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2 Epic Luxury Yacht Charter Vacations for Spring 2016

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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.

Expedition yacht LEGEND profile

As Jana Sheeder explains, the adventure goes far beyond the slopes.

“Motor yacht LEGEND has been specifically outfitted with a wide array of watersports equipment and toys for exploration.  The yacht carries a small submarine for exploring under the ice pack, as well as kayaks, and snowmobiles.  If you’re into adventure and exploration, this yacht has tremendous appeal.” 

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

Scientists have said one of the optimal viewing points on the earth to see the full effect of the eclipse is in the area of Raja Ampat,” says Sheeder.  “We often encourage our clients to plan their private yacht charter vacations around the full moon, but experiencing a solar eclipse from an ocean vantage point is truly unique.”

Lamima sailboat profile

 

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.

picture of solar eclipse

 

Sheeder hopes to organize more unique yachting excursions throughout 2016.

“We deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients.  We understand our clients want to immerse themselves and participate in unique cultural events.  Skiing in Greenland and witnessing a solar eclipse in Indonesia are perfect opportunities to experience an epic eco-friendly adventure.  What a great way to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit!”

 

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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3 Yacht Charter Must See Destinations | Luxury yacht charter

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TRIP ADVISOR IMAGES

Our friends at Trip Advisor recently sent us an email.  “Stunning images of 20 awe-inspiring places you must see.”  Most importantly, their members select the locations.

Several of the spots were accessible by yacht.  Additionally, they are easily accessed by land during a luxury yacht charter vacation.

 

FIRST FAVORITE YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION OF 3

PULPIT ROCK – Ryfylke, Norway.

The Pulpit Rock (“Preikestolen” in Norwegian) soars 604 meters over the Lysefjord. This flat mountain plateau was most likely carved and formed from melting ice over 10,000 years ago. 

Aerial photo of Pulpit Rock in Norway. Multiple people sitting on top of the giant rock that overlooks water far below

Fjord yacht charters in the summertime certainly remain a popular choice.  Uniquely among European customers from neighboring Soviet countries. 
The Schooner sail yacht MONTIGNE  often offers Norway yacht charter vacations in the summertime.  Her builder is Aegean Yachts.  The 2009 super yacht MONTIGNE is a 57 meter (187 foot) three-masted staysail schooner. She accommodates 12 guests.

Her yacht charter rates start at $140,000 USD per week, plus expenses.

SECOND FAVORITE DESTINATION OF 3

PLITVICE LAKES – Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia.

Founded in 1949, Plitvice is the largest national park in Croatia. Above all, it draws more than 1,200,000 visitors annually.  The park situates in the mountainous area of central Croatia. The national park connects the Croatian inland with the Adriatic coastal region. Most importantly, this is a highly popular yachting destination. On the positive side, the interest in Croatia yacht charters continues to grow.

In view of, each summer, clients look for alternatives to the crowded anchorages and overpriced marinas in France and Italy.Aerial photograph of mountains, green trees, turquoise water, and waterfalls flowing from the lakes

Motor yacht AIR, Benetti MINE GAMES, and James Bond boat, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, all spend time cruising the waters of the Adriatic yacht charter coastline.

THIRD FAVORITE YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION OF 3  

SANTORINI – Cyclades, Greece.

You see photographs of blinding-white buildings with blue roofs. These are juxtaposed against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.  In other words, chances are that you are seeing Santorini.  The views of the sea from the terraces of the ancient towns along the cliffs are mesmerizing.  
Arguably the most famous island in Greece, Santorini is easily reachable by yacht.  Its location is just 120 miles southeast from Greece’s mainland.

Photograph of the Greek island of Santorini, showing a row of white homes with rounded blue roofs, a boat moving along in the harbor below, and a mountain in the distance

In addition, popular Greek yacht charter vessels include motor yacht LADY BRITT  and super yacht EXCELLENCE V.

WHAT IS YOUR MUST SEE DESTINATION?

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Big VAT Increase For Greece Yacht Charter Fleet Takes Effect

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HIGHER VAT RATE

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.

Photograph of a private cove. There is a rocky mountain in the background, and turquoise water in the foreground. There is a sandy beach on the left side of the photo.  There is a white yacht at anchor in the water of the cove.

Greek yacht charter vessel at anchor

 

LEGISLATION

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:

  • Category I – vessels licensed to perform international cruises: 9.2% (previously 5.2%).
  • Category II – vessels licensed to perform long range cruises within Greek waters: 11.5% (previously 6.5%).

 

 

SHORT-TERM CHARTER APPLICABILITY

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.

 

QUESTIONS FOR VISITORS

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?

 

 

FREE GIFT WITH YOUR ANSWER

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

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DISH SOAP BOTTLE — MADE OF WHAT????

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grey biodegradable dish and hand soap squirt bottle made from ocean plastic

BIODEGRADABILITY

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.

 

RECALL THE SEABIRDS

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.

 

 

HOW DOES METHOD® FUNCTION IN THIS?

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!

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

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~

starfish in the sand with sailboat anchored in the sea in the background

 

BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

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/

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Free Louis Vuitton Travel Bag With Yacht Charter

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Photograph of a brown Louis Vuitton travel duffle bag with a white background.

Louis Vuitton Travel Bag

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF TRAVEL

The new Louis Vuitton spring 2012 collection urges customers to, “Embrace the spirit of travel,” and 1-800 Yacht Charters is here to help you embark on that journey – in style.  Above all, you have arrived.

 

FREE TRAVEL BAG

Now through April 30, book a 7-night Mediterranean yacht charter onboard the 27 meter motor yacht COCA VI and receive a free LV Travel Bag*  – courtesy of COCA VI and 1-800 Yacht Charters. 

Aerial photograph of yacht COCA VI underway. There a mountain behind her. She is headed toward the lower right side of the photograph

Coca VI Superyacht


LOUIS V.

The name Louis Vuitton is synonymous with style, craftsmanship, and luxury travel.  Arno Leopard motor yacht COCA VI exemplifies those same high standards. 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Launched in 2000 and refit in 2008, Motoryacht COCA VI is in spotless condition.  She has to be seen to be believed. She offers accommodations for six guests in three staterooms, a Jacuzzi tub on the sun deck, and a spacious master suite. 

 

RATE

Based in Antibes, France, along the famous Côte d’Azur, her weekly rate is € 35,000.00 plus all running expenses.

GET FREE LOUIS VUITTON BAG

*Certain restrictions may apply.  In conclusion, for reservations and full promotional yacht charter, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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FREE Louis Vuitton With Luxury France Yacht Charter This Summer

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FREE LOUIS VUITTON GIFT!

Photograph of a brown Louis Vuitton travel duffle bag with a white background. Free gift given to charter guests by 1-800 Yacht Charters who charter a specific yacht

Louis Vuitton Travel Bag

Summer is near, and once again luxury yacht charter motor yacht COCA VI is teaming up with 1-800 Yacht Charters to give away a free Louis Vuitton travel bag to each client booking a 1 week or longer charter.
Book a Cannes yacht charter…get a free Louis Vuitton travel bag.
Reserve a Monaco yacht charter…get a free Louis Vuitton travel bag.
Rent a Côte d’Azur superyacht charter…get a free Louis Vuitton travel bag.
Wherever you choose for The Superyacht Experience™, the world is your oyster!
It’s that easy!

 

PROMOTION REPEATED

The promotion was incredibly well-received last summer.  The Arno Leopard motor yacht’s owner and 1-800 Yacht Charters have again teamed up to repeat the offer.

There are many yachts available for charter in the South of France.  COCA VI dominates the market with multiple features.  For instance, her modern and fresh interior.  In addition, her high-tech features and stellar reputation in the Western Mediterranean yacht charter industry.  Her sexy shape along with her high cruising speed is the perfect pairing for those who want to enjoy the Côte d’Azur in style.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Leopard yacht COCA VI accommodates up to 6 guests. She offers 3 staterooms on the lower deck.  The master stateroom features a king-sized bed.  Her VIP has a queen.  The twin cabin features two single beds.  Each stateroom has ensuite facilities.

 

A FAVORITE PART OF THE YACHT

The sundeck is a part of the yacht that clients love for her features.  For example,  the wet bar, an amazing sound system, lounge areas, sun pads, and a hot spa pool.  Just about everything you need to enjoy the South of France lifestyle!   See and Be Seen this summer aboard sexy and gorgeous luxury yacht COCA VI.

RATE

M/Y Motoryacht COCA VI is based in Antibes, France, year-round.  As of this writing, her weekly rate is 35,000 euros, plus running expenses. 

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER IN FRANCE?

Enjoy The Superyacht Experience(tm), created by 1-800 Yacht Charters, today!

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Fun Fact for British Virgin Island Yacht Charter – A Snorkeling Paradise

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DID YOU KNOW…

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!

2 people snorkeling next to a sailboat

SNORKEL PARADISE

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

 

WHERE IS YOUR SNORKEL SPOT?

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!

 

 

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Smaller PWC Better Fit for Private Yacht Charter Vessels Under 100 feet?

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WAVERUNNER AND JETSKI SALES STATUS

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.

 

WHY THE SALES CHALLENGE?

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.

A SMALLER VERSION

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 raspberry and silver jetski personal watercraft

 

THE SEADOO SPARK

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.

SUSTAINABILITY

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.

 

FUEL-EFFICIENT

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)!

Sea-Doo Spark personal watercraft with man riding and nose of waverunner in the air - fast

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…

 

FREE GIFT WITH COMMENT

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.

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Top 100 World’s Largest Yachts, 2015

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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.

yacht profile

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!].

Yacht profile

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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Currently, motor yacht AZZAM is the largest yacht in the world at 180 meters.  Can you tell us which fabled shipyard built superyacht AZZAM?

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!

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Trash in Luxury Yacht Charter Marinas. It’s Simple to Make a Difference.

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Photograph of various pieces of debris picked up on dock in a marina. Items include a metal washer, piece of rope, a silver bolt, a length of fishing line, and a piece of plastic. The background of the photo shows multiple superyachts docked, with palm trees in the background.

Please be an eco-hero and remove trash from our waterways

SICKENING PHOTO

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.

THE IMAGE

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.

 

MYTH BUSTING 

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.”

 

CLEANUP  EFFORTS

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).

Mr. Trash Wheel in a marina

 

Professor Trash Wheel - with eyelashes

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.” 


WHAT YOU CAN DO

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:

  • No butts about it!  Are you a smoker, or know someone who is?  Don’t throw your cigarette butts out of your car window or onto the ground.  It takes just a second more to locate an ashtray or garbage receptacle.
  • Say “NO” to single use, disposable plastic products.  Reusable shopping bags are available everywhere!  They’re affordable and many places give them away as promotional items.  Please think twice when your grocer asks you, “paper or plastic?”  Say no thank you to either option, and hand your grocer a reusable bag.  Many stores give discounts (Target and Whole Foods, for example) when you use them, and you can turn your discount around and donate it to charity, through the store!
  • Pick up at least one piece of “someone else’s trash” and properly dispose of it today.  If everyone did this, it would make a HUGE impact and keep trash from finding its way into our waterways and environment.  It’s amazing how many people just don’t care…  (Many people refer to picking up refuse left by others as “karma trash,” or cleaning up poop at dog parks as “karma poops.”  It’s just good KARMA to help the earth and the environment!)
  • Be the change you want to see in the world.  If you have children, lead them by example when they are young and/or are especially eager to learn.  Show them that you refrain from disposable plastic bags… Get them to drink from reusable water bottles and not plastic water bottles.  Take them to the beach and show them the pollution that washes up on the shore and share with them how it harm the birds, creatures, and corals in the sea.   Track down a video of a sea turtle eating a plastic bag (thinking that it is a jellyfish)…or a seabird or sea lion with a plastic six-pack ring around its neck (which can easily eventually kill the animal).  They will follow your lead!

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 sitting on the aft couch of a yacht in a marina

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!

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