upper deck aft, the main salon or upper deck salon.
The yacht’s rates are from €650,000 per week. To check availability for your favorite dates, please call the team at 1-800 Yacht Charters at 305-720-7245 or email info@1800yachtcharters.com today. Rather send your inquiry online? Go to https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ . Talk to you soon!
UPDATED! Passengers! Too many can make your yacht charter illegal
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational News Yacht of the Week Reviews Frequently Asked Questions and tagged Gourmet meals, Solo, Mediterranean yacht charter, motoryacht Solo, foodies, foodie, 1-800 Yacht Charters, foodies on yachts, yacht charter France, yacht chef, private luxury yacht charter, interview, Q & A, Frequently Asked Questions, Tankoa, motoryacht charter, Gionata Rossi
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
Recent Comments