With one of the highest safety records in the travel industry, luxury sailing yacht charter vacations in the Caribbean continue to grow in popularity. No one goes on a yachting vacation expecting misfortune. However, it is wise to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Here are several tips on how to protect yourself and your property.
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Liability Insurance
Before you sign your charter agreement, ask your broker about the level of insurance built into the rental contract. Find out if the yacht’s insurance policy covers guests for third party liability (e.g. injury to a swimmer by a charter guest operating one of the yacht’s waverunners), as well as coverage for lost possessions and personal accidents. Consult with your own insurance advisor regarding coverage options.
CANCELLATION AND CURTAILMENT INSURANCE
Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance
People get sick…Flights get cancelled…Stuff “happens.” Many companies like Travel Assure and Travel Guard International offer cancellation and curtailment coverage at a cost of approximately 2.5 per cent of the charter fee to cover a possible loss of the charter fee if the holiday has to be cancelled for unforeseen reasons.
While Virgin Islands yacht charter vacations continue to be the most popular for Americans, more and more charterers are seeking remote sailing vacations in exotic island habitats. If you are planning on cruising in Third World waters, realize local medical services may be well below those standards of your own country, and serious life-threatening injuries or illness might require expensive aero-medical (Medivac) evacuation. For a low cost annual membership, the US-based Medical Air Services Association will provide immediate access to an air ambulance for repatriation in lifesaving circumstances.
The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest consumer technology tradeshow in the world, is underway. Last year, we fell in love with the Kodak PlaySport Video Camera. This year, it’s a new Sony Walkman Sports MP3 Player that has us excited.
You’re probably thinking, “Big deal, another MP3 player…” Well, this one is different:
It’sWATERPROOF, which makes it the perfect companion for a Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation, AND it combines a pair of earbuds with the MP3 player in a single unit – with no external device required to play tunes!
Yes, it does look like a pair of large earbuds, but the two boxes on the sides actually house the entire MP3 player.
Designed with fitness in mind, it should prove to be more comfortable to wear while working out or jogging. With its waterproof construction, charterers can wear it while swimming and snorkeling (imagine moving through the boulders at the Baths on Virgin Gorda, perhaps listening to Enya’s, Orinoco Flow???). SailAway, SailAway, SailAway…
The two earbuds are also held together with a tension band that wraps around the back of the wearer’s head. Controls on the bottom of each side adjust the volume, plus skip/pause/play songs. You can download up to 4GB of your favorite tunes, and enjoy up to 8 hours of playtime on a full charge.
Sony claims the earbuds will produce exceptional audio – even while underwater!
The vacation (on sail catamaran DREAMING ON) was absolutely amazing!!! It was such a magical experience and Geoff and Iza are two of the main reasons for that.
I can’t say enough about the hospitality they offered, their kindness, the comfort – they are the ultimate in hosting this type of trip.
To say that they exceeded our expectations is an understatement.
COMMENTS CONTINUE
The food was a 15 out of 10…every meal was better than the last. Homemade bread every day!!!! Iza made sure that all of our requests were met when it came to the menu. She was even considerate enough to remember which one of us didn’t like eggs and also made the portion sizes perfect for each individual. The four of us all love to eat and enjoy good food and her food was above and beyond. I have requested all of her recipes but I don’t think I will be able to replicate her touch when it came to preparing our meals.
The boat was always clean and unfortunately Geoff and Iza spent quite a bit of time picking up after us….
AND CONTINUES
We found the boat to be the perfect size for us, the best part was the front bow with the trampolines. Laying out there when the sails were up and we were crashing into the waves was an experience we will never forget.
I should also mention the hammock and being able to drink a mimosa while laying out there in the morning sun was wonderful. The cabins were clean and bathrooms were always clean.
HAPPY CLIENTS, HAPPY VACATION
The outside dining table was the only place we ate. It is shaded and out of the sun. The seating so comfortable. Oh, and I would be re-missed (sic) if I didn’t mention the table settings that she had…the thought, the time, the effort that was put into our vacation is unmatched.
Geoff was a wonderful captain. Our itinerary was perfect and it allowed us to see what we wanted; the only flaw was that we didn’t have more time to continue our journey.
FINAL COMMENTS
We can’t wait to book our next trip with Geoff and Iza. [We want to] see some of the other islands we weren’t able to squeeze in this trip. I have traveled all over the world. Between the four of us on this trip we have covered most it. This was by far the best vacation I have had.
I have a villa booked in St. John for a week in January. We are trying to figure out a way to cancel and stay with Geoff and Iza instead. If we can’t cancel, we will be with them. Specifically, for at least two nights and go to the full moon party.
I think this summarizes our experience…
LASTLY
Bottom line – Geoff and Iza are the best of the best! The trip wouldn’t have been half as wonderful if we had a different crew. There hasn’t been a day so far that we haven’t said “I miss Geoff and Iza”.
Name: Donna R
EDITOR’S NOTE
Crewed catamaran sailing yacht DREAMING ON is one of the most popular vessels offering crewed charters. She is a 2003 build refit in 2009. This Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel accommodates 6 guests in 3 cabins with ensuite baths.
WATERTOYS
Onboard watertoys include towable toys such as a wakeboard, kneeboard, and a ski-tube, along with fishing and snorkel gear.
GO GREEN INITIATIVE
Eco-friendly yacht. As part of the fleet’s ongoing GREEN initiative, the yacht is equipped with wind scoops to limit the need for air conditioning. Solar panels provide clean electricity. The crew also purchases earth-friendly paper products, biodegradable cleaning products, and local organic produce when available. When not on charter, Geoff and Iza have been spotted helping with reef and beach clean-up projects.
RATES
Available for Caribbean yacht charters, the yacht is based in the British Virgin Islands. Her rate is $11,000 per week for 2 passengers. Subsequently, $12,250 per week for 4 passengers. Finally, $13,250 per week for 6 guests. Rates are inclusive of meals and ship’s bar.
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.”
The bad news: The popular Mulder yacht SOLIS is now booked for a New Year’s charter.
The good news: She is open for Christmas. Her owner has waived the 10-night minimum rental requirement. The yacht will accept a 7-night reservation!
This 111 foot award-winning yacht is extremely popular. She accommodates up to 8 passengers in 4 staterooms. The yacht operates with a talented crew of 6.
WHY WE LIKE YACHT SOLIS
We refer to this yacht as a floating Florida-style beach house. Her overall condition and appearance are, in a word, immaculate.
MASTER STATEROOMS
While most Virgin Island luxury yacht charter vessels have one master stateroom, M/Y SOLIS has two! One master is on the lower deck. It features large windows with an outside view close to the water’s surface. The other master is forward on the main deck. That stateroom has a large window, directly above the bed. Imagine the view of the stars at night! The remaining two cabins are double beds. They easily convert into twin beds. How is that for flexibility?
DECK LAYOUT
The spacious sun deck is arranged in two distinct areas. It has a shaded space. This is ideal for al fresco meals. It also has a large open-air sun pad area, with a Jacuzzi tub and bar.
QUICK FACTS
SOLIS is winner of the World SuperYacht Awards 2016 (for yachts below 500GT)
She is finalist in three categories for the ShowBoats Design Awards 2016
Solis wins the Chef’s competition, MYBA Show 2016
She features modern edges and classic details
Solis has an impressive dining room with balcony
She includes vast sunbathing area with Jacuzzi and bar
Spectacular views thanks to over-sized windows throughout
Excellent guests feedback
HOLIDAY RATE
Motoryacht SOLIS price is $120,000 per during the Christmas holiday period. You cannot get away at Christmas? NO problem. Select an earlier date in December, or go in January when the crowds have gone home. Save $20,000! [$100,000 per week for a non-holiday charter]
So, you’re just itching to get back on the water and enjoy another private luxury yacht charter vacation. Suddenly, you remember your wife mentioned it was time to renew your family’s passports…six months ago!
Now you’re in a pickle. You go to the United States Department of State website, and your heart sinks… According to the site, the total time it takes to process a routine passport application, and for you to receive the mailed passport, is 4 to 6 weeks. Yikes!
Even with expedited (code for: “more expensive”) service, it will still take at least 2-3 weeks from the time of application, including mailing time.
Without valid passports, it looks like that last-minute charter yacht vacation is going to be put on hold.
Or is it?????????
NO SHOES, NO SHIRT, NO PASSPORT REQUIRED
Fortunately for you, there are several great Caribbean yacht charter destinations where a passport is not required to enjoy a luxury yacht charter holiday. These destinations are often overlooked by Americans – bypassed for the traditional charter hotspots like the British Virgin Islands, St Barts, and the Bahamas. Most are within a half-day’s travel time from much of the United States, and are all are well worth a visit by boat.
Here are three of our favorite destinations where bare feet and bathing suits are the dress code, and passports are not required…
THE NO PASSPORT REQUIRED LIST 1 of 3
US VIRGIN ISLANDS (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island) – Just a rock’s throw away from the more popular British Virgin Islands, the USVI is ideal for a short-term getaway, say 3-4 nights. Yes, there are dozens of small islands to visit in the BVI, the USVI has some great protected anchorages, wonderful snorkeling, fantastic nature preserves, and a major international airport in St. Thomas that makes coming and going a snap.Yacht Charter tip: consider starting your trip from Red Hook (St. Thomas), on the east end of the island, versus the downtown area of the capital, Charlotte Amalie. This way, you can avoid the congestion and large crowds of tourists that swarm Charlotte Amalie when the numerous cruise ships arrive.
Things to do:
There are just SO many wonderful activities to do in St. Thomas. Here are just a few (thanks to the USVI Tourism Bureau):
Visit a tropical botanical garden
Zipline the Virgin Islands
Take a helicopter tour around the island
Skydive in St. Thomas
Go duty-free shopping
Volunteer at the local animal shelter
Go on a birdwatching tour
NUMBER 2 of 3
SPANISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (Vieques, Culebra, and a multitude of smaller islands and cays) – Did you know the Spanish Virgins are only 6 miles off the eastern coastline of Puerto Rico? The United States military used these islands for bombing practice until 2003, so there has been little exploitation in term of commercial development – a round-about way to say the islands are pristine and unspoiled. The water is crystal clear, and the reefs are teeming with marine life.Yacht charter tip: Try to plan your luxury yacht charter during the week, and not on the weekend – local boaters from the mainland invade on the weekends!Things to do:For fantastic vistas, hike up to the small lighthouse on the highest hill on Culebrita island, or snorkel or SCUBA dive the reefs along the 12-mile chain of little islands known as La Cordillera
NUMBER 3 of 3
KEY WEST (and the nearby Florida Keys) – This is truly the easiest destination to reach for Americans, as you can get there by plane, car, or even by boat. The southernmost city in the United States, Key West is an island paradise and unlike anywhere else in the country. The locals are quirky but fun-loving folks, and there’s plenty of points of interest, and lots of protected anchorages in the adjacent lower Florida Keys chain of islands.Yacht charter tip: many of the world’s largest yachts call South Florida home. A large fleet of luxury yacht charter vessels are based in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Consider a one-way charter, starting in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, then cruising south through the Florida Keys and concluding in eclectic Key West. A one-way trip will give you more exposure to the unique charm of the Keys, and you can fly home from Key West International Airport.
Things to do: Cruise to Fort Jefferson off the coast of Key West, and snorkel in the clear waters; stroll the shops, art galleries, and casual bars along Duvall Street; experience the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Move over Al, Leo, and the rest of the politicos and A-listers working to “save the planet.” The next great
green enviro hero might just be a tiny sea creature from the ocean.
SCIENTISTS WORKING
As scientists scramble to find cost-effective ways to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels, a group of researchers from the U.K.’s Newcastle University may have stumbled across a way to achieve this – thanks to the humble sea urchin.
SEA URCHIN
That’s right – the sea urchin – the same little fella commonly seen while snorkeling during a Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation.
Here’s the connection between science and the spiny “brillo pad of the sea.”
EFFECTIVE USE
The most effective way to eliminate CO2 from entering the atmosphere is to convert it into harmless calcium carbonate. By chance, Dr Lidija Šiller, a physicist at Newcastle University, was looking at the way in which organisms absorb CO2 into their skeletons. She discovered the sea urchin converts CO2 into calcium carbonate to form its endoskeleton.
NICKEL IN EXOSKELETONS
It turns out urchins have a high concentration of nickel on their armor-coated exoskeletons (their outer skin). The nickel acts as a catalyst to create a reaction between water and CO2 – known as the carbonic acid reaction. This reaction results in the complete removal of CO2 – and the creation of calcium carbonate necessary for the urchins healthy internal skeletal system.
NICKEL AS CATALYST
It’s this nickel catalyst that has researchers absolutely giddy. Gaurav Bhaduri, a PhD student in Newcastle University’s School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials states,
“…a Nickel catalyst…because of its magnetic properties can be recaptured and reused time and time again. It’s also very cheap…and the by-product, the carbonate, is useful and not damaging to the environment.”
THANK SEA URCHINS ON YOUR CHARTER
So, the next time you are lounging on the sundeck of your Caribbean yacht charter vessel and you spot a tiny little urchin slipping along under the waves, give him a quick wink of the eye, and remember – so much of what makes our world great comes from the sea…
There simply are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe an experience on motor yacht SEA BASS. Our week in the BVI provided a much needed escape, and we will return to Michigan rested, restored, slightly sunburned and happy. Kai and Alan, thank you for making our trip so special. We enjoyed every minute with you on “Sassy Bassy.” We know you worked really hard to make our trip perfect, and you succeeded and we are so grateful. We will miss you!
-Matt & Michelle
Editor’s note
A 2009 launch, Sunreef 70 power catamaran SEA BASS accommodates 8 guests in 4 queen berth cabins. In addition, all cabins have ensuite bathrooms. Onboard amenities are many. For instance, individual climate control and DirecTVHDTV in all cabins and wireless Internet. Additionally, a Harmon-Kardon sound system with iPod dock, and a hot tub on the flybridge.
Available for a Virgin Islands yacht charter, her rate is $32,000 per week, plus expenses. If you prefer a Mediterranean yacht charter, a nearly identical sistership named motor yacht DAMRAK II is available at a rate of €42,000 per week, plus expenses.
I saw an article last week about the top baby names for 2017. The story read. “…if you’re searching for a baby name in 2017, you’ve got a big, exciting decision to make.” Additionally, it continues, “whether you’re after something that’s trendy or traditional, it can be challenging to wade through the thousands of possible names for your future baby.”
I thought to myself, “What about boat names?” Proud new owners of private luxury yacht charter vessels are in mind! Undoubtedly, they experience similar excitement in deciding what to name his or her new floating darlings.
Yes! the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS), recently released something. It is their annual list of the Top Five Boat Names for 2017. Important to note, they actually list the top ten, but who cares about any top list after the first few winners. (winking emoji)
Unquestionably, each yacht name reveals a little bit about the personality of the yacht’s owner. So, from trendy to traditional, here is this year’s Top Five list of names.
THE LIST
SERENITY – if ever a name captured the essence if a private yacht charter vacation, this is it. Calm…quietude…ahhh…
Note – there are soooo many luxury yacht charter vessels with this name, we can barely keep them straight! Four of them are currently listed on our site, including the popular Greek yacht charter catamaran SERENITY, and we have NINE yachts with this name in our charter database!
SEAS THE DAY – cute play on words for the famous Latin phrase, “Carpe diem.”
ANDIAMO – this perennial favorite name means, “Let’s Go” in Italian.
IRISH WAKE – I think we all know stories about the joy and celebration the Irish are said to have after the death of a beloved friend or family member. Need to focus on the idea of a wake and a possibly Irish owner. Still, this one creeps me out a little bit for a boat’s name…
FREEDOM – bold, powerful, and patriotic. Common charter vessel name, including the 120 foot Virgin Island yacht charter motor yacht FREEDOM, and the massive 23 foot Benetti yacht charter vessel that shares the same name (ex motor yacht REVERIE)
Should you purchase travel insurance to protect the money you have spent on a luxury yacht charter? The answer seems to vary, depending upon who you ask. Many travel agents and consumer advocates advise travelers to buy it, while many others say to skip it.
Adding to the dilemma is the difficulty for consumers to understand the components of the insurance.
Typically, there are three components of most travel protection plans – trip cancellation/interruption, personal effects coverage, and emergency medical insurance. Let’s review each of these.
1. Cancellation Insurance – Coverage can cost anywhere from 5 to 8% of the total cost of travel. For example, travel insurance for a $10,000 Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation would cost between $500 and $800. Before purchasing this insurance, consider the fact you might already be covered under insurance you already have.
If you paid for your trip with a credit card, look into the trip cancellation benefits provided by your credit card company. Many card companies include some coverage.
2. Personal Effects – The protection for personal effects offered in travel insurance plans may also be redundant. Your homeowner’s plan may cover the loss of personal effects when traveling. (REMEMBER – you are probably responsible to pay any loss amount up to the deductible).
What about lost luggage? Again, you may already be covered, as most airlines reimburse up to $3,300 for lost bags on domestic travel and $1500 for international travel.
If your purchased your flights with a credit card, some credit cards provide lost baggage coverage as well as protection for car rental losses.
3. Emergency Medical – This gets tricky. It is advisable to consider additional travel medical insurance to cover medical emergencies, particularly IF you plan to participate in higher risk activities such as water skiing, scuba diving, and riding personal watercraft, such as waverunners, when traveling abroad.
Let’s say you are on a crewed catamaran charter in the Caribbean. If you need emergency medivac and treatment, these costs may not be covered by your existing medical insurance.
Jana Sheeder, a yacht charter industry maven and President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants, encourages travelers to check with their existing health insurance provider to determine what is covered when they travel. It takes only a few minutes to contact them, and it could potentially save you thousands of dollars (and headache). Says Sheeder, “
If your plan does not offer coverage when you are abroad, give serious consideration to purchasing additional medical coverage.”
For more information, visit the website InsureMyTrip. They represent over 20 insurers with various plans and prices.
So what’s the bottom line? The financial loss incurred by a cancelled charter is a risk many people can accept, so trip cancellation insurance probably IS NOT necessary; however, the consideration of medical coverage requires more thought and research. Major items not covered in your family’s medical plan may necessitate the purchase of travel medical insurance.
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 […] read more
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read more
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read more
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 […]
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […]
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […]
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