When your clients are accustomed to +70 meter superyachts for their private luxury yacht charter vacations, you should probably think twice about recommending a 40 meter yacht for their next getaway…
MOTORYACHT ‘H
Unless that 40 meter vessel is motor yacht ‘H with Captain Phil Frost at the helm.
BEYONCE AND JAY-Z
About three weeks ago, good friends of ours called. They were taking a short trip from their home in the states to visit their daughter who is spending a college semester in France. During the visit, they planned to catch the “On The Run II: Beyonce & Jay-Z” concert in Paris, then spend a few days exploring. They asked, “Since we’re not taking the whole family, is there a smaller, contemporary-designed yacht that you would recommend for a quick getaway in France?” Without hesitation, we said, “Yes, the best available option is the 42 meter Benetti motoryacht ‘H.”
WHO IS SUPERYACHT ‘H?
Built in 2015, motor yacht ‘H is a shining example of the Italian builder’s Fast 140 series, with exterior styling by Stefano Righini, and interiors by HJH Studios. The yacht has it all – a massive sundeck, an impressive skylounge, and a fantastic, young, energetic crew led by can-do skipper, Australian Phil Frost. Phil’s motto is, “Say yes, then figure out how to make it happen!”
GUEST RESPONSES
With just hours to prepare, Phil and his team provisioned and prepared for our clients’ arrival in Bonifacio. Less than 2 hours after getting onboard, our clients sent us two, short, but telling texts. First, the husband wrote, “Having the best time.” Then, his wife wrote, “Oh man, this crew is awesome!”
CLIENTS CALL US
Once back home, the family called us to say the yacht was beautiful and surprisingly comfortable for a 40 meter yacht, and the crew made everyone feel as if they were onboard a 70 meter vessel.
They were so impressed, plans are already underway for a repeat trip in September…
WOULD YOU RATHER…
If you’re considering a private yacht charter vacation in the Med in August or September (or the Caribbean this winter), it’s hard to overstate the value, luxury, and comfort you’ll find with Captain Phil Frost, onboard Benetti motor yacht ‘H…
KISMET
[Side note – Beyonce and Jay-Z decided to do a little boating after the concert as well. They loaded the family onboard motor yacht KISMET (video) before returning to the next leg of their world tour…]
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT
Are you considering chartering a yacht for a vacation or special event? Call or text us at 305-720-7245, and with our Best Price Guarantee in hand, you’ll be on your way to making memories in style! Let us know that you are interested in chartering, and we’re on it!
Not sure you want to traipse the kids and the in-laws all the way to the Med this summer for your annual Superyacht Experience?
Maybe an action-packed adventure closer to home is what you need — onboard the Proteksan Turquoise yacht ICE 5, in beautiful New England. There is so much to see and do in this lovely area, not to mention all of the amazing amenities and activities onboard your private yacht!
ROOM FOR 12
The 140ft yacht, built in 2002, completed a major refit several months ago, and she looks as good as the day she was launched.
Easily rivaling the volume of larger vessels, yacht ICE 5 boasts a spacious interior and has sprawling decks and outdoor spaces. Her roomy layout offers something for every charter guest, making her an ideal choice for large groups, families, even corporate events.
Accommodations are offered for up to 12 guests in six staterooms, including a master suite and two VIP staterooms.
A large assortment of watertoys will keep you and the family busy for hours every day.
RATE
The New England yacht charter summer rate for motoryacht Ice 5 is $130,000 per week + running expenses.
SPECS
Length: 140′ (42.67 meters)
Beam: 27′ (8.23 meters)
Draft: 6′ (1.83 meters)
Year Built/Refit: 2002 / 2017
Builder: Turquoise
Number of Cabins: 6
Total Guests: 12
Cabin Configuration: 2 Kings, 3 Queens, 2 Singles
Total Crew: 8
TENDERS & TOYS
– 2018 Aoxpar T-Top 37′ towed tender
– (2) 3-seat 2017 Yamaha VRX Waverunners
– 2017 Yamaha Superjet Stand-Up Waverunner (SUW)
– Snorkel Gear (12 sets)
– Kneeboard
– Wakeboard
– Water ski
– Inflatable water toys
– Motorized Surf Board
– Two Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP’s)
– Two Inflatable Paddleboards (SUPs)
– Fishing Equipment
– SCUBA Diving Equipment (certified divers only)
HOW TO BOOK
Come explore historic New England and The Superyacht Experience™, as only 1-800 Yacht Charters can provide, this summer. Let 1-800 Yacht Charters secure prime dates for you, today. Email info@1800yachtcharters, or call 1.800.922.4824 to check availability. We stand by, at your service.
Call it, “Life imitating art.” They were under siege by a great white shark in the 1975 film, JAWS. Actor Roy Scheider’s character exclaimed, ‘We’re gonna need a bigger boat.’
SPIELBERG
Obviously the film’s director, Steven Spielberg, took that sentiment to heart. His 282 foot superyacht is up for sale. It will be replaced with an even larger vessel.
SEVEN SEAS
Oceanco 2010 Spielberg yacht SEVEN SEAS lived up to its name. The famous director, his wife Kate Capshaw, and their seven children made it happen. They took the yacht on a 30,000-mile round-the-world cruise.
CELEBRITY GUESTS
Over the years, many famous Hollywood celebrities have been guests onboard the yacht. For instance, Gyneth Paltrow and Leonardo DiCaprio. The UK’s Daily News wrote an article. A friend of the director said, “Steven didn’t realize how much he’d enjoy cruising the ocean. Now he’d like to spend more time exploring the seas, and bring a few friends along for the ride. So he’s upgrading to a bigger yacht.”
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
The yacht is sometimes available for hire. This season’s charter rate in the Mediterranean is $1.2 million per week.
If you’re considering renting the yacht this summer, you might have to wait until September, as the legendary director and his family have spent a considerable portion of their summer vacation onboard, and were recently spotted taking in the sites of Portofino, Italy. Even the family dog is along for the ride.
Surprisingly, this question often comes up when our clients return from a memorable luxury yacht charter vacation.
Charter clients seem mesmerized by The Superyacht Experience.™ We’re thrilled! : ) Indeed, it’s hard to imagine any other vacation on par with yachting. It’s an experience where the superyacht serves as a platform for an eco-friendly adventure. Most of all, it’s a chance to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
A BRIDGE TOO FAR?
But is it a “bridge too far” to transition from luxury yacht charter guest to superyacht owner? Actually, it’s fairly common for charterers to become superyacht owners.
Some people purchase a specific automobile make and model after renting one for a long trip. They like how the car looks and handles. Of course, they celebrate how the vehicle whisked them to a new destination, in style and comfort.
Similarly, charterers become enthralled with the creature comforts of a yacht. Certainly, the idea of arriving in an exotic destination on a floating villa is pretty darn appealing.
From there, the intrigue and hunger continue to grow. After all, why limit your family’s enjoyment of cruising to just one or two weeks a year?
The yachting lifestyle is addicting!
IMPORTANT INFO!
GREAT NEWS!
WE AT 1-800 YACHTCHARTERS CAN HELP YOU CHARTER OR PURCHASE A YACHT! You win with us because a portion of everything that we earn goes to the charity of your choice! We know the yachts. In addition, we know management. We charter these yachts. Our company knows Captains and professional crew. Most important, we know clients! YOU are important to us. We LOVE our job. 1-800 Yacht Charters cares about the ocean. We care about YOU. Our company works to make a difference every day. We give back. We’d love to be on your team!
THREE SUPERYACHTS FOR SALE AND CHARTER
Let’s take a look at three, popular superyacht charter vessels currently available for hire, and also available for purchase.
QUANTUM OF WHA???
We never quite understood the meaning of Quantum of Solace as the title of the James Bond film. It doesn’t matter – naming superyachts in homage to Bond films is very popular. There are many James Bond boats as we like to call them. For instance, Octopussy, Skyfall, Casino Royale, and others.
There is even a superyacht named after the 2008 Bond film, Motoryacht QUANTUM OF SOLACE. The 72.6m superyacht was built in 2012 and refit in 2017. Here’s our description of the yacht on our charter website.
“Award-winning Proteksan Turquoise motor yacht QUANTUM OF SOLACE is noteworthy for a few reasons. Specifically, her spectacular lines and enormous volume. Charterers enjoy many entertainment and relaxation areas. For instance, her salons, bars, decks, and terraces. She is a Turkish build. The yacht features both interior and exterior design by H2 Yacht Design. QUANTUM OF SOLACE accommodates up to 12 guests in seven beautiful cabins.”
Her weekly charter rate is €560,000.
Her listed purchase price is $58,000,000.
A MASTER NUMBER
Finally, a yacht with a name we can understand! Well…not really. We cheated and looked up the meaning. In numerology, the number 11 is considered a master number, and it signifies enlightenment. If you pair the number with itself, 11.11, it represents a message from the universe to become aware.
Cosmically, we’ve got a ways to go. However, even we’re aware that Benetti yacht 11.11 is stunning. Here’s a little history from our website on how this yacht came to be.
“Benetti yacht 11.11 is a winner from the 2016 World Superyacht Awards. She is only the second plumb-bowed boat built by the fabled Italian yard. This beautiful lady was originally commissioned to look like a Russian Czar’s palace. Her first owner walked away when the yacht was just 40% complete. A new owner stepped in to transform the yacht into an award-winning monochromatic masterpiece. What a fortunate owner! The current trend is to build yachts with hard, minimalistic edges. This yacht’s main living areas onboard yacht 11.11 offer suppleness and comfort.”
Back in grade school, we were taught Pluto is the ninth planet in the solar system. Now, it’s referred to as a dwarf planet. It’s ok, Pluto – we‘ll still call you the ninth planet!
Avoiding the naming controversy is the 73.2-meter superyacht PLANET NINE. Forget outer space – there’s plenty to explore on earth. This yacht is built for ocean adventure. Our website notes describe this superyacht as a
“…Long-range high-quality luxury explorer yacht with serious go anywhere sea keeping characteristics, heavy build specification and suitable for sailing in ice conditions in accordance with its class notation. Dynamic positioning and suitability for global cruising. Commercially approved helideck suitable for an Augusta Grande dimensionally or larger helicopter in weight, up to 8 tons, with enclosed below-deck hangar.”
The weekly charter rate is €650,000.
The listed purchase price is €85,000,000.
Are you ready to charter or purchase a yacht? Please count on us. Let’s make a difference together. We created to term and the concept, The Superyacht Experience(tm), so we KNOW yachts, and we KNOW what you want to experience! Call, text, WhatsApp, snail mail, or email us today! Put us to work on your behalf! We stand ready.
Time aboard a luxury yacht charter vessel is the perfect platform to reconnect with friends and family – and champagne is often the tonic of this celebratory time together.
As crews begin to prepare their superyachts for the upcoming New Year’s eve yacht parties in St Barts, our charter advisers at 1-800 Yacht Charters take a look at the 3 trendiest premium champagne choices for Caribbean yacht charter clients this winter:
THE HOTTEST CHOICES
Dom Pérignon, Rosé “P2” – 1996
It’s hard to imagine a name a name more synonymous with premium champagne. Go to just about any nightclub, and you’ll find a millennial trying to impress by ordering a bottle of “Dom.”
It is a simple, balanced champagne with a pleasant aroma. Hints of a Cognac-like richness abound. A 2006 vintage 750ml bottle is approximately $150.
However, when it comes to luxury yacht charter guests, the most sought after Dom is the 1996 Rosé “P2.” The P2 moniker refers to the age of the vintage, which the wine makers at Dom refer to as “Plénitudes.” They describe the maturation process as, “…not in a simple linear trajectory, but in successive leaps into new expression, each of which are called Plénitudes. In the long journey of elaboration, the wine goes through this metamorphosis, a transformation. Each Plénitude contributes to Dom Pérignon’s singularity. In the darkness of the cellars, from one Plénitude to the next, Dom Pérignon will grow and blossom, transmuting time into energy.”
A 750ml bottle of the 1996 Rosé “P2” is approximately $795.
A BIT OF TRIVIA
A FUN SIDE NOTE: Why do we call it a “toast?” Thanks to Wikipedia, “According to other stories, the word toast became associated with the custom in the 17th century, based on a custom of flavoring drinks with spiced toast. The word originally referred to the lady in whose honor the drink was proposed, her name being seen as figuratively flavoring the drink.
Louis Roederer, Cristal – 2009
On a nearly equal plane in terms of popularity with Dom Pérignon, Cristal (pronounced “chrisTALL”) has been a favorite among yachting enthusiasts for many years. American wine critic Robert M. Parker Jr’s website gives this vintage a score of 94-96 and describes it as one that, “…literally shimmers on the palate, showing great depth and purity in its sumptuous layers of fruit. It is a magnificent wine endowed with superb length and exceptional overall balance. The 2009 Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The percentage of wine aged in oak is 15%, which is down slightly from previous vintages.”
A 750ml bottle of the 2009 Louis Roederer, Cristal is approximately $250.
Moët Ice Imperial
It seems every food and beverage preference sheet submitted by clients prior to their winter St. Barts yacht charter vacation has listed Moët Ice as a “must-have” item.
Launched in early 2016 as a summer indulgence, the popularity has not waned. So what makes this champagne so unique? The answer is “ICE.” This champagne was designed to be served with ice, and that was a real innovation in the world of sommeliers. Ice has a rich fruity taste, perfect for warm weather winter charter destinations such as the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Moet Ice Imperial champagne is a special blend consisting mainly of Pinot Noir (40-50%), Pinot Meunier (30-40%), and Chardonnay (10-20%). It is suggested to be served with three ice cubes in tall glasses of Cabernet, and can be mixed with other refreshing ingredients such as mint leaves, lemon peel, cucumber, or cardamom seeds – to enhance the intensity of flavor, and the icy freshness. A perfect tropical indulgence.
A 750ml bottle of Moët Ice Imperial is approximately $60
AND THE WINNER IS…
There IS no winner! If you feel tricked, we’re sorry. Before you throw your champagne flute in our direction, please let us explain:
One of the great benefits of The Superyacht Experience is the ability to customize every aspect of your luxury yacht charter vacation. For instance, where you go, to what you do for rest and recreation. Of course, this includes your preferences for foods and beverages as well.
So, while we are happy to share the popular brands and trends that we see selected by our clients, YOU have the ultimate say. The Superyacht Experience is a bespoke vacation like no other!
The recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show arrives. FLIBS again delights.
We had the pleasure of taking a few of our best private luxury yacht charter clients (and dear friends) for a stroll along the docks. The couple had recently completed the construction of another home on a lot overlooking the water. They wanted to purchase a boat for weekend family outings.
AVAILABLE SMALL YACHT OPTIONS FOR PURCHASE
We looked at the latest offerings from a few companies, for instance, Germany’s Fjord Yachts, the innovative expandable-deck boats by Italy’s Evo Yachts, and the trendy Holland-designed boats of VanDutch.
THAT’S IT!
The model that really caught the attention of our friends was a sleek, aluminum-hull day cruiser. This yacht is built by Vanquish Yachts. It is the Vanquish VQ54. The boat is simply stunning. There is no other way to describe it.
We stood on the dock discussing the boat and the available color options. A passerby stopped and gazed at the boat. “Beautiful,” he exclaimed. “Too bad it’s made out of aluminum – electrolysis is bad for boats.”
As the man walked away, our friends seemed a bit confused. “What’s wrong with electrolysis?” asked the wife. “It’s a great way to remove unwanted hair!”
“It’s a little different with boats,” we said. We then explained marine electrolysis, and the possible damage it can cause to a boat or yacht.
ELECTROLYSIS FOR HUMANS VS FOR BOATS
For humans, Medical Electrolysis is a clinical method of removing individual hairs from a person’s face or body. A device is used to destroy the growth center of hair with chemical or heat energy.
For boats, Marine Electrolysis is the result of potential current existing between two different objects. It is often caused by stray electrical current, and can be extremely destructive (causes corrosion) on boats made out of aluminum.
The results generated by medical electrolysis are all positive – people can remove unwanted hair, and it is a permanent fix. With marine electrolysis, the results are not so good – and if not caught quickly, the corrosive effects to an aluminum boat can cause great damage (holes, water leaking into the boat, etc.), and require expensive repairs.
WHAT ELSE IS BAD FOR BOATS?
Aluminum boats are also susceptible to another related culprit. This culprit is Galvanic Corrosion. This can occur when two dissimilar metals come into contact with an electrolyte and create a natural electrical current. Salt water can work as the perfect catalyst for galvanic corrosion.
GALVANIC CORROSION
Examples of galvanic corrosion include:
Using dissimilar metals on the vessel that come into contact with the salt water, like steel bolts or copper-based bottom paint on an aluminum hull.
Mixing different types of bottom paint on the same vessel.
Mooring boats with incompatible hull construction next to each other, such as a steel vessel moored immediately next to aluminum vessel.
QUESTION FROM BOAT BUYERS
Our experienced clients and friends then asked,
“If aluminum has so many problems, why are expensive private luxury yacht charter vessels like Feadship and Heesen yachts built out of aluminum?”
The answer is simple. Aluminum is light, but strong (think of airplanes). Aluminum yachts can be built to any size versus yachts made from molds. This allows great flexibility and customization that can’t be as easily achieve with fiberglass and other composites. As to the corrosion issues, manufacturers can take preventative steps to reduce and even eliminate the threats of marine electrolysis. Yachts are fitted with monitoring systems which constantly check for stray electrical current, as well as anti-corrosion anodes to negate electrical issues below the waterline.
DO I WANT ELECTROLYSIS NOW?
So, while someday you may want medical electrolysis to look and feel your best, you most definitely do not want marine electrolysis – ever…
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY – CHARTER STARTER
Thinking about buying a yacht? Take advantage of our “Try Before You Buy” program and rent the yacht for an extended “test drive.” Do this during your own private luxury yacht charter vacation. Up to 50% of the charter fee can be applied toward the purchase of the same yacht model.
There’s no denying it – megayacht owners love their toys and gadgets. If it’s new and trendy in 2011, you’ll find it on a luxury yacht charter vessel – everything from Mercedes Benz-styled helicopters to the latest Crestron touchpad-controlled CD/DVD players, and video game consoles.
Deep pockets and a zest for staying ahead of the pack keeps these owners in the hunt for the hottest gadgets on the market. That same quest for the newest gadgets also means the owner’s yachts are the perfect barometer for not only what is new, but also what gadgets are destined to go the way of the dinosaur.
THREE GADGETS PHASED OUT
Based on purchasing whims of the owners of some of the largest Caribbean yacht charter vessels. Expect to see these three tech gadgets phased out this decade.
TomTom vs. Garmin GPS systems
Standalone GPS Systems
At sea, megayacht skippers rely on radar and a whole host of maritime equipment to navigate. But when the yachts arrive in a new port of call, the crews use standalone GPS navigation systems to use for shore excursions. “Fewer yachts are carrying portable navigation devices like those sold by TomTom and Garmin,” says Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters.
“Every crewmember has a mobile phone and many skippers have smartphones provided by yacht owner. These modern phones all feature interactive maps and built-in navigational systems.”
Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are common on yachts. While at seas, crews use the cameras to take photos of mechanical issues, which can be downloaded and emailed to a shore-based engineer for analysis. With the recent unveiling of the Apple iPhone 4S, digital camera makers have much to be worried about. Apple’s newest phone has an impressive 8-megapixel camera that takes in more light than earlier models and records HD video at 1080p. Until recently, such impressive specs were unique to digital cameras. Increasingly, smartphones are taking over the low-end camera market.
Superyacht ISLAND TIME
Captain Peter Vasquez and his 118-foot motoryacht ISLAND TIME are regulars on the Bahama yacht charters circuit. Vasquez points out the appeal of one device that can perform multiple tasks.
“Camera functions are being taken over by smartphones,” says Vasquez.
“There’s little incentive to carry around a camera when I already have a phone in my pocket that takes quality pictures.”
Video Game Consoles
From the largest yachts like Steven Spielberg owned 282′ motor yacht SEVEN SEAS, to the newest yachts like 2011 motor yacht NUMPTIA, popular video game systems such as the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation® and Microsoft Xbox are installed in many of the staterooms for the use of onboard guests.
Smart TVs and tablets replace gaming consoles.
“We’ve already witnessed the emergence of an iPad controlled boat app on motor yacht HUNTRESS,” says Sheeder.
“The captain hands each guest their own iPad when they board. These tablets offer control of all shipboard entertainment systems. Yacht owners tell us they plan on shifting from video gaming consoles to more comprehensive systems with other entertainment options such as movies.”
American superyacht builder, Trinity Yachts has launched their first yacht of 2012, the 49.90 meter motor yacht TSUMAT. The yacht features an interior by Dutch designer René van der Velden.
OTHER TRINITY YACHTS
Similar in looks to Trinity yacht charter stalwart, motor yacht WHEELS, M/Y TSUMAT offers accommodations for 10 to 12 guests. The master stateroom is positioned on the main deck, with 4 guests cabins located on the lower deck, and a convertible sixth cabin on the bridge deck.
ABOUT TSUMAT
The yacht has twin 2250 hp Caterpillar 3512B engines. She features a signature oversized Trinity swim platform. It is large enough to store two waverunners. In addition, on the Sun Deck, ten or twelve guests fit into the large Jacuzzi tub. Comfortable sun pads surround the tub. It has an adjoining bar. Aft of the hot tub is space for additional furniture.
DECKS
Below on the bridge deck, there is a sky lounge with bar and plenty of seating for entertainment. Down on the main deck, there is symmetrically-styled seating in the main saloon. Forward of this area is the formal dining room providing seating for up to twelve.
CONSIDERING A TRINITY?
Other yachts launched by this builder and currently available for hire include motoryacht CARPE DIEM, motor yacht SKYFALL, and the yacht MINE GAMES featuring a mini submarine.
Fans of the Trinity line of luxury yachts are hopeful to see this new yacht enter the charter market by summer, 2012.
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
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
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!
Are you ready for the “Good News/Bad News” update?
GOOD NEWS: Formula 1 announced an agreement in principle to hold a race in Miami, starting in 2021.
BAD NEWS: Undoubtedly, the idea a Miami Grand Prix yacht charter seems lost, as the race will be held inland. Specifically, far from the ocean.
ORIGINAL IDEA
We were initially excited to see race organizers focusing on a circuit in downtown Miami, along Biscayne Bay. This course allows superyachts to dock or anchor close to the course, similar to the layout of the Monaco Grand Prix. Yacht charter clients and their guests watch the cars scream by from the comfort of their yacht’s sun deck.
There was considerable local opposition to holding a grand prix in downtown Miami. Residents and local business owners voiced concerns about interruptions to business caused by the construction of the race track.
CHANGE OF LOCATION
Organizers then shifted their attention to building a road course on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium – home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. The stadium is miles inland from the ocean – in the community of Miami Springs.
This week, Formula 1 announced an agreement has been reached with real estate mogul and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to establish a race in Miami, with the inaugural event in 2021.:
“We are thrilled to announce that Formula One and Hard Rock Stadium have reached an agreement in principle to host the first-ever Formula One Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium,”
F1 Miami Grand Prix
AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
The agreement is subject to approval by Miami-Dade County.
In their statement, F1’s Sean Bratches and Tom Garfinkel, the chief executive of Hard Rock Stadium, outlined the financial benefits the race will bring to Miami.
“With an estimate annual impact of more than $400m and 35,000 room nights, the F1 Miami Grand Prix will be an economic juggernaut for South Florida each year.”
TWITTER UPDATE BY F1
Garfinkel added to the announcement with a comment on Twitter.
“The world’s greatest racing @f1 has never been to S. Florida. Imagine people coming to this region from around the World in May. Multiple passing zones and world-class clubs and amenities. Barcelona, Monaco… Miami… make it happen.”
The agreement specifically calls for Ross to fund construction of the estimated $40 million custom track and cover all race-related expenses.
WHAT ABOUT THE YACHTS?
Watching the race from the deck of a yacht charter vessel is now out of the question. In spite of the location change, we are hopeful clients will still consider a Miami Grand Prix yacht charter – as a “Destination Event.”
DESTINATION YACHT CHARTER IDEA
The yachts can serve as platforms for corporate hospitality! Helicopters and private transportation in use to shuttle clients and guests to Hard Rock Stadium for the race.
The original post below………..
F1 RACING COMES TO MIAMI?
Formula 1 is here. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines. Captains, prepare to cast off!
Formula One is scouting Miami, Florida as a site for a Grand Prix race. F1, or FIA Formula One World Championship, is the foremost auto racing league. Envision Miami. First, dozens of superyachts lining the course. Second, thousands of thrilled spectators on yachts to watch see the action.
BACKGROUND
Per the Miami Herald, F1 execs met with Miami mayor and government officials in November. They discussed racing logistics for an annual event along Biscayne Bay, through downtown Miami.
Events Director for city of Miami, Vicente Betancourt, says the goal is to add Miami to the Formula 1 season in 2020. “It’s like the Super Bowl of auto racing,” said Betancourt. “Hopefully we can make it happen.”
WHO WILL ANNOUNCE THE RACE?
Will the amazing Michael Buffer possibly be the announcer for a Miami Grand Prix Formula One race?
WHO WILL DRIVE RACE CARS?
Wouldn’t you love to see professional race car drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Bottas, Vettel, Raikkonen, or Verstappen driving? High-tech Mercedes, Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, and Maseratis on the Sunny downtown Miami streets?
SPONSORSHIPS
Equally important, what a wonderful boost for the South Florida economy. A Grand Prix Formula One race could provide corporate sponsorships from such companies as Amazon. (Jeff Bezos, graduated high school in Miami, in the same class as our company President, Jana Sheeder). Additional sponsors are lining up. For instance,
From April through November, the Formula One’s series is comprised of 20 races in cities around the world. Those cities include Singapore, Budapest, Sao Paulo, Dubai, and Monaco. There are 15 road courses and five courses laid out on city streets.
Formula 1 has new ownership (Liberty Media) and looks to expand its U.S. presence. F1 has a massive fan base across the globe; however, it lags behind other sports in the United States, like football, basketball, and NASCAR. Soccer is as popular as F1 racing. The only United States Grand Prix race is in Austin, Texas right now. Chase Carey, Liberty Media’s CEO of the Formula 1 Group, says he wants another race in America. An event in Miami, or possibly Las Vegas or New York, has been publicly discussed.
Carey wants to see F1 grab a foothold in “destination cities” like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Las Vegas. As a result, this would create a week-long celebration capable of attracting people from all over the world.
“Of all the races held annually by F1, the two premier events are staged in Monaco and Abu Dhabi,” says Sheeder. “Both locations have courses along the waterfront, and thousands of spectators enjoy the race and the festivities from the decks of dozens of luxury yachts. The Miami Grand Prix would duplicate that unique setting, as the course would pass through downtown Miami, along our beautiful waterfront area – and we have many superyachts that already make South Florida their home port.”
According to AutoGuide.com, Formula One filed on November 1st for a new trademark on a race event in Miami (as well as Las Vegas and New York). The next day, Sean Bratches, Formula One’s director of commercial operations, came to Miami, with his track engineers, and met with Mayor Francis Suarez and checked out the city streets near the downtown area, along the waterfront. Betancourt, who has been in communications with F1 since May said nothing was finalized. “We’ve got to see if it works and what it would cost them to actually bring it out. I think the ball is pretty much in their court.”
MIAMI BACKGROUND
Sheeder points out the idea of a major road race and spectator yachts is not new for the city. In the 1980’s, the Miami Grand Prix was a major annual event (but not affiliated with the F1 series).
“Private luxury yacht charter vessels would line up, stern-to the seawall in the area that is now the Bayside Marketplace, and spectators would watch the race from the deck of their superyachts. In the evening, many of the yachts would host private parties for the charterers, as well as the owners, drivers, and corporate sponsors of the racing teams.”
MOVE OVER, MONACO!
Sheeder is optimistic a new F1 week-long race event will become a marquee attraction for South Florida.
“Assuming the financing and logistics make sense for Formula One, a corporate hospitality Miami Grand Prix yacht charter could easily rival the excitement of a Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter or an Abu Dhabi yacht charter. Yes, Monaco has the edge thanks to many decades of exposure, but Miami could make a big splash. We have the best weather, and the largest inventory of luxury yacht charter vessels anywhere in the world. Throw in the sexy appeal of nearby South Beach with world-famous hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and celebrities, and Miami is a world-class big-event town.”
Where else can you go to an upscale event, wearing little more than sandals and a bathing suit, where the best “seat” in the house is in an on deck Jacuzzi on a private luxury yacht???
Welcome to Miami! Bienvenidos a Miami!
THAT’S A WRAP
In conclusion, attending a Grand Prix event on a yacht is the ultimate in corporate hospitality. Come experience the excitement and glamour of Formula 1 racing in 2018.
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