The list of television shows canceled has been released by the networks. Are Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht on that list?
MANY SHOWS CANCELED
No one knows the exact reasons for the cancellation of particular shows. In specific, decreased viewership, lack of political correctness, unpopular storylines?
NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS
Per TV Insider, in no particular order, some shows did not fare well. For example, gone are ABC’s, The Baker and the Beauty, and CBS’s, Criminal Minds and God Friended Me. In addition, Cinemax’s Strike Back, The CW’s, Arrow, and Facebook Watch’s, Sorry for Your Loss. Further, Fox’s Almost Family, Freeform’s Party of 5, the History Channel’s, Vikings, and POP TV’s, Schitt’s Creek.
BUT WHAT ABOUT BELOW DECK MEDITERRANEAN?
Good news, viewers. The Below Deck shows are not on the chopping block this season.
WHAT A YEAR THUS FAR…
In conclusion, this year has been a series of challenges. For instance, the Coronavirus Pandemic, protests about police brutality and racism (think George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, etc), and decisions to wear or not to wear masks (and thoughts of political motivations behind health choices). In addition, the Australian bushfire, the deaths of Kobe Bryant plus 8 passengers in helicopter crash, flooding in Indonesia, the phases of the moon and planets, business closures, you name it.
SO WHAT TO DO NOW
Life is returning to normal. Yes, it is a “new normal,” but nonetheless, MORE normal than in the past few months. Yachtsmen and women are renting yachts and going on vacation again. SO WHY NOT JOIN THEM? Many ports and countries have reopened to travelers and yachts, so contact us for information as to which destinations you may now enjoy!
Which 2020 changes and activities have affected you the most? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!
Thinking of sheltering in place? First, in a remote destination? Second, in private? Third, on a luxury yacht charter vessel? Great thought, but STOP. Before you get your hopes up, we have a report. Getting on a yacht may be a BIG problem right now. This is a result of more islands closing their borders to yachts. It is particularly difficult for all.
BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS
Traditionally, spring is the most popular season for Caribbean yacht charters. We have fully-crewed superyachts in position. They are ready to accept guests. For example, from the Bahamas to Bonaire.
Unfortunately, the unexpected outbreak of a global viral pandemic has affected the industry. It brings the idea of a charter in the Caribbean to a screeching halt.
ADVISORIES AND CURFEWS
This started as travel advisories and then curfews. It morphed into full closures of most island nations in the Caribbean. This affects both air and sea access.
GUESTS OR NOT
In some cases, charter guests already onboard may stay onboard. However, as of March 30, most charter vessels are restricted. Therefore, they cannot accept new guests in almost every inhabited island in the Caribbean. For instance, the British Virgin Islands and St. Marten.
CLOSED (no re-opening dates announced)
TRINIDAD … not only
ST LUCIA
ARUBA … but also
BONAIRE
CURAÇAO
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI)
MARIE-GALANTE and THE SAINTS
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (DR)
DOMINICA … in addition,
GRENADA
ST. MAARTEN (ST. MARTIN)
MARTINIQUE
GUADELOUPE
ANTIGUA and BARBUDA … lastly,
ST KITTS & NEVIS
RESTRICTIONS
Restrictions exist. For instance,
MONTSERRAT. Mandatory 14 day quarantine
USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands). Closed to all visitors for 30 days. Charter vessels, hotels, guest houses, etc. are restricted. They may not accept new guests. Guests who have already checked in are advised to return home. They cam remain, if they choose, however. Airport and Seaports are open. All non-essential businesses are closed. Residents are asked to stay at home. All bars across the Territory are closed. In-house dining is not allowed at restaurants. Take-out services are permissible. Additionally,
ANGUILLA. Both sea and air ports are closed to all passengers. This applies for an initial 14-day period, from 20 March.
BAHAMAS. Incoming passenger flights are banned. Significantly, seaports remain open for cargo and supply vessels only. Moreover, All inter-island sailing and cruising is prohibited.
BARBADOS. Airports and marinas are open. Whether by yacht or plane, all visitors arriving from the UK, Europe, and the United States will be placed in quarantine for 14 days. Anyone arriving with a travel history from China, Iran, and South Korea are also subject to a 14-day quarantine. Further,
DOMINICA. Airports and seaports closed. There is an exception for planes and ships bringing vitally-needed cargo and medical relief supplies.
ST. VINCENT and the GRENADINES. Mandatory 14 day quarantine for any passengers arriving from China and other countries. For instance, the European Union, Iran, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
STAY INFORMED / DISCLAIMER
In conclusion, this is not a complete list of all restrictions in the Caribbean. Border and marina/port closures change rapidly. Moreover, air traffic suspensions change, too. In the meantime, 1-800 Yacht Charters will keep this information updated as much as possible. We encourage our blog readers to check official country websites and local news sources for the latest travel advisories and closures/restrictions. For specific luxury yacht charter questions, please email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com
Avid yachtsman Gregory Kutsen is the owner of Mantus Marine. His company manufactures and sells nautical items. For instance, boat anchors, boat lights, SCUBA gear, and other products. Mantus Marine products are found on many luxury yacht charter vessels.
Kutsen’s goal is to make everyone’s boating experience more enjoyable and safer.
“We constantly look at new ways of solving existing problems.” Gregory Kutsen
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
Apparently, Kutsen’s company mission goes beyond the marine industry. Greg Kutsen, nautical business owner, is also Dr. Greg Kutsen, MD. Kutsen is an emergency room physician in Houston Texas. There’s a critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in his community. As a result, Kutsen and Mantus Marine are shifting from building anchors. Now, they convert snorkel masks into PPE medical devices to address the shortage!
Kutsen sees firsthand the importance of medical equipment to protect the hospital workers in Texas.
“I work as an ER Doctor so the shortage and the need for PPE was very clear (amid the COVID-19 pandemic).”
ADDRESSING A NEED
Mantus Marine has several innovative solutions to address the needs of health care professionals and hospitals. They use 3D printers to convert snorkel masks into BiPAP ventilator masks. They also design and produce acrylic intubation shields.
The masks and shields are donated to local emergency rooms and ICUs in the Houston area.
Simultaneously, the anchor manufacturer addresses the immediate shortages of PPE in health care systems. A recent media article states
“…(using their connections with) international supply chains…Mantus Marine purchased over 1.5 million surgical masks, 100,000 *KN95 masks, and 70,000 face shields to help supply hospitals across the state, including the Memorial Hermann and Methodist Hospital systems in Houston and regional hospitals and clinics in the Dallas area.”
N95 VS. KN95 Masks
Yes, you read it* correctly in the quote. Masks donated were KN95 (not N95) masks. KN95 masks are made in China and have a different fit than N95 masks, among a few other differences. Both are authorized for use during the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information about the differences in KN95 and N95, click here.
WE SALUTE OUR HEROES
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and her team are proud to acknowledge Dr. Gregory Kutsen and Mantus Marine. These heroes solve problems and make a difference. Both on sea and on land. APPLAUSE AND GRATITUDE.
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