“I’m looking forward to my first St. Martin yacht charter vacation, and my travel companions and I are having a Caribbean themed party to get super psyched about our trip. Any suggestions for top 5 cocktails (traditional / island) to put us in the proper frame of mind?”
Angel A., Miami, FL
Now that’s the spirit, Angel! What a fantastic idea to get pumped about your Caribbean escape.
We’re not too embarrassed to admit enjoying a libation or two (or three) during our own yachting excursions in the islands. Local specialties can be found throughout the Caribbean. but we’ve narrowed down the choices to our favorites (in no particular order).
As you sip these drinks, keep in mind you can heighten your experience by throwing on a pair of flip-flops, hiding behind a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses, and swaying to a little “Havana Daydreamin” with Jimmy Buffet.
Smooth sailing, Angel…
MOJITO – Cuba yacht charter
Some things are quintessential Cuban – hand-made cigars, guayabera linen shirts, and minty Mojitos. The history of Cuba’s signature drink dates back to the 16th century, when Sir Francis Drake and his comrades drank a mixture of crushed mint leaves, lime and unrefined rum. Locals say Hemingway drank them at Le Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, and James Bond enjoyed one in 2002’s Die Another Day.
PAINKILLER – British Virgin Islands yacht charter
Made with Pusser’s Rum, The Painkiller cocktail originated at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke island in the BVIs. The drink was once made with a secret rum recipe by Daphne Henderson, the owner of the Soggy Dollar. Charles Tobias, the founder of the Pusser’s rum distillery, persuaded Henderson to share her recipe. We’re glad she did, as Painkiller cocktails are now readily available throughout the Caribbean.
TI PUNCH – Martinique yacht charter
More an aperitif than cocktail, this simple mix of white rum, cane sugar and lime is usually served straight and is popular in all of the French Caribbean islands – Martinique, Guadeloupe, and the French side of St. Martin. Easy to make, it’s usually served “to taste” – drinkers are presented with a glass of rum, a lime, and some syrup to make it up as they wish.
We know what you’re thinking – we promised five killer cocktails but only named three. You caught us!
Submit our contact form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ requesting the other 2 great drinks. We’ll send you the names AND the recipes to make all 5 of our favorite island-themed Caribbean yacht charter cocktails. Look forward to hearing from you and sharing some cocktails!
What’s your favorite tropical cocktail to drink while on your yacht charter? Leave a comment below!
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational Good Times and tagged BVI, James Bond, mojito, Die Another Day, Painkiller cocktail, 1800yachtcharters, Ti Punch, 007, Martinique yacht charter, Ask The Pro's, apertif, cocktails, British Virgin Islands yacht charter, recipes, Cuba yacht charter, Pusser's Rum, Hemingway, Soggy Dollar Bar, Havana, yacht charter Caribbean
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Superyacht with Underwater Lighting
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Educational and tagged SCUBA with night lights, Heesen, solemates, underwater lighting, yacht lights, yacht lighting, Harle, Lady Petra, ambient lighting on yachts, Tiara, James Bond, sailing yachts with underwater lights, Feadship, night diving
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Recently, we told our readers that Hollywood icon Steven Spielberg had put his spectacular Monaco yacht charter vessel up for sale. The Spielberg yacht SEVEN SEAS is scheduled to be replaced with an even larger vessel.
In a, “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” kind of way, we thought this would be fun. We want to look at an interesting tie-in between Spielberg and the James Bond movie franchise. Obviously Spielberg loves yachts. James Bond movies correlate to fast, luxurious yachts. In fact, there are several yachts named in honor of Bond films and currently available for private yacht charter – yachts like OCTOPUSSY and CASINO ROYALE.
So, back to the tie-in between Spielberg and Bond.
Did you know that Steven Spielberg Was Twice Rejected to Direct a James Bond Film??!!!
Yep, it’s true.
Spielberg makes no secret of his affinity for the Bond film franchise. He desires to, and is a top choice, to direct a Bond movie.
It turns out that he had two opportunities to pitch longtime Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli. On both occasions, Broccoli said NO.
According to Broccoli’s daughter, Barbara (who took over the production reigns after her father’s death), a young, relatively unknown Spielberg made his first directorial pitch to her father early in his career. Broccoli was impressed by the young director’s passion, but felt he lack the experience to helm a major title like Bond.
Barbara said her father told Spielberg, “Kid, ya gotta get some more films under your belt.”
After Spielberg released one of his best-reviewed films, ‘Schindler’s List,’ he sent a letter to Broccoli asking again if he could direct a Bond movie. Barbara says her father once again turned down Spielberg, this time saying, “Now I can’t afford you!”
It’s safe to say things turned out ok for Mr. Spielberg. He’s directed over a dozen blockbuster films, and when not in use by Academy Award-winning director and his family, his yacht SEVEN SEAS is available for hire in the Mediterranean at a price of $1.2 million per week…
Interested in a yachting vacation this winter in the warm waters of the Caribbean? Contact us at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ and tell us your preferences! We look forward to planning The Superyacht Experience for you.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Good Times News and tagged Awards, Steven Spielberg, Schindler's List, 1800yachtcharters, Albert R. Broccoli, 007, who to call for a yacht, Trivia, how to book a yacht charter], how to rent a yacht, James Bond, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter
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Circraft Watertoy
The saying goes, “up the creek without a paddle.” But what about without a rudder?
A British company is hoping their invention will catch on with boaters. Additionally, the yachting community surely likes the idea. What is it? A rudderless saucer-like watertoy called a “Circraft.”
It is round, revolutionary, and radical. The aquatic flying saucer is first, part James Bond boat and second, part personal watercraft. It is similar to a waverunner or jetski.
Aside from its appearance, what makes this new watertoy truly unique is the lack of a rudder for steering. Directional control comes from the operator leaning to one side or the other – lean left go left, lean right and the Circraft will do the same.
Want to stop? Simply flip the throttle to neutral and the saucer will glide to a halt (and like a waverunner or jetski, a safety cut-out cord connects the outboard to driver for safety in the event of any mishap).
Powered by a small outboard engine, the Circraft can hit maximum speeds of 40 mph and can carry one to two riders.
Will we see charter vessels like Benetti motor yacht DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER or the highly-popular James Bond motor yacht CASINO ROYALE replace their conventional waverunners with the Circraft? There are compelling reasons charter vessels may wish to add these water-saucers to their aquasports inventory.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters explains:
“Personal watercraft are restricted from use in many destinations; for example, passengers on a Virgin Islands Yacht Charter are often frustrated to learn the waverunners on their rented yacht may not be used in the British Virgin Islands. The Circraft is rated as a Category C vessel, similar to a motorized tender, and doesn’t carry the same restrictions that hinder the use of waverunners and jetskis by charter guests.”
Priced from £5,000 (about $7900) plus tax for the boat with 20hp outboard and customized trailer, they are comparable, if not cheaper, in price to most waverunners.
Live the James Bond 007 lifestyle of adventure and exploration. Enjoy the pampered life on a private yacht for hire. In conclusion, contact your brokers at 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Good Times News and tagged James Bond, Gadgets, Watertoys, Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, diamonds are forever, Circraft, Casino Royale, waverunner
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Yacht designed after Streets of Monaco
“It is basically a floating city,” according to company director Rob McPherson. “The design theme called for a unique yacht that reflected the style and sophistication of the principality.”
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Yacht of the Week Educational and tagged yacht built after streets of Monaco, Rob McPherson, casino on yacht, yacht charter, go karts on yacht, James Bond, grand atrium on yacht, yacht library, cinema on yacht, how to charter a yacht, billion dollar yacht
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It was always fun to watch the famous space cartoon, The Jetsons, and imagine what it would be like in the future — transporting in rapidly moving little flying vehicles, getting ready in the morning by hopping on a conveyor belt and being automatically coiffed and dressed, and racing around wearing rocket-powered backpacks.
If you think about it, some of those wild cartoonish theories are seemingly becoming realities!
Flying cars DO now exist, although they are not yet mass produced.
Conveyor belts DO now exist, although they have not been perfected to prepare us in the mornings.
…and jetpacks DO now exist, although they were first seen in James Bond 007 movies as gadgets…and they now appear on Mediterranean yacht charter superyachts as the latest and greatest watersports toy!
Move over, Elroy! 
The future I dreamed of as a child is finally here!
Excuse me, but I have to go feed my dog, Astro…
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What futuristic item are you most looking forward to seeing and experiencing? Please leave us a comment to join Team 1-800 Yacht Charters on this fantastic voyage!
This entry was posted in Gadgets and tagged Watertoys, 1800yachtcharters, 007, Jet Lev backpack, luxury yacht charter toys, Luxury Yacht Gadgets, Superyacht Trends, yacht charter, James Bond, Gadgets
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First, take an iconic former world-record holding yacht launched in the 80’s. Second, add the allure of James Bond Agent #007. Third, toss in wads of dough for refinements and upgrades. The result is the spectacular, all-new Heesen motor yacht OCTOPUSSY.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters took advantage of an invitation to privately preview the “NEW” vessel near the owner’s winter home in Palm Beach, Florida, before the yacht enters the Bahamas yacht charter market.
“We received an invitation to see the yacht at the conclusion of a 7 million dollar refit,” beams Sheeder. “To be the first in the charter industry to see this yacht in person as it returns to the market is so exciting – we can’t wait to share our report and photos with our clients!“
Boarding to starboard, amidships and entering the interior passageway, visitors immediately catch a glimpse of the spectacular new décor by Jeff Lincoln of New York. Looking aft, the salon and dining area boast sumptuous fabrics and textures. Sheeder notes how the designer stayed true to a classic yachting theme.
“The clean lines defined by white-on-navy color patterns add a great, crisp nautical flair, similar to the classic nautical clothing designs of Ralph Lauren. You know you’re in a yacht but you feel like you’re in a modern New York City apartment. I also love how the blue highlights allow the interior areas to melt into the exterior decks and the dark blue hull.”
As Sheeder continues her tour of the yacht, crew members point out the numerous highlights of the refit.
“You can tell every mechanical system and all interior surface areas – from the headliner to the flooring and wallcovering, and all of the furniture – have been renewed or replaced,” says Sheeder.
Heesen yacht OCTOPUSSY further benefits from a remodeled stateroom plan – with a combination of Queen and Twin berths as well as two Pullman berths for small children.
Additional refit highlights include a new sundeck and extension of the uppermost deck. The deck is complete with raised sunpads and Jacuzzi-style hot tub. “Adding the small sundeck with a hot tub highly appeals to charter clients,” says Sheeder.
“Clients love to spend a day swimming and exploring the James Bond Thunderball Grotto in the Exumas in the Bahamas. There’s nothing like soaking sore muscles in a Jacuzzi hot tub as the sun sets over the ocean…”
Octopussy’s 1988 builder is Dutch shipyard Heesen. This iconic yacht is true to the James Bond theme that underlines all of the famous films. Whether a plane, car, or boat, it goes AMAZINGLY FAST! When first launched, the 143 foot vessel set a world record as the fastest superyacht in the world, hitting a top speed of 53.17 knots. “The added renovations, and extensions have slowed her down a bit,” says Sheeder, “but not by much.” Currently, the yacht can cruise at 25 knots, with a top speed of 35 knots.
“The combination of speed in a setting of comfort and panache makes this an ideal yacht for exploring the Bahamas,” explains Sheeder. “Other yachts are stuck offering the traditional charter itinerary in the general area of Nassau, but this incredible yacht can get to remote islands far removed from the tourist areas. After all, the idea is to enjoy a private yacht charter vacation – and this yacht can certainly deliver on that promise.”
Take the “James Bond Yacht Challenge” and win a prize!
Tell us the names of three 007–inspired yachts currently available for charter. These are yachts named after actual James Bond movies.
Need a hint? The yacht “Octopussy” is named after the 1983 film of the same name starring Roger Moore as James Bond. Now you only need to name two more!
Need another hint? Go to www.1800yachtcharters.com and use the SEARCH box in the top right corner of the homepage to search on names of James Bond movies.
Email the names of three charter yachts named after Bond 007 flicks to info@1800yachtcharters.com, and we’ll mail you a special gift!
[Note: actual spies and secret agents are not eligible to play!]
This entry was posted in News Yacht of the Week and tagged Jana Sheeder, Thunderball, Grotto de Neptuno, hot tub, yacht charter Bahamas, OCTOPUSSY, sundeck, Bahamas, grotto, James Bond, motoryacht charter, Destinations, fast superyacht, Heesen, Refit
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