We profiled the new Mercedes Benz-style helicopter, the EC145. Its use as an air tender on mega yacht charter vessels is popular.
Several readers contacted us. They said the future air tender might be a plane, and not a helicopter. We decided to investigate further.
As we stated in June,
“In the rarified air of multimillion dollar superyachts and gigayachts, helipads on luxury mega yacht charter vessels like motor yacht AIR and motor yacht MOONLIGHT II commonplace…”
4 REASONS FOR SEAPLANES
To illustrate, there are four compelling reasons behind the seaplane advantage. Specifically, acquisition cost, maintenance cost, payload, and range outweigh helicopters.
Similarly, it is often more affordable to buy and maintain a seaplane. Compared to a helicopter; we found payload comparisons vary. This is because of the type of airship. Seaplanes far exceed the range of typical helicopters.
SPECIAL LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT
The new generation of planes, specifically, Special Light Sport Aircraft, are the new item.
In general, sports aircraft are cheaper to build than most helicopters. With fewer training hours required, it is also easier and less expensive for people to get a sport pilot license as compared to a traditional pilot’s license.
ICON A5 PLANE
As a tender to a luxury yacht charter vessel, the most interesting new sports plane is the Icon A5, slated for full production later this year. The A5 is a 2-seat composite amphibian. Weighing just 1000 pounds, the plane features folding wings, allowing the aircraft to be stored onboard a yacht in a space no larger than 28 by 9 feet.
With a price of just $135,000, the Icon A5 could prove to be the low cost air tender of the future.
Janet Winters is the author of The Barn Goddess Chronicles, a blog celebrating the equestrian lifestyle. Winters refers to the lifestyle as, “…a journey of adventure, discovery and community…We never know what any particular ride will be like.”
That spirit of adventure bonds the equestrian and yachting lifestyles together. Indeed, each time we “climb aboard” – whether it’s a steed or a luxury yacht – we have the chance to immerse ourselves in adventure. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
THE DESTINATION
It’s hard to imagine a luxury yacht charter destination that beckons to equestrian travelers more than the Mediterranean. The Eastern “Med” includes Greece and the Aegean Sea. The Western Med covers the French Riviera and Italy’s western coast, as well as the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. The scenery is breathtaking. In fact, everywhere you turn, you see hills and mountains that look down on uncrowded beaches and turquoise-green waters.
Remember the classic film, The Black Stallion? (Oh, who could forget!!??) The young, shipwrecked boy and his newfound equine friend are inseparable. It is a magnificent friendship. They spend much of the first part of the film exploring an uninhabited beach and frolicking in the sea.
Those mesmerizing scenes take place on the beautiful island of Sardinia.
Just look at the color of the water!!!!
GO, GO, GO – FEI MONACO
Are you familiar with the places to see and the things to do during a yacht charter in the Med? Please don’t worry if your answer is “no.” Our team will create a bespoke itinerary for you. It will be based on the activities you enjoy.
For example, we created a Equestrian-Friendly yacht charter itinerary that kicks off in Monaco at the annual FEI Monte Carlo, Port Hercules Standard Show (June 25-25).
Day 1: Monaco
The FEI show jumping arena is set up right in front of the marina! Your superyacht will serve as your floating hotel while you attend the event.
Try to envision the sequence of your day.
First, you wake up and enjoy an open-air breakfast, on deck. Everywhere you look you see beautiful yachts, docked side by side. Second, you take the short walk to the FEI arena for an exciting day of world-class show jumping. When you need a break, your crew is standing by – ready to serve you a freshly-prepared lunch. No one but you and your family and friends are onboard. Third, when the jumping is over for the day, you and your guests return to your luxury yacht. After all, it’s time for an impromptu and oh-so-casual cocktail hour!
Without a doubt, it’s hard to imagine a more convenient vacation arrangement for watching the FEI show… This is the Equestrian Lifestyle at its best…
Now, its time to explore Monaco and then set off for adventure. Let’s look at the rest of your 7-night itinerary:
Day 2: Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest state in Europe. The only city, Monte-Carlo, is synonymous with all things luxury – casinos, resorts, superyachts, exclusive parties, and exotic cars. You and your family and guests can enjoy activities such as:
-Helicopter rides over the city
-A test drive in a F1 race car
-Lunch at Le Vistamar, at Hotel Hermitage*
-Dancing the night away at the exclusive nightclub, Jimmy’z.
*Additionally, other beautiful lunch options include Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Au Grand Inquisteur
Finally, the dining experience at 3-Michelin star restaurant, Louis XV is not to be missed. This fine establishment features the unique food interpretation of international renowned executive-chef Alain Ducasse.
Day 3: Pampelonne Beach, St.Tropez
Pampelonne Beach is the sandy locale that fuels St Tropez’s fame. Over 20,000 people a day visit this beach in the peak of the summer (July/August). Even so, you’ll never feel overwhelmed as your private superyacht is at anchor, just a few yards from the beach. You decide how much interaction, if any, you want with the local community and tourists. The top beach clubs/restaurants worthy of a visit are Nikki Beach, Bagatelle, Cap 21, Les Murenes, and Le Club 55.
WHAT AWAITS YOU…
Day 4: ????
Are you wondering, “What’s in store for day four?” Just what is on the horizon for the rest of the week?
Adventure awaits, and it all starts with a click of your computer mouse.
In other words, we need to hear from you!
Please CLICK HERE and send us an email. We will send you the complete 7-night sample itinerary.
Our sample itinerary begins your charter in Monaco and ends in picturesque Portofino. That is along the Italian Riviera. Use the comment box below to simply request our “Sample Mediterranean itinerary for Equestrians on Vacation.”
HOW TO BOOK YOUR EQUESTRIAN YACHT CHARTER
In conclusion, we paraphrase fellow blogger Janet Winters. “Let your equestrian lifestyle lead you to the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Here, a journey of adventure and discovery awaits.” Indeed it does – onboard your own private charter. Enjoy The Superyacht Experience™ by 1-800 Yacht Charters
She represents one of the major challenges in yacht design, for instance, creating a look that is distinctive but not outlandish. Trinity yacht MINE GAMES, a trideck superyacht, has just the right balance. Her deck house side windows nest in elongated ovals to create a sleeker superstructure. Her prominent bow and raised bulwarks make her look much larger.
THE NEWS
At last news of a $1.5 million price reduction for the 49.9m superyacht. St. Martin yacht charter enthusiasts need not worry – MINE GAMES remains available for luxury yacht charter. She is available in both the Bahamas and the Virgin and Leeward islands of the Caribbean.
HER BACKGROUND
MINE GAMES is a 2007 build – conforming to ABS class and MCA compliance. She accommodates up to 12 guests. Her accommodations include a master, three doubles, and a twin. Her twin includes a Pullman berth. The yacht cruises at a swift 18 knots.
EXTERIOR AND TOYS
Mine Games is helicopter-capable, and she has a very large swim platform/beach deck. To sweeten the deal, a Triton two-person submarine (a favorite toy for yacht charter guests) is included in the new asking price of $31.45 million.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENT
Jana Sheeder, President and Co-owner of 1-800 Yacht Charters and SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants says of the yacht,
“MINE GAMES has always been a favorite in the yacht charter marketplace. Her submarine, in particular, has made her a standout, and it has been a huge draw for people interested in a new experience during their vacations. Unique toy + gorgeous yacht = winning combination.”
OK, we’ll admit it – when Dee Kraley, manager of motor yacht SuRi, first invited us onboard the former oil rig supply boat, we were skeptical. Was it really possible to take an old ship built in 1978 by Halter Marine, cut her in half to extend her overall length from the middle, and transform her into a modern expedition yacht charter vessel?
WOW! AMAZING…
After two extensive rebuilds and a 2016 refit, the answer is a resounding, “YES!” The “old supply ship” is indeed one of the most luxurious charter yachts available in her size and price category.
WHAT HAS CHANGED ON MOTORYACHT SURI
Adding 11 meters to her overall length significantly boosted her volume, both indoors and on deck.
ADVENTURE AHEAD
Yet more impressive than her transformation is her owner’s commitment to creating the ultimate adventure travel vessel in the charter market.
ULTIMATE WATERSPORTS CENTER
While most superyachts carry a respectable inventory of watersports gear, this yacht takes it to another level – with multiple tenders, a helicopter, seaplane, jet skis, hoverboard, scuba diving equipment, quadskis, and so much more. Twenty (20) active, athletic crewmembers add to the neverending fun, excitement, and adventure enjoyed by charter guests.
WHERE IS SURI BASED?
So where do you base a yacht filled-to-the-brim with toys? It must be a destination with endless opportunities for exploration and water-themed adventure. The answer? The South Pacific and the islands of Fiji, French Polynesia, and Indonesia.
FAVORITE ANCHORAGE
A favorite anchorage for yacht SuRi and her charter guests are the islands of Raja Ampat, an archipelago of 1500 islands located off the northwest tip of New Guinea. Marine life thrives here, and the bio-diversity is unlike anywhere else in the world – with hundreds of species of corals and reef fish, along with whales, dolphins, and giant rays.
YACHT VIDEO OF SUPERYACHT SURI
Check out this amazing action-packed yacht charter video of motoryacht SuRi and her onboard guests enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Raja Ampat:
Come enjoy The Superyacht Experience onboard motor yacht SuRi. Available summer 2018 in French Polynesia and Fiji, and priced at $350,000 per week (plus operating expenses like food and fuel) for up to 12 guests. Click HERE for further information…
DOES TOM CRUISE OWN SURI?
WHAT’S IN A NAME? No, she is not owned by Tom Cruise or Katie Holmes or daughter, Suri. Her name, SuRi, is the combination of her owners’ first names. Just in case you were wondering… 😉
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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 more
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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 […]
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 […]
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? […]
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