Our friends at Trip Advisor recently sent us an email. “Stunning images of 20 awe-inspiring places you must see.” Most importantly, their members select the locations.
Several of the spots were accessible by yacht. Additionally, they are easily accessed by land during a luxury yacht charter vacation.
FIRST FAVORITE YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION OF 3
PULPIT ROCK – Ryfylke, Norway.
The Pulpit Rock (“Preikestolen” in Norwegian) soars 604 meters over the Lysefjord. This flat mountain plateau was most likely carved and formed from melting ice over 10,000 years ago.
Fjord yacht charters in the summertime certainly remain a popular choice. Uniquely among European customers from neighboring Soviet countries.
The Schooner sail yachtMONTIGNEoften offers Norway yacht charter vacations in the summertime. Her builder is Aegean Yachts. The 2009 super yacht MONTIGNE is a 57 meter (187 foot) three-masted staysail schooner. She accommodates 12 guests.
Her yacht charter rates start at $140,000 USD per week, plus expenses.
SECOND FAVORITE DESTINATION OF 3
PLITVICE LAKES – Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia.
Founded in 1949, Plitvice is the largest national park in Croatia. Above all, it draws more than 1,200,000 visitors annually. The park situates in the mountainous area of central Croatia. The national park connects the Croatian inland with the Adriatic coastal region. Most importantly, this is a highly popular yachting destination. On the positive side, the interest in Croatia yacht charters continues to grow.
In view of, each summer, clients look for alternatives to the crowded anchorages and overpriced marinas in France and Italy.
Motor yachtAIR, Benetti MINE GAMES, and James Bond boat, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, all spend time cruising the waters of the Adriatic yacht charter coastline.
THIRD FAVORITE YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION OF 3
SANTORINI – Cyclades, Greece.
You see photographs of blinding-white buildings with blue roofs. These are juxtaposed against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. In other words, chances are that you are seeing Santorini. The views of the sea from the terraces of the ancient towns along the cliffs are mesmerizing. Arguably the most famous island in Greece, Santorini is easily reachable by yacht. Its location is just 120 miles southeast from Greece’s mainland.
In addition, popular Greek yacht charter vessels include motor yacht LADY BRITT and super yacht EXCELLENCE V.
Newly built Benetti motor yachtCHECKMATE, fresh from her inaugural stint in the summer 2013 Mediterranean yacht charter market, has arrived in Fort Lauderdale, in preparation for the upcoming winter season.
VIRGIN ISLANDS YACHT CHARTER
Unlike similar-sized yachts that relocate to the Caribbean to offer Virgin Island yacht charter vacations, M/Y CHECKMATE will be based in Nassau and seek Bahamas yacht charter bookings through May, 2014.
BENETTI VISION 145
Launched earlier this year in Italy, she is the 15th vessel built in the fabled shipyard’s Vision series of semi-custom yachts. The Benetti Vision 145 yacht CHECKMATE now joins the many Benetti yacht charter vessels currently in service, such as motor yacht MINE GAMES, and James Bond yacht, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER .
ACCOMMODATIONS
Five guest staterooms are available onboard. For instance, a master cabin on the main deck, featuring a King bed. In addition, ensuite baths featuring his and hers bathrooms. Next, below deck are four spacious cabins with accommodations for 8 additional passengers. These cabins contain two Pullman berths, suitable for small children.
FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
The 45 meter yacht made her public American debut at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, with newly-appointed Captain Phillip Nash onboard for the winter season. At the conclusion of the show, the Italian superyacht repositioned to the Bahamas.
Her owner then plans to send her north next summer. Specifically, to participate in the New England Martha’s Vineyard yacht charter market.
RATE
Weekly rates begin at $200,000 per week, plus all expenses.
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.
The international luxury auto industry features one country. In specific, one synonymous with trendsetting fashion and style. It is Italy. Italia. Think Ferrari. Maserati. Lamborghini. Mentioning these names evokes images of automobiles. Moreover, those designed with sleek exteriors and sophisticated interiors.
The same Italian tradition of excellence and sophistication rings true in the world of yachting: Benetti Yachts.
The Benetti Shipyard is one of the oldest yacht building yards in the world. Founded by Lorenzo Benetti in 1873 the was directed after his death by his sons Gino and Emilio. They renamed the yard Fratelli Benetti and soon gained recognition outside the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
In the early 1980’s Azimut SpA took over the yard’s management under the name, Azimut Benetti Group. For the past six years, Benetti Yachts has been the largest shipyard in the world in terms of production.
Today, Benetti builds elegant, stylistic yachts from three shipyards in Italy – Viareggio, Fano and Leghorn. Composite motor yachts are offered from 93? to 164? while fully custom steel and aluminum motor yachts start at 47 meters.
There have been dozens of high-quality Benetti yachts produced over the years and accordingly there are a large number of Benetti yacht charter vessels available for hire.
She represents one of the major challenges in yacht design, for instance, creating a look that is distinctive but not outlandish. Trinity yacht MINE GAMES, a trideck superyacht, has just the right balance. Her deck house side windows nest in elongated ovals to create a sleeker superstructure. Her prominent bow and raised bulwarks make her look much larger.
THE NEWS
At last news of a $1.5 million price reduction for the 49.9m superyacht. St. Martin yacht charter enthusiasts need not worry – MINE GAMES remains available for luxury yacht charter. She is available in both the Bahamas and the Virgin and Leeward islands of the Caribbean.
HER BACKGROUND
MINE GAMES is a 2007 build – conforming to ABS class and MCA compliance. She accommodates up to 12 guests. Her accommodations include a master, three doubles, and a twin. Her twin includes a Pullman berth. The yacht cruises at a swift 18 knots.
EXTERIOR AND TOYS
Mine Games is helicopter-capable, and she has a very large swim platform/beach deck. To sweeten the deal, a Triton two-person submarine (a favorite toy for yacht charter guests) is included in the new asking price of $31.45 million.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENT
Jana Sheeder, President and Co-owner of 1-800 Yacht Charters and SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants says of the yacht,
“MINE GAMES has always been a favorite in the yacht charter marketplace. Her submarine, in particular, has made her a standout, and it has been a huge draw for people interested in a new experience during their vacations. Unique toy + gorgeous yacht = winning combination.”
A famed Hollywood filmmaker has bested an equally famous celebrity explorer as well as an underdog submariner in a race to be the first explorer of the ocean deadliest trench in half a century.
JAMES CAMERON VS. RICHARD BRANSON
James Cameron plunged about seven miles to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific ocean, where temperatures near freezing and the bone-crushing pressure is one thousand times greater than that at sea level.
Cameron, the director of Avatar, Titanic and The Abyss, was up against British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, owner of the 32 meter (111 foot) luxury yacht chartervessel NECKER BELLE. The third team was headed by Patrick Lahey. Lahey and his team, Triton Submarines, were heavy underdogs to their wealthy competitors.
CAMERON COMMENTS
Speaking after the dive, Cameron described the ocean bottom as a “completely alien world” – similar to the surface of the moon.
It was a “very lunar, very desolate place. Very isolated,” Cameron said.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters weighs in on this epic challenge. She believes in accomplishing bucket list items while on yacht charter.
“How often do you get an opportunity to explore the bottom of the ocean? I don’t mean via reality television shows provide this option. I mean, charter a yacht and take the onboard submarine below the surface of the sea. It’s an amazing experience.”
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.
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.
Can you imagine a reality-based TV show that chronicles the lives of crew members who live aboard a luxury yacht charter vessel? The cameras follow the shipmates as they prepare the yacht for the arrival of their charter clients. Of course, like all intriguing reality shows, there needs to be plenty of personal conflict. Maybe the drama could come from the challenges of living together in tight quarters, for weeks at a time?
Creators Rebecca Taylor-Henning and Doug Henning imagined just such a show. They pitched their idea to the executives at cable network, Bravo. They named their show, Below Deck.
Bravo liked what they saw. Television audiences did as well.
Below Deck is now in its seventh season. A spin-off show, Below Deck – Mediterranean is in its third season. A second spinoff is premiering its first season in 2020: Below Deck – Sailing Yacht.
BELOW DECK CREW – BRAVO TV – REALITY SHOW
LUCKY SEVEN
Seven power (not sail) superyachts have appeared in the Below Deck series.
Motor Yacht HONOR
OHANA superyacht
Motor Vessel MUSTANG SALLY
Power Yacht VALOR
Motor Yacht IONIAN PRINCESS
Superyacht SIROCCO
Motor Yacht TALISMAN MAITON
LOOKING BACK
Let’s look back at the seven luxury yacht charter vessels. These boats helped propel Below Deck to the top of the cable TV ratings. For instance,
HONOR
First and foremost is HONOR. The real name of this gorgeous Benetti yacht is CUOR DI LEONE. This 164 foot superyacht build is Italian company, Benetti Yachts. It has been seven years since the yacht appeared on Below Deck. In December, 2013, the yacht was sold and her name changed to LUMIERE. Many websites show the yacht as active in charter, however this is not correct. In April , 2019, the yacht was once again sold. Her name is now SOTAVENTO. The current owner keeps the yacht for personal use only. She is not for charter.
Point of Interest – When LUMIERE was sold, her owner replaced her with a larger Benetti yacht. LUMIERE II (ex-Mine Games) is 62 meters (203 feet) and is available for charter at a rate of €345,000 to €365,000/week
BELOW DECK YACHTS CONTINUED
OHANA
This 154 foot yacht builder is Admiral Marine Works, from 1998. She was sold shortly after season 2 filming was completed in 2014. Her new name is motor yacht RHINO. Furthermore, the yacht is based in West Palm Beach. She is offered for charter at a weekly rate of $140,000 to $150,000.
EROS
Trinity yacht MUSTANG SALLY was “cast” in the role of EROS for season three. The 161ft yacht was sold in July, 2017. Her name is now HUNTER, and contrary to some company reports, she is no longer available for charter.
Point of Interest – You can uniquely own a piece of TV history. MUSTANG SALLY is currently for sale. Asking price: $12,900,000.
THE YACHTS CONTINUE
VALOR
The role of VALOR was played by motor yacht CHARADE. This yacht appeared in both seasons four and five. The yacht was built in 1990 in Holland by Feadship. The yacht owner changed her name in October, 2017. Specifically, she is now named BG. The yacht is based in Miami and charters primarily in the Bahamas. Her weekly rate is $169,500.
Point of Interest – “BG” are the initials of the yacht’s owner, Bobby Genovese. Genovese owns BG Signature, a collection of 12 luxury retreats in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and the Bahamas. Genovese operates a second yacht for charter, a 78 foot Lazzara named, BG Jr.
IONIAN PRINCESS
This 151 foot yacht was selected to launch the premier season of Below Deck Mediterranean in 2016. The episode was filmed in Greece. In addition, the yacht has the same name and same owner since her launch in 2005. The vessel is no longer based in Greece. Now, she is based in Nassau and is available for Bahamas yacht charters. The weekly rate is $160,000.
AND ANOTHER
SIROCCO
The second yacht to appear in Below Deck Mediterranean (season two) is the 154 foot SIROCCO.The yacht launched in 2006 and completely remodeled in 2013. She is still an active charter yacht, and is based in the western Mediterranean. The weekly charter rates starts at €180,000/wk. Thus yacht is willing to accept charters in a broad area within the overall Mediterranean. Charters may begin in any of these following destinations. For example,
Corsica
French Riviera
Monaco
Italy – North (mainland), Sardinia, Sicily, and South (mainland)
Provence Coast & Marseilles
FINALLY
TALISMAN MAITON
Last but not least, Talisman is the largest superyacht to appear to date on either Below Deck or Below Deck Mediterranean. The yacht was built in Turkey by Proteksan Yachts. She was launched in 2006, and refit in 2012. The vessel is nearly 176 feet long (about 54 meters). Her home port is the South of France, and she remains an active charter yacht. The weekly rate starts at €231,000
Point of Interest – This yacht is popular for special events such as a Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter. Many yachts only allow 12 passengers onboard. This yacht can have up to 60 guests onboard – as long as the yacht is at the dock and not in motion.
LOOKING FORWARD
Below Deck Sailing yacht, Parsifal III (“Par 3”)
The third version of Below Deck is now airing. Specifically, Below Deck – Sailing Yacht. The new season premiered in February, 2020. It is still too soon to tell if viewers will gravitate to a sailing yacht as the center of activity. All past episodes of this series have taken place on motoryachts.
The yacht for this new spin-off is PARSIFAL III. She is a 176 foot sailing yacht, and it should be noted that she is as large as the largest yacht ever on the show. “Par III” is a Perini Navi Italian build. The vessel’s launch date is 2005, with a refit in 2012. There are 5 guest cabins for 10 passengers. Charters are accepted in the western Mediterranean. Her weekly rental rate ranges between €195,000 and €205,000.
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LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […]
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