The naval architects at Espen Oeino International S.A.R.L. continue to raise the bar of superyacht design. Their latest offering is Sunrise Yachts motor yacht IRIMARI.
Delivered to her owner in July, the 63 meter yacht is currently cruising in the Greek islands. So far there is no word if the vessel will be entering the Greek yacht charter fleet.
Sunrise 63 yacht IRIMARI makes her official debut at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show.
Per our friends at Boat International, one exciting “superfeature” to be expected inside motoryacht Irimari is “…a video wall spanning two decks!”
Espen Oeino International is considered one of the leading design studios of private yacht charter vessels. They base in Monaco. Their specialty is in the category of Superyachts. Their portfolio includes Lurssen motor yacht MARTHA ANN, and the world’s largest yacht available for charter, Fincantieri yacht SERENE.
TURKISH BUILDER
The launch of yacht IRIMARI marks the first of the Sunrise 63 series to splash down for the Turkish builder. The Espen Oeino designed yacht features interiors by Focus Yacht Design and naval architecture by Unique Yacht Design. Built with a high tensile steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the yacht has a transatlantic range of 5,000 miles, and a top speed of 17 knots.
Her owner initially plans spending time onboard. We hope to see this beautiful yacht enter the charter marketplace.
“My neighbor recently rented a boat with a crew for a family vacation in the Virgin Islands. It sounds like fun but I wonder if it’s safer to take a cruise on a big ship. Any thoughts that might sway me? Thanks.”
Marilyn W, Miami, FL
Great question, Marilyn. In our opinion, private yachts are actually safer.
Cruise ships visit numerous ports of call (often referred to as, “tourist traps”). It’s no secret that pickpockets and other petty-theft criminals prey on unsuspecting tourists in these busy tourist areas. Private yachts tend to stay away from these hot spots, and since the yachts are smaller, they can anchor in small, quiet, uncrowded coves.
Speaking of crowds, there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of strangers onboard a cruise ship. We’ve all seen the news reports about Norovirus breakouts on cruise ships. In their defense, the cruise lines are diligent in cleaning their vessels, but with so many people onboard, it’s a tough task. That’s not the case on a Virgin Island yacht charter vessel – the only people onboard are you and your private crew.
In terms of training, both the crews on cruise ships and private yachts are trained to international standards in case of the rare chance of an onboard emergency. Remember – the crew on a private yacht has to attend to the yacht’s owner when charter guests are not onboard. It is a safe bet that most yacht owners want the finest professionals operating their yachts!
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What do you think? Do you agree with our opinion? Are private yachts safer than cruiseships? Please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
“I’m planning a 10 day private yacht charter in St. Tropez and the South of France in July. My broker say VAT is 20%. That’s seems a lot. Is there way to not pay this?” Xavier E, Barcelona, Spain
“The bad news, Xavier, is all charters that take place in a European Union (EU) country are subject to VAT (Value Added Tax). However, we have good news as well – there is a simple, legal strategy that can cut your VAT expense in half.
Instead of paying 20%, this strategy will reduce your VAT to 10% of your base charter fee – a significant savings!
Each EU country can set their own level of VAT on commercial yachts for hire. In France, if the yacht undertakes a coastal cruise in French territorial waters, the VAT is 20% of the base charter fee (the base fee is the cost to rent the yacht before factoring in other running expenses such as food, dockage, etc.). So, for example, if you began your charter in Saint Tropez, and cruised along the Côte d’Azur and concluded your trip in Antibes, you would incur a VAT expense of 20%.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VAT
However, IF you plan a portion of your charter to cruise in international waters, your legal responsibility for VAT drops to 10% – a savings of 50%!
So how do you do this? Here’s how: When you are planning your itinerary with the yacht’s captain prior to the commencement of your charter, let the captain know that you would like to, “visit a port that requires you to cruise in international waters and beyond the coast of France.”
HOW CAN I SAVE TAX?
You could, for example, leave the French coast and cruise to the island of Sardinia. This is approximately a 5-7 hour cruise from the South of France.
SPECIAL TIP
Ask your captain to undertake this crossing overnight, while you and your guests are sleeping. Then, when you rise in the morning, you’ll be able to spend a full day, or longer along the coastline of this fabled Italian island before heading back to France.
So there you have it. With a little strategic planning, a slight deviation in your St Tropez yacht charter can result in big savings; possibly thousands of Euros depending upon the cost of your charter.”
ASK US A YACHT CHARTER QUESTION
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT
Have a question about a yacht charter vacation?
Submit your question to me, and my team will help you.
If we print your question in our blog, we’ll send you a complimentary Eco-tote bag.
Planning on walking the red carpet at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival? Or sitting front row at the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix? If you are, the owner of one of the world’s largest yachts for hire has put forth an enticing offer for participating and spectating at these fabled Côte d’Azur special events.
SUPERYACHT SPECIAL
The 72 meter super yacht AXIOMA has announced a 15% discount for any static, special event yacht charter booked by the end of 2015. That equates to a savings of €73,500 off the winter weekly rate of €490,000.
A Cannes Film Festival yacht charter is the ideal venue for both social gatherings and conducting business. Docking within feet of the entrance to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is perfect. It is the primary building where films are screened. In addition, studio execs meet with prospective buyers here. Many attendees choose yachts to hold private business meetings in a more intimate setting. In the evenings, yachts often sponsor product-placement cocktail parties.
Just a few miles down the road, the principality of Monaco holds the annual Formula 1 race through the streets of Monte Carlo, and along the quay (docks) of the Port Hercules marina. A spectacular venue for watching one of the world’s most famous auto races, guests onboard yachts are just feet away from the action on the course.
The yacht is a 2013 build by Dunya Yachts. Interior design by Albert Pino. The 236 foot superyacht AXIOMA offers volume for hosting corporate events. The yacht boast six decks and more than 30,000 square meters of space. Amenities include a private outdoor cinema and lounge area, infinity swimming pool, and helipad. In 2014, the yacht received a World Superyacht Award for design excellence.
The requirement for cutting-edge watertoys onboard private yacht charter vessels is nothing new. There’s an ongoing battle between charter yacht owners to make sure their yacht has better toys than their competitor; hence the inclusion of jet packs, personal submarines, waterslides, and flying saucer-style waverunners.
PRESENTING THE WATER BIKE
now, a piece of exercise equipment found in nearly every superyacht gym – the stationary exercise bicycle – has crossed over to join the long list of “must-have” watertoys.
THE SCHILLER S1 – SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE TOY
Engineered for the water, the Schiller S1 water bike merges modern design, technology, and engineering, to deliver a stationary workout bicycle in an aquatic environment. Why stay cooped-up in a yacht’s gym, riding a stationary bike, when you can do your biking outdoors, on the water?
Fans of television’s, “The Amazing Race” on CBS, saw the Schiller S1 in action in the season premiere, as contestants peddled from Marina del Rey to Burton Chase Park in Los Angeles, California.
HOW DOES THE S1 WORK?
Upon first glance, the S1 looks large and bulky, until you realize the pontoons that keep it afloat and provide stability are inflatable. In fact, the unit folds down to 3 cubic feet and only weighs 60 pounds – compact and light enough for any deckhand to carry and place the S1 near the swim platform for the use of the charter guests.
A drive train attached to the pedals connects to a small propeller. The company reports a good rider can achieve a speed of 5 miles per hour.
“We’re committed to increasing the eco-friendly yachting options we can offer our clients,” says Sheeder. “So many travelers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint both at home and while on vacation.” Sheeder continues, “The Schiller S1 waterbike is quiet, sustainable, and human-powered. It’s part of a new generation of watertoys that merge the pleasures of a yachting vacation with the responsibilities of protecting our marine environment.”
SHE CONTINUES
Sheeder concludes with a smile,
“…and as we saw on the season premiere of The Amazing Race, it’s a lot of fun!”
A SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE GREEN VACATION
Enjoy the ultimate green vacation on a fully-crewed Virgin Islands catamaran yacht charter this winter. Catamaran sailboats are roomy, stable, loaded with watertoys. They also utilize the clean energy of the wind to cruise through the water.
Life in the oceans is at “imminent risk of the worst spate of extinctions in millions of years due to threats such as climate change and over-fishing.” It goes on to say, “We now face losing marine species and entire marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, within a single generation.”
THE WRITTEN REPORT
The report by twenty-seven (27) ocean experts is to be presented. Specifically to the United Nations in the coming weeks. This is in the hopes of persuading governments to take action. Read a summary of the report at http://www.stateoftheocean.org/pdfs/1806_IPSOshort.pdf.
“No matter how you are involved in the ocean, you need to take responsibility. For instance, if you are a yacht rental agent. In addition, the owner of a mega yacht charter vessel. Or subsequently, the crew onboard a superyacht. You have a stake in what is happening to our oceans, “ says Sheeder.
“Part of what appeals to people who rent a private yacht is the chance to interact with nature. To swim among the creatures of the sea and to witness the rainbow of colors of a living coral reef. When you see a report like this, you realize just how at-risk our reefs really are.”
CONSEQUENCES OF INACTION
Sadly, the report paints a grim picture. “Unless action is taken now. [snip] The consequences of our activities are at a high risk. [snip] Of causing, through the combined effects of climate change. [snip] Over-exploitation, pollution and habitat loss. The next globally significant extinction event in the ocean,” it said.
The scientists list five mass extinctions over a 600 million year period. The extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago is the most recent.
THE FINDINGS
The findings may be shocking. However some solutions can be implemented almost immediately. Over-fishing,for example, is the easiest for governments to reverse. “Over-fishing is now estimated to account for over 60 percent of the known local and global extinction of marine fishes,” according to William Cheung of the University of East Anglia. “Unlike climate change, it can be directly, immediately and effectively tackled by policy change.”
Sheeder worries about the financial repercussions of an ailing ocean. “Everyone in our industry must accept our responsibility as stewardsof the seas, or we risk the end of our industry and our livelihoods.”
“Keep it Fresh” – that’s the challenge charter brokers face when dealing with repeat customers.
Cruising in the Bahamas is no exception – after all, how many times can charterers circle around Grand Bahama, or make the milk run from Nassau to the Exumas and back before finally saying, “Been there…Done that…”
IRONY OF THE BAHAMAS
The irony of cruising in the Bahamas is the fact that there are HUNDREDS of unique islands and protected coves. The challenge – the Bahamas encompass 180,000 square miles of ocean space – and charterers can only visit a handful of islands during a typical week-long yachting holiday.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
But Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters has come up with the perfect solution to keeping her clients excited and their trips to the Bahamas unique and fresh: SPEED and a SECRET island.
Sheeder addresses the “speed” component by means of one of the fastest mega yachts for charter anywhere in the world – the iconic James Bond yacht OCTOPUSSY. Once the world record holder as the fastest luxury yacht on the planet, a $7 million dollar refit has this 12-passenger yacht looking better than the day she was launched in 1988.
“All of her upgrades – extending the sun deck, adding a Jacuzzi-style hot tub, etcetera, have added some weight, and have slowed her down – just a bit” says Sheeder, “but she can still cruise 2 to 3 times faster than similar-sized luxury yachts.”
SUPERYACHT OCTOPUSSY INSPECTION
A recent private inspection of Octopussy and a meeting with her captain and crew gave Sheeder an idea on a unique charter itinerary, built around visiting a secret, uninhabited island. “Heesen yacht Octopussy is not just fast – she also has a shallow draft – much shallower than most megayachts. This means she can get into shallow, protected coves and achorages in the Bahamas that are off limits to most superyacht charter vessels,” says Sheeder.
CAPTAIN COMMENTS
With the help of the captain, Sheeder identified a special island – far from the typical cays visited by yachts based in Nassau.
“We located a beautiful, remote island, protected by the Bahamian government. The island and the surrounding water park have one of the healthiest ecosystems in all of the Bahamas. It’s truly one of the loveliest islands in the Bahamas, and rises out of the deep ocean about 15 miles east of the closest inhabited major island. There are miles of pink sand beaches, gorgeous sandstone cliffs, and an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, both on the island and in the surrounding waters.”
KEEPING IT SECRET
Sheeder will not reveal the location of the secret island. NOPE. She keeps that information private for charter clients. “We work hard at creating a point of difference. Specifically, between our services and those of our competitors. We continually look for an edge. Important proprietary info allows us to deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients, since 1976.”
SHEEPISH GRIN
She does get a sheepish grin when she talks about this special place and the role motor yacht Octopussy plays. “Other yachts cannot offer you this secret island destination. It is simply too far to travel and return to Nassau in a week’s time. Octopussy has the ability to cruise at 25 knots or even faster, and can easily reach this destination and get back in a timely fashion to Nassau. Plus, her shallow draft means OUR clients can enjoy quiet anchorages that few yachts can normally enter.”
Sheeder explains some wildlife clients can expect to encounter at this protected island and the surrounding sea park. For instance, many threatened and endangered species. The Bahamian government reports long tail tropic birds, sooty terns, oyster catchers, and osprey nest on the island and surrounding cays. At the center of the island is a large mangrove and creek habitat that serves as a nursery for fish, sharks, conch, and crawfish. Green turtles have been seen foraging off the southwestern shore of the island, and in the northern bay. The coral reefs and grass flats in the surrounding sea are very healthy and offer a home to an abundance of sea life.
SHEEDER CONTINUES
“It’s an amazing ecosystem,” says Sheeder, “Worthy of visiting, and more importantly, protecting for future generations. We are so excited to share this fresh and secret destination with our Nassau yacht charter clients.” #protectmarinelife
OCTOPUSSY SCHEDULE
Octopussy is based year-round in Lyford Cay (Nassau), Bahamas. Weekly charter rate begin at $120,000 per week plus running expenses (items such as food, fuel, bar, dockage, etc.). For additional information, contact 1-800 Yacht Charters toll-free in North America at +1.800.922.4824, or internationally by calling +1.305.253.7245.
HOW TO BOOK A BAHAMAS YACHT CHARTER
Pssst! Want to Share a Secret??? Do you have a favorite place you like to go in the Bahamas? For example, some little oasis or slice of heaven away from the noise and the tourists?
Tell us about your favorite destination in the Bahamas. Why do you like it? We will send you a gift. With your permission, we will possibly share your secret with our readers. Email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com
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