The 2013Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 31-Nov 4, 2013, has drawn to a close. Picture-perfect weather brought out record numbers of boating enthusiasts.
54th ANNUAL
The 54th installment of the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, FLIBS, covers six locations and over 3 million square feet of space. Exhibits range from yacht builders and designers, to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A variety of boats are on display, both in water and on land – runabouts, center consoles, cabin cruisers, skiffs, sailing yachts, tenders, superyachts, megayachts, powerboats, catamarans, and monohull sailboats.
Of course the star attractions each year remain the extraordinary superyacht vessels that dominate the Caribbean yacht charter marketplace each winter.
“For us, FLIBS represents the launch of the winter charter season,” says Jana Sheeder , President of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters. “This is our chance to introduce our clients to the winter season’s best options for Florida yacht charter vacations. Additionally, many of these yachts will consider relocating to the nearby islands to accept Bahamas yacht charter bookings.”
In addition to the hundreds of yachts on display, Sheeder points out the show is the perfect venue for inspecting and testing the hottest new watertoys.
“If we see a ‘must have’ toy that we feel will enhance the charter experience for our clients, we’ll be the first to promote it to the charter yacht owners. There is truly something for everyone at FLIBS.”
Hardly a week goes by that someone doesn’t ask us one of two common questions about charter yacht 11-11:
What does the name mean?
or…
Why is the bow flat?
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
As to the first question, the name has a dual meaning. Primarily, motor yacht 11-11 is named for the birthday of the yacht owner’s daughter. The secondary meaning relates to numerology, where some believe that events linked to the time 11:11 appear more often than can be explained by chance or coincidence. With some New Age philosophers assigning mystical powers to the numbers, seeing 11:11 pop up on a clock has morphed into a whimsical moment to simply, “make a wish.”
BOW DOWN!
Explaining the reason for the yacht’s unique bow is quite pedestrian and far less ethereal. It is simply a matter of physics. Measuring 63-meters, Benetti yacht 11-11 is part of the Italian manufacturer’s custom line of superyachts. The distinctive plumb bow, also referred to as an axe bow, was added for hydrodynamic efficiency. In laymen’s terms, the vertical bow avoids upward push from waves when the yacht is underway. By keeping the bow down, this result is a surprisingly stable ride, as compared to yachts with traditional, angled bows…
The award-wining yacht (she took home top honors at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards as Best Displacement motor yacht of 500 GT to 1,299 GT) with the cute name and unique look, accommodates up to 12 private luxury yacht charter guests. Her layout boasts not one, but two owner suites – a full beam cabin on the main deck, as well as a second on the upper deck.
This beautiful yacht is a frequent visitor to our home town of Miami, and is available for Bahamas yacht charters in the winter and spring. In the summer, her 16-member crew takes her across the pond to the Mediterranean, where she is available for charters in Italy and France. Now that her owner has secured a Spanish charter license, the yacht can also offer charters in the Balearic Islands (e.g. Palma, Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca, et al).
RATE AND YACHT CHARTER INFORMATION
Her weekly charter rate is €650,000 plus running expenses. For further information, click HERE.
Updated: November 18, 2019. Questions arose after the release of this blog post.
QUESTION 1
First, someone asked if children are considered *passengers.”
Answer: Yes, they are considered passengers. Many charteryachts will create special pricing for babies and toddlers. We will work with the owner, management company, or agent to get the best possible rate for you. Remember, babies and toddlers are legally considered members of the passenger manifest. They DO count toward your guest count.
QUESTION 2
Second, someone asked if the crew members are part of the “12 guest count.”
Answer: Not usually. Yes, there are some yachts whose crewmembers are a part of the guest count (for example, a captain). For the most part, however, the crew number does NOT factor into the guest count.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT LEGALITY AND YACHT CHARTER?
On August 19, US Coast Guard officers in Miami board 147 foot M/Y Golden Touch II. They terminat the luxury yacht day charter for multiple safety violations. The owner and captain of the yacht face civil penalties. The penalities are up to $41,456 for the violations.
AS THE COAST GUARD VISITS THE YACHT
Upon boarding, the officers count 47 passengers. They cite the captain for carrying more paying passengers than the vessel is certified to have onboard, which is 12. Other violations includ the lack of a valid certificate of inspection. Others include failure to have a drug and alcohol program for the crew, as well as the lack of a valid stability letter.
THE COAST GUARD REPORTS
“Tragically, people have lost their lives on illegal charters, as was seen in the case of the vessel Jaguar in the Tampa Bay area and in the case of the Miami Vice yacht in Miami,” said USCG Capt. Ladonn Allen, of the 7th District prevention department. “The unsafe atmospheres that these types of companies and unlicensed captains, who knowingly engage in illegal activity, create on their boats show a complete disregard for passenger safety and have been responsible for multiple deaths in Florida alone. We cannot stress enough to anyone looking to charter a boat to verify the captain’s license and safety of the vessel.”
So how many passengers can a yacht legally carry? The answer can vary and depends upon many variables. For example, the type of certification the yacht holds and the type of license the captain possesses.
WHAT IS THE MAIN RULE?
As a general rule, most yachts for hire are restricted to 12 passengers, and require special certification to transport more than 12 guests.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF WHEN CHARTERING A YACHT?
First, make sure the boat you hire is operating legally. Retain the services of a professional yacht charter broker. A charter professional is numerous things. For instance, someone who knows the rules, has experience, and can determine which yacht and crew is right for you.
WHAT IF I KNOW THE CAPTAIN, PERSONALLY?
We realize it can be tempting to “go direct” and cut out the charter broker. The broker is essentially a middle-man/woman. He/she works for you and earns a commission for arranging your yacht charter, like Hertz or Avis, in renting a car.
WHAT PROBLEMS COULD I HAVE GOING DIRECT?
The possible savings of going direct are not what you might expect. Many yacht owners set a rate that does not change. The rate is firm, even if a yacht charter broker is involved. Most yacht charters pay commissions to the brokers from the rate paid on the boat. The charter fee is NOT “marked up” by ethical and reputable brokers, unlike going direct. Our company also rewards referrals for yacht charters presented to us.
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER TODAY?
In conclusion, protect yourself and go with professionals who know and obey the rules of chartering. Your safety, satisfaction, and memorable experience are of utmost importance to us. To book your private luxury yacht charter vacation now, contact us today via whatsApp or text to 305-720-7245.
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