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Tag Archives: Lurssen

Fifty Shades of Sand? Lürssen Yacht POLAR STAR Sports New Colors

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Don’t ask me to accurately describe the new exterior color scheme of super yacht POLAR STAR.  Either way, I just love it!

 

THE PAST

 

POLAR STAR yacht with original dark blue hull

For the past 12 seasons, the 63 meter yacht has traveled around the Mediterranean each summer. She travels to the Caribbean in the winter.  This pretty lady is instantly recognizable with her striking deep blue hull.  At this time, an extensive 6-month refit in Spain is complete.  It includes a 3 meter swim platform extension.  Lürssen private yacht charter vessel now turns her image on its head.

The blue color is no more!  She now wears a shade of white…or is it grey…?  Hmmm.

 

THE PRESENT

 

POLAR STAR yacht with white grey paint job

Immediately after the refit, Charl van Rooy, editor of Superyacht Times described the new exterior colors as, “…military light-grey.”  Fast-forward to this week, and van Rooy now says it’s a, “…light sand coloured paint scheme.”  In fairness to van Rooy, it’s not his fault – the colors are subtle and faint, and depending upon the sunlight, and refection of the water, it does appear to be different shades of off-white.

That, of course, is the point.  The owner was looking for something fresh – a new image for an iconic yacht that has visually dominated the Monaco yacht charter market for more than a decade.

If you’ll be in the South of France this summer, keep an eye open for Lürssen yacht POLAR STAR as she charts a new course and showcases her new colors!

 

COMING SOON – THE POLAR STAR YACHT REFIT STORY

We’ll revisit the yacht’s refit in another blog – coming soon.  Until then, if you are interested in The Superyacht Experience™ in the Med on this or another Lürssen (or Benetti or Feadship or Abeking & Rasmussen or…) yacht charter vessel, visit our selection of Mediterranean yachts for charter at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/monaco-yacht-charters/ today!

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Gulp – Private Luxury Yacht Charter Builder Swallows In-Country Rival

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INDUSTRY CHANGE

Topping a fatherland rival by building the world’s largest yacht wasn’t good enough.  Lürssen Yachts gobbles up their leading competitor.  The German company takes over the entire operation.

 

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

At this time, Bremen-based Lürssen Yachts announces the acquisition of Hamburg’s superyacht builder, Blohm+Voss.

 

COMPANY QUOTE

According to Peter Luerssen, Managing Partner, “With the acquisition of Blohm+Voss we are taking over a shipyard with a strategically advantageous location and versatile production facilities. We want to use these facilities to complement our existing refit and repair activities and also to offer our customers an ever better service.”

Lurssen shipyard with yacht Azzam in water

 

WORLD’S LARGEST YACHT

With the 2013 launch of the world’s largest yacht, the 180 meter motor yacht AZZAM, “The big L” wrestled the top spot away from the Roman Abramovich-owned motor yacht ECLIPSE, a 162.50 meter Blohm & Voss GmbH vessel launched in 2010.

 

KINGPIN OF BIG BOATS

Of the 10 largest yachts in service today, Lürssen has built 5 of them, including 3 of the top 5.

 

Many Lürssen charter vessels are among, the largest yachts offered for hire. Specificially, 94 meter (308ft) Lürssen yacht Kismet II and 70 meter (230ft) Lurssen motor yacht Martha Ann.

 

In conclusion, The Superyacht Experience™ awaits your presence. Whether you choose to buy or rent, 1-800 Yacht Charters is here for you.  Contact us today at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ to get started on your superyacht journey.

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London-based Exhibition Company Acquires Three US Luxury Yacht Charter And Sales Shows

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Aerial view of Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

 

THE HEADLINE

Informa’s British-based global exhibition division makes an announcement.  It acquired Yachting Promotions Inc.  Yachting Promotions is doing business as (d/b/a) Show Management. They produce three of the world’s largest in-water boat shows.  For instance, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Yachts Miami Beach, and the Palm Beach International Boat Show.   Yachting Promotions Inc. owners are Active Interest Media.  AIM is a magazine publishing company. It is co-headquartered in El Segundo, CA and Boulder, CO, USA

 

THE PLAYERS

ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA

  • Headquarters: El Segundo, CA
  • Number of employees: 400
  • Founded: 2003
  • Type of business: Private

 

INFORMA PLC

  • Headquarters: Zug, Switzerland
  • Number of employees: 6500
  • Founded: 1998
  • Type of business: Public

 

THE PRICE

Informa paid $133 million for Yachting Promotions Inc. (YPI). It was purchased specifically from AIM – Active Interest Media.

 

THE STORY

Show Management produced the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. It is held at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center in perpetuity. The company also produced the Palm Beach International Boat Show. In addition, they produce the Miami yacht and Brokerage Show. The Miami yacht show recently renamed Yachts Miami Beach.  Other shows include St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show and Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota, Florida, additionally.

In 2006, Active Interest Media (AIM) purchased Show Management.  Show management was formally renamed Yachting Promotions, Inc.

A prepared statement by Andrew Clurman, AIM’s president and CEO follows. Moreover, the sale of Show Management to Informa is part of the company’s long-term strategic plan to accelerate their growth.

“AIM will reinvest the proceeds from this sale to grow our digital video, online education, marketing services, and events in our other verticals.”

 

Informa’s acquisition of Show Management equals the company’s plans. Specifically,  to expand its global exhibitions business in the U.S.A.   They also produce the Monaco Yacht Show. This acquisition consequently makes Informa Exhibitions unique. It is the world’s leading yacht show organizer.  How will shows change with the new purchase?  Will the yacht shows now have red carpets?  Specifically like the Dubai International Yacht Show (DIBS)?  Sheiks in white gowns (and 1 in a blue gown) walking red carpet between yachts at Dubai International Boat Show

 

 

THE YACHT CHARTER PERSPECTIVE

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters

Our company president, Jana Sheeder, recently attended the 2017 edition of Yachts Miami Beach.  She and  Team 1-800 Yacht Charter team inspected several private luxury yacht charter vessels. For example,  Lurssen motor yacht MARTHA ANN, James Bond yacht  SKYFALL, and the brand new Benetti motor yacht 11.11.  Jana comments on the acquisition of Show Management by Informa.

“Informa operates over 200 trade and consumer exhibitions around the world annually.  With their global resources, I believe Informa is positioned to focus on the continued growth and success of the world’s finest boat shows.  In terms of exposure of charter yachts to prospective clients, this should be a good opportunity for cross promotion; for example, we should be able to promote a winter/spring Florida yacht charter vacation to a client while a particular yacht is here in Miami at Yachts Miami Beach – then bring that client to Monte Carlo in September and host them on the same yacht during the Monaco Yacht Show.   I’m excited by the chance to extend customer relationships across multi-show platforms and destinations.”

 

HOW TO BOOK A LUXURY YACHT CHARTER

In conclusion, learn how a private yacht charter vacation can help you.  You reconnect with others.  Family and friends joyfully spend time with you.  Embrace diverse cultures.  Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.  We call it “The Superyacht Experience™.”  We want to share it with you!  

Moreover, for more information click here.  To charter your own private luxury yacht charter vessel, fill out our online form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ .  We will be in touch with you right away! 

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Lurssen Motor Yacht Lady Kathryn V Set to Launch

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Lady Kathryn V photograph. She is underway, headed toward lower right side of photo.

LADY KATHRYN V

The latest Lürssen shipyard launch is motor yacht LADY KATHRYN V.  She is previously known as Project Coco. This yacht is the fifth in a line of boats of the same name.  Motoryacht LADY KATHRYN V succeeds a 164′  Wesport.

CONSTRUCTION

The yacht is steel with an aluminium superstructure.  LADY KATHRYN V is an evolution of the Linda Lou series.  That group of yachts began in 2006.  She is 61 meters in overall length.  She is slightly longer than her predecessors. There is no full-beam section to this deck.  The yacht then has a sleek and classic appearance. She has a unique crow’s nest above the sundeck.  The crows nest affords a panoramic view of the sea.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Adam Lay interior accommodates 12 charter guests.  The master suite is situated on the main deck.  There is a VIP stateroom on the bridge deck, and below that are four double cabins on the lower deck.


OTHER LURSSEN YACHTS

Other Lurssen yachts include motoryacht KISMET, superyacht SOLEMATES,  luxury yacht TV, and power yacht MARTHA ANN.

AVAILABILITY

In conclusion, the owner takes delivery this Summer. Lady Kathryn V will then be available for hire in the Mediterranean.  After her first winter season, she moves to the Caribbean.


HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

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Luxury Lurssen Yacht Headed for Charter

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Profile photograph of superyacht ACE underway. She is headed toward the right side of the photograph.

Lurssen Yacht ACE

For years, the name Lürssen has been synonymous with some of the most luxurious, and certainly the largest yachts available for charter.  Mammoth-sized vessels such as the 70-meter motor yacht MARTHA ANN and the 60-meter motor yacht HUNTRESS (x-SOLEMATES) are testaments to the 130 yr old German shipbuilder’s dedication to craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

The latest launch by the acclaimed builder is no exception.  Lurssen motor yacht ACE has the distinction of being the first superyacht to splash down in 2012.  She measures 87 meters and left the company’s shipyard in Rendsburg on January 9th. The superyacht by Andrew Winch Design is magnificent.  Her exterior is both unique and instantly recognizable.

Aerial photograph of swimming pool and helipad of superyacht ACE. The yacht is heading toward the top of the photograph. There are mountains in the distance. The water is deep blue. The pool has a water feature creating a fountain at the front (bottom of picture) of the pool

Lurssen yacht ACE swimming pool and helipad

This is the unanswered, million-dollar question.  Will motor yacht ACE enter the luxury yacht charter market in 2012?

Stay tuned…

 

HOW TO PLAN YOUR YACHT CHARTER VACATION

Lürssen yachts currently available for charter include the aforementioned M/Y MARTHA ANN and motoryacht SOLEMATES as well as the 60-meter motor yacht ARKLEY and the 63 meter motor yacht POLAR STARFor more information about the “Lure of Lürssen,” contact the 1-800 Yacht Charters superyacht experts here.

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Luxury Yacht Charter Maven Reflects on Industry in 2013

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THE YACHT CHARTER MAVEN COMMENTS

Many of her clients are still onboard their yachts enjoying their 2013 year-end St Barts yacht charter vacations.  Jana Sheeder, President and Co-owner of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters comments. She takes a few minutes to reflect on the year that was (and offers us a glimpse of what’s to come in 2014.

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters standing with yacht Vertige female crewmember on dock in front of boat. Jana wearing halter long dress and gold name badge, and crewmember wearing short black skirt and white short-sleeved shirt.

Q:  The charter industry still seems to be recovering from the global economic downturn of the past couple years.  Did 2013 represent an uptick in the volume of charter business?

Sheeder:  “Our research indicates 2013 showed significant improvement in charter revenues when compared to both 2011 and 2012.  Many newly-built yachts enter the  charter marketplace in 2013.  These are builds that had stalled while under construction during the height of the downturn.  As the global economy began to pick up, delayed construction projects commenced.

The result is a beautiful new fleet of superyacht charter vessels that hit the seas in time for the 2013 summer Mediterranean charter season.”

 

Q:  Did the year end on an uptick?

Sheeder:  “We haven’t seen any industry data yet, so we can’t speak for our competitors.  We can tell you in terms of the Caribbean yacht charter marketplace,  SailAway (1-800 Yacht Charters) had its strongest December in over 3 years. While the inquiries for smaller vessels did not grow, our bookings of superyachts – some of the largest yachts in the world –  increased significantly.

Presently, we have the two largest charter vessels currently docked in St Barts for 9 night charters – motor yacht LAUREL (240 feet, $525,000 per week) and the Lurssen yacht charter motoryacht MARTHA ANN (230 feet, 600,000 EUROS per week).”

 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Superyacht Laurel underway.  Navy blue hull and white superstructure. There is a mountain in the distance behind her. She is headed toward the lower left side of the photograph.

Q:  What was the biggest change you witnessed in 2013 in the charter industry?

Sheeder:  “I would have to say the ending of VAT exempt charters in France. For many years, our clients enjoyed St. Tropez yacht charters and summer vacations along the Cote d’Azur, free of the burden of VAT.  That all changed in the summer of 2013 when the French yacht charter VAT went into effect.   As of July 15, 2013, charterers can expect to pay an additional 9.8% for their Côte d’Azur yacht charter.”

Q:  Are you optimistic as you look ahead to 2014?

Sheeder:  “Our team is extremely optimistic as we focus on incremental growth in 2014. During the economic downturn, while many of our competitors hunkered down to ride out the storm, we took a contrarian approach.  We focused our efforts on increased marketing. Our strategy was simple – stay in touch with existing clients and prospects. We wanted to be “easy to find” once the economy turned around.

Internally, we call it our “Tip of the Tongue” project.  Clients had tightened their belts during the downturn, and we were committed to be the brand they remembered (always on the tip of the tongue) when they were ready to loosen their discretionary income belts again!

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Now that 2014 is here, we are excited to announce that, for instance

  • Our newly-designed website is nearing completion
  • We are launching a new subsidiary to provide luxury yacht tenders to megayacht owners
  • Our additional satellite offices are opening 
  • We are focused on charitable causes — helping others, helping marine life, and helping the environment — Paying it Forward and Making a Difference for all that’s been given to us! 

The sky’s the limit!  It will be an exciting, challenging, and awe-inspiring year!”

 

HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

For more information about yacht vacations around the world, contact us. Please visit 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ .  Share our information with your friends, family, and associates!  #yachtcharter

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Neptune Awards – New Yachts Dominate

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Photograph of multiple Superyacht Award trophies. They are called Neptunes. They look like little men holding a pitchfork, as if Neptune, underwater.

WORLD SUPERYACHT AWARDS 2009

The mega yacht charter industry has dominated the nominations for the World Superyacht Awards 2009. Over a dozen luxury Mediterranean yacht charter and Caribbean yacht charter vessels, all available  through SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters, have been nominated as finalists for the World Superyacht Awards 2009.

 

NEW YACHTS DOMINATE

This year has a record number of nominations.  Luxury yacht charter megayachts lead the way with 14 new yachts.  The nominees represent some of the newest and largest yachts available for Caribbean yacht charter holidays. In addition, Mediterranean yacht charter adventures represent, also.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The winners of the prized Neptune awards areannounced soon. Specifically, at the World Superyacht Awards 2009 gala evening. Notably at London’s historic Guildhall on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

 

FINALISTS

Finalists include the 240′ Nobiskrug yacht SIREN for the Best Displacement Motor Yacht, 1300GT to 2999GT; along with the 196′ Benetti yacht AMNESIA, and the 196′ Benetti yacht XANADU, and the 177′ CRN yacht MARAYA, for the Best Displacement Motor Yacht, 500GT to 1299GT.

 

ADDITIONAL NOMINEES

Other mega yacht charter vessel nominees include 141′ CRN yacht HANA for the Best Displacement Motor Yacht below 500GT, and the 143′ Heesen yacht SEDATION for the Best Refitted Yacht award.

 

WHO VOTES ON THE AWARDS?

The World Superyacht Awards are designed to recognize the talents of the naval architects, designers, builders and ultimately, the visions of the owners who bring together the teams that work to create these masterpieces of modern design and manufacture.

 

HOW MANY GUESTS ATTEND?

Over four hundred distinguished guests will gather in May to witness the presentation of the highly coveted Neptune Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the super yacht world – during a glamorous gala evening attended by an elite guest list of megayacht and super yacht owners and leading industry
professionals.

 

ADDITIONAL NOMINEES

Rounding out the charter yachts nominated are Lürssen yacht MADSUMMER; Corsair yacht NERO; yacht SEA FORCE ONE; Hakvoort yacht MY TRUST; Horizon yacht MISS ROSE; Mondomarine yacht PANTHER II; Benetti yacht SALU; and sail charter vessels Alloy yacht RED DRAGON and Perini Navi yacht SALUTE.

 

HOW TO BOOK AN AWARD-WINNING YACHT?

SailAway and 1-800 Yacht Charters continues to lead the way with the NEWEST and LARGEST Yachts in the Worlds’ BEST Destinations. Make your reservation today at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ 

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Planning a Trinity Yacht Charter

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WHICH YACHTS ARE MOST POPULAR FOR CHARTER?

European luxury yacht charter customers tend to request superyachts built in Italy, Holland, and France.  Their counterparts in America prefer a Trinity yacht charter vessel.

TRINITY – BENETTI – FEADSHIP – LURSSEN

The Trinity yacht charter fleet stands toe-to-toe with the Benetti yacht charter vessels.  It also rivals Lurssen yacht charter and Feadship yacht charter fleets.  It’s all about luxury amenities and interiors.

 

TRINITY YACHTS

Trinity Yachts earns its place as one of the world’s elite builders of custom superyachts.  It has an emphasis on European quality, and steel and aluminum constructions.  Trinity’s goal is to build a truly custom yacht that fulfills all of your unique cruising desires.

 

Photograph of the yacht, Mine Games, underway. Headed toward left side of screen. Waves lapping at the side of the yacht.

 

TYPICAL SUPERYACHT CONSTRUCTION

Most superyacht construction is a semi-production basis.  Trinity Yachts creates the largest yachts available for mega yacht charters.  Vessels up to 400 feet (123 meters) prevail in the industry.  They work with many of the world’s most renowned naval architects and interior designers.

YACHT CHARTER PLANNING ON A TRINITY

Now planning a Caribbean yacht charter or Mediterranean yacht charter holiday on one of these magnificent yachts has never been easier. Currently, there are 17 rent private yacht Trinity-built models available.

The newest and largest yachts include 54 meter KATHARINE, 50 meter LUMIERE II (ex-MINE GAMES), and 49 meter yachts LOHENGRIN, ANJILIS, and MUSTANG SALLY.

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Superyacht save: Crew of Yacht Ice Rescue 9

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Aerial photograph of motoryacht ICE.  She is headed toward the lower right side of the picture.  She has a dark hull and a white superstructure

Lurssen yacht charter boat ICE

According to local reports in Mexico, the crew of the 90 meter Lürssen motor yacht, ICE, assisted in a rescue operation off the coast of Cozumel in mid-February.Apparently a local dive boat was enroute with divers on board to a dive site in Playa Del Carmen known for attracting bull sharks.  After taking on water in rough seas, the vessel sank, leaving all hands in the water, adrift for approximately 4 hours.

Superyacht ICE picked up the dive boat’s distress signal, calculated to where the divers would have drifted, and located all 8 divers and the boat’s operator alive in the water. 
Built by Lürssen in Germany in 2005, the 90 meter motor yacht ICE (launched as motor yacht AIR) offers accommodations for 14 guests, and features a crew compliment of 27.   While not currently available for hire, many other yachts by the fabled German builder are in service as Lürssen yacht charter vessels, including 2009, 60 meter motor yacht ARKLEY and 2010, 60 meter motor yacht SOLEMATES.

RENT A LARGE YACHT

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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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