Sardinia Luxury Tax on Mediterranean Yacht Charter Vessels Abolished

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Anyone who has booked a Benetti yacht charter or a Feadship yacht charter vacation knows that charter agents heavily promote trip cancellation insurance. For mega yacht charter agents, trip cancellation insurance is a substantial profit point. Commissions of 20% of the insurance cost for selling this product for a Feadship yacht charter or a Benetti yacht charter are common.
Charter brokers often offer this coverage to their Caribbean yacht charter customers who fear trip delays due to summer tropical weather disturbances. Mediterranean yacht charter customers also hear the pitch to purchase this coverage, as concerns for lost baggage are common with long, international flights.
Putting aside the fact that someone “profits” from the sale of these policies, a luxury yacht charter customer should give serious consideration to this coverage option. Whether you rent a private yacht, a megayacht, or a superyacht, for a Caribbean yacht charter or elsewhere, or whether you plan crewed catamaran charters or sail boat charters – the facts remain the same: you are spending a lot of money and you may wish to protect your investment!
There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early, or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. What if you booked a MIPIM yacht or a Monaco Grand Prix yacht for the yearly event in Cannes and Monte Carlo, and suddenly you could not attend?
To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.
7. BANKRUPTCY OF TOUR OPERATOR — Your luxury sailing charter tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
8. MEDICAL HELP NEEDED — You’re walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
This entry was posted in News Special Events Frequently Asked Questions and tagged Feadship yacht charter, caribbean yacht charter, Benetti, yacht charter Mediterranean, Cannes yacht charter, private luxury yacht charter, travel insurance, MIPIM, Frequently Asked Questions, trip cancellation insurance, Feadship, lost luggage, Mediterranean yacht charter, Monaco Grand Prix
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We return to the VAT subject from July. We previously informed our readers about the new French VAT regulations on yacht charters. The VAT applies to yacht charters in France.
New regulations exist. The new regulations apply from 15 July 2013 to charter agreements for yachts for the purposes of leisure travel.
We sat down with Jana Sheeder, President and corporate Maven of SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants and 1-800 Yacht Charters, to review the answers to the three most frequently asked questions regarding the new rules.
“The rate has been set at 19.6% and will increase to 20% on January 1, 2014. However, the taxable base can be reduced by 50% if the yacht is used outside European Union territorial waters, which by definition extend out 12 nautical miles from the coastline. Thus, if you started a charter in Nice, France, and cruised out beyond the 12 nm limit, and concluded the trip the next day in Sardinia, the tax would drop to 9.8%.”
“No. The law reads VAT is applicable on the charter if the vessel is put, ‘…at the disposal of the charterer in French waters.'”
“Not at all. It is the responsibility of the yacht owner to make the necessary arrangements to register his or her vessel with the French taxing authorities. As to the collection and processing of the tax, most owners are hiring local French-based fiscal agents.”
“As charter consultants, our responsibility is to clearly explain the new regulations to our clients. Many are repeat charterers who cruised multiple times in France in the past. For some, it will be a shock to hear their next Western Mediterranean yacht charter vacation may be subject to a tax of nearly 20%. We will work with them to modify their itineraries, in an effort to mitigate as much of the tax liability as possible.”
Drop us an email at info@1800yachtcharters.com, and we will respond right away.
Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged yacht charter maven, what is VAT, Q&A, france yacht charter, VAT questions, VAT in France, French taxes, faq's, yacht charter questions, maven, Frequently Asked Questions, mitigation, cannes france yacht charter, South of France yacht charter, VAT
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As a destination, Greece is a sensory celebration. It’s a dance with history and ancient gods, and a courtship between natural beauty and modern luxuries. It’s also an invitation to indulge in a slower pace and simpler pleasures, like savoring a taverna meal complemented by a fantastic local wine you’ve most likely never heard of.
Of course, the ideal way to explore the myriad of small Greek islands is to rent a private yacht.
For travelers with experience at the helm, a bareboat charter is the most affordable option for exploration. Similar to renting a car, you do the “driving” by serving as your own skipper. Yes, you and your travel companions must also do the cooking and cleaning, but when it comes to saving money, it is hard to top the appeal of a bareboat charter, especially sail boat charters as compared to power boats.
If you are not qualified to operate your own boat, or simply desire a hire level of comfort and amenities, some of the largest yachts in the world can be rented in the land of the gods.
The famous yacht CHRISTINA O calls Greece home. The private vessel of the late Greek shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis, this yacht offers huge deck spaces and the indulgence of an original mosaic-tiled swimming pool. In addition to the Jacuzzi, there are three public lounges, a gym, and a game room – and the famous bar where Sir Winston Churchill first met Jackie Kennedy.
When to go to Greece? Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters recommends visiting Greece between May and October.
We prefer the so-called “shoulder season” (May and September/October), since the weather is generally good, and you’ll enjoy more elbow room and often better prices in restaurants and gift shops.”
When to book a yacht charter in Greece? NOW is the time to make your 2011 Greece yacht charter reservations.
This entry was posted in Yacht of the Week Frequently Asked Questions and tagged Frequently Asked Questions, motoryacht charter, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Greece, Mediterranean yacht charter, Swimming pool
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Yacht, Ship, or Boat?
One naval recruit said that it is common lore that a ship rolls outward in a turn, while a boat rolls inward.
Many articles have been written about 1-800 Yacht Charters (aka SailAway Yacht Charters), crewmembers, celebrity clients, and yachting vacations.
Do you have another answer for the difference between a yacht, a ship, and a boat? Contact us HERE and let us know!
This entry was posted in Educational Frequently Asked Questions and tagged Frequently Asked Questions, 1800yachtcharters, Education, definitions, difference between a yacht ship and boat, boating, ship, yacht
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So, you’re just itching to get back on the water and enjoy another private luxury yacht charter vacation. Suddenly, you remember your wife mentioned it was time to renew your family’s passports…six months ago!
Now you’re in a pickle. You go to the United States Department of State website, and your heart sinks… According to the site, the total time it takes to process a routine passport application, and for you to receive the mailed passport, is 4 to 6 weeks. Yikes!
Even with expedited (code for: “more expensive”) service, it will still take at least 2-3 weeks from the time of application, including mailing time.
Without valid passports, it looks like that last-minute charter yacht vacation is going to be put on hold.
Or is it?????????
Fortunately for you, there are several great Caribbean yacht charter destinations where a passport is not required to enjoy a luxury yacht charter holiday. These destinations are often overlooked by Americans – bypassed for the traditional charter hotspots like the British Virgin Islands, St Barts, and the Bahamas. Most are within a half-day’s travel time from much of the United States, and are all are well worth a visit by boat.
Here are three of our favorite destinations where bare feet and bathing suits are the dress code, and passports are not required…
Things to do:
There are just SO many wonderful activities to do in St. Thomas. Here are just a few (thanks to the USVI Tourism Bureau):
Booking a luxury yacht charter in one of these passport–free destinations is as simple as contacting the charter professionals here at 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ . You don’t even need to tell us you forgot to renew your passport – we’ll probably guess, anyway! Just tell us the destination you wish to visit, your desired dates, how many guests in your party, and your preferred budget. We’ll take it from there!!!
This entry was posted in News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged virgin islands yacht charter, zipline, volunteer, skydive, Spanish Virgin Islands, birdwatching, snorkel, No passport required, USVI, Giftivism and Generosity, Fort Jefferson, Florida and Florida Keys, St. Thomas activities, what to do, Frequently Asked Questions, travel documents, yacht charter tips
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One of the most common questions posed to charter brokers is, “What does, ‘plus all expenses’ mean? A very fair question. It is critical to understand the implications. In specific, since the cost to enjoy a Mediterranean yacht charter holiday, for example, is more than expected. For instance, based on prices posted on most charter brokers’ websites.
Superyachts are the large, ultra-luxurious vessels that we associate with cruising. Specifically, the Côte d’Azur in the South of France in Monte Carlo for Monaco Grand Prix yacht charters. These yachts set a rate for the rental of the yacht and the crew. In addition, they list the price as, “plus running expenses.” This means that the charterer pays a set price for the yacht. Additionally, the charterer is responsible to cover ALL costs associated with the operation of the yacht while the charterer and his/her guests are onboard.
“When and how do you pay for these expenses, especially since it is hard to itemize them prior to the conclusion of the trip?”
Before you book your yacht charter, ask your broker for a solid estimate of the running expenses that might be incurred. Your broker takes into account the food and beverage preferences you request, along with how much cruising you wish to do (which will determine the amount, and anticipated cost, of fuel needed), to create an estimate of your expenses.
As a general rule of thumb, the APA requested for sailing yachts is approx 20% of the yacht’s listed charter price. On the contrary, motoryacht average APA jumps to 30-40%.
Sample anticipated total cost of a proposed Italian yacht charter vacation. Specifically, for a fictitious client and nine guests for one week on a 180 foot Trinity yacht charter vessel.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged advance provisioning allowance, apa, monte carlo yacht charter, how much does it cost to rent a yacht, how to rent a yacht, motoryacht costs, Frequently Asked Questions, how much to tip on a yacht charter, how to tip on a yacht, customary tip on yacht rental, Trinity yacht charter, yacht charter price, crew gratuity
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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 News Yacht of the Week Reviews Frequently Asked Questions Yacht Charter Educational and tagged 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, Gourmet meals, Solo, Mediterranean yacht charter, motoryacht Solo
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Travel Question
Most requests for yacht cruises in the Greek islands are for Mykonos and Santorini… I sail in Greece since 30 years and I live in the center of Cyclades – on Syros island, in front of Mykonos.
Motorsailor IRINA
I charter my 75 gross tonnage yacht IRINA for sailing in the Ionian islands in July and August (Ithaca, island of Odysseus, Kephalonia, Skorpios, island of Onassis) with one very nice sea in this period.
My other beautiful yacht ANATOLIE is sailing in the Sporades in July and August (the green islands of the movie “Mamma Mia” with Meryl Streep).
I do believe that giving the right advises is the best way to avoid problems and keep clients long time (some of them come 3 times on 3 different areas). We need to ensure the happiness of our customers (and that’s a great job :-).
Example. Why to send people on one crewed catamaran charters leaving from Athens in July and August? They will have 2 choices. The Cyclades with big problems in case of Meltemi. Or the Saronic islands with no chance to find place with a catamaran in their small harbors (except in Poros if lucky). Greece is not Seychelles or Caribbean!
So – we offer Cyclades cruises in May, June, September and October. Believe me, living in Cyclades, if we send our yachts to other very nice areas in July and August, is because there is serious reasons.
Captain Alexandre J. MATSAKIS
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged yacht charter Greece, Irina, Greek yacht charter, motorsailor charter, faq's, when is the best time to sail in Greece?, gulet charter, Frequently Asked Questions
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If you owned the massive motor yacht SHERAKHAN, the answer is — BOTH!
Originally built in 1965, the current owner bought the commercial vessel in 2005 and undertook a massive refit – basically gutting the entire ship from bow to stern and rebuilt her into a yacht charter vessel with accommodations for 26 guests (most yachts are limited to 12 or fewer). The full rebuild featured all new plumbingelectrical systems, air conditioning, and generators.It also included a beautiful new paint job – a deep blue hull, with a white superstructure.
Fast forward to 2017, and the owner decided it was time for another refit. All new decks were installed, along with new soft fabrics throughout the guests areas and cabins, and a complete overhaul of all major equipment in the engine room.
As he did in 2005, the owner completely repainted the superyacht charter vessel – this time a clean, crisp white, with subtle grey accents.
The expedition style yacht is available in the Caribbean and will remain there through April. In the summer, the yacht will relocate to the Mediterranean (e.g. Monaco yacht charter or Grand Prix formula 1 races, etc.) for the summer.
So what do you think? Do you think she looks better in blue or in white?
To check availability or get more information about SHERAKHAN, visit https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/explore-our-yachts/sherakhan/book-now/
This entry was posted in Educational News Yacht of the Week and tagged motoryacht charter, paint, Mediterranean yacht charter, Refit, Monaco yacht charter, Superyacht, Formula 1, which color is best?, caribbean yacht charter, blue or white?, Superyacht Trends, yacht owners, private luxury yacht charter, Sherakhan, Frequently Asked Questions, Grand Prix yacht charter
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You probably know the Bahamas is a prime destination for a luxury yacht charter vacation. But how many of the following details do you know about this island archipelago? Here are five little known facts about this tropical paradise:
The name, “Bahamas” is derived from the Spanish phrase, “Baha Mar” meaning “Shallow Sea.” This was the name given to the area by Spanish explorers. Indeed, the popularity of Bahamas yacht charters is in part due to the fact that the shallow waters with sandy bottoms are perfect for boating and watersport activities like riding waverunners, swimming with wild dolphins, and snorkeling.
Many people think of Nassau as, “the Bahamas.” With dozens of cruise ships, and thousands of tourists visiting Nassau, it’s no small wonder why. But did you know there are 700 islands in the Bahamian archipelago? The total area is 5359 square miles, including 1494 square miles of water – and more importantly – 2201 miles of coastline! This is the advantage of being onboard a luxury charter yacht, and escaping the crowded tourist areas in and around Nassau. Miles of beautiful, uninhabited beaches and moderate average temperature throughout the year help solidify the appeal to boaters to venture beyond Nassau to explore the nearby Exumas and Berry Islands, and beyond. There are literally hundreds of shallow coves where a Bahamas yacht charter vessel can drop anchor for a day of relaxation in the tropical sun. BONUS FACT: Nassau is such a popular tourist destination, many people think it is the name of an island. Nassau is actually a city on the island of New Providence…
Believe it or not, it HAS snowed in the Bahamas. On January 19th, 1977 a strong cold front that swept into Florida from the northeastern United States passed over the Bahamas. While mostly cold rain fell, local residents did report snowflakes falling from the skies. For a brief time, everyone packed away their swim trunks and waited for the warmer weather to return. The snowfall that day – 41 years ago – is the last time snow was recorded in the islands. The constant tradewinds bless these islands with warm weather – even in the winter months. Winter lows average a comfortable 70 degrees (Fahrenheit), and summer highs between 80–90. This is truly a climate where you can have fun nearly anytime of the day, and in any season.
Many tropical tourist destinations offer visitors a chance to swim and interact with dolphins – and some offer intrepid vacationers a chance to swim with sharks.
But pigs???? A favorite stop on most yacht charter itineraries in the Bahamas is a visit to Big Major Cay, home of the swimming pigs. How did the pigs get to the island? No one knows for sure. Big Major Cay is uninhabited and the pigs are not native to the island. Some Bahamians say the pigs were left by a group of sailors, while others claim the pigs swam to shore from a shipwreck. Wherever they came from, there are approximately 3 dozen pigs and piglets living on “Pig Beach.” The pigs are known to wade out in the clear shallow waters and swim up to visiting boaters – in hopes of receiving a snack. Charter guests often get into the water and swim with the pigs, then take the yacht’s tender ashore, to sit and pose for photos with the famous residents of Pig Beach.
The national bird of the Bahamas is the Flamingo, specifically the West Indian Flamingo – one of the largest species of flamingos. BONUS FACT: Did you know flamingos are pink as a result of their diet that consists largely of creatures like krill/shrimp? Once sadly hunted for their orange and pink feathers for fashion reasons, they are now a protected species. The Bahamian island of Inagua has the second largest population of flamingos in the world.
The Bahamas national fish is the Atlantic Blue Marlin. This strikingly beautiful fish is one of the biggest fish in the world. Females, significantly larger than males, can reach 14 feet in length and weigh nearly 2000 pounds. Average sizes tend to be in the range of 11 feet and 200 to 400 lbs. The area around the island if Bimini is considered the Big Game Fishing Capital of the Bahamas. Today, most fishermen practice catch and release, to help sustain the big game fish population.
While not a fish or bird, it’s worth mentioning the national flower is the beautiful Yellow Elder, and the national tree is the Lignum Vitae (Tree of Life)
In conclusion, COME EXPLORE THE BAHAMAS! We know at least TEN more little known facts about the Bahamas. For instance, the picture-perfect lagoons, to underwater caves, to pirate’s havens. There’s so much to see and do in the Bahamas, and the best way to see it is on a private luxury yacht charter . Come enjoy one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world – starting just 50 miles from the coast of Florida!
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational Destinations and tagged yacht charter Bahamas, snow in the tropics, Atlantic Blue Marlin, Bahamas, meaning of name, Big Gamefishing, national fish, Bimini, Frequently Asked Questions, national flower, Exumas, Yellow Elder, Berry Islands, Did you know, Lignum Vitae, New Providence, Nassau, Tree of Life, Has it ever snowed in the Bahamas?, swimming pigs, Big Major Cay, Snow in Bahamas, how to book a yacht charter], How did the pigs get to the island?, intrepid, pigs in bahamas, Why are flamingoes pink?, 1-800 Yacht Charters, wildlife in caribbean, How many islands in the Bahamas?
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