Looking to throw a little wrinkle into the typical yachting holiday in the Western Mediterranean? Our charter department put their heads together and came up with 5 cool things to do to make your next yachting holiday a truly unique experience.
The French island of Corsica is often overlooked by charterers who spend most of their time exploring nearby Sardinia. Corsica is downright beautiful, with a colorful history and unique culture and atmosphere. You’ll find an eclectic mix of old world charm infused with modern French style.
For a truly gourmet French food experience, visit Le Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa. The elegant décor, stunning ocean views and private jetty make this a fantastic destination for a late afternoon lunch. The seasonal creations of chef Pascal Cayeux, rival the finest fare in mainland France. Pascla creates gourmet twists on traditional fare, with vegetables and herbs from the kitchen’s own garden.
The interest in a Balearic Island yacht charter experience continues to grow each summer, as more yachts secure the required Spanish charter licenses to explore Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. While the nightclubs of Ibiza have their own appeal, the idea of a pristine beach sounds pretty food as well.
Take for example the beach at Cala Marcella. You’ll need your yacht’s tender to get there as this beach is only accessible by boat (lucky you). On most weekdays, you can almost be sure to find a quiet spot on the white sands of Cala Marcella [Tip: avoid the weekend, as crowds of local boaters invade this idyllic cove]. If you feel adventurous, bring a pair of walking shoes ashore, as there is a walking route that you can hike to the neighboring beach of Macaraletta. Here, you can walk to the top of the cliff and experience some of the best ocean views in all of the Balearic islands.
At the base of the 110 meter high cliffs of Cappo Caccia, along the northwest corner of Sardinia, lies the entrance to the Grotto de Neptuno – a stalactite-filled cavern and saltwater lake. Land-based visitors can enter by climbing down 654 steps from the top of the cliff to explore the underground grotto. You on the other hand, can simply have your captain nose your yacht into the entrance of the caves!
For snorkelers and divers, the adventure gets deeper at the nearby Nereo Cave, considered the biggest marine cave in the Western Mediterranean. With 10 entrances, arches and tunnels, novices can snorkel in waist high water while experienced/certified divers can dive down to depths of 35 meters.
You’ve missed this event for this year, but it’s never too early to plan your 2017 summer charter. Every June 16, on the eve of the feast day of Saint Ranieri, the city of Pisa is aglow with 70,000 “lumini” (candles in glass containers). The reflection along the Arno river is mesmerizing. It’s a peaceful, tranquil setting and the warmth of the Pisa residents will touch your heart. If this doesn’t remind you how the superyacht experience allows you to embrace diverse cultures, nothing will!
Just off the coast of Cannes, in the South of France, lies the small island of Saint Honorat. Here, visitors will find a very unusual vineyard. It has 8 hectares of vines cared for entirely by the monks of the Abbey of Lerins. The monks tend to every aspect of winemaking. For instance, from planting the vineyard, to harvesting the grapes. Additionally, to making and bottling the wine.
Truly unique vintages found nowhere else, we recommend the Saint Cyprien Viognier with a seasonal Mediterranean meal served by the monks in their own restaurant. After dinner, you can finish the day with a tasting of the fruit liqueurs as you enjoy the company of the monks and their staff, in this peaceful Monastic enclave.
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In conclusion, 1-800 Yacht Charters offers summer itineraries from the Côte d’Azur to the ancient islands of Greece. For a sampling of our luxury yachts, visit our interactive website at 1800yachtcharters.com.
This entry was posted in Educational Destinations and tagged Yacht charter Cannes, wine tasting, culinary delights, Cala Marcella beach, gourmet food, Le Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa, foodies, Cappo Caccia, Sardinia yacht charter, Grotto de Neptuno, Corsica, Blue Marino Underwater Caves, Menorca, Nereo Cave, Sardinia, Mallorca, Pisa, Western Mediterranean, Cannes, Epicurian - Culinary
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Janet Winters is the author of The Barn Goddess Chronicles, a blog celebrating the equestrian lifestyle. Winters refers to the lifestyle as, “…a journey of adventure, discovery and community…We never know what any particular ride will be like.”
That spirit of adventure bonds the equestrian and yachting lifestyles together. Indeed, each time we “climb aboard” – whether it’s a steed or a luxury yacht – we have the chance to immerse ourselves in adventure. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
It’s hard to imagine a luxury yacht charter destination that beckons to equestrian travelers more than the Mediterranean. The Eastern “Med” includes Greece and the Aegean Sea. The Western Med covers the French Riviera and Italy’s western coast, as well as the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. The scenery is breathtaking. In fact, everywhere you turn, you see hills and mountains that look down on uncrowded beaches and turquoise-green waters.
Remember the classic film, The Black Stallion? (Oh, who could forget!!??) The young, shipwrecked boy and his newfound equine friend are inseparable. It is a magnificent friendship. They spend much of the first part of the film exploring an uninhabited beach and frolicking in the sea.
Those mesmerizing scenes take place on the beautiful island of Sardinia.
Just look at the color of the water!!!!
GO, GO, GO – FEI MONACO
Are you familiar with the places to see and the things to do during a yacht charter in the Med? Please don’t worry if your answer is “no.” Our team will create a bespoke itinerary for you. It will be based on the activities you enjoy.
For example, we created a Equestrian-Friendly yacht charter itinerary that kicks off in Monaco at the annual FEI Monte Carlo, Port Hercules Standard Show (June 25-25).
The FEI show jumping arena is set up right in front of the marina! Your superyacht will serve as your floating hotel while you attend the event.
Try to envision the sequence of your day.
First, you wake up and enjoy an open-air breakfast, on deck. Everywhere you look you see beautiful yachts, docked side by side. Second, you take the short walk to the FEI arena for an exciting day of world-class show jumping. When you need a break, your crew is standing by – ready to serve you a freshly-prepared lunch. No one but you and your family and friends are onboard. Third, when the jumping is over for the day, you and your guests return to your luxury yacht. After all, it’s time for an impromptu and oh-so-casual cocktail hour!
Without a doubt, it’s hard to imagine a more convenient vacation arrangement for watching the FEI show… This is the Equestrian Lifestyle at its best…
Now, its time to explore Monaco and then set off for adventure. Let’s look at the rest of your 7-night itinerary:
Monaco is the second smallest state in Europe. The only city, Monte-Carlo, is synonymous with all things luxury – casinos, resorts, superyachts, exclusive parties, and exotic cars. You and your family and guests can enjoy activities such as:
-Helicopter rides over the city
-A test drive in a F1 race car
-Lunch at Le Vistamar, at Hotel Hermitage*
-Dancing the night away at the exclusive nightclub, Jimmy’z.
*Additionally, other beautiful lunch options include Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Au Grand Inquisteur
Finally, the dining experience at 3-Michelin star restaurant, Louis XV is not to be missed. This fine establishment features the unique food interpretation of international renowned executive-chef Alain Ducasse.
Pampelonne Beach is the sandy locale that fuels St Tropez’s fame. Over 20,000 people a day visit this beach in the peak of the summer (July/August). Even so, you’ll never feel overwhelmed as your private superyacht is at anchor, just a few yards from the beach. You decide how much interaction, if any, you want with the local community and tourists. The top beach clubs/restaurants worthy of a visit are Nikki Beach, Bagatelle, Cap 21, Les Murenes, and Le Club 55.
Are you wondering, “What’s in store for day four?” Just what is on the horizon for the rest of the week?
Adventure awaits, and it all starts with a click of your computer mouse.
In other words, we need to hear from you!
Please CLICK HERE and send us an email. We will send you the complete 7-night sample itinerary.
Our sample itinerary begins your charter in Monaco and ends in picturesque Portofino. That is along the Italian Riviera. Use the comment box below to simply request our “Sample Mediterranean itinerary for Equestrians on Vacation.”
In conclusion, we paraphrase fellow blogger Janet Winters. “Let your equestrian lifestyle lead you to the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Here, a journey of adventure and discovery awaits.” Indeed it does – onboard your own private charter. Enjoy The Superyacht Experience™ by 1-800 Yacht Charters
#superyacht. #yachtcharter #equestrianlife
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations News Special Events and tagged Mediterranean yacht charter, equestrian-friendly, Coronavirus, Cap 21, Janet Winters, foodies, equestrian-friendly yacht charter itinerary, Portofino, equestrians, Sardinia, show jumping, equine, equestrian lifestyle, yacht charter Mediterranean, world-class show jumping, horse, equestrian lifestyle blog, yacht charter Sardinia, F1 race car, horse jumping, FEI Monaco, helicopter, Le Vistamar, jumpers, The Black Stallion, Nikki Beach, Hotel Hermitage, we will hold your inquiry form, horse movie, Jimmy'z, research specials, bespoke itinerary, gourmet chefs, clubbing, we monitor industry specials, 7 day mediterranean yacht charter itinerary, Alain Ducasse, 1-800 Yacht Charters, Port Hercules Standard Show, Covid-19, Bagatelle, The Barn Goddess Chronicles
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The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more.
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 stipulated. In specific, superyacht vessels berthed in any port in Sardinia had to pay up to €15,000 Euros for their sojourn.
Fulvio Luise, Managing Partner of Luise Group, made the announcement. This was done at the Genoa gathering of 65 megayacht charter vessels. Dozens of yacht charter brokers and yachting journalists were also in attendance.. Said Luise, for instance, “This is a very significant step forward for everyone who works in the yachting and luxury sector in Sardinia.”
On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, the local regional government of Sardinia approved Article 2 of the Financial Regional Act. The approval of this act effectively cancels the law known as the “luxury tax” in Sardinia. This tax, in effect since 2006, was felt throughout the tourism industry and had a serious negative effect on the local tourism economy.
Il Consorzio Rete dei Porti Sardegna (The Consortium of Sardinian Touristic Ports) is pleased about the cancellation. In a released statement, the consortium said, “In the past three years, there has been a decline of approximately 50 per cent in the number of yachts present in Sardinian ports. This tax had a visibly negative result on Sardinia’s image as a premier vacation destination worldwide.”
Other regions in the Mediterranean actively try to promote their regions. In particular with regards to high quality tourism, the tax in Sardinia had an opposite effect.
“Despite our best efforts in the past three years to help clients understand this tax, we faced enormous challenges and incurred a drop of approximately 20-25 per cent each year in superyacht vessels traveling to Sardinia,” stated Renato Azara, Managing Partner of Sardinia Yacht Services. “We have been working very closely with the local authorities for the past three years, first in trying to have modifications made to the law, and secondly in its cancellation. We were successful on both points.”
Finally, the megayacht industry is an important economic component of Sardinia’s tourism industry. This is especially important as it relates to luxury yacht charter. Owners of mega yacht and superyacht vessels attending the Genoa show expressed pleasure. In conclusion, as one owner stated, “We now have a positive relationship with the local authorities. In addition, they have a full understanding of the potential of the Sardinia market.”
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Sardinia yacht charter, Sardinia, tourism, luxury tax, abolished tax, Il Consorzio Rete dei Porti Sardegna, Genoa yacht show, taxes to charter yachts, Mediterranean yacht charter
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Planning a luxury sailing charter?, Or a week cruising on a motoryacht? Sardinia is truly a cruising paradise. Specifically, with crystal clear waters and quiet anchorages.
Last week, we introduced our readers to the enchanted island. In other words, through our blog post called Sardinia’s location off the coast of Italy.
Today, we take a look at the island, itself. We surely recommend top four things to do in Sardinia.
1. Visit BOSA. Away from the coast, much of the countryside is mountainous. It has innumerable charming villages and hotels. In addition, restaurants and incredible views. Along the coast, however, is a special small town worth a visit. It is Bosa. This 12th century town is situated on the west coast. Specifically, north of Oristano, in a valley on the Temo. It is the only navigable river in Sardinia.
The city is overlooked by the Castello Malaspina. The castle dates to 1112. To the south of the Castle, specifically on the north bank next to the bridge, is the Bosa Cathedral. This structure is from the fifteenth century. Inside is a splendid interior of marble statues. Additionally, nineteenth century frescos. The nearby Bosa Marina Beach is regularly voted the cleanest beach in Italy.
Are you arriving via a luxury mega yacht charter vessel? If so, the Bosa Marina is just 2 kilometers from the town of Bosa. The marina accommodates yachts up to 50 meters. Most of the slips are for smaller yachts. For this reason, call in advance to secure a reservation. Especially during peak summer periods.
2. Ride the TRENINO VERDE. In the summer, the Trenino Verde tourist train runs from Palau. Further, south through the mountains. It is a beautiful route. For example, it meanders its way slowly through the hills. It is a way to see the interior of Sardinia. One of the stops is the small village of Sant’Antonio di Gallura. It is a true farming village on a hillside. Finally overlooking the Diga Liscia lake. The old center of the village is charming. It groups around the piazza and church of Sant’Antonio. The town has few visitors in the summer. However, it is a typical Gallurese working village. If you prefer to be surrounded by local residents rather than other tourists, this is the place for you.
Stop by the Capichera winery. Pick up several bottles of their famous Classico white wines. These wines feature dry, rounded and mouthfilling flavors of juicy, aromatic fruit. In addition, a long, lingering finish, rich in tangy minerals.
3. See the NURAGHI. They look like man-made beehives. The Nuraghi are stone dwellings dating back to the bronze age. They only exist on Sardinia. The exact use of these structures remains unknown. Scientists speculate they were possibly used as religious temples. On the other hand, possibly as military strongholds. There are over 6000 of these stones on the island. The most famous Nuraghe is Nuraxi su Barumini. In specific, it is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Barumini is located at approximately 60 kilometers north of Cagliari. This is the capital of Sardinia.
4. Explore PARCO NAZIONALE dell’ ARCIPELAGO di MADDALENA. La Maddalena is a national park located in the north of Sardinia. On clear days, you can see the coastline of the French island of Corsica. Moreover, from the most northern island of La Maddalena, Isola Razzoli. Luxury sailing charter guests love this destination as most of the islands in this archipelago can only be reached by boat. Here, visitors glimpse unspoilt nature and stunning views. In addition, the kindness of friendly, local residents.
Travel tip – hire a local guide for a hiking excursion. A handful of residents trained and licensed are environmental hiking guides leading hiking tours of the islands. Scuba is another popular adventure in the archipelago and several dive operators have shops on La Maddalena including Area 11 Diver and Scuba Point.
Dazzling beaches, clear water, ancient fortress cities, and modern port towns make Sardinia a “must” stopover for any Western Mediterranean yachting vacation.
Help us round out our list from a “Top four” to a “Top five” review. In specific, of the best Sardinia has to offer. Tell us your favorite thing to do there! Contact the 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS destination team with your travel tips for sightseeing in Sardinia.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Educational and tagged stone dwellings in Sardinia, Cagliari, Trenino Verde tourist train, Capichera winery, Bosa Marina, Eastern Mediterranean yacht charter, yacht charter Italy, Sardinia, yacht charter Sardinia, Parco Nazionale dell' Arcipelago de Maddalena, Nuraghi
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Spain wants more private luxury yacht charter business in the Balearic Islands. However, they have a funny way of showing it.
Regular readers of our blog might recall the controversy. Previously blogged, it surrounds Spain’s 13.7% yacht charter Matriculation Tax (blog September 14, 2013). Heavy lobbying by the Spanish yachting and marina industries saw that tax removed. Unfortunately, Spain is still imposing far greater taxes on charters. This is as compared to fellow European Union countries like France, Italy and Malta.
Case in point. Picture a specific yacht that is legal for charter in both Spain and France. It incurs TWICE as much VAT liability in Spain. This is even though the tax percentages are nearly identical!
A yacht charter example.
Formula 1’s Eddie Jordan has a Sunseeker 155 motor yacht BLUSH for charter. He often keeps her in the Balearic Islands for the summer charter season. When there is demand, the yacht can easily reposition. She moves to the South of France for clients who prefer a French yacht charter vacation. Additionally, she can go to the coastal areas of Italy and nearby islands of Sardinia and Corsica. Her weekly charter rate remains the same between both destinations. The rate is €220,000 per week in high season. VAT rates are almost identical: 20% in France and 21% in Spain.
A client who charters Sunseeker 155 yacht BLUSH in Ibiza, however, will see a tax of €46,200 on his charter agreement, while a client chartering the yacht in Cannes, will incur a charge of just €22,000.
If you’re the client taking the yacht in Spain, one word comes to mind (well, maybe a few words…), most notably, “OUCH!”
So what is the explanation? Why the drastic difference if the tax rates are nearly identical? The answer can be found in Article 58 of European Union Council Directive 2006/112/EC.
We’ll let our company President, Jana Sheeder, explain why this is the case:
“The European Union directive on VAT, as it relates to private yacht charter revenue, has a clause entitled, ‘criterion of effective use and enjoyment.’ This clause allows member states to implement a VAT reduction scheme. However, it is not compulsory. Popular cruising destinations like France, Italy, and Malta all take advantage of this opportunity to reduce VAT. Unfortunately, Spain does not.”
In our example above, the client who charters motor yacht BLUSH in France, ends up with an effective tax rate of 10%. The client who charters this yacht in Spain pays the full rate of 21%.
Note – the tax savings only kicks in when the chartered yacht cruises beyond 12 nautical miles – in essence, into international waters and out of the borders of the European Union. This is a simple task and almost all charter yacht captains will implement this strategy in order to save the charter customer 50% of the VAT rate. However, even if a yacht in Spain sails beyond the 12 nautical mile boundary, the Spanish government still insists on collecting the full VAT fee.
The Member States of the European Union include:
For those readers who enjoy the technical details, here is the verbiage of the directive:
In order to avoid double taxation, non-taxation or distortion of competition, Member States may, with regard to the supply of the services referred to in Article 56(1) and with regard to the hiring out of means of transport:
Alex Chumillas, the director of Tax Marine explains the directive and the result of Spain’s decision: “As is clearly defined in paragraph (a), the provision seeks to minimise VAT taxation applicable to certain services, among them the hiring out of means of transport (for instance charter),” “However, the provision has not been implemented in Spain. Therefore, chartering in Spain is subject to a flat VAT rate which does not benefit from any reduction, even when sailing beyond 12 nautical miles.”
Paragraph (b) allows Spain to levy VAT charges on certain services that have been provided outside of Spain – if the services are enjoyed inside of Spain. Let’s say a charter starts in Gibraltar. The yacht will need to register for VAT and pay VAT on the length of the charter in Spain (and of course, pass then expense on to the charter customer).
By choosing to implement paragraph (b) only, the Spanish government has chosen to only apply the more burdensome element of the directive. Is this the right thing to do to people wanting to experience travel in your country?
Like they did with the repeal of the oppressive matriculation tax in 2013, let’s hope the legislators in Spain come to realize a reduction in VAT will make the Ibiza yacht charter market competitive with neighboring France and the rest of the European Union states that derive strong financial benefits from the private luxury yacht charter industry.
VISIT https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/yacht-charter-monaco/ for a sampling of private yachts for hire in the Balearic Islands and throughout the Mediterranean this summer, courtesy of 1-800 Yacht Charters.We will be happy to create The Superyacht Experience™ for you.
This entry was posted in Destinations News and tagged Sunseeker, Member States, Spain yacht charter, Article 56(1), Ibiza yacht charter, Tax Marine, Blush, Corsica, Sardinia, South of France, VAT, Balearic Islands, Jana Sheeder, yacht charter matriculation tax, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, European Union Council Directive
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