She’s not scheduled to splash down until 2018, but that’s not keeping eager Greek yacht charter clients from placing deposits for vacations next summer on this new 40 meter yacht.
The Sunseeker 131 motor yacht AQUA LIBRA 131 is still in her build shed in Dorset, but the buzz surrounding the opportunity to secure a brand new yacht to explore the Greek islands has prospective customers stepping forward to secure prime dates.
“Two reservations have already been secured for summer 2018,” says a smiling Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters. “One client has secured 4 nights in late June and another grabbed the first 14 days of July. It’s always so great to see dates locked down a full year in advance.”
THE REASON
While it is true that affluent travelers are not inclined to secure private luxury yacht charter vacations so far in advance, they will pony up early when they see a unique opportunity. Motor yacht AQUA LIBRA 131 presents such a scenario.
For years, Greece has remained one of the most popular summer cruising destinations – dozens of islands can be visited, and the number of historical points of interest dated to the beginning of civilization are in the hundreds. Oh yeah – the warm weather in the summer is spectacular!
But for all the destination’s allure, the yachts that offered charters in Greece were often considered inferior in overall comfort and quality to those yachts HNWI’s could charter in France and Monaco, along the Côte d’Azur.
GREEK YACHTS
Greek yacht operators, in a testament to their seafaring heritage, often offered wooden ships, called motorsailers (or “gulets” as they are known in neighboring Turkey) to the charter market. As charming as these traditional vessels are, they simply lack the sophistication of ultra-modern superyachts. Whereas you are hard-pressed to find a motorsailer with an open-air Jacuzzi-style tub on the deck, it is nearly impossible to find a superyacht that doesn’t have at least one hot tub on deck – as well as other luxury amenities like onboard cinemas, spas, beauty salons, and helipads.
Yacht owners in Greece, and indeed the Greek people themselves, are a wonderful and proud lot – and they should be! They live in the cradle of civilization, and so much of our modern technical gains in math and the sciences can be traced back to the Hellenic culture. It is understandable to see why they have held to their traditional ways – and their traditional yachts.
WE GIVE CLIENTS WHAT THEY WANT AND DESERVE
Still, HNWI’s want what they want – and for the well-heeled, a superyacht filled with modern amenities is the preferred mode of transport during an ultraluxury holiday.
THE YACHT
That leads us to Sunseeker motoryacht AQUA LIBRA 131, now accepting charter reservations a full year before her build is completed. The British-built tri-deck Sunseeker 131 epitomizes everything that HNWI’s seek in their superyacht experience: accommodations in sublime surroundings, immense scale, and a layout that lends to relaxing and socializing with friends and special guests.
SUNSEEKER COMMENTS
Here’s how Sunseeker describes their own 131 model:
“Expertly finished using ultra-modern materials and techniques, the 131 Yacht is one of the finest examples of modern day superyacht building. The main deck features a lounge, separate dining area and full galley, while on the upper deck you’ll find the sky lounge, cocktail bar and access to the skydeck; where comfort and lavishness reach new levels. As impressive out in open water as it is in the harbour, this icon of design is unlike any other.”
ACCOMMODATIONS
Guest accommodations are available for up to 10 passengers in 5 staterooms:
Master cabin – situated on the main deck, with king size bed, private dressing room, and his and hers bathrooms
Two VIP cabins – each with queen sized beds
Two twin cabins – convertible to double cabins with king size bed. One cabin also features a Pullman berth.
As you would expect, all staterooms offer ensuite facilities.
ENTERTAINMENT
For indoor entertainment , the yacht offers a Sonos AV System, with video on demand, as well as Apple TVs, and full satellite services. Of course, the yacht offers Wi-Fi on all decks.
WHAT MAKES GREECE A CHARTER DESTINATION?
Don’t plan on staying indoors too long, because Greece is all about the scenery and the warm Aegean sea. To enjoy the ocean, this new yacht will have a complete inventory of watersports equipment, including:
There are many other Sunseeker models currently in charter in the Mediterranean. While builders with classical style yachts such as Lurssen and Benetti tend to attract older charterers, Sunseeker yacht charters appeal to young entrepreneurs and their families. There’s a modern, contemporary “Vibe” onboard a Sunseeker. No shot at Lurssen and the classic models – Sunseeker simply offers a different feel, and for a different charter client.
OTHER SUNSEEKER MODELS AVAILABLE
Additional Sunseeker vessels currently available include:
As the new AQUA LIBRA 131 Sunseeker continues to attract attention – and bookings, it is likely that more and more owners of new-build yachts will forgo the traditional Western Med ports of France and Monaco, and position for the summer in the Eastern Med in Greece – Opa!!!
Even the little Kallikantzari hobgoblins will crawl out from the underground when this beautiful, new yacht is delivered to Greece next summer — like a Christmas gift during the summertime!
The words, “fast” and “displacement” rarely appear in sentences about yachts. In the first place, displacement yachts tend to be built heavier and wider. This is to achieve maximum comfort. Trade-off for this stability at sea is traditionally speed. However, one builder continues to throw convention to the wind.
BENETTI YACHTS
Italy’s Benetti Yachts, unveils a third generation of fast yachts. This rounds out an extensive range of vessels. For instance, class range semi-custom displacement vessels from 93′ to 145′ and custom-built megayachts starting at 45 meters.
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL?
This new fast displacement line of composite vessels includes two models. Not only Benetti F-140 (2012), but also brand new Benetti F-125. As with other models, the new line Benetti F-125 is designed to be truly versatile. In addition, it offers speed when needed, but also offers fuel efficiency and comfort.
BENETTI CEO COMMENTS
In a recent press release, Benetti CEO Vincenzo Poerio touted the new line.
“Many of our clients have requested faster, more versatile, and efficient boats, while maintaining the same level of comfort and customization found in our existing yachts. The new Fast Displacement line is designed precisely in response to these requests, and it rounds out our current offering in the Class Range. We haven’t just created a new series; we have invested time and resources – combining the Benetti’s 140 years of experience in super yachts with the technological know-how of Azimut Benetti Group – to create a new way of heading out to sea.”
EUROPEAN STYLING
Comfortable luxurious European styling make Benetti yachts popular. Equally important, yacht charter customers often request Benetti yachts by name.
BENETTI YACHTS IN OUR FLEET
There are many popular Benetti motoryacht charter vessels. For example, SILVER ANGEL, CHECKMATE, and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Diamonds Are Forever is the latest James Bond boat to honor the film franchise. Silver Angel is designed specifically for long-range cruising. Checkmate is a 2013 addition to the #Monaco yacht charter marketplace.
Back in September, we reported on the great values being offered for a Virgin Islands yacht charter during the Thanksgiving holidays.
Then, motor yacht SERENITY jumped on the band wagon and offered a fall special for a Thanksgiving charter in the Bahamas.
Not to be left at the dock, Trinity yacht charter motor yacht MI SUENO wants everyone to know she is also available for a Thanksgiving cruise, November 24 – 28, 2011. Bookings will be accepted for either the Bahamas or the Caribbean.
She says, “clients who enjoy upscale travel on private luxury yachts deserve and expect the finest treatment and amenities. We are more than happy to accommodate them. Even if yachts are not offering specials or extra benefits, we do additional research. We make connections to get them the best of the best. We’ve been doing this since 1976. We created The Superyacht Experience™. That’s why we are known for our 6 star customer service.”
SUPERYACHT MI SUENO
The 190′ (57.92 meter) motor yacht Mi Sueno launched in 2010. She is a US-based Trinity Yacht. The vessel accommodates 12 guests in 6 staterooms.
AMENITIES AND FEATURES
The yacht has multiple onboard amenities and special features. For instance, a large open air Jacuzzi on the sun deck and a wheelchair accessible elevator. Additionally, a gym/massage room, WiFi, and Kaleidescape central movie/music service throughout the yacht.
RATE
Her weekly rate of 280,000 EUROS (plus running expenses) will be pro-rated for a long Thanksgiving weekend cruise.
THE LIMO BONUS DETAILS
As an incentive to book yacht Mi Sueno for Thanksgiving, 1-800 Yacht Charters is offering roundtrip limousine service to/from your home to your nearest major airport.
Delta Marine, a US-based shipbuilder, has announced the launch of its latest custom superyacht, motor yacht ARIANNA. Designed and engineered by the Delta Design Group, motor yacht ARIANNA is said to be the world’s largest all composite 50 meter full-displacement motoryacht.Launched in April 2012, M/Y ARIANNA, formerly Project 164041, has more than 780 gross tons ITC, a beam of nearly 34 feet, and over 7,500 square feet of living area, giving her more interior volume than any other yacht her length.
POLYNESIAN DESIGN
The Delta Design Group was commissioned by the yacht owner to create a Polynesian-inspired interior that is elegant, comfortable, and suitable for a family at home on the seas. The interior design is adorned with tropical hardwoods including Mascassar ebony, Wenge, and Koa. Balinese inspired touches such as a solid slab dining table and colorful blown glass lighting complete the design elements. Other unique details include inlaid silk carpets, organic fabrics, woven leather, and natural stone.
STANDOUT ELEMENT
One design element worthy of mention is the large master stateroom on the upper deck. This cabin features a lounge as well as a private outdoor deck and dining area. Forward on the main deck, where the master stateroom is traditionally located, is a fully-equipped gym with a sauna, and a private office.
It is exciting to welcome another Mediterranean yacht charter vessel into our fleet. Her blown glass lighting, organic fabrics throughout, and sauna are special touches for a spectacular superyacht.
EXTERIOR TOUCHES
Roomy external seating areas are perfect for all’aperto dining or lounging in the sun. There is a large aft seating area on the main deck and the sun deck features a bathroom, hot tub, sun chairs, and a large island-style bar. Guests can escape the sun under a lightweight carbon fiber bimini cover.
The British Antarctic survey ship, RSS Ernest Shackleton, drydocked recently in Denmark. Her hull stunned the shipyard engineers and paint specialists. The ship spent two seasons battering her way through ice up to 2.5 meters thick. A high content of abrasive gravel and volcanic lava exists in the ice. Amazement seizes the inspection team. The hull coating stayed virtually intact and undamaged.
STRIPPED HULL
This is in strong contrast to the Shackleton’s previous drydocking. Specifically, almost the entire hull with a conventional ice-going underwater hull coating, was practically stripped. Bare, unprotected steel exists.
THE HULL COATING
The difference lay in the fact that when the Shackleton left drydock in 2009, the hull was newly coated with Ecospeed, a glass flake vinyl ester resin underwater hull coating proven to have extraordinary anti-corrosion strength and flexibility.
The success of the new underwater hull coating on the Shackleton heralds a breakthrough in icebreaker protection. Some observers foresee this as an opportunity for the expansion of Arctic luxury yacht charter.
BIG FISH – McMullen & Wing Superyacht
COLD WATER EXPEDITION YACHT
Leading the way for cold-water expedition yacht charters is motor yacht BIG FISH. This 45-meter explorer is a 2010 build. Her owner wants a yacht that travels to remote parts of the world. In addition, also has a contemporary, open style with floor-to-ceiling windows. Designed by Greg Marshall and built at the McMullen & Wing yard in Auckland, Big Fish visited Antarctica as part of her virgin circumnavigation of the globe.
“We see more expedition-style yachts enter the market each season,” says Sheeder. “Exploration vessels like motor yacht BIG FISH are opening the door to a new world of charter possibilities. The new Ecospeed hull coating technology could mean even more yachts will be able to safely visit remote cruising grounds in both the Arctic and Antarctic. I can’t think of a better way to learn about nature and our endangered wildlife.”
On the heels of our recent blog about the new beach club deckson thenewestsuperyacht vessels, reader Dave V. sends us a text message about a portable version:
We looked at the picture Dave had snapped, and he was right – it seems yacht owners
wanting to give their guests the option to indulge in off-board relaxation
can now do so by offering use of a portable sea cabana.
Designed by the USA-based ParrLuxe company, the cabana is intended as a solution to the problem of guests on large charter yachts having to walk up several levels to sunbathe, and then down the same levels to access a swim platform for a dip in the sea.
With room for 15 to 20 people, the cabana inflates in 15 minutes from a small air compressor, and comes complete with wraparound seating, a stainless steel swim ladder with teak steps, and a rigid carbon-fiber canopy frame.
ParrLuxe also offers a cabana with a natural swimming-pool option – a net-covered hole in the floor of the cabana lets in sea water, while keeping out jellyfish.
As our reader Dave pointed out, the cabana can also be tethered behind a boat, making it
ideal for children to use.
The “Sea Cabana” is available in black, white, and turquoise, and is priced at $35,000.
As the global recession continues to spread, the mega yacht charter marketplace is looking for creative ways to entice luxury yacht charter customers.
OFFER BY 4H
Consider the offer by the owner of motoryacht 4H. Reserve this yacht for a one week or longer Mediterranean yacht charter holiday. Subsequently, the owner will throw in his private jet to transport you to and from your charter destination.
The Challenger 604 private jet can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers. Transportation is offered to and from any major European metropolis, directly to an airfield near the yacht.
ARRIVE IN STYLE AND CONVENIENCE
Upon arrival, you and your travel companions will enjoy the comforts of motoryacht 4H, a brand new 38.5 meter San Lorenzo luxury yacht. She features “sea terraces” on both sides of the main salon. In addition, in the master cabin and gym, as well. Her 007-James Bond-like lifting gull-wing doors on the bridge deck make her a showstopper.
RATE
Motoryacht 4H is available for a Mediterranean yacht charter. Her weekly rate is €110,000, plus all running expenses (items such as food, fuel, dockage, and bar).
Whoo-hoo! The yacht’s representative contacted us to announce newly reduced rates. These are for the popular 191-foot motor yacht CARPE DIEM. The rates are for the remainder of the spring in the Bahamas. Her weekly rate reduction is from $395,000 per week to now $375,000 per week.
Additionally, the yacht is now accepting advanced reservations for the summer in the Med.
WELL-KNOWN YACHT
The 191′ (58.23 meter) Trinity yacht CARPE DIEM is well known. People recognize her in the Bahamas. Additionally, Captain Ryan Butterwick has a crew of 11. The past three seasons enjoy affluent travelers onboard. Most yachts of this size are further south in the Caribbean during the winter. For instance, St. Martin and St Barts. Captain Butterwick and the yacht’s owner saw an opportunity. In specific, to be one of the very few large private yacht charter vessels. Further, to choose the Bahamas as their home port for the winter and spring.
SPECIAL FEATURES & AMENITIES
The representative describes the yacht as,
“…an objet d’art all her own. Her signature interior by Carol Williamson and Associates simultaneously creates a sense of both drama and balance. There is a marvelous display of juxtaposition of design elements. Whereas, joining opposing materials of Madagascar ebony wood with white onyx stone. Furthermore, varying textures of velvet, satin, and embossed Paltrona Frau leather. Showcased throughout the yacht are vintage fashion photographs, art deco antiques, and lavish furnishings.”
ACCOMMODATIONS
She accommodates 12 guests. This acclaimed charter yacht was a finalist for the 2012 World Superyacht Awards for Best Tri-Deck Semi-Displacement Yacht. In addition, she finalized for the 2012 Showboats Design Awards for Best Interior Design.
KEY FEATURES:
Sundeck Jacuzzi with huge sunbed
Alfresco dining on main and skylounge aft decks
6 staterooms including 3 full-width king suites
Interior by Carol Williamson & Associates
Exercise equipment (sundeck aft)
4 wet bars
Kaleidescape movie/music server, Xbox, iPod
Surround sound / 70″ HD TV in Skylounge
TENDERS & TOYS
The yacht has multiple toys and tenders. For instance, a 32 foot (9.75-meter) Boston Whaler with 2 x 275 hp engines (Bahamas/Caribbean only). Also, a 23 foot (7-meter) Novurania Chase tender with 220 horsepower diesel engine and a 19-foot (5.79-meter) Zodiac Proluxe tender with 170 hp jet drive engine. Additionally, 4 Waverunners, 2 SeaBobs, a Jet Surfski, and a Flyboard. Further, waterskis, a wakeboard, and snorkel gear. Lastly, 6 sets of SCUBA gear, a SCUBA compressor, and a custom freestyle pool with jellyfish net.
EXERCISE
Carpe Diem includes exercise equipment for active guests. For example, an elliptical machine fold-up treadmill, spin bike, pulley system, and weight bench. Finally, free weights and yoga mats.
You are planning a private luxury yacht charter at the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France (pronounced CAN…..not con). You want to pronounce all champagnes correctly. Especially when working with your onboard superyacht Sommelier. Thanks to our friends at Glass of Bubbly, we share this helpful and informative blog post. In specific, about the correct pronunciation of champagne names.
4-24-18 – UPDATED — Taittinger Champagne has been added to the list, since it is phenomenally popular.
<< Are You Pronouncing These Champagne Names Correctly?
By Glass of Bubbly
When Champagne gets transported into another country, it’s normal that the pronunciation is adapted to suit the language. However, if you’re curious how to pronounce Champagne names comme il faut (translated = properly), you’re in the right place.
Even if you’re quite confident with French, the names can sometimes be tricky as many originate from other countries such as Germany.
PRONUNCIATIONS
Tip: “on” and “om” sounds are usually nasal sounds in French, such as in Dom Pérignon.
Dom Pérignon–Dom Peh-ree-nyon (“g” isn’t pronounced)
Veuve Clicquot – Verv Kli-KOH (not voov)
Deutz – dirts (French pronunciation with a soft “r”)
Ruinart – Rwee-nar (not ruin-art)
Piper-Heidsieck – Pee-pay ED-sick
Mumm – Moom / Mewm (with a long “u” — 000 — sound)
The one that probably causes the most trip-ups is Moët et Chandon, which is pronouncedmoh-et eh chan-dawn – and not the commonly-said moh-way… oops.
Finally, you now confidently order a fancy bottle of Champagne on your next holiday to France. >>
In conclusion, remember. The city of Cannes, France is simply pronounced “can” (not “con”). The Cannes Film Festival is pronounced CAN (like “an aluminum can,” not cAHn.)
The next step? Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at 305-720-7245 or by filling out our convenient online contact form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now/, and start planning your yacht charter vacation today!
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